Is It Just Me?

I don't know if a person is supposed to feel lower back and neck pain when they are doing certain workouts but I certainly do. This is the exact reason why I don't do/like crunches and why so many other moves are just not a part of my self-approved workout list. I'm fine with really creative sit-ups but other moves that I'm supposed to relax my neck but keep my shoulders off the ground? No. 

It'd be really great to know if other people experience this same sort of super discomfort because when I'm doing the group workout classes, I look around and everyone else can put in a good effort where I can barely do one without taking a moment to rub my neck or back. Am I just weak?

Memory Preservation

Really wanted to share some beautiful moments from my brother's wedding.  Click the link below to see.

http://vimeo.com/102047940

Spin To The Bed

It's been a month since I last did a group workout class let alone a high intensity one (and I still gotta get the last day of the cruise typed up!). I had originally decided to try yoga at 3:30 since my original Monday class was moved to 7:30. Then when I went to sign up I thought "why don't I try spinning at the rec?" And thus I sealed my fate of exhaustion. That ride kicked my butt and totally made me feel out of shape. I used to be really good with spinning-- well not like amazing but I did good enough to get through the class at a healthy challenging pace. I would go like once a week and even buddied up with one of my sisters, Danielle, to go to the class and do abs after. 

This new spin class was really tough on me and it's good because it's what I need to hop back on the bike, so to speak. It sucked just a little because I wasn't prepared. My body was just done after that spin class-- so done I just wanted to shlump and lay but for some reason my back was hurting. Thankfully the bicycle ride home is mostly down hill and only 10-15 minutes. 

So tomorrow I'm not sure yet what I have planned but I know I'm working out. It may just have to be arm day or something because I'm feeling so tired physically that my brain is running extra for it. Maybe it'll be a just Just Dance day. Probably not that though because Alex will need his rest when he gets home from his 4 AM. We shall see. 

And thus Monday says farewell. 

I Want To Participate

This one got me off my lazy bum today. I may not have anything exciting to do (until my spin class at 6) but getting out the house is good. Publix here I come!

To explain the title of this post quickly, Alex and I went on a walk with Penny a couple months ago and we were discussing how artists paint such beautiful, emotional events. I pointed out that, while they recorded and brought to life these moments in time, immortalized-- in a sense-- those moments and people, they themselves were not taking part. I concluded that there are two types of people, and yes people can be a little of both but, the first is a Participant: one who lives the adventure and feels the emotions and life in that moment. The second, (and this one was hard to name) the God's Eye: you have the ability to look all around you and present life and wonder within an image or a book but you must give up your own joy and wonder of those moments to create them. Art is beautiful and there is nothing wrong with being the God's Eye or the Participant... I just know if I get to my last day and look back and all I see is the lives I've observed without me in it, my heart would weep.
I want to see others in their sadness and happiness but I also want to see me next to them. I know there are many ways of describing and observing the artist themselves but this was what came to mind that day-- and what came to mind again when I saw this Hunchback quote. I love to paint, but I want to participate more.
Namaste.

Can Count on Change

Friday for you; Monday for me.

This is one of those mornings that I would really rather stay home and snuggle with Alex than go to work. I've said before that I like my job, it's pretty easy, but the only down side is working weekends. Everything happens the days that I work or at night when I can't really go out unless I'm willing to sacrifice sleep.
At least I can count on that it's not permanent; I don't have much longer in school then I can start something new.
Another upside is that my boss says they won't need me on Sundays starting in October-- I just need to decide whether or not I want to work Mondays and keep getting the nice paycheck I get. It really depends on school schedule and if I get an internship or something along those lines.Either way it will be nice to have Sunday off, at least. Sunday brunch plans to come, for sure!

I didn't post for yesterday did I? Well I spent it watching Lost Girl (because Netflix finally got Season 4!) while working on some sewing-- moreso threadcutting than sewing. I took apart some old clothes to get fabric to work with. When I did sew I think I messed it up (I was trying to make a mini clutch purse) because I moved too fast... I'm not sure maybe the tension was too tight. I'll be working with it more so I can figure it out and get some projects going... hopefully I don't just suck at sewing.

Hope everyone enjoys the weekend ahead. I'll be at the shop.

Namaste.

Yes, It Is.

I really need to get some fabric and/or something to paint. Yesterday I spent hours watching Say Yes to the Dress and my brain feels fried. I also need to get back into the habit of laying down earlier. Alex's 4 AM's make it tough because we usually lay down at the same time but he's been napping during the day so by the time he's up again, I'm just starting to feel tired. I'd also really like to get back to my gym classes. I was supposed to start back again this past Monday but the schedule was changed for the new summer semester (which started weeks ago but I haven't been since after the cruise) and Cardio Craise, which was at 10 AM is now 7 PM. I know this is good for the instructor since more people will attend her class (when I went last semester, there was only ever like four other girls and I don't think one of them was a come back). It's just a bummer because I like to work out in the morning to get it out of the way and not worry about making time for it once the day really gets going. 

It may be possible to do later classes now with Alex sleeping during the day. That might be what I need to do. 

Speaking of working out, the gym is calling. I finished my banana so I'm going to head over to my apartment complex's gym. Snoozy elliptical but it's something!

Considering Birthday Plans

Yesterday was Susy Tuesday and it's always nice spending time with Kaitlin. I finally got her over to TacoSon and she loved it. She said it's her second favorite burrito of all time (first is Miguel's, of course-- she loves that place. For good reason: their salsa kicks butt!). So we ate that, then went over to Micheal's for paper and stuff for Kaitlin to use on a work project. Then we went to HomeDepot for clear coat to put on the Poke'mon board and then I think we went to Target to get colored pencils (WAY cheaper than Micheal's pencils).
When we finally made it back to the house, Alex laid down for a nap because he's on 4 AM's at work for a while (back to school time). It's tough adjusting to a new schedule because all the normal routine and such gets messed up and then we don't get to spend as much time together and then when we do spend time it's a concern about him getting enough sleep. It's rough but we'll make it through, it's only for a month or so.
While he was napping, Kaitlin and I ate ColdStone ice cream (somewhere in the time frame of Susy Tuesday we made it there) while looking up numbers to celebrate our birthdays Harry Potter style by going to the new Harry Potter section and stuff. We need a third person to make it more affordable so, Colie, I'm going to be calling you soon (since it is also your birthday in November!) to see if we can all do this together. If not, maybe my parents can help pay for some or maybe we'll just have to try for other options. Maybe only do a one day park-to-park and just get there before they even open. We know what rides will be the longest wait: Gringotts and the Hogwarts Express. And if we go during the week prior to Thanksgiving, maybe it'll work out... we shall see.
It's probably good to come up with a plan B.