OK, I have never, EVER, pretended that coordination is one of my strengths. There is too much evidence to the contrary. Me and Dance, Dance Revolution resembles more the flailing of arms and legs than dancing, but I am trying. I tried gymnastics when I was growing up but that didn't last too long - I believe at the instructor's request, not mine.
But I am a dreamer. And I'm thinking about following a dream.
I always wanted to take dance when I was younger. All my friends seem to do it but I never did. I told my sister years ago that I wanted to find a ballet class - for adults. I think when she stopped laughing she realized I was serious.
I have found one. I think I will start the second week of September, after we get back from vacation.
I spoke to the instructor several years ago when we were both working on "Chicago" at the Natchez Little Theatre. She was the choreographer and ran the sound; I was the lighting technician. So we had some time to chat up in the booth. I told her about my dream and she let me know that I was not alone and she was actually surprised by how many adults had contacted her about holding a class.
I found out, second-hand via Facebook, that she is holding one right now and I am welcome to join it.
So I'm thinking about it. I keep saying that you have to surprise your body every now and then and try new things, work different muscle groups, stretch your limits. Maybe a ballet barre will be just what I need - for now.
And I can say I did it.
That is one of my favorite phrases.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
Living Life, Learning Lessons
Sorry to the Random Thought readers but this one seemed to work for this blog as well.
When I was in the 6Th grade the President, Jimmy Carter I believe, started promoting a new fitness program for youth. Part of the program was a test at the end. You had to run a specified distance, throw a softball and hang from a chin bar (boys had to do pull ups).
I was fairly "sickly" (as the old folks would say) as a child. Sometimes going outside to play could very literally be a matter of life and death. I remember many times being rushed to the doctor after just a regular afternoon of being out.
So, the fitness test seemed to be pretty much out of the question for me.
Now, the rewards for all this "fitness" were patches. Not sure where you were supposed to put the patches but there was white for the third level, red for the second level and the Presidential medal for the top level. Your level was determined based on how fast you could run, how far you could throw and how long you could hang.
I really couldn't do any of the three.
And the prospects of achieving of these skills in a really short period of time were fairly nonexistent.
My 12 year old brain thought surely if my doctor explained to the teacher that I couldn't physically participate then I would be excused and there had to be patch for that.
Had to be.
That was 30 years ago. In today's society I probably would have been correct. Now everyone gets a reward just for participating. (Some of you may argue with me but you know deep down that I'm right.)
But my 12 year old brain didn't think it was fair to be "punished" for something that I couldn't do. It wasn't that I didn't want to or wasn't trying, I just couldn't.
To both my parents' credit, they agreed to let me "train". This had to be hard for them. I'm sure that every time Daddy and I went to the high school track for me to run 40 yards or we went out in the front yard to throw the softball they probably held their collective breaths. A parents' first instinct is to protect their child and those asthma attacks could sneak up almost without warning.
And inhalers for kids weren't invented yet.
Daddy and I worked for whatever time we had, maybe a month or so, and then the big day came.
And I did it.
I earned a white patch.
I doubt there were any extra seconds on the run or the hang and no extra inches on the softball throw, but I did meet the minimum requirements.
I had achieved what I didn't think I could.
This story occurred to me as I was jogging the other day.
Yes, I said it - jogging. She who couldn't run to the corner and back can almost run a mile and half now.
And I thought to myself, what if I'd been allowed to just get a patch for participating? What if Mom and Dad hadn't been willing to let me try? I'm sure one asthma attack would have put a stop that. What if I'd been willing to settle, to not push myself?
What are children learning today - those that don't get to keep score so no one loses, those who all get a reward no matter what they do or don't do? They may not ever learn to see what is on the other side, to see what all they are capable of, to know the real feeling of accomplishment.
And I think that's kind of sad. Everyone needs a goal. We need to be able to handle defeat and feel the pride of achievement. Because life is full of both. We all need to push ourselves a little and expand our boundaries and horizons. Not just always accept the situation on its face but work to do things better or differently. Challenge ourselves.
What is life without a challenge?
I hope I never find out.
When I was in the 6Th grade the President, Jimmy Carter I believe, started promoting a new fitness program for youth. Part of the program was a test at the end. You had to run a specified distance, throw a softball and hang from a chin bar (boys had to do pull ups).
I was fairly "sickly" (as the old folks would say) as a child. Sometimes going outside to play could very literally be a matter of life and death. I remember many times being rushed to the doctor after just a regular afternoon of being out.
So, the fitness test seemed to be pretty much out of the question for me.
Now, the rewards for all this "fitness" were patches. Not sure where you were supposed to put the patches but there was white for the third level, red for the second level and the Presidential medal for the top level. Your level was determined based on how fast you could run, how far you could throw and how long you could hang.
I really couldn't do any of the three.
And the prospects of achieving of these skills in a really short period of time were fairly nonexistent.
My 12 year old brain thought surely if my doctor explained to the teacher that I couldn't physically participate then I would be excused and there had to be patch for that.
Had to be.
That was 30 years ago. In today's society I probably would have been correct. Now everyone gets a reward just for participating. (Some of you may argue with me but you know deep down that I'm right.)
But my 12 year old brain didn't think it was fair to be "punished" for something that I couldn't do. It wasn't that I didn't want to or wasn't trying, I just couldn't.
To both my parents' credit, they agreed to let me "train". This had to be hard for them. I'm sure that every time Daddy and I went to the high school track for me to run 40 yards or we went out in the front yard to throw the softball they probably held their collective breaths. A parents' first instinct is to protect their child and those asthma attacks could sneak up almost without warning.
And inhalers for kids weren't invented yet.
Daddy and I worked for whatever time we had, maybe a month or so, and then the big day came.
And I did it.
I earned a white patch.
I doubt there were any extra seconds on the run or the hang and no extra inches on the softball throw, but I did meet the minimum requirements.
I had achieved what I didn't think I could.
This story occurred to me as I was jogging the other day.
Yes, I said it - jogging. She who couldn't run to the corner and back can almost run a mile and half now.
And I thought to myself, what if I'd been allowed to just get a patch for participating? What if Mom and Dad hadn't been willing to let me try? I'm sure one asthma attack would have put a stop that. What if I'd been willing to settle, to not push myself?
What are children learning today - those that don't get to keep score so no one loses, those who all get a reward no matter what they do or don't do? They may not ever learn to see what is on the other side, to see what all they are capable of, to know the real feeling of accomplishment.
And I think that's kind of sad. Everyone needs a goal. We need to be able to handle defeat and feel the pride of achievement. Because life is full of both. We all need to push ourselves a little and expand our boundaries and horizons. Not just always accept the situation on its face but work to do things better or differently. Challenge ourselves.
What is life without a challenge?
I hope I never find out.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Alphabet Soup
Some of the benefits of exercise
E Endorphins, which bring
X X-tra
E Energy for
R Reducing
C Calories and
I Increasing
S Self-
E Esteem
Robert Frost and Lord Byron I am not.
Have a great day!
E Endorphins, which bring
X X-tra
E Energy for
R Reducing
C Calories and
I Increasing
S Self-
E Esteem
Robert Frost and Lord Byron I am not.
Have a great day!
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow
I am the world's biggest pack rat. Huge! Billy has threatened, and actually tried, to get rid of some of my stuff when I'm not home. I came home one day and found a bunch of stuff out on the curb waiting for the trash pickup and went in the house and asked if we were moving.
That is what it looked like.
This time, it is by choice.
My closet has been the project of 2009. Its origin was the back porch of the house that was closed in. A single light bulb was added, shag carpet installed and paneling on the walls. Which is to say that it has not been updated, obviously, since the 70s.
So, demolition started in January. Billy likes to work on demolition projects during my busy season. Makes the time pass for him or something. The thought was that when I freed up I could help with the design and reconstruction. So I pulled all my clothes out of the closet and stacked them up around the guest bedroom (yes, my closet is in the guest bedroom. Houses built in 1893 did not come with closets) and there they have sat. This was an unusual year and my busy season didn't end in March but extended until July.
I have a lot of clothes. I'm a pack rat. I can give you the history behind just about every article of clothing and why I'm still holding on to it.
Until today.
My sister-in-law will need to sleep in that room when she comes to help out with the puppy-sitting when we go on vacation later this month (my mother-in-law sleeps in our room). There is MUCH to be done in the next two weeks.
So I bit the bullet. I took a long, hard look at the clothes.
Most of them are way too big now. Most of them are old - still in good condition, but dated.
Here is my second problem, and part of what leads into me being a pack rat. I hate to shop. Hate it. Have for most of my life.
Today I decided that the closet will be my incentive. I've worked very hard achieving a major accomplishment. I am going to have new, bright, clean closet and it is only fair that there are some new clothes in it. And if I get rid of all the stuff that doesn't fit, and isn't worth having altered to fit (like my work suits are), then I have incentive to keep the weight off.
Because if I have to shop I only want to do it once.
That is what it looked like.
This time, it is by choice.
My closet has been the project of 2009. Its origin was the back porch of the house that was closed in. A single light bulb was added, shag carpet installed and paneling on the walls. Which is to say that it has not been updated, obviously, since the 70s.
So, demolition started in January. Billy likes to work on demolition projects during my busy season. Makes the time pass for him or something. The thought was that when I freed up I could help with the design and reconstruction. So I pulled all my clothes out of the closet and stacked them up around the guest bedroom (yes, my closet is in the guest bedroom. Houses built in 1893 did not come with closets) and there they have sat. This was an unusual year and my busy season didn't end in March but extended until July.
I have a lot of clothes. I'm a pack rat. I can give you the history behind just about every article of clothing and why I'm still holding on to it.
Until today.
My sister-in-law will need to sleep in that room when she comes to help out with the puppy-sitting when we go on vacation later this month (my mother-in-law sleeps in our room). There is MUCH to be done in the next two weeks.
So I bit the bullet. I took a long, hard look at the clothes.
Most of them are way too big now. Most of them are old - still in good condition, but dated.
Here is my second problem, and part of what leads into me being a pack rat. I hate to shop. Hate it. Have for most of my life.
Today I decided that the closet will be my incentive. I've worked very hard achieving a major accomplishment. I am going to have new, bright, clean closet and it is only fair that there are some new clothes in it. And if I get rid of all the stuff that doesn't fit, and isn't worth having altered to fit (like my work suits are), then I have incentive to keep the weight off.
Because if I have to shop I only want to do it once.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Simple Steps to Live Stress Free
This was the Denise Austin newsletter this morning. I liked it and thought I would share. One of the tips is about rewarding yourself, but not with food.
I caught a little flak about my confession the other day. Emotional eating with a healthy snack like Cheerios rather than ice cream was viewed as not really being all that bad. Not much of a confession.
OK. The lesson there, I guess, is two-fold. One, try not to give into emotional eating at all. Use exercise or any one of the tips listed below to try and relieve the stress being caused by the situation. Two, keep relatively healthy snacks on hand so that if you do give in to the emotion and eat you can at least minimize the damage.
So, I was not proud of the act but I was proud that I have developed some better habits so that the snacks I have around are not just pure junk food.
Better?
Had a run-in with your boss or a fight with your sister - and can't stop thinking about it? Are you overloaded with projects at work and errands at home? Our lives are jam-packed with stress - and that can take a toll on our body and health. Long-term uncontrolled stress can cause chronic conditions like high blood pressure, headaches, and ulcers. Stress can also weaken your body's natural defenses so you're likely to get sick more often.
You don't have to live with stress! There are so many simple ways to cut stress and take back control of your life.
Say no!
If you don't have time for or can't realistically accomplish someone's request without straining yourself, do not agree to it. In most cases, people will understand that you need to put yourself first. If you can't say no to your boss, for example, try not to take on more than you know you can handle.
Set priorities.
We don't always have the luxury of saying no to daily tasks, so stay organized by making a list of everything you need to do. Prioritize your list so you can take care of the most vital items first.
Stay positive!
Stress is not inevitable; it's the way your body reacts to the situation you're in, so it's completely controllable. Keep yourself calm by maintaining a positive attitude. It helps to choose an inspiriting mantra that you can repeat to yourself or image that you can visualize.
Burn off your stress!
Go for a brisk walk or bike ride, or lift weights to let off some steam. Exercise causes the body to release endorphins - chemicals that help you feel better - which help reduce your stress level.
Practice deep breathing.
When we get stressed out, our breathing tends to speed up. So take a break and sit somewhere comfortable and quiet to focus on taking deep breaths, inhaling and exhaling slowly. Playing soft music can enhance the calming effect.
Treat yourself!
If you had an unusually stressful day or just finished a big, stressful project, go ahead and reward yourself! Not with food, of course, but with something that will help you relax. How about a pedicure or massage, a long bubble bath, or a great book you can curl up with?
Reach out to others.
We can't do it all alone, so don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it. A co-worker or supervisor may be able to shed light on a work problem, while your spouse or kids can pitch in to help with household stresses. Even if you must take care of some task or problem yourself, it still helps to talk it over with a friend.
There's no reason to be bogged down by stress for another day. There are seven stress-busting strategies here - put one of them to work every day in the coming week!
No, go out and enjoy the weekend!
I caught a little flak about my confession the other day. Emotional eating with a healthy snack like Cheerios rather than ice cream was viewed as not really being all that bad. Not much of a confession.
OK. The lesson there, I guess, is two-fold. One, try not to give into emotional eating at all. Use exercise or any one of the tips listed below to try and relieve the stress being caused by the situation. Two, keep relatively healthy snacks on hand so that if you do give in to the emotion and eat you can at least minimize the damage.
So, I was not proud of the act but I was proud that I have developed some better habits so that the snacks I have around are not just pure junk food.
Better?
Had a run-in with your boss or a fight with your sister - and can't stop thinking about it? Are you overloaded with projects at work and errands at home? Our lives are jam-packed with stress - and that can take a toll on our body and health. Long-term uncontrolled stress can cause chronic conditions like high blood pressure, headaches, and ulcers. Stress can also weaken your body's natural defenses so you're likely to get sick more often.
You don't have to live with stress! There are so many simple ways to cut stress and take back control of your life.
Say no!
If you don't have time for or can't realistically accomplish someone's request without straining yourself, do not agree to it. In most cases, people will understand that you need to put yourself first. If you can't say no to your boss, for example, try not to take on more than you know you can handle.
Set priorities.
We don't always have the luxury of saying no to daily tasks, so stay organized by making a list of everything you need to do. Prioritize your list so you can take care of the most vital items first.
Stay positive!
Stress is not inevitable; it's the way your body reacts to the situation you're in, so it's completely controllable. Keep yourself calm by maintaining a positive attitude. It helps to choose an inspiriting mantra that you can repeat to yourself or image that you can visualize.
Burn off your stress!
Go for a brisk walk or bike ride, or lift weights to let off some steam. Exercise causes the body to release endorphins - chemicals that help you feel better - which help reduce your stress level.
Practice deep breathing.
When we get stressed out, our breathing tends to speed up. So take a break and sit somewhere comfortable and quiet to focus on taking deep breaths, inhaling and exhaling slowly. Playing soft music can enhance the calming effect.
Treat yourself!
If you had an unusually stressful day or just finished a big, stressful project, go ahead and reward yourself! Not with food, of course, but with something that will help you relax. How about a pedicure or massage, a long bubble bath, or a great book you can curl up with?
Reach out to others.
We can't do it all alone, so don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it. A co-worker or supervisor may be able to shed light on a work problem, while your spouse or kids can pitch in to help with household stresses. Even if you must take care of some task or problem yourself, it still helps to talk it over with a friend.
There's no reason to be bogged down by stress for another day. There are seven stress-busting strategies here - put one of them to work every day in the coming week!
No, go out and enjoy the weekend!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Confession
As Darla said in her other blog, confession is good for the soul.
I gave in to emotional eating today.
There. It's out there.
My boss/partner upset me this morning and it bothered me. So I reached for a snack. Emotional eating. On the plus side, it was a bag of Cheerios Snack Mix so it really wasn't all that unhealthy in and of itself, but still...
Normally I would take a walk around the block or do something like that to "shake it off" but I was fairly confined to my desk today working on some deadlines so it was easier to just open the drawer and grab a handful of snack mix.
Lesson One: don't keep the snack mix in the desk drawer.
Lesson Two: do what you know is right and don't look to food to solve the problem.
Lesson Three: shake it off and don't repeat the process tomorrow.
There. Feel better already.
I gave in to emotional eating today.
There. It's out there.
My boss/partner upset me this morning and it bothered me. So I reached for a snack. Emotional eating. On the plus side, it was a bag of Cheerios Snack Mix so it really wasn't all that unhealthy in and of itself, but still...
Normally I would take a walk around the block or do something like that to "shake it off" but I was fairly confined to my desk today working on some deadlines so it was easier to just open the drawer and grab a handful of snack mix.
Lesson One: don't keep the snack mix in the desk drawer.
Lesson Two: do what you know is right and don't look to food to solve the problem.
Lesson Three: shake it off and don't repeat the process tomorrow.
There. Feel better already.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
The Secret
Move More, Eat Less
That, my friends, in a nutshell, seems to be the secret that everyone is searching for.
Sounds simple enough.
Four small words.
Easy concept.
But, oh so tough sometimes.
I seem to have had a lot of people noticing lately the weight loss. People around town that I haven't seen in a while and so forth. So I have had to answer the question quite a bit lately "How did you do it?"
I think most of them are a little disappointed that I didn't join Weight Watchers (very big thing to do around here) or have any medical procedures. I think people really are looking for a quick fix and it just isn't out there. Taking control of your life and health is work and it has to be treated as such. It is your job and no one can do it for you.
Much as we'd like them sometimes.
You have to face every day and make choices - about what you'll eat, how much you'll eat, what kind of exercise will fit into your day and so forth.
It isn't easy. It isn't always pretty.
But anything worth doing is worth doing well.
So go for it.
And remember. Even at your real job you sometimes have a casual day or a work day or some kind of day out of the normal routine. You'll have these days in this also. Days where you don't make the healthiest choices. But, just like in real life, your same job is still waiting on you the next day and if you slip a little one day with this then you just get right back on the program the next day.
You can do it!
That, my friends, in a nutshell, seems to be the secret that everyone is searching for.
Sounds simple enough.
Four small words.
Easy concept.
But, oh so tough sometimes.
I seem to have had a lot of people noticing lately the weight loss. People around town that I haven't seen in a while and so forth. So I have had to answer the question quite a bit lately "How did you do it?"
I think most of them are a little disappointed that I didn't join Weight Watchers (very big thing to do around here) or have any medical procedures. I think people really are looking for a quick fix and it just isn't out there. Taking control of your life and health is work and it has to be treated as such. It is your job and no one can do it for you.
Much as we'd like them sometimes.
You have to face every day and make choices - about what you'll eat, how much you'll eat, what kind of exercise will fit into your day and so forth.
It isn't easy. It isn't always pretty.
But anything worth doing is worth doing well.
So go for it.
And remember. Even at your real job you sometimes have a casual day or a work day or some kind of day out of the normal routine. You'll have these days in this also. Days where you don't make the healthiest choices. But, just like in real life, your same job is still waiting on you the next day and if you slip a little one day with this then you just get right back on the program the next day.
You can do it!
Monday, August 3, 2009
Before and After - Part 2
I wouldn't do this for just anyone, but I think you guys can handle it.
Class of 1984, 20th High School Reunion
Class of 1984, 25th High School Reunion
Proof positive that you can make any changes or do anything you want to. There was nothing wrong with the 2004 "me" in the picture but the 2009 "me" is very different. So all I'm saying is that you need to love yourself no matter what, but if you do want to make some changes let NOTHING stop you. Not age, not anything.
YOU CAN DO IT!!!
Now, go have a great day!
<
Class of 1984, 20th High School Reunion
Class of 1984, 25th High School Reunion
Proof positive that you can make any changes or do anything you want to. There was nothing wrong with the 2004 "me" in the picture but the 2009 "me" is very different. So all I'm saying is that you need to love yourself no matter what, but if you do want to make some changes let NOTHING stop you. Not age, not anything.
YOU CAN DO IT!!!
Now, go have a great day!
<
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