This week I gained 0.8 lbs., and am now within 39 lbs. of my goal weight.
Continue to monitor my progress and other health and wellness information over at A Year of Loss and Health, Pirate.
5k (Semi) Challenge
15 years ago
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Week of Stories - Apr. 5
Stories read this week from over at A Year of Stories, Pirate.
Monday: “Something That Needs Nothing” by Miranda July *
Tuesday: “The Rememberer” by Aimee Bender * * *
Wednesday: “An Indian Ghost in England” by Rudyard Kipling * * *
Thursday: “Life with Father” by Bentley Little -
Friday: “Her Voice in a Bottle” by Tim Pratt * * * * *
Saturday: “The Purple Dress” by O. Henry * * *
Sunday: “Night Surf” by Stephen King * *
My favorite story of the week was: “Her Voice in a Bottle” by Tim Pratt
From the review: “This is a story worth saving, a hopeful story for lonely hearts in troubled times.”
Monday: “Something That Needs Nothing” by Miranda July *
Tuesday: “The Rememberer” by Aimee Bender * * *
Wednesday: “An Indian Ghost in England” by Rudyard Kipling * * *
Thursday: “Life with Father” by Bentley Little -
Friday: “Her Voice in a Bottle” by Tim Pratt * * * * *
Saturday: “The Purple Dress” by O. Henry * * *
Sunday: “Night Surf” by Stephen King * *
My favorite story of the week was: “Her Voice in a Bottle” by Tim Pratt
From the review: “This is a story worth saving, a hopeful story for lonely hearts in troubled times.”
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Cool, Breezy, and Wet
I heard the rain start falling a few minutes ago. I'd been planning - and procrastinating - a workout outside all day long. The rain scrubbed those plans. I have no desire to get drenched and sick.
But I did step outside onto my meager little porch. It felt wonderful to stand there, out with the cool breeze and wet. It is the kind of weather you can smell. Hopeful weather. Like something new is coming along.
I could use some new again. Things have not been good this past month - not bad, but just not as great as the first few months of the year. The short slide back into bad habits has become more pronounced and I'm struggling to find a way to stop the fall. My good intentions are coming up short, week after week.
Where do I go from here? That's the weight on my shoulders tonight.
But I did step outside onto my meager little porch. It felt wonderful to stand there, out with the cool breeze and wet. It is the kind of weather you can smell. Hopeful weather. Like something new is coming along.
I could use some new again. Things have not been good this past month - not bad, but just not as great as the first few months of the year. The short slide back into bad habits has become more pronounced and I'm struggling to find a way to stop the fall. My good intentions are coming up short, week after week.
Where do I go from here? That's the weight on my shoulders tonight.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Spared...Almost
I thought I made it through the day unscathed. And that was saying something. Last year I was not so lucky.
So imagine my surprise when I took a bag of garbage to the trash can in the garage and found some empty pop bottles tied to the back of my vehicle. Apparently, at some point after lunch, someone at work snuck out, and with pink yarn, tied some empty pop bottles to the hitch on the back of my Nitro. It does explain the rattling sound I heard while driving home from the comic book shop tonight.
Sneaky folk at work. And the sad part is: I wouldn't have even noticed if I hadn't taken out the trash. Who looks behind their vehicles before driving? I'm just glad I didn't drive into work tomorrow with my dangling bottles for all to see. I would have truly been the fool then.
So imagine my surprise when I took a bag of garbage to the trash can in the garage and found some empty pop bottles tied to the back of my vehicle. Apparently, at some point after lunch, someone at work snuck out, and with pink yarn, tied some empty pop bottles to the hitch on the back of my Nitro. It does explain the rattling sound I heard while driving home from the comic book shop tonight.
Sneaky folk at work. And the sad part is: I wouldn't have even noticed if I hadn't taken out the trash. Who looks behind their vehicles before driving? I'm just glad I didn't drive into work tomorrow with my dangling bottles for all to see. I would have truly been the fool then.
April Fool's Trouble
What kind of trouble can I cause at work today under the cover of April Fool's Day. Last year people screwed with me, and I have no idea what I might be walking into today. I can take a joke, run with the gags, I just hope I don't have to clean up too much this year to put everything back in place.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
How Do I Survive?
It's amazing I'm not robbed blind or murdered in my sleep. I went out to the garage to leave for work this morning only to find the garage door wide open. My car door was also open to the world. Think that's bad? The door into my place: unlocked. There was little good about the situation except that all my stuff was still there, the car managed to start, and no one messed with me while I slept. (Thank you for small miracles.)
But seriously - I've got to be a little more on top of things. This wasn't the first time I've left the garage door open and house unlocked overnight. Call it what you want, my head just hasn't been in the game for the past month.
Snap out of it, pirate. There are escapes, and then there are escapes.
But seriously - I've got to be a little more on top of things. This wasn't the first time I've left the garage door open and house unlocked overnight. Call it what you want, my head just hasn't been in the game for the past month.
Snap out of it, pirate. There are escapes, and then there are escapes.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Week of Loss - Mar. 29
This week I lost 2 lbs., and am now within 38.2 lbs. of my goal weight.
Continue to monitor my progress and other health and wellness information over at A Year of Loss and Health, Pirate.
Continue to monitor my progress and other health and wellness information over at A Year of Loss and Health, Pirate.
Week of Escaping Tweets - Mar. 29
A collection of some of the escaping thoughts (tweets) from the past week – complete with COMMENTARY!
---
Slow start to the day. When is the weekend? (Yes, I understand it is only Tuesday.) [That was my attitude all week long: longing for the weekend.]
Picked up the remastered Ten by Pearl Jam, and the new Papa Roach. Will be playing both while working tonight. [Big music week for me. Also downloaded some Shane MacGowan, The Bad Plus, and The Dubliners. All good stuff.]
The walk was needed. Had the chance to be tossed around by 30 mph winds while listening to the new Papa Roach. Feel so much better, truly. [Once again, the only workout of the week.]
Would love to stay home from work today and do nothing. Oh wait, that was last week. That was vacation. *sniff* I miss vacation. [The weekend went by too fast, as well.]
Wandered around the bookstore but could find only books I already owned and had not yet read. [Okay, so today I wandered again, and found a few books that I didn’t own and wanted to read. Tuesday there’s a new Coben book!]
Finally registered for RAGBRAI. More expensive this year to ride across the state of Iowa. [3rd hilliest, but at least it’s short. Looks like there will only be 3 of us this year. ]
If you are bald you can make surprisingly accurate game avatars. [The new X-Box Experience allows you to create avatars like the Wii’s Miis. Pretty nifty.]
Why do some people find the need to stand so close to me in line? If you can lick the back of my neck then you are too close. [I was like: step off woman; you’ll get your popcorn soon enough.]
---
As always, follow the Escape Pirate over on Twitter.
---
Slow start to the day. When is the weekend? (Yes, I understand it is only Tuesday.) [That was my attitude all week long: longing for the weekend.]
Picked up the remastered Ten by Pearl Jam, and the new Papa Roach. Will be playing both while working tonight. [Big music week for me. Also downloaded some Shane MacGowan, The Bad Plus, and The Dubliners. All good stuff.]
The walk was needed. Had the chance to be tossed around by 30 mph winds while listening to the new Papa Roach. Feel so much better, truly. [Once again, the only workout of the week.]
Would love to stay home from work today and do nothing. Oh wait, that was last week. That was vacation. *sniff* I miss vacation. [The weekend went by too fast, as well.]
Wandered around the bookstore but could find only books I already owned and had not yet read. [Okay, so today I wandered again, and found a few books that I didn’t own and wanted to read. Tuesday there’s a new Coben book!]
Finally registered for RAGBRAI. More expensive this year to ride across the state of Iowa. [3rd hilliest, but at least it’s short. Looks like there will only be 3 of us this year. ]
If you are bald you can make surprisingly accurate game avatars. [The new X-Box Experience allows you to create avatars like the Wii’s Miis. Pretty nifty.]
Why do some people find the need to stand so close to me in line? If you can lick the back of my neck then you are too close. [I was like: step off woman; you’ll get your popcorn soon enough.]
---
As always, follow the Escape Pirate over on Twitter.
Week of Stories - Mar. 29
Stories read this week from over at A Year of Stories, Pirate.
A Week of Stories by Italo Calvino.
Monday: “Conscience” by Italo Calvino * *
Tuesday: “Solidarity” by Italo Calvino * * * *
Wednesday: “Dauntless Little John” by Italo Calvino *
Thursday: “The Man Wreathed in Seaweed” Italo Calvino * * *
Friday: “The Black Sheep” by Italo Calvino * * * *
Saturday: “Good For Nothing” by Italo Calvino * * * *
Sunday: “The Ship with Three Decks” by Italo Calvino * * * * *
Sunday: “The Death of Jack Hamilton” by Stephen King * * * * *
My favorite story by Italo Calvino this week was: “The Ship with Three Decks”
From the review: “A successful folktale can transport you back to your childhood, when times were magical, and stories – especially those folk and fairy tales – filled you with wonder.”
My favorite story of the week was: “The Death of Jack Hamilton” by Stephen King
From the review: “That someone has the patience, skill, and dexterity to accomplish such of a feat is unbelievable, but the thought of those white threads attached to the flies floating in the air is just as funny and beautiful to me as it was to the dying Jack Hamilton.”
Monday: “Conscience” by Italo Calvino * *
Tuesday: “Solidarity” by Italo Calvino * * * *
Wednesday: “Dauntless Little John” by Italo Calvino *
Thursday: “The Man Wreathed in Seaweed” Italo Calvino * * *
Friday: “The Black Sheep” by Italo Calvino * * * *
Saturday: “Good For Nothing” by Italo Calvino * * * *
Sunday: “The Ship with Three Decks” by Italo Calvino * * * * *
Sunday: “The Death of Jack Hamilton” by Stephen King * * * * *
My favorite story by Italo Calvino this week was: “The Ship with Three Decks”
From the review: “A successful folktale can transport you back to your childhood, when times were magical, and stories – especially those folk and fairy tales – filled you with wonder.”
My favorite story of the week was: “The Death of Jack Hamilton” by Stephen King
From the review: “That someone has the patience, skill, and dexterity to accomplish such of a feat is unbelievable, but the thought of those white threads attached to the flies floating in the air is just as funny and beautiful to me as it was to the dying Jack Hamilton.”
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Revisiting American Gods
I've been rereading American Gods by Neil Gaiman, loving every page. I remember feeling the same type of joy when I first read the story a few years ago. It is almost as though the world shifts a bit and I find myself on the same journey across America with Shadow and Mr. Wednesday. This book is a trip. It will take a real effort to not read more than just a handful of pages a night before bed.
It's more than reading; it's an experience.
It's more than reading; it's an experience.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Green Grass and New Music
It was nice to see the green grass returning. We've had a lot of rain here in the Midwest over the past couple of days, and it's starting to show. The first highlights of green have returned.
It looks good on ya, Iowa.
---
Picked up the new Papa Roach - Metamorphosis - and the reissue of Ten by Pearl Jam. I'm glad I noticed that the $11.99, 2-disc version of Ten had the remix disc I thought was only available with the Deluxe Edition ($27.99). I never get around to watching the DVDs that come with those Deluxe Editions anyway.
Was contemplating the purchase of Coheed and Cambria's huge live CD and DVD box set ($79.99), but there were no copies left at Best Buy, and like I just mentioned: I don't get around to the DVDs, so what's the point?
It looks good on ya, Iowa.
---
Picked up the new Papa Roach - Metamorphosis - and the reissue of Ten by Pearl Jam. I'm glad I noticed that the $11.99, 2-disc version of Ten had the remix disc I thought was only available with the Deluxe Edition ($27.99). I never get around to watching the DVDs that come with those Deluxe Editions anyway.
Was contemplating the purchase of Coheed and Cambria's huge live CD and DVD box set ($79.99), but there were no copies left at Best Buy, and like I just mentioned: I don't get around to the DVDs, so what's the point?
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Week of Vacation - Sunday
That's the end of it all. Vacation is over. All that is left is being able to wake up in time for work tomorrow. (Something which I am praying I'll be able to do. I am setting every alarm possible - loud as possible - in the hopes that I do not oversleep.]
Finished Battlestar Galactica today. Spent a good portion of the day watching the final episodes from my DVR. I am pleased to announce that I was immensely impressed with how the series ended. Everything felt right. I can't think of another show that ended as well as this series did. Bravo! (I will not go in to details here, because I'd hate to spoil the end - this entire series - by talking about the ending. Watch it for yourself - you owe it to yourself to do so. It is that great.)
I am off to finish the night with an issue or two of Starman. I can't think of a better way to end my day, my week.
Finished Battlestar Galactica today. Spent a good portion of the day watching the final episodes from my DVR. I am pleased to announce that I was immensely impressed with how the series ended. Everything felt right. I can't think of another show that ended as well as this series did. Bravo! (I will not go in to details here, because I'd hate to spoil the end - this entire series - by talking about the ending. Watch it for yourself - you owe it to yourself to do so. It is that great.)
I am off to finish the night with an issue or two of Starman. I can't think of a better way to end my day, my week.
Week of Escaping Tweets - Mar. 22
A collection of some of the escaping thoughts (tweets) from the past week – complete with COMMENTARY!
---
Little bit later start to the day than I planned. That'll teach me to try "plan" a vacation. Only setting myself up for disappointment. [Vacation went nothing like I had planned. Disappointment I did feel, but also realized I was relaxed, which was truly the point of this vacation.]
Driving home from Iowa City. Good day spent with great friends. [It was great to see the friends again, but kind of disappointing (for me) to hear they may be moving away (but great opportunities for both of them – so I’m happy for them).]
This life of leisure has its downside. Very little is being accomplished. [Still early in the week when I was worried about the lack of accomplishments.]
2 mile walk at a quick pace on a brilliant night. Aside from every little thing (too much horror on my mind) scaring me, it was great. [My one workout for the week was too quick, but also wonderful.]
A trip to the comic shop only made me want to dig through my back issues and reread old comics. Is there anything out now truly exciting? [A week of many, many comics has convinced me that my love for them will never truly die.]
I absolutely love sitting in a theater, waiting for a new movie to start. [Only one movie this weekend – a vacation weekend! Found too much of interest on the DVR in the form of shows I’d fallen behind watching.]
Wow, a four CD, five DVD box set from Coheed and Cambria...only $80. Interesting. Also, new Papa Roach. Good music week for me. [Going to be getting some new music this Tuesday, but how much?]
I am IMMENSELY satisfied with the ending of Battlestar Galactica. Can't think of another show that ended as well as this one did.[Simply an amazing series throughout its entire run. Bravo!]
---
As always, follow the Escape Pirate over on Twitter.
---
Little bit later start to the day than I planned. That'll teach me to try "plan" a vacation. Only setting myself up for disappointment. [Vacation went nothing like I had planned. Disappointment I did feel, but also realized I was relaxed, which was truly the point of this vacation.]
Driving home from Iowa City. Good day spent with great friends. [It was great to see the friends again, but kind of disappointing (for me) to hear they may be moving away (but great opportunities for both of them – so I’m happy for them).]
This life of leisure has its downside. Very little is being accomplished. [Still early in the week when I was worried about the lack of accomplishments.]
2 mile walk at a quick pace on a brilliant night. Aside from every little thing (too much horror on my mind) scaring me, it was great. [My one workout for the week was too quick, but also wonderful.]
A trip to the comic shop only made me want to dig through my back issues and reread old comics. Is there anything out now truly exciting? [A week of many, many comics has convinced me that my love for them will never truly die.]
I absolutely love sitting in a theater, waiting for a new movie to start. [Only one movie this weekend – a vacation weekend! Found too much of interest on the DVR in the form of shows I’d fallen behind watching.]
Wow, a four CD, five DVD box set from Coheed and Cambria...only $80. Interesting. Also, new Papa Roach. Good music week for me. [Going to be getting some new music this Tuesday, but how much?]
I am IMMENSELY satisfied with the ending of Battlestar Galactica. Can't think of another show that ended as well as this one did.[Simply an amazing series throughout its entire run. Bravo!]
---
As always, follow the Escape Pirate over on Twitter.
Week of Loss - Mar. 22
This week I gained 5.4 lbs., and am now within 40.2 lbs. of my goal weight.
Continue to monitor my progress and other health and wellness information over at A Year of Loss and Health, Pirate.
Continue to monitor my progress and other health and wellness information over at A Year of Loss and Health, Pirate.
Week of Stories - Mar. 22
Stories read this week from over at A Year of Stories, Pirate. (A week of two tales per author each day - the free time of vacation.)
Monday: “Making Do” by Italo Calvino * * * *
Monday: “Dry River” by Italo Calvino * *
Tuesday: “Return to Pleasure Island” by Cory Doctorow * * * *
Tuesday: “The Super Man and the Bugout” by Cory Doctorow * *
Wednesday: “20th Century Ghost” by Joe Hill * * * * *
Wednesday: “Pop Art” by Joe Hill * * * * *
Thursday: “Not Yet the End” Fredric Brown * *
Thursday: “Etaoin Shrdlu” Fredric Brown * * * *
Friday: “Deadman’s Road” by Joe R. Lansdale * * * * *
Friday: “The Long Dead Day” by Joe R. Lansdale * * *
Saturday: “A Study in Emerald” by Neil Gaiman * * * *
Saturday: “October in the Chair” by Neil Gaiman * * * *
Sunday: “Jerusalem’s Lot” by Stephen King * * * *
Sunday: “Graveyard Shift” by Stephen King * *
My favorite story of the week was: “Deadman’s Road” by Joe R. Lansdale
From the review: “I had been in the mood for a western – not old-timesy and tame, but something brutal and fierce. The addition of a supernatural element only added another level of pleasure to this tale.”
Monday: “Making Do” by Italo Calvino * * * *
Monday: “Dry River” by Italo Calvino * *
Tuesday: “Return to Pleasure Island” by Cory Doctorow * * * *
Tuesday: “The Super Man and the Bugout” by Cory Doctorow * *
Wednesday: “20th Century Ghost” by Joe Hill * * * * *
Wednesday: “Pop Art” by Joe Hill * * * * *
Thursday: “Not Yet the End” Fredric Brown * *
Thursday: “Etaoin Shrdlu” Fredric Brown * * * *
Friday: “Deadman’s Road” by Joe R. Lansdale * * * * *
Friday: “The Long Dead Day” by Joe R. Lansdale * * *
Saturday: “A Study in Emerald” by Neil Gaiman * * * *
Saturday: “October in the Chair” by Neil Gaiman * * * *
Sunday: “Jerusalem’s Lot” by Stephen King * * * *
Sunday: “Graveyard Shift” by Stephen King * *
My favorite story of the week was: “Deadman’s Road” by Joe R. Lansdale
From the review: “I had been in the mood for a western – not old-timesy and tame, but something brutal and fierce. The addition of a supernatural element only added another level of pleasure to this tale.”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
