This is for my best friend. I think our band did a better version, though. :)
Friday, February 23, 2007
Ladies Workout Express
I sincerely dislike working out. Before college, my idea of working out was turning the pages in a book or walking down my driveway to get the mail. In my defense, my driveway was pretty long. All of that changed when I got to college. I started to get a little bit chubby and decided it was time to hit that dreadful place known as the gym.
I remember my first trip to the gym quite well, actually. I was scared to go by myself, so I enlisted the help of Matt, who was just a friend at the time. Since I always had 8 am classes in college, we decided to meet outside his room at 6. I ended up having to wake him up, but he was a good sport about it. He showed me where the gym was, how I should sign in and sign up for the different machines I wanted to use. I eagerly jumped on an exercise bike, and he went off to lift weights. I was on the bike for exactly 15 minutes when I decided that I had had enough. My heart rate was up, my mouth was dry, and I was sweating! I was more than a little embarrassed when I found him and told him I was leaving, but he was really nice about it. He just grinned and told me he'd walk me back.
After that first trip, my experiences at the gym improved slightly. I learned how to pace myself and drink lots of water so that I don't die. It's still not a party.
When I was first looking for a gym in the area, I sniffed at places like Curves or Ladies Workout Express. I wanted a real gym, one where I would be amongst men and women who were already fit. I researched different places and saw this great deal for Ladies Workout Express. I figured I'd go in, try the circuit once and then probably look somewhere else.
I went in, saw all of these older women going around the circuit and had to fight to roll my eyes. This was going to be pathetic. A woman showed me how to work all the machinery and then I was off. I was maybe halfway around the circuit when the sweat started pouring off my body and I started thinking, please make it stop, please make it stop! I felt like I was going to die, and these little old ladies were dancing and hopping around me like it was some Satanic ritual. The first few times were incredibly difficult, but then it quickly got easier. I feel like I get a good workout there, and they have a variety of exercise machinery in addition to the circuit. Sometimes they also offer aerobics classes.
The problem I have with Ladies Workout Express is that it's pretty small. This is a good thing when I'm working out and the lady working there says things like, "Get those arms up! You did way more reps two days ago!" I am always greeted by my first name, which is also nice. Whoever is working there will ask me stuff about the wedding, my job, and other things like that. It becomes a problem when I haven't gone for a couple of weeks and I'm greeted with, "Whoa! I never thought I'd see you again! Look everyone, she's back!" It makes me want to crawl into a little hole of shame. I went several times a week during the summer, but I've been dealing with sickness after sickness since school started. I went once in December and once in January. It's so frustrating!
Perhaps this spring will be better.
I remember my first trip to the gym quite well, actually. I was scared to go by myself, so I enlisted the help of Matt, who was just a friend at the time. Since I always had 8 am classes in college, we decided to meet outside his room at 6. I ended up having to wake him up, but he was a good sport about it. He showed me where the gym was, how I should sign in and sign up for the different machines I wanted to use. I eagerly jumped on an exercise bike, and he went off to lift weights. I was on the bike for exactly 15 minutes when I decided that I had had enough. My heart rate was up, my mouth was dry, and I was sweating! I was more than a little embarrassed when I found him and told him I was leaving, but he was really nice about it. He just grinned and told me he'd walk me back.
After that first trip, my experiences at the gym improved slightly. I learned how to pace myself and drink lots of water so that I don't die. It's still not a party.
When I was first looking for a gym in the area, I sniffed at places like Curves or Ladies Workout Express. I wanted a real gym, one where I would be amongst men and women who were already fit. I researched different places and saw this great deal for Ladies Workout Express. I figured I'd go in, try the circuit once and then probably look somewhere else.
I went in, saw all of these older women going around the circuit and had to fight to roll my eyes. This was going to be pathetic. A woman showed me how to work all the machinery and then I was off. I was maybe halfway around the circuit when the sweat started pouring off my body and I started thinking, please make it stop, please make it stop! I felt like I was going to die, and these little old ladies were dancing and hopping around me like it was some Satanic ritual. The first few times were incredibly difficult, but then it quickly got easier. I feel like I get a good workout there, and they have a variety of exercise machinery in addition to the circuit. Sometimes they also offer aerobics classes.
The problem I have with Ladies Workout Express is that it's pretty small. This is a good thing when I'm working out and the lady working there says things like, "Get those arms up! You did way more reps two days ago!" I am always greeted by my first name, which is also nice. Whoever is working there will ask me stuff about the wedding, my job, and other things like that. It becomes a problem when I haven't gone for a couple of weeks and I'm greeted with, "Whoa! I never thought I'd see you again! Look everyone, she's back!" It makes me want to crawl into a little hole of shame. I went several times a week during the summer, but I've been dealing with sickness after sickness since school started. I went once in December and once in January. It's so frustrating!
Perhaps this spring will be better.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Lyndsy
This may surprise and shock you, but I'm not all that popular. It's not that I'm unpopular, exactly. It's more that I find very few people who share my weird sense of humor and don't make fun of me (too much) for my strange little quirks. Lyndsy is one of those people.
I met Lyndsy in college. She lived in a room across the hall from mine, and we shared an honors class together our first semester. We did all sorts of crazy (legal!) things our first two years of college, and when a new honors dorm opened up our junior year, we decided to room together. We had a beautiful dorm room. It was huge and had a wooden floor. We had an entertainment center and a really comfy chair to sit in. We both got single dorm rooms for our senior year, but my junior year was probably the most exciting year of college for me. Lyndsy also edited the introduction to my thesis, acted as a volunteer during my defense, and is mentioned in my acknowledgments in the published copy at the honors center. She was also present at my coronation and insisted that I wear my tiara at most outings.
I was trying to think of a good story about Lyndsy that I could tell, but I don't think that most little adventures we had make much sense unless you were actually there. Lyndsy, you're a better writer than I am, so if you can think of anything, please share!
I've heard that some women have a hard time picking their bridesmaids, but I didn't have to think about it at all. I have four bridesmaids who are all incredibly special to me and whom I love very much.
I met Lyndsy in college. She lived in a room across the hall from mine, and we shared an honors class together our first semester. We did all sorts of crazy (legal!) things our first two years of college, and when a new honors dorm opened up our junior year, we decided to room together. We had a beautiful dorm room. It was huge and had a wooden floor. We had an entertainment center and a really comfy chair to sit in. We both got single dorm rooms for our senior year, but my junior year was probably the most exciting year of college for me. Lyndsy also edited the introduction to my thesis, acted as a volunteer during my defense, and is mentioned in my acknowledgments in the published copy at the honors center. She was also present at my coronation and insisted that I wear my tiara at most outings.
I was trying to think of a good story about Lyndsy that I could tell, but I don't think that most little adventures we had make much sense unless you were actually there. Lyndsy, you're a better writer than I am, so if you can think of anything, please share!
I've heard that some women have a hard time picking their bridesmaids, but I didn't have to think about it at all. I have four bridesmaids who are all incredibly special to me and whom I love very much.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Fifth Finger Jealousy
I realize that probably not all of you love classical music as much as I do, but the brilliance of Glenn Gould cannot be denied. Not only does he have perfectly shaped pinkies, but he breathes new life into Bach. Bach is fantastic anyway, but no one plays him like Gould. This is a clip of Gould and Bernstein performing Bach's Concerto for Piano in D minor, BWV 1052. It gives me goosebumps!
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Happy Valentine's Day!
I had the day off today due to a snow day, which is why I had the time to figure out how to post a video of myself onto my blog. Pretty neat stuff. Don't judge me too harshly though - it was meant to be more funny than anything else!
There is some importance to today, and not because it's Valentine's Day. In exactly two months, I will marry the man of my dreams. I don't want to be too gushy or sappy, and I certainly don't want to embarrass him. I do want to somehow mark this occasion, so this is for him:
There is some importance to today, and not because it's Valentine's Day. In exactly two months, I will marry the man of my dreams. I don't want to be too gushy or sappy, and I certainly don't want to embarrass him. I do want to somehow mark this occasion, so this is for him:
Sunday, February 11, 2007
How the Blueberry Princess Got Her Crown
Once upon a time there was a beautiful young girl named Sheba (name has been changed to protect gorgeous royalty). Sheba had always dreamed of becoming a princess, but when she reached the age of 20, she realized she may never become one. Sheba was very sad. Although Sheba tried not to show it, her mother knew how much this dream meant to her and sought out ways that she could make her daughter smile again.
Sheba's mother had been in a Blueberry Queen pageant when she was about 20 years old. She mentioned the annual pageant to Sheba, who hesitantly entered as a contestant. Although Sheba was very beautiful, she didn't know if being in a pageant for the entire state was such a good idea.
Sheba practiced her speeches, memorized many different facts about wild blueberries, and found the perfect blue gown to wear for the pageant. Months passed, and soon the weekend of the pageant came. Sheba and her mother traveled many hours to reach the site of the pageant. With every mile that passed, Sheba wondered if she had made a big mistake, but she couldn't go back. Her dream was mere days away!
When Sheba arrived, she noticed that her cousin was there. Her cousin was also a contestant for the crown of the Blueberry Queen! The two girls stayed close as the events of the pageant unfolded. They gave their speeches and interviews, they learned how to walk on the stage, and they spent an hour complaining together about how the pageant magazine they had been given included babies with makeup on.
Then it came time for the final judging and crowning of the Blueberry Queen and Blueberry Princess. All of the contestants walked up on the stage to smile and wave at the crowd. The Blueberry Queen gave a speech about all of the things she had done during her reign. There were many festivals, parades and conventions that she had attended. Sheba started to get nervous. She couldn't be the Blueberry Queen! She was taking 20+ credits in college! If Sheba was crowned, she would have to abdicate the thrown! At that moment, Sheba wanted to sink through the floor of the stage and disappear. She knew that she had a good shot at the crown and it made her very anxious.
The audience clapped as the Blueberry Queen concluded the last speech of her reign. The announcer signaled for the crowd to be silent, and the judges handed him a card with their final decisions. Miss Congeniality stepped forward to receive her reward. "Please don't let me be queen, please don't let me be queen," thought Sheba.
The announcer began, "Ladies and Gentlemen, your Crown Princess for 2003 is....." Sheba closed her eyes and held her breath. "Sheba!"
Sheba's eyes flew open, and a huge grin overtook her face as she accepted her crown, trophy, embroidered sash, roses and cash prize. She could see her mother standing up in the audience and clapping. She was finally a real princess!
The audience settled down to hear the name of the new Blueberry Queen. It was none other than Sheba's cousin! Sheba and her cousin embraced as the crown was placed on her head. Cameras flashed as the two beautiful ladies waved to the crowd.
That is the story of how the Blueberry Princess got her crown. It may be a simple tale, but it's all I could think of to write about today.
Sheba's mother had been in a Blueberry Queen pageant when she was about 20 years old. She mentioned the annual pageant to Sheba, who hesitantly entered as a contestant. Although Sheba was very beautiful, she didn't know if being in a pageant for the entire state was such a good idea.
Sheba practiced her speeches, memorized many different facts about wild blueberries, and found the perfect blue gown to wear for the pageant. Months passed, and soon the weekend of the pageant came. Sheba and her mother traveled many hours to reach the site of the pageant. With every mile that passed, Sheba wondered if she had made a big mistake, but she couldn't go back. Her dream was mere days away!
When Sheba arrived, she noticed that her cousin was there. Her cousin was also a contestant for the crown of the Blueberry Queen! The two girls stayed close as the events of the pageant unfolded. They gave their speeches and interviews, they learned how to walk on the stage, and they spent an hour complaining together about how the pageant magazine they had been given included babies with makeup on.
Then it came time for the final judging and crowning of the Blueberry Queen and Blueberry Princess. All of the contestants walked up on the stage to smile and wave at the crowd. The Blueberry Queen gave a speech about all of the things she had done during her reign. There were many festivals, parades and conventions that she had attended. Sheba started to get nervous. She couldn't be the Blueberry Queen! She was taking 20+ credits in college! If Sheba was crowned, she would have to abdicate the thrown! At that moment, Sheba wanted to sink through the floor of the stage and disappear. She knew that she had a good shot at the crown and it made her very anxious.
The audience clapped as the Blueberry Queen concluded the last speech of her reign. The announcer signaled for the crowd to be silent, and the judges handed him a card with their final decisions. Miss Congeniality stepped forward to receive her reward. "Please don't let me be queen, please don't let me be queen," thought Sheba.
The announcer began, "Ladies and Gentlemen, your Crown Princess for 2003 is....." Sheba closed her eyes and held her breath. "Sheba!"
Sheba's eyes flew open, and a huge grin overtook her face as she accepted her crown, trophy, embroidered sash, roses and cash prize. She could see her mother standing up in the audience and clapping. She was finally a real princess!
The audience settled down to hear the name of the new Blueberry Queen. It was none other than Sheba's cousin! Sheba and her cousin embraced as the crown was placed on her head. Cameras flashed as the two beautiful ladies waved to the crowd.
That is the story of how the Blueberry Princess got her crown. It may be a simple tale, but it's all I could think of to write about today.
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