Something Wild

Recently had a split on my bottom lip. The last time that I had an issue with my lip was many years ago when I had a reaction to a certain seafood. The first hole in my ear was inflamed. I've had bumps on my cheekbone, biceps tendonitis (maybe) and tight rhomboids. Plus, I did too many hip openers during yoga and that left me barely able to walk.

Had so much going on that I pulled out The Body Keeps The Score which I read during yoga teacher training. All in all, I should be grateful for all of the times when my body is not keeping the score...

I often admire the tulips at a local park and at the botanical garden and decided to do something wild like ordering tulip bulbs. Thank goodness for YouTube. I was going to try to dig the designated area with a trowel but went with a shovel after watching a few how-to videos. 

It was so gratifying digging my little area and when I saw a few wriggling worms, it made me think of how my grandmother would dig for fishing worms. 

Speaking of my grandmother, my aunt shared a picture that one of my cousins forwarded to her of my grandmother and another cousin. In the picture, my cousin's face is so soft and it made me think of how much my grandmother loved him and also how much my grandmother loved me and how much I miss her. 

Wore a "Day of the Dead' mask to work and a co-worker who speaks mostly Spanish showed me a picture of an altar that she'd made for her husband. The altar was beautiful and I'm considering doing something similar next year. I'm not one for visiting a cemetery but this seems like an appropriate way to honor the dead. Thank you Gingerzingi for making this mask for me. 

It's Okay

Chiquita, my cousin, inquired about my day and, at some point, I gave her a rundown of my exercise schedule.

"But when do you do yoga?," she asked.

Good question as I've been barely doing yoga and it's showing up in my body.

Soooo, what have I been doing?

Friday before last, went to see I, Tonya. Had not planned to go and see that movie but the 'Fugee and I were running out of movies to see at the $5 dollar movie theater. I, Tonya is a very good movie and I have to say that I really didn't pay much attention to the Tonya Harding/Nancy Kerrigan story but the movie was a lesson in looking beyond the surface.

This past Friday, I went to an international-themed trivia night even though I'm not a trivia aficionado and the first trivia night that I went to left me feeling like I'd been "left behind."

At any rate, I went to the trivia event because I work with contractors who I don't get to see often and one of them suggested that trivia night could be a way for us to get together.

I was nervous about looking "left behind" but I felt the fear and did it anyway. We had one "star" at our table but he had me cracking up when he said that geography was his round and that signaled the end of his participation but, of course, he couldn't stay on the sidelines.

When I saw the international cats round, all I could think was That's evil until the woman next to me was like "I love cats" and proceeded to name seven of of the ten cats in an impressive amount of time.

Overall, it felt like the people who hadn't been born in the states were the smartest but that's not true. The superstar of our table is American born. All of that to say that it seems like other countries have a more serious education system.

Surprisingly, I ended up knowing several answers that involved Japan. I knew one of the answers because I'd been invited to Gloria's house for a Japanese-themed dinner.

On a food note, the most popular items that someone brought were bread and cheese, LOL.

The round that had me cracking up the most was the eighth and final one.

Didn't go swimming tonight since the school that I swim at is on spring break. Went to Zumba again and was reminded of why I seldom try to make the 5:30 p.m. class. Combine rush hour with construction and it made for a hair-raising experience. By the end of class, I had forgotten the traffic nightmare until one of my fellow Zumba folks said she'd had the same issue and that she hates being late to class. Me too I said then told her that I kept telling myself You're going to be late; it's okay.

To Wrap Around

Buddha at a Local Store

My cousin was supposed to go to a family birthday party last Saturday with my aunt Al so I accompanied her and I joked that while I wouldn’t be glad to go, I would go. I knew that it would be an awkward experience since, outside of my father’s siblings, I don’t really know a lot of my paternal relatives.

At the birthday party, a second cousin came over and asked if I knew who he was. I did know his name but I didn’t know him. He immediately said that one of his regrets was not getting to know parts of his family and I said that I felt similarly. I mean, I had to be introduced to many relatives at that party that, in theory, I should be familiar with.

On tap for the next day was a reunion with many of the same family members. One of my second cousins, D, kept saying that she looked like my aunt Al in response to people saying that she looks like her grandmother. D didn’t get along with her grandmother and I feel bad about that too because I think that if they had put their differences aside, they would have really enjoyed each other’s company. D has a great sense of humor and a big personality -- just like my aunt L. Anyway, I have enough to feel bad about without adding more regret for something that I had no control over...

Scene of the Reunion

Tug of War: Females vs. Males

Photo Booth: D's Family

At any rate, the birthday party was nice and so was the family reunion. Both were well organized and the credit goes to my second cousin, S., who is a superb event planner. The party MC even joked that the birthday woman is very laid back but that her daughter, S, is another story. When S asks you for something by a certain time on a certain date, you get it to her without questions...

Once a friend suggested that I go to Al-Anon and I scoffed out loud and had a For what? tone to my voice. I considered my father a soft and functional alcoholic but I can see how my father’s pursuit of alcohol et al. affected me by, say, his lack of interest in family gatherings.

As I listened to my cousin, C, talk about his 40 plus year marriage to the birthday woman, I wished that my father had been more invested in marriage. You get to play the “wish game” but you don’t get to alter reality and, while my father was not more “invested” in marriage, he was super invested in me, so I won’t cry over spilled milk. Okay, I’m whimpering a bit but whatever...

Birthday Prizes, Decorative Boxes that S Made

Additional Giveaway Boxes (with scripture chosen by birthday woman)

As an introvert, I felt the strain of being around a lot people for the Labor Day weekend but I did enjoy the family reunion. There were games, plenty of food, a photo booth and, of course, lots of interesting people.

I found it frustrating that I got almost nothing done, outside of cutting the grass and cleaning the fish tank, during the holiday weekend but I guess I’ll put that in the That’s life column. Plus, when family is gathered, you have to set other things aside.

The Friday before the holiday was busy at work and so was this Tuesday. I kept feeling the need to scream and I did but not loudly because screaming at work is frowned upon. My urge to scream made me think of this Primal Therapy scene in some goofy movie. And other than wanting to scream, I'm still wrapping my mind around the fact that my aunt is gone.

Your Lucky Day

News:

I made it back to my yoga mat after a 15-day hiatus and it felt really good. I had read an article in Prevention magazine that was a reminder of why practicing yoga is so good for your mind and spirit.

In Other News:

Chiquita texted me sometime last week to say that one of our cousin's had died. No one, except for his mom, was surprised. Our cousin lived a hard life and alcohol got the best of him. I feel really bad for his mom who is not doing well herself. 

People have a lot to say about the town that I was born in. It got the first chapter in Jonathan Kozol's Savage Inequalities. A lot of us did well but a lot of the black men did not...

Today was my cousin's funeral. 

I met up with my mother over at my aunt Girt's house and I wanted to drive because my mother often chauffeurs people around but I think that my mother is leery of my driving skills or, rather, she thinks that I drive too fast. At any rate...

Got to the funeral home and saw my aunt Debbie coming out. She had some gently used workout clothes that one of her friends no longer wanted...

One my of high school classmates officiated the service and one of the first things that he asked us to do was put up two fingers then feel our pulse. He went on to talk about the importance of breath, living etc.

When it was time to go to the graveyard, I rode with Chiquita. The service was a short one so when we arrived at the gravesite, there was still some final issues that needed to be addressed. I couldn't remember where my father's grave was at and, of course, Chiquita remembered the general vicinity and I was able to find it. Blew my mind that it's been almost 12 years since my father died. Really, where does the time go?

Chiquita In The Driver's Seat

I went to school with my deceased cousin's sister and it was not lost on me that she can hardly stand on her own since she has a bad case of arthritis...

Next, Chiquita and I went to pick up my aunt Alice and when she saw me, she said When did you two crooks meet up? I started cracking up.

We went over to another cousin's for the repast and I had fun watching Chiquita have fun while listening to my aunt Girt who said many funny things. It is also interesting to watch what happens between my mother and my aunt Girt. You would think that my aunt Girt is the oldest the way she likes to ask my mother to bring her things etc...

After the repast, I headed to get my glasses. I usually get them in Illinois at an "outlet" for $40 dollars. As I walked in, a pair of glasses called my name. Why didn't they call out to me two weeks ago? I wasn't crazy about the glasses that I picked out but I was overwhelmed by the choices and just went with something so that I could get out of the store. At any rate, the glasses are growing on me but I still might order a second pair.

After picking up my glasses, I treated myself to some scented, whipped shea butter lotion plus a few bath bombs. I also got Chiquita one because she needs to unwind...

Left home at 11:30 and returned at 5:30. Ate then I headed back out as I wanted to get this Trader Joe's popcorn that my mother likes but when I got to the shelf that holds the popcorn, it wasn't there. I went up to customer service and a young lady told me that the truck should have just made a delivery. 

It's your lucky day she tells me as she cuts open the box and I relieve it of four bags.

Flower Cupboard Almost Bare

Not Smart

What A Difference A Week Makes

Arrived at the hospital and all my devices started going off.

A friend of the family had stopped by to see my aunt and she couldn't find my aunt or her nurse. My, usually, unshakable cousin was shaken.

I thought they were going to tell me that L was dead and I would be the only one hear to receive the news but I came anyway.

I just got a cell phone for my birthday. Not a smart one -- a gift --- that I pay $10 a month. I hardly keep it on because I'm on the phone so much at work and the last thing that I want to hear is ringing.

I would not have had my phone on anyway because I had been in yoga class but realized that what I could do was give my cousin a better idea of my routine.

Last time I visited my friend in New Jersey, I also visited another one in New York. NJ friend wanted me to call her when I arrived in New York. Soon as I find a pay phone, I told her. Bottom line. NJ friend told me. Oh, you can get in touch with people but no one can get in touch with you.

I realized yesterday that I need to, at least, try to keep the phone on.

***

How can I tell that I'm sick? I've lost about three pounds. How does that happen so fast when you're sick? Loss of appetite for sure but unfair...

Went for a walk because I thought that the sun might do be some good. Trying to avoid snow-covered steps, I slid in the slick grass, almost did a split and came down on my "fragile" knee. It was kind of ironic because Gloria had us do hanumanasana in class or, as I like to call it, splitsville.

P.S. According to the Survival Doctor, see below for why your nose runs when you have a cold.

When a head cold invades, The Defensive Protector ramps things up a notch or 10. And an increase in mucus brings with it an increase in antiseptic enzymes and immunoglobulins (antibodies). The fighter-filled fluid washes out some of the germs.

Although, what I have didn't really feel like just a cold early in the a.m. when I woke up with little puddles of sweat on my body...

Steel Cut Oats & Egg Whites or The Gospel According to Chiquita

Chiquita is my cousin and her gospel follows:

Dot. Period. The end.

Something that Chiquita will say when she's made a credible argument about something.

It's not going to end well because it didn't start well.

Commentary on a situation that was not handled in a nice fashion.

We're not going to sit up here and let you die because you don't have insurance.

My cousin to another cousin who was feeling miserable.

I went to crêpes: etc. in the Central West End. They have the kind of food that you like.

Me: What kind of food do I like?

Cousin: You know, steel cut oats, egg whites; they have an extensive list of that kind of stuff... (points at me).

I love their BLT's; they (Crown Candy) don't have your kind of food there.

You know how some people are just kind of off-brand?

I do not want to go to work. I say that every time I see you, don't I?

Me: Want some (baked Lays)?

Chiquita: I'd rather have cardboard.

I wouldn't mind eating steel cut oats but not when I got out to eat...

Do you think that I change purses every time I change outfits? I don't have on anything blue...

Re: my comment that my purse didn't match anything that I had on.

You can't hurt my feelings.

Our aunt was in the ICU and this guy, who didn't seem to be waiting on anyone, came in, got on the phone and talked extensively. The nusre had been calling with updates and Chiquita went and asked him to get off the phone. My aunt Al said that the telephone man was going to hurt her feelings...

I need to get back in my lane...

Something that Chiquita tends to say when she feels that she's gotten over involved or feels it was something she should have never been involved in from the get-go.

(More) Stuff People Say To Me

We all have something going on. I just try to keep my face off the floor., Onetime play mother that I unexpectedly ran into.

It's always good. If it's not good, I'll make it good., A colleague

My friend (Lori): Why do you have a bottle of cooking wine in your bedroom?

Me: Because it didn't make it to the pantry????????

Cousin: Are you still working out seven days a week?

Me: I rest on Friday.

Cousin: So this has become a way of life?

Me: Yes.

Bosnian one: I feel bad that you are not taking anything (sweet).

Bosnian two: See what you're doing to these Bosnians?

You got them in and that's what counts.

Swimming lane neighbor about my 20 slow laps.

I was waiting for you., Lifeguard

The last time I had seen the guard, my quiet entrance made her jump about three feet in the air.

Anonymous: I had a therapeutic massage.

Me: Silent but wondering about the emphasis on therapeutic...

Colleague: I would love to take a couple of weeks off.

Me: What would you do?

Colleague: I would clean, play with my dog, read, make yogurt.

Me: I have news for you; everyone wants those same two weeks off. I would skip the yogurt part though.

Your back is bigger. Is that from swimming? Rock climbing?, My Mother

Did anyone see Please Give? There's this one character who makes snide remarks about her ex's girlfriend and she's fond of mentioning that the new girlfriend has a big back which caught my attention because I've always had a big back and it is probably bigger now. But who cares? It works fabulously...

Lapping It Up At Night

My usual method of operation is to start exercising immediately after work and I pack workout paraphernalia plus snacks to tide me over but swimming is a different story.

The best time for swimming is usually for an open swim that starts at 7:30 p.m. but, oh, the time lag is dangerous. I get very relaxed and feel like I don't have an ounce of energy by the time open swim rolls around but I press on and it's usually so worth it.

I think that I've turned a corner with my front crawl breathing. It no longer seems like the impossible dream. The lane doesn't seem Twilight Zonish where it goes on forever and ever. I know that I can make it from one end of the lane to the other without pulling up or gasping for air. I look forward to feeling even more in sync and I would love to get to the point where I feel comfortable enough to do another sprint triathlon. The other legs of the event don't bother me but I really don't like the rushed pace of swimming...

My cousin got me this t-shirt.

Front:




Back:



I found the back funny but not funny, of course...

Do you have a designated time to exercise? If you miss your time, are you able to regroup?

Bellybuilding?

"Let me know when I can talk," my cousin said while I was distracted by the frenzy of the Celtics/Lakers' game on Sunday.

My cousin could have talked as much as she wanted since she told me that my face et al. looked slimmer. She also gave me the muscle vs. fat spiel about how muscle looks leaner. I love the muscle card...

On one hand, the scale says that I'm in maintenance mode but my pants feel looser.

I once heard this joke about a man who had an affair. His wife says that she saw him with her own two eyes then he says, "Who are you going to believe -- me or your lying eyes?"

Hope my cousin's eyes aren't lying.

If the pants that I recently tried on are any indication, my cousin's eyes are golden. I got in a size 12 which I've been itching to try on. There was very little room for negotiation but, by golly, I got in them.

By the way, I feel lost in the store now. I feel like I don't belong in any department and I just sort of wander around...

Went to Kate's class tonight. I slid in, as usual, with about three minutes to spare. I head towards the step platform and risers but I'm waved off and told that we're doing 30 minutes of kickboxing moves then strength training. Lesson for tonight: Kate doesn't need props to kick one's butt.

Kate even had the nerve to say that she has the best job (i.e. butt-kicking) in the whole wide world. She also confessed to listening to aerobic music in a non-exercise environment.

Before class got started, Joy asked Jane who will be helping her out after knee surgery. Jane says no one.

Joy: What do you mean no one?

Jane: No one. I live by myself and I will get through this surgery by myself.

Joy: If you give me your number, I can bring you dinner.

Jane: No thanks.

Me: Joy, my number is...

I thought Joy's offer was sweet. Gestures like that renew my faith in humankind even though I might be semi-jaded right now.

I Stand Accused

My mother called me a haint.

haint [ haynt ]


noun

Definition:

Southern U.S. ghost: a ghost or other phenomenon believed to be supernatural

One of my friends told me that I have forsaken family and friends for exercise.


My brother feigns surprise whenever he catches me at home.


And my cousin said something like I bet you went rock climbing when she asked about a fish fry that I was absent from.

I'm so grateful that I'm not as defensive as I used to be.

A couple of episodes ago on The Biggest Loser, Ashley said that people were sneaking away to get in exercise. I feel like I have to sneak away sometimes especially when I want to double my exercise efforts.


On the other side of the world, when my mother saw how devoted I was to exercise, she started taking water aerobics classes which helps with her arthritis and achy knees.


My brother called me the incredible shrinking woman and my friend recently asked me to show her some exercises for her abs since she is having persistent back problems. So, there we were on a Friday night working on our abdominal muscles.


I wish that I could have the fish fry back. My aunt is prone to cook large amounts of fried fish, fried hush puppies, fried okra etc. and, when I mentioned that to her, she said How could you think that I did not consider you? My aunt had baked some fish for me. I definitely wanted a do-over on that one.


And my cousin?


When I started this journey, I walked and walked. I was reading Prevention and saw and ad for a marathon and I started training to walk in a marathon because I had heard of people losing weight this way.

As I walked in Forest Park, an aunt joined me then my cousin joined us.

The three of us participated in the 2008 Go! St. Louis Marathon.


My cousin got a scare recently when the doctor told her that her blood sugar was elevated which was definitely cause for concern since my cousin's father and every last one of his siblings has diabetes.

Last Sunday my cousin, aunt and I were sitting on the couch talking and my cousin said that she went to the doctor and all of her tests, including cholesterol and glucose, showed improvement.

Thank you, she said. If it had not been for you, I would not have started going back to the gym.

I almost fell off the couch.

My cousin has lost 21 pounds since she rejoined a gym about a year ago.

I stand accused. Sort of...

Prepared to Work Out

I said that once my contract was up with my current gym that I would check out other fitness clubs. My contract expired a month ago and I've been quite lackadaisical about it all.

I saw an advertisement for a fitness club downtown which promised 30 days free with no hassles. Promises, promises.

My cousin and I met up downtown this morning and we ended up taking a self-guided tour since there was only one person at the desk.

I was prepared to work out today because most fitness clubs start your free trial on the day you walk into their facility.

As I was at the front desk, I noticed an interesting machine. It was a treadmill but, wait, it wasn't. I instantly knew what I was going to tackle today.

Introducing the TreadClimber:



I guzzled two cups of water in record time. I did 45 minutes but, don't fret, I also did the five minute demo and because I like to do at least an hour of cardio, I hit a stationary bike afterwards where I watched a bit of Celebrity Fit Club 3 -- the one with Tempestt Bledsoe, Chastity Bono and Countess Vaughn.

As usual, because I don't frequent downtown, I enjoyed the scenery and architecture and resisted the urge to go to MacroSun.






I listened to Nina Simone while I did my little tour and it was a glorious concert. I decided to drive by the riverfront since I was in the vicinity.


It turned out to be a relaxing morning despite the fact that I have work on my mind. I actually entered my work address as the lock code at the fitness club and used the same address earlier when I was punching in directions.

Since I was taking the long way home, I stopped by a car wash to get some of the debris out of my car. I found 1/4 of a South Beach Diet bar that I had lost long time ago. I wish that I had looked harder the first time around.