Hi All!
Maudlin: (courtesy of dictionary.com)
–adjective
1.tearfully or weakly emotional; foolishly sentimental: a maudlin story of a little orphan and her lost dog.
2.foolishly or mawkishly sentimental because of drunkenness.
First of all - I am not drunk so . . . I am just tearfully or weakly emotional!
For some reason I am just feeling rather "blah" today and I thought maudlin best covered my bases. Over the weekend I was battling off a head cold - which is pretty much tamed at the moment . That left me feeling blah. Then I got one of the books for class in the mail - a book which was used in "intro" (which I haven't taken yet). I realized that I am a bit behind in that - the rest of the class will be ahead of me in that book so . . . I worked my way through some of what I need to make up.
Being behind in a class which hasn't even started makes me feel "blah."
I finished a knitting project I was working on (I have no idea when I actually started it but it has been sitting in the closet half finished for some time now!) so that I can focus on the crocheting project that my mom and I are supposedly doing together. Mom is already working away on her project and I haven't even started. That makes me feel "blah."
This week will be one in which I "get" to work every day. That makes me feel a bit "blah."
There is a bright spot in all this "blah" though. Today I will not be working because I am meeting my friends from ASL for lunch. I am excited about seeing everyone again. True, classes start next week but Beth won't be joining us because she will be focusing on her classes at DBU.
Hopefully the lunch will cure me of the "blahs" and change maudlin Monday into Magnificent Monday!
Hope your Monday is Magnificent!
Trisha
Voice Update: I have been vigilant about my inhalation exercises so everything is pretty good. I do need to step up my massage though. It never seems like I have enough time during the day to do massage the way I want!
Monday, January 11, 2010
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Book Bonanza!
Hi All!
Sorry about not posting yesterday but I was sleeping off a cold which hit me on Friday and is still sort of lingering around today. However, everything is getting better (keep your fingers crossed!).
The temps are still a bit "brisk" in my neck of the woods so there is nothing better than staying inside cuddled up with a good book. Here are the latest I have read. Because I have so many today I am only going to go in depth on some.
First - Otherwise Engaged by Eileen Goudge.
In this fun novel, two high school friends hatch a plan to help Jessie get a magazine article. Erin, her friend, is married and lives in their hometown while Jessie is single and lives in New York - exactly the opposite of what they both thought would happen when they were young. Now, for the article, Jessie and Erin are changing places to see what their lives might have been like if they had followed through on their original plans.
This book is a fun read and following along on the journeys the two friends take to discovering themselves also makes you stop and take stock of your life as well.
Betrayal in Death by J.D. Robb is up next.
Another futuristic murder mystery story by the master. As always, J.D. Robb is a wise choice for an entertaining read.
This is a powerful book which gets you thinking about things you thought you knew about your own family. In this book a young couple is having their first child. Everything is fine until the adorable little girl is born. You see, she looks . . . different. She looks like she is African American while both parents are definitely not. This tiny baby girl leads the parents - and their family - on a long, rough road of family trees, suspicion, hurt feelings, and hidden secrets.
While reading this book isn't always comfortable, it does make you think.
With Open Arms by Nora Roberts contains two short novels: Song of the West and Her Mother's Keeper.
Nora Roberts is always a good, light read and these two stories are no exception.
Side Effects by Michale Palmer.
This oldie but goodie is from my grandmother's stash. I was a bit hesitant to start it since some of the books from her stash are a bit beyond my taste. However, I was pleasantly surprised by this book.
Kate Bennett, a well respected pathologist at the hospital on the verge of being named department head, finds herself embroiled in the mystery of several suspicious deaths. As she investigates she finds that not only is her career involved but also her marriage and possibly her own life too.
I enjoyed this book a lot. It is well written and the plot is something which could happen today and which is just a bit chilling.
James Patterson's Against Medical Advice written with Hal Friedman is next.
This book is the real story of Hal Friedman's son, Corey, and his struggle with devastating medical problems.
This book could be a bit much to read since it does tell, sometimes graphically, about medical issues (no blood and gore though) but it is also very inspiring and full of hope.
Morning Light by Catherine Anderson is the next book.
Anderson writes a good story of a woman, Loni, who is "blessed" with second sight and a rancher, Clint, who doesn't quite believe in such things. The two are thrown together when Loni moves to Clint's small town trying to hide from notoriety after helping police in a kidnapping case. However, she starts seeing Clint's son in danger and is compelled to tell Clint so he can save the boy. The only problem? Clint doesn't have a son. Or does he?
Beginning with a party which doesn't quite feel "right," this book thrusts you into the life of Sophie Bellamy, an international lawyer, who has scarified a lot to do her job. After the party, Sophie stops to reexamine her choices and decides to make some major changes. Those changes take her to the little village of Avalon where she begins to adjust to her new life.
Phoebe, a slave in 1740's New York, guides readers through a time of racial and religious tensions.
This is a wonderful book for taking a peek into a world which is part of our history but one which we might not understand.
Another James Patterson book , Black Friday is on my list.
The U.S. financial world is thrown into chaos after a mysterious group destroys much of Wall Street. With no apparent demands or reason for the destruction, the group leaves those investigating in the dark as they struggle to piece together the answer before the world's financial market is affected.
This is a powerful book with I enjoyed a lot. I found myself trying to piece together the puzzle along with the characters and when the answer is finally revealed just as amazed as they were.
Nights of Rain and Stars by Maeve Binchy is next.
Taking place in a small Greece town, this novel lets us follow a group of strangers who are brought together by a local tragedy.
Jude Deveraux contributes the next book, The Summerhouse.
Three woman who met at a turning point in all of their lives gather together again and find themselves on an interesting, and intriguing journey. This book is a great read with an odd little twist in it which leaves the reader wondering . . .
Sorry about not posting yesterday but I was sleeping off a cold which hit me on Friday and is still sort of lingering around today. However, everything is getting better (keep your fingers crossed!).
The temps are still a bit "brisk" in my neck of the woods so there is nothing better than staying inside cuddled up with a good book. Here are the latest I have read. Because I have so many today I am only going to go in depth on some.
First - Otherwise Engaged by Eileen Goudge.
In this fun novel, two high school friends hatch a plan to help Jessie get a magazine article. Erin, her friend, is married and lives in their hometown while Jessie is single and lives in New York - exactly the opposite of what they both thought would happen when they were young. Now, for the article, Jessie and Erin are changing places to see what their lives might have been like if they had followed through on their original plans.This book is a fun read and following along on the journeys the two friends take to discovering themselves also makes you stop and take stock of your life as well.
Betrayal in Death by J.D. Robb is up next.
Another futuristic murder mystery story by the master. As always, J.D. Robb is a wise choice for an entertaining read.Family Tree by Barbara Delinsky.
This is a powerful book which gets you thinking about things you thought you knew about your own family. In this book a young couple is having their first child. Everything is fine until the adorable little girl is born. You see, she looks . . . different. She looks like she is African American while both parents are definitely not. This tiny baby girl leads the parents - and their family - on a long, rough road of family trees, suspicion, hurt feelings, and hidden secrets.While reading this book isn't always comfortable, it does make you think.
With Open Arms by Nora Roberts contains two short novels: Song of the West and Her Mother's Keeper.
Nora Roberts is always a good, light read and these two stories are no exception.Side Effects by Michale Palmer.
This oldie but goodie is from my grandmother's stash. I was a bit hesitant to start it since some of the books from her stash are a bit beyond my taste. However, I was pleasantly surprised by this book.Kate Bennett, a well respected pathologist at the hospital on the verge of being named department head, finds herself embroiled in the mystery of several suspicious deaths. As she investigates she finds that not only is her career involved but also her marriage and possibly her own life too.
I enjoyed this book a lot. It is well written and the plot is something which could happen today and which is just a bit chilling.
James Patterson's Against Medical Advice written with Hal Friedman is next.
This book is the real story of Hal Friedman's son, Corey, and his struggle with devastating medical problems.This book could be a bit much to read since it does tell, sometimes graphically, about medical issues (no blood and gore though) but it is also very inspiring and full of hope.
Morning Light by Catherine Anderson is the next book.
Anderson writes a good story of a woman, Loni, who is "blessed" with second sight and a rancher, Clint, who doesn't quite believe in such things. The two are thrown together when Loni moves to Clint's small town trying to hide from notoriety after helping police in a kidnapping case. However, she starts seeing Clint's son in danger and is compelled to tell Clint so he can save the boy. The only problem? Clint doesn't have a son. Or does he?
While dealing with a "mystical" theme, Catherine Anderson does a nice job of keeping it light and believable. The writing is rich and the story catches you up in the feelings of the characters. A good read.
Bed of Roses by Nora Roberts is the next book I read but, I don't have a picture of it because I gave the book to my mother to read.
This is the second in the Brides series by Roberts and is refreshing to read as it doesn't quite follow the traditional Roberts recipe. It left me wanting to read the third book - not yet published!
Stuart Woods, a favorite of my favorite Aunt Donna, is up next with Hot Mahogany.
This is a good, light mystery with Stone Barrington as the main character.
Snowfall at Willow Lake by Susan Wiggs.
Beginning with a party which doesn't quite feel "right," this book thrusts you into the life of Sophie Bellamy, an international lawyer, who has scarified a lot to do her job. After the party, Sophie stops to reexamine her choices and decides to make some major changes. Those changes take her to the little village of Avalon where she begins to adjust to her new life.
I found this book very compelling. One of those that you don't want to put down until you reach the conclusion.
Ann Rinaldi, my favorite author of young adult historical fiction, shows up this time with The Color of Fire.
Phoebe, a slave in 1740's New York, guides readers through a time of racial and religious tensions. This is a wonderful book for taking a peek into a world which is part of our history but one which we might not understand.
Another James Patterson book , Black Friday is on my list.
The U.S. financial world is thrown into chaos after a mysterious group destroys much of Wall Street. With no apparent demands or reason for the destruction, the group leaves those investigating in the dark as they struggle to piece together the answer before the world's financial market is affected.This is a powerful book with I enjoyed a lot. I found myself trying to piece together the puzzle along with the characters and when the answer is finally revealed just as amazed as they were.
Nights of Rain and Stars by Maeve Binchy is next.
Taking place in a small Greece town, this novel lets us follow a group of strangers who are brought together by a local tragedy.
Jude Deveraux contributes the next book, The Summerhouse.
Three woman who met at a turning point in all of their lives gather together again and find themselves on an interesting, and intriguing journey. This book is a great read with an odd little twist in it which leaves the reader wondering . . .
Body of Evidence by Patricia Cornwell is a book I read before but read again and enjoyed as much the second time as the first. All of Cornwell's books are well written and masterful!
Wrapping up this book bonanza is a book I picked up on a whim at Wal Mart. I am a fan of Christmas fiction and this looked like a good one. I wasn't quite prepared for what I got in The Wicked and the Wondrous by Christine Feehan.
This book contains two tales centered around Christmas, "The Twilight Before Christmas" and "After the Music." Both tales are romantic as well as full of the unknown. In each of the stories, there is witchcraft in some form and in each is the story of love which must conquer evil to find peace.
Well, that is it! I will have to make an effort to post about my books more frequently so that I don't end up with such a HUGE pile to post about! Thanks for hanging in there and have a super weekend!
Trisha
Voice Update: Doing well but it is sort of hard to tell since I have been basically sleeping non-stop for two days!
Friday, January 8, 2010
Well, Good Morning to Me!
Hi All!
You know that you should just climb back under the covers when your day starts like this.
First, I checked out the temperature . . .
16.8 is REALLY cold for Texas! AND this is about an entire degree colder than it was when Hubby woke up so the temps are going down!
sdhfg
Then I walked out to the living room and saw . . . .
Hmmmm. This isn't looking too good.
From the location I can tell that one of my plants took a header. Also notice the empty space in the corner of the wine rack turned plant stand.
See the empty corner? That is where my Paper Whites were sitting when I went to bed last night. Where are they now?
Well - here is a clue. A shot of a broken stem with a bud which was just starting to open in front of some stuff . . .
Another hint - some open blooms in front of something . . .
Yes, my Paper Whites are in the sink! Hubby picked them up and put them there to recover from their terrible fall (where are the King's horses and the King's men?). Of course, Hubby left the mess for me to clean up. Isn't he great? It was me and the evil vacuum cleaner swooping in to save the recently steam-cleaned carpet!
Of course!
sdh
You know that you should just climb back under the covers when your day starts like this.
First, I checked out the temperature . . .
16.8 is REALLY cold for Texas! AND this is about an entire degree colder than it was when Hubby woke up so the temps are going down!sdhfg
Then I walked out to the living room and saw . . . .
Hmmmm. This isn't looking too good.
From the location I can tell that one of my plants took a header. Also notice the empty space in the corner of the wine rack turned plant stand.
See the empty corner? That is where my Paper Whites were sitting when I went to bed last night. Where are they now?
Well - here is a clue. A shot of a broken stem with a bud which was just starting to open in front of some stuff . . .
Another hint - some open blooms in front of something . . .
Yes, my Paper Whites are in the sink! Hubby picked them up and put them there to recover from their terrible fall (where are the King's horses and the King's men?). Of course, Hubby left the mess for me to clean up. Isn't he great? It was me and the evil vacuum cleaner swooping in to save the recently steam-cleaned carpet!sdfh
Who was the culprit in this little "incident" you ask?
Of course!
sdh
I think I hear those covers calling my name!
sgdh
Trisha
dsfg
P.S. I did Wii this morning - five days in a row!!! YEAH! Ten days in a row, here I come!
sfg
Voice Update: Ouch! My neck hurts where Susan was working on it - still! Oh well!My voice is doing well.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
The Best Post Ever . . . .
Hi All!
On the walk from my water cooler to the computer room this morning I had THE idea. The idea for the BEST blog post ever, It was something which would catch your attention, make you think, leave an impression on you which would last the entire day. The post was pre-formed in my mind. It was perfect.
And then . . .
I sat at the keyboard and it was lost.
Gone.
Try as I might, I can not recapture the idea for the best post ever. Like mist on a sunny day, it is gone too soon to be captured. *sigh* Oh well. I guess you will just have to settle for an ordinary post from me again today. I apologize!
Yesterday I spent about four hours at work cleaning and packing. My job for the day was cleaning and packing the "kitchen" area. This is a small area with three little cupboards around the sink area. Let me tell you - for a group of women, this area was a MESS! Food was in the cupboards which was five years out of date. There was gunk under the sink which is best not described.
Luckily, packing everything up (and throwing a LOT of old stuff away) didn't take me that long AND - with the exception of the coffee pot and some miscellaneous cups and stuff - it is done! Now I can move on to some files which need to be cleaned out and shredded. Doesn't that sound like fun to you?
My speech appointment went very well yesterday. Susan said that my throat was the loosest it has been for a while and that my voice was "excellent." I didn't have any breaks at all while I was speaking to her in my session. Of course, when my session was done I was out talking to my other bosses and heard some breaks. Could be they stress me out talking about packing, etc. What do you think?
In other news, my mother will be proud of me. I stopped at several different stores yesterday (she says I never get out and shop). On my way to work I hit the post office (stamps for three of the bosses), Staples (tubs to pack for the move), Wal Mart (thread and a crochet hook for a project Mom and I are doing "together" even though I have no clue how to crochet!), and the gas station (which helped me actually get to work!). Then, on the way home I stopped at Big Lots to pick up some Christmas bows (at half price) for my Christmas wreath. The old bows had seen better days so . . . I needed news ones. While getting bows I found some fake candle lights for in the windows (we used to do this at home and I have always liked the look), some treats for my Dad (in a couple years - they have to get nice and stale), some sweatshirts I can make into cardigans (good cardigans are always a good idea), some Healthy Choice meals (at an exceptional price) and some cream of chicken soup.
That was quite a shopping spree for me!
This morning I woke up with a bit of a headache due to the rapidly changing weather we are experiencing. However, I managed to get through another day of my Wii workout. Today was yoga and aerobics. My body is a bit shaky after the workout and I am sweating more than you would like to know about. I am proud that I got through the workout even though my head was trying to lure me back into bed!
Hope you have a terrific Thursday!
Trisha
Voice Update: Well, I pretty much said it all in the main part of my blog but . . . I am doing well. I did talk to Susan about the man I met who had a good voice for five years and has regressed. Susan told me not to worry because he regressed due to a botched Botox shot and she doesn't think I will regress as long as I continue to be vigilant (!) about my exercises.
On the walk from my water cooler to the computer room this morning I had THE idea. The idea for the BEST blog post ever, It was something which would catch your attention, make you think, leave an impression on you which would last the entire day. The post was pre-formed in my mind. It was perfect.
And then . . .
I sat at the keyboard and it was lost.
Gone.
Try as I might, I can not recapture the idea for the best post ever. Like mist on a sunny day, it is gone too soon to be captured. *sigh* Oh well. I guess you will just have to settle for an ordinary post from me again today. I apologize!
Yesterday I spent about four hours at work cleaning and packing. My job for the day was cleaning and packing the "kitchen" area. This is a small area with three little cupboards around the sink area. Let me tell you - for a group of women, this area was a MESS! Food was in the cupboards which was five years out of date. There was gunk under the sink which is best not described.
Luckily, packing everything up (and throwing a LOT of old stuff away) didn't take me that long AND - with the exception of the coffee pot and some miscellaneous cups and stuff - it is done! Now I can move on to some files which need to be cleaned out and shredded. Doesn't that sound like fun to you?
My speech appointment went very well yesterday. Susan said that my throat was the loosest it has been for a while and that my voice was "excellent." I didn't have any breaks at all while I was speaking to her in my session. Of course, when my session was done I was out talking to my other bosses and heard some breaks. Could be they stress me out talking about packing, etc. What do you think?
In other news, my mother will be proud of me. I stopped at several different stores yesterday (she says I never get out and shop). On my way to work I hit the post office (stamps for three of the bosses), Staples (tubs to pack for the move), Wal Mart (thread and a crochet hook for a project Mom and I are doing "together" even though I have no clue how to crochet!), and the gas station (which helped me actually get to work!). Then, on the way home I stopped at Big Lots to pick up some Christmas bows (at half price) for my Christmas wreath. The old bows had seen better days so . . . I needed news ones. While getting bows I found some fake candle lights for in the windows (we used to do this at home and I have always liked the look), some treats for my Dad (in a couple years - they have to get nice and stale), some sweatshirts I can make into cardigans (good cardigans are always a good idea), some Healthy Choice meals (at an exceptional price) and some cream of chicken soup.
That was quite a shopping spree for me!
This morning I woke up with a bit of a headache due to the rapidly changing weather we are experiencing. However, I managed to get through another day of my Wii workout. Today was yoga and aerobics. My body is a bit shaky after the workout and I am sweating more than you would like to know about. I am proud that I got through the workout even though my head was trying to lure me back into bed!
Hope you have a terrific Thursday!
Trisha
Voice Update: Well, I pretty much said it all in the main part of my blog but . . . I am doing well. I did talk to Susan about the man I met who had a good voice for five years and has regressed. Susan told me not to worry because he regressed due to a botched Botox shot and she doesn't think I will regress as long as I continue to be vigilant (!) about my exercises.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Blue Blanket Time!
Hi All!
Even though my muscles ached all day yesterday making every movement excruciating*, I made it through the day! Work went well despite the awful woman recording on the United Healthcare automated help line. I don't understand how she can ask me to repeat something and then cut me off while I am repeating it! She isn't as nice as the Aetna man recording. He sounds like a cutie! I think I have a crush on him!
* This is a HUGE exaggeration. My muscle did ache but it was just a tick above the annoying level. I am just being a wimp!
Despite my muscles' protest, I got busy with the Wii again this morning. It was Yoga and strength training today. Not surprisingly, my push ups weren't as good as they were on Monday - probably due to my sore bicep muscles! My balance wasn't as good as usual either - probably because my calf muscles are competing to see who can be the "camp cramp champ!"
Actually, after going to bed with an aspirin, I woke up MUCH better. Only my calves are still really protesting. This surprises me a bit since I walk pretty much everyday. They should be used to being abused! By the way - still no walking since the arctic air is heading this way. It was a bit warmer today - about 30 - but tomorrow and Friday are supposed to be lows of 15 or so with highs during the days of only the low 20s. Brrrr!
Speaking of bed . . . it is blue blanket time!
What? You don't know about blue blanket time? You don't do this at YOUR house?
Actually, that doesn't surprise me too much!
Blue Blanket Time only comes about in our household when the temperatures dip lower than normal during our winters. This "ritual" involves days of discussing if we need an additional blanket on the bed - the blue blanket. Then, after the decision to put the blue blanket on the bed there is the straining to remember just where we put the blue blanket after the last cold snap. This leads to a hunt through every closet in the house until the blue blanket is found and triumphantly carried back to the bedroom.
Next, there is the debate over just how we should put the blanket on the bed. Over the comforter? Under the comforter? Do we tuck it in at the bottom? Leave it longer at the top? As always, we decide to put the blue blanket under the comforter (to minimize the white cat hair accumulation on the dark blue blanket) and to not tuck it in but to leave a fold at the bottom for extra warmth for our feet.
Now we strip the comforter off the bed (after pushing Skor off the bed once or twice), spread the blue blanket over the sheet (again, after pushing Skor off the bed at least once), fold the bottom of the blanket up for the foot warming area, and then pulling the comforter over the bed (with Skor between the blanket and the comforter).
A faint smile creeps onto Hubby's face as he anticipates a nice, toasty warm night of sleep. He is the one who is almost always cold at night. Me - I am the one who can sleep with only a sheet most of the time! We hurry to get ready for bed and then slide into our newly blue blanketed bed. We both sigh with contentment as we feel the foot warming layer doing its job.
Yes, there isn't anything quite as satisfying as blue blanket time!
Trisha
Voice Update: Still doing pretty well. I must admit that I slacked on my exercises yesterday. I think my muscle aches distracted me from my needed work! I am doing some massage this morning to work out some soreness from my neck muscles. I will "hit" the inhalation exercises in just a moment (can't type and do them at the same time for some reason!). I do have a speech appointment today so we will see what Susan thinks about my voice!
Even though my muscles ached all day yesterday making every movement excruciating*, I made it through the day! Work went well despite the awful woman recording on the United Healthcare automated help line. I don't understand how she can ask me to repeat something and then cut me off while I am repeating it! She isn't as nice as the Aetna man recording. He sounds like a cutie! I think I have a crush on him!
* This is a HUGE exaggeration. My muscle did ache but it was just a tick above the annoying level. I am just being a wimp!
Despite my muscles' protest, I got busy with the Wii again this morning. It was Yoga and strength training today. Not surprisingly, my push ups weren't as good as they were on Monday - probably due to my sore bicep muscles! My balance wasn't as good as usual either - probably because my calf muscles are competing to see who can be the "camp cramp champ!"
Actually, after going to bed with an aspirin, I woke up MUCH better. Only my calves are still really protesting. This surprises me a bit since I walk pretty much everyday. They should be used to being abused! By the way - still no walking since the arctic air is heading this way. It was a bit warmer today - about 30 - but tomorrow and Friday are supposed to be lows of 15 or so with highs during the days of only the low 20s. Brrrr!
Speaking of bed . . . it is blue blanket time!
What? You don't know about blue blanket time? You don't do this at YOUR house?
Actually, that doesn't surprise me too much!
Blue Blanket Time only comes about in our household when the temperatures dip lower than normal during our winters. This "ritual" involves days of discussing if we need an additional blanket on the bed - the blue blanket. Then, after the decision to put the blue blanket on the bed there is the straining to remember just where we put the blue blanket after the last cold snap. This leads to a hunt through every closet in the house until the blue blanket is found and triumphantly carried back to the bedroom.
Next, there is the debate over just how we should put the blanket on the bed. Over the comforter? Under the comforter? Do we tuck it in at the bottom? Leave it longer at the top? As always, we decide to put the blue blanket under the comforter (to minimize the white cat hair accumulation on the dark blue blanket) and to not tuck it in but to leave a fold at the bottom for extra warmth for our feet.
Now we strip the comforter off the bed (after pushing Skor off the bed once or twice), spread the blue blanket over the sheet (again, after pushing Skor off the bed at least once), fold the bottom of the blanket up for the foot warming area, and then pulling the comforter over the bed (with Skor between the blanket and the comforter).
A faint smile creeps onto Hubby's face as he anticipates a nice, toasty warm night of sleep. He is the one who is almost always cold at night. Me - I am the one who can sleep with only a sheet most of the time! We hurry to get ready for bed and then slide into our newly blue blanketed bed. We both sigh with contentment as we feel the foot warming layer doing its job.
Yes, there isn't anything quite as satisfying as blue blanket time!
Trisha
Voice Update: Still doing pretty well. I must admit that I slacked on my exercises yesterday. I think my muscle aches distracted me from my needed work! I am doing some massage this morning to work out some soreness from my neck muscles. I will "hit" the inhalation exercises in just a moment (can't type and do them at the same time for some reason!). I do have a speech appointment today so we will see what Susan thinks about my voice!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Wii Fit
Hi All!
It is still below freezing in Texas (at least in the mornings!) and since I don't have heavy enough clothing to walk in weather that cold (with the wind chill it is in the low teens!), I have been working out using my Wii Fit. I really like this "video game" and when I first got it I was dedicated to working out on it every day. Of course, that lasted about a month and then . . . . the balance board sat gathering dust on top and cat toys between it and the wall. *sigh*
Now I have gotten the balance board back out, dusted it off, changed the batteries, and have gotten back to work!
Today was my second day in a row (please hold the applause until I reach a good number like 10 or so!) to work out and I just want to tell you - if anyone reading this thought that the Wii Fit can't possibly give you a good workout . . . think again!
Yesterday I did my "Monday routine" which starts with some Yoga poses and then moves on to some strength training exercises before finishing up with a couple balance games. Last night I could already tell that I had worked out. My body was complaining about the activity! Not my legs so much - they are used to walking every morning - but my arms and sides! Can you say - do I really need to lift my arms for anything today?
This morning it was difficult to drag myself out of bed despite the hard working kitty (Skor) who was determined that I would. My body really, really just wanted an aspirin and more sleep. However, I got up, made Hubby his lunch (because he does so much for me!), and then got to work.
Tuesday's routine starts with more Yoga - stretching is important every day, right? - and then moves on to aerobic exercise (hula hooping really takes a lot out of you!) and ends with a couple balance games. Once I actually started working out, my muscles capitulated and got with the program. I am a bit aprehensive about what my muscles will feel like in a couple of hours. It might make work "interesting!"
Two days in a row. Not too bad for a start. Let's see if I can stick to this when I start walking again. Now THAT would be dedication!
Trisha
Voice Update: In the morning my voice was excellent! I had no difficulties at all with any sounds. However, after working at packing at the office and talking to Linda for about three hours . . . my voice was a bit fractious when I got home! The word "two" was of particular difficulty for some reason. I did my massage and my inhalation voicing so we will see how things go today at work. I did get a new massager from work - someone gave it to Linda and she didn't use it so she gave it to me. The massager is a small thing which is powered through the USB port in a computer! The whole thing is a bit underpowered but it is nice for some quick muscle massage while working on the computer!
It is still below freezing in Texas (at least in the mornings!) and since I don't have heavy enough clothing to walk in weather that cold (with the wind chill it is in the low teens!), I have been working out using my Wii Fit. I really like this "video game" and when I first got it I was dedicated to working out on it every day. Of course, that lasted about a month and then . . . . the balance board sat gathering dust on top and cat toys between it and the wall. *sigh*
Now I have gotten the balance board back out, dusted it off, changed the batteries, and have gotten back to work!
Today was my second day in a row (please hold the applause until I reach a good number like 10 or so!) to work out and I just want to tell you - if anyone reading this thought that the Wii Fit can't possibly give you a good workout . . . think again!
Yesterday I did my "Monday routine" which starts with some Yoga poses and then moves on to some strength training exercises before finishing up with a couple balance games. Last night I could already tell that I had worked out. My body was complaining about the activity! Not my legs so much - they are used to walking every morning - but my arms and sides! Can you say - do I really need to lift my arms for anything today?
This morning it was difficult to drag myself out of bed despite the hard working kitty (Skor) who was determined that I would. My body really, really just wanted an aspirin and more sleep. However, I got up, made Hubby his lunch (because he does so much for me!), and then got to work.
Tuesday's routine starts with more Yoga - stretching is important every day, right? - and then moves on to aerobic exercise (hula hooping really takes a lot out of you!) and ends with a couple balance games. Once I actually started working out, my muscles capitulated and got with the program. I am a bit aprehensive about what my muscles will feel like in a couple of hours. It might make work "interesting!"
Two days in a row. Not too bad for a start. Let's see if I can stick to this when I start walking again. Now THAT would be dedication!
Trisha
Voice Update: In the morning my voice was excellent! I had no difficulties at all with any sounds. However, after working at packing at the office and talking to Linda for about three hours . . . my voice was a bit fractious when I got home! The word "two" was of particular difficulty for some reason. I did my massage and my inhalation voicing so we will see how things go today at work. I did get a new massager from work - someone gave it to Linda and she didn't use it so she gave it to me. The massager is a small thing which is powered through the USB port in a computer! The whole thing is a bit underpowered but it is nice for some quick muscle massage while working on the computer!
Monday, January 4, 2010
Christmons - Explained
Hi All!
After my last post several people had questions about what (in the world) Chrismons are so I did a little research to ensure that I could explain clearly. It was actually very interesting to me since I had never really taken the time to learn why these things were called Chrismons and what that word really meant.
I found the following on Wikapedia so take it as it is meant . . .
Chrismons can be found in all sizes, any sort of construction, and are used in numerous applications. Often, the Ρ is formed to look like a shepherd's crook and the Χ like a cross, symbolizing Jesus Christ as Good Shepherd of his flock, the Christian Church.
Perhaps most commonly, chrismons are used to adorn liturgical devices and Christmas Trees during Advent and Christmas, where they are made from various materials ranging from needlepoint to woodwork and metalwork. They can also be found as decorations in and outside of Christian church buildings and homes, and even found on gravestones and personal stationary.
After my last post several people had questions about what (in the world) Chrismons are so I did a little research to ensure that I could explain clearly. It was actually very interesting to me since I had never really taken the time to learn why these things were called Chrismons and what that word really meant.
I found the following on Wikapedia so take it as it is meant . . .
(This article is about Christian symbolism. For the German Lutheran magazine called "Chrismon", see Chrismon (magazine).)
A chrismon is one of number of Christian symbols intended to represent aspects of the Person, life or ministry of Jesus Christ and the life, ministry or history of the Christian Church through a single image, emblem or monogram. The term "chrismon" comes from the Latin phrase "Christi Monogramma", meaning "monogram of Christ".
A chrismon is one of number of Christian symbols intended to represent aspects of the Person, life or ministry of Jesus Christ and the life, ministry or history of the Christian Church through a single image, emblem or monogram. The term "chrismon" comes from the Latin phrase "Christi Monogramma", meaning "monogram of Christ".
Chrismons can be found in all sizes, any sort of construction, and are used in numerous applications. Often, the Ρ is formed to look like a shepherd's crook and the Χ like a cross, symbolizing Jesus Christ as Good Shepherd of his flock, the Christian Church.
Perhaps most commonly, chrismons are used to adorn liturgical devices and Christmas Trees during Advent and Christmas, where they are made from various materials ranging from needlepoint to woodwork and metalwork. They can also be found as decorations in and outside of Christian church buildings and homes, and even found on gravestones and personal stationary.
Okay - Now that you know the basics. From my Internet search for Chrismons I found that these ornamental symbols can be made in many, many ways. There are cross-stitched versions, wood versions, metal versions, Styrofoam versions, cloth versions and more.
The ones our church made were made of felt with wire in between the layers to provide structure. Various types of trim - sequins, beads, crystals - were used to decorate the Chrismons. As you can tell from my picture of the Chrismon tree, they make an impressive display while inspiring the viewer to remember the reason we celebrate Christmas.
Trisha
Voice Update: Doing fine. I really hit the inhale hard yesterday doing some inhale reading (of Poe) as well as some cyclical reading (where I alternate inhalation voicing with regular voicing). My neck and jaw are not nearly as tender as they were last week but I continue to rub those areas with the intention to keep them from becoming sore again. I have been doing massage but not nearly as much as I should. I do have a speech appointment this Wednesday so I will get "kicked" back into shape!
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