Good Afternoon!
And what a pleasure to be writing again. Well, it's been a while, about 6 weeks, and I hope this note finds you well.
As the title states, Yoga agrees with me. However, I've learned that I have poor flexibility, less balance, and I sweated out toxins during the Saturday "Yoga Marathon" to such an extent that my brother surreptitiously unrolled all the windows when I got into his car. Sorry, Tom! Next time I'll shower after class. :)
It was a real treat to be tested in a new way. I've thought often and long about ways to fill my minutes, hours, days. I've been scared that too much "downtime" would lead to the self-destructive and harmful habits that have haunted me in the past. Saturday morning found me attempting to narrow my focus to concentrating on my breath, slow and steady, in and out. In the process, I made a connection. I'm not searching to fill my calendar. I'm searching for balance. Fear need not enter the equation.
Some residue from Saturday's class remains. No, not the oily sweat (ha ha, I've showered thrice since then), but a residue of calm, a vestige of the insight. Balance need merely be sought after, attempted, refined, and enjoyed. I feel....so calm and happy right now, and full of joy. It's as if the twisting postures and the breathing and the focus and the stretching worked in harmony to wring me out, body and mind, squeezing the toxins out of my heart. I'm a clean towel again, a freshened sponge to soak up purity and laughter and love.
It's a healthy feeling. I hope it lingers a while.
I'm going back to class this Saturday.
My shoulders and neck are sore, but they've been overdue for a good cleansing for years now.
I have a lucky life, a lovely life.
Thanks for reading.
Frank
Monday, November 16, 2009
Monday, October 5, 2009
221 - Bright Eyed and Bushy Tailed
Band of Horses! Excellent music! I highly recommend it! 2 songs in particular.... The General Specific and The Great Salt Lake. Somber and melancholic. Mmmm, good! Have some upbeat music nearby, as it makes for a good combo.
Next up, HELLO! My good friends, how I've missed you! It's Monday, nearly 5pm, the work is spilling over my desk and the future is bright! So much to talk about, for now let me say that my weight is hovering around 220, the workload is very busy right now, and that we've moved from outdoor sand to indoor hard court volleyball. My snazzy blue volleyball shoes are the highlight of my court time, and passing to the setter remains ever on my mind.
In lieu of hard running, I've hit the pool with 2 new Spandex swimsuits and a great pair of goggles. I'm attempting to build quiet time and meditation into my daily routine, but let me caution you about meditation. Not the best to do when swimming. I ran into the wall the other day. "The resting place of the mind is the heart." Lord, I could use a quiet mind, some rest, thoughtful prayer and meditation.
Anyways, Life is good and full of surprises. Be gentle with your family and friends, and show them how you care. The only thing that has been neglected is my paperwork, but a quiet evening after volleyball will see me right with the one pressing bill, a parking citation. :)
Take care! Back with a more coherent story. Perhaps the bidet incident in Las Vegas....
Thanks!
Frank
Next up, HELLO! My good friends, how I've missed you! It's Monday, nearly 5pm, the work is spilling over my desk and the future is bright! So much to talk about, for now let me say that my weight is hovering around 220, the workload is very busy right now, and that we've moved from outdoor sand to indoor hard court volleyball. My snazzy blue volleyball shoes are the highlight of my court time, and passing to the setter remains ever on my mind.
In lieu of hard running, I've hit the pool with 2 new Spandex swimsuits and a great pair of goggles. I'm attempting to build quiet time and meditation into my daily routine, but let me caution you about meditation. Not the best to do when swimming. I ran into the wall the other day. "The resting place of the mind is the heart." Lord, I could use a quiet mind, some rest, thoughtful prayer and meditation.
Anyways, Life is good and full of surprises. Be gentle with your family and friends, and show them how you care. The only thing that has been neglected is my paperwork, but a quiet evening after volleyball will see me right with the one pressing bill, a parking citation. :)
Take care! Back with a more coherent story. Perhaps the bidet incident in Las Vegas....
Thanks!
Frank
Thursday, September 10, 2009
219.5 (42.5) ...with his back to the window he typed
Good morning!
Ever find yourself a bit tired, working steadily through your morning tasks, on the verge of the unknown and a bit hungry to boot?
to all those who feel the same, I raise my water glass and salute you.... Happy Thursday!
So I'm just a drop under 220 pounds this morning. At 6'4" that's a good number. A GREAT number considering at the height of my inattentive folly I was a whopping 255 pounds... an eighth of a ton! "Clinically Obese". Those two words spurred me on to join Weight Watchers (which led to my current love of broccoli!), prompted me to join Bally's (another love discovered... the elliptical!), and eventually led me to a book that resonated with me.... The 9 Truths about Weight Loss (Dr. Daniel Kirschenbaum, I believe). I'll tell you what...you wanna change something in your life? JOURNAL! Write it down. Mull it over, let things percolate and simmer and develop over time. Journaling has kept me very aware of what I'm putting in my mouth (and how MUCH!) and that, journaling above all else, above exercise, nutrition, sleep,.... JOURNALING HAS CHANGED MY LIFE!
And so today's post is a note of gratitude for this online blog. This meets my need to share and be recognized, along with my goal to keep track of things. I felt like I was hurling headlong into a tempest last year, out of control, lost and wild. Small steps, daily and consistent and healthy, have helped me find my way again. Good sleep, eating green, keeping my heart open and my words honest. These, with journaling, have saved my life.
I don't expect my problems to be solved. I would just prefer more interesting challenges as time goes on. With a little luck, some love and a lot of laughter, I'll get there. Thanks for walking along beside me. Keeps things fresh.
Take care,
Frank
Ever find yourself a bit tired, working steadily through your morning tasks, on the verge of the unknown and a bit hungry to boot?
to all those who feel the same, I raise my water glass and salute you.... Happy Thursday!
So I'm just a drop under 220 pounds this morning. At 6'4" that's a good number. A GREAT number considering at the height of my inattentive folly I was a whopping 255 pounds... an eighth of a ton! "Clinically Obese". Those two words spurred me on to join Weight Watchers (which led to my current love of broccoli!), prompted me to join Bally's (another love discovered... the elliptical!), and eventually led me to a book that resonated with me.... The 9 Truths about Weight Loss (Dr. Daniel Kirschenbaum, I believe). I'll tell you what...you wanna change something in your life? JOURNAL! Write it down. Mull it over, let things percolate and simmer and develop over time. Journaling has kept me very aware of what I'm putting in my mouth (and how MUCH!) and that, journaling above all else, above exercise, nutrition, sleep,.... JOURNALING HAS CHANGED MY LIFE!
And so today's post is a note of gratitude for this online blog. This meets my need to share and be recognized, along with my goal to keep track of things. I felt like I was hurling headlong into a tempest last year, out of control, lost and wild. Small steps, daily and consistent and healthy, have helped me find my way again. Good sleep, eating green, keeping my heart open and my words honest. These, with journaling, have saved my life.
I don't expect my problems to be solved. I would just prefer more interesting challenges as time goes on. With a little luck, some love and a lot of laughter, I'll get there. Thanks for walking along beside me. Keeps things fresh.
Take care,
Frank
Thursday, September 3, 2009
214 (37 pounds to go) - A Beautiful Dream & Wide Awake
214 pounds!
Every other time I've made it down to this weight, I felt as if it were from running at break-neck speed for far too long, completely exhausted, winded, and out of my mind. For the first time, I'm here, calm and breathing free and easy, wide awake in the middle of a lovely dream!
I KNOW it's not just about the number on the scale! Everything is tingling with life, vitality and energy, and I'm just so grateful to have lived to see this day! Life is such a surprise, especially when you least expect it.
I wonder what is just up ahead, around the bend. And yet, I'm perfectly happy enjoying the lovely scenery today.
Thanks for taking the time to read this. I hope the day surprises you in a small (and wonderful) way.
Frank
Every other time I've made it down to this weight, I felt as if it were from running at break-neck speed for far too long, completely exhausted, winded, and out of my mind. For the first time, I'm here, calm and breathing free and easy, wide awake in the middle of a lovely dream!
I KNOW it's not just about the number on the scale! Everything is tingling with life, vitality and energy, and I'm just so grateful to have lived to see this day! Life is such a surprise, especially when you least expect it.
I wonder what is just up ahead, around the bend. And yet, I'm perfectly happy enjoying the lovely scenery today.
Thanks for taking the time to read this. I hope the day surprises you in a small (and wonderful) way.
Frank
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
215.5 (38.5) The Golden Ring Is Getting Closer (and it's NOT an Onion Ring!)
Hey hey! 215.5 pounds today!
I would ask yesterday's SALAD to stand up and take a bow, but I ate it! Broccoli base, full cucumber, cherub tomatoes (seems a bit like a cherry tomato and a bit like a grape tomato, and 100% delicious!), along with both a red and green pepper!
I would also ask yesterday's WORKOUT to stand and be recognized, but that's just silly! Instead it merely gets marked down as yet another in a series of daily logs.
I hope you're well. I'm excited by the very real possibilities of additional weight loss. In fact, it's less about the scale and more about what I'm thinking about these days. Funny, that. I started out with a NUMBER in my head (a specific weight of 177). Now I really just want to keep refining my routines, and see if I can develop these feelings of self-confidence and build more and more positive (and new) neural pathways. Yep... it's hardwired into my nervous system now. Good times!
Take care! Empathy is next on the list.
Frank
I would ask yesterday's SALAD to stand up and take a bow, but I ate it! Broccoli base, full cucumber, cherub tomatoes (seems a bit like a cherry tomato and a bit like a grape tomato, and 100% delicious!), along with both a red and green pepper!
I would also ask yesterday's WORKOUT to stand and be recognized, but that's just silly! Instead it merely gets marked down as yet another in a series of daily logs.
I hope you're well. I'm excited by the very real possibilities of additional weight loss. In fact, it's less about the scale and more about what I'm thinking about these days. Funny, that. I started out with a NUMBER in my head (a specific weight of 177). Now I really just want to keep refining my routines, and see if I can develop these feelings of self-confidence and build more and more positive (and new) neural pathways. Yep... it's hardwired into my nervous system now. Good times!
Take care! Empathy is next on the list.
Frank
Monday, August 31, 2009
220 (43) What's the Good Word?
Good Evening!
"Neon Triptych" was fun, although my favorite drawings are the caricatures of my brother, Brian.
I just bought a mechanical pencil with a .7mm HB lead and I'm pleased with the energy in the linework.
It's been a wonderful weekend, but I've come to the conclusion that my sense of organization is flawed (I tend to overbook events, resulting in last-minute cancellations, and that cannot continue). So I took the plunge and picked up a daily organizer/calendar! Daily events are "up-for-grabs" no longer! I hope it works! Once I finish this post I'm entering all my "things" for the week.
The medical procedure went well. I'm healthy and have no issues, aside from my penchant for bad puns. Thank goodness. I can live with dumb jokes. And the week has started well with a solid workout and a good starting weight (220). I've got a good feeling about the coming days.
Oh yeah, I just bought new music today. Best find so far is a group called Band of Horses. FUNERAL is the reason I sought them out. Good stuff. Amazing how quickly music can change your state. Sad but not sappy, good energy and thoughtfulness. I've been thinking about meditating (which is better than just sitting here, doing nothing!) and I wonder if this would be music I can meditate to...?
Talk to you soon! Have a great evening!
Frank
"Neon Triptych" was fun, although my favorite drawings are the caricatures of my brother, Brian.
I just bought a mechanical pencil with a .7mm HB lead and I'm pleased with the energy in the linework.
It's been a wonderful weekend, but I've come to the conclusion that my sense of organization is flawed (I tend to overbook events, resulting in last-minute cancellations, and that cannot continue). So I took the plunge and picked up a daily organizer/calendar! Daily events are "up-for-grabs" no longer! I hope it works! Once I finish this post I'm entering all my "things" for the week.
The medical procedure went well. I'm healthy and have no issues, aside from my penchant for bad puns. Thank goodness. I can live with dumb jokes. And the week has started well with a solid workout and a good starting weight (220). I've got a good feeling about the coming days.
Oh yeah, I just bought new music today. Best find so far is a group called Band of Horses. FUNERAL is the reason I sought them out. Good stuff. Amazing how quickly music can change your state. Sad but not sappy, good energy and thoughtfulness. I've been thinking about meditating (which is better than just sitting here, doing nothing!) and I wonder if this would be music I can meditate to...?
Talk to you soon! Have a great evening!
Frank
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
221 (44) C is for COLONOSCOPY
Good morning, dear friend!
And what a lovely day it is! The rain has been falling steadily since daybreak, and the earth is drinking its fill. What water collected on my Jeep poured down upon me in a shocking stream when I opened the driver's side door. I need to be quicker getting in the car... or get a better soft top for the Wrangler. Still, it was funny... and it's just water.
Well! Today is a very interesting day! Much like Christmas Eve. Well, it's the eve of something, but not presents! I have a colonoscopy tomorrow! Yay! I like to think of it as "The Fantastic Voyage". In just under 22 hours from now we'll join the good doctor and his team of specialists as they explore the inner workings of FRANK, searching for polyps, laughs, and high adventure on a Road Like No Other!
Will he be able to match the 99 hour fast of his fabulous sister? (no, as the late night chicken soft taco will attest to). Will he be able to bid "Adieu" to his beloved broccoli in order to make history? (well, for a day, I can keep the greens at bay). Will this help him jump higher, run faster, be overall funnier and STILL play the piano? (insert sound of 6Million Dollar Man here)
All these questions will be answered on August 27th!
... actually, I've been told it's a routine procedure, no drama, I'm sedated and pretty much out of it. Not even a fridge magnet as a keepsake.
Ahh well...So today it's water and Gatorade and more water and ever more Gatorade and yes, I'm still playing volleyball tonight (I HOPE this isn't a mistake, it'll be between dosings of the fluid that's supposed to help prep me). Fingers crossed....
hey! just fought off my first hunger pang of the day! Take that, HP, have more Gatorade!
All right, I should go. I'll write again on Friday, perhaps tomorrow evening. I'm sorry that the SCOPE has hijacked today's post. In other news, I've been working out regularly in the mornings, and it's been wonderful! Had a great dinner last night at a restaurant called KARYN'S RAW (on Halsted, by the Steppenwolf). Very tasty, very creative! I recommend the Jamaican ginger ale and the empanadas.
Um...I still need to buy a new bike helmet after last week's crash. and yeah, all else is good. I'm challenged by the usual trials, and I laugh at the antics of my friends. Life is good.
Take care! and thanks...
Frank
And what a lovely day it is! The rain has been falling steadily since daybreak, and the earth is drinking its fill. What water collected on my Jeep poured down upon me in a shocking stream when I opened the driver's side door. I need to be quicker getting in the car... or get a better soft top for the Wrangler. Still, it was funny... and it's just water.
Well! Today is a very interesting day! Much like Christmas Eve. Well, it's the eve of something, but not presents! I have a colonoscopy tomorrow! Yay! I like to think of it as "The Fantastic Voyage". In just under 22 hours from now we'll join the good doctor and his team of specialists as they explore the inner workings of FRANK, searching for polyps, laughs, and high adventure on a Road Like No Other!
Will he be able to match the 99 hour fast of his fabulous sister? (no, as the late night chicken soft taco will attest to). Will he be able to bid "Adieu" to his beloved broccoli in order to make history? (well, for a day, I can keep the greens at bay). Will this help him jump higher, run faster, be overall funnier and STILL play the piano? (insert sound of 6Million Dollar Man here)
All these questions will be answered on August 27th!
... actually, I've been told it's a routine procedure, no drama, I'm sedated and pretty much out of it. Not even a fridge magnet as a keepsake.
Ahh well...So today it's water and Gatorade and more water and ever more Gatorade and yes, I'm still playing volleyball tonight (I HOPE this isn't a mistake, it'll be between dosings of the fluid that's supposed to help prep me). Fingers crossed....
hey! just fought off my first hunger pang of the day! Take that, HP, have more Gatorade!
All right, I should go. I'll write again on Friday, perhaps tomorrow evening. I'm sorry that the SCOPE has hijacked today's post. In other news, I've been working out regularly in the mornings, and it's been wonderful! Had a great dinner last night at a restaurant called KARYN'S RAW (on Halsted, by the Steppenwolf). Very tasty, very creative! I recommend the Jamaican ginger ale and the empanadas.
Um...I still need to buy a new bike helmet after last week's crash. and yeah, all else is good. I'm challenged by the usual trials, and I laugh at the antics of my friends. Life is good.
Take care! and thanks...
Frank
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
