Oh dratted and curses! I had a Monday Morning Palooza in store for you...great video, funny pics, timely audio but Mother Nature's having none of it.
C-bus was hit with a big windstorm this weekend so I've been without electrical power since Sunday...
Three days may not sound like too hatefully long but throw sore ribs and a strong tendency to eat cereal most meals (i need cold milk!) and i am HIGHLY cranky! Mitty's been saying i need to just chill.
So...i've gotten out my quill pen and ink well and have started an evening activities log... Please keep in mind these are only suggestions. you will probably want to add or create your own the next time you too are without power.
10 Ways to Entertain Yourself When You Have No Power at Home
1. wave the flashlight around and play traffic cop
2. practice your scary Halloween faces
3. put on a shadow puppet show for your cat
4. play Buddha monk!
5. play freezer Danger Rescue Ranger!
6. drink all the beer in the frig (so it doesn't go bitter of course) and then go lay down
7. become a better citizen- visualize and rehearse the simultaneous four-way stop
8. walk around nude a lot. might as well, you're in the dark...
9. play pioneer days-make a pilgrim hat out of newspaper, lead a game of pick up sticks w/ your neighbors and poop in a bucket
10. have a strobe light dance party! put on your most reflective clothing...running shoes, outdoor biking gear, then get crunk in front of the flashlight...
or if you have kids maybe have a career night with the kids. play eye exam (w/ flashlights) and/or coal miner! strap a flashlight to their head. kids can ask questions afterwards.
okay yes, 6 & 8, part of 9 are not true. i have NOT been doing these things...entirely.
Turning That Frown Upsidedown Tuesday. : )
Amanda
*electrical power should be restored by next Monday
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Monday, September 8, 2008
pain pain pain...
Good Morning,
I have a little update on the Team Reeve "Elliptithon" training.
Unbeknownst to my feet I was planning to return a gallon of milk to the refrigerator last Wednesday...when, I tripped, over-corrected and fell hard into the kitchen counter top. The result: a trip to the doctor and some bruised ribs. (On the pain scale a sneeze is about a 10 the water hitting me in the shower is about a 2). The doctor told me and Web MD confirmed I can expect this type of pain to last for the next 4-6 weeks?
As you can imagine, given my "stubborn" nature this is not going over well. I've had to adjust my training. I'm spending more time on the stationary bike and I've been researching PAIN.
According to my Buddha teacher Gil you're supposed to sit with the pain and get to know it. He says pain is never the same. it's always changing. it's made up of throbbing heat...warmth...then there's a burning...maybe just a tingle.
okay all I've noticed is that it's not a tickle! Buddhism is insufficient treatment in this area.
According to traditional medicine, I can take my Darvocet and monitor things on a pain scale of smiley faces. This just leaves me with a frown.
I've had to make up my own scale.
A's Pain Scale (1=low 10=high)
1- a smile
2- standing in the shower
3- bending over to pick something up
4- breathing
5- running on the elliptical (surprising!!!)
6- walking with my cane or w/o cane
7- doctor's prodding
8- morning muscle spasm
9- mitty's wake up call (OH the kneading)
10- a sneeze!!!!!!
What does seem to be working right now is light exercise and lots of frowning. Even better is allowing my mind to run free while moody and grumpy. (seems to have a curative factor but i can't find it in the Buddhist text).
To illustrate, here's my latest irritation:
older women marching out of the gym locker room with attitude...
Gym etiquette says
"Look the other way when you see people wearing tight and unflattering workout clothes. It might not be a pretty sight, but unless the person with the Spandex camel toe is your best friend or sister, you probably should keep your complaints to yourself. If nudity is involved, you can let a gym employee know, of course."
i can never find an employee.
no really, these days to me this woman is suggesting a level of comfort frankly I believe in public no one should have. I do NOT mean to be rude but there are parts of self i believe best negotiated on an interpersonal level.
it also frustrates me that upon seeing this woman i feel compelled to throw my body around her like a shield. In the world of bodies people can be cruel.
...and all i REALLY want to do is sit on my stationary bike and exercise in peace.
My point? hmm...
Pain is not really a science it's an art. it's kind of like the messy splatter kind. once you understand the chaos it causes you, you don't have to buy it. just live with it.
many healing thoughts to you wherever you hurt.
Happy Monday,
Amanda
*sideline photographer for Westdale High
(Brady Bunch-reference, Greg cracked a rib!)
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
In the Gym with Dick
Good Morning,
When you get certified as a personal trainer i guess there’s something called a job that's supposed to follow...
No, really, I'd like to make a correction for something. I keep getting asked when people find out I'm certified as a PT. "What are you doing with that?"
I think I'm giving off a false sense of inactivity. I have not applied for a job or suited up in my trainer blacks yet because I see myself as finding a way to filling my niche.
In this sense, i'm aware my style and approach do not translate into "real" very easily so I thought I'd give a fun example of what i am doing in "my work."
In the Gym with Dick
Dick. Older gentleman without a fitness goal. He has often asserted loudly and prophetically across the gym that I am his fitness hero! He checks in with me daily on my progress so as to make me want to run and hide in the ladies locker room when I spy his approach.
"Let me ask you something…Is it painful Amanda?"
One of these days my patience will betray me as I reply, no but this conversation is.
My PT certification is helping to change that. helps me see myself in a different way. I'm not the object of this man’s pity, I get to turn the tables on him now and switch into helper mode.
Last week I helped him take one step closer to his fitness goal. A goal I have determined he must reach! One day in the cardio room he hopped up on the elliptical machine next to me…to ask about my training. then he too became slowly interested in the elliptical machine. "Now tell me Amanda how do you do this?" After I programmed his machine (while running of course), my reward came as he shared the story of his son…who like me struggled with difficulties. After 20 minutes, we had a win-win…Dick had finally let go of some difficult part of his past and I had the satisfaction of knowing he’d done 20 min!
Now, we have a routine. He arrives. I’m usually running on the elliptical. He hops up beside me and we talk…sports…until he realizes he’s broken his old record. The increments of improvement are slow. we are seconding toward the goal. 20 minutes became 22min. then 22:30…23min. and after a windy aided weekend (we had a threesome with another gym patron on a nearby machine) Dick was up to 25min. Dick never wants to test the limits. He reaches 25min. and he stops! There is no boundary to push just an edge to a cliff he does not want to fall off.
Yesterday was amusing and monumental. I discovered Dick’s weakness…he’s "ageotistic." It’s what happens when an older person gets in front of a computer screen. The brain freezes and coordination of thought and movement becomes difficult. Both ellipticals were occupied (me on one and a frantically magazine flipping Fit girl on the next) so Dick hopped up on the other cardio machine beside me. This machine has the same elliptical motion but a different panel and a lot more buttons.
Midway through my run. I offered to switch. "Hey Dick why don’t we switch? You do this one and I’ll do yours." He said he didn’t want to stop me or bother me with that idea…ooookay.
I watched out of the corner of my eye while Dick hunched over in front of the screen. Slowly he studied it and started punching buttons--like the child spellin out Mama for the first time I felt proud of his independence. I had created this thing a
skillful old person getting it done on a piece of computerized fitness equipment!
"What did I just do?"
"Well, you just made yourself weigh 544 pounds."
After careful, slow, instruction he then began pushing the bolts not the buttons on the machine.
"What’s wrong here what am I doing Amanda?"
"Uh, well, you’re pushing the bolts you need to press those little buttons with the numbers on them."
"How do I do that?"
"Well, you press them…like with your finger."
"Oh is that right?"
"Yes."
By this time the magazine flipper had stopped and was giving me cautioned sideways glances. (I don’t think she ever wants either of us near her children and that’s just fine with me).
"Amanda, then tell me something else. How do I change the resistance on this thing?"
"You hit the Up or Down arrow that say RESISTANCE underneath."
Funny how screwed up the sequence of running and entering can get.
I am a seasoned ellipticator. I can run and enter…I start running to power up and adjust accordingly…I can enter stride length, goal speed, resistance and up the time without a moments awareness.
Again, I offered to switch machines. Dick was familiar with my machine. I’d have no problem doing his.
Oh no, Dick just did not have his glasses on… : )
Dick did not have his glasses on. His inability to program within the 30 second window had nothing to do with the previous three to five attempt failures just his fuzzy vision.
After glasses on things did not improve.
After he finally entered his weight correctly, the machine became exhausted and shut off.
"Now what Amanda?"
"Looks like the machine shut off. it wants you to enter everything in a certain time frame…"
"You don’t say. Maybe we should switch machines." This was actually a score point. A commonly used ploy of the "man savy"…when they finally think it was their idea just go with it.
We switched machines. Dick was now back on familiar soil but Dick’s "ageotism" kicked in…you might want to observe your oldsters for this in front of new fangled technology.
There is a magic button that they will push…over and over. It is the 1st button they have learned and it is safe…be patient, gentle and kind with them this is homebase.
Dick’s safety button was the Quickstart...which threw the screen into all manners of flashing and blipping...
(Okay Dick it’s okay…).
"Hit Enter."
"What’s that?" Dick could not hear me.
"I said hit enter."
"Where’s that?"
"It’s on the screen."
The frantic flipper had calmed and actually returned her magazine and placed it neatly in the magazine rack. That’s score point #2 (occasionally this will happen. Someone will think a little differently about their day).
After some searching, Dick found the right buttons and was on his way…to 27min. and 2 sec. a new official elliptical record!
Yes indeed we celebrated.
With a wave and a SEE YOU LATER AMANDA Dick was out the door.
Yes, I thought, my work here today is complete.
Happy Monday,
Amanda
When you get certified as a personal trainer i guess there’s something called a job that's supposed to follow...
No, really, I'd like to make a correction for something. I keep getting asked when people find out I'm certified as a PT. "What are you doing with that?"
I think I'm giving off a false sense of inactivity. I have not applied for a job or suited up in my trainer blacks yet because I see myself as finding a way to filling my niche.
In this sense, i'm aware my style and approach do not translate into "real" very easily so I thought I'd give a fun example of what i am doing in "my work."
In the Gym with Dick
Dick. Older gentleman without a fitness goal. He has often asserted loudly and prophetically across the gym that I am his fitness hero! He checks in with me daily on my progress so as to make me want to run and hide in the ladies locker room when I spy his approach.
"Let me ask you something…Is it painful Amanda?"
One of these days my patience will betray me as I reply, no but this conversation is.
My PT certification is helping to change that. helps me see myself in a different way. I'm not the object of this man’s pity, I get to turn the tables on him now and switch into helper mode.
Last week I helped him take one step closer to his fitness goal. A goal I have determined he must reach! One day in the cardio room he hopped up on the elliptical machine next to me…to ask about my training. then he too became slowly interested in the elliptical machine. "Now tell me Amanda how do you do this?" After I programmed his machine (while running of course), my reward came as he shared the story of his son…who like me struggled with difficulties. After 20 minutes, we had a win-win…Dick had finally let go of some difficult part of his past and I had the satisfaction of knowing he’d done 20 min!
Now, we have a routine. He arrives. I’m usually running on the elliptical. He hops up beside me and we talk…sports…until he realizes he’s broken his old record. The increments of improvement are slow. we are seconding toward the goal. 20 minutes became 22min. then 22:30…23min. and after a windy aided weekend (we had a threesome with another gym patron on a nearby machine) Dick was up to 25min. Dick never wants to test the limits. He reaches 25min. and he stops! There is no boundary to push just an edge to a cliff he does not want to fall off.
Yesterday was amusing and monumental. I discovered Dick’s weakness…he’s "ageotistic." It’s what happens when an older person gets in front of a computer screen. The brain freezes and coordination of thought and movement becomes difficult. Both ellipticals were occupied (me on one and a frantically magazine flipping Fit girl on the next) so Dick hopped up on the other cardio machine beside me. This machine has the same elliptical motion but a different panel and a lot more buttons.
Midway through my run. I offered to switch. "Hey Dick why don’t we switch? You do this one and I’ll do yours." He said he didn’t want to stop me or bother me with that idea…ooookay.
I watched out of the corner of my eye while Dick hunched over in front of the screen. Slowly he studied it and started punching buttons--like the child spellin out Mama for the first time I felt proud of his independence. I had created this thing a
skillful old person getting it done on a piece of computerized fitness equipment!
"What did I just do?"
"Well, you just made yourself weigh 544 pounds."
After careful, slow, instruction he then began pushing the bolts not the buttons on the machine.
"What’s wrong here what am I doing Amanda?"
"Uh, well, you’re pushing the bolts you need to press those little buttons with the numbers on them."
"How do I do that?"
"Well, you press them…like with your finger."
"Oh is that right?"
"Yes."
By this time the magazine flipper had stopped and was giving me cautioned sideways glances. (I don’t think she ever wants either of us near her children and that’s just fine with me).
"Amanda, then tell me something else. How do I change the resistance on this thing?"
"You hit the Up or Down arrow that say RESISTANCE underneath."
Funny how screwed up the sequence of running and entering can get.
I am a seasoned ellipticator. I can run and enter…I start running to power up and adjust accordingly…I can enter stride length, goal speed, resistance and up the time without a moments awareness.
Again, I offered to switch machines. Dick was familiar with my machine. I’d have no problem doing his.
Oh no, Dick just did not have his glasses on… : )
Dick did not have his glasses on. His inability to program within the 30 second window had nothing to do with the previous three to five attempt failures just his fuzzy vision.
After glasses on things did not improve.
After he finally entered his weight correctly, the machine became exhausted and shut off.
"Now what Amanda?"
"Looks like the machine shut off. it wants you to enter everything in a certain time frame…"
"You don’t say. Maybe we should switch machines." This was actually a score point. A commonly used ploy of the "man savy"…when they finally think it was their idea just go with it.
We switched machines. Dick was now back on familiar soil but Dick’s "ageotism" kicked in…you might want to observe your oldsters for this in front of new fangled technology.
There is a magic button that they will push…over and over. It is the 1st button they have learned and it is safe…be patient, gentle and kind with them this is homebase.
Dick’s safety button was the Quickstart...which threw the screen into all manners of flashing and blipping...
(Okay Dick it’s okay…).
"Hit Enter."
"What’s that?" Dick could not hear me.
"I said hit enter."
"Where’s that?"
"It’s on the screen."
The frantic flipper had calmed and actually returned her magazine and placed it neatly in the magazine rack. That’s score point #2 (occasionally this will happen. Someone will think a little differently about their day).
After some searching, Dick found the right buttons and was on his way…to 27min. and 2 sec. a new official elliptical record!
Yes indeed we celebrated.
With a wave and a SEE YOU LATER AMANDA Dick was out the door.
Yes, I thought, my work here today is complete.
Happy Monday,
Amanda
Thursday, August 28, 2008
introducing an "us"
Good Morning,
Lately i've discovered this occupational hazard i have with writing; whatever the mind is consumed with is just below the surface...whatever the heart feels is then guaranteed expression.
So, this morning i'd simply like to share that i've met someone...her name is Shannon.
okay, i'll repeat
I have met someone. And...her name is Shannon. I'm hoping this doesn't need any further explanation but just in case here's the link on where and how we met. just taaaake your time studying the page it'll sink in...
www.AfterEllen.com
i know this may sound weird, odd or foreign to you. there's never been a time when i spoke about an "us" or filled out the "Amanda and Guest" wedding invitation RSVP with anything but "I" accepts and noooo, regrets.
but it's not.
what is perhaps odd is the level of in-depth discussion and analysis that gets done about the newly forming relationship when one has a background in psychology the other a doctoral degree (almost) in communications or "forensics."
***Warning***
When I was born i'm quite sure i came out backwards. Not in the breech position but in how i share things. the larger and more invisible the group, the more apt i am to share. so, instead of having individual conversations in private with each of you in which i will turn several shades of red, i thought i'd share this here in the Monday Morning News.
Introducing an "us"
My first "suave" question: "Are you loud?"
Her first "suave" answer: "I can be any volume I need to be."
My second suave question: "so you're loud?"
Her second suave answer: "my voice is my instrument."
conclusion: hmm, that's not good
My first uncool confession: "i have a spinal cord injury. i mean...i walk into things."
Her first equally uncool confession: [edit]
conclusion: um, that's not good
Shan says things like "jumping out of a plane is a rush!"
I say things like…I think that is perhaps not very wise.
First cool realization: Shannon is a national champion in speech and debate (I finish most of my inner dialog with because Jesus said so!)
Second cool realization: She encourages teasing from the outside of her faults and imperfections. I prefer straight self-deprecation.
conclusion: there's a lot i can learn here.
She came to the realization she was gay at age 38 after in-depth study of scripture; my realization probably came at age 8 when i found myself kissing my autograph photo of Miss Ohio!
Caution Flag! Hazard up ahead...
Shan's into imagining life on a grand scale “doin’ it big!” I spend my evenings listening to Buddha talks trying to achieve nothingness.
She says "I have plans, my plans have plans." I've seen a collection of planners from 1992-'08 that have details crammed into every half hour…I keep my life in fat marker on Post-its.
First Understanding
She thinks things like tandem bicycles are cool. I can flat out say "No Shan, i think they’re goofy lookin’."
Second Connection
She works in an office with mahogany shelves and leather topped tables for meetings with families and recruits.
Right now, I work in the break room and am routinely asked "Do you mind if I eat lunch in here?"
We've established yes, this is funny.
okay...
She thinks I’m amazing. I think she’s weird.
I think she’s cool. She thinks I’m hot.
She says Life is a game
I say no Monopoly is a game.
We agree people are NEVER a game
and that's why it just works.
Lately i've discovered this occupational hazard i have with writing; whatever the mind is consumed with is just below the surface...whatever the heart feels is then guaranteed expression.
So, this morning i'd simply like to share that i've met someone...her name is Shannon.
okay, i'll repeat
I have met someone. And...her name is Shannon. I'm hoping this doesn't need any further explanation but just in case here's the link on where and how we met. just taaaake your time studying the page it'll sink in...
www.AfterEllen.com
i know this may sound weird, odd or foreign to you. there's never been a time when i spoke about an "us" or filled out the "Amanda and Guest" wedding invitation RSVP with anything but "I" accepts and noooo, regrets.
but it's not.
what is perhaps odd is the level of in-depth discussion and analysis that gets done about the newly forming relationship when one has a background in psychology the other a doctoral degree (almost) in communications or "forensics."
***Warning***
When I was born i'm quite sure i came out backwards. Not in the breech position but in how i share things. the larger and more invisible the group, the more apt i am to share. so, instead of having individual conversations in private with each of you in which i will turn several shades of red, i thought i'd share this here in the Monday Morning News.
Introducing an "us"
My first "suave" question: "Are you loud?"
Her first "suave" answer: "I can be any volume I need to be."
My second suave question: "so you're loud?"
Her second suave answer: "my voice is my instrument."
conclusion: hmm, that's not good
My first uncool confession: "i have a spinal cord injury. i mean...i walk into things."
Her first equally uncool confession: [edit]
conclusion: um, that's not good
Shan says things like "jumping out of a plane is a rush!"
I say things like…I think that is perhaps not very wise.
First cool realization: Shannon is a national champion in speech and debate (I finish most of my inner dialog with because Jesus said so!)
Second cool realization: She encourages teasing from the outside of her faults and imperfections. I prefer straight self-deprecation.
conclusion: there's a lot i can learn here.
She came to the realization she was gay at age 38 after in-depth study of scripture; my realization probably came at age 8 when i found myself kissing my autograph photo of Miss Ohio!
Caution Flag! Hazard up ahead...
Shan's into imagining life on a grand scale “doin’ it big!” I spend my evenings listening to Buddha talks trying to achieve nothingness.
She says "I have plans, my plans have plans." I've seen a collection of planners from 1992-'08 that have details crammed into every half hour…I keep my life in fat marker on Post-its.
First Understanding
She thinks things like tandem bicycles are cool. I can flat out say "No Shan, i think they’re goofy lookin’."
Second Connection
She works in an office with mahogany shelves and leather topped tables for meetings with families and recruits.
Right now, I work in the break room and am routinely asked "Do you mind if I eat lunch in here?"
We've established yes, this is funny.
okay...
She thinks I’m amazing. I think she’s weird.
I think she’s cool. She thinks I’m hot.
She says Life is a game
I say no Monopoly is a game.
We agree people are NEVER a game
and that's why it just works.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
training inspiration
Good Morning,
I have some very fun "cool" news to share this morning. Hold on, I have to go put on my leotard...
wheewh, okay, I'm back. my cool news is that i passed my Personal Trainer Certification exam. after a few good romps on the floor with Recessa-Annie (i.e., CPR doll), i will be able to offer my counseling and training experiences as a personal trainer.
This has been a life long goal of mine-i love ideas, the mind-body connection and a good sweat!
i guess this is why i was a little off guard last Monday when I shared my triumph with my boss and her startled reply was
"well, what do you get to do with that?"
Open a taco stand? What else does someone do with PT certification? My mind has yet to consider all the possibilities but mostly i am certain that i will find some form of employment at a gym.
(I work for an agency that HELPS PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES find employment. not discourage it!)
As is the case in most of these situations, my boss quickly re-routed her course and we both started to laugh...
In a voice filled with swirling possibilities...and the challenges of spotting the 500lbs. deadlift, i gave what my Buddha mind deemed the most appropriate response..."well I guess right now I get to be really excited!"
so as i wait for talent, skills, and opportunity to align i've come up with
10 ways i can bring value to my profession (term used loosely. i am first and mostly a writer)
1. Bring self-identifying dishes to my pot lucks…on the dessert table mine will be the Angel food cake topped with whipped air
2. Set my goals high. i already put in my application at Sky Sport! (noooo, Jackie W. is a Kettering, OH girl...also a little touched by the crazy)
3. Audition for infomercials : )
4. Annoy family by suggesting a Christmas jog
5. wear my Spandex outfits 24-7
(excuse me while i go change...gotta see which one of these babies is gonna work best)
okay...i'm back
6. Flex in front of every mirror in my apartment at least once a day
7. Give demos on how to do things at the office (this could be veeeery effective. my workspace is technically in the break room : )
8. Yell out spontaneous encouragers when I see people struggling with difficult chores... ("GO ON you can do it! HURDLE the HOSE!)
9. Design programs like "partner-yoga-scuba" (do that one in the pool) or orthotic shoe camp (disabled version of boot camp)
10. or simply race people with my cart at the grocery store
okay, and a bonus one...hmm, maaaybe Not so discretely put my hands all over hot people.
you got it baby!
Happy Monday,
Amanda
"making the world a better place one sweat bead at a time!"
I have some very fun "cool" news to share this morning. Hold on, I have to go put on my leotard...
wheewh, okay, I'm back. my cool news is that i passed my Personal Trainer Certification exam. after a few good romps on the floor with Recessa-Annie (i.e., CPR doll), i will be able to offer my counseling and training experiences as a personal trainer.
This has been a life long goal of mine-i love ideas, the mind-body connection and a good sweat!
i guess this is why i was a little off guard last Monday when I shared my triumph with my boss and her startled reply was
"well, what do you get to do with that?"
Open a taco stand? What else does someone do with PT certification? My mind has yet to consider all the possibilities but mostly i am certain that i will find some form of employment at a gym.
(I work for an agency that HELPS PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES find employment. not discourage it!)
As is the case in most of these situations, my boss quickly re-routed her course and we both started to laugh...
In a voice filled with swirling possibilities...and the challenges of spotting the 500lbs. deadlift, i gave what my Buddha mind deemed the most appropriate response..."well I guess right now I get to be really excited!"
so as i wait for talent, skills, and opportunity to align i've come up with
10 ways i can bring value to my profession (term used loosely. i am first and mostly a writer)
1. Bring self-identifying dishes to my pot lucks…on the dessert table mine will be the Angel food cake topped with whipped air
2. Set my goals high. i already put in my application at Sky Sport! (noooo, Jackie W. is a Kettering, OH girl...also a little touched by the crazy)
3. Audition for infomercials : )
4. Annoy family by suggesting a Christmas jog
5. wear my Spandex outfits 24-7
(excuse me while i go change...gotta see which one of these babies is gonna work best)
okay...i'm back
6. Flex in front of every mirror in my apartment at least once a day
7. Give demos on how to do things at the office (this could be veeeery effective. my workspace is technically in the break room : )
8. Yell out spontaneous encouragers when I see people struggling with difficult chores... ("GO ON you can do it! HURDLE the HOSE!)
9. Design programs like "partner-yoga-scuba" (do that one in the pool) or orthotic shoe camp (disabled version of boot camp)
10. or simply race people with my cart at the grocery store
okay, and a bonus one...hmm, maaaybe Not so discretely put my hands all over hot people.
you got it baby!
Happy Monday,
Amanda
"making the world a better place one sweat bead at a time!"
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