Terrapin Station

Friday Five from Deb (on Tuesday)

It's your road, and yours alone.

Others may walk it with you,

but no one can walk it for you.

A road in Bavaria.

Thanks to Deb at RevGals for this great set of questions!!  She says:

I reflected on this poem for a while and thought about some new "roads" that my progeny are beginning. Both are graduating (one from high school, one from college). I am also looking at a possible new "road" in a much hoped-for job. It's been a winding path to get this point!

So in thinking about our life's journey, and the rhythm of our lives, here's five questions on this theme...

1. What "road" is in your immediate future? Immediately in my past were lots of wind-y and wonderful roads in Tennessee and North Carolina, where Ken and Iwent for a motorcycle holiday.

In the future...I will be exploring some new things this summer.  I am excited that I have been accepted for the Dallas Benedictine Experience in mid-June. It's a four-day program in which "participants  form a temporary monastic community in which the day is divided into times of group prayer (called Offices ), study, light work, and rest.  The framework of each day is the corporate worship of God in the chanting of four daily Offices.

After Lauds each morning in the oratory (chapel), a short homily (sermon) will be given.

The two Experience leaders will teach the morning and evening classes in Benedictine spirituality, with discussions following the morning class.  There will be time in the afternoon for resting, reading, private prayer, and private meeting with a leader.  Participants are encouraged, but not required, to volunteer for very  light service projects, such as keeping the oratory (chapel) tidy, sweeping walkways, providing water-pitchers in the classroom, etc.  These services fulfill the Benedictine practice of balancing the day with prayer and work and of contributing to the functioning of the temporary monastic community.  The Benedictine motto is Ora et Labora  (Pray and Work).

 In keeping with Benedictine tradition, all meals are taken in silence while passages from Benedictine writings are read aloud to the community (participants) by a reader. 

Silence is observed at all times throughout the daytime and nighttime, except for class times and spiritual direction.  Silence is important to allow undisturbed prayer, spiritual reading, meditation, and contemplation."

In the farther, but near-term future...we shall see.

2. Where have you been "traveling" a lot lately -- and are you going back there? Interesting. I have been mentally traveling back over the years, especially because this year is my 30th high school graduation anniversary. Therefore, it's also time for the 30th reunion. I will not be physically going back there...I don't need to. But, watching (via FB) the lovely daughter of one of my HS best friends graduate, go to prom, etc., with him not here to see it, is very poignant. 

3.  Who are your fellow travelers? My husband Ken. Valerie, Amy, Martha. Laura and Helen. Many of the RevGals and other friends.  Deb and Debra and Diana and Mom and Sarah.  And you, if you are reading this.

4.  Who are the unintentional companions (or hitchhikers) that you find on the road with you? I met a great girl at the motorcycle retreat this weekend who gave me much food for thought.  Cindy is her name. 

5.  As a family, we always recite "the traveler's prayer" -- a tongue-in-cheek petition as we pull out of the driveway ("Lord, whatever we have forgotten, may it not be important!") What have you forgotten lately, and did it matter?  Hum. On this last trip, forgot my ActiveLink, the WeightWatchers version of a FitBit, which I normally wear everywhere (even to bed). So I have no idea how the activity of the trip stacked up. Sitting on the back of a motorcycle is not that active, except you have to be paying attention on the many curves in the road. Ah well, I didn't go to get exercise!  :) So, I guess it didn't mattter. 

BONUS: Share a photo of a road you've traveled. Or of traveling companions who have made the journey special. Or perhaps there's a song or another poem that suits your journey. If so, please share! 

Here is a picture of me with the view from the Blue Ridge Parkway: 

And here is a pic of the Tail of The Dragon, an 11-mile stretch of road containing 318 curves that we rode up and back:

It's still too late to wait...

So, a quick check-in. 

In the past week I've done: 

3 Jazzercise PT classes

5 cardios

1 walking MP3

plus food logging every day on MyFitnessPal. If you want to be my friend over there, message me for my handle. 

So far, so good. 

Oh, did I mention that every Monday in September is FREE at Jazzercise?  so if you were curious, you could check it out next Monday at any class! 

 

 

It's too late to wait any longer.

Allrighty then. 

I came home today, another day of feeling too big in my skin and certainly in my clothes.  I had gone to the doctor with my husband, and we cheered that he had gained some weight since his recent illnesses.  Another 9 lbs on him and ... wait for it ... we will weigh the same.  I wanted to crawl under a rock. 

Sat down at my computer and read that friend Jules has embarked on a life changing program with a significant goal.  Impressive.  Thought of a Facebook friend, Tracie, who has lost 38 lbs since her diagnosis with Type 2 diabetes by...moving more.  Eating right.

Then a notice flashed up on Facebook that another friend had a mild stroke today.  I panicked, called her phone and left a message, wondered what I could do.  Nothing but pray, really. 

Ah, 5:30 Jazzercise class, that was my plan anyway. 

Then a notice showed on on Facebook that tonight's Personal Touch class was being taught by my all-time favorite instructor.  I have a 10% off certificate for a 10 week PT session. 

Jazzercise Personal Touch
Kick your workout up a notch! These small group weight training and body sculpting sessions are designed to improve strength and tone muscles. The personalized approach encourages exercise consistency and the attainment of fitness goals. Special attention to movement technique will help you get the most from your Jazzercise workouts.

I've done PT before... 45 lbs ago.  For me, it's several notches up!  and I find it similar to the Insanity workout, in that I generally think I am going to throw up before it's over.  It requires a commitment to 5 regular Jazzercise classes plus 2 PT classes plus food logging on MyFitnessPal: every week. 

Before I could think about it too much, I "took my foot in my hand" and went and did it. 

And I told DH, he's going to have to carry me around for the next few weeks...but he's willing. 

My friend who had the stroke?  Is not overweight.  But somehow the situation brought my excuses and denial into sharp focus, and I just can't wait any longer. 

We'll keep ya posted.

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