I've been in a major writerly funk for the last several months. I haven't even looked at my novel. I haven't written anything that I'm happy with, or really much of anything at all. I've sat myself down in front of a word processor or notepad every blessed day, but the words refused to come. My brain just wouldn't hear of it. But now, something's come loose. The words are pouring out, and they're good words, arranged in good sentences. I do hope I can rotate the buckets fast enough.
Today I made some notes for an essay. Essays have been a major block for me, and I haven't actually completed one yet, so I'm thrilled to be making progress. My major takeaway from this is "See? Was that so hard?"
Had a two hour drive back from Irvine today so I thought I would practice higher notes a little bit. After an hour or so I was finally able to get the higher tones clearly for some Chris Stapleton songs, which I was super happy with. Hopefully the notes will stay permanently in my catalog now.
It's taken three years to get to. I'm not going to say I'm all the way to his level because that's a bit wild, but I can hit a good amount of those notes now accurately with the soft articulation. Maybe in another year.
Worked at UCI today installing a little system. It's a nice drive up the 73 really. No traffic. And a good view. Irvine is a nice city to live in. Good Asian food.
My jeans don’t fit me. I can barely keep them up, even when newly laundered. I don’t weigh myself. I’m not technically specifically trying to lose weight, although I do think I should be lighter than I am. I can’t tell when I gain or lose weight at all, so my jeans not staying up on my body is a nice objective indicator for me.
Left the military, and instantly gained twenty pounds. All my pants got tighter and had to buy more. I think I'm more upset about having to buy more pants than anything else. I mean, the weight kind of helped because I was pretty thin from the constant stress and exhaustion, but still. I may get an exercise bike or something, I don't know yet. I liked some of those pants. Not saying I'm overweight, but I did like the thinness as it was. Pull ups and push ups are exponentially harder with a little added weight. Ugh, more to add to my already packed days.
Yeah, I haven’t bought new jeans because of cost but now the difference is getting a bit drastic. The fun of being a girl is I can wear dresses and skirts, which are a lot more forgiving in size changes. I also have my first pair of jeggings or the more tight fitting stretch cotton trousers. I’ve mostly been wearing those because the waistline is tighter and stays up for now. I can’t do a push up to save my life. I’m very strong with normal physical activities—lifting, carrying, ranchwork, et cetera—but I can’t do push-ups or pull-ups or any of that official exercise regiment. So you are automatically super impressive to me.
Your legs are strong, and probably your back, but shoulders and chest aren't. That's why you can't do push ups. It's okay, it isn't really something anybody works out by just hard work. Took me a while to do any, but military will kick you into shape basically until you break. By the end for me, was at maybe 120 to 160 push ups in a row depending on the day, but I since lost that. Probably can barely scratch 50 or 60 out now. Kind of makes me sad. But it just isn't part of the routine right now. As for skirts...I need to find a good kilt shop...
Elasticated waists are your best friend. You don't even have to do them up. I can't do push-ups or pull-ups or anything, or any kind of stretch (and I try to every week, so I know). I think the only reason I'm not chronically overweight is because I live on a hill and can't drive. (And dance. That probably helps too.)
Dance and hills help a ton. Honestly, if you only work out your legs, you'll be very physically fit. I spent more time on plyometrics and running than anything, and that made me the healthiest I've ever been. All you really need. I just simply don't have the time anymore.
I've lived in England for two months now. I've also been bitten by the Christmas bug and have gotten all the presents that's going to Sweden! Also added a stocking with British Christmas sweets for the family. We're shopping for Lost's family in the end of November... While also going to my first Christmas pantomime! As an adult you rarely get to experience so many new things. This Christmas is extra special for all the new flavours and weird things I've never experienced before. To be fair, all my life seems to be new flavours and weird things now a days. These two months feels like at least two years. Still happily in love, though.
Self-realization. Ah, the only goal besides my fiancees hand in marriage that I find worth pursuing. Everything else is a game to me - win or lose, I never care for those things. Made more progress today. Feel...well, feel centered about it. Happy.