I think I might just be a genius. In fact, I'm nearly sure of it.
I've had an epiphany.
I was watching the Vikings/Packers football game this past Sunday with my husband, and it occurred to me that I was paying attention to the game because I wanted to - not for the sake of my husband. Ok, it was also for the sake of my husband. But I've come to realize that football is not all that boring to watch. Actually, it's quite a bit more complicated than I could ever have guessed.
However, for those of you who watch football (and don't follow it that well or don't care to) solely for the sake of the company of your man, I've come up with some useful tips on how to appear "clued in" to the game while you could really be thinking about other things. That way, you win regardless. You get to think or do something else while in the company of your man, but also make him happy by leading him to believe you're enjoying the game (based on the helpful phrases you're interjecting from time to time, which I'm just about to provide for you.)
First, a couple rules of thumb.
#! Brett Favre's last name is pronounced "Farve." Don't ask me why, but it will save much embarrassment for you (and your man, especially if his friends are present) if you memorize this crucial fact.
#2 Offense and defense are totally different sets of players from the same team (they just play at different parts of the game). I didn't learn this until last year.
And now, my top seven fool-proof, fail-safe tips:
#1 When a player tackles another player (especially one who is running with the football), and hits the ground hard, say, "Wow, he just got jacked up!" It will be just about impossible for your guy to think you weren't paying special attention. Also, never say "that guy." That is a total giveaway that you have no clue what said player's name is. Instead, always use "he" or "him."
#2 Whenever the referee says "Holding" or "Off sides," say, "Why are you making stupid penalties?"
#3 Always root for your guy's team.
#4 When a player is making a bolting run for the end-zone (where touchdowns are scored - touchdowns are very good,) start getting really excited and yell, "Go go go go GO!!" Don't just glance up at the screen to check for running players however - make for absolute certain that it's the players on your team that you're cheering on.
#5 During halftime or commercial breaks, when the announcers are discussing the current game, just say, "Get back to the game already... enough with the useless color commentary..." This is the "clued in" way of saying that you're tired of the gobbledygook.
#6 If you've taken a break from the game and come back into it, always ask, "What's the score?"
#7 Keep track of at least one player you know is out because of an injury. That way, you can say (maybe about halfway through the game, especially if your team isn't doing so hot,) "Man, I sure wish so-n-so wasn't out on a shoulder injury." Not only does this open the table for your guy and others to pick up the conversation, but you were the one who initiated it and it shows that you know what you're talking about.
* Additional tip: It helps to go to your team's website before the game to see which players are out because of an injury. Always make sure whichever player you mention is matched up correctly with whatever injury.
I hope that helps you the next time you want to score those extra brownie points while watching a game. And if you know completely what you're talking about (I'm a beginner), you may disregard this post entirely.
Enjoy the football season. Go Colts!!!
Cheers.
Here's the Quote of the Day. I thought it was appropriate.
"When a team outgrows individual performance and learns team confidence, excellence becomes a reality.”
~ Joe Paterno (legendary Penn State football head coach, age 86)
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Three Years Ago
About this time, 12:15 AM, on a Wednesday morning, Caleb and I were in the middle of pulling our first all-nighter (the first of many, many to come).
A little background for you...
Caleb had been in England for about three weeks and I was a freshman at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music for piano performance. I was about a month into my college career. Caleb was going to be overseas for the next seven months, living and traveling.
Leading up to this particular conversation was lots of casual email writing and some facebook exchanges, both of which had become increasingly more frequent the previous weeks leading up to this conversation.
We had just discovered IM-ing a night or two before this, so it was our newfound favorite way of communicating. I would sign on once I was in my dorm room and do homework until Caleb got online.
So this night started no differently. We began talking at about 7 PM on a Tuesday night and before we realized it, it was nearly midnight. But though I had some studying to get done for a music theory test the next morning, neither of us wanted to stop talking. So we decided that we'd take a break so I could study for a bit and Caleb would watch a movie, and then we'd keep talking. (I did well on the test for those of you who were curious to know...)
We kept talking about things, cyber-flirting, all the while somewhat probingly hedging around a topic we dearly wanted the other to bring up. We kept saying things like "What are you thinking now?" "So, any questions for me?" "I'm an open book..."
Finally, the topic was opened and we started talking about being interested in one another and life goals and what we wanted in a spouse....
The conversation ended around 7 AM on Wednesday morning, October 24, 2007. We decided within those 12 hours that we knew we wanted to get married. Caleb wanted to write my Dad a letter asking if he could court me. We didn't have a timeline or anything, but we knew that we had never met or talked to anyone else whom we felt we could marry.
And that was what Caleb and I dubbed as The Conversation when we realized we wanted to get to know each other for the rest of our lives.
I didn't need caffeine to stay awake from that all-nighter. I went to class practically buzzed with happiness and excitement beyond anything I'd ever experienced.
And my life with Caleb has been nothing but exciting since that conversation. :)
Here's the Quote of the Day:
"There is no relationship between man and woman so close as that between husband and wife, if they be joined together as they should be."
~ St. John Chrysostom
A little background for you...
Caleb had been in England for about three weeks and I was a freshman at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music for piano performance. I was about a month into my college career. Caleb was going to be overseas for the next seven months, living and traveling.
Leading up to this particular conversation was lots of casual email writing and some facebook exchanges, both of which had become increasingly more frequent the previous weeks leading up to this conversation.
We had just discovered IM-ing a night or two before this, so it was our newfound favorite way of communicating. I would sign on once I was in my dorm room and do homework until Caleb got online.
So this night started no differently. We began talking at about 7 PM on a Tuesday night and before we realized it, it was nearly midnight. But though I had some studying to get done for a music theory test the next morning, neither of us wanted to stop talking. So we decided that we'd take a break so I could study for a bit and Caleb would watch a movie, and then we'd keep talking. (I did well on the test for those of you who were curious to know...)
We kept talking about things, cyber-flirting, all the while somewhat probingly hedging around a topic we dearly wanted the other to bring up. We kept saying things like "What are you thinking now?" "So, any questions for me?" "I'm an open book..."
Finally, the topic was opened and we started talking about being interested in one another and life goals and what we wanted in a spouse....
The conversation ended around 7 AM on Wednesday morning, October 24, 2007. We decided within those 12 hours that we knew we wanted to get married. Caleb wanted to write my Dad a letter asking if he could court me. We didn't have a timeline or anything, but we knew that we had never met or talked to anyone else whom we felt we could marry.
And that was what Caleb and I dubbed as The Conversation when we realized we wanted to get to know each other for the rest of our lives.
I didn't need caffeine to stay awake from that all-nighter. I went to class practically buzzed with happiness and excitement beyond anything I'd ever experienced.
And my life with Caleb has been nothing but exciting since that conversation. :)
Here's the Quote of the Day:
"There is no relationship between man and woman so close as that between husband and wife, if they be joined together as they should be."
~ St. John Chrysostom
Thursday, October 21, 2010
A Penny for Your Thoughts...
For today's post, I thought I'd do something a little out of the ordinary... I looked up some of the most common day to day cliches and phrases, and here's what I found. I thought it was pretty interesting! (All quoted from www.joe-ks.com/phrases)
"Quick as a wink" ~ it was first recorded in 1825 to mean 1/10 of a second. (I never knew that a "wink" was actually a specific measurement!)
"Brand spanking new" ~ originally, doctors would spank babies when they were first born, so as to get them crying and breathing ~ means "new and unused"
"Can it" ~ abbreviation for "cancel it"
"Chip on his shoulder" ~ based on an American schoolboy custom, about 200 years old. When two boys were arguing and itching for a fight then one would place an actual chip of wood on his shoulder and challenge the other to knock it off. If the challenge was taken up, then the proper fight started.
"Dressed to the Nines"/"The whole nine yards" ~ Common lore has it that a tailor making a high quality suit uses more fabric. The best suits are made from nine yards of fabric.
This may seem like a lot but a proper suit does indeed take nine yards of fabric. This is because a good suit has all the fabric cut in the same direction with the warp, or long strands of thread, parallel with the vertical line of the suit. This causes a great amount of waste in suit making, but if you want to go "dressed to the nines", you must pay for such waste.
"Fit to be tied" ~ means to be very angry or livid. "Tied" in this case refers to being bound as in a straight jacket. The need for being tied is to control ones actions to prevent from acting on the anger.
"Hunky dory" ~ Huncho-dori was a major street in Yokohama that was frequented by American sailors on leave during WW1. To be in Huncho-dori was to be enjoying leisure activities, and having a good time.
Alternative: The archaic English word "hunk" meant "goal" and is probably derived from the Dutch "honk" also meaning "goal". To have reached one's goal is to be satisfied and happy.
"In a jiffy" ~ A jiffy is the unit of time it takes light to travel a centimeter in a vacuum: 0.0000000000033357 seconds, or (3.3357x10^-11) seconds, or (3.3357 times 10 to the power of minus 11) seconds. It's quite doubtful that if someone says they'll 'do something in a jiffy' that they'll accomplish the task!
"In the nick of time" ~ Even into the 18th century, some businessmen kept track of transactions and time by carving notches (nicks) on a "tally stick." Someone arriving just before the next nick was carved would arrive in time to save the next day's interest - in the nick of time.
"Mind your P's and Q's" ~ meaning to behave properly. Comes from the early pub days when beer and ale was served in pint and quart containers. The tab was kept on a chalkboard used to count the pints and quarts consumed. To watch your P's and Q's is to control your alcoholic intake and behavior.
"On the ball" ~ means to be on top or in control of the situation. The 'ball' in this instance is a baseball and the 'on' is the spin which the pitcher applies to the ball in order to make it curve during flight. On a good day there will be lots of spin and curve to confuse the batter. The pitcher is said to be 'on the ball'. The expression first appeared in print in 1912 and was clearly in use before then.
"On the dot" ~ means precise and accurate. This phrase comes from the comparison with the minute hand of a clock being exactly over the dot on the dial when it's precisely on the minute.
"Pushing the envelope" ~ to approach or exceed known performance boundaries. This expression comes out of the U.S. Air Force test pilot program of the late 1940's.
The envelope refers to a plane's performance capabilities. The limits of the planes ability to fly at speeds and altitudes and under certain stresses define what is known as its performance envelope. It's an "envelope" in the sense that it contains the ranges of the plane's abilities.
"Pushing the envelope" originally meant flying an aircraft at, or even beyond, its known or recommended limits.
"Rub it in" ~ Short version of "Rub salt in the wound". Salt in an open wound causes it to sting.
"Square meal" ~ British war ships in the 1700s including the HMS Victory did not have the best of living conditions. A sailors breakfast and lunch were sparse meals consisting of little more than bread and a beverage. But the third meal of the day included meat and was served on a square tray. Eating a substantial meal on board a ship required a tray to carry it all. Hence a "square meal" was the most substantial meal served.
"The cold shoulder" ~ In England, a welcome or important visitor would be served a delicious hot meal. A guest "who had outstayed his welcome, or an ordinary traveler" would get a cold shoulder of mutton.
"Wing it" ~ Doing something with little or no preparation. The Oxford English Dictionary suggests that "Wing It" refers to the hurried study of the role in the wings of the theater.
Alternate: The expression derives from an unprepared stage actor standing in the wings and cramming desperately before hearing a cue that will force him onstage.
I hope you enjoyed those!
Today is a walking day, and I'm so glad for it. I did end up running yesterday and it went pretty well aside from the fact that my knees are still sore. I iced them again after I was done running, and I think it's helping. I'm going to try and be more conscious of drinking water (as in, drink more of it) today.
It's perfectly beautiful and sunny again today, and I'm looking forward to taking Cillian out in his stroller. He loves being outside, so the more time I can get outside with him before it starts getting too cool, the better. He usually falls asleep for the end portion of our walks too, which is always nice.
I hope you get outdoors today... it is so gorgeous! Rake some leaves or take a walk or just sit outside with a glass of apple cider. It is the epitome of the perfect fall day. I live for these days.
Here's the Quote of the Day:
"Many people suffer because they fail to receive recognition through vain, worldly honor, or fail to become rich in pointless, mundane things. It doesn't occur to them that in the other life - the real life - such stuff is not needed, nor can they take it with them. To that place, we can only take our works, which here and now acquire us a passport for that great and holy journey."
~ Elder Paisios the Athonite
"Quick as a wink" ~ it was first recorded in 1825 to mean 1/10 of a second. (I never knew that a "wink" was actually a specific measurement!)
"Brand spanking new" ~ originally, doctors would spank babies when they were first born, so as to get them crying and breathing ~ means "new and unused"
"Can it" ~ abbreviation for "cancel it"
"Chip on his shoulder" ~ based on an American schoolboy custom, about 200 years old. When two boys were arguing and itching for a fight then one would place an actual chip of wood on his shoulder and challenge the other to knock it off. If the challenge was taken up, then the proper fight started.
"Dressed to the Nines"/"The whole nine yards" ~ Common lore has it that a tailor making a high quality suit uses more fabric. The best suits are made from nine yards of fabric.
This may seem like a lot but a proper suit does indeed take nine yards of fabric. This is because a good suit has all the fabric cut in the same direction with the warp, or long strands of thread, parallel with the vertical line of the suit. This causes a great amount of waste in suit making, but if you want to go "dressed to the nines", you must pay for such waste.
"Fit to be tied" ~ means to be very angry or livid. "Tied" in this case refers to being bound as in a straight jacket. The need for being tied is to control ones actions to prevent from acting on the anger.
"Hunky dory" ~ Huncho-dori was a major street in Yokohama that was frequented by American sailors on leave during WW1. To be in Huncho-dori was to be enjoying leisure activities, and having a good time.
Alternative: The archaic English word "hunk" meant "goal" and is probably derived from the Dutch "honk" also meaning "goal". To have reached one's goal is to be satisfied and happy.
"In a jiffy" ~ A jiffy is the unit of time it takes light to travel a centimeter in a vacuum: 0.0000000000033357 seconds, or (3.3357x10^-11) seconds, or (3.3357 times 10 to the power of minus 11) seconds. It's quite doubtful that if someone says they'll 'do something in a jiffy' that they'll accomplish the task!
"In the nick of time" ~ Even into the 18th century, some businessmen kept track of transactions and time by carving notches (nicks) on a "tally stick." Someone arriving just before the next nick was carved would arrive in time to save the next day's interest - in the nick of time.
"Mind your P's and Q's" ~ meaning to behave properly. Comes from the early pub days when beer and ale was served in pint and quart containers. The tab was kept on a chalkboard used to count the pints and quarts consumed. To watch your P's and Q's is to control your alcoholic intake and behavior.
"On the ball" ~ means to be on top or in control of the situation. The 'ball' in this instance is a baseball and the 'on' is the spin which the pitcher applies to the ball in order to make it curve during flight. On a good day there will be lots of spin and curve to confuse the batter. The pitcher is said to be 'on the ball'. The expression first appeared in print in 1912 and was clearly in use before then.
"On the dot" ~ means precise and accurate. This phrase comes from the comparison with the minute hand of a clock being exactly over the dot on the dial when it's precisely on the minute.
"Pushing the envelope" ~ to approach or exceed known performance boundaries. This expression comes out of the U.S. Air Force test pilot program of the late 1940's.
The envelope refers to a plane's performance capabilities. The limits of the planes ability to fly at speeds and altitudes and under certain stresses define what is known as its performance envelope. It's an "envelope" in the sense that it contains the ranges of the plane's abilities.
"Pushing the envelope" originally meant flying an aircraft at, or even beyond, its known or recommended limits.
"Rub it in" ~ Short version of "Rub salt in the wound". Salt in an open wound causes it to sting.
"Square meal" ~ British war ships in the 1700s including the HMS Victory did not have the best of living conditions. A sailors breakfast and lunch were sparse meals consisting of little more than bread and a beverage. But the third meal of the day included meat and was served on a square tray. Eating a substantial meal on board a ship required a tray to carry it all. Hence a "square meal" was the most substantial meal served.
"The cold shoulder" ~ In England, a welcome or important visitor would be served a delicious hot meal. A guest "who had outstayed his welcome, or an ordinary traveler" would get a cold shoulder of mutton.
"Wing it" ~ Doing something with little or no preparation. The Oxford English Dictionary suggests that "Wing It" refers to the hurried study of the role in the wings of the theater.
Alternate: The expression derives from an unprepared stage actor standing in the wings and cramming desperately before hearing a cue that will force him onstage.
I hope you enjoyed those!
Today is a walking day, and I'm so glad for it. I did end up running yesterday and it went pretty well aside from the fact that my knees are still sore. I iced them again after I was done running, and I think it's helping. I'm going to try and be more conscious of drinking water (as in, drink more of it) today.
It's perfectly beautiful and sunny again today, and I'm looking forward to taking Cillian out in his stroller. He loves being outside, so the more time I can get outside with him before it starts getting too cool, the better. He usually falls asleep for the end portion of our walks too, which is always nice.
I hope you get outdoors today... it is so gorgeous! Rake some leaves or take a walk or just sit outside with a glass of apple cider. It is the epitome of the perfect fall day. I live for these days.
Here's the Quote of the Day:
"Many people suffer because they fail to receive recognition through vain, worldly honor, or fail to become rich in pointless, mundane things. It doesn't occur to them that in the other life - the real life - such stuff is not needed, nor can they take it with them. To that place, we can only take our works, which here and now acquire us a passport for that great and holy journey."
~ Elder Paisios the Athonite
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Dilemma
The week is going pretty well so far. I didn't run Monday like I was supposed to, but I did run yesterday. My intent was to switch Monday's running with Tuesday's walking, but I never walked on Monday... so I kinda skipped for the first time. Yesterday went alright - I took Cillian out in the jogging stroller (its debut use), and ran outside for a change instead of at the little neighborhood gym. It was nice to feel the breeze and be in the sunshine.
I've come to a dilemma though. My knees are really starting to bother me (and I assume that's because my body isn't used to running with 40 extra pounds on said knees), but I really want to stick with the program. I've come this far, I'm halfway through week three, and I only have 5 weeks left until I've worked up to running 2 miles straight. I can already tell that my endurance and breathing are improving.
Yesterday, after my run - which I reeeeeally had to push myself through - I iced my knees for about 15 minutes and that seemed to help. Today they don't feel nearly as sore as they did yesterday. So, the dilemma being... do I continue with the running and just get through it (with the ice packs and possibly ace bandages for support), or just take a little time off and walk a couple miles every day to take it easy for a bit? I really, really don't want to stop now because I know I'll probably lose my momentum. And it takes me a long time to build up that momentum, so I'm scared I'll be back to being unmotivated or just check out by justifying my not running anymore.
I'm leaning toward pushing through with it and seeing what happens.
Have a wonderful Wednesday!
Cheers.
Here's the Quote of the Day:
"Whatever you may be seeking, seek it with all your strength, but do not expect your own search and efforts to bear fruit of themselves. Put your trust in the Lord, ascribing nothing to yourself, and He will give you your heart's desire."
~ St. Theophan the Recluse
I've come to a dilemma though. My knees are really starting to bother me (and I assume that's because my body isn't used to running with 40 extra pounds on said knees), but I really want to stick with the program. I've come this far, I'm halfway through week three, and I only have 5 weeks left until I've worked up to running 2 miles straight. I can already tell that my endurance and breathing are improving.
Yesterday, after my run - which I reeeeeally had to push myself through - I iced my knees for about 15 minutes and that seemed to help. Today they don't feel nearly as sore as they did yesterday. So, the dilemma being... do I continue with the running and just get through it (with the ice packs and possibly ace bandages for support), or just take a little time off and walk a couple miles every day to take it easy for a bit? I really, really don't want to stop now because I know I'll probably lose my momentum. And it takes me a long time to build up that momentum, so I'm scared I'll be back to being unmotivated or just check out by justifying my not running anymore.
I'm leaning toward pushing through with it and seeing what happens.
Have a wonderful Wednesday!
Cheers.
Here's the Quote of the Day:
"Whatever you may be seeking, seek it with all your strength, but do not expect your own search and efforts to bear fruit of themselves. Put your trust in the Lord, ascribing nothing to yourself, and He will give you your heart's desire."
~ St. Theophan the Recluse
Monday, October 18, 2010
Bum Monday
Usually, after a long weekend (which normally entails quite a bit of driving), the Monday that follows is unmotivated, sluggish, reluctant, and in all senses, lazy.
Today is not that Monday. Although it began late for me (10:30ish), I got up with the intention of getting my running for the day accomplished only to find that we had forgotten to take the carseat base out of Caleb's car last night. This wasn't as much of a bummer to me as it should be. Running is wonderful, but my knees are a bit sore, and I won't mind postponing it to tonight once Caleb gets home.
Also, said hubby accidentally left his phone today, which means that although I won't be receiving any very enjoyed calls from him, I will be playing with his phone. :) (It is an iphone 4.)
Along with coming home from an out-of-town weekend (this time it was Cincinnati to visit my family,) comes the mess of dumped contents from the car all over the living room. I'm going to straighten it all up and get several loads of laundry done too. That will definitely justify my not running this morning. It might also cover for my watching some favorite shows....
Thank goodness the kitchen is clean.
Cillian is taking a nap finally, and now I have the house to myself, some work to get done and a motivation. Good day so far!
I also need to knit a good deal today if I want to finish this scarf I'm making for a present. I ended up unraveling all of what I'd done (about 8 or 9 inches worth) since one of the needles slipped out and I couldn't figure out how to correct it.... bleagh. It was disheartening. But now it's going to be perfect. Absolutely perfect. No mess-ups whatsoever.
Now, the grocery shopping still needs to be done... and I'm unfortunately going to have to wait on that one until Caleb is home, which means we'll most likely make an evening family trip of it. I could probably start a grocery list.
I'm glad it's a Monday, and I'm glad it's a little slow, but I'm going to make it a productive day, because I always feel my best when I'm doing some kind of work with my hands.
So, may your Monday also be a productive one. :)
Cheers.
Here's the Quote of the Day:
"Begin gradually - do not trust yourself, do not depend on your own understanding. Reject your own will, and the Lord will give you true understanding."
~ St. Macarius of Optina
Today is not that Monday. Although it began late for me (10:30ish), I got up with the intention of getting my running for the day accomplished only to find that we had forgotten to take the carseat base out of Caleb's car last night. This wasn't as much of a bummer to me as it should be. Running is wonderful, but my knees are a bit sore, and I won't mind postponing it to tonight once Caleb gets home.
Also, said hubby accidentally left his phone today, which means that although I won't be receiving any very enjoyed calls from him, I will be playing with his phone. :) (It is an iphone 4.)
Along with coming home from an out-of-town weekend (this time it was Cincinnati to visit my family,) comes the mess of dumped contents from the car all over the living room. I'm going to straighten it all up and get several loads of laundry done too. That will definitely justify my not running this morning. It might also cover for my watching some favorite shows....
Thank goodness the kitchen is clean.
Cillian is taking a nap finally, and now I have the house to myself, some work to get done and a motivation. Good day so far!
I also need to knit a good deal today if I want to finish this scarf I'm making for a present. I ended up unraveling all of what I'd done (about 8 or 9 inches worth) since one of the needles slipped out and I couldn't figure out how to correct it.... bleagh. It was disheartening. But now it's going to be perfect. Absolutely perfect. No mess-ups whatsoever.
Now, the grocery shopping still needs to be done... and I'm unfortunately going to have to wait on that one until Caleb is home, which means we'll most likely make an evening family trip of it. I could probably start a grocery list.
I'm glad it's a Monday, and I'm glad it's a little slow, but I'm going to make it a productive day, because I always feel my best when I'm doing some kind of work with my hands.
So, may your Monday also be a productive one. :)
Cheers.
Here's the Quote of the Day:
"Begin gradually - do not trust yourself, do not depend on your own understanding. Reject your own will, and the Lord will give you true understanding."
~ St. Macarius of Optina
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Sparta, Here I Come...
Ok, so I'm not and probably never will run 150 miles like the legendary Phidippides did to Sparta and back (and yes, I did look up his name...) but boy, am I sore today.
Last night's workout was good, and I can really tell I've got muscles now. My ankles and knees are feeling particularly stressed. I try to keep telling myself that my body isn't used to running with 40 extra pounds and that is probably contributing to my joints feeling strained. I love this complete body burn though. It feels really nice. And it means something is working. I can feel it in my arms and torso (mostly the oblique ab muscles), and in my hips and calves and ankles.
Watch out people. I'm becoming a runner.
I finally have some sneakers to run in, which is very helpful in making me motivated to hit the treadmill. I had been running in some brown, kind of hiking shoes. Definitely not enough arch support with those. But now I have some running shoes - they're not very good - but they are running shoes, and a pretty good sports bra which makes me feel nice and athletic. It's so tempting to splurge a bunch of money on running things now. It's amazing how wearing cool running clothes can have such an effect on one's motivation.
I'm very much looking forward to today's workout, which is simply the 30-minute walk. I think I'll take Cillian outside in the stroller. He loves going for walks and it looks like it will be the perfect day outside.
Alright. The dreaded weekly weigh-in... The numbers are higher than I'd like - 170.4. But there you go - I'm aiming to lose thirty pounds and get down to what I think will be a healthy 140 for now.
I don't really feel like doing anything productive today. Breakfast was really nice this morning, but I'm still pretty sleepy. I really just want to schlep around today and not do anything but watch Eureka (a sci-fi kind of show I like that is on Instant Play Netflix - dangerous...), eat, and play with Cillian. I think the fact that hearing him sleeping over the monitor is also factoring in to my being a bit groggy.
But there is laundry to finish, a kitchen to straighten up, there's always some tidying up that can be done in our bedroom and in the living room... Schlep.
Cillian is making cute little drowsy yawning sounds over the monitor.
Schlep.
Gracious, I think I might just take a little nap. I'll sign out by giving you the Quote of the Day:
"Marriage is the key of moderation and the harmony of the desires, the seal of a deep friendship... the unique drink from a fountain enclosed, inaccessible to those without. United in the flesh, one in spirit, they urge each other on by the goad of their mutual love. For marriage does not remove God, but brings all closer to Him, for it is God Himself who draws us to it."
~ St. Gregory the Theologian (from "Preserve Them, O Lord" by Fr. John Mack)
That is one of my very favorite depictions of what marriage looks like.
Last night's workout was good, and I can really tell I've got muscles now. My ankles and knees are feeling particularly stressed. I try to keep telling myself that my body isn't used to running with 40 extra pounds and that is probably contributing to my joints feeling strained. I love this complete body burn though. It feels really nice. And it means something is working. I can feel it in my arms and torso (mostly the oblique ab muscles), and in my hips and calves and ankles.
Watch out people. I'm becoming a runner.
I finally have some sneakers to run in, which is very helpful in making me motivated to hit the treadmill. I had been running in some brown, kind of hiking shoes. Definitely not enough arch support with those. But now I have some running shoes - they're not very good - but they are running shoes, and a pretty good sports bra which makes me feel nice and athletic. It's so tempting to splurge a bunch of money on running things now. It's amazing how wearing cool running clothes can have such an effect on one's motivation.
I'm very much looking forward to today's workout, which is simply the 30-minute walk. I think I'll take Cillian outside in the stroller. He loves going for walks and it looks like it will be the perfect day outside.
Alright. The dreaded weekly weigh-in... The numbers are higher than I'd like - 170.4. But there you go - I'm aiming to lose thirty pounds and get down to what I think will be a healthy 140 for now.
I don't really feel like doing anything productive today. Breakfast was really nice this morning, but I'm still pretty sleepy. I really just want to schlep around today and not do anything but watch Eureka (a sci-fi kind of show I like that is on Instant Play Netflix - dangerous...), eat, and play with Cillian. I think the fact that hearing him sleeping over the monitor is also factoring in to my being a bit groggy.
But there is laundry to finish, a kitchen to straighten up, there's always some tidying up that can be done in our bedroom and in the living room... Schlep.
Cillian is making cute little drowsy yawning sounds over the monitor.
Schlep.
Gracious, I think I might just take a little nap. I'll sign out by giving you the Quote of the Day:
"Marriage is the key of moderation and the harmony of the desires, the seal of a deep friendship... the unique drink from a fountain enclosed, inaccessible to those without. United in the flesh, one in spirit, they urge each other on by the goad of their mutual love. For marriage does not remove God, but brings all closer to Him, for it is God Himself who draws us to it."
~ St. Gregory the Theologian (from "Preserve Them, O Lord" by Fr. John Mack)
That is one of my very favorite depictions of what marriage looks like.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
New
I did something dramatic yesterday.
For about a month or two, I've been contemplating the idea of a different haircut. For those of you who don't see me on a regular or local basis, it's gotten pretty long - about mid-back length. I've been growing it out for almost two and a half years from a short haircut (one that I loved, but was quite short.) I'd been torn between cutting it shorter or keeping it long through the winter at least, since it's taken so long to grow out to the length I love.
But... a couple days ago, I was really thinking about the pros - shorter hair wouldn't be a grabbing factor for Cillian, it would be quicker to wash, quicker to style, easier to look good without doing anything... the list was too great to ignore.
So, yesterday I called to see if I could get an appointment the same day, and they scheduled me for an hour later. I started getting excited fast. S came over and watched Cillian for me and I went over to get it cut.
It's adorable. I have half the hair I did before, as I was able to donate what I had (8 in.) to Locks of Love, which I always like doing if I have enough. So now, the length skims my shoulders, and I have a cute fringe of bangs that can be worn either swept to the side or straight in the middle. I absolutely love it. It's a good young mommy haircut. Cute and comfortable, functional and easy.
Some other updates...
Cillian is a bouncing 4 months old now, and he has started grabbing his knees and his feet, which both Caleb and I have been excitedly anticipating! So that's a really fun milestone. He has also started blowing raspberries, bubbles, and anything vocal involving his tongue and excessive drooling. :P
He has gotten increasingly wiggly and squirmy, trying to get out of any kind of restraint if he gets bored. It's funny to see how far he can scoot himself out of his swing (when stationary). He's a great little jokester and loves to laugh - I love that he's an easy baby. (But I'm scared that I'm getting spoiled with just how easy he is!!)
No teeth yet, but I'm sure they're coming. He had his four month check up today and is now a whopping 15.7 pounds! I knew my biceps were feeling a little stronger...
Another something new...
We're gradually adding to our living room and now have some nice wine colored sheers hung up (thanks to my beloved handyman.) They look really nice. Caleb and I also got a couple new pillows to tie all of our living room colors in, so now our theme is kind of fall-like with the wine color, a sage green, gold and tan. I really like it. It feels like home to me.
The running is going well! I've managed to stay dedicated for almost a week and a half now. And I'm up to running three minutes/walking one minute today. Last night the two minute run/one minute walk completely wore me out. I'd even go as far as to say that it nearly killed me. But tonight, it wasn't so bad because the TV happened to be on when I got to the gym. Surprising how well having something to watch helps! I'm beginning to love my cold showers after these workouts.
Eating is going preeeeetty well. Unfortunately, I got a little off-track this weekend since we were out of town visiting Caleb's brother and his family in Carbondale, PA. It was a really fun weekend, but I definitely didn't watch my eating as well as I could have. So now I'm back to breakfasts with my Kelebs and lunches consisting of one huge salad. And no dessert. That's been easier than I would have thought. Especially with my being an ice cream addict.
Weight update will come tomorrow. It's always best to weigh oneself in the mornings. ;)
Here's the Quote of the Day:
This one always gets a good chuckle out of me.
"Bigamy is having one wife too many. Monogamy is the same."
~ Oscar Wilde
For about a month or two, I've been contemplating the idea of a different haircut. For those of you who don't see me on a regular or local basis, it's gotten pretty long - about mid-back length. I've been growing it out for almost two and a half years from a short haircut (one that I loved, but was quite short.) I'd been torn between cutting it shorter or keeping it long through the winter at least, since it's taken so long to grow out to the length I love.
But... a couple days ago, I was really thinking about the pros - shorter hair wouldn't be a grabbing factor for Cillian, it would be quicker to wash, quicker to style, easier to look good without doing anything... the list was too great to ignore.
So, yesterday I called to see if I could get an appointment the same day, and they scheduled me for an hour later. I started getting excited fast. S came over and watched Cillian for me and I went over to get it cut.
It's adorable. I have half the hair I did before, as I was able to donate what I had (8 in.) to Locks of Love, which I always like doing if I have enough. So now, the length skims my shoulders, and I have a cute fringe of bangs that can be worn either swept to the side or straight in the middle. I absolutely love it. It's a good young mommy haircut. Cute and comfortable, functional and easy.
Some other updates...
Cillian is a bouncing 4 months old now, and he has started grabbing his knees and his feet, which both Caleb and I have been excitedly anticipating! So that's a really fun milestone. He has also started blowing raspberries, bubbles, and anything vocal involving his tongue and excessive drooling. :P
He has gotten increasingly wiggly and squirmy, trying to get out of any kind of restraint if he gets bored. It's funny to see how far he can scoot himself out of his swing (when stationary). He's a great little jokester and loves to laugh - I love that he's an easy baby. (But I'm scared that I'm getting spoiled with just how easy he is!!)
No teeth yet, but I'm sure they're coming. He had his four month check up today and is now a whopping 15.7 pounds! I knew my biceps were feeling a little stronger...
Another something new...
We're gradually adding to our living room and now have some nice wine colored sheers hung up (thanks to my beloved handyman.) They look really nice. Caleb and I also got a couple new pillows to tie all of our living room colors in, so now our theme is kind of fall-like with the wine color, a sage green, gold and tan. I really like it. It feels like home to me.
The running is going well! I've managed to stay dedicated for almost a week and a half now. And I'm up to running three minutes/walking one minute today. Last night the two minute run/one minute walk completely wore me out. I'd even go as far as to say that it nearly killed me. But tonight, it wasn't so bad because the TV happened to be on when I got to the gym. Surprising how well having something to watch helps! I'm beginning to love my cold showers after these workouts.
Eating is going preeeeetty well. Unfortunately, I got a little off-track this weekend since we were out of town visiting Caleb's brother and his family in Carbondale, PA. It was a really fun weekend, but I definitely didn't watch my eating as well as I could have. So now I'm back to breakfasts with my Kelebs and lunches consisting of one huge salad. And no dessert. That's been easier than I would have thought. Especially with my being an ice cream addict.
Weight update will come tomorrow. It's always best to weigh oneself in the mornings. ;)
Here's the Quote of the Day:
This one always gets a good chuckle out of me.
"Bigamy is having one wife too many. Monogamy is the same."
~ Oscar Wilde
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