Here I am at Rob's in Saltair, on the Island, with my sister, Elsa. We came over on the 10:15 from Tsawassen yesterday, a pleasant sea voyage of almost 2 hours. I have yet to do any exercise - I haven't done anything the last 3 days.
Wednesday was the hottest day of the year, and the only thing I did was walk around with the grandkids and paddle in the ocean - it was just too hot! And yesterday, we visited with Rob and Nikki, then drove to Nanaimo and visited with Rae and Ross, going to the Dinghy Dock Pub for dinner. While all of this involved some perambulation, it also involved imbibing cold beer and cool wine, so not so healthy, although definitely fun!
Today we are going to go out in a boat, we just haven't decided whether it will be the sailboat or the motorboat.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
In lieu of
I went for a walk this morning in lieu of yoga - only 30 minutes, but I give myself points for getting out at all. I had breakfast and then walked around the neighbourhood, getting back before 10 a.m. Even then, I returned to the house sweating profusely, it was already so hot.
The rest of the day I spent moving a small portable fan to whatever room I was going to spend time in, so that I could dry off. It is such a curse to sweat the way I do when it's humid. It doesn't happen in normal circumstances, but I sure react to humidity.
I remember how awful it was for me the summer I was pregnant with Jordan, living in Ontario. He was born in November, and I spent the hot and humid summer of '73 trying to stay cool with not much success - we didn't buy an air conditioner until much later, when we lived in our townhouse. Whenever we could, we went to one of the malls, where we could windowshop in air-conditioned delight. It didn't help that I was absolutely huge when I was pregnant, so I felt,and looked, like a perspiring elephant!
This heat wave, on record as being a record, has certainly interfered with my plans to be very active on these holidays.
I did notice, today, that thanks to my yoga camp the week before, I have much more mobility in stretches - that makes me feel very good!
The rest of the day I spent moving a small portable fan to whatever room I was going to spend time in, so that I could dry off. It is such a curse to sweat the way I do when it's humid. It doesn't happen in normal circumstances, but I sure react to humidity.
I remember how awful it was for me the summer I was pregnant with Jordan, living in Ontario. He was born in November, and I spent the hot and humid summer of '73 trying to stay cool with not much success - we didn't buy an air conditioner until much later, when we lived in our townhouse. Whenever we could, we went to one of the malls, where we could windowshop in air-conditioned delight. It didn't help that I was absolutely huge when I was pregnant, so I felt,and looked, like a perspiring elephant!
This heat wave, on record as being a record, has certainly interfered with my plans to be very active on these holidays.
I did notice, today, that thanks to my yoga camp the week before, I have much more mobility in stretches - that makes me feel very good!
Monday, July 27, 2009
Heat 3, Bee 0
Well, the heat won, today. I went out to shop - clothes for little Maya and Sam in Ontario, and chicken for dinner tonight, then vegged at home. JR and I sat in the living room reading, with the fan oscillating directly on us. He ended up downstairs in his office; I ended up having a lie-down on the couch, with the fan all to myself. I rarely nap because I don't actually fall asleep, and I always get up with a headache, but I was so tired that I couldn't not lie down.
Of course, this meant that I did no exercise. It seemed as though today was just about surviving. I struggled just to make potato salad and a green salad for dinner - I certainly wasn't capable of anything more imaginative.
At 5:00 I had to jump in the car to drive across town to China Creek Park to meet Mel and give her the gifts for Maya and Sam, whom she will see later this week when she and Liam go to Ontario. I sat in the car with the air conditioning until she arrived a few minutes later; I couldn't believe she was going to do Boot Camp!! That would have killed me! Then back across town heading right into the sun - all I can say is hooray for car air conditioning! When I got home, all cool in my air-conditioned car, I experienced a flashback to living in Ontario and its high humidity, because I almost melted when I got out of the car and into the true heat. That is so much of my memories of London, Ontario - the contrast between the horrible heat and humidity outside, and the lovely air conditioned inside.
I had a couple of beer while we were sitting out in the yard watching JR cook on the barbie, but mostly I was gulping down water. Apparently this heat wave is good for something - my wine habit can't take the heat either!
I will have to pick up the torch tomorrow morning by going to yoga at 7 a.m. And that will be dependent on the type of sleep I get tonight, in the heat. If I don't go to yoga, I hereby undertake to do something here at home in lieu of.
Of course, this meant that I did no exercise. It seemed as though today was just about surviving. I struggled just to make potato salad and a green salad for dinner - I certainly wasn't capable of anything more imaginative.
At 5:00 I had to jump in the car to drive across town to China Creek Park to meet Mel and give her the gifts for Maya and Sam, whom she will see later this week when she and Liam go to Ontario. I sat in the car with the air conditioning until she arrived a few minutes later; I couldn't believe she was going to do Boot Camp!! That would have killed me! Then back across town heading right into the sun - all I can say is hooray for car air conditioning! When I got home, all cool in my air-conditioned car, I experienced a flashback to living in Ontario and its high humidity, because I almost melted when I got out of the car and into the true heat. That is so much of my memories of London, Ontario - the contrast between the horrible heat and humidity outside, and the lovely air conditioned inside.
I had a couple of beer while we were sitting out in the yard watching JR cook on the barbie, but mostly I was gulping down water. Apparently this heat wave is good for something - my wine habit can't take the heat either!
I will have to pick up the torch tomorrow morning by going to yoga at 7 a.m. And that will be dependent on the type of sleep I get tonight, in the heat. If I don't go to yoga, I hereby undertake to do something here at home in lieu of.
Heat is a barrier
I may have run into a serious roadblock: It is 25 degrees here, and heading hotter. It is also humid - and humidity is my enemy.
Yesterday I almost died of the heat, working as we were in the top floor of the townhouse. I couldn't keep cool even with fans blowing - I had sweat running off me. Given that I am generally hotter than people around me at normal temperatures, the heat sends me over the top. I was able to function only by really concentrating on the job at hand, and feeling good about what we were accomplishing.
But today, although it is clear (unlike yesterday morning, which started cloudy) and breezy, I am still already feeling lethargic and tired out. I went into the back yard where JR is reading and did a temperature check: it's hot, not unbearably so, but I think still too hot for a walk over to Dunbar street. I want to go to a children's shop there to buy something for a friend's little ones, but I think I shall drive.
So I will have to come up with something to do today that isn't aerobic exercise in the sun. If the studios were cooler, I would do a yoga class, but the Sun one at Broadway and Trafalgar, where I go most often, has no windows or doors, so I am not tempted. I will attend the 7 am class there tomorrow.
My choices for avoiding the sun seem to be: cycling on the stationary bike, lifting weights, doing my own yoga, or perhaps walking when it is cooler - if that happens!
I'll have to think of something!
After having 3 beers yesterday as I was working on the floor, (plus even more water), I am determined for today and tomorrow to cut back on calories. I have to cook dinner for Mits and Pete this evening, but it will be simple - bbq chicken and salad and new potatoes. No baking, not in this heat!
Yesterday I almost died of the heat, working as we were in the top floor of the townhouse. I couldn't keep cool even with fans blowing - I had sweat running off me. Given that I am generally hotter than people around me at normal temperatures, the heat sends me over the top. I was able to function only by really concentrating on the job at hand, and feeling good about what we were accomplishing.
But today, although it is clear (unlike yesterday morning, which started cloudy) and breezy, I am still already feeling lethargic and tired out. I went into the back yard where JR is reading and did a temperature check: it's hot, not unbearably so, but I think still too hot for a walk over to Dunbar street. I want to go to a children's shop there to buy something for a friend's little ones, but I think I shall drive.
So I will have to come up with something to do today that isn't aerobic exercise in the sun. If the studios were cooler, I would do a yoga class, but the Sun one at Broadway and Trafalgar, where I go most often, has no windows or doors, so I am not tempted. I will attend the 7 am class there tomorrow.
My choices for avoiding the sun seem to be: cycling on the stationary bike, lifting weights, doing my own yoga, or perhaps walking when it is cooler - if that happens!
I'll have to think of something!
After having 3 beers yesterday as I was working on the floor, (plus even more water), I am determined for today and tomorrow to cut back on calories. I have to cook dinner for Mits and Pete this evening, but it will be simple - bbq chicken and salad and new potatoes. No baking, not in this heat!
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Alternate forms of exercise
Today I did not go to yoga, nor did I undertake any aerobic exercise....I spent many hours installing laminate flooring. John and I drove the kids back to White Rock, to the 'new' house, and spent the rest of the day (from 11 am to 6 pm) working on the upstairs bedrooms and hall.
We swept the floors, laid sub-flooring sheets, and clicked and installed beautiful cherry-coloured laminate floor boards. We got all of the bedrooms done and left the hall for Kerri's brother and father!
Both JR and I are so stiff now that we can hardly move.
It felt wonderful to help Jordan and Kerri and the kids, and I think Liam and Mel felt the same way. Liam was our overseer, telling us how to get the flooring laid down correctly, with minimum fuss.
And at the end of it, when we were sitting enjoying a beer, Liam and Mel told us that they are pregnant - yippee!
We swept the floors, laid sub-flooring sheets, and clicked and installed beautiful cherry-coloured laminate floor boards. We got all of the bedrooms done and left the hall for Kerri's brother and father!
Both JR and I are so stiff now that we can hardly move.
It felt wonderful to help Jordan and Kerri and the kids, and I think Liam and Mel felt the same way. Liam was our overseer, telling us how to get the flooring laid down correctly, with minimum fuss.
And at the end of it, when we were sitting enjoying a beer, Liam and Mel told us that they are pregnant - yippee!
Beginning Week Two
Yesterday, Saturday, I began my second week where I started my first - at the 8 a.m. class on Granville Island.
I can tell that this location is considered desirable: the people there seem more 'trendy' although I'm not sure I could really explain that. There are many people there, considering it's 8 a.m. on a Saturday; there were even more people waiting for the 9:30 class as we left - I know I wouldn't like that one! As it is, the 8 o'clock class is full enough, with people all around me. The instructor, Susan, is very good - this is obviously her regular gig, and she is inspiring and practical.
The class is held upstairs in a building behind Emily Carr, in a room that has doors and windows facing False Creek. While this marine aspect is appealing, on a hot day it can be overwarm, as the sun comes right into the studio through the windows on 2 sides. I have decided that while the light and the marine view are appealing, I find the class has too many people for me to want to take any more classes there.
Saturday morning was my 6th yoga class in a row, something I am very proud of, as I so often quit these undertakings before they're over. I was stiff, but I definitely felt some things were getting, finally, easier for me to do!
After yoga I went to White Rock and picked up Julian and Mackenzie, and spent the rest of the day entertaining children. I took them to the beach, and we had a wonderful time in the ocean, jumping waves. I think that repeatedly lifting a 4-year-old in and out of waves is aerobic excercise!
I can tell that this location is considered desirable: the people there seem more 'trendy' although I'm not sure I could really explain that. There are many people there, considering it's 8 a.m. on a Saturday; there were even more people waiting for the 9:30 class as we left - I know I wouldn't like that one! As it is, the 8 o'clock class is full enough, with people all around me. The instructor, Susan, is very good - this is obviously her regular gig, and she is inspiring and practical.
The class is held upstairs in a building behind Emily Carr, in a room that has doors and windows facing False Creek. While this marine aspect is appealing, on a hot day it can be overwarm, as the sun comes right into the studio through the windows on 2 sides. I have decided that while the light and the marine view are appealing, I find the class has too many people for me to want to take any more classes there.
Saturday morning was my 6th yoga class in a row, something I am very proud of, as I so often quit these undertakings before they're over. I was stiff, but I definitely felt some things were getting, finally, easier for me to do!
After yoga I went to White Rock and picked up Julian and Mackenzie, and spent the rest of the day entertaining children. I took them to the beach, and we had a wonderful time in the ocean, jumping waves. I think that repeatedly lifting a 4-year-old in and out of waves is aerobic excercise!
Friday, July 24, 2009
Cardio at last
I 'slept in' this morning, in that I chose not to get up early, but to stay in bed until 7:45, missing my 7 a.m. yoga class. Instead, I had breakfast, then went to the 9:30 class. I had the pleasure a couple of times of realizing, in the middle of a pose, that I was bending more into the pose - in other words, progress had been made!
After yoga, I went home and, eventually, got myself out for a walk. In the morning it had been cloudy and threatening, but by mid-afternoon it was sunny and hot and I felt obliged to get out and actually do aerobic stuff. I walked for 34 minutes, heading west along the avenues, and then north to Safeway, and back. I was rather bored, as all of it was so familiar, but it was very important for me to do some cardio, when I had so long avoided it.
After yoga, I went home and, eventually, got myself out for a walk. In the morning it had been cloudy and threatening, but by mid-afternoon it was sunny and hot and I felt obliged to get out and actually do aerobic stuff. I walked for 34 minutes, heading west along the avenues, and then north to Safeway, and back. I was rather bored, as all of it was so familiar, but it was very important for me to do some cardio, when I had so long avoided it.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Felt a difference
Today in yoga I actually felt, in a few of the poses, a difference - an increase in the ability to do the pose, a sinking into the pose more deeply.
And there were the poses that I could hardly do, including one I couldn't do at all because of having short arms and big torso!
Different teacher again - Alli - who did a lot of floor poses. One interesting twist: she read a quotation while we were holding a pose, which I thought was neat and which I liked very much. She showed me the book afterwards - 'Meditations from the Mat' I think was the title. It was about education at school - math, history, etc. - and education in life, which is probably why I liked it.
I did notice I had a lot more sinus drainage during the yoga class, so I'm guessing this is the result of my Bowen treatment yesterday. Manon had said that I might feel a loosening up, and I certainly had to clear my throat quite a bit at the beginning of the class.
I woke up several times during the night noticing that I wasn't stuffed up, which was amazing!
Food-wise, I am finding that I am eating less at one sitting; e.g. making one piece of toast instead of two....I can always get more later if I need it. So I am improving my eating habits without dieting, which is the plan.
Now, today will be a challenge. I am going to lunch with a group from work - Chinese food where I will have little choice on what is ordered. I will have to just eat little bits and focus on the healthiest. Then it's off to Rae's for Karen's 'Aloha Karen' party, where there will be a lot of food and drink, so I will have to watch mayself without completely abstaining.
And there were the poses that I could hardly do, including one I couldn't do at all because of having short arms and big torso!
Different teacher again - Alli - who did a lot of floor poses. One interesting twist: she read a quotation while we were holding a pose, which I thought was neat and which I liked very much. She showed me the book afterwards - 'Meditations from the Mat' I think was the title. It was about education at school - math, history, etc. - and education in life, which is probably why I liked it.
I did notice I had a lot more sinus drainage during the yoga class, so I'm guessing this is the result of my Bowen treatment yesterday. Manon had said that I might feel a loosening up, and I certainly had to clear my throat quite a bit at the beginning of the class.
I woke up several times during the night noticing that I wasn't stuffed up, which was amazing!
Food-wise, I am finding that I am eating less at one sitting; e.g. making one piece of toast instead of two....I can always get more later if I need it. So I am improving my eating habits without dieting, which is the plan.
Now, today will be a challenge. I am going to lunch with a group from work - Chinese food where I will have little choice on what is ordered. I will have to just eat little bits and focus on the healthiest. Then it's off to Rae's for Karen's 'Aloha Karen' party, where there will be a lot of food and drink, so I will have to watch mayself without completely abstaining.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Feeling stronger
Today I noticed that I am feeling stronger. I haven't improved in yoga much, but I am starting to feel more aware of myself physically in a way that seems....stronger.
The teacher for this morning's class was the same as yesterday, although she did a different program. As usual, it was very good, and I came home hungry and glowing. I believe the whole immersion in yoga is having side effects - I drive more slowly both to and from yoga. My awareness of things around me feels heightened, too.
As all practitioners know, the practice of yoga has a strong spiritual side - nothing overt - and I think I'm benefiting from that, too. All of the teachers have mentioned things like awareness, mindfulness, etc. while we are doing the poses; it really helps, I find, to be reminded of the mind-body connection and reassured that it isn't just all about the physical activity.
I would say the spiritual side of yoga practice is what is engaging me, so much more than the boot camps I attended in the spring. Of course, boot camps are very useful as a way of getting people involved in regular exercise; it's just that for me, the serenity of yoga is what I need right now and am appreciating very much, rather than the busy-ness that is boot camp.
Another good thing today was to go for another Bowen treatment - I had gone to one last week because of my hip pain, and I asked Manon about having a treatment for my ongoing sinus congestion. So that's what I did today. Having a Bowen treatment is blissful - I struggle to stay awake, I become so relaxed. I won't know for a few days if it did the trick with the sinuses, but I am hopeful. Certainly Bowen got rid of my frozen shoulder, which has helped me in my yoga practice.
Again, no cardio - a beautiful, hot day was delightful to observe and to drive around in, but I was not inspired to go for a walk, especially since the only time available to me today was in the hottest part of the day!
But I am ok with what I am doing, in fact, more than ok. I have been faithful in doing my food journal as well as going to yoga, and I continue to look for ways to improve without throwing on the equivalent of a hair shirt!
The teacher for this morning's class was the same as yesterday, although she did a different program. As usual, it was very good, and I came home hungry and glowing. I believe the whole immersion in yoga is having side effects - I drive more slowly both to and from yoga. My awareness of things around me feels heightened, too.
As all practitioners know, the practice of yoga has a strong spiritual side - nothing overt - and I think I'm benefiting from that, too. All of the teachers have mentioned things like awareness, mindfulness, etc. while we are doing the poses; it really helps, I find, to be reminded of the mind-body connection and reassured that it isn't just all about the physical activity.
I would say the spiritual side of yoga practice is what is engaging me, so much more than the boot camps I attended in the spring. Of course, boot camps are very useful as a way of getting people involved in regular exercise; it's just that for me, the serenity of yoga is what I need right now and am appreciating very much, rather than the busy-ness that is boot camp.
Another good thing today was to go for another Bowen treatment - I had gone to one last week because of my hip pain, and I asked Manon about having a treatment for my ongoing sinus congestion. So that's what I did today. Having a Bowen treatment is blissful - I struggle to stay awake, I become so relaxed. I won't know for a few days if it did the trick with the sinuses, but I am hopeful. Certainly Bowen got rid of my frozen shoulder, which has helped me in my yoga practice.
Again, no cardio - a beautiful, hot day was delightful to observe and to drive around in, but I was not inspired to go for a walk, especially since the only time available to me today was in the hottest part of the day!
But I am ok with what I am doing, in fact, more than ok. I have been faithful in doing my food journal as well as going to yoga, and I continue to look for ways to improve without throwing on the equivalent of a hair shirt!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
The integration dance
Sitting here at 10:15 thinking OK, how did I spend my day? Am I on target? Well, yes, and hmmmmm.....
I went to my second yoga class at 7 am. Different teacher, very good, different set of people. Thoroughly enjoyed it, plus felt enormously virtuous because it was the second-in-a-row....
Home for breakfast and the paper. I must say, the paper takes a lot of time...probably have to rethink the reading-it-in-the-morning thing. Cleaned the upstairs bathroom, stem to stern, and the kitchen sink, the went to Fourth Avenue/Capers. I bought a pair of yoga pants and a top (identical to last week's top) at Lululemon, as a reward for my diligence with attending classes.
Shopped at Capers, stocking up on excellent organic veggies for salads, and then home. After much deliberation, I had bought some veggie-wash stuff, so then spent 1.5 hours washing all the fruits and vegetables I had bought at Capers. We now have a fridge-full of the cleanest, best-for-you veggies and fruits we've ever had.
Now. I had been planning, as well as the yoga, to do some aerobic exercise every day. I find that I have been copping out on this, I think because I am so proud of myself for doing the 7am yoga class that I am allowing that to give me a free pass for the rest of the day. PLUS it is really hot by the afternoon. The result is that I am not doing any cardio so far. To be fair, I spent a long time bringing home the veggies, cleaning, and storing them, and after that, I sat and read for awhile....
But that is not getting me closer to my fitness goal, so I need to try harder. I have to balance my fitness goals with the practical things I have to do (one of the disadvantages of STAYCATIONS is, perhaps, the fact that one is still at home with the concomitant chores begging for attention). Tomorrow, I will go to yoga again. I SHOULD walk also, but here's the lineup: I have to get groceries, make a pie for the dinner I am attending on Thursday, do my online banking, and get to my Bowen treatment by 4 pm. Then I am riding my motorcycle to White Rock to hear Jordan and some friends play at his house. Not quite sure when I'm fitting walking into all of that.....
But overall, still positive - pleased with my commitment to yoga, and determined to move ahead with the cardio.
I went to my second yoga class at 7 am. Different teacher, very good, different set of people. Thoroughly enjoyed it, plus felt enormously virtuous because it was the second-in-a-row....
Home for breakfast and the paper. I must say, the paper takes a lot of time...probably have to rethink the reading-it-in-the-morning thing. Cleaned the upstairs bathroom, stem to stern, and the kitchen sink, the went to Fourth Avenue/Capers. I bought a pair of yoga pants and a top (identical to last week's top) at Lululemon, as a reward for my diligence with attending classes.
Shopped at Capers, stocking up on excellent organic veggies for salads, and then home. After much deliberation, I had bought some veggie-wash stuff, so then spent 1.5 hours washing all the fruits and vegetables I had bought at Capers. We now have a fridge-full of the cleanest, best-for-you veggies and fruits we've ever had.
Now. I had been planning, as well as the yoga, to do some aerobic exercise every day. I find that I have been copping out on this, I think because I am so proud of myself for doing the 7am yoga class that I am allowing that to give me a free pass for the rest of the day. PLUS it is really hot by the afternoon. The result is that I am not doing any cardio so far. To be fair, I spent a long time bringing home the veggies, cleaning, and storing them, and after that, I sat and read for awhile....
But that is not getting me closer to my fitness goal, so I need to try harder. I have to balance my fitness goals with the practical things I have to do (one of the disadvantages of STAYCATIONS is, perhaps, the fact that one is still at home with the concomitant chores begging for attention). Tomorrow, I will go to yoga again. I SHOULD walk also, but here's the lineup: I have to get groceries, make a pie for the dinner I am attending on Thursday, do my online banking, and get to my Bowen treatment by 4 pm. Then I am riding my motorcycle to White Rock to hear Jordan and some friends play at his house. Not quite sure when I'm fitting walking into all of that.....
But overall, still positive - pleased with my commitment to yoga, and determined to move ahead with the cardio.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Progress is being made
I did it - I went to the 7 am yoga class! I got up about 6:10, had a wee snack, and went off to the main Semperviva classroom at Trafalgar and Broadway. It was a very good class concentrating on core strength, something I need lots of. At first I thought I had misread the schedule, as there were 5 or 6 men waiting for the class and no other women, but then lots of both genders came. It was nice, though, that the class was not crowded.
I am stiff now, from taxing muscles unfamiliar with doing much, so I will have to be careful, but I am planning on going tomorrow morning at 7 am again.
After reading the paper and having a proper breakfast, I went to see my Energy healer, Terry. She is working through the Langara College energy healing course, and gives me treatments for free. She is very good, and spends lots of time conversing before the treatment, making sure she knows where I am not just physically, but emotionally as well, honouring the mind-body connection. I arrived early for my 1 o'clock appointment, so shopped a bit on Main Street before my session. What with conversing and actual treatment, I was with Terry from 1 - 3 pm. I ended up rushing a bit, as I had an appointment downtown at 5 pm.
On this day, my first real vacation day, I earned $75!! I was invited to participate in a focus group to discuss how I felt about ICBC. There were 6 of us, all women (we saw a group of 6 men waiting for their turn when we left) of varying ages. The moderator asked questions, and we answered. The overall concensus was that ICBC was not a nice organization to have anything to do with. When asked to sum it up in a word, things like 'monopoly', 'bureaucratic' 'intimidating' and my own word, 'sneaky' were used to describe ICBC. We were told that there were people watching our group behind the two-way glass at the end of the room, and no doubt there were ICBC people among them, so they got quite an earful.
The company that was doing the focus group is called Synovate, and we use them at work: people in a focus group talk about how they have been treated by WorkSafeBC, and our Entitlement Officer trainees watch from behind the glass.
Anyway, it was different, and it was quite entertaining, and it was the easiest $75 I've ever earned! I have included the experience here because the BeeFreeThree is about integrating change, and I had never done anything like a focus group before.
So on Day One of 'My Project, Myself', I have gone to early yoga, had an energy treatment, and done a focus group. I think I am honouring the intent quite well, so far.
I am stiff now, from taxing muscles unfamiliar with doing much, so I will have to be careful, but I am planning on going tomorrow morning at 7 am again.
After reading the paper and having a proper breakfast, I went to see my Energy healer, Terry. She is working through the Langara College energy healing course, and gives me treatments for free. She is very good, and spends lots of time conversing before the treatment, making sure she knows where I am not just physically, but emotionally as well, honouring the mind-body connection. I arrived early for my 1 o'clock appointment, so shopped a bit on Main Street before my session. What with conversing and actual treatment, I was with Terry from 1 - 3 pm. I ended up rushing a bit, as I had an appointment downtown at 5 pm.
On this day, my first real vacation day, I earned $75!! I was invited to participate in a focus group to discuss how I felt about ICBC. There were 6 of us, all women (we saw a group of 6 men waiting for their turn when we left) of varying ages. The moderator asked questions, and we answered. The overall concensus was that ICBC was not a nice organization to have anything to do with. When asked to sum it up in a word, things like 'monopoly', 'bureaucratic' 'intimidating' and my own word, 'sneaky' were used to describe ICBC. We were told that there were people watching our group behind the two-way glass at the end of the room, and no doubt there were ICBC people among them, so they got quite an earful.
The company that was doing the focus group is called Synovate, and we use them at work: people in a focus group talk about how they have been treated by WorkSafeBC, and our Entitlement Officer trainees watch from behind the glass.
Anyway, it was different, and it was quite entertaining, and it was the easiest $75 I've ever earned! I have included the experience here because the BeeFreeThree is about integrating change, and I had never done anything like a focus group before.
So on Day One of 'My Project, Myself', I have gone to early yoga, had an energy treatment, and done a focus group. I think I am honouring the intent quite well, so far.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
One of my intentions is to do yoga as often as possible/I like, this next 3 weeks. I did the 8 am class on Saturday, and felt as though I had made a huge effort to get there, considering that it was, indeed, Saturday and early but YIKES I have just discovered that there is no 8 am class the rest of the week - if I want to start out with yoga, bright and early, I shall have to go to a 7 am class. While I do believe that an early start is excellent on a day off, I was hoping for 8 o'clock classes this week....snivel!
I did not manage any aerobic activity today, but I rode my motorcycle for a good bit of time - not aerobic, of course, but definitely requiring a significant outlay of physical effort.
It is after 11 pm, and I have just spent the last 40 minutes playing a computer game and I am on my third glass of wine. That on top of popcorn and butter at the movie theatre (we went to the Paramount downtown and saw 'Up') is a heavy dose of non-nutritional calories. All I can say is - I didn't get the candies I wanted!!
So food-wise today (recorded duly in my food journal) I didn't do well, but that is not what this is about. I ate what I normally would have on a Sunday with John. And I had fun. And I didn't have chocolate when I could have, given my twisted assessment of worth meaning that candy at movies is ok....
And I'm sure enjoying this wine....
I did not manage any aerobic activity today, but I rode my motorcycle for a good bit of time - not aerobic, of course, but definitely requiring a significant outlay of physical effort.
It is after 11 pm, and I have just spent the last 40 minutes playing a computer game and I am on my third glass of wine. That on top of popcorn and butter at the movie theatre (we went to the Paramount downtown and saw 'Up') is a heavy dose of non-nutritional calories. All I can say is - I didn't get the candies I wanted!!
So food-wise today (recorded duly in my food journal) I didn't do well, but that is not what this is about. I ate what I normally would have on a Sunday with John. And I had fun. And I didn't have chocolate when I could have, given my twisted assessment of worth meaning that candy at movies is ok....
And I'm sure enjoying this wine....
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Following through
I started off Day One by doing what I had said I would do - I went to yoga. This was significant for several reasons: I actually followed through with a plan to go to a class, I signed up for a month, I tried a new location, and I got up at 7:10 a.m. in order to do it!
I have a long history of starting classes and not continuing them. But about 2 weeks ago I told myself to 'Just do it' and try Semperviva Yoga, which had been recommended by a friend. I bought a week's pass and went 3 times, proving to myself that I could stick with something, and thoroughly enjoying the yoga as well. Then, last week, I didn't renew my pass to yoga - I was too busy after work to go to the classes. So I was in danger of, once more, not following through, hence the importance of getting up early and going to the 8 am class.
Another bad habit of mine is to stick to the familiar. I had gone only to the 'Sun' studio for the original 3 classes, so I decided that I would try the 'Sea' class on Granville Island. This was a challenge, because I prefer to go to what I know rather than venture into the unknown, but I did it - it may seem small, but it is important to me.
I also started a food journal - lots of history of not following through with those, too, so it will be a challenge for me to continue with it. Partly because I forget, and a lot because I cringe at writing down what I have eaten. But I am going to do it - after all, I'm the only one who will be reading it, and I have promised to be mindful AND honest.
So I have begun my project. My final first step was to clean my office, and thus my space, so that I could embark on this journey with a clean slate, free of clutter.
I have a long history of starting classes and not continuing them. But about 2 weeks ago I told myself to 'Just do it' and try Semperviva Yoga, which had been recommended by a friend. I bought a week's pass and went 3 times, proving to myself that I could stick with something, and thoroughly enjoying the yoga as well. Then, last week, I didn't renew my pass to yoga - I was too busy after work to go to the classes. So I was in danger of, once more, not following through, hence the importance of getting up early and going to the 8 am class.
Another bad habit of mine is to stick to the familiar. I had gone only to the 'Sun' studio for the original 3 classes, so I decided that I would try the 'Sea' class on Granville Island. This was a challenge, because I prefer to go to what I know rather than venture into the unknown, but I did it - it may seem small, but it is important to me.
I also started a food journal - lots of history of not following through with those, too, so it will be a challenge for me to continue with it. Partly because I forget, and a lot because I cringe at writing down what I have eaten. But I am going to do it - after all, I'm the only one who will be reading it, and I have promised to be mindful AND honest.
So I have begun my project. My final first step was to clean my office, and thus my space, so that I could embark on this journey with a clean slate, free of clutter.
Day One
This blog, BeeFreeThree, was named in honour of my three-week vacation, which starts today. In the next three weeks I am going to free myself of old habits and bad practices, and gain in fitness and health. I want to see what is possible for a 61-year-old woman who has challenged herself to finally DO something about being overweight and out-of-shape.
I am NOT going on a diet; however, I intend to change some things about the way I choose what to eat. I am not rushing off to the gymn, either, as it is summer and I have a new bike and a kayak to play with; however, I have joined a yoga group and intend to practise regularly.
I have committed to keeping a food journal, and to documenting my journey to increased fitness and health honestly and mindfully on this blog.
I am NOT going on a diet; however, I intend to change some things about the way I choose what to eat. I am not rushing off to the gymn, either, as it is summer and I have a new bike and a kayak to play with; however, I have joined a yoga group and intend to practise regularly.
I have committed to keeping a food journal, and to documenting my journey to increased fitness and health honestly and mindfully on this blog.
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