Wednesday I was very productive but had horrible productivity.
...What?
The "beauty"/curse of health care is that we are driven by units. You learn about units in school and, with glazed over eyes, hear about this many minutes equals this many units... and all you're really thinking about is how many "units" until class is over. It doesn't really make sense until you get a job and divide your work into these little units all day long. Units are calculated into productivity, a somewhat-elusive number that you are held accountable for but really have limited control over.
I'm fortunate to work in a setting where productivity won't necessarily make or break you. Some settings have 110-120% productivity expectations, but that's a whole 'nother blog post that I will entitle, "Quality Over Quantity."
This week I have not met productivity. Not by a long shot. For someone who likes to be busy like me -- and as someone with ants-in-my-pants all week in anticipation of a long weekend -- I've bemoaned my productivity (or lack there of) this week.
But productivity is so relative.
Take Wednesday, for example. My productivity was horrendous (I won't state it here in case the Productivity Police are reading my blog [not that they would sacrifice their own productivity to lurk on the internet]), yet I was very, very productive. I finished all kinds of reports, consulted with colleagues, got things ready for my absence during my long weekend (for which I have ants-in-my-pants in anticipation...)
And that was just at work! In addition to working my 9 hour day, I managed to: work out (twice), scrub/polish my kitchen sink, make 3 dozen sandwich cookies (see previous post for link), do a bunch of dishes, vacuum, do 2 loads of laundry, and sit on the couch, watch TV, and eat aforementioned cookies.
Now I am off to 4 more productive hours of work before I start my long weekend (for which I have ants-in-my-pants in anticipation...). It's sure to be another very productive day with horrible productivity.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Time Marches On
I'm still here!
And I am still doing outdoor yoga and loving it. Hopefully we'll have a few more weeks left of yoga-worthy weather. The days are getting shorter, which is making me sad. No more 8pm walks. :-(
I'm still employed. I've officially decided I love my co-workers, which makes work that much more enjoyable. I've been getting harassed for slacking in the baking department, so I think I'll make some cookies this week before I start losing friends.
I am going to the State Fair today. There will be a million people, along with every kind of fried food on a stick that you can imagine (Again, we Minnesotans are so much more diverse than hot dishes and Jell-o. We also create culinary delights such as Deep Fried Butter on a Stick [I'm hoping the rumor isn't true]).
I often walk around Lake Calhoun on Saturday mornings. Yesterday I walked the 5k loop, marveling at the beautiful weather and sparkling lake and wondered, "How could anyone NOT love living here?!" And then I pictured myself walking around the lake in about 4 months... sporting UnderArmour, UGGs, Columbia Sportsware, and mittens, and still frozen to the bone. ... So then I pushed that thought aside and went back to basking in the early morning sun.
My friend Abbey is very preggo.
She is due in just a few weeks and I can't wait to be a (self-proclaimed) Honorary Auntie! We had a small, intimate baby shower (with about 80 people) a few weeks ago. Here was one of my contributions:
Well, I'm off to Trader Joes to stock up on my fresh produce for the week. I think I'll need to detox with my lettuce, carrots, nectarines, and hummus after my on-a-stick purchases at the fair this afternoon.
And I am still doing outdoor yoga and loving it. Hopefully we'll have a few more weeks left of yoga-worthy weather. The days are getting shorter, which is making me sad. No more 8pm walks. :-(
I'm still employed. I've officially decided I love my co-workers, which makes work that much more enjoyable. I've been getting harassed for slacking in the baking department, so I think I'll make some cookies this week before I start losing friends.
I am going to the State Fair today. There will be a million people, along with every kind of fried food on a stick that you can imagine (Again, we Minnesotans are so much more diverse than hot dishes and Jell-o. We also create culinary delights such as Deep Fried Butter on a Stick [I'm hoping the rumor isn't true]).
I often walk around Lake Calhoun on Saturday mornings. Yesterday I walked the 5k loop, marveling at the beautiful weather and sparkling lake and wondered, "How could anyone NOT love living here?!" And then I pictured myself walking around the lake in about 4 months... sporting UnderArmour, UGGs, Columbia Sportsware, and mittens, and still frozen to the bone. ... So then I pushed that thought aside and went back to basking in the early morning sun.
My friend Abbey is very preggo.
She is due in just a few weeks and I can't wait to be a (self-proclaimed) Honorary Auntie! We had a small, intimate baby shower (with about 80 people) a few weeks ago. Here was one of my contributions:
Well, I'm off to Trader Joes to stock up on my fresh produce for the week. I think I'll need to detox with my lettuce, carrots, nectarines, and hummus after my on-a-stick purchases at the fair this afternoon.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Since my last post, I haven't had any particularly note-worthy encounters with bald, middle-aged men. I have stuck to my more intrapersonal yoga classes by the lake.
My mom came to visit last weekend and we had a great time. It was a special treat to have someone to walk with, watch TV with, and run errands with -- all things that I've become very independent in, but still enjoy the company when I have the chance.
Work is still going pretty well. I had a mid-week crisis (the melo-dramatic, fleeting next-of-kin to the mid-life crisis) and felt like all my therapeutic work with my clients was in vain, but that feeling eventually passed...for the most part.
Speaking of "fleeting" -- I think that summarizes the attention span of approximately 75% of my caseload. I don't usually post too much about my work, specifically, so here is a snippet. In the last week, you could have found me:
*Trying to decipher chart notes in a dimly-lit lobby due to a building-wide power outage.
*Animatedly singing "Five Green and Speckled Frogs" (Or is it freckled frogs and speckled logs? I usually just inter-change them) over and over again while my client did not engage, but rather, just looked at me, stone-faced, and head tilted, inquisitively.
*Toddler in lap, getting sand poured on my legs and in my socks, all the while smiling at the parents pretending I love getting germy, gritty sand dumped all over me. I sure do a lot of messy play for someone who doesn't really like to get messy.
*Drinking applesauce and pear baby food through a straw.
*Having a *Mashed Potato" party (the instant food variety, not the dance style)
*Making myself nauseaus by swinging on a big platform swing while, again, the client just watched me like, "What's this woman doing? No way am I getting on that thing."
*Intentionally losing at Speed. This was perhaps the most painful, as I loathe "cheating" to lose at games. This was actually for one of my (most favorite) adult clients, so I suppose it was worth it.
And with that, it's time to get dressed and head out for a walk and yoga by the lake!
My mom came to visit last weekend and we had a great time. It was a special treat to have someone to walk with, watch TV with, and run errands with -- all things that I've become very independent in, but still enjoy the company when I have the chance.
Work is still going pretty well. I had a mid-week crisis (the melo-dramatic, fleeting next-of-kin to the mid-life crisis) and felt like all my therapeutic work with my clients was in vain, but that feeling eventually passed...for the most part.
Speaking of "fleeting" -- I think that summarizes the attention span of approximately 75% of my caseload. I don't usually post too much about my work, specifically, so here is a snippet. In the last week, you could have found me:
*Trying to decipher chart notes in a dimly-lit lobby due to a building-wide power outage.
*Animatedly singing "Five Green and Speckled Frogs" (Or is it freckled frogs and speckled logs? I usually just inter-change them) over and over again while my client did not engage, but rather, just looked at me, stone-faced, and head tilted, inquisitively.
*Toddler in lap, getting sand poured on my legs and in my socks, all the while smiling at the parents pretending I love getting germy, gritty sand dumped all over me. I sure do a lot of messy play for someone who doesn't really like to get messy.
*Drinking applesauce and pear baby food through a straw.
*Having a *Mashed Potato" party (the instant food variety, not the dance style)
*Making myself nauseaus by swinging on a big platform swing while, again, the client just watched me like, "What's this woman doing? No way am I getting on that thing."
*Intentionally losing at Speed. This was perhaps the most painful, as I loathe "cheating" to lose at games. This was actually for one of my (most favorite) adult clients, so I suppose it was worth it.
And with that, it's time to get dressed and head out for a walk and yoga by the lake!
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Give Me An "OMMMMMMMM!"
This weekend my quest for outdoor yoga led me to a new experience - a very interactive, vocal yoga class.
I will be using the very scientific elementary school grading scale of
X = Yay!
/ = Eh
(the dreaded blank square) = Nay.
[x] Despite ominous clouds, we were only hit by just a few light sprinkles
[x] I miraculously found 2 co-workers in the sea of hundreds of people to set up camp by
[x] Based on the amount of arm-quivering and child pose rests I had to take, I'd say it was a pretty good workout.
[x] It was free. And I found free parking. And a free public restroom.
[x] Amazing setting/view
[/] I was forced to go outside by bubble and make a new yogi friend by introducing yourself to someone new. Because I have such wonderful luck with the opposite sex, I found myself a bald, middle-aged, shirtless, sweaty man for our touchy-feely partner work. He was quite the gentleman, offering, "Do you want me to shirt up?!" Could I have honestly answerd "YES, your sweat repulses me"?
This wasn't me and Shweaty Man, but it could have been!
[Dreaded blank] Instructors asking us to whoop and holler and do yoga cheers.
Can't I just shavasana in peace?!
I will be using the very scientific elementary school grading scale of
X = Yay!
/ = Eh
(the dreaded blank square) = Nay.
[x] Despite ominous clouds, we were only hit by just a few light sprinkles
[x] I miraculously found 2 co-workers in the sea of hundreds of people to set up camp by
[x] Based on the amount of arm-quivering and child pose rests I had to take, I'd say it was a pretty good workout.
[x] It was free. And I found free parking. And a free public restroom.
[x] Amazing setting/view
[/] I was forced to go outside by bubble and make a new yogi friend by introducing yourself to someone new. Because I have such wonderful luck with the opposite sex, I found myself a bald, middle-aged, shirtless, sweaty man for our touchy-feely partner work. He was quite the gentleman, offering, "Do you want me to shirt up?!" Could I have honestly answerd "YES, your sweat repulses me"?
This wasn't me and Shweaty Man, but it could have been!
[Dreaded blank] Instructors asking us to whoop and holler and do yoga cheers.
Can't I just shavasana in peace?!
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Weekend Ramblings
While my parents are taking part in what sounds like the wedding of a century in Boca Grande, FL (even the name sounds grandiose), I am in the midst of another thrifty weekend.
Friday: 100+ degrees - hot, hot, hot. The perfect day for a pool party at our family friends. I brought Raspberry Pretzel Dessert , which was reportedly the "perfect dessert for a hot day!" ...but I think that was just an excuse for people to eat multiple servings.
In the evening I "kidnapped" Abbey from her parents' and we went and saw another $2 musical, H.M.S. Pinafore. It was excellent and we were in the 2nd row - close enough to see the actors' sweat and spit, both of which were plentiful.
On the way to the play we drove through what looked like a tornado but what turned out to be just very, very strong winds. There were even some people who took shelter underneath an overpass. I think it was probably because the MN Government shut down Friday so between that, the "dark" sky at 6:30pm and the strong winds, they were probably preparing for the end of the world.
Saturday: Explored a new Farmer's Market, went to a free Yoga by the lake class (GORGEOUS! My arms hurt today.), had lunch with my new Wish Granting partner, and signed up for a Minneapolis library card! When they guy asked if I'd ever had a card before I answered no, I realized I probably should have specified I hadn't had a card in *Minneapolis* before. Fortunately, he didn't start explaining, "Here we have lots of books you can borrow..." I did try to look as intelligent as possible for the remainder of the encounter to defer any thoughts of illiteracy.
This morning I had made/eaten/cleaned up Whole Wheat Oatmeal Banana Pancakes and fairly-deeply cleaned my apartment by... 8:15am. I spent a good chunk of the remainder of the morning/afternoon walking around my adopted neighborhood(s), choosing which house(s) I wanted to crash for 4th of July BBQs.
Tomorrow is set to be the quietest, dullest 4th of July in the history of Senia's life. We'll see what unfolds!
Happy Fourth of July!
Friday: 100+ degrees - hot, hot, hot. The perfect day for a pool party at our family friends. I brought Raspberry Pretzel Dessert , which was reportedly the "perfect dessert for a hot day!" ...but I think that was just an excuse for people to eat multiple servings.
In the evening I "kidnapped" Abbey from her parents' and we went and saw another $2 musical, H.M.S. Pinafore. It was excellent and we were in the 2nd row - close enough to see the actors' sweat and spit, both of which were plentiful.
On the way to the play we drove through what looked like a tornado but what turned out to be just very, very strong winds. There were even some people who took shelter underneath an overpass. I think it was probably because the MN Government shut down Friday so between that, the "dark" sky at 6:30pm and the strong winds, they were probably preparing for the end of the world.
Saturday: Explored a new Farmer's Market, went to a free Yoga by the lake class (GORGEOUS! My arms hurt today.), had lunch with my new Wish Granting partner, and signed up for a Minneapolis library card! When they guy asked if I'd ever had a card before I answered no, I realized I probably should have specified I hadn't had a card in *Minneapolis* before. Fortunately, he didn't start explaining, "Here we have lots of books you can borrow..." I did try to look as intelligent as possible for the remainder of the encounter to defer any thoughts of illiteracy.
This morning I had made/eaten/cleaned up Whole Wheat Oatmeal Banana Pancakes and fairly-deeply cleaned my apartment by... 8:15am. I spent a good chunk of the remainder of the morning/afternoon walking around my adopted neighborhood(s), choosing which house(s) I wanted to crash for 4th of July BBQs.
Tomorrow is set to be the quietest, dullest 4th of July in the history of Senia's life. We'll see what unfolds!
Happy Fourth of July!
Monday, June 27, 2011
What a Difference a Year Makes
I have found myself reminiscing (really? Is that how you spell it?) a ton lately, as I started my Level II fieldwork exactly a year ago. I can still feel the butterflies in my stomach. I remember my ankle that was humungously (if that's a word) swollen on my first day of fieldwork due to a bunch of mosquito bites and my limping around the hospital.
A year later, there are two patients that I still think about on a daily basis. Like... every day. When I worked with them, I figured they'd have a lifelong impact on me, but I never knew it would be like this. And to think I give my mom a hard time for how attached she gets to people.
Life is still good. I have moments of elation and marveling in my charmed life, and movements where I feel discouraged and want to bake cakes for a living.
I'll try to not make this a terribly long post, so here's a snap shot of my life in MN. In no particular order.
-Walks by the lake -Farmers Markets -Friday afternoon naps -New laptop
-Joined an ASL group -Became a Wish Granter through Make a Wish -Getting to exchange work stories w/ former classmates
-Learning. A lot. -Frequent Trader Joe's visits -Still obsessed with free stuff and events -Cheap theater tickets -Outdoor yoga -Hanging out with friends -Excitedly planning my Mom's visit in July -Trying new restaurants, going to favorite restaurants -Still loving my apartment -Church -Evening walks -Morning workouts -Sunday dinners with my "Surrogate" family -Baking for my co-workers -Continuing Education -Exploring new neighborhoods -Official MN driver's license!
A year later, there are two patients that I still think about on a daily basis. Like... every day. When I worked with them, I figured they'd have a lifelong impact on me, but I never knew it would be like this. And to think I give my mom a hard time for how attached she gets to people.
Life is still good. I have moments of elation and marveling in my charmed life, and movements where I feel discouraged and want to bake cakes for a living.
I'll try to not make this a terribly long post, so here's a snap shot of my life in MN. In no particular order.
-Walks by the lake -Farmers Markets -Friday afternoon naps -New laptop
-Joined an ASL group -Became a Wish Granter through Make a Wish -Getting to exchange work stories w/ former classmates
-Learning. A lot. -Frequent Trader Joe's visits -Still obsessed with free stuff and events -Cheap theater tickets -Outdoor yoga -Hanging out with friends -Excitedly planning my Mom's visit in July -Trying new restaurants, going to favorite restaurants -Still loving my apartment -Church -Evening walks -Morning workouts -Sunday dinners with my "Surrogate" family -Baking for my co-workers -Continuing Education -Exploring new neighborhoods -Official MN driver's license!
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Don't Cramp My Style
This is a post for all the single ladies (Hi, Stacey! ;-)). Days like today, I can fully appreciate the freedom and independence of being a single woman. Not only do boys have cooties, one would totally cramp my style.
This is actually a series of several blogs that have been running through my head. If only Blogger could just read my mind, I would update this thing faster than you could keep up with!
PART I
The first instillation of this blog was mentally composed last Saturday. It's entitled, "How to Get Fat and Happy on $6 a day" (take that, Rachael Ray!)
*Attend monthly apartment breakfast. Mingle with fellow residents and enjoy variety of breakfast foods. Stash pockets full of creamer, sugar packets, and Donettes (just kidding. I'm still trying to impress these people. I wouldn't do that ... yet.) Finally meet neighbor, who turns out to be slightly eccentric. Endure aforementioned neighbor trying to set you up with every individual with testerone in room. Casually distance yourself from neighbor, join conversation of fellow, single female residents. Get bold enough to exchange phone numbers with one, which feels strangely like asking a guy out on a date ("Am I coming on too strong?!"). Make new friend, 2 points! Cost: Free! [Side note -- this new friend and I went to see "Something Borrowed" last night, which I'd highly recommend!]
*Bask in sunshine and explore new neighborhood (in which you decide you will live in vicariously, hoping they don't check local addresses when accepting Facebook Friend Requests or check ID upon entrance to community events). Visit bakery and get free sample of bread and use coupon for free loaf of bread for joining bakery's online newsletter. Pay full price for muffin and cookie (One's for a friend ... Seriously!). $3 total. A bargain and carbohydrates (whole grain, no less!) = wonderfulness.
*"Splurge" on $3 iced latte at nearby coffee shop. Sit in coffee shop and study driver's manual for new MN license, which provides hours of "entertainment."
*Continue roaming around neighborhood, window shopping, and not spending another dime.
*Attend your *real* neighborhood's Spring Awakening block party. Sample chocolates in fancy jewelry shop (don't let all of the women hanging off their S.O.'s arms, drooling over diamonds get to you. If it does, go to another display and eat another chocolate). Next door, sample endless varieties of olive oils and vinegars, making little comments like, "Oh yes, I'll definitely have to come back and buy some gifts here!" to avoid moocher-status.
The ironic conclusion to this blog was going to be spending $10.50 for a MATINEE showing of "Water for Elephants." ($10.50... can you believe it?!). However, the advantage of being so behind in your blogging is that I can now add the inspiring epilogue: Notice audio dubbing is slightly off during movie and note weird "bursts" of sound in audio. Send e-mail to theater explaining your experience... score 3 free movie passes for providing them with "much appreciated" feedback. Squeaky Wheel WIIIIIIIIINS!
*Sunday: Attend surrogate family's Mother's Day brunch. Stuff your face. Laugh. Feel family-ish. Cost: Free!
*Attend professional play for $2 (job perk at Courage Center! Don't have to ask me twice). Realize irony of paying $2 for ticket and $6 for parking ramp. Try not to dwell on that and enjoy the fact that you had a "night on the town" for 8 buckaroos, a fine wrap-up to a thrifty weekend!
PART II:
The Old Me, The New Me
The Old Me:
…Heard a clap of thunder and identified her nearest tornado shelter.
…Hallucinated tornado sirens when weather seemed severe.
…Figured she would die at Methodist Hospital, trapped on the 7th floor, when there was a tornado watch.
The new me:
…Hears a tornado warning for St. Louis Park… continues shopping at Trader Joe’s.
…Thinks Trader Joes would be a wonderful place to endure a tornado as they announce on the intercom that shoppers are welcome to stay in the building as long as needed.
…Wonders if she huddled with the employees at the back of the store if they would charge her for her frozen chicken breasts if they thawed out while she waited out the storm. …and would they feed us lots of samples and figure they might as well dispose of all the perishable foods?!
…Gets upset when she wonders if this inclement weather will interfere with her much anticipated pit stop for a DQ Blizzard.
…Completes her Trader Joes transaction, wondering if she should run back and get a pint of ice cream as a back-up supply. … Heaven forbid she ended up back in her apartment with NO ice cream because of some stupid storm.
…Waits inside Trader Joe’s lobby until golf-ball sized hail stops.
…Decides that being swept up in a tornado with a chocolate-y Blizzard would be so worth it. … Resists the urge to upgrade to an extra large, just in case it would be the last Blizzard.
Minnesota has so much more to offer than Jell-o salads and hot dishes!
Part III:
And finally, here's the true "Don't Cramp My Style" post.
I had the most lovely day today, fully embracing my independence. My day started with a free, 1 hour session of yoga in the park in the new neighborhood I "adopted" after discovering last weekend. The yoga instructor was excellent, the weather was coolish but sunny and MUCH improved from yesterday's cold and rain. It was a wonderful feeling to have the sun beating down on me as I did Sun Salutations!
The neighborhood was having a "festival" today, so afterwards I just walked around, exploring the festivities, smiling at all the cute kids and their families (and trying not to look too creepy smiling at the kids). I stumbled upon a library used book sale, where I found 2 novels and a "Fix it and Forget it" cookbook for $3!
After that, I went on a long, long walk through the neighborhoods, down to the beautiful Lake Harriet, and then to another little shopping district where I browsed through the Food Co-Op. I walked back down to the festival where I got a free 5 minute chair massage.
Next, I went to a local, homemade ice cream shop and treated myself to an indulgent, ultra-chocolate scoop of ice cream, which, of course, I got to eat outside in the sun/cool breeze.
I literally walked around the neighborhood with a smile on my face. It is such a beautiful day and it was so much fun exploring the neighborhood. This morning the yoga instructor made a comment about feeling the uneven-ness of the ground beneath our yoga mats and embracing this uneven-ness. She talked about how we are so used to expecting perfection of ourselves and in our lives, but that this "uneven-ness" (imperfection) in our own lives is what makes us appreciative and compassionate. I have been feeling very inadequate when it comes to work, which has caused me a lot of stress, anxiety, and frustration, so this really hit home for me. It's hard not knowing everything (or much of anything!), and it's hard accepting that that is okay. My goal in the coming weeks is to embrace my "uneven-ness" and focus on the positive aspects of experiencing those imperfections.
So there's my philosophical ending to this suuuuper long post. I am now going to walk BACK to Trader Joes (even though I was there an hour ago) because I forgot the lemon for my Banana Cake, whch I'm bringing to work tomorrow. Then maybe I'll go sit and read by the pool. Ahhhhh, weekends! :-)
This is actually a series of several blogs that have been running through my head. If only Blogger could just read my mind, I would update this thing faster than you could keep up with!
PART I
The first instillation of this blog was mentally composed last Saturday. It's entitled, "How to Get Fat and Happy on $6 a day" (take that, Rachael Ray!)
*Attend monthly apartment breakfast. Mingle with fellow residents and enjoy variety of breakfast foods. Stash pockets full of creamer, sugar packets, and Donettes (just kidding. I'm still trying to impress these people. I wouldn't do that ... yet.) Finally meet neighbor, who turns out to be slightly eccentric. Endure aforementioned neighbor trying to set you up with every individual with testerone in room. Casually distance yourself from neighbor, join conversation of fellow, single female residents. Get bold enough to exchange phone numbers with one, which feels strangely like asking a guy out on a date ("Am I coming on too strong?!"). Make new friend, 2 points! Cost: Free! [Side note -- this new friend and I went to see "Something Borrowed" last night, which I'd highly recommend!]
*Bask in sunshine and explore new neighborhood (in which you decide you will live in vicariously, hoping they don't check local addresses when accepting Facebook Friend Requests or check ID upon entrance to community events). Visit bakery and get free sample of bread and use coupon for free loaf of bread for joining bakery's online newsletter. Pay full price for muffin and cookie (One's for a friend ... Seriously!). $3 total. A bargain and carbohydrates (whole grain, no less!) = wonderfulness.
*"Splurge" on $3 iced latte at nearby coffee shop. Sit in coffee shop and study driver's manual for new MN license, which provides hours of "entertainment."
*Continue roaming around neighborhood, window shopping, and not spending another dime.
*Attend your *real* neighborhood's Spring Awakening block party. Sample chocolates in fancy jewelry shop (don't let all of the women hanging off their S.O.'s arms, drooling over diamonds get to you. If it does, go to another display and eat another chocolate). Next door, sample endless varieties of olive oils and vinegars, making little comments like, "Oh yes, I'll definitely have to come back and buy some gifts here!" to avoid moocher-status.
The ironic conclusion to this blog was going to be spending $10.50 for a MATINEE showing of "Water for Elephants." ($10.50... can you believe it?!). However, the advantage of being so behind in your blogging is that I can now add the inspiring epilogue: Notice audio dubbing is slightly off during movie and note weird "bursts" of sound in audio. Send e-mail to theater explaining your experience... score 3 free movie passes for providing them with "much appreciated" feedback. Squeaky Wheel WIIIIIIIIINS!
*Sunday: Attend surrogate family's Mother's Day brunch. Stuff your face. Laugh. Feel family-ish. Cost: Free!
*Attend professional play for $2 (job perk at Courage Center! Don't have to ask me twice). Realize irony of paying $2 for ticket and $6 for parking ramp. Try not to dwell on that and enjoy the fact that you had a "night on the town" for 8 buckaroos, a fine wrap-up to a thrifty weekend!
PART II:
The Old Me, The New Me
The Old Me:
…Heard a clap of thunder and identified her nearest tornado shelter.
…Hallucinated tornado sirens when weather seemed severe.
…Figured she would die at Methodist Hospital, trapped on the 7th floor, when there was a tornado watch.
The new me:
…Hears a tornado warning for St. Louis Park… continues shopping at Trader Joe’s.
…Thinks Trader Joes would be a wonderful place to endure a tornado as they announce on the intercom that shoppers are welcome to stay in the building as long as needed.
…Wonders if she huddled with the employees at the back of the store if they would charge her for her frozen chicken breasts if they thawed out while she waited out the storm. …and would they feed us lots of samples and figure they might as well dispose of all the perishable foods?!
…Gets upset when she wonders if this inclement weather will interfere with her much anticipated pit stop for a DQ Blizzard.
…Completes her Trader Joes transaction, wondering if she should run back and get a pint of ice cream as a back-up supply. … Heaven forbid she ended up back in her apartment with NO ice cream because of some stupid storm.
…Waits inside Trader Joe’s lobby until golf-ball sized hail stops.
…Decides that being swept up in a tornado with a chocolate-y Blizzard would be so worth it. … Resists the urge to upgrade to an extra large, just in case it would be the last Blizzard.
Minnesota has so much more to offer than Jell-o salads and hot dishes!
Part III:
And finally, here's the true "Don't Cramp My Style" post.
I had the most lovely day today, fully embracing my independence. My day started with a free, 1 hour session of yoga in the park in the new neighborhood I "adopted" after discovering last weekend. The yoga instructor was excellent, the weather was coolish but sunny and MUCH improved from yesterday's cold and rain. It was a wonderful feeling to have the sun beating down on me as I did Sun Salutations!
The neighborhood was having a "festival" today, so afterwards I just walked around, exploring the festivities, smiling at all the cute kids and their families (and trying not to look too creepy smiling at the kids). I stumbled upon a library used book sale, where I found 2 novels and a "Fix it and Forget it" cookbook for $3!
After that, I went on a long, long walk through the neighborhoods, down to the beautiful Lake Harriet, and then to another little shopping district where I browsed through the Food Co-Op. I walked back down to the festival where I got a free 5 minute chair massage.
Next, I went to a local, homemade ice cream shop and treated myself to an indulgent, ultra-chocolate scoop of ice cream, which, of course, I got to eat outside in the sun/cool breeze.
I literally walked around the neighborhood with a smile on my face. It is such a beautiful day and it was so much fun exploring the neighborhood. This morning the yoga instructor made a comment about feeling the uneven-ness of the ground beneath our yoga mats and embracing this uneven-ness. She talked about how we are so used to expecting perfection of ourselves and in our lives, but that this "uneven-ness" (imperfection) in our own lives is what makes us appreciative and compassionate. I have been feeling very inadequate when it comes to work, which has caused me a lot of stress, anxiety, and frustration, so this really hit home for me. It's hard not knowing everything (or much of anything!), and it's hard accepting that that is okay. My goal in the coming weeks is to embrace my "uneven-ness" and focus on the positive aspects of experiencing those imperfections.
So there's my philosophical ending to this suuuuper long post. I am now going to walk BACK to Trader Joes (even though I was there an hour ago) because I forgot the lemon for my Banana Cake, whch I'm bringing to work tomorrow. Then maybe I'll go sit and read by the pool. Ahhhhh, weekends! :-)
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