The world is corrupt. Lately I've been thinking that the world is just getting worse and worse, but then I realize, its always been this bad. I just haven't known about it. Ignorance is bliss. Knowledge is a burden. Sometimes its hard to stay positive.
Lets talk about good things. I think I'm really starting to see results with my workouts. I went so long without noticing ANY difference. Now, I actually feel like a smaller person. Actually a really weird feeling. But I am, by no means, complaining. I love it. I think at this point I've lost a total of 10 lbs. since the January 14th.
Oh yeah, my fish died. Poor thing. He was only about a month old, if that.
I'm at work right now. Folding 500 programs for Opera Scenes. What a laborious task. Should be done soon. I get to leave early today because Nathan and I are singing in recital class and I have to go get my dress and stuff. Very excited about it.
Alright, back to folding. Have a nice day.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
"TU school of music, this is Grace, how may I help you?"
I'm working in the music office. A few minutes ago, the phone rang and as I went to pick it up, I hit myself in the eye so hard I had to will myself not to yell obscenities into the phone. I was so surprised at how composed my voice sounded as I said, "TU school of Music, this is Grace, how may I help you?"
This was a good week. Next Wednesday Nathan and I are singing, "La chi darem la mano," together in recital class. Also, we're thinking about doing a recital together next spring. That will be so much fun.
I don't want to graduate from college soon. The prospect of that is scary and weird. Maybe once I get a little closer, I'll be excited, but I want to be in college forever right now. A year from now, I'll be student teaching and staring down the barrel of graduation. The only consolation at this point is that once I graduate I'll be earning money instead of paying to go to school.
I have been honestly enjoying my runs lately. That is something I never thought I would say. Wednesday I ran inside on the treadmill, and I was surprised at how much I like that. Really, I think I just need a change constantly. First, I got tired of running on the inside track, then I got tired of running outside (plus it was too cold), so now I'm switching to inside on a treadmill. I'm sure this will change very soon. I'm just excited that I've stayed with it.
This might be a record for me. I don't mean to make it sound like running/working out is easy for me, or that I don't have to almost physically MAKE myself go some days. In fact, I was telling Emma the other day: Every time I go on a hard run I tell myself, "I'm a total moron, I'm not a runner, and I'm never going to do this again." But I still do it. I'm conquering myself, God is conquering me. And it feels good. I think thats what keeps me going. Beating whatever it is inside of me that says tells me I'll quit.
It takes a certain amount of bravery to set out to do something you really think you can't do. But its the best feeling in the world when you find out you actually can. Yes.
This was a good week. Next Wednesday Nathan and I are singing, "La chi darem la mano," together in recital class. Also, we're thinking about doing a recital together next spring. That will be so much fun.
I don't want to graduate from college soon. The prospect of that is scary and weird. Maybe once I get a little closer, I'll be excited, but I want to be in college forever right now. A year from now, I'll be student teaching and staring down the barrel of graduation. The only consolation at this point is that once I graduate I'll be earning money instead of paying to go to school.
I have been honestly enjoying my runs lately. That is something I never thought I would say. Wednesday I ran inside on the treadmill, and I was surprised at how much I like that. Really, I think I just need a change constantly. First, I got tired of running on the inside track, then I got tired of running outside (plus it was too cold), so now I'm switching to inside on a treadmill. I'm sure this will change very soon. I'm just excited that I've stayed with it.
This might be a record for me. I don't mean to make it sound like running/working out is easy for me, or that I don't have to almost physically MAKE myself go some days. In fact, I was telling Emma the other day: Every time I go on a hard run I tell myself, "I'm a total moron, I'm not a runner, and I'm never going to do this again." But I still do it. I'm conquering myself, God is conquering me. And it feels good. I think thats what keeps me going. Beating whatever it is inside of me that says tells me I'll quit.
It takes a certain amount of bravery to set out to do something you really think you can't do. But its the best feeling in the world when you find out you actually can. Yes.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Me and Nathan recorded our song the day before my birthday. It took about 3 1/2 hours. I loved it.
Nathan bought me Dennis the Menace and watched it with me. Twice. Literally a dream come true. My other expecatations for life are generally higher than this, don't worry.
I got a fish and named him Samson. "Samson went back to bed, not much hair left on his head,"This fish has very minimal hair on his head...
I went back to dance class. I'm getting pretty good. Its a lot better when Emma and Lauren come.
I ran outside Monday. It was amazing. 3 miles. Getting there.
So far, I have lost zero pounds. After a month of training and eating like a bird I weigh....exactly the same. Pretty incredible if you ask me. Not in a good way.
Haven't rollerbladed since the day I rollerbladed across campus. I did wipe out on Nathan's rip stick though. So now, my left elbow is still raw from the time I fell on my rollerblades, and my right elbow is freshly skinned from falling off the rip stick. Super!
I want to take a road trip soon. Not that I don't love being here...(I hate when people constantly complain about where they are, always saying things like, "I've gotta get out of this town...") No, I love Tulsa. Very much. But I also love going new places and making memories. I need to do more of that soon.
Nathan bought me Dennis the Menace and watched it with me. Twice. Literally a dream come true. My other expecatations for life are generally higher than this, don't worry.
I got a fish and named him Samson. "Samson went back to bed, not much hair left on his head,"This fish has very minimal hair on his head...
I went back to dance class. I'm getting pretty good. Its a lot better when Emma and Lauren come.
I ran outside Monday. It was amazing. 3 miles. Getting there.
So far, I have lost zero pounds. After a month of training and eating like a bird I weigh....exactly the same. Pretty incredible if you ask me. Not in a good way.
Haven't rollerbladed since the day I rollerbladed across campus. I did wipe out on Nathan's rip stick though. So now, my left elbow is still raw from the time I fell on my rollerblades, and my right elbow is freshly skinned from falling off the rip stick. Super!
I want to take a road trip soon. Not that I don't love being here...(I hate when people constantly complain about where they are, always saying things like, "I've gotta get out of this town...") No, I love Tulsa. Very much. But I also love going new places and making memories. I need to do more of that soon.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Stupid List
I wanted to quit dance class and never go back last night. I'm such an awkward dancer. Its very sad really. It wouldn't be so bad if I weren't staring into a mirror that covers the whole wall in front of me. Plus I agreed to this dance class thinking that I would be taking it with Lauren and Emma. Well, Lauren and Emma didn't show up last night. Its easier to have fun and laugh at yourself when its hard and awkward for someone else too...
But I can't quit. Its on the list. Stupid list.
I'm a little bit mad at the list right now. I made it thinking that it was going to change my life and make things more exciting and amazing. So far, I've started training for the 5k and am in a suspended state of soreness and exhaustion. I got roller blades and wrecked/almost died roller blading across campus.
I am pleasantly surprised and encouraged that I haven't missed one day of training since I started 3 weeks ago. In the beginning I really thought this was something I wouldn't be able to keep up with. Maybe its better to think that way. Then, every day that you don't quit is a battle that you've won. Thats how I look at it. Every time I finish a workout, I think to myself, "I successfully didn't quit....again!" Thats probably a bad way to look at it. But I works for me. Every time I workout, I basically defeat failure. At least failure can't fight back as long as I keep beating it.
In other news...
Nathan Hearn lights up my life. When I'm worried or scared or sad about anything in the world, all he has to do is hold my hand. He's a calm, cool, peaceful presence in my life. Sometimes he comes to run with me and the whole time we're running (and I'm dying) he's telling me how good it will feel to cross the finish line in May, and how very proud of me he is. I only hope that I could be such a strength for him, too.
G
But I can't quit. Its on the list. Stupid list.
I'm a little bit mad at the list right now. I made it thinking that it was going to change my life and make things more exciting and amazing. So far, I've started training for the 5k and am in a suspended state of soreness and exhaustion. I got roller blades and wrecked/almost died roller blading across campus.
I am pleasantly surprised and encouraged that I haven't missed one day of training since I started 3 weeks ago. In the beginning I really thought this was something I wouldn't be able to keep up with. Maybe its better to think that way. Then, every day that you don't quit is a battle that you've won. Thats how I look at it. Every time I finish a workout, I think to myself, "I successfully didn't quit....again!" Thats probably a bad way to look at it. But I works for me. Every time I workout, I basically defeat failure. At least failure can't fight back as long as I keep beating it.
In other news...
Nathan Hearn lights up my life. When I'm worried or scared or sad about anything in the world, all he has to do is hold my hand. He's a calm, cool, peaceful presence in my life. Sometimes he comes to run with me and the whole time we're running (and I'm dying) he's telling me how good it will feel to cross the finish line in May, and how very proud of me he is. I only hope that I could be such a strength for him, too.
G
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
5k training...
Eye yi yi... I have been training for the 5k I am supposed to run. Staring down the barrel of an hour and a half workout gets daunting sometimes. After I'm done though, I know its worth all the pain (lots) and sweat (seriously....gross).
This is my routine:
20 minutes of nautilus cardio, intervals. Try to keep my heartrate around 170-175
Weights - 3 sets of 12 for arms (15lbs on each arm), Nathan's "Ultimate Abs" work out and some lower back strengthening.
2 miles running - 2 laps running, 1 lap walking for 16 laps. (Each week I add half a mile, and another lap of running in a row)
I do this workout Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and a less strenuous version on Sundays.
On Tuesdays and Thursdays I have Zumba dance class. Its latin dance. We also do some abs and really awesome stretching. Its fun, but pretty hard. I'm not a natural dancer...
Slowly but surely I am completing items off the list. I am having fun with it so far I guess. I've only really tackled the big stuff. I think Nathan and I decided what we're going to record. Its probably going to be "Whiskey Lullaby." Mmmmmm...
Goodnight.
This is my routine:
20 minutes of nautilus cardio, intervals. Try to keep my heartrate around 170-175
Weights - 3 sets of 12 for arms (15lbs on each arm), Nathan's "Ultimate Abs" work out and some lower back strengthening.
2 miles running - 2 laps running, 1 lap walking for 16 laps. (Each week I add half a mile, and another lap of running in a row)
I do this workout Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and a less strenuous version on Sundays.
On Tuesdays and Thursdays I have Zumba dance class. Its latin dance. We also do some abs and really awesome stretching. Its fun, but pretty hard. I'm not a natural dancer...
Slowly but surely I am completing items off the list. I am having fun with it so far I guess. I've only really tackled the big stuff. I think Nathan and I decided what we're going to record. Its probably going to be "Whiskey Lullaby." Mmmmmm...
Goodnight.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
#2. Get Rollerblades - completed
So the other day I got rollerblades. Nathan and I went to Target and I tried about 3 different pairs and then Nathan pushed me around the sports and outdoors department of the store. They are awesome. Then we went back to Nathan's house. He was doing something else, so I thought it would be a great time to test my rollerblades on Nathan's driveway. I put them on and got ready to go, and brought him out there to watch me. This is where it gets ugly.....
I only made it as far as the end of the porch when I realized I didn't exactly know how to navigate steps on rollerblades. So, doing what anyone would do...I jumped off the end of the porch. My feet flew up above my head I landed on my arm and butt. I didn't cry though.
Today I wore my rollerblades to travel across campus for the first time. Oh God. Rollerblading on brick sidewalks is SO much harder than I thought it would be. My calves are on fire.
In other news: I've started the training for the 5k (#1). So far I am really enjoying. No lie, my entire body is sore, but its getting easier each time I work out. Also, I signed up for a latin dance class yesterday and payed the money (#8). No turning back now. We'll see how this goes.
Grace
I only made it as far as the end of the porch when I realized I didn't exactly know how to navigate steps on rollerblades. So, doing what anyone would do...I jumped off the end of the porch. My feet flew up above my head I landed on my arm and butt. I didn't cry though.
Today I wore my rollerblades to travel across campus for the first time. Oh God. Rollerblading on brick sidewalks is SO much harder than I thought it would be. My calves are on fire.
In other news: I've started the training for the 5k (#1). So far I am really enjoying. No lie, my entire body is sore, but its getting easier each time I work out. Also, I signed up for a latin dance class yesterday and payed the money (#8). No turning back now. We'll see how this goes.
Grace
Friday, January 9, 2009
The next thing on my list...
To do before May 8th, 2009:
1. Run a 5k
2. Get roller blades
3. Fly a kite
4. Go on a picnic
5. Get a pet
6. Visit my family once a week
7. Give a compliment each day, and mean it
8. Take a dance class
9. Go on a road trip
10. Hot air balloon ride*
11. Watch Denis The Menice
12. Lose 10-15 lbs.
13. Sew a piece of clothing and wear it in public
14. Read my bible every day
15. Go swimming in a lake, river, and pond
16. Climb a tree
17. Make a difference in some one's life
18. Watch a sunrise
19. Record a song with Nathan
20. Give a selfless gift
Call it a resolution, call it a to do list. I've decided its time for me to stop letting my life happen without doing anything to make it great. Some of these things are things I've always wanted to do. Some are things I know I should do, but have neglected. And some are simply challenges to myself to make my life count for something more than existence.
In this blog I will document my progress in completing the items on this list. Who knows what amazing things will happen along this journey. We shall soon see...
*I recently googled hot air balloon rides, and while it has been a lifelong dream of mine, I do not currently, and will not in the forseable future have $200 dollars to spend at will. But I'll give it the old college try. We'll see what happens.
Grace
1. Run a 5k
2. Get roller blades
3. Fly a kite
4. Go on a picnic
5. Get a pet
6. Visit my family once a week
7. Give a compliment each day, and mean it
8. Take a dance class
9. Go on a road trip
10. Hot air balloon ride*
11. Watch Denis The Menice
12. Lose 10-15 lbs.
13. Sew a piece of clothing and wear it in public
14. Read my bible every day
15. Go swimming in a lake, river, and pond
16. Climb a tree
17. Make a difference in some one's life
18. Watch a sunrise
19. Record a song with Nathan
20. Give a selfless gift
Call it a resolution, call it a to do list. I've decided its time for me to stop letting my life happen without doing anything to make it great. Some of these things are things I've always wanted to do. Some are things I know I should do, but have neglected. And some are simply challenges to myself to make my life count for something more than existence.
In this blog I will document my progress in completing the items on this list. Who knows what amazing things will happen along this journey. We shall soon see...
*I recently googled hot air balloon rides, and while it has been a lifelong dream of mine, I do not currently, and will not in the forseable future have $200 dollars to spend at will. But I'll give it the old college try. We'll see what happens.
Grace
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