29:30. The elliptical is my friend. 29:10. Friend. 28:50. Straining my friendship.
Then it has the audacity to scroll a message to me. “Keep up the pace.” Sheesh! I just dropped .3 miles per hour to breathe! Fine. “Good Work.” Ugh. This friendship is tough. Slowly the calories burned accumulate…very slowly. Killer pace and in 10 minutes I can barely work off that one delightful Lindt chocolate. And I only ate one, really!
Finally, resignation sets in and I head into the “zone,” where I just find the mindset to keep moving and focus on something else. Ironically, it has been the food network lately. Yeah, I have picked up all kinds of cool tips…and some that I simply can’t use in my new calorie conscious lifestyle, but that doesn’t stop me from taking notes on Guy’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives…like that little Italian bar in Pittsburgh with amazing Italian food. I have been dreaming about it for months, and today I decide that we should visit it on New Year’s Eve day. Never mind that the 400 cals I am burning will disappear before my meal even arrives!!
Now indulge my digression, please, as I head into the final "zone". My sweet little sister was chatting with me the other day when she was snowed in…until the phone went dead. In that conversation she commented that she couldn’t believe that mom and dad had a child who would be forty this year. Every quill in my sweet disposition bristled. First, I just turned 39 this year. Secondly, it isn’t next year yet. Give me a few more days. Thirdly, I still have seven more months to enjoy my thirties. Don’t hurry me. I want to savor this.
Finally, my grueling meeting with my “friend” ends. Exhausted and dripping sweat, I climb the stairs where Chayse greets me, “Mom, you need a shower.” Nothing like an honest four-year old.
Now after my conversation with my sister, Kiahra announced that it was my turn to register on the new Wii Fit. Reluctantly, I complied. I stood dutifully on the balance board and attempted to navigate their crazy requests. Initially, it informs me that my BMI is 23.something. Then it tells me that 22 is perfect. I celebrate. I am close! Yaahhhh…even though I am not entirely sure what it even stands for!
Next, it tells me my Wii age is 31…Did you read that Lisa…31! WoooHoooo! I am 31 and loving this Wii thing. Little victory dance in order…
Until it gives me my ideal weight which recommends a 10 pound weight loss. WHAT???!!! &*%$#$%^^&&*
I just spent the last six months dutifully counting calories, exercising regularly, and completely changing my diet. I have slowly, painfully watched the scale drop. A pound a week…then a half a pound…then a quarter…brutally slow. I thought I was almost there, or at least ready to call it quits and try out maintainance for a while…BUT now this thing tells me that I am not even close??? I lost 27 pounds and I still have 10 more to go? It might as well tell me I have 100. Never mind what I said about this crazy contraption. I don’t like it anymore.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Happy Holidays!
As Christmas eve drew nigh
Five children came close with a sigh
When from behind the camera Dad shouted, "Smile...more!"
Interrupting their visions of toys and gifts galore.
Wearily they smiled on
Dutifully Dad clicked on
Dashing into the photo with the timer on
When finally mother shouted in defeat, "Let's move on!"
Five children came close with a sigh
When from behind the camera Dad shouted, "Smile...more!"
Interrupting their visions of toys and gifts galore.
Wearily they smiled on
Dutifully Dad clicked on
Dashing into the photo with the timer on
When finally mother shouted in defeat, "Let's move on!"
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
All Ye Faithful
Since entering the blogging world, I appreciate each visit to my humble page. However, I have periodically received feedback that some of you are unable to post comments. Finally, despite my tendency to feel overwhelmed by the blog site (except when I am writing), I explored the settings more thoroughly and discovered how to change those pesky defaults with a mere click of a button--why was that so hard?? Perhaps I was just "blogged" down in the technical language!
Now ALL of my faithful followers may comment--though it would be nice if you add your name if you post anonymously...and I would love to hear from you...I think :)
Now ALL of my faithful followers may comment--though it would be nice if you add your name if you post anonymously...and I would love to hear from you...I think :)
Monday, December 21, 2009
Three days ago, we awoke to our first snowfall. It was a very fluffy, light snow, but it totalled four whole inches!! Unprecedented in my brief experience in Pittsburgh. I love snow. I love to see the countryside bathed in white, especially here with all the naked craggy black trees jutting into the landscape--it looks like the Legend of Sleepy Hollow.
I have waited a few days before sharing my excitement because the snow could just as easily disappear, but it is still here...and I am dreaming of a white Christmas.
My boys are dreaming of snowboarding.
Blueberry hill does offer magnificent, snowy fun on a quiet Sunday afternoon (since the Steelers were playing), though it is steep and long making one susceptible to a tumble or two, nonetheless, smiles emerge.
New snowboard skills this year...looking good, Ethan!
Air on the snowboard. Exhilarating.
Unless, one is the mother with heart suspended in mid-air. Thank goodness for a appreciative dad, who captured the glory of the moment.
Not to worry Mom, it was under control the whole time with a picture perfect landing.
No wonder I have to color my hair, Kade.
I have waited a few days before sharing my excitement because the snow could just as easily disappear, but it is still here...and I am dreaming of a white Christmas.
My boys are dreaming of snowboarding.
Blueberry hill does offer magnificent, snowy fun on a quiet Sunday afternoon (since the Steelers were playing), though it is steep and long making one susceptible to a tumble or two, nonetheless, smiles emerge.
New snowboard skills this year...looking good, Ethan!
Air on the snowboard. Exhilarating.
Unless, one is the mother with heart suspended in mid-air. Thank goodness for a appreciative dad, who captured the glory of the moment.
Not to worry Mom, it was under control the whole time with a picture perfect landing.
No wonder I have to color my hair, Kade.
Bovine Beauty
Lowing in the manager, I donned my humble costume for my role in the annual church Christmas play. Don't overlook my classy pearls...
My darling husband managed to capture many photos of me as a beautiful bovine. I am sure that after 17 years of marriage there is some poetic justice that is "udderly" irresistible.
My darling husband managed to capture many photos of me as a beautiful bovine. I am sure that after 17 years of marriage there is some poetic justice that is "udderly" irresistible.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Performances...One More
Music rings from all corners of my house. We even turned the formal dining room into a music room sporting a second piano, guitars, drums, a clarinet, an alto-sax, and a lonely little flute.
This time of year all those lessons and coerced practices culminate into performances. Band Concerts, piano recitals, and jam sessions...formal and informal. I love it!
Nikela played "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" on the piano during a Sunday afternoon performance last week where Aunt Kristi was on hand to admire her years of lessons. Then she played into the evening for us. I never grow weary of the sound... Sometimes on warm summer evenings with the doors and windows open the notes drift out into the neighborhood, and actually, sometimes the neighbors even have coffee on their decks on Saturday morning lingering, hoping to hear the melodious tone of the piano.
Last Thursday the winter band concert at the middle school continued our musical interlude. Nikela played the bass clarinet with the eighth grade band while Kiahra joined the sixth grade band with her alto-sax. As the music filled the auditorium, it never fails to bring back memories of my grandfather, who loved band music so much. He faithfully attended parades for his love of marching bands. He would strain to hear the first notes from down the street. Of course, we kids were only too willing to tag along for our share of the candy and fun! On cold winter nights when bands were safely indoors, he would pull out the old records and listen to his favorite bands. I remember marching around in beat to the music as a small child. The irony strikes me on this cool winter night that he would have been so proud and thrilled to enjoy this concert. In the great-grandchildren that never knew him, the music lives on.
Tonight Kade will take to the stage on the drums at his winter band concert at the elementary.
In the meantime, last week during Kade's guitar lesson, as he strummed the chords of "Jingle Bells", Chayse chimed in with the lyrics...her favorite. Her pink little cheeks glowing as her head bobs and body sways with the rhythm, and the enthusiastic "Hey!" that punctuates the end of the line...it is my personal favorite!
Friday Chayse sang her little "Otter Song" during her preschool performance. Proudly dressed in her new little red Christmas dress and topped off with her otter hat, she loved the stage! However, it was her persistence in seeking me out in the crowd that charmed me. As she came in the room, I saw her looking for me and when she saw me, she flashed me her most charming grin and then followed it up with her cute little hand signing "I love you." I had to navigate all the zealous parents for a few photos, and the results were disappointing, but I just settled in for a sweet performance and lots of love sent from my littlest bug. Those little eyes positively twinkled with anticipation. Luckily I sport the brightest coat in the room, so she never had to look too long to find me!
As the formal performances draw nigh this evening, I find myself hoping to find the kids gathered around and singing their favorite carols together in the days ahead...with adaptations, of course...and sporting their favorite red hats. They have occasionally done this throughout the season, and it warms my heart to hear their little voices fill the house. Laughter frequently rings throughout the house during these moments too, and I love it!
I treasure these moments more dearly...the spontaneity of life and all its imperfections.
This time of year all those lessons and coerced practices culminate into performances. Band Concerts, piano recitals, and jam sessions...formal and informal. I love it!
Nikela played "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear" on the piano during a Sunday afternoon performance last week where Aunt Kristi was on hand to admire her years of lessons. Then she played into the evening for us. I never grow weary of the sound... Sometimes on warm summer evenings with the doors and windows open the notes drift out into the neighborhood, and actually, sometimes the neighbors even have coffee on their decks on Saturday morning lingering, hoping to hear the melodious tone of the piano.
Last Thursday the winter band concert at the middle school continued our musical interlude. Nikela played the bass clarinet with the eighth grade band while Kiahra joined the sixth grade band with her alto-sax. As the music filled the auditorium, it never fails to bring back memories of my grandfather, who loved band music so much. He faithfully attended parades for his love of marching bands. He would strain to hear the first notes from down the street. Of course, we kids were only too willing to tag along for our share of the candy and fun! On cold winter nights when bands were safely indoors, he would pull out the old records and listen to his favorite bands. I remember marching around in beat to the music as a small child. The irony strikes me on this cool winter night that he would have been so proud and thrilled to enjoy this concert. In the great-grandchildren that never knew him, the music lives on.
Tonight Kade will take to the stage on the drums at his winter band concert at the elementary.
In the meantime, last week during Kade's guitar lesson, as he strummed the chords of "Jingle Bells", Chayse chimed in with the lyrics...her favorite. Her pink little cheeks glowing as her head bobs and body sways with the rhythm, and the enthusiastic "Hey!" that punctuates the end of the line...it is my personal favorite!
Friday Chayse sang her little "Otter Song" during her preschool performance. Proudly dressed in her new little red Christmas dress and topped off with her otter hat, she loved the stage! However, it was her persistence in seeking me out in the crowd that charmed me. As she came in the room, I saw her looking for me and when she saw me, she flashed me her most charming grin and then followed it up with her cute little hand signing "I love you." I had to navigate all the zealous parents for a few photos, and the results were disappointing, but I just settled in for a sweet performance and lots of love sent from my littlest bug. Those little eyes positively twinkled with anticipation. Luckily I sport the brightest coat in the room, so she never had to look too long to find me!
As the formal performances draw nigh this evening, I find myself hoping to find the kids gathered around and singing their favorite carols together in the days ahead...with adaptations, of course...and sporting their favorite red hats. They have occasionally done this throughout the season, and it warms my heart to hear their little voices fill the house. Laughter frequently rings throughout the house during these moments too, and I love it!
I treasure these moments more dearly...the spontaneity of life and all its imperfections.
Nutcracker
Before the performance, Kiahra was surprised with a Nutcracker...all her own...to dance with.
Next, we let those curls out! Added make-up. Pulled on those new tights. Eased into the costume. Slipped on those friendly pink slippers.
Finally backstage, all the little girls gathered around to admire the new nutcracker and chat with Clara. I loved this moment though I wish I could have captured it before they notice me...
Moments before the curtains opened I captured this image of Clara whose composure does not reveal any hint of performance anxiety, though she was giddy with anticipation.
A managed to capture a few performance moments, though the lighting and movement made it very challenging.
A moment with her Nutcracker on pointe. His sequins sparkled in the lights of the stage.
The final bow...
Kiahra's graceful stage presence filled my heart with pride, as I watched my little girl dance.
Though for her, the most defining moment was after the performance when one of the little bon-bon girls sweetly presented her with a lovely bouquet of Christmas flowers and with a shy smile murmured, "You were wonderful, Clara."
Nutcracker Secret
A few years ago, a little boy was so shy that he would hide behind his mother's legs wherever they went...except in the vast outdoors.
This little boy tugged at his mother's heartstrings, even though she often wondered if he would ever let go.
Well, last Saturday night, I watched that little boy take the stage too. He was a very naughty party boy. He was attending the party scene in the Nutcracker, but with comrades he conspired to torment the maid, and as she was serving goodies to all the beautiful little girls, he stuck his foot out and with laughter watched as the treats took to the air and the maid took to the floor. In furor the maid chased the naughty boy around the stage before literally kicking him all the the way off stage. Granted he sneaked right back into the party with just as much mischief, though he steered clear of the maid this time...
Kade's acting ability was impressive. I could hardly believe my eyes. He kept character with ease, and so many people in the audience kindly stopped him afterwards to tell him how much they appreciated his performance. He loved it.
I loved it, too, despite the utter awe that the naughty little party goer was my son...well actually, the mischievousness or naughtiness wasn't that surprising, but his ability to perform in that role (which is far more challenging than it appears) was...amazing...surprising.
The magical evening watching two of my children tugged at my heartstrings...hard.
That little face peeking out from behind my legs...is gone...except in my heart where a mother keeps everything dear.
Next, we let those curls out! Added make-up. Pulled on those new tights. Eased into the costume. Slipped on those friendly pink slippers.
Finally backstage, all the little girls gathered around to admire the new nutcracker and chat with Clara. I loved this moment though I wish I could have captured it before they notice me...
Moments before the curtains opened I captured this image of Clara whose composure does not reveal any hint of performance anxiety, though she was giddy with anticipation.
A managed to capture a few performance moments, though the lighting and movement made it very challenging.
A moment with her Nutcracker on pointe. His sequins sparkled in the lights of the stage.
The final bow...
Kiahra's graceful stage presence filled my heart with pride, as I watched my little girl dance.
Though for her, the most defining moment was after the performance when one of the little bon-bon girls sweetly presented her with a lovely bouquet of Christmas flowers and with a shy smile murmured, "You were wonderful, Clara."
Nutcracker Secret
A few years ago, a little boy was so shy that he would hide behind his mother's legs wherever they went...except in the vast outdoors.
This little boy tugged at his mother's heartstrings, even though she often wondered if he would ever let go.
Well, last Saturday night, I watched that little boy take the stage too. He was a very naughty party boy. He was attending the party scene in the Nutcracker, but with comrades he conspired to torment the maid, and as she was serving goodies to all the beautiful little girls, he stuck his foot out and with laughter watched as the treats took to the air and the maid took to the floor. In furor the maid chased the naughty boy around the stage before literally kicking him all the the way off stage. Granted he sneaked right back into the party with just as much mischief, though he steered clear of the maid this time...
Kade's acting ability was impressive. I could hardly believe my eyes. He kept character with ease, and so many people in the audience kindly stopped him afterwards to tell him how much they appreciated his performance. He loved it.
I loved it, too, despite the utter awe that the naughty little party goer was my son...well actually, the mischievousness or naughtiness wasn't that surprising, but his ability to perform in that role (which is far more challenging than it appears) was...amazing...surprising.
The magical evening watching two of my children tugged at my heartstrings...hard.
That little face peeking out from behind my legs...is gone...except in my heart where a mother keeps everything dear.
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