Is it Monday now? I think I blinked. If this past weekend is any indication of how this next month will start rolling I better pick up my pace. It went fast. It was Friday afternoon and then, well, then, it's now. Monday morning.
I could go back to see what I did...
Saturday morning...ran a 5K, came home, showered, wrote a bit, got a call from Dante and went out to lunch with everyone (Dante, Sonny, Selma and the little guy). It was great! Then...Oh!...we went to check on some suits. We were just going to look but it turned out Sonny and Dante both were able to find some really nice suits for the price even with some alterations. They are going to look so good. I think maybe that was when the time started rolling faster. It might have been 4:30 by then. Home again...then catch up on what I didn't do during the day.
Sunday morning...did a long run, came home, showered, wrote a bit. Sounds a bit like Saturday. Grabbed a late breakfast and then actually slowed down and read for a while. Then I trudged over and started working on Jay's bookkeeping. I will finish soon. I only have three more months of data input so I can close out last year and get the taxes done. Luckily all my reports are balanced and it goes fairly quickly. I can't wait to get that out of the way.
So now...Monday morning. Up, dressed, checking e-mail, having coffee, then to work. Get a run in this afternoon, maybe tackle the bookkeeping again, read...Whoa, wait.
It's going so fast.
TT
Monday, February 28, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
A little proud
It's just coming up on 9:30am this Sunday morning and I can delightfully say I've already had a run, shower and coffee. It's not a bad way to start a Sunday morning. Wait. I should say what a great way to start a Sunday morning!
I know, I know. You've already x'd out the site because you know I am going to say something about running. Righto, you got it. But only briefly if you dare stay with me. I figured I needed to get my long run for this week done since it would be hard during the week. Six miles, today, done, check. I just kept wiping my mind clear of anything except just run and also how I thought my main characters in my fiction story should be moving closer a little faster and how I might correct that. I think it helped the run. I'm sure it will help the story.
So I hung another medal on my wall. It was never supposed to become that. Some kind of - what, I'm not sure - trophy display? I don't feel like my running times are even good in comparison with other runners but when I said that last night Jay got after me a little.
"You just won't accept how well you have done - even when you get a medal to prove it."
I guess not. Don't know why. Yes, it's nice, it's great. But then I wasn't doing it for the medal. I wasn't supposed to get a medal. But I''ll take it and be a little proud of it and try not make it more, or more importantly for me, less than what it is.
Now I think I'll spend some time on my fiction. It's still quiet out and the ideas are still fresh in my mind. I believe it will be good positive time to just write. I'm a little proud of that, too.
TT
I know, I know. You've already x'd out the site because you know I am going to say something about running. Righto, you got it. But only briefly if you dare stay with me. I figured I needed to get my long run for this week done since it would be hard during the week. Six miles, today, done, check. I just kept wiping my mind clear of anything except just run and also how I thought my main characters in my fiction story should be moving closer a little faster and how I might correct that. I think it helped the run. I'm sure it will help the story.
So I hung another medal on my wall. It was never supposed to become that. Some kind of - what, I'm not sure - trophy display? I don't feel like my running times are even good in comparison with other runners but when I said that last night Jay got after me a little.
"You just won't accept how well you have done - even when you get a medal to prove it."
I guess not. Don't know why. Yes, it's nice, it's great. But then I wasn't doing it for the medal. I wasn't supposed to get a medal. But I''ll take it and be a little proud of it and try not make it more, or more importantly for me, less than what it is.
Now I think I'll spend some time on my fiction. It's still quiet out and the ideas are still fresh in my mind. I believe it will be good positive time to just write. I'm a little proud of that, too.
TT
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Not worthy
I ran my second 5K for this year this morning. I did one last Saturday and then again this Saturday. I haven't been training. I haven't even been good about running consistently. I've been a bad girl. I've been a spoiled pooh-pooh girl about getting myself going. I've been brushing it off and not commiting to it.
That might be the reason I signed myself up for these two races the past two Saturdays in a row. It might be the reason I am already signed up for double the distance in two week, away from home, with hotel reservations and vacation days planned to spend time at my personal paradise. It might be the reason because I knew it was going to be hard getting started again.
Now there seems to be another problem. I have set myself up with reason to worry about the fact that I have not been training consistently. That I have not been good about getting myself out to run. That I have been bad and spoiled with my attitude. Wake up, girly girl!
I have two weeks to pull it together. No time to waste. No time like the present.
I have jump started myself with these two races and now I just need to put in the time and the runs and the mental attitude to plow through this next one. It will be double the distance and I am trying to second guess it. I am trying hard but I can't. I won't. My focus now is merely to run. Not to think about how much time I have or even the option of doing it or not doing it but forging ahead and just running.
I wish I could say I knew what I was doing, that it was my plan, when I went ahead with these two 5K's. I didn't. But it worked out anyway.
Last Saturday I ran a 5K that was not pretty and I ended up placing 3rd in my age group in a smaller race. This Saturday, this morning, I ran another 5K with 2000 participants and ended up in 2nd place in my age group and shaved 50 seconds off my time from last week.
It was a great plan if it had actually been one to kick-start me into my next 10K. But it really wasn't and now I have to keep in mind that I don't need to think about anything, especially negative things, except to just run. That will be my plan for the next two weeks. Just run.
Oh, and this business of placing in my age group? Ridiculous.
No. I am not worthy.
TT
That might be the reason I signed myself up for these two races the past two Saturdays in a row. It might be the reason I am already signed up for double the distance in two week, away from home, with hotel reservations and vacation days planned to spend time at my personal paradise. It might be the reason because I knew it was going to be hard getting started again.
Now there seems to be another problem. I have set myself up with reason to worry about the fact that I have not been training consistently. That I have not been good about getting myself out to run. That I have been bad and spoiled with my attitude. Wake up, girly girl!
I have two weeks to pull it together. No time to waste. No time like the present.
I have jump started myself with these two races and now I just need to put in the time and the runs and the mental attitude to plow through this next one. It will be double the distance and I am trying to second guess it. I am trying hard but I can't. I won't. My focus now is merely to run. Not to think about how much time I have or even the option of doing it or not doing it but forging ahead and just running.
I wish I could say I knew what I was doing, that it was my plan, when I went ahead with these two 5K's. I didn't. But it worked out anyway.
Last Saturday I ran a 5K that was not pretty and I ended up placing 3rd in my age group in a smaller race. This Saturday, this morning, I ran another 5K with 2000 participants and ended up in 2nd place in my age group and shaved 50 seconds off my time from last week.
It was a great plan if it had actually been one to kick-start me into my next 10K. But it really wasn't and now I have to keep in mind that I don't need to think about anything, especially negative things, except to just run. That will be my plan for the next two weeks. Just run.
Oh, and this business of placing in my age group? Ridiculous.
No. I am not worthy.
TT
Friday, February 25, 2011
I don't wanna's
I am not sure why but it seems my motivation has dipped when I thought it would leap. Just when all the planets were aligned, when all the obstacles were cleared, when everything could be as close to perfect as it could get, I seem to be having a faded case of the I don't wanna's.
Let's face it. I have another 5K tomorrow morning and I haven't had a run since Monday. I have a 10K in two weeks and I haven't put in one ounce of training. What is causing this indifference? What is triggering this lengthy state of blasé?
Is this a case, dare I say, of over-confidence? Am I thinking, oh yeah...5K-10K...been there, done that!? I think there might be a trace of that going on. A trace, maybe, but I know better. And as time ticks along and my training time gets shorter I have to wonder what I am setting myself up for. Disaster? possibly?
But then of course, my inner runner says, don't be ridiculous, you're going to finish. What else is there to worry about. You've been there, done that.
But confidence can only take me so far in a physical race. I know that and that is what has me perplexed about my current state of mind. So what do I do when my motivation is being hung out to dry?
You would think with all the sunshine I would have already brought in the laundry. Unfortunately, all the cutesy ways I can turn the phrases isn't going to help me in the least when I am needing to pound the pavement. So it's a matter of motivation.
Or is it just a matter of lacing up and going for a run.
TT
Let's face it. I have another 5K tomorrow morning and I haven't had a run since Monday. I have a 10K in two weeks and I haven't put in one ounce of training. What is causing this indifference? What is triggering this lengthy state of blasé?
Is this a case, dare I say, of over-confidence? Am I thinking, oh yeah...5K-10K...been there, done that!? I think there might be a trace of that going on. A trace, maybe, but I know better. And as time ticks along and my training time gets shorter I have to wonder what I am setting myself up for. Disaster? possibly?
But then of course, my inner runner says, don't be ridiculous, you're going to finish. What else is there to worry about. You've been there, done that.
But confidence can only take me so far in a physical race. I know that and that is what has me perplexed about my current state of mind. So what do I do when my motivation is being hung out to dry?
You would think with all the sunshine I would have already brought in the laundry. Unfortunately, all the cutesy ways I can turn the phrases isn't going to help me in the least when I am needing to pound the pavement. So it's a matter of motivation.
Or is it just a matter of lacing up and going for a run.
TT
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Wondrous scent
The company I work for recently decided to install toasters into each of our respective break rooms. I'm not sure how they arrived at the decision that toasters were something we needed right now. I'm not sure. Maybe someone in procurement had an itchy shopping finger from holding back on use with all the recent economic downfalls and thought this could be passed off as an employee benefit and not argue the frivolousness of the purchase. Whatever the reason, we now have shiny, stainless steel, four slot, commercial grade toasters for all to use. I haven't given them much thought (or use) since they arrived.
Then one regular morning I was on my way to fill my cup with coffee before heading back to my desk to start the work day. I pulled the door to the break room open and walked in. I make this trip routinely every day, more than once and wasn't expecting it to be any different from any other day. This day wasn't the same. As I walked through the doorway, just stepping into the room, I was surrounded by the most heavenly scent imaginable.
Now there have been times that I have walked into this room closer to a lunch hour and had a conglomeration of scents accost me from different lunches and microwaved entrees without a second thought. I have had my nostrils aggravated by the combinations of opposing spices being warmed simultaneously but not meant to be eaten together. But this time it was earlier than the lunch hour and these were not scents that prompted me to stop breathing while I entered. This was something inviting. This was something that made me stretch my neck and lift my head to reach the thread of warmth that was being emitted from somewhere, where, in that room.
I tried to follow the scent but soon realized there was nothing left to show of the exact product that had left it's glorious scent behind. I was left with only a clue but not the answer to what had evoked this beginning of a gnawing in my stomach and desire to fill myself with the item that had caused a salivating hunger to start growing in my belly. I am not usually affected by food scents while at work. I am known to be able to sit beside an entire chocolate sheet cake or assorted sweet goodies without a single taste or nod of acknowledgement that it is even there. (I think that is why people always put their goodies close to me - they figure it's safe because I won't eat them). But this unexpected aroma had perked me up. This had left me wanting.
But it was gone and there was left no trace except the lingering fragrance. I got my coffee and went back to my desk.
It may have been a few days later that I had the same experience again. I walked into the break room unexpectedly, smelled the delicious aroma, found no trace and left again not knowing what or who had tempted me this way. I had thoughts of walking in at the exact moment to be able to catch the person that had transformed the normal room into a boutique bakery. I thought I might start pleasant chatter with the person in order to move closer and spy the product that was emitting the wondrous smells. I thought...I thought.
I may never know what exactly that person may have slipped into that fancy toaster. It's been a few weeks since my last experience and I know I will have to accept the fact that I may never encounter that same occurance again.
Well...then...I guess...
I could always bring in my own bread. I mean, really. Anyone can operate a toaster. But it isn't the same as walking in and having that whiff of pleasure already prepared.
Bread. What can I say? Chocolate cake and sweet goodies left by the wayside in preference for the fragrance of warm, toasted bread.
Procurement has no idea what they have done to me.
TT
Then one regular morning I was on my way to fill my cup with coffee before heading back to my desk to start the work day. I pulled the door to the break room open and walked in. I make this trip routinely every day, more than once and wasn't expecting it to be any different from any other day. This day wasn't the same. As I walked through the doorway, just stepping into the room, I was surrounded by the most heavenly scent imaginable.
Now there have been times that I have walked into this room closer to a lunch hour and had a conglomeration of scents accost me from different lunches and microwaved entrees without a second thought. I have had my nostrils aggravated by the combinations of opposing spices being warmed simultaneously but not meant to be eaten together. But this time it was earlier than the lunch hour and these were not scents that prompted me to stop breathing while I entered. This was something inviting. This was something that made me stretch my neck and lift my head to reach the thread of warmth that was being emitted from somewhere, where, in that room.
I tried to follow the scent but soon realized there was nothing left to show of the exact product that had left it's glorious scent behind. I was left with only a clue but not the answer to what had evoked this beginning of a gnawing in my stomach and desire to fill myself with the item that had caused a salivating hunger to start growing in my belly. I am not usually affected by food scents while at work. I am known to be able to sit beside an entire chocolate sheet cake or assorted sweet goodies without a single taste or nod of acknowledgement that it is even there. (I think that is why people always put their goodies close to me - they figure it's safe because I won't eat them). But this unexpected aroma had perked me up. This had left me wanting.
But it was gone and there was left no trace except the lingering fragrance. I got my coffee and went back to my desk.
It may have been a few days later that I had the same experience again. I walked into the break room unexpectedly, smelled the delicious aroma, found no trace and left again not knowing what or who had tempted me this way. I had thoughts of walking in at the exact moment to be able to catch the person that had transformed the normal room into a boutique bakery. I thought I might start pleasant chatter with the person in order to move closer and spy the product that was emitting the wondrous smells. I thought...I thought.
I may never know what exactly that person may have slipped into that fancy toaster. It's been a few weeks since my last experience and I know I will have to accept the fact that I may never encounter that same occurance again.
Well...then...I guess...
I could always bring in my own bread. I mean, really. Anyone can operate a toaster. But it isn't the same as walking in and having that whiff of pleasure already prepared.
Bread. What can I say? Chocolate cake and sweet goodies left by the wayside in preference for the fragrance of warm, toasted bread.
Procurement has no idea what they have done to me.
TT
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Stop now
There is nothing like a morning when you've written four paragraphs, deleted them all, start again (and again) and still have nothing to show.
Better to have written and deleted than never to have written at all?
Stopping now - before it gets more treacherous...
TT
Better to have written and deleted than never to have written at all?
Stopping now - before it gets more treacherous...
TT
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday
It is one of those going back to work after a three day weekend kind of feeling. It feels like a Monday except it's a Tuesday so yesterday felt like a Sunday and now I'm confused that things are just slightly off-center. It didn't seem like a Monday yesterday and I ended up doing a few things that I would normally have done on a Sunday especially late in the day when I was getting my ironing done the way I do on a Sunday afternoon. Maybe that is what sealed the deal on the confusion about the days since I ended yesterday the way I would any other Sunday instead of a Monday and now it is a Tuesday and feels like a Monday.
I don't know if that is a problem or a good thing.
I am going to take it as a good thing. It means I have a four day work week until I get another weekend. That must be a good thing, right? I am usually working ahead in the calendar to schedule meetings so I usually don't really know what today is most of the time anyway, so it won't really make much difference at work and that should make it go quickly (hopefully)!
Okay...I'm searching here, can you tell? I'm not sure what all the positives are for it being Tuesday when it feels like Monday. Or if there were positives when it was Monday and felt like a Sunday. I hope it doesn't get to Thursday and feel like a Friday. There would be nothing positive about that. It would mean the week stretched itself back into a regular five day work week instead of being the four day plan I have ahead of me now.
So, then...I think I will stop now while I am still ahead one day.
TT
I don't know if that is a problem or a good thing.
I am going to take it as a good thing. It means I have a four day work week until I get another weekend. That must be a good thing, right? I am usually working ahead in the calendar to schedule meetings so I usually don't really know what today is most of the time anyway, so it won't really make much difference at work and that should make it go quickly (hopefully)!
Okay...I'm searching here, can you tell? I'm not sure what all the positives are for it being Tuesday when it feels like Monday. Or if there were positives when it was Monday and felt like a Sunday. I hope it doesn't get to Thursday and feel like a Friday. There would be nothing positive about that. It would mean the week stretched itself back into a regular five day work week instead of being the four day plan I have ahead of me now.
So, then...I think I will stop now while I am still ahead one day.
TT
Monday, February 21, 2011
Looking for signs
I am waiting on some light. It is still pitch dark outside and even though it's a holiday I've woken early and have already done a few things...(made coffee, cleaned the kitchen, folded towels, drank coffee). I will probably drink a little more coffee but switch to water soon enough. Probably about the time it turns light outdoors.
I have to wonder if we are having a faux spring. I know I copied a splendid week of weather not too long ago but when I checked again this morning I found this...
I have been absolutely ecstatic about the recent turn in the weather! I am functional again. I am not living to just get through the next few days until it's better but enjoying the today, the tomorrow, and oh, look, look at Friday...it holds all week! It's crazy, I know. I shouldn't be that way, I know. Yet, there is no way to be able to stop, no matter how I try, the sometimes no-so-silent drama that comes with me and cold weather. But we are leaving it behind I believe.
I saw tiny, miniature mounds of dirt along the seams in the sidewalk that ants were pushing out from underneath as I ran yesterday. There are tiny buds starting to form on some of the tips of the branches of trees. I am hearing a few more bird-calls that I wasn't hearing before. I believe these were the signs we went by before we could snip a weather forecast from it's web-site. I believe they might be more accurate if we are willing to pay attention to those things.
But then again, it may be a faux spring and it could turn. I've seen that happen before.
But for now, hopes are high. Feelings are positive and there is a whole lot of outdoors left to check out.
I can't wait to take a look around a little more for everyone this morning once it turns light.
TT
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Not pretty
I knew it wouldn't be pretty. I also knew I felt I had to go.
I had entered a raffle at work over a month ago and won registration to a 5K. I actually entered two separate raffles for two separate 5K's and won both. I didn't expect to win but my idea at the time of entering was if I won, it would force me to run outdoors in February two Saturdays in a row.
The first 5K was this morning and even though I have been able to run outdoors a few times this past week I knew I was off my game. I have been struggling with my stride, my breathing, my distance. I have felt like I am at the beginning again. So I had thoughts last night about the 5K this morning and if I really wanted to even attempt it. But I felt I had to go since I would have robbed someone else of the chance to go since I had won the raffle.
So I got up this morning knowing it was drizzling and knew it wouldn't be pretty. But I was going and I would finish and that would be done.
I found my way downtown and it was a pleasant surprise that they offered parking. I was expecting to have to find and pay for parking but that wasn't the case. Nice surprise. I got there, picked up my packet and put the timer on my shoe. I met up with some others from work that also won the raffle. It was nice to see them. We waited for the starting gun and soon it went off and so did all the gathered runners.
I felt a little better about my stride at the beginning. The thought shot through my mind, 'there, there...my longer stride'...that felt better. I kept up and was going moderately well but then with just 3/4 of a mile left to go I started huffing and puffing. I have been having problems at this same exact point lately. I knew I needed to keep working through it and somehow I was able to get past it with a push right through to the finish line.
I started the race thinking my performance wasn't going to be good but there is something about going through that digital clock of a finish line that does something to me. All my thoughts of not going and not being up to par were dashed away as soon as I ran under that marker.
Am I still needing to work at this? Am I still going to have to re-build my endurance? Am I in for some tough work-outs? Yes, yes and yes. But there will be a finish line at each of those things that I will eventually run through and soon past. Sometimes you just have to make yourself get up and go.
And as negative as I was feeling about this 5K and how much I knew it wouldn't be pretty...well, I don't know how, but I came in 3rd place in my age group.
Go figure.
TT
I had entered a raffle at work over a month ago and won registration to a 5K. I actually entered two separate raffles for two separate 5K's and won both. I didn't expect to win but my idea at the time of entering was if I won, it would force me to run outdoors in February two Saturdays in a row.
The first 5K was this morning and even though I have been able to run outdoors a few times this past week I knew I was off my game. I have been struggling with my stride, my breathing, my distance. I have felt like I am at the beginning again. So I had thoughts last night about the 5K this morning and if I really wanted to even attempt it. But I felt I had to go since I would have robbed someone else of the chance to go since I had won the raffle.
So I got up this morning knowing it was drizzling and knew it wouldn't be pretty. But I was going and I would finish and that would be done.
I found my way downtown and it was a pleasant surprise that they offered parking. I was expecting to have to find and pay for parking but that wasn't the case. Nice surprise. I got there, picked up my packet and put the timer on my shoe. I met up with some others from work that also won the raffle. It was nice to see them. We waited for the starting gun and soon it went off and so did all the gathered runners.
I felt a little better about my stride at the beginning. The thought shot through my mind, 'there, there...my longer stride'...that felt better. I kept up and was going moderately well but then with just 3/4 of a mile left to go I started huffing and puffing. I have been having problems at this same exact point lately. I knew I needed to keep working through it and somehow I was able to get past it with a push right through to the finish line.
I started the race thinking my performance wasn't going to be good but there is something about going through that digital clock of a finish line that does something to me. All my thoughts of not going and not being up to par were dashed away as soon as I ran under that marker.
Am I still needing to work at this? Am I still going to have to re-build my endurance? Am I in for some tough work-outs? Yes, yes and yes. But there will be a finish line at each of those things that I will eventually run through and soon past. Sometimes you just have to make yourself get up and go.
And as negative as I was feeling about this 5K and how much I knew it wouldn't be pretty...well, I don't know how, but I came in 3rd place in my age group.
Go figure.
TT
Friday, February 18, 2011
Go to work
I have to admit I was simply enjoying the morning. Yes, I had to go in to work. It was a Friday before a three-day weekend but it hadn't really sunk into my brain quite yet. Finally, I think I grasped the idea that I would have an extra day off so I sat back in my chair, sipped my coffee and just started to enjoy the morning even though the long weekend didn't officially start until that afternoon.
After a few minutes I realized my eyes had focused on my bulletin board where I have all the index cards of my story characters pinned up. I was reading through some of the notes I had on each and then glanced down at my open binder where I keep my chapter and outline notes.
It made me realize that this is where I work. This really is my desk, the place I can sit, my spot. It's not large but I have made it into what it has become and I can say I really do work here at this spot.
No. Not my day-to-day job but then again maybe it is.
I hadn't been keeping up but I hit 600 posts yesterday and didn't notice it until this morning. That took a bit of work and then I have all these characters I have started to bring to life that are pinned on a bulletin board. I guess I should have been creating more life for them this morning instead of sitting back sipping coffee. But then sometimes it's just good to simply enjoy the morning when you have the chance. I had the chance and took it. I still had time to take notice of the things I have around me, that I have created, that I enjoy.
I promised myself I would commit to the work this year. I knew I would spend time doing things that involved that word (work) and I knew it would be harder some times than others. So it's nice to sit back every once in a while and have a simple morning.
But now it's time for me to go to work.
TT
After a few minutes I realized my eyes had focused on my bulletin board where I have all the index cards of my story characters pinned up. I was reading through some of the notes I had on each and then glanced down at my open binder where I keep my chapter and outline notes.
It made me realize that this is where I work. This really is my desk, the place I can sit, my spot. It's not large but I have made it into what it has become and I can say I really do work here at this spot.
No. Not my day-to-day job but then again maybe it is.
I hadn't been keeping up but I hit 600 posts yesterday and didn't notice it until this morning. That took a bit of work and then I have all these characters I have started to bring to life that are pinned on a bulletin board. I guess I should have been creating more life for them this morning instead of sitting back sipping coffee. But then sometimes it's just good to simply enjoy the morning when you have the chance. I had the chance and took it. I still had time to take notice of the things I have around me, that I have created, that I enjoy.
But now it's time for me to go to work.
TT
Thursday, February 17, 2011
A typo
I had lost myself reading a thread of comments in a forum about (you guessed it) running. It had started out with "my run went like this...how was yours". Each commenter would write about their most recent run. I wasn't participating and the comments were dated but it was interesting to read how other runs had gone for the people that had put up their comments. Okay, okay - well, it was interesting to me.
So I had gotten through a few of the posted comments when I got to one where someone had described their run and then at the end put...but it was on the dreadmill.
I stopped and looked again. I stopped and wondered if it was a typo or if this is what it is commonly called by runners that have a certain distaste for the large cumbersome piece of gym equipment they wouldn't go near if they had any other choice.
I had to stop and think how many times I have called it the dreaded treadmill. I've done that a lot. I've done it recently. I hadn't heard it called that before and it seemed just perfect that it would be called a dreadmill. What a wonderful description and perfect way to conserve letters and words. It is the perfect balance of dread and treadmill. What better way to describe the device that robs you of your natural stride. Dreadmill. Perfection. The perfect word.
Now I didn't see anywhere in all the comments posted anything about inclines. I was naturally surprised since it is something that I encounter every day in my own neighborhood as I am sure others have also. I have been known to call the nasty devils dang inclines. I've done that a lot and I've done it recently. I think since I am willing to thoroughly embrace the use of dreadmill as a new word then I would have no problem with conserving a few more letters and words. I think I will be using the word danclines to describe my dang inclines from now on.
Admittedly, not as good as dreadmill...but then...maybe that was just a typo.
TT
So I had gotten through a few of the posted comments when I got to one where someone had described their run and then at the end put...but it was on the dreadmill.
I stopped and looked again. I stopped and wondered if it was a typo or if this is what it is commonly called by runners that have a certain distaste for the large cumbersome piece of gym equipment they wouldn't go near if they had any other choice.
I had to stop and think how many times I have called it the dreaded treadmill. I've done that a lot. I've done it recently. I hadn't heard it called that before and it seemed just perfect that it would be called a dreadmill. What a wonderful description and perfect way to conserve letters and words. It is the perfect balance of dread and treadmill. What better way to describe the device that robs you of your natural stride. Dreadmill. Perfection. The perfect word.
Now I didn't see anywhere in all the comments posted anything about inclines. I was naturally surprised since it is something that I encounter every day in my own neighborhood as I am sure others have also. I have been known to call the nasty devils dang inclines. I've done that a lot and I've done it recently. I think since I am willing to thoroughly embrace the use of dreadmill as a new word then I would have no problem with conserving a few more letters and words. I think I will be using the word danclines to describe my dang inclines from now on.
Admittedly, not as good as dreadmill...but then...maybe that was just a typo.
TT
The fun begins
This is where the fun begins. Or is it? Is that what you say when you know, deep down, this is going to take a lot of work but it is something that you have been really looking forward to doing? Or is it what you say when you have already done a portion of the work and are finally reaching the point where things should get easier? I guess it could be mean both. It could probably mean even more. Give me a minute and I will think up more but not right now.
I've managed two glorious outdoor runs the past two days and I know I am going to have to put in the work. I can't take away from the amount of enjoyment I am getting out of it but realistically...wow. I am so out of it. I am getting my tail whipped to put it mildly. I am not sure (and of course I will place blame elsewhere) what that treadmill has done to me but! I can't get my stride going right. I am out there moving along and I can feel myself running, running, well running weird. It's like my legs aren't sure of themselves, my breathing is off-kilter, I am having a terrible time with my inclines (dang inclines)! What's up with that? I knew I was going to have to struggle at the beginning again but then, but then...
But nothing really. It's tough right now. I am having to re-build a bit. Did I think I would have this odd, unnatural-like stride starting up again - No - but I'll figure it out.
I'll go out there again and again and get to feeling more like myself and the legs will get more assured, the breathing will become natural and the inclines will even out. There is really no holding back when the breakthrough has begun. It's the moments I have been waiting for. It's here and time to work it out.
So whatever which way I can come up with what it means...this is where the fun begins.
I'm leaving it at that.
TT
I've managed two glorious outdoor runs the past two days and I know I am going to have to put in the work. I can't take away from the amount of enjoyment I am getting out of it but realistically...wow. I am so out of it. I am getting my tail whipped to put it mildly. I am not sure (and of course I will place blame elsewhere) what that treadmill has done to me but! I can't get my stride going right. I am out there moving along and I can feel myself running, running, well running weird. It's like my legs aren't sure of themselves, my breathing is off-kilter, I am having a terrible time with my inclines (dang inclines)! What's up with that? I knew I was going to have to struggle at the beginning again but then, but then...
But nothing really. It's tough right now. I am having to re-build a bit. Did I think I would have this odd, unnatural-like stride starting up again - No - but I'll figure it out.
I'll go out there again and again and get to feeling more like myself and the legs will get more assured, the breathing will become natural and the inclines will even out. There is really no holding back when the breakthrough has begun. It's the moments I have been waiting for. It's here and time to work it out.
So whatever which way I can come up with what it means...this is where the fun begins.
I'm leaving it at that.
TT
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Window gazing
I'm seated with my laptop at my desk facing out the front of the house. I am peering over the top of the screen to search the darkness outside and there isn't a movement to be seen. There is even little to be heard.
You wouldn't believe it but I've actually opened the window a good 6 inches and have a better view of the street directly across from me where the street light is still on and highlighting that circle of the road.
An occasional car drives by and splashes more into view and then it fades away as they pass. I keep expecting to see a runner come along the way. It's perfect for it. I've seen it before. I've done it before.
When did the middle of the week get so good?
Quiet, calm, nice enough to open a window before heading out to my regular routine. Then the thought of finishing off that work-a-day and coming back here to this spot to peer over the top of my laptop screen to see the same view again in a different light. Bright, active, filled with afternoon school buses and neighbors coming home. The window will be open more than a few 6 inches and the sheer drapes will be pulled aside. I will watch the runners move by from my second floor view. I will be silently urging them on because I will have already woven my way through the same streets.
I will take this quiet, calming view that I see now and picture the thought of coming back and seeing myself as that runner coming along the way.
You wouldn't think sitting still, gazing out a dark morning window could be motivating. It can be.
Oh...remind me to close this window before I leave.
TT
You wouldn't believe it but I've actually opened the window a good 6 inches and have a better view of the street directly across from me where the street light is still on and highlighting that circle of the road.
An occasional car drives by and splashes more into view and then it fades away as they pass. I keep expecting to see a runner come along the way. It's perfect for it. I've seen it before. I've done it before.
When did the middle of the week get so good?
Quiet, calm, nice enough to open a window before heading out to my regular routine. Then the thought of finishing off that work-a-day and coming back here to this spot to peer over the top of my laptop screen to see the same view again in a different light. Bright, active, filled with afternoon school buses and neighbors coming home. The window will be open more than a few 6 inches and the sheer drapes will be pulled aside. I will watch the runners move by from my second floor view. I will be silently urging them on because I will have already woven my way through the same streets.
I will take this quiet, calming view that I see now and picture the thought of coming back and seeing myself as that runner coming along the way.
You wouldn't think sitting still, gazing out a dark morning window could be motivating. It can be.
Oh...remind me to close this window before I leave.
TT
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Splendid again
Let's get going, onward, moving along, going forth, never looking back.
Well, I do look back when I get to a cross-street. I finally got myself outdoors, rigged up, scooting along my neighborhood for a run.
About time!
Did I say something yesterday about splendid? I did. Well, I think I will say it again. Splendid! It's splendid. And even bouncing along these dang inclines I've got on my route seemed to be a pleasure. What a difference?! When was the last time I was able to get a good run outdoors?!
Was it Christmas eve afternoon when I got caught a mile away from home in a complete downpour? Was that the last time? I didn't have a problem about the rain except I was worried about my cell phone getting drenched. I already was. That was when I had to wring the rainwater out of my socks when I was done. I really think that might have been my last outdoor run. Not that I haven't been putting in a few miles since then on the treadmill. But really!? Treadmill?! How have I survived?
TT
splendid!
Well, I do look back when I get to a cross-street. I finally got myself outdoors, rigged up, scooting along my neighborhood for a run.
About time!
Did I say something yesterday about splendid? I did. Well, I think I will say it again. Splendid! It's splendid. And even bouncing along these dang inclines I've got on my route seemed to be a pleasure. What a difference?! When was the last time I was able to get a good run outdoors?!
Was it Christmas eve afternoon when I got caught a mile away from home in a complete downpour? Was that the last time? I didn't have a problem about the rain except I was worried about my cell phone getting drenched. I already was. That was when I had to wring the rainwater out of my socks when I was done. I really think that might have been my last outdoor run. Not that I haven't been putting in a few miles since then on the treadmill. But really!? Treadmill?! How have I survived?
Until today! Finally.
A starting point. A beginning. A kick-off. I have now started to make it happen, to get under way, to issue forth, to get going, to get this show on the road, to get this party started.
About time!TT
splendid!
Monday, February 14, 2011
Splendid
There is no way I could resist this. There must be something about living right, being strong, waiting for those golden opportunities and then reaping the rewards when they come. Could this week look more perfect? Well, it could. It could be slightly warmer. There could be more sun toward the end of the week. There could be...but this is splendid. Just splendid, I think. I believe I will be taking my lunch outside today.
Splendid, isn't it?
TT
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Pound for pound
I have been pounding the laptop keyboard instead of the pavement. Something in the back of my mind keeps trying to tell me that I should be out there running. It is trying to make me feel like I am guilty or failing or not doing the right thing by not pushing myself to go out and run even when the weather has made it so uncomfortable for me. I have been putting that thought to the back of my mind because I am stubbornly going forward with my committment to keeping the things I want to do fun.
I can weigh the negatives of missing a workout. I can list them as my mind tells me to do it no matter what I feel. I am not being consistent, I will lose what I've worked hard for, I will have to go back and find my foundation again. It circles round and round in my brain endlessly adding new and more reasons to the loop. And yes. All of those things are true and real. But what good is keeping up with myself if I start to feel miserable about having to do it?
I haven't let it reach that point. I am not miserable but I know I have some catching up to do.
The difference is that I am truly anxious to start back when my time is right. I am looking forward to being able to have consistent workouts in a week. I am looking forward to that feeling of reaching 5, 10, 14 miles again. Those are feelings and accomplishments I can experience all over again when I am in that joyful state of mind. I can see myself doing it again. Then I will be able to commit to the work and have the fun I deserve when I do it. Guilt and failure are not in the equation. The right thing now is the self-recognition and realization that I have the discipline and strength to be able to go back to it and have fun when I am ready. It will be soon, I think. At least better than the last few weeks. Besides, it isn't like I haven't been pounding something. 30,015 words so far.
TT
I can weigh the negatives of missing a workout. I can list them as my mind tells me to do it no matter what I feel. I am not being consistent, I will lose what I've worked hard for, I will have to go back and find my foundation again. It circles round and round in my brain endlessly adding new and more reasons to the loop. And yes. All of those things are true and real. But what good is keeping up with myself if I start to feel miserable about having to do it?
I haven't let it reach that point. I am not miserable but I know I have some catching up to do.
The difference is that I am truly anxious to start back when my time is right. I am looking forward to being able to have consistent workouts in a week. I am looking forward to that feeling of reaching 5, 10, 14 miles again. Those are feelings and accomplishments I can experience all over again when I am in that joyful state of mind. I can see myself doing it again. Then I will be able to commit to the work and have the fun I deserve when I do it. Guilt and failure are not in the equation. The right thing now is the self-recognition and realization that I have the discipline and strength to be able to go back to it and have fun when I am ready. It will be soon, I think. At least better than the last few weeks. Besides, it isn't like I haven't been pounding something. 30,015 words so far.
TT
Friday, February 11, 2011
Hand Gestures
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 9 (HealthDay News) -- Gesturing with your hands while talking can generate mental images that help solve complex problems related to spatial visualization, new research shows.
This article caught my attention. It's from HealthDay News which claims to have daily health news for consumers and medical professionals. Actually, I don't remember the entire article but the first sentence got me thinking. They are talking about talking with your hands. You know, all that gesturing and waving and hand motion that goes on when someone is talking. What? You don't do that? Really?
I'm told I do that. I've been accused of not being able to speak if I have to keep my hands still. I've been teased at times to put my hands down - that they are talking too loud. When I was little I was told not to talk so much at the table or was that to stop waving my fork around?
Now this. Looky here. Hand gesturing can help solve complex problems related to spatial visualization.
My first thought was...who decided to research this? Was it a non-hand gesticulator that grew tired of asking their companion to stop moving their hands and thought science would prove it wasn't good? Was it a scientist with the talking hand syndrome that wanted to prove it wasn't such a bad thing? I wonder who thought up the idea to research it and why?
Then the results of the research are interesting in that it says hand gestures can generate mental images. It sure can. I can conjure a few mental images from certain hand gestures. I mean, come on? Can't everyone? But aside from that it helps solve complex problems related to spatial visualization.
Okay. I have to admit that threw me. What is spatial visualization? I looked it up. I think I understand what it means after reading several definitions but it took a few definitions and a little more research to figure out what the definition meant. The definition reads like a sentence diagram. You remember those...where you have to detail the noun, verb and such stuff. The definition had sub-definitions of other things you needed to look up in order to understand what the original definition meant. Then it gave examples of what it means since they seemed to understand that the definition wasn't very clear. Basically, you need to give hand gestures to explain the definition of spatial visualization for anyone to understand it.
Now, I'm not sure but that might have been the basis for the results of the research that was done. I mean, if you need to use hand gestures to understand the definition of spatial visualization, then it would seem that the hand gestures would prove to help conjure the mental images you need to solve complex problems about it.
I think. Right? What else could it mean?
I always knew that I was better understood when I used my hands to talk. They needed research to prove it? Really? Hmpft. Wow.
When all they needed to do was ask any Italian like me.
TT
This article caught my attention. It's from HealthDay News which claims to have daily health news for consumers and medical professionals. Actually, I don't remember the entire article but the first sentence got me thinking. They are talking about talking with your hands. You know, all that gesturing and waving and hand motion that goes on when someone is talking. What? You don't do that? Really?
I'm told I do that. I've been accused of not being able to speak if I have to keep my hands still. I've been teased at times to put my hands down - that they are talking too loud. When I was little I was told not to talk so much at the table or was that to stop waving my fork around?
Now this. Looky here. Hand gesturing can help solve complex problems related to spatial visualization.
My first thought was...who decided to research this? Was it a non-hand gesticulator that grew tired of asking their companion to stop moving their hands and thought science would prove it wasn't good? Was it a scientist with the talking hand syndrome that wanted to prove it wasn't such a bad thing? I wonder who thought up the idea to research it and why?
Then the results of the research are interesting in that it says hand gestures can generate mental images. It sure can. I can conjure a few mental images from certain hand gestures. I mean, come on? Can't everyone? But aside from that it helps solve complex problems related to spatial visualization.
Okay. I have to admit that threw me. What is spatial visualization? I looked it up. I think I understand what it means after reading several definitions but it took a few definitions and a little more research to figure out what the definition meant. The definition reads like a sentence diagram. You remember those...where you have to detail the noun, verb and such stuff. The definition had sub-definitions of other things you needed to look up in order to understand what the original definition meant. Then it gave examples of what it means since they seemed to understand that the definition wasn't very clear. Basically, you need to give hand gestures to explain the definition of spatial visualization for anyone to understand it.
Now, I'm not sure but that might have been the basis for the results of the research that was done. I mean, if you need to use hand gestures to understand the definition of spatial visualization, then it would seem that the hand gestures would prove to help conjure the mental images you need to solve complex problems about it.
I think. Right? What else could it mean?
I always knew that I was better understood when I used my hands to talk. They needed research to prove it? Really? Hmpft. Wow.
When all they needed to do was ask any Italian like me.
TT
Thursday, February 10, 2011
No Uncle Orson
I received an e-mail inviting me to register for a writing seminar in August. I am not sure how I got on their mailing list since it seems I usually only get a lot of health related emails (since I'm old I guess) so it surprised me that I received one for writing. It was for Uncle Orson's Literary Boot Camp and Writing Class in Greensboro, North Carolina. Uncle Orson is Orson Scott Card. I'm looking over the e-mail trying to shut my mouth. Well, of course, I've read Orson Scott Card's Sci-Fi books...Ender..Yes! That series of scrumptious entertainment! And he would be facilitating the writing courses.
Of course, I'm not going to North Carolina to do this. It was just a thrill to see it there in my own personal in-box. It would be nerve-wracking for me to do something like that right now...or in August, I think. The boot camp is a 5 day marathon in which you have to submit a full page 250-300 word - beginning to a story. You need to be selected to participate since the class is limited to 14 attendees. It costs $725.00 and that doesn't include travel, food or hotel.
There is the other two day writing class option for $175.00 open to all (even those who submitted first pages but were not chosen) but again...no accommodations go with that.
It was a thrill to see it there in my in-box but calm down...no. I might end up getting there and wanting to talk to him about his books instead of trying to write my own.
Now, wouldn't that turn out to be an expensive interview?
TT
Of course, I'm not going to North Carolina to do this. It was just a thrill to see it there in my own personal in-box. It would be nerve-wracking for me to do something like that right now...or in August, I think. The boot camp is a 5 day marathon in which you have to submit a full page 250-300 word - beginning to a story. You need to be selected to participate since the class is limited to 14 attendees. It costs $725.00 and that doesn't include travel, food or hotel.
There is the other two day writing class option for $175.00 open to all (even those who submitted first pages but were not chosen) but again...no accommodations go with that.
It was a thrill to see it there in my in-box but calm down...no. I might end up getting there and wanting to talk to him about his books instead of trying to write my own.
Now, wouldn't that turn out to be an expensive interview?
TT
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Spiraling
I had another appointment this morning that took me away from work and out of doors on another one of the coldest days we've had this year. This time the temperatures started out cold but in the 40's. I had to leave the office at 10:30am to get to my destination so I got in my car and made my way there. The thermostat in the car started at 44 degrees.
As I drove I would glance down quickly and see that it had shifted from 42 then 40. It was dropping fast. I knew the wind was blowing hard and I knew another one of these cold fronts was supposed to be coming in. I glanced down again and it was 35 then 30. It played around going from 30 to 29 for a while until it finally settled on 28. When I reached my destination it was a solid 28 degrees.
It turned out there was an opening in the appointment schedule for me to get an additional item completed instead of making another appointment for another day so I took it. I called work to say I would be in later and was done and completed by 2:20pm.
I got back in the car and drove back to work. The thermostat didn't even register the 28 degrees from previously but had already climbed back up to 35 degrees. It doesn't sound like much but I was certainly happy to see that it was going in an upward motion instead of the dreaded downward spiral. (Or is it me that goes into the downward spiral when the temperatures decide to take that turn)?
So yes...colder (20's) tonight...but then 40's tomorrow. Another bout of 20's the following evening but then highs of 59, 66 and 72 consecutively for the next few days. I can do that. I know I can.
I can deal with upward spirals any day. Let's start tomorrow.
TT
As I drove I would glance down quickly and see that it had shifted from 42 then 40. It was dropping fast. I knew the wind was blowing hard and I knew another one of these cold fronts was supposed to be coming in. I glanced down again and it was 35 then 30. It played around going from 30 to 29 for a while until it finally settled on 28. When I reached my destination it was a solid 28 degrees.
It turned out there was an opening in the appointment schedule for me to get an additional item completed instead of making another appointment for another day so I took it. I called work to say I would be in later and was done and completed by 2:20pm.
I got back in the car and drove back to work. The thermostat didn't even register the 28 degrees from previously but had already climbed back up to 35 degrees. It doesn't sound like much but I was certainly happy to see that it was going in an upward motion instead of the dreaded downward spiral. (Or is it me that goes into the downward spiral when the temperatures decide to take that turn)?
So yes...colder (20's) tonight...but then 40's tomorrow. Another bout of 20's the following evening but then highs of 59, 66 and 72 consecutively for the next few days. I can do that. I know I can.
I can deal with upward spirals any day. Let's start tomorrow.
TT
Skip this
I realized as I was reading last night that I must have been starting to doze off. I would read a while and then have to re-read the paragraph again or find my place. I did this a few times. I must have caught myself doing this fairly quickly since the Nook didn't actually bang me in the forehead. I was catching it just as it was coming toward my face but before impact. That was when I decided it was late enough for me to put it aside, turn out the light and go to sleep. I have experienced the head banging before and really now, how many times do I need to be hit in the head before I put the book away?
I did put it aside but was thinking that it was funny when I came across a line from this particular book that said..."Who made you king?" I couldn't actually believe I was reading it at the time. At least the author was wise enough not to use it's full content of "Who died and made you king?" like I did. I've already discussed that there is a pretty obvious answer to that question which is the former king, of course. But enough...I was just thinking of the coincidence that I had actually said the line and then later it was actually used in a book I was reading. How do those things happen?
So with the book aside, the lights out, I didn't have any problem sleeping. Until 3:30 and there was a mysterious faint chime sounding. It happened once and I ignored it. Then it happened again. What was that? I had never heard it before. For lack of anything better to do I picked up my cell phone from my nightstand and looked at it. I wasn't sure why I went for the phone but it does make all kinds of noises for all different kinds of things so I thought why not. I didn't think it was the Nook.
It turned out my cell battery was low and I guess it was warning me. I plugged it in and charged it up.
There isn't any big moral to this story. There isn't even anything interesting going on...just simply routine things that came up. I'm only using this post as a tool today and I didn't have a better topic.
That's the way it goes sometimes. Sometime, mid-week, it can get uninteresting and simple.
TT
I did put it aside but was thinking that it was funny when I came across a line from this particular book that said..."Who made you king?" I couldn't actually believe I was reading it at the time. At least the author was wise enough not to use it's full content of "Who died and made you king?" like I did. I've already discussed that there is a pretty obvious answer to that question which is the former king, of course. But enough...I was just thinking of the coincidence that I had actually said the line and then later it was actually used in a book I was reading. How do those things happen?
So with the book aside, the lights out, I didn't have any problem sleeping. Until 3:30 and there was a mysterious faint chime sounding. It happened once and I ignored it. Then it happened again. What was that? I had never heard it before. For lack of anything better to do I picked up my cell phone from my nightstand and looked at it. I wasn't sure why I went for the phone but it does make all kinds of noises for all different kinds of things so I thought why not. I didn't think it was the Nook.
It turned out my cell battery was low and I guess it was warning me. I plugged it in and charged it up.
There isn't any big moral to this story. There isn't even anything interesting going on...just simply routine things that came up. I'm only using this post as a tool today and I didn't have a better topic.
That's the way it goes sometimes. Sometime, mid-week, it can get uninteresting and simple.
TT
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Not 30
If this morning is any indication of how the rest of the day will go then I'm in for a rush and time crunch. I wanted to get up early enough to get another round of 30 minutes of writing done and I wasn't able to squeeze that much in. I managed 10 minutes. Only 10 minutes but the positive part is that it produced 156 more words. Not a lot. Only 156 words, only 10 minutes. Sure, only...when I was hoping for 30 minutes and many more words.
But then instead of thinking I missed the opportunity for 30 minutes and shutting it down and waiting for more time later I got a good few minutes of writing done. I got the story moving forward again. I put down some good movement.
It's slight but it's there. I had to stop but I know exactly where I can start up again.
So it proves that I can pinch a few words here and there if that's all I have at the moment. No reason to think a few minutes can't be productive. No reason to think I need long afternoons and hours of time to pick up where I left off.
If 10 minutes is all I have...it's still 10 minutes. Better than thinking I missed out on 30 and use none at all.
TT
But then instead of thinking I missed the opportunity for 30 minutes and shutting it down and waiting for more time later I got a good few minutes of writing done. I got the story moving forward again. I put down some good movement.
It's slight but it's there. I had to stop but I know exactly where I can start up again.
So it proves that I can pinch a few words here and there if that's all I have at the moment. No reason to think a few minutes can't be productive. No reason to think I need long afternoons and hours of time to pick up where I left off.
If 10 minutes is all I have...it's still 10 minutes. Better than thinking I missed out on 30 and use none at all.
TT
Monday, February 7, 2011
Go again
And then it was Monday. And it actually felt better than the past three days. The total topsy-tervy events of the weekend proved unsettling and hard to navigate. It shouldn't have been as hard and wearysome but the unnaturalness of the happenings that started it off broke more than regular routines. Once it began to seep it's negativity throughout it was hard to stop and even harder to begin to purge. It took the entire time.
But it is hopefully in the past. It is hopefully purged.
And this second month of the year is flying by. I cannot imagine the time that has past so quickly now that I am gazing up and taking a good look. I have to catch up. I've left things untouched and I know it's time to get going again.
And then it was Monday. A chance to start up again and find my lost stride.
TT
But it is hopefully in the past. It is hopefully purged.
And this second month of the year is flying by. I cannot imagine the time that has past so quickly now that I am gazing up and taking a good look. I have to catch up. I've left things untouched and I know it's time to get going again.
And then it was Monday. A chance to start up again and find my lost stride.
TT
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Help or hinder
I have been using the alarm on my cell phone when I start writing lately. I keep setting it to 30 minutes to make myself write at least that long. I have had trouble in the past with whiling away that amount of time staring at a blank page wondering what I was supposed to put down. I don't think I've found all those answers about that yet but I am finding that the alarm seems to be working in a positive way. I am snoozing those 30 minutes more often than not once I have reached it to allow myself more time.
It happened again this morning. I had set a 30 minute span of time on the alarm and again it became 50 minutes. Yesterday it turned into 90 minutes. I finally shut the alarm off and just kept going. It crossed my mind that the alarm might be hindering me but it isn't. I almost thought 15 minutes into it this morning I was not going to make the full 30. I was reaching the end of another chapter and didn't think I had covered enough. I noticed this chapter and the one I have previously written are words shorter than my opening chapters.
Had I done that on purpose? Did I mean to start writing shorter chapters or was I running out of steam and story and letting my concise, editing powers overtake me? I realized when I reached that pivotal 15 minutes that I was writing a note about a character in my binder for future use. Ahh, another stategy, another way to connect the dots, to weave a thread to be tied later when needed. After making my notation I went back to my document and added a few words. Then the alarm went off. My 30 minutes had past and I hit snooze and kept writing, and hit snooze again and didn't think about it until I glanced over at the cell phone and it was 20 minutes over my initial 30 minute time frame.
I finished the chapter and even though it is still shorter I had added an additional 350 or so words to the original. Not a lot of extra words but the thread I picked up felt so much better than the way it was originally without it. The alarm seems to be helping not hindering. I can fit in an extra 30 minutes here and there as I go. It seems to be helping me accomplish what I should be doing.
Everyone has kept telling me to just keep writing...
Hey everyone, I am.
TT
It happened again this morning. I had set a 30 minute span of time on the alarm and again it became 50 minutes. Yesterday it turned into 90 minutes. I finally shut the alarm off and just kept going. It crossed my mind that the alarm might be hindering me but it isn't. I almost thought 15 minutes into it this morning I was not going to make the full 30. I was reaching the end of another chapter and didn't think I had covered enough. I noticed this chapter and the one I have previously written are words shorter than my opening chapters.
Had I done that on purpose? Did I mean to start writing shorter chapters or was I running out of steam and story and letting my concise, editing powers overtake me? I realized when I reached that pivotal 15 minutes that I was writing a note about a character in my binder for future use. Ahh, another stategy, another way to connect the dots, to weave a thread to be tied later when needed. After making my notation I went back to my document and added a few words. Then the alarm went off. My 30 minutes had past and I hit snooze and kept writing, and hit snooze again and didn't think about it until I glanced over at the cell phone and it was 20 minutes over my initial 30 minute time frame.
I finished the chapter and even though it is still shorter I had added an additional 350 or so words to the original. Not a lot of extra words but the thread I picked up felt so much better than the way it was originally without it. The alarm seems to be helping not hindering. I can fit in an extra 30 minutes here and there as I go. It seems to be helping me accomplish what I should be doing.
Everyone has kept telling me to just keep writing...
Hey everyone, I am.
TT
Saturday, February 5, 2011
I forgot
I had forgotten it was the day before Super Bowl Sunday. I am not sure how I can extract myself so completely from the normal activities of the majorities of peoples. Obviously, it isn't hard for me to do. To tell you the truth, I don't even have a clue who is playing except that it's in Dallas but that's not one of the teams doing anything tomorrow. I don't think they are involved. I don't know.
I should have realized that was why there were so many people at the grocery store this afternoon. I go to the store farther away from me when it isn't early morning hours on a weekend to avoid the crowds. This store usually has less people. Not today. And then I couldn't find a decent cut of meat. I could feel my frustration growing. Jay had mentioned earlier that he thought a beef stew or pot roast would be good. I was looking over the beef display, wedged between other shoppers, when I finally gave up and called Jay.
"I don't know what to get," I moaned.
"Where are you?" he asked. He always have to decipher what I've gotten myself into. I always dive right in and forget to fill him in on the details.
"I'm at the grocery store and their chuck steaks are wrapped in packages going for 12-13 dollars a piece. Their stew meat looks like someone already chewed it and spit it out. There's a ton of people here," I answered.
"Probably because it's Super Bowl tomorrow," he replied.
"Oh, that explains it."
I should at least try to keep up with current events. It might help me plan around everyone else and I won't find myself in situations that I have to call for back-up. You would think I would have remembered the Super Bowl. Everyone else does.
But as usual, that seems to be everyone except me.
TT
I should have realized that was why there were so many people at the grocery store this afternoon. I go to the store farther away from me when it isn't early morning hours on a weekend to avoid the crowds. This store usually has less people. Not today. And then I couldn't find a decent cut of meat. I could feel my frustration growing. Jay had mentioned earlier that he thought a beef stew or pot roast would be good. I was looking over the beef display, wedged between other shoppers, when I finally gave up and called Jay.
"I don't know what to get," I moaned.
"Where are you?" he asked. He always have to decipher what I've gotten myself into. I always dive right in and forget to fill him in on the details.
"I'm at the grocery store and their chuck steaks are wrapped in packages going for 12-13 dollars a piece. Their stew meat looks like someone already chewed it and spit it out. There's a ton of people here," I answered.
"Probably because it's Super Bowl tomorrow," he replied.
"Oh, that explains it."
I should at least try to keep up with current events. It might help me plan around everyone else and I won't find myself in situations that I have to call for back-up. You would think I would have remembered the Super Bowl. Everyone else does.
But as usual, that seems to be everyone except me.
TT
Cold
It would be untrue to say the weather hasn't gotten me down. As much as I tried not to let it affect me it has certainly managed to thrash me quite well. I don't know why it becomes such a major issue. I tried really, really hard this year not to let it happen. I don't have an inkling why this happens to me. I have a real aversion to this weather.
I was almost through the worst parts of it and I was still fairing well - okay, I was fairing poorly but pretending well and attitude is a huge part of the game. Or so I thought.
When it finally got a grip on me I was so worn down there was no escaping it. I was hiding, hibernating, and not allowing myself to venture anywhere. I was trapped and didn't have any desire to do any of the things I would usually do. I couldn't. It had crippled me.
I forced myself out today and although the temperature was hoving around 58 degrees it felt much colder. The fact that we were below freezing for three days and it is still dipping into the 20's each evening doesn't allow it to warm properly. At least not for me. So it has worn me down, taken a hard grasp and beaten me up.
It shouldn't feel that way. But it does. And then I shut down.
I know it will pass. I know I am being irrational. I will get over it.
I'm just cold.
TT
I was almost through the worst parts of it and I was still fairing well - okay, I was fairing poorly but pretending well and attitude is a huge part of the game. Or so I thought.
When it finally got a grip on me I was so worn down there was no escaping it. I was hiding, hibernating, and not allowing myself to venture anywhere. I was trapped and didn't have any desire to do any of the things I would usually do. I couldn't. It had crippled me.
I forced myself out today and although the temperature was hoving around 58 degrees it felt much colder. The fact that we were below freezing for three days and it is still dipping into the 20's each evening doesn't allow it to warm properly. At least not for me. So it has worn me down, taken a hard grasp and beaten me up.
It shouldn't feel that way. But it does. And then I shut down.
I know it will pass. I know I am being irrational. I will get over it.
I'm just cold.
TT
Friday, February 4, 2011
Snow
Could it be that only a crazy person like me would even attempt to drive to work on such a morning? I sort of noticed there wasn't a single other car on the street but it didn't cross my mind that I should or shouldn't drive. I got in my car at 6:47 am and was surprised by the white that blanketed the driveways and parts of the street. It didn't stop me from getting into the car and defrosting the windshield. I even drove down my street when I realized...I can't do this.
I turned around at the end of the street and had a moment when the car wouldn't move. Dang these inclines! I knew I had problems with the inclines when I run along this route but I was in the car?! I didn't think I was going to be able to move my car over the incline to get back home. The car was sliding and not moving. I kept trying and it would sway and I would try and finally, finally it moved. I made it home and will have to wait.
I know by northern standards this isn't much. I know. But here, we don't have equipment that prepares the streets so you can drive through these conditions. Here, if this happens - which it never does - we close the streets and wait for it to melt. That's it. That's all we can do.
This is so wrong.
TT
I turned around at the end of the street and had a moment when the car wouldn't move. Dang these inclines! I knew I had problems with the inclines when I run along this route but I was in the car?! I didn't think I was going to be able to move my car over the incline to get back home. The car was sliding and not moving. I kept trying and it would sway and I would try and finally, finally it moved. I made it home and will have to wait.
I know by northern standards this isn't much. I know. But here, we don't have equipment that prepares the streets so you can drive through these conditions. Here, if this happens - which it never does - we close the streets and wait for it to melt. That's it. That's all we can do.
TT
Best is yet
There should be something said about a miserable weather week. I can't say it wasn't talked about and overtalked about the entire time. For all the people that claim to love the colder temperatures in August when I am enjoying the blissful heat had an entirely different story when we were smack in the middle of it this week. It didn't seem from an outsiders perspective that they had a real joy for what was going on as the temperatures dropped.
It certainly wasn't the type of joy I get when the heat is swirling and I am enjoying sitting outdoors while others fan themselves inside their cool air conditioned rooms complaining about the heat. It doesn't make no never mind though does it?
Our forecast says it will finally be above freezing by noon today. Finally...above freezing. It's not good enough but they promise me near 60's tomorrow and it's my only saving grace. To say I've wasted a week seems to be an understatment. It isn't as if I haven't gotten lots of things done at work - I've been very busy - but life isn't only about a job, now is it? Certainly not.
But the week is gone and time to move forward again. You get through the worst so you can enjoy the best. They say it's yet to come, right?
So that's enough said about a miserable week.
TT
It certainly wasn't the type of joy I get when the heat is swirling and I am enjoying sitting outdoors while others fan themselves inside their cool air conditioned rooms complaining about the heat. It doesn't make no never mind though does it?
Our forecast says it will finally be above freezing by noon today. Finally...above freezing. It's not good enough but they promise me near 60's tomorrow and it's my only saving grace. To say I've wasted a week seems to be an understatment. It isn't as if I haven't gotten lots of things done at work - I've been very busy - but life isn't only about a job, now is it? Certainly not.
But the week is gone and time to move forward again. You get through the worst so you can enjoy the best. They say it's yet to come, right?
So that's enough said about a miserable week.
TT
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Out of balance
I can't seem to balance my checkbook and it's driving me crazy. It's not like it's off much and the bank says I have more than than I do so I guess I should leave it alone but that doesn't work for me. I was off by a mere $4.48 yesterday and now it's grown to 25.02 in my favor. What's goin' on?!
Part of the problem might be I'm not really giving it the time to go over it properly to find the error. It's there, I'll find it, but I look briefly then go on to do something else...like I have accounting ADD.
I've taken for granted that I can always breeze through checking the records that when I have an error I don't find immediately I put it off for later. That seems especially true when I see there are still pending transactions on the banks side that I've already considered as paid. I know they will be deducted soon enough so I don't count them as available anymore. It can get confusing when I see them pending and then they aren't there anymore and then days later appear again. I'm not sure what the companies are doing with that?! Or those silly $1.00 pending charges I get from iTunes when I purchase music on-line. Like they don't know what the price of the CD is even though it's posted. So that works into the balancing formula...add the $1.00 back then subtract the 10.48 actual price.
No wonder I'm off a few bucks. But I shouldn't be...so I need to go back and find it.
Maybe it's just an addition error...or maybe I have $25.02 more than I thought. Either way, I can't leave it like that. I need to go back and check.
TT
Part of the problem might be I'm not really giving it the time to go over it properly to find the error. It's there, I'll find it, but I look briefly then go on to do something else...like I have accounting ADD.
I've taken for granted that I can always breeze through checking the records that when I have an error I don't find immediately I put it off for later. That seems especially true when I see there are still pending transactions on the banks side that I've already considered as paid. I know they will be deducted soon enough so I don't count them as available anymore. It can get confusing when I see them pending and then they aren't there anymore and then days later appear again. I'm not sure what the companies are doing with that?! Or those silly $1.00 pending charges I get from iTunes when I purchase music on-line. Like they don't know what the price of the CD is even though it's posted. So that works into the balancing formula...add the $1.00 back then subtract the 10.48 actual price.
No wonder I'm off a few bucks. But I shouldn't be...so I need to go back and find it.
Maybe it's just an addition error...or maybe I have $25.02 more than I thought. Either way, I can't leave it like that. I need to go back and check.
TT
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Pretend
I need to be at work extra early today so I am privileged to see our temperature is about 19 degrees and the wind is howling like a coyote hoping it will scare away the stinging cold.
I'm pretending not to notice. Maybe if I pretend it isn't there it will all go away and leave me alone. Then I can go on with other things.
I have plenty to keep myself occupied at work and I leave early for a dental appointment. I'll be glad to get home before the next wave of miserable weather sweeps it way in. This is one time I am definitely working toward the weekend because the forecast promises much better weather by then.
I don't like the idea of skimming over the first few days in February but it isn't my choice now, is it? I can't change the weather. I'll enjoy my short(er) day at work and be home with time to write a little more.
It's not sounding so bad anymore. Pretending might be the way to go.
TT
--------------------------
NEWS ALERT: Sources are saying that both rodents agree...Staten Island Chuck and Pennsylvania's Punxutawney Phil did NOT see their shadows this morning meaning it will be an early spring!
Nothing like continuing to pretend...it's the way to go. Or did I hear that they both came out and froze to death.
I'm pretending not to notice. Maybe if I pretend it isn't there it will all go away and leave me alone. Then I can go on with other things.
I have plenty to keep myself occupied at work and I leave early for a dental appointment. I'll be glad to get home before the next wave of miserable weather sweeps it way in. This is one time I am definitely working toward the weekend because the forecast promises much better weather by then.
I don't like the idea of skimming over the first few days in February but it isn't my choice now, is it? I can't change the weather. I'll enjoy my short(er) day at work and be home with time to write a little more.
It's not sounding so bad anymore. Pretending might be the way to go.
TT
--------------------------
NEWS ALERT: Sources are saying that both rodents agree...Staten Island Chuck and Pennsylvania's Punxutawney Phil did NOT see their shadows this morning meaning it will be an early spring!
Nothing like continuing to pretend...it's the way to go. Or did I hear that they both came out and froze to death.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Only?
I have already mentioned that I have been writing on my story, book, fiction, all those things I call it, again. I had to make a new resolve after not completing my first draft by the end of last year like I had planned. When I was admitting this during the holidays Dante had expressed a desire to read the story so I had better get working on it. He had also come up with an impossible deadline of February.
Since I have made some real exciting progress I mentioned it to Dante. He asked me what genre it was.
I read a lot of different books but quite a few mysteries. I read some pretty good homicide, serial killer, mean, dirty mysteries. There is nothing frilly about them so he was a little surprised when I told him that mine was a love story. Excuse me while I stammer but it is possibly a rr...rro..romance...?
Did I say that or more to the point am I writing that? Yes. And I was able to give him a pretty good run down of the story so far with details. I hadn't been able to do that when I was writing it before. I obviously have a better idea where I am going with it and could actually put it into words to describe it. That was a great step in the right direction!
Just recently Sonny asked me about my book, story, fiction. I admitted to him about the genre. He asked if I was writing a bunch of sex scenes. No, not yet, probably will but not a bunch, not like on every other page like some of the romances I've read. It's not like that. So he was curious about the male lead. So I told him he was fashionable and wore Italian leather shoes. In fact we were on the phone and I was at my laptop so I opened the first chapter and read him a piece of what I had written to describe the character...
Since I have made some real exciting progress I mentioned it to Dante. He asked me what genre it was.
I read a lot of different books but quite a few mysteries. I read some pretty good homicide, serial killer, mean, dirty mysteries. There is nothing frilly about them so he was a little surprised when I told him that mine was a love story. Excuse me while I stammer but it is possibly a rr...rro..romance...?
Did I say that or more to the point am I writing that? Yes. And I was able to give him a pretty good run down of the story so far with details. I hadn't been able to do that when I was writing it before. I obviously have a better idea where I am going with it and could actually put it into words to describe it. That was a great step in the right direction!
Just recently Sonny asked me about my book, story, fiction. I admitted to him about the genre. He asked if I was writing a bunch of sex scenes. No, not yet, probably will but not a bunch, not like on every other page like some of the romances I've read. It's not like that. So he was curious about the male lead. So I told him he was fashionable and wore Italian leather shoes. In fact we were on the phone and I was at my laptop so I opened the first chapter and read him a piece of what I had written to describe the character...
...He wore a dark suit with a shirt of starched white cuffs that peeked out of his sleeves that were exactly the proper length. Even with his tall height his trousers hit the precise spot at the tops of what she noticed were Italian leather shoes. Since he was facing away from her she had the opportunity to take in the lean length of his back. She continued to grin as she perused the nice cut of his jacket and wished it wasn’t covering so much of what she imagined was a taut backside. She couldn’t help but think it was probably just about the right…
I asked Sonny if he opened a book at random did he think he would read something like that? He thought yes or at least told me yes. I know he couldn't tell much, if anything, from one snippet, out of context, but we were having a conversation and it seemed to flow well as I read it out loud. Sonny then asked if it was going to have a happy ending. I said, well yeah. He thought I should end it differently - like maybe a twist. I don't know about that but I suggested maybe I could write multiple endings and could state...If you would like this to happen read this...or if you choose this instead, read that...
It is nice to be getting support on this and feeling like I am able to answer questions about it with some confidence. I am not trying to do anything but something for myself. I want to see if I can actually write an entire story. I am taking it as a challenge to commit to the work to accomplish a finished story. I am not looking beyond the mere writing of it.
So why is it a love story, romance, when that isn't what I ever thought I would be writing? I'm not entirely sure, except I had this idea and I started writing notes and it started to form in my head. This is what it started to develop into as more pieces were put together. And maybe I wanted to be able to wade into more shallow waters slowly to get the feel of it.
I don't think the work to put it together is any less but maybe expectations of others won't be as high if I am only writing a love story romance. Besides I am only doing it for myself and don't let anyone fool you...no matter what the genre, it isn't easy. It takes work that you have to commit to in order to get it done.
So expectations, romance or not...I'll never meet Dante's February deadline.
But you can bet I'll keep working at it.
TT
Blustery day
We have a wind advisory for the day. It's the beginning of a (I don't even want to say) very, very cold few days. We had a break of getting our temperatures back to a decent place for the past few and now we are in for the next few killer days.
Yes, I've seen the reports. I've checked the news forecasts. I know it's not going to be good. And yes, thank you, I know it's winter. That isn't any consolation. It doesn't help to know it's worse somewhere else. I'm not somewhere else. I can't fathom what goes on north of me. I am having a hard enough time figuring out what's going wrong with the weather right here where I am.
So. This will probably be a week to come straight home. I will resign myself to the minimal amount of things I need to do away, like work, and then go home where I can control my own temperatures and don't have to worry about what's going on outside until it all passes.
And it will all pass and in the meantime I will be scribbling. I have a few more chapters I am ready to attack.
This might be the best time to take advantage of it. I mean, really. There isn't anything I can do while the weather is being so very uncooperative.
TT
Yes, I've seen the reports. I've checked the news forecasts. I know it's not going to be good. And yes, thank you, I know it's winter. That isn't any consolation. It doesn't help to know it's worse somewhere else. I'm not somewhere else. I can't fathom what goes on north of me. I am having a hard enough time figuring out what's going wrong with the weather right here where I am.
So. This will probably be a week to come straight home. I will resign myself to the minimal amount of things I need to do away, like work, and then go home where I can control my own temperatures and don't have to worry about what's going on outside until it all passes.
And it will all pass and in the meantime I will be scribbling. I have a few more chapters I am ready to attack.
This might be the best time to take advantage of it. I mean, really. There isn't anything I can do while the weather is being so very uncooperative.
TT
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