Downpour, that is. ‘Twas so windy today that I took down the sunshade for fear that it would fly off of the deck.
Jeff surprised me with a gift of a fire pit and two Adirondack chairs for the East yard. Yay! We made a survival run to Ace Hardware to purchase a few items, including firewood. Uhm, but no fire tonight. Dammit.
10-9-8…4-3-2-1 calorie row + strict pushup + strict C2B pullup ~Rest~ AFAP 1 step per step (8 steps) up front steps carrying sandbag 10-9-8..3-2-1 sandbag squats 10m sprint carrying sandbag 10-9-8..3-2-1 lateral hops over sandbag 10m sprint carrying sandbag
No barbell today, because every day doesn’t have to include a barbell.
And now I rant.
I read a shit-ton of posts, and many of them include grammatical errors. Ninety-nine times out of 100 I don’t comment, as I don’t want to offend. I’m not perfect, and sometimes in my haste I don’t proof my work and I allow an error.
And then people who NEVER COMMENT ON ANY OTHER post are quick to point out the error. And I’m just as quick to call them a dick.
I’ve been painting the middle and ring fingers on my left hand. Because I want to.
We watch ZeroZeroZero on Amazon Prime. I don’t want to be involved in drug trafficking.
I have over 66K pics in the cloud. Imagine how many I’d have if I had a mobile phone since childhood.
I have been the musical director/pianist for the following musicals: The Fantasticks Man of La Mancha Once Upon a Mattress Something at Theatre in the Park that I can’t recall right now, try as I might The Boyfriend A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum Pageant Godspell Anything Goes (twice)
Uhm, and I might be forgetting one or two.
On a related note, this is the most consistently that I’ve both played and practiced the piano, and I’m truly enjoying myself.
If even a day goes by I have difficulty remembering my workouts. And I’ve been mastering “Not a Day Goes By” by Sondheim.
Uhm, so yesterday I know that this was part of my workout.
11 RFT in unbroken sets Kipping + kipping C2B + strict + strict C2B + strict L-sit C2B pullups Sprint to end of driveway and back
I do remember today’s workout. Because I just finished it.
NFT 10-9-8…3-2-1-1-1-1-1-1 presses, beginning at 65# and increasing 5# a round 3 strict HSPUs until last 5 rounds and then 1 strict HSPU
Last single was 135#, for those of you doing the math at home, which is a little greater than 90% of 1RM. Presses felt strong today. And that was 60 presses and 35 HSPUs.
6 RFT Bike 400m Run 400m
That, gentlemen and ladies, was an aerobic workout.
Yesterday I listened to music by Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, and Linda Ronstadt. And it was a good day.
I read an interesting AP article about “collective” dreaming,” and it appears that many people are having dreams, often anxiety-ridden, about Covid-19. I know I certainly have had many. There have been quite a few times where I’ve dreamt that I couldn’t catch my breath. Uhm, and then I awaken to discover Meg sleeping on my chest.
Why is it that some of dreams are much more memorable and vivid than reality? I can still vividly remember many of my dreams, even some that I had as a child. One of the most memorable took place whilst I was living in Morgantown, WV and attending college. Here it is…
I am standing over a pedestal bathroom sink looking at my reflection in the mirror as I shave. My reflection begins to dissolve and I begin to realize consider that I might be a vampire. And I don’t want to be a vampire. I try wiping the fog off of the mirror, frantically looking for my reflection but to no avail.
I’m still not convinced that I’m a vampire, so I break open my disposable razor, remove a razor blade and hold it in my right hand with my left wrist turned toward my me and my wrist exposed. I think “cut up, not across.” And I do just that, making three long cuts from my wrist to the inside of my elbow. The open wounds immediately heal in front of my eyes.
I then accept the fact that I’ve somehow become a vampire. I look into the mirror, hoping one last time to see my reflection, and say aloud, “I don’t want to be immortal. I don’t want to live forever.”
That’s how many words a minute I type, and this should come as no surprise to anyone who knows me well. First, I play the piano and therefore have the finger dexterity and the ability to NOT look at my fingers as I type. Second, I’m auditory, so I “hear” myself (or others) saying the words and those words then migrate to my fingers. Third, I’m fucking awesome. That should be #1.
I took a typing class in high school, and I remember it well for both bad and good reasons. The teacher was Mrs. Hammond, and on the first day of class she asked my why I was taking her class. I explained that, as I was planning on going to college, it would be a much needed and used skill. “That’s what secretaries are for, and only girls should be secretaries. I suggest that you drop my class.”
I informed my mother, she called the principal, and I remained in the class. Mrs. Hammond offered no apology, of course.
Uhm, and I was the fastest and most accurate typist in the class. Keep in mind that this was way back in the dark ages when we had electric typewriters and had to use whiteout to correct mistakes. It truly pained Mrs. Hammond that I was so proficient. Ha!
10 RFT whilst wearing 25# weight vest Bike 400m 5 thrusters @ 75# 5 6-count burpees
This was quite challenging, as I felt, well, 25 pounds heavier.
25m uphill sled pulls without stopping, i.e., continuous movement
I completed rounds @ 100, 115, 125, 135, 145, 155, 16, 175, 185, & 200#. That last round was tough.
A few other workouts I’ve completed during the quarantine…
Set up 35, 53, & 70# KBs Pushup with hand on KB + tricep pu + other hand on KB + hand on 2 KBs, +…
I don’t care to explain any further. I did go in both directions of KBs. Was 11 pus a round and I did 7 rounds.
AFAP 5 rounds of 5 reps of DL, BOR, HPC, HS + spring 10 m + forward roll + sprint 5 m + 5 parallette pass throughs + 5m sprint + forward roll + 10m sprint @ 75# Then 4 rounds of 4 @ 80, 3 rounds of 3 @ 85, 2 rounds of 2 @ 90, rounds @ 95, 100, 105, and 1 rounds of 5 reps @ 110
Try explaining that to a group of CrossFitters. Ha!
I saw a recipe for a black-licorice chocolate bundt cake. It may very well be the best cake I’ve ever made, and I make some mean cakes, yo.
Things I truly enjoy:
Time spent with my husband. We truly get along splendidly, and enjoy each other’s company tremendously. No one makes me laugh as much or as hard as Jeff.
Luke, Meg, and Zac, the world’s best dog and kitties.
Exercising, including daily walks.
Baking and cooking, but mostly baking delicious treats like cakes, pies, and cookies (in that order). I also enjoy sharing treats with some neighbors and friends.
Playing the piano. It gives me great pleasure and enjoyment to do so. And I’m getting better every day.
Luke and I began our day with a 2.5-mile walk that included a stop at our friend Lynn’s, where I dropped off a banana-blueberry muffin and chicken & dumplings. She’s always very appreciative. I then made a quick trip to Ace Hardware and purchased 65 bags of 3/4 cubic feet dirt. Yup, the BAG (Big Ass Planter) is RTG.
11 RFT Bike 400m 25 air squats @ 0, 15, 25, 35, 45, 55, 45, 35, 25, 15, & 0#
That’s 275 squats, folks. And all unbroken.
Wednesday, April 23
What a busy day! I took Luke for a walk and then we went to Lowe’s.
Uhm, and people are stupid. I wore face mask and gloves and ensured that I kept social distance. I intentionally waited until no one was in line before checking out. As the employee was scanning my items, and elderly woman walked right up to us. SHE WALKED RIGHT UP TO US! I immediately walked backwards and away from her, and she appeared offended. She asked, “Where’s the epsom salt?” the employee replied, “Not in gardening.” Ha! The woman walked away. She could’ve easily waited two minutes and allowed me to depart before encroaching upon my territory. Needless to say, I found this upsetting.
I purchased six azalea plants and planted five of them in the new BA planter. I then practiced the piano and presented a 30-minute session for emerging leaders. The topic, of course, was public speaking.
I estimate that 99.99% of the people I interact with have disfluencies. And it drives me insane.
10 TNG HPC – 15-minute time cap
I began at 65# and increased by 5# each round, completing 12 total rounds, i.e., 120 reps. And just within 15 minutes! Oh, coincidentally the finishing weight was 120#.
25 RFT DB manmaker + sprint 10m, walk to start
I completed this workout on 5th Ave., as the weather was gorgeous.
A nap on the hammock with Meg, another hour of practicing the piano, dinner of baked chicken tenders, potato casserole, and steamed Brussels sprouts, and then Heath cookies.
~~~~~
I played the baritone saxophone in the high school jazz band. Why? Because I was the same height as the instrument and could thus play it without having to use a neck strap. Ha! I didn’t, however, enjoying playing the sax nearly as much as I enjoyed playing the clarinet or piano.
People are going to die in SC, and the governor and his puppet master will be to blame. I’m relieved that I don’t still own a CrossFit, because I don’t know when or if I’d feel comfortable opening it for business. These are trying times…
Sunday, April 19
10-9-8…3-2-1 bench press, beginning @ 95# and increasing 10# each round 200-180-160…60-40-20m shuttle sprints
This was tough, as BP always if for me. Dammit.
Every 15 seconds for 25 rounds Alternating leg jumping lunge, lunge each leg, air squat + jumping air squat
Each round took about 10 seconds.
Jeff and I made a trip to Lowe’s and discovered that it was a shit show. Many people were NOT practicing social distancing, and Jeff and I were just a few who were wearing face masks. Uhm, most employees were not. WTF?
We planted flowers in all but the BA planter (that doesn’t yet have dirt) as well as trees that will grow tall to block out asshole neighbors. Hopefully.
Monday, April 20
Yup, 4-20. I had a call with a potential client at 11:30, ate a salad with grilled chicken, and then workout out. I worked out on a full stomach, one of many of my awesome talents.
AFAP and AFRAP (As Few Rounds As Possible) 101 strict and unbroken pull-ups Run 200m after each round
I began with 10 pull-ups and did many rounds of 7 and then 6. I ended with 5 and only did 2 rounds of just 4. I ran 2 miles, i.e., 16 rounds, in just a little over 30 minutes.
No resting at full extension for pull-ups, people. Unbroken means consistent and unbroken.
I made a BIG pot of chicken & dumplings, and shared some with neighbor Erin and friend Lynn. I feel compelled to look out for people who are living alone.
Oh, and I’m still enjoying a piece of German chocolate cake for dessert each and every day until it’s finished. Another one of my awesome talents is self control. My next cake is going to be a licorice and chocolate bundt cake. You read that correctly.
Whenever I begin a task, for example cleaning out a closet, mulching the yard, writing a blog, I am compelled to work until I complete the task. This likely has something to do with my father, and the other day I discussed this with my mother.
I truly loved my father, but the man never completed a task he began. For example, he’d begin to paint the house and leave a portion unpainted. He’d then begin to put siding on the house and, you guessed it, leave a portion without siding. My father had many unfinished projects, and for the life of me I’ll never understand why.
I get a tremendous feeling of satisfaction when I complete a task, particularly a challenging or arduous task, like mulching the yard or building three planters. I also felt a sense of accomplishment when I finished a marathon. Uhm, that’s probably to be expected.
One of my fondest memories took place at the San Francisco Marathon, which coincidentally was one of my least favorite marathons. I was running a relatively strong race, ensuring I was paying attention to heart rate, breathing, and nutrition. At about mile 21 or 22, I saw a young man, likely in his late teens or early twenties, struggling. He was leaning forward, looking at the ground (two things NOT to do when running), and then began to stop and walk 10 or so meters at a time. When I caught up to him I said, “We just have a few miles. Let’s run together. I’ll lead the way, and the only thing you need to do is ride my shoulder. Don’t think about anything else, just ride my shoulder to the finish.” “I’ll try,” he replied.
And we began to run together. If he began to slow down and lose contact I wouldn’t look back but would instead shout words of encouragement. “Another mile down, that’s one less mile to the finish.” And he’d pick up the pace and ride my shoulder. “Pain is temporary. In just a little while you’re going to run through the finish line and that pain will subside. Keep riding my shoulder.” And that’s what he did. Notice I didn’t say “
good job” or “you got this.”
Once we got to the 26-mile mark I looked at him and said, “I’m going to sprint to the finish. Give it all you have.” I sprinted to the finish and dropped him as I did so. I ran across the finish line and began to look for Jeff.
I happened to glance back at the finish line (or perhaps sensed that I should) and the young man recognized me — and then ran toward me with outstretched and open arms and then hugged me very tightly. He said, “I can’t thank you enough. I was ready to quit and call it a DNF when you began to talk with me. Not only did you ensure that I finished the race, but I also got a PR!” It was perhaps the most genuine thank you I’ve ever received.
Jeff, of course, wanted to know why I was hugging a sweaty and scantily clad young man.
What it’s like to attempt to watch Bob’s Burgers when surrounded by bad kitties.
The yard looks nicer than it’s ever looked. You’re welcome. Now all that I need is a shit-ton of potting soil and some seeds.
I made the BEST German chocolate cake to date. I found a recipe for a 3-layer cake that included sour cream, buttermilk, espresso, and hot coffee. Moist, moist, moist. Imma gonna be eating this cake for the next week.
Four seconds is how long it takes Meg to join me on the hammock.
A few recent workouts.
15 RFT Sprint 10m Forward roll Sprint 20m (10m up and back) Forward roll Sprint 10m 5 box jumps, 30″
This was a “driveway” workout, as I like to spend as much time outdoors as possible. I do indeed have a tan.
20-18-16…6-4-2 calorie row 10-9-8…3-2-1 toes through rings
As rings are hung from pull-up rig, I had to keep knees bent. Oh, and all reps were strict. No kipping, yo.
Every 10 seconds for 27 rounds Strict C2B L-sit chin-up ~Rest~ AFAP 27 plate burpees, 55#
I think he’s trying to incite a civil war. And why are so many pro-life people suddenly fine with killing others? The narcissism is strong with idiots, I tell you.
I’ve been enjoying playing piano on a much more regular basis, and have just about once again mastered The Girl with the Flaxen Hair.
There are two types of people: those that ensure that they are facing the bedroom door so that should an intruder enter they can defend themselves and those that position their back to the bedroom door so that they don’t have to see an intruder approach. As a child I always placed my bed against a wall and fell asleep facing the wall. I couldn’t fall asleep facing the doorway as I would imagine an intruder, e.g., monster, serial killer, vampire, werewolf, entering the room and killing me.
I sleep on the left side of the bed. I use the left sink in the master bedroom. I sit on the left couch (facing the TV). I park on the left (facing the house). When Jeff and I walk together I always walk to his left. And my politics are to the FAR left.
We started our Easter by taking Luke for a walk to Taco Billy and Hole Donuts. Because why not.
Conditioning was taxing, and I was happy when it was done.
I didn’t record all rounds of pushups, but finished last found at 56″, just 10″ less than my height.
I then made 6 dozen cookies. You read the right. Gifts for some friends, because karma is a good thing. I also made a lemon-buttermilk pound cake, per Jeff’s request.
I can’t stop thinking about Tales from the Loop, and I’ll likely watch the 8-episode series again.
~~~~~~
Favorite Children’s Books Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary From the Mixed Up Files Of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg
Favorite Books Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach The Color Purple by Alice Walker The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant by Stephen R. Donaldson A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving The Lost Language of Cranes by David Leavitt Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver She’s Come Undone by Wally Lamb
‘Twas a busy day, as most days have been. And I like it. I made banana cupcakes with cream cheese and peanut butter frosting topped with (homemade) banana chips. Delicious.
10-9-8…3-2-1 strict and slow ring dips 5 HPS @ 75# Run 100m
I then spend 3 hours preparing the yard for the mulch that arrives Monday. Oh, and lots of walk with Luke.
Saturday, April 11
Jeff and I took Luke for a 5K walk and then made a delicious breakfast.
30-second 1-armed dead hang hold each arm & L-sit
At 11 I joined a group of Triangle friends for 48 burpees to celebrate Wendy’s 48th birthday. I completed strict with strict pull-ups in just under 7 minutes. Did I mention I was wearing a 20# weight vest? Fun!
Every 45 seconds for 30 rounds Strict L-sit C2B pull-up + DL + strict HSPU or wall crawl & wall facing HSPU (odd & even # rounds, respectively) DL 10 rounds @ 185, 10 @ 225, 5 @ 275, then 280, 285, 290, 295, & 300#
Nothing too challenging. I then practiced freestanding HSPUs.
4 RFT Bike 1+ miles 15 strict & unbroken K2E
There are some hills in Asheville, so that went strenuous uphill and relaxing downhill rides. Fifteen was just the right reps.
The idiot in charge is only concerned with himself and his cronies. I’m dumbfounded by people who claim to be pro life but are anything but.
~~~~~
In preparation for my First Holy Communion, the priests and nuns had conveyed the seriousness and solemnity of the event. My First Holy Communion was held at a church in Stone Harbor, NJ (as a Bishop led the ceremony).
As was often the case, we were arranged in size order from shortest to tallest, and as I was always the shortest I was the first to enter and leave the confessional. “This is my first confession, and these are my sins.” I can’t recall what I confessed to, but I’m sure it included taking the Lord’s name in vain. I was told to say one Our Father and five Hail Marys.
I walked to the alter, knelt, and very slowly said my prayers. Very, very slowly, thinking about each and every word. My peers, however, said their prayers as quickly as they could, so even though I was the first to begin I was one of the last to finish my confessional prayers. Evidently this was of much concern to my mother, for she later asked, “How much sinning have you done that the priest would tell you to say so many prayers?” I explained to her how seriously I had taken the prayers, and she was relieved. Somewhat, at least.
Folks, it’s deep “seated,” not deep “seeded.” There, I got that off of my chest.
I’m aghast at how few people follow the guidelines regarding walking and biking etiquette. If you’re walking on a street that doesn’t have sidewalks, walk AGAINST traffic. When biking on the road (avoid sidewalks, fools), bike WITH traffic. This is for the safety of yourself and others. It’s even more important during this time of social distancing, because I will NOT move to the other side of the street, you know, because it’s dangerous to do so. Fucking idiots.
I also got that off my chest.
Wednesday, April 8
I ate a peanut butter and banana sandwich immediately before working out. Boom
10 RFT Sprint bike 200m TNG power clean + clean + clean & jerk + thruster @ 95# 10-sec/arm dead hang 1-armed hold + 10-second L-sit hold
The hardest part was definitely keeping grip during last few rounds. But I did so.
The only news I watch is PBS News Hour. And I fast forward when the fascist makes his unintelligible remarks.
I started the beautiful day by taking Luke for a 3.5-mile walk at a leisurely pace. It certainly helps clear my mind.
I went for an early-afternoon 8-mile bike ride, including a jaunt through the River Arts District as well as some steep hills that I hadn’t yet traversed. There are some remarkable custom built homes in the neighborhood.
15 RFT KB pushups + KB pushup on r-side (odd # rounds) & l-side (obviously switching to l- and r-side even # rounds) + Russian KB swing + American KB swing + Russian KB swing + 3 goblet squats + 10m sprint forward + 10m sprint backward
The double coconut cream pie I made is phenomenal. I shared a piece with one friend who recently lost a spouse. And I’m eating the rest.
~~~~~
Significant others are those whose opinions matter to us and who strongly shape our concept of self. Reflected appraisals are messages we receive from our significant others. For most people, the concept of self is firmly rooted by about the age of seven.
For me, my concept of self continued to develop and evolve throughout my early adulthood. My significant others: my mother, brother Stephen (but not my brothers Michael or Anthony and not my sisters Grace or Cindy), Mrs. Ragucci (2nd and 5th grade teacher), Linda Walls (piano teacher and my first true mentor), and Dr. Virginia Wheeless (thesis chair and mentor). Others teachers certainly had an impact upon me, but not necessarily my concept of self.
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