As I do every year, I have been stocking up on the scary movies this October. I loaded the netflix cue with thrillers and horror flicks. I scanned the movie channels for ghost stories. I check that giant red box at the grocery store whenever I go shopping.
And I spent the last 29 days bitching about how there are no good scary movies anymore. The Uninvited -- predictable. The Haunting in Connecticut-- possibly the dumbest thing ever made. Push -- Not really a scary movie, kind of a thriller. I dunno. It didn't make a lot of sense. And had far too many holes. And Dakota Fanning's skirt was way too short. (She was 13 for crying out loud!) Can't anybody make a good old fashioned scary movie that has you hanging on the edge of your seat and makes it hard to sleep afterward? Jeez!
Then, three days ago, Poltergeist was on TV. "Oh" I thought, "This was a good scary movie! I think I'll watch it for the 1000th time."
I've been having nightmares about that damn clown for three nights!
I love October.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
why I don't work in a bakery
Lately, I've been experimenting to find out the answer to the question: "How much CAN you cook in a toaster oven?" The short answer is: quite a bit. But not everything.
Last week I tried a very simple recipe that I naively thought that even I could not mess up. Oh, how wrong I was. But I take comfort in the idea that it wasn't me, it was my toaster oven.
Usually, I ballpark. I'm not only a graduate, but a per diem associate professor of the school of good enough. In toaster oven terms, that means I put as much as will fit on the toaster oven tray. And I eyeball the level of done-ness, usually popping it back inside for a bit.
This did not work for my recipe this week.
Easy Flatbread
(adapted from Food Matters by Mark Bittman)
(and ruined)
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons olive oil (I used significantly less. The toaster oven pan is small)
1/2 large onion, thinly sliced ( I used minced onions from the spice cabinet. I'm lazy that way)
1 tablespoon rosemary
1) Put flour and salt in bowl. Slowly stir in 1 1/2 cups water, mashing it all together with a fork.
2) throw a towel over the bowl and go clean the house.
3) When the house is clean, heat the toaster oven to 450. Or 400, since that is as high as the toaster oven goes.
4) Pour the oil in the toaster oven pan. Pop it inside to get warm. When you can smell the oil,
5) Add the minced onion and rosemary
6) Heat that up for a couple minutes
7) Pout the batter in the toaster oven pan and return it to the oven.
8) bake for 40 minutes
9) No, 50 minutes
10) No, 60 minutes
11) An hour and ten minutes
12) An hour and 20
13) Ok, shut off the heat, but keep the pan inside, so it can continue to cook as the toaster oven cools.
Heat up the awesome crock pot soup you made the day before.
Dip the fresh flatbread into the awesome soup and enjoy.
Decide that the next time you make this, you will use a real oven with a wider pan.
Last week I tried a very simple recipe that I naively thought that even I could not mess up. Oh, how wrong I was. But I take comfort in the idea that it wasn't me, it was my toaster oven.
Usually, I ballpark. I'm not only a graduate, but a per diem associate professor of the school of good enough. In toaster oven terms, that means I put as much as will fit on the toaster oven tray. And I eyeball the level of done-ness, usually popping it back inside for a bit.
This did not work for my recipe this week.
Easy Flatbread
(adapted from Food Matters by Mark Bittman)
(and ruined)
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons olive oil (I used significantly less. The toaster oven pan is small)
1/2 large onion, thinly sliced ( I used minced onions from the spice cabinet. I'm lazy that way)
1 tablespoon rosemary
1) Put flour and salt in bowl. Slowly stir in 1 1/2 cups water, mashing it all together with a fork.
2) throw a towel over the bowl and go clean the house.
3) When the house is clean, heat the toaster oven to 450. Or 400, since that is as high as the toaster oven goes.
4) Pour the oil in the toaster oven pan. Pop it inside to get warm. When you can smell the oil,
5) Add the minced onion and rosemary
6) Heat that up for a couple minutes
7) Pout the batter in the toaster oven pan and return it to the oven.
8) bake for 40 minutes
9) No, 50 minutes
10) No, 60 minutes
11) An hour and ten minutes
12) An hour and 20
13) Ok, shut off the heat, but keep the pan inside, so it can continue to cook as the toaster oven cools.
Heat up the awesome crock pot soup you made the day before.
Dip the fresh flatbread into the awesome soup and enjoy.
Decide that the next time you make this, you will use a real oven with a wider pan.
Monday, October 26, 2009
clutter vs. projects
As October draws to a close, I'm left thinking that the year is almost over. And my decluttering journey is heading that way, as well. Three weeks ago, I came to the conclusion that the bathroom is pretty much decluttered and merely needs maintenance. One week ago, I came to the same conclusion about the kitchen. This week, I discovered something similar, but slightly different about the bedroom.
Oct 20: I had an old stuff sack from camping by the side of the bed. The liner is pretty much trashed and leaves bits of all over the place any time I put something in or take something out. So I completely trashed it.
After that, I realized that I've already gone through the clothes, the bedside tables, under the bed, the three drawer dresser. The clutter is gone. What is left is ... projects. Things I still want to work on, but will take a bit of time to accomplish. Projects may be my big goal for next year.
On the other hand, I still have plenty of clutter in the office and living room area!
Oct 21: I have a pile of catalogs that I had put aside for Xmas gifts. I went online and ordered everything from those catalogs I needed and put the catalogs in the recycling.
Oct 22: Then I went through the magazines and pulled a few to give to the gym.
Oct 23: The pile of charitable donation requisitions sitting on the coffee table was the next thing to attack. I decide which I was donating to, wrote out a check, and put the rest in the recycling.
Oct 24: Then I went through the pile of financial info I had, filed what needed to be filed, shredded and recycled the rest.
Oct 25: Next were some packets of literature I had on some work related topics. I read through them and decided that I didn't need to keep them at home. I put them in my work bag to share with everyone at work.
Oct 26: Over the weekend, I finished another book. I thought a friend of mine from work would like it. So today I brought that to work, too, to give to a friend.
SO next week, I'll be back decluttering in the office. Clutter be gone, projects await!
Oct 20: I had an old stuff sack from camping by the side of the bed. The liner is pretty much trashed and leaves bits of all over the place any time I put something in or take something out. So I completely trashed it.
After that, I realized that I've already gone through the clothes, the bedside tables, under the bed, the three drawer dresser. The clutter is gone. What is left is ... projects. Things I still want to work on, but will take a bit of time to accomplish. Projects may be my big goal for next year.
On the other hand, I still have plenty of clutter in the office and living room area!
Oct 21: I have a pile of catalogs that I had put aside for Xmas gifts. I went online and ordered everything from those catalogs I needed and put the catalogs in the recycling.
Oct 22: Then I went through the magazines and pulled a few to give to the gym.
Oct 23: The pile of charitable donation requisitions sitting on the coffee table was the next thing to attack. I decide which I was donating to, wrote out a check, and put the rest in the recycling.
Oct 24: Then I went through the pile of financial info I had, filed what needed to be filed, shredded and recycled the rest.
Oct 25: Next were some packets of literature I had on some work related topics. I read through them and decided that I didn't need to keep them at home. I put them in my work bag to share with everyone at work.
Oct 26: Over the weekend, I finished another book. I thought a friend of mine from work would like it. So today I brought that to work, too, to give to a friend.
SO next week, I'll be back decluttering in the office. Clutter be gone, projects await!
Sunday, October 25, 2009
several days of awesome
I haven't posted in a few days, but that's a good thing. I have been doing my best to have an awesome month and not treat my life like a to-do list. I have to say, its been working well. October's been great and I've been enjoying the little things more:
Wednesday's Awesome: I had a couple cancellations at work today which allowed me to tackle the giant pile of stuff on my desk. It's always awesome to leave work feeling a little less behind than you were when you came in. Plus, Wednesday is yoga night. I'm feeling much more flexible! And always sleep better after yoga class.
Thursday's Awesome: The weather was spectacular today! Went for a walk at lunch today and took the sweatshirt off. A nice fall walk in short sleeves is always awesome.
Friday's Awesome: The bad thing about Friday was that on my day off, the wonderful weather turned freezing cold and started to rain. BOO! The awesome thing is that the leaves suddenly changed -- poof! -- and the yellows came out in full force. So while I was driving around doing errands, I got a nice foliage show. Just waiting for the oranges and reds to catch up.
Saturday's Awesome: Halloween Party! Despite the downpour that lasted all day and night, we got a good turnout. The theme of the night seemed to be the ocean, as we had three pirates and two mermaids show up. Myself, I was a jelly-fish! Though a lot of people thought I was either a hippy girl or a rastafarian. I'll post pictures as soon as I upload them from my camera.
Sunday's Awesome: Walking on the beach. Once again, we got splendid weather. So after sleeping in to fight off a hangover, we cleaned the house, ate some lunch, took a hot tub before the end of fall drain-the-hot-tub ceremony, and went to the beach for a walk. I love living near the beach. I'm so lucky that way.
Wednesday's Awesome: I had a couple cancellations at work today which allowed me to tackle the giant pile of stuff on my desk. It's always awesome to leave work feeling a little less behind than you were when you came in. Plus, Wednesday is yoga night. I'm feeling much more flexible! And always sleep better after yoga class.
Thursday's Awesome: The weather was spectacular today! Went for a walk at lunch today and took the sweatshirt off. A nice fall walk in short sleeves is always awesome.
Friday's Awesome: The bad thing about Friday was that on my day off, the wonderful weather turned freezing cold and started to rain. BOO! The awesome thing is that the leaves suddenly changed -- poof! -- and the yellows came out in full force. So while I was driving around doing errands, I got a nice foliage show. Just waiting for the oranges and reds to catch up.
Saturday's Awesome: Halloween Party! Despite the downpour that lasted all day and night, we got a good turnout. The theme of the night seemed to be the ocean, as we had three pirates and two mermaids show up. Myself, I was a jelly-fish! Though a lot of people thought I was either a hippy girl or a rastafarian. I'll post pictures as soon as I upload them from my camera.
Sunday's Awesome: Walking on the beach. Once again, we got splendid weather. So after sleeping in to fight off a hangover, we cleaned the house, ate some lunch, took a hot tub before the end of fall drain-the-hot-tub ceremony, and went to the beach for a walk. I love living near the beach. I'm so lucky that way.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Medieval Bad Dates
Last weekend was blustery and rainy. I watched to Patriot's game happy that I was at home, cozy and warm, and not one of the folks there freezing in the snow. I was also happy that J and I picked LAST weekend to go to the King Richard's Faire.
Ah, renaissance faires! I remember going to the renaissance faire when I was younger; we'd have such a good time! We'd run around, looking at all the freaky people, going to see wacky shows, and eating fried dough while drinking pink champagne in princess goblets. I especially loved the fights at the mudpit, Smee and Blog, the singing executioners, and sitting in a sunny patch on a hill, happily buzzed, while cheering at the joust. (we always sat on the evil guy's side) We hadn't gone to the renaissance faire in several years, so we were looking forward to bringing J's little son and 15 year old nephew.
I came to a conclusion that weekend. I am so done with renaissance faires!
Maybe it was because we had a 3 year old and had to skip the more violent shows, like the mud fight and the joust. Maybe it was because we had a 15 year old and the double entendres and innuendos were more embarrassing than funny. Maybe it was because they no longer have friend dough or princess goblets. Maybe it's just that I'm too old.
The King Richard's Faire seemed more like a giant hassle this year than anything else. The 3 year old was alternately bewildered and scared. The 15 year old was texting incessantly. Yeah, we did get a few laughs at the kid-friendly shows we went to. Yeah, the candle guy was there. (always my favorite booth at the faire) And yeah, I got a really cute dragon shaped candle in a martini glass. But overall, it seemed like a distant second to an afternoon at home with a good book.
The clincher came when I had to use the facilities. I left my posse at the stage watching the drumming pirates and eating giant, salty turkey legs. I weaved my way in and out of rides and shows and booths. I finally located the port-o-potty village and walked towards it.
"Good morrow, my fair maiden! Where doth though venture on this fine day?"
I looked up, expecting to see some fair worker entertaining the crowds. Nope. Just some guy who had come to the fair with his buddies. He was all dressed up: peasant shirt, sword, fancy hat with a feather, a cape, and --I don't know what you'd call his pants -- leggings? Knickers? Breeches? Pantaloons? Whatever.
I tried to be festive, I really did. I mean, I KNOW it's a renaissance faire. I know people get dressed up and play characters. I know he was just trying to have fun. But darn it, from the hopeful and expectant look on his face, it became abundantly clear: ol' pantaloons had given me a medieval pick up line! I just couldn't play along.
It was all I could do to keep myself from grabbing him by his woolen cape and shaking him. "Really? Dude? You're like 38 years old! Maybe you should spend a little less time playing Everquest and, I dunno, go to a bar or something!"
As it was, I just said: "To Camelot" (the name of the port-o-potty village) and was on my way.
After the 3 year old had a complete melt down and we dragged our weary selves to the parking lot, I voiced my glum opinion of the Faire to my buddies. They agreed.
Then, on the way home, I had a thought. Maybe we WOULD return to the King Richard's Faire next year. Maybe we'd even dress up!
I think it may be fun to go in Star Trek outfits and spend the day wandering around and looking at one another nervously: "I think we're at the wrong fair!"
Ah, renaissance faires! I remember going to the renaissance faire when I was younger; we'd have such a good time! We'd run around, looking at all the freaky people, going to see wacky shows, and eating fried dough while drinking pink champagne in princess goblets. I especially loved the fights at the mudpit, Smee and Blog, the singing executioners, and sitting in a sunny patch on a hill, happily buzzed, while cheering at the joust. (we always sat on the evil guy's side) We hadn't gone to the renaissance faire in several years, so we were looking forward to bringing J's little son and 15 year old nephew.
I came to a conclusion that weekend. I am so done with renaissance faires!
Maybe it was because we had a 3 year old and had to skip the more violent shows, like the mud fight and the joust. Maybe it was because we had a 15 year old and the double entendres and innuendos were more embarrassing than funny. Maybe it was because they no longer have friend dough or princess goblets. Maybe it's just that I'm too old.
The King Richard's Faire seemed more like a giant hassle this year than anything else. The 3 year old was alternately bewildered and scared. The 15 year old was texting incessantly. Yeah, we did get a few laughs at the kid-friendly shows we went to. Yeah, the candle guy was there. (always my favorite booth at the faire) And yeah, I got a really cute dragon shaped candle in a martini glass. But overall, it seemed like a distant second to an afternoon at home with a good book.
The clincher came when I had to use the facilities. I left my posse at the stage watching the drumming pirates and eating giant, salty turkey legs. I weaved my way in and out of rides and shows and booths. I finally located the port-o-potty village and walked towards it.
"Good morrow, my fair maiden! Where doth though venture on this fine day?"
I looked up, expecting to see some fair worker entertaining the crowds. Nope. Just some guy who had come to the fair with his buddies. He was all dressed up: peasant shirt, sword, fancy hat with a feather, a cape, and --I don't know what you'd call his pants -- leggings? Knickers? Breeches? Pantaloons? Whatever.
I tried to be festive, I really did. I mean, I KNOW it's a renaissance faire. I know people get dressed up and play characters. I know he was just trying to have fun. But darn it, from the hopeful and expectant look on his face, it became abundantly clear: ol' pantaloons had given me a medieval pick up line! I just couldn't play along.
It was all I could do to keep myself from grabbing him by his woolen cape and shaking him. "Really? Dude? You're like 38 years old! Maybe you should spend a little less time playing Everquest and, I dunno, go to a bar or something!"
As it was, I just said: "To Camelot" (the name of the port-o-potty village) and was on my way.
After the 3 year old had a complete melt down and we dragged our weary selves to the parking lot, I voiced my glum opinion of the Faire to my buddies. They agreed.
Then, on the way home, I had a thought. Maybe we WOULD return to the King Richard's Faire next year. Maybe we'd even dress up!
I think it may be fun to go in Star Trek outfits and spend the day wandering around and looking at one another nervously: "I think we're at the wrong fair!"
Monday, October 19, 2009
Monday's decluttering
It's Monday, and that means its time for decluttering update. This week, I found myself back in the kitchen, and I decided to attack the under-the-sink-area. That has been the disaster area that I have been avoiding. But you know what? Once I dove in and started decluttering it, I found that it wasn't as bad as I thought. It just needed to be neatened up. So...like the bathroom, I think the kitchen is officially in maintenance mode.
Oct 13: Threw out a couple sponges that were looking like they've seen better days.
Oct 14: Went through the papers on the fridge and took out all the outdated stuff. Put them in the recycling bin.
Oct 15: Went through the food cabinets and consolidated everything. Took out some cardboard storage containers and put those in the recycling bin.
Oct 16: Took the clothing bag down to the donation center today.
Oct 17: Took the book bag down to the used book store and exchanged those for some store credit.
Oct 18: Put a pair of socks in a new clothing donation bag!
Oct 19: Went through the cleaning rags under the sink and pulled out some stained rags. I gave them to a friend who works at a vocational school to be used as shop rags.
Onward to the bedroom next week!
Today's Awesome: I'll tell you what. I didn't feel awesome today. I was exhausted. I was trying to eat more healthfully and failed after my cottage cheese that I packed turned out to have turned. (blech) I walked into the waiting area to get a patient and heard a woman say to her husband: "Doesn't she look tired?" Yeah. Thanks. I wanted to just come home and go to bed after work. But I dragged myself to the gym. And felt better. And made my favorite awesome squash and spinach salad with pomegranete seeds for dinner. It turned out to be quite an awesome day.
Oct 13: Threw out a couple sponges that were looking like they've seen better days.
Oct 14: Went through the papers on the fridge and took out all the outdated stuff. Put them in the recycling bin.
Oct 15: Went through the food cabinets and consolidated everything. Took out some cardboard storage containers and put those in the recycling bin.
Oct 16: Took the clothing bag down to the donation center today.
Oct 17: Took the book bag down to the used book store and exchanged those for some store credit.
Oct 18: Put a pair of socks in a new clothing donation bag!
Oct 19: Went through the cleaning rags under the sink and pulled out some stained rags. I gave them to a friend who works at a vocational school to be used as shop rags.
Onward to the bedroom next week!
Today's Awesome: I'll tell you what. I didn't feel awesome today. I was exhausted. I was trying to eat more healthfully and failed after my cottage cheese that I packed turned out to have turned. (blech) I walked into the waiting area to get a patient and heard a woman say to her husband: "Doesn't she look tired?" Yeah. Thanks. I wanted to just come home and go to bed after work. But I dragged myself to the gym. And felt better. And made my favorite awesome squash and spinach salad with pomegranete seeds for dinner. It turned out to be quite an awesome day.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
whole lotta awesome
Like my awesome counterparts, Lacey and Apartment 513, I have been lax in my posts. So I get to post a whole lotta awesome in one shot!
On Wednesday, October 14: I went back to the aforementioned yoga class. No cute guy this time, but lots of relaxation. Yoga always makes me feel awesome!
Thursday October 15: My mom's b-day as well as the last day of my work week. Had a pretty productive day, which is always good, called Mom to wish her happy happy, and watched a scary movie (the Uninvited) with J and K. It was mildly entertaining with a decent twist. I could see A twist coming from a mile away, but I didn't know what it would be. So it did keep me guessing. Scary movies in October are awesome.
Friday, October 16: I awoke to the pouring rain and wind blowing through all the smallest of cracks in the apartments. I had a super productive day of laundry, cleaning, errands, and winter-izing. I can honestly say it's one heck of a lot warmer and cozier in here than before. And that's awesome.
Saturday, October 17: My friend, Isabella, went to a wedding with the guy who I think she should marry immediately, if not sooner. We'll call him Hottie. (I'm not sure why I feel so personally invested in whether they hook up or not, but I do) Between Isabella, Hottie, J, and me, we had a giant texting fest. J's husband kept waking up and looking over "What the heck are you two laughing at?" At the end of the night, Isabella drove Hottie home and said "I'm glad J and Jeepgirl came to the wedding with us --in spirit." And Hottie said "Me too. There's nothing better than a night out with my 3 girls." On a night when I didn't even leave the house, I still managed to attend a wedding and hang out with friends. Awesome!
Sunday, October 18: Earlier in the year, I had decided to run a marathon in October. Then, I got overwhelmed and felt like my life was just one never ending to-do list. So I decided to just take it easy and do a marathon in February. What's awesome about that? Well, the marathon was scheduled for today. And it's SNOWING today. I'm so glad I'm not running in the wind and the snow and the cold today. Sometimes being lazy is awesome.
On Wednesday, October 14: I went back to the aforementioned yoga class. No cute guy this time, but lots of relaxation. Yoga always makes me feel awesome!
Thursday October 15: My mom's b-day as well as the last day of my work week. Had a pretty productive day, which is always good, called Mom to wish her happy happy, and watched a scary movie (the Uninvited) with J and K. It was mildly entertaining with a decent twist. I could see A twist coming from a mile away, but I didn't know what it would be. So it did keep me guessing. Scary movies in October are awesome.
Friday, October 16: I awoke to the pouring rain and wind blowing through all the smallest of cracks in the apartments. I had a super productive day of laundry, cleaning, errands, and winter-izing. I can honestly say it's one heck of a lot warmer and cozier in here than before. And that's awesome.
Saturday, October 17: My friend, Isabella, went to a wedding with the guy who I think she should marry immediately, if not sooner. We'll call him Hottie. (I'm not sure why I feel so personally invested in whether they hook up or not, but I do) Between Isabella, Hottie, J, and me, we had a giant texting fest. J's husband kept waking up and looking over "What the heck are you two laughing at?" At the end of the night, Isabella drove Hottie home and said "I'm glad J and Jeepgirl came to the wedding with us --in spirit." And Hottie said "Me too. There's nothing better than a night out with my 3 girls." On a night when I didn't even leave the house, I still managed to attend a wedding and hang out with friends. Awesome!
Sunday, October 18: Earlier in the year, I had decided to run a marathon in October. Then, I got overwhelmed and felt like my life was just one never ending to-do list. So I decided to just take it easy and do a marathon in February. What's awesome about that? Well, the marathon was scheduled for today. And it's SNOWING today. I'm so glad I'm not running in the wind and the snow and the cold today. Sometimes being lazy is awesome.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
resuscitated
Isn't it always the way? Once you make a vow to (not) do something, something else comes along that makes you do what you said you were no longer going to do. Understand?
Anyway...this all has to do with last week when I said I was shelving Tuesday's Bad Dates for a while. Wouldn't you know it? I had two chance encounters last week that, while not qualifying as DATES, totally fit the bill. And since Tuesday's Bad Encounters doesn't exactly have the same ring to it, I'm resuscitating the Bad Dates for the next two weeks.
Last Wednesday, I went to yoga after work. I like this yoga class. It's not a particularly HARD class; it's an extraordinarily relaxing class. And since I spend most of my gym time running and lifting and jumping and cycling, I think that one day of unwinding and stretching is important.
Anyway, this relaxing yoga class is generally filled with me and a bunch of people much less flexible and in significantly worse shape than me. It's me, a couple 90 year olds, a 400 pound person, and a person in a neck brace. Sadly, they are all better at yoga than me. Yeah, I'm more flexible, but they are much more centered.
But last Wednesday, there was a new person in class. Somebody under that age of 60. Somebody in shape. Somebody...cute! There was a cute guy in yoga class! Now I'm even less centered than usual.
It's been a LONG time since I felt that urge. You know the one -- the urge to sneak a look at the cute guy across the room. I looked in the mirror not at my reflection, but back to him during the balance poses. I peeked back during the spinal series. Then, when we were moving to cobra, I saw him looking over at me. We made eye contact and he looked away really quick. It was like study hall!
Then, as we transitioned into downward dog, I...I...I...farted. It wasn't overly loud. It wasn't really smelly. But it was -- squeaky. I blasted out a squeaker during downward dog! I stifled a giggle and made that "Oh crap" face that looks like you just bit into a lemon.
The really funny thing is that during triangle pose -- he farted! I'm not sure if it was a sympathy fart or if this class is just way more relaxing than I thought. I wasn't able to stifle it this time and snickered right through the warrior series.
When class was over, he was being a gentleman and holding the door for everyone as they exited. I smirked and him, he smirked at me, and we both went our separate ways.
Anyway...this all has to do with last week when I said I was shelving Tuesday's Bad Dates for a while. Wouldn't you know it? I had two chance encounters last week that, while not qualifying as DATES, totally fit the bill. And since Tuesday's Bad Encounters doesn't exactly have the same ring to it, I'm resuscitating the Bad Dates for the next two weeks.
Last Wednesday, I went to yoga after work. I like this yoga class. It's not a particularly HARD class; it's an extraordinarily relaxing class. And since I spend most of my gym time running and lifting and jumping and cycling, I think that one day of unwinding and stretching is important.
Anyway, this relaxing yoga class is generally filled with me and a bunch of people much less flexible and in significantly worse shape than me. It's me, a couple 90 year olds, a 400 pound person, and a person in a neck brace. Sadly, they are all better at yoga than me. Yeah, I'm more flexible, but they are much more centered.
But last Wednesday, there was a new person in class. Somebody under that age of 60. Somebody in shape. Somebody...cute! There was a cute guy in yoga class! Now I'm even less centered than usual.
It's been a LONG time since I felt that urge. You know the one -- the urge to sneak a look at the cute guy across the room. I looked in the mirror not at my reflection, but back to him during the balance poses. I peeked back during the spinal series. Then, when we were moving to cobra, I saw him looking over at me. We made eye contact and he looked away really quick. It was like study hall!
Then, as we transitioned into downward dog, I...I...I...farted. It wasn't overly loud. It wasn't really smelly. But it was -- squeaky. I blasted out a squeaker during downward dog! I stifled a giggle and made that "Oh crap" face that looks like you just bit into a lemon.
The really funny thing is that during triangle pose -- he farted! I'm not sure if it was a sympathy fart or if this class is just way more relaxing than I thought. I wasn't able to stifle it this time and snickered right through the warrior series.
When class was over, he was being a gentleman and holding the door for everyone as they exited. I smirked and him, he smirked at me, and we both went our separate ways.
Monday, October 12, 2009
awesome decluttering
I'm winding down what, for me, was a four day weekend. I slept a lot over the past four days, averaging 8 to 8 1/2 hours of sleep per night. Which is good. Because I feel like I've been fighting something for the past week: headaches, slightly queasy, very tired. Not enough to feel sick, just enough to feel a little out of it. And I'm feeling better this evening.
The other thing on my list this weekend was winterizing: moving the furniture from summer configuration to winter configuration, putting away the tank tops and shorts while pulling out the sweaters, and cleaning out the storage area to put down a rubberized mat.
And, of course, decluttering:
Oct 6: It was a very wet summer here. And the storage area at the bottom of the stairs is unfinished; there is a cement floor. It's been cool and damp there, hence the rubberized mat idea. (It might make things a bit warmer in the winter, too) But as a result of the wet summer and cement floor, I had an unpleasant surprise while cleaning the storage area: two pair of leather shoes were MOLDY!! Gross. They went into the trash.
Oct 7: I also came across three cardboard boxes that were moldy. Trashed them, too.
(incidentally, those discoveries just about doubled the cleaning time as I was disinfecting up a storm, as well as sweeping, organizing, and cutting rubber mat to size)
Oct 8: Pulled out a sweatshirt I don't wear. Put that aside for my friend, S, as she was just commenting last week that she wanted a white hoodie. I'll give that to her tomorrow when I see her.
Oct 9: Finished a book: Losin' It by Valerie Bertinelli. Was a nice little trip down Van Halen lane for me. I put that aside to give to S when I give her the sweatshirt.
Oct 10: While going through the summer clothes, I pulled out 7 items and put them in the donation bag.
Oct 11: Then, while pulling out the winter clothes, pulled 7 items out and put those in the donation bag, as well.
Oct 12: Finally, I went through my work pants. I've been noticing that some of my pants have been bagging around the waist and hanging weird. So I tried on all the pants, pulled out all the weird fitting pairs, and put them aside. J and S get first dibs, anything they don't want are going in the donation bag.
And now...this weekend's AWESOME-NESS:
Oct 9: a nice, long, restful sleep!
Oct 10: A fantastic workout at the gym, followed by a crisp fall bike ride.
Oct 11: Renaissance Fair. Fun, and I think I'm past the point of going to Renaissance Fairs.
Oct 12: Saw my brother, sister in law, and 2 nieces for a visit. Had a great meal of turkey with all the fixin's .
Short work week coming up....awesome!
The other thing on my list this weekend was winterizing: moving the furniture from summer configuration to winter configuration, putting away the tank tops and shorts while pulling out the sweaters, and cleaning out the storage area to put down a rubberized mat.
And, of course, decluttering:
Oct 6: It was a very wet summer here. And the storage area at the bottom of the stairs is unfinished; there is a cement floor. It's been cool and damp there, hence the rubberized mat idea. (It might make things a bit warmer in the winter, too) But as a result of the wet summer and cement floor, I had an unpleasant surprise while cleaning the storage area: two pair of leather shoes were MOLDY!! Gross. They went into the trash.
Oct 7: I also came across three cardboard boxes that were moldy. Trashed them, too.
(incidentally, those discoveries just about doubled the cleaning time as I was disinfecting up a storm, as well as sweeping, organizing, and cutting rubber mat to size)
Oct 8: Pulled out a sweatshirt I don't wear. Put that aside for my friend, S, as she was just commenting last week that she wanted a white hoodie. I'll give that to her tomorrow when I see her.
Oct 9: Finished a book: Losin' It by Valerie Bertinelli. Was a nice little trip down Van Halen lane for me. I put that aside to give to S when I give her the sweatshirt.
Oct 10: While going through the summer clothes, I pulled out 7 items and put them in the donation bag.
Oct 11: Then, while pulling out the winter clothes, pulled 7 items out and put those in the donation bag, as well.
Oct 12: Finally, I went through my work pants. I've been noticing that some of my pants have been bagging around the waist and hanging weird. So I tried on all the pants, pulled out all the weird fitting pairs, and put them aside. J and S get first dibs, anything they don't want are going in the donation bag.
And now...this weekend's AWESOME-NESS:
Oct 9: a nice, long, restful sleep!
Oct 10: A fantastic workout at the gym, followed by a crisp fall bike ride.
Oct 11: Renaissance Fair. Fun, and I think I'm past the point of going to Renaissance Fairs.
Oct 12: Saw my brother, sister in law, and 2 nieces for a visit. Had a great meal of turkey with all the fixin's .
Short work week coming up....awesome!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
my clumsy crockpot
It's that time of the week again ... Mamakat time. In keeping with the awesomeness of October, I chose the prompt: "What's cooking in your crockpot?"
The actual answer is nothing, at the moment. But I do intend to break out the ol crockpot this October, to try out some awesome recipes. The big problem with the crockpot is that I generally leave for work at 7:30 am and get home at 9:30 pm. Methinks that may be a bit too long. I generally stock the crockpot the night before, let it cook overnight, let it sit in the fridge and marinate all day, and then heat it up at night when I get home.
The soup recipes I have are NOT crockpot recipes, but I'm going to try to adapt them to the crockpot. I should warn you, however, that I am NOT a good cook. I cannot be held responsible for this untried recipe:
(adapted from the Beyond the Moon Cookbook by Ginny Callan)
Potato-Carrot-Spinach-Soup
* 3 Tablespoons canola oil
* 1 c chopped onions
* 5 large garlic cloves
* 4 c chopped potatos
* 2 c shopped carrots
* 1 1/2 tsp salt
* 1/4 c fresh dill
* c c chopped spinach
* pepper to taste
Put oil, onion, and garlic in pot on high for 20 min. Turn crockpot to low. Add 6 cups water, potatoes, and carrots. Leave overnight. Get up extra early, as you will be pureeing potatoes and carrots with an immersion blender before work. Make sure to rinse said blender pretty well before galloping off. Also, add salt, pepper, and dill to the mix and stir so it can marinate all day.
When you get home from work, put crockpot bowl back in base and turn on high. Add spinach. Let cook while you take a shower, change, clean out work and gym bags, and -- let's face it -- clean the congealed carrot and potato off the immersion blender you forgot to rinse before galloping off this morning.
Eat the soup in front of the TV while watching the Red Sox in the playoffs.
AWESOME!!
Plus -- Yesterday's awesome:
Really strange weather. It was alternating between beautiful, sunny, and still to raining sideways all throughout the day. Watching through the wall of windows in the back of the therapy gym was like a movie on the nature channel!
The actual answer is nothing, at the moment. But I do intend to break out the ol crockpot this October, to try out some awesome recipes. The big problem with the crockpot is that I generally leave for work at 7:30 am and get home at 9:30 pm. Methinks that may be a bit too long. I generally stock the crockpot the night before, let it cook overnight, let it sit in the fridge and marinate all day, and then heat it up at night when I get home.
The soup recipes I have are NOT crockpot recipes, but I'm going to try to adapt them to the crockpot. I should warn you, however, that I am NOT a good cook. I cannot be held responsible for this untried recipe:
(adapted from the Beyond the Moon Cookbook by Ginny Callan)
Potato-Carrot-Spinach-Soup
* 3 Tablespoons canola oil
* 1 c chopped onions
* 5 large garlic cloves
* 4 c chopped potatos
* 2 c shopped carrots
* 1 1/2 tsp salt
* 1/4 c fresh dill
* c c chopped spinach
* pepper to taste
Put oil, onion, and garlic in pot on high for 20 min. Turn crockpot to low. Add 6 cups water, potatoes, and carrots. Leave overnight. Get up extra early, as you will be pureeing potatoes and carrots with an immersion blender before work. Make sure to rinse said blender pretty well before galloping off. Also, add salt, pepper, and dill to the mix and stir so it can marinate all day.
When you get home from work, put crockpot bowl back in base and turn on high. Add spinach. Let cook while you take a shower, change, clean out work and gym bags, and -- let's face it -- clean the congealed carrot and potato off the immersion blender you forgot to rinse before galloping off this morning.
Eat the soup in front of the TV while watching the Red Sox in the playoffs.
AWESOME!!
Plus -- Yesterday's awesome:
Really strange weather. It was alternating between beautiful, sunny, and still to raining sideways all throughout the day. Watching through the wall of windows in the back of the therapy gym was like a movie on the nature channel!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Cooking for the Clueless
Since I have been quite preoccupied with all of my many projects lately...too preoccupied to go out and meet off the wall people to write about on Tuesdays. So I'm putting Tuesday's Bad Dates on a brief hiatus. And instead, installing
Cooking for the Clueless!!
(the clueless being me)
Since I am such a multi-tasker, today's recipe will double as Today's Awesome. (because it really really was awesome)
Ok. I pulled this recipe out of this month's Yoga Journal. It is simple, yummy, and most importantly, can cook while you jump in the shower post workout.
In my own words:
Warm Squash and Spinach Salad
1) Pre cut organic butternut squash
2) Pre washed organic spinach
3) Lemon juice
4) Extra Virgin Olive Oil
5) Sliced Almonds
6) Salt and Pepper
**(7) I added sunflower and flax seeds cause I had them **
* Put as much squash as will fit onto the toaster oven pan.
* Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
* Turn toaster oven on 400.
* Jump in the shower.
* Get out, dry off, put on PJ's.
* Comb tangles out of hair. (Make sure you have used plenty of conditioner so that the house doesn't burn down while you are in the bathroom wrestling with a comb)
* Wash hands.
* Check the squash. Declare it "good enough" and turn off the toaster oven while leaving the door closed so the squash can be extra "good enough".
* Fill your favorite Tupperware bowl that you use for salads with spinach.
* In a coffee cup, mix 1 tablespoon lemon juice with a couple shakes of salt and pepper
* Take squash out of toaster oven.
* Pour squash and warm olive oil that is floating around the bottom of the pan all over the spinach.
* Sprinkle almonds, sunflower seeds, and flax seed on top.
* Cover the entire mess with lemon juice.
* Enjoy while sitting at computer checking email and reading blogs.
It is truly one of the most delicious things I have eaten a while. Try it. You won't be sorry.
Cooking for the Clueless!!
(the clueless being me)
Since I am such a multi-tasker, today's recipe will double as Today's Awesome. (because it really really was awesome)
Ok. I pulled this recipe out of this month's Yoga Journal. It is simple, yummy, and most importantly, can cook while you jump in the shower post workout.
In my own words:
Warm Squash and Spinach Salad
1) Pre cut organic butternut squash
2) Pre washed organic spinach
3) Lemon juice
4) Extra Virgin Olive Oil
5) Sliced Almonds
6) Salt and Pepper
**(7) I added sunflower and flax seeds cause I had them **
* Put as much squash as will fit onto the toaster oven pan.
* Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
* Turn toaster oven on 400.
* Jump in the shower.
* Get out, dry off, put on PJ's.
* Comb tangles out of hair. (Make sure you have used plenty of conditioner so that the house doesn't burn down while you are in the bathroom wrestling with a comb)
* Wash hands.
* Check the squash. Declare it "good enough" and turn off the toaster oven while leaving the door closed so the squash can be extra "good enough".
* Fill your favorite Tupperware bowl that you use for salads with spinach.
* In a coffee cup, mix 1 tablespoon lemon juice with a couple shakes of salt and pepper
* Take squash out of toaster oven.
* Pour squash and warm olive oil that is floating around the bottom of the pan all over the spinach.
* Sprinkle almonds, sunflower seeds, and flax seed on top.
* Cover the entire mess with lemon juice.
* Enjoy while sitting at computer checking email and reading blogs.
It is truly one of the most delicious things I have eaten a while. Try it. You won't be sorry.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Well, this week, I had planned on going back through the bathroom in the decluttering marathon. But, nicely, the bathroom is actually pretty much the way I want it. The rest of the apartment, though, looks like a giant paper-and-book-bomb exploded. My projects are in various states of completion all over. If I'm really serious about decluttering, the bathroom was not where I needed to be this week.
Sept 29: ok...in the bathroom...there was an old swim cap from a race hanging on the doorknob. threw out!
Sept 30: went through all the paper scraps on the computer desk and organized. Everything I still needed went in the proper project folder, anything I didn't in the recycling
Oct 1: Went through the project folders today and organized those. ANything I didn't need also went in the recycling
Oct 2: I had a goodie bag from a golf tournament fund raiser that a patient of mine had. In the bag were lots of dog related items (the fund raiser was for seeing eye dogs) Since my Dad loves dogs (especially yellow labs) I gave him all the doggie stuff inside.
Ok, now that the apartment was looking a little less chaotic, I could head back to the bathroom. And yeah, I did find some things that could go
Oct 3: I have some zip lock bags under the sink I keep for traveling toiletries. But a couple were looking a little gross. I rinsed em out and put them in the recycling
Oct 4: Did you know that lip balm expires? Well, I have a tube that has an expired date on it. throw out
Oct 5: Oops, my vitamins expired, too. I put the vitamins in the compost. Can vitamins be composted?
Next weekend is a four day weekend for me....I'm attacking the storage area!!
Today's Awesome: It was a perfect fall day, weatherwise! Yeah, I was at work, but I still enjoyed it. And my windows are open tonight. And no more rooster to contend with! AWESOME.
Sept 29: ok...in the bathroom...there was an old swim cap from a race hanging on the doorknob. threw out!
Sept 30: went through all the paper scraps on the computer desk and organized. Everything I still needed went in the proper project folder, anything I didn't in the recycling
Oct 1: Went through the project folders today and organized those. ANything I didn't need also went in the recycling
Oct 2: I had a goodie bag from a golf tournament fund raiser that a patient of mine had. In the bag were lots of dog related items (the fund raiser was for seeing eye dogs) Since my Dad loves dogs (especially yellow labs) I gave him all the doggie stuff inside.
Ok, now that the apartment was looking a little less chaotic, I could head back to the bathroom. And yeah, I did find some things that could go
Oct 3: I have some zip lock bags under the sink I keep for traveling toiletries. But a couple were looking a little gross. I rinsed em out and put them in the recycling
Oct 4: Did you know that lip balm expires? Well, I have a tube that has an expired date on it. throw out
Oct 5: Oops, my vitamins expired, too. I put the vitamins in the compost. Can vitamins be composted?
Next weekend is a four day weekend for me....I'm attacking the storage area!!
Today's Awesome: It was a perfect fall day, weatherwise! Yeah, I was at work, but I still enjoyed it. And my windows are open tonight. And no more rooster to contend with! AWESOME.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
weekend class
IF THE ONLY TOOL YOU HAVE IS A HAMMER, EVERY PROBLEM LOOKS LIKE A NAIL ---- Abraham Maslow
This weekend, I took a course to learn more about the big star of the 2008 Summer Olympics. No, it was not a class about Michael Phelps. Nor was it about Misty May's derriere. It was not about the aging athlete (Dara Torres) and it was not about the engineering marvel of the bird's nest. No, this class was about the REALLY big star of the games: kinesiotape.
I first started hearing about kinesiotape in 1999, years before world class athletes jumped, ran, swam,and volleyed their way across Beijing in multi-colored straps of fiber. At times, the Olympic events looked less like athletic competitions than a technicolor bondage party! I wanted to know: did this stuff really work, or was it just a lot of hype?
So I was really glad when my work sponsored a kinesiotaping course this weekend. Finally, I could get the scoop.
On the first day of class, I was interested, but skeptical. And I was really annoyed at the eighties-inspired hot pink and electric blue color scheme. What was wrong with the nice beige color we had in the clinic? It can't be seen from a distance and offers kinesiotape victims --ahem, patients -- a bit of pride. I want to help my patients, not humiliate them!
But after hours of strapping and taping and wrapping ankles and shoulders and legs and thumbs, after getting first hand experience of how securely the tape supported while allowing movement, after seeing how well the tape actually worked, I became a convert. On day two, I was like a health care Picasso, creating masterpieces of pink, blue, black and beige on skin canvases. I was mentally going through my caseload, figuring out how I could use kinesiotape with each and every one of my patients. Unstable shoulder? Kinesiotape. Plantar fasciitis? Kinesiotape. Osteoarthritis of the knee? We can kinesiotape that. Head injury? Break out the kinesiotape!
I left the class covered from head to toe in tape. I started planning a mummy costume for Halloween. Trick or treaters? I'll give them rolls of kinesiotape. For Christmas, I'll string kinesiotape along the branches of my Christmas tree. And on Thanksgiving, you KNOW what I'll be giving thanks for.
I looked around my apartment. I have a picture that needs to be hung. I could use kinesiotape. A pair of sneakers with a hole in them. A throw rug that always slides across the room. My Ikea computer chair that no longer sits securely on its base. There's NOTHING this stuff can't fix. It's like -- duct tape for people -- and more!
My only concern is...I don't want to become one of THOSE people. You know, people who become obsessed with something and just don't let it go? Like Trekkies. Or Jimmy Buffet fans. Or that family on TLC with 8000 kids. Is it possible that I could become so enamored with a roll of tape that I bring it out and use it in the most inappropriate situations?
Nah. That won't happen. There is no inappropriate situation for kinesiotape. It's that good.
TODAY'S AWESOME: Went grocery shopping and organized all my meals for the week in nice little single serving containers neatly lined up in the fridge. Now I can just grab and go each morning. awesome.
This weekend, I took a course to learn more about the big star of the 2008 Summer Olympics. No, it was not a class about Michael Phelps. Nor was it about Misty May's derriere. It was not about the aging athlete (Dara Torres) and it was not about the engineering marvel of the bird's nest. No, this class was about the REALLY big star of the games: kinesiotape.
I first started hearing about kinesiotape in 1999, years before world class athletes jumped, ran, swam,and volleyed their way across Beijing in multi-colored straps of fiber. At times, the Olympic events looked less like athletic competitions than a technicolor bondage party! I wanted to know: did this stuff really work, or was it just a lot of hype?
So I was really glad when my work sponsored a kinesiotaping course this weekend. Finally, I could get the scoop.
On the first day of class, I was interested, but skeptical. And I was really annoyed at the eighties-inspired hot pink and electric blue color scheme. What was wrong with the nice beige color we had in the clinic? It can't be seen from a distance and offers kinesiotape victims --ahem, patients -- a bit of pride. I want to help my patients, not humiliate them!
But after hours of strapping and taping and wrapping ankles and shoulders and legs and thumbs, after getting first hand experience of how securely the tape supported while allowing movement, after seeing how well the tape actually worked, I became a convert. On day two, I was like a health care Picasso, creating masterpieces of pink, blue, black and beige on skin canvases. I was mentally going through my caseload, figuring out how I could use kinesiotape with each and every one of my patients. Unstable shoulder? Kinesiotape. Plantar fasciitis? Kinesiotape. Osteoarthritis of the knee? We can kinesiotape that. Head injury? Break out the kinesiotape!
I left the class covered from head to toe in tape. I started planning a mummy costume for Halloween. Trick or treaters? I'll give them rolls of kinesiotape. For Christmas, I'll string kinesiotape along the branches of my Christmas tree. And on Thanksgiving, you KNOW what I'll be giving thanks for.
I looked around my apartment. I have a picture that needs to be hung. I could use kinesiotape. A pair of sneakers with a hole in them. A throw rug that always slides across the room. My Ikea computer chair that no longer sits securely on its base. There's NOTHING this stuff can't fix. It's like -- duct tape for people -- and more!
My only concern is...I don't want to become one of THOSE people. You know, people who become obsessed with something and just don't let it go? Like Trekkies. Or Jimmy Buffet fans. Or that family on TLC with 8000 kids. Is it possible that I could become so enamored with a roll of tape that I bring it out and use it in the most inappropriate situations?
Nah. That won't happen. There is no inappropriate situation for kinesiotape. It's that good.
TODAY'S AWESOME: Went grocery shopping and organized all my meals for the week in nice little single serving containers neatly lined up in the fridge. Now I can just grab and go each morning. awesome.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
awesome
Today's awesome-ness: Today I was at a class all day, which was pretty great in and of itself. The class was on kinesiotaping -- you know that black stuff all over Kerri Walsh's shoulder in the Beijing Olympics? I'm covered from head to toe right now in mulit-colored tape strips. But that's not really the awesome part of today: when I got home, J's little 3 year old son ran up to me and yelled: "Auntie! I missed you all day today!" and gave me a great big hug. That gave me more of a lift than the entire roll of kinesiotape wrapped around my limbs.
Friday, October 2, 2009
awesome
Today's awesome-ness: Today, I...asked for a raise. Yep, I did. The second job I was talking about earlier, we had talked about compensation in the interview and they offered something lower than what I had wanted. But I didn't bargain. I accepted the lower offer because that's just what I do. But today, as my act of awesome-ness, I sent an email, asking for the compensation I had wanted to begin with. AWESOME!!
Plus...as much as I've been griping about it being October and cold and I hate cold...October brings SCARY MOVIES!! AWESOME!!
can't wait for tomorrow.
Plus...as much as I've been griping about it being October and cold and I hate cold...October brings SCARY MOVIES!! AWESOME!!
can't wait for tomorrow.
October has come rolling in and I'm feeling...tired. Earlier in the week, I had commented on how I always seem to pile my plate too high, and then become overwhelmed at the sheer volume of my commitments. Today, as I go over September's goals, I'm realizing that maybe it's not the number of commitments I have, but the spirit in which I enter them.
The goals I write, the things I aspire to, are things I want to achieve, of course. But I think I've been writing them with an aire of "here are the things I need to change about myself". And then...here are the ways I'm inadequate. Even something like going to a concert I later think "Check. One more thing I can cross off the life list. One more thing I don't have to worry about."
Maybe the burnt out, fatigued feeling comes from my bad habit of "getting through" life in order to "reach" that place where I can finally rest. Does that place exist? My experience says no. So I better start enjoying the ride.
On that note, and after a little idea that I stumbled upon through Lacey, the October goals are going to look much, much different.
But first September:
1) Eat Clean: Fail. I did for a while, then even grocery shopping became too much of a bother. New approach next month.
2) Start P90x Workouts: I'm gonna give that half credit. I missed like a week of workouts when they started roadwork on the bridge and my commute time went from 25 minutes to an hour and 25 minutes. On top of a work day that often runs from 8am to 8pm. But I did get some good workouts in on the other weeks. I tweak the program a little: it's actually a little low on the cardio for me, so I've been doing the exercises in the gym in a circuit fashion: run a mile, do half the workout, run a mile, do the other half of the workout, run a mile. It works pretty well. So I'll continue in this tweaked fashion thru next month.
3) Lose 3 pounds: GAH! One pound. Again. What is this, the forth month in a row I've lost ONE STINKING POUND? My pants are falling off of me, though. I don't get it.
4) One new client for per diem job: success.
5) Hike Mt Washington: awesome awesome day. successful. and fun.
6) See U2 in concert: I'm not going to say "check." I'm going to smile instead.
7) Submit one article for publication in Cape Cod Health Newsletter: sent off today.
8) Read three travel books from the bookshelf: I read 3 books. Not the travel books. Half credit.
9) Plan weekend reunion with college friends: tried...and failed. When did everyone get too busy to hang out with friends? Probably around the same time as me.
10) End the tri season on an up note: Finished my last two races COLD and happy. Today I'm giving the bikes a tune up and looking forward for fall biking.
So for October, I am taking the inspiration for my goals from Apartment 513. In October, I am simply going to do something awesome every day.
I'm not going to think about "eating clean", but about being good to my body. I'm going to try some recipes. I'm going to go to the farmer's market before it closes for the season. I'm going to get rid of the artificial crap.
I'm not going to think about adhering to a workout routine, but about doing something I love. If I didn't work out, I'd go insane. That's why I do it. I need to remember that.
I'm not going to focus on training, I'm going to focus on getting out on my bike or in my running shoes and enjoy being outside.
October will be my 30 days of awesome!
The goals I write, the things I aspire to, are things I want to achieve, of course. But I think I've been writing them with an aire of "here are the things I need to change about myself". And then...here are the ways I'm inadequate. Even something like going to a concert I later think "Check. One more thing I can cross off the life list. One more thing I don't have to worry about."
Maybe the burnt out, fatigued feeling comes from my bad habit of "getting through" life in order to "reach" that place where I can finally rest. Does that place exist? My experience says no. So I better start enjoying the ride.
On that note, and after a little idea that I stumbled upon through Lacey, the October goals are going to look much, much different.
But first September:
1) Eat Clean: Fail. I did for a while, then even grocery shopping became too much of a bother. New approach next month.
2) Start P90x Workouts: I'm gonna give that half credit. I missed like a week of workouts when they started roadwork on the bridge and my commute time went from 25 minutes to an hour and 25 minutes. On top of a work day that often runs from 8am to 8pm. But I did get some good workouts in on the other weeks. I tweak the program a little: it's actually a little low on the cardio for me, so I've been doing the exercises in the gym in a circuit fashion: run a mile, do half the workout, run a mile, do the other half of the workout, run a mile. It works pretty well. So I'll continue in this tweaked fashion thru next month.
3) Lose 3 pounds: GAH! One pound. Again. What is this, the forth month in a row I've lost ONE STINKING POUND? My pants are falling off of me, though. I don't get it.
4) One new client for per diem job: success.
5) Hike Mt Washington: awesome awesome day. successful. and fun.
6) See U2 in concert: I'm not going to say "check." I'm going to smile instead.
7) Submit one article for publication in Cape Cod Health Newsletter: sent off today.
8) Read three travel books from the bookshelf: I read 3 books. Not the travel books. Half credit.
9) Plan weekend reunion with college friends: tried...and failed. When did everyone get too busy to hang out with friends? Probably around the same time as me.
10) End the tri season on an up note: Finished my last two races COLD and happy. Today I'm giving the bikes a tune up and looking forward for fall biking.
So for October, I am taking the inspiration for my goals from Apartment 513. In October, I am simply going to do something awesome every day.
I'm not going to think about "eating clean", but about being good to my body. I'm going to try some recipes. I'm going to go to the farmer's market before it closes for the season. I'm going to get rid of the artificial crap.
I'm not going to think about adhering to a workout routine, but about doing something I love. If I didn't work out, I'd go insane. That's why I do it. I need to remember that.
I'm not going to focus on training, I'm going to focus on getting out on my bike or in my running shoes and enjoy being outside.
October will be my 30 days of awesome!
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