Today I heard the Smashing Pumpkins' song '1979' on my way to work.
While listening to it, I tried to recall the last time I remembered hearing that song. It dawned on me slowly, but with more than a hint of nostalgia; it had easily been over ten years since I'd heard the tune.
Today I heard the Smashing Pumpkins' song '1979' on my way to work.
Listening to it as I drove into a gorgeous sunrise, it took me back to a past I thought I'd laid to rest. Odd how a song can so easily transport us to another place and time, bring back ghosts believed released.
Today I heard the Smashing Pumpkins' song '1979' on my way to work.
As the sun rose steadily over the horizon, I wept for the vulnerable girl whose heart was broken, dreams dashed and world turned upside down while '1979' played in the background. She deserved better, whether she knew it or not.
Today I heard the Smashing Pumpkins' song '1979' on my way to work.
I sent up a prayer of thanks and gratitude, and a sigh of relief for the healing that only time can bring.
Today I heard the Smashing Pumpkins' song '1979' on my way to work. And towards the end, I sang along and allowed myself to remember what a great song it is.
Here's to the soundtrack of our lives!
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Fun Run
Posted in C25K, couch to 5K, Exercise, iPhone, Jogging, Running, Weight loss on by
Last year, I started running. I went from couch to 5K in oh, two weeks. Yep. Sure did. And those of you who know me know this is no small feat, as I am not, to say the least, physically fit. But one day, I woke up, went for a quarter mile run and thought, "I can do this." The next day, I ran a mile, and two weeks later, I ran my first 5K. I then proceeded to run at least one "official" 5K a month, from December to March, with shorter "training" runs in between. After March, however, I took a break. Or got lazy. It's really a matter of perspective, don't ya' think? Before I knew it, my break rolled into summer and then my excuse for not running was a whiney, "It's TOO HOT!!" Well, duh! I live in Texas. Of course it's hot.
Finally out of excuses and feeling like a complete slug, I decided to hit the pavement again. First time I went out I realized just how quickly I'd lost the little conditioning I'd built up last winter. Barely surviving a two mile run, and huffing and puffing like I'd just scaled Mt. Everest, I realized I was going to have to begin a more formal training program, especially if I ever wanted to run a race longer than 5K.
Enter, C25K, a nifty little app that lives on my iPhone. My own personal coach for training for a 5K, the right way. I'm on the third successful week of training, and determined to get through the whole program.
Today, I leashed the dog and headed out for my run. A nice, misty rain was falling and the temperatures had cooled to delightful levels. I knew it was going to be a good run. My dog, I suspect, did not share my excitement. She's not one for getting wet, even when it feels great. But it was an easy light rain, and we set out to "get. it. done." (borrowed from my friend, April!)
Little did I know this was heading my way:
The scheduled run was 28 minutes, but about 21 minutes into it, the skies opened and torrential rains were poured down on me and my poor pooch. Within about 5 seconds, we were both soaked to the skin, and about a minute later, soaked to the bone. Already sopping wet, I figured there was no sense in cutting the run short, so we made our way around our course and finished the run in the downpour.
Sounds crazy, right? Here's the thing. It was wonderful! My makeup completely washed off by the rain, mascara streaking off with each footfall, I knew I looked a mess. But I couldn't bring myself to care. I had a huge grin plastered on my face and can't recall the last time I felt so good.
Running is liberating. It frees me from, well, pretty much everything. The road doesn't care how I look, what I'm wearing, whether I'm in a good mood or not. All I have to do when I set out to run is, run.
There is something amazingly beautiful about this. Simple. Cleansing. Satisfying. I pray I am granted more runs like today's. Hands down, it was my funnest run to date.
Here's to running, rain or shine!
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Finally out of excuses and feeling like a complete slug, I decided to hit the pavement again. First time I went out I realized just how quickly I'd lost the little conditioning I'd built up last winter. Barely surviving a two mile run, and huffing and puffing like I'd just scaled Mt. Everest, I realized I was going to have to begin a more formal training program, especially if I ever wanted to run a race longer than 5K.
Enter, C25K, a nifty little app that lives on my iPhone. My own personal coach for training for a 5K, the right way. I'm on the third successful week of training, and determined to get through the whole program.
Today, I leashed the dog and headed out for my run. A nice, misty rain was falling and the temperatures had cooled to delightful levels. I knew it was going to be a good run. My dog, I suspect, did not share my excitement. She's not one for getting wet, even when it feels great. But it was an easy light rain, and we set out to "get. it. done." (borrowed from my friend, April!)
Little did I know this was heading my way:
The scheduled run was 28 minutes, but about 21 minutes into it, the skies opened and torrential rains were poured down on me and my poor pooch. Within about 5 seconds, we were both soaked to the skin, and about a minute later, soaked to the bone. Already sopping wet, I figured there was no sense in cutting the run short, so we made our way around our course and finished the run in the downpour.
Sounds crazy, right? Here's the thing. It was wonderful! My makeup completely washed off by the rain, mascara streaking off with each footfall, I knew I looked a mess. But I couldn't bring myself to care. I had a huge grin plastered on my face and can't recall the last time I felt so good.
Running is liberating. It frees me from, well, pretty much everything. The road doesn't care how I look, what I'm wearing, whether I'm in a good mood or not. All I have to do when I set out to run is, run.
There is something amazingly beautiful about this. Simple. Cleansing. Satisfying. I pray I am granted more runs like today's. Hands down, it was my funnest run to date.
Here's to running, rain or shine!
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Phone Photography
Posted in Apple, Hipstamatic, iPhone, Pano, Photogene, photography, photos, SwankoLab on by
Today's phones are so much more than just a phone. They serve as our calendar, to do list, music player, weight loss and fitness coach, and in some cases, child tracking device. They are also becoming more and more popular as camcorders and cameras.
The iPhone, by Apple, is certainly no exception. I've been an iPhone carrying fan-girl since August of 2008, and I am still crazy about my phone. (Note, I love my phone. The service provider? Not so much. But that's another story.)
The iPhone, in and of itself is a marvelous device, and the newer generations come equipped with delightful camera capabilities. Pair this with some fantastic apps and the images one can produce are endless.
Some of my favorite apps are Hipstamatic, SwankoLab, Photogene, and Pano. With these apps, I can create images that rival, in artistry if not pixel quality, some of the work taken with my pro level DSLR. And my iPhone is smaller and considerably lighter than said DSLR, thereby assuring it is always with me, allowing me to capture this stroll along the San Antonio Riverwalk:
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The iPhone, by Apple, is certainly no exception. I've been an iPhone carrying fan-girl since August of 2008, and I am still crazy about my phone. (Note, I love my phone. The service provider? Not so much. But that's another story.)
The iPhone, in and of itself is a marvelous device, and the newer generations come equipped with delightful camera capabilities. Pair this with some fantastic apps and the images one can produce are endless.
Some of my favorite apps are Hipstamatic, SwankoLab, Photogene, and Pano. With these apps, I can create images that rival, in artistry if not pixel quality, some of the work taken with my pro level DSLR. And my iPhone is smaller and considerably lighter than said DSLR, thereby assuring it is always with me, allowing me to capture this stroll along the San Antonio Riverwalk:
(Stitched with Pano, processed with Photogene.)
And this snowy shot of our backyard after a freak snowstorm earlier this year in Grapevine, Texas:
(Stitched with Pano, processed with Photogene.)
Then there are these shots of the great New York City skyline:
(Stitched with Pano, processed with Photogene.)
(Stitched with Pano, processed with Photogene.)
And some of New York's amazing bridges:
(Processed with Photogene.)
(Processed with SwankoLab and Photogene.)
Shooting after one of North Texas tempestuous storms results in ultra vivid colors and gorgeous skies. Pair it with the über retro Hipstamatic and you get these:
(Created with Hipstamatic.)
(Created with Hipstamatic.)
When on vacation, the portability of one's phone, and these great apps, help create images like these:
(Created with Hipstamatic.)
(Created with Hipstamatic.)
On the golf course, there's so much more to see than the pin. These were shot at Wander Springs Golf Course, in Greenleaf, Wisconsin:
(Created with Hipstamatic.)
(Created with Hipstamatic.)
(Created with Hipstamatic.)
(Created with Hipstamatic.)
(Created with Hipstamatic.)
(Created with Hipstamatic.)
And finally, even portraits take on a new edge when processed through these great apps:
(Processed with Photogene.)
(Processed with Photogene.)
(Processed with Photogene.)
While the fundamentals of photography, composition, subject, and lighting, can't be completely disregarded, these apps and an iPhone can breathe new life into your random "happy snaps."
Here's to photography with your phones!
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Sans 3G
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Those of you who are AT&T customers know the frustrations of a slow 3G connection, particularly if you're an iPhone user. Frustration levels rise and the threat to switch carriers is muttered, often amidst a string of expletives, for emphasis, with every sluggish web page load.
I know your frustrations because I, too, often find myself bemoaning the hit or miss service that is AT&T's 3G data service. That is, until my vacation in rural Wisconsin. In the small town by the lake that is Two Rivers, where one is lucky to see even one bar of service, Edge is king. And what a miserable, wretched king it is. With nary a bar to spare, signal was barely strong enough to make a call. As for any kind of Internet activity, fuggedahboutit! Even if you are able to tap into the various hotspots about town, you'll feel like you're back in the 80s on some long forgotten dial up service. To say it was painful is an understatement.
That being said, for a self proclaimed Internet junkie, it was a nice reprieve to be "disconnected" for a while. After reclaiming the time, I was able to read two books, spend quality time visiting with family and new friends, catch some yummy fish, and get in some much needed rest and relaxation. Not bad for a week's vacation.
The morale of my story? Besides I survived a week with limited connectivity? Ha! Yeah. My point is that the world, and life, should be experienced beyond the confines of Facebook, Twitter, and the rest of the Internet. Life, as it was meant to be experienced, should be touched, tasted, heard, and most of all, shared with the people you love. Go on. Break away from your computer screen or Internet enabled phone. Get outside and enjoy the sun. And if you're lucky enough to be within hugging distance of someone you love, reach out and give 'em a squeeze. You'll be glad you did.
Here's to disconnected holidays!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
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I know your frustrations because I, too, often find myself bemoaning the hit or miss service that is AT&T's 3G data service. That is, until my vacation in rural Wisconsin. In the small town by the lake that is Two Rivers, where one is lucky to see even one bar of service, Edge is king. And what a miserable, wretched king it is. With nary a bar to spare, signal was barely strong enough to make a call. As for any kind of Internet activity, fuggedahboutit! Even if you are able to tap into the various hotspots about town, you'll feel like you're back in the 80s on some long forgotten dial up service. To say it was painful is an understatement.
That being said, for a self proclaimed Internet junkie, it was a nice reprieve to be "disconnected" for a while. After reclaiming the time, I was able to read two books, spend quality time visiting with family and new friends, catch some yummy fish, and get in some much needed rest and relaxation. Not bad for a week's vacation.
The morale of my story? Besides I survived a week with limited connectivity? Ha! Yeah. My point is that the world, and life, should be experienced beyond the confines of Facebook, Twitter, and the rest of the Internet. Life, as it was meant to be experienced, should be touched, tasted, heard, and most of all, shared with the people you love. Go on. Break away from your computer screen or Internet enabled phone. Get outside and enjoy the sun. And if you're lucky enough to be within hugging distance of someone you love, reach out and give 'em a squeeze. You'll be glad you did.
Here's to disconnected holidays!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
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The New Lighthouse
Posted in on by
Some of our vacation was spent touring the Lake Michigan shoreline, hitting the many harbor towns and their wonderfully quaint shops. Along the way, I noticed, on our map, a myriad of lighthouses. Excited at the opportunity to photograph these wholly unique architectural marvels, I prepped my camera and bristled in my seat, trying hard to contain my enthusiasm.
As the first pier came into view, I eagerly lifted my camera and brought into focus the end of the pier, where one would expect to see a lighthouse. With my viewfinder trained on a lamp atop a metal pole, I panned the area looking for a red or white structure, with a Lamp and a Watch room gracing the top. Thinking I must have aimed the camera in the wrong direction, I pulled it down from my face and checked the skyline with my own eyesight. Even with my naked eyes, all I could see was the metal post with a light on top. In the exact spot where my beautiful, weathered lighthouse was supposed to be!
Ok. So this is a new, more modern lighthouse. The next town, which also boasted a lighthouse, surely would have the beautiful building I wanted for my photographs. So onward we went.
Alas, three harbor towns later and still no old timey lighthouse. Seems we're replacing the traditional lighthouses with these new, more inexpensive devices. In doing a bit of further research, I learned there's actually a practical reason for using this type of lighthouse, besides the obvious, reduced expenses. Seems the type of lighthouse being used on any given pier depends on the type of danger being presented to the mariner. Hmph. You learn something new every day.
I'm sure there are still some traditional lighthouses out there. Probably on the East coast. Maine, perhaps. And I'm pretty sure there's one in Mystic, Connecticut. I think I'll plan a lighthouse photographing trip soon. These wondrous edifices must be preserved, if only in art form.
Here's to saving the lighthouses!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
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As the first pier came into view, I eagerly lifted my camera and brought into focus the end of the pier, where one would expect to see a lighthouse. With my viewfinder trained on a lamp atop a metal pole, I panned the area looking for a red or white structure, with a Lamp and a Watch room gracing the top. Thinking I must have aimed the camera in the wrong direction, I pulled it down from my face and checked the skyline with my own eyesight. Even with my naked eyes, all I could see was the metal post with a light on top. In the exact spot where my beautiful, weathered lighthouse was supposed to be!
Ok. So this is a new, more modern lighthouse. The next town, which also boasted a lighthouse, surely would have the beautiful building I wanted for my photographs. So onward we went.
Alas, three harbor towns later and still no old timey lighthouse. Seems we're replacing the traditional lighthouses with these new, more inexpensive devices. In doing a bit of further research, I learned there's actually a practical reason for using this type of lighthouse, besides the obvious, reduced expenses. Seems the type of lighthouse being used on any given pier depends on the type of danger being presented to the mariner. Hmph. You learn something new every day.
I'm sure there are still some traditional lighthouses out there. Probably on the East coast. Maine, perhaps. And I'm pretty sure there's one in Mystic, Connecticut. I think I'll plan a lighthouse photographing trip soon. These wondrous edifices must be preserved, if only in art form.
Here's to saving the lighthouses!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
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A Quickie
Posted in on by
We've been on vacation for near on two days now. And so far the highlight of our trip has been finding a Starbucks in a nearby neighboring town from where we're staying! Not really. But it is pretty exciting to have connectivity again. And the blended java drink I am sipping on as I type doesn't hurt either.
Life in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, is considerably slower than our day to day life. Seems people here aren't in a real hurry to do much of anything. Now this, in my humble opinion, is a good thing. Don't get me wrong. These folks work hard. During the crazy cold winter months I suspect life is excruciatingly hard, with harsh winters that keep people indoors for the better part of five months. But they take their life one day at a time, taking time out to enjoy the milder summer months on the lake, and refuse to get caught up in the hustle and bustle that consumes big city folk.
It's an adjustment, even for my husband and I. We find ourselves compelled to be doing something at pretty much all times: running, cycling, golfing, hydroplaning (more on the madness that is hydroplaning in a future post), fishing. See what I mean? I'm tired just writing about all the stuff we want to do.
Between you and I, what I really want to do is find myself a nicely shaded Adirondack chair on the beach, kick back with a big cup of coffee and my ebook, and read with the sound of Lake Michigan's waves crashing on the shore. I can't imagine anything more perfect, unless of course I can have a hammock nearby when the need for a nap takes over. Mmmm.... Yeah, must definitely make time for some down time. (Anyone else pondering the paradox of that besides me?)
This has been a delightful trip so far. I've enjoyed spending time with my husband, meeting family and friends he hasn't seen in maybe more than twenty years. And even all the stuff we're doing has been fun, because we're doing it together. Though I may have to take a pass on the hydroplaning. That looks crazy. I'll post photos later. You'll see.
Here's to downtime that's filled with new adventurers!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
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Life in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, is considerably slower than our day to day life. Seems people here aren't in a real hurry to do much of anything. Now this, in my humble opinion, is a good thing. Don't get me wrong. These folks work hard. During the crazy cold winter months I suspect life is excruciatingly hard, with harsh winters that keep people indoors for the better part of five months. But they take their life one day at a time, taking time out to enjoy the milder summer months on the lake, and refuse to get caught up in the hustle and bustle that consumes big city folk.
It's an adjustment, even for my husband and I. We find ourselves compelled to be doing something at pretty much all times: running, cycling, golfing, hydroplaning (more on the madness that is hydroplaning in a future post), fishing. See what I mean? I'm tired just writing about all the stuff we want to do.
Between you and I, what I really want to do is find myself a nicely shaded Adirondack chair on the beach, kick back with a big cup of coffee and my ebook, and read with the sound of Lake Michigan's waves crashing on the shore. I can't imagine anything more perfect, unless of course I can have a hammock nearby when the need for a nap takes over. Mmmm.... Yeah, must definitely make time for some down time. (Anyone else pondering the paradox of that besides me?)
This has been a delightful trip so far. I've enjoyed spending time with my husband, meeting family and friends he hasn't seen in maybe more than twenty years. And even all the stuff we're doing has been fun, because we're doing it together. Though I may have to take a pass on the hydroplaning. That looks crazy. I'll post photos later. You'll see.
Here's to downtime that's filled with new adventurers!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
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Crisp Cravings
Posted in Atkins, dehydrated food, healthy eating, Low Carb, vegetable chips, Weight loss on by
One of the hardest things about reducing one's carb intake is finding suitable snacks when the need to nosh comes knocking. (You like that alliteration, don't ya'?) Sure, there's the old standby of raw almonds, full of protein and packed with crunch, but after a few days of eating these and chances are good you're looking for something else to satisfy the munchies.
Granted, when you're eating controlled portions of carbs, your blood sugars don't fluctuate much so you tend not to get those pesky cravings all that often. But believe you me, the time will come when you'll want to chomp on something salty, crunchy and, well, let's face it, unhealthy. Potato chips come to mind. Particularly the sea salt & vinegar variety. Oh my, have I a weakness for those. Obviously, these are not conducive to my weight loss efforts, thus I find myself often having to suppress the cravings for these delightful crisps. And on the days I can't fight the urge or it's been suppressed one too many times? Yeah, I cave and wind up eating the whole cracklin' bag. <hangs head in shame.>
Because I refuse to gain back any of the weight I've lost over the last 9 months, I am always on the lookout for healthy alternatives to the carb laden, salt & vinegar potato crisp. Terra has some tasty options in their chip line; their Taro chips and their Sweet Potato chips are among my favorites. Unfortunately, they are hard to find and though I'm sure I can get them online, they are pretty pricey at $3.98 for a 6 oz bag of Terra Taro Chips, and $3.75 for a 6 oz bag of Terra Sweet Potato chips where Kettle Salt & Vinegar chips average about $2.27 for a 5 oz bag. Like I said, pricey.
Lucky for me, there are alternatives to the alternatives. Wait, what? Yeah, so here's what I'm saying. I can make my own sweet potato chips, and probably my own taro chips if I could get my hands on a raw taro. I can even make my own zucchini chips, should I be so inclined. And guess what? I am inclined.
I am going to try my hand at making my own veggie crisps by way of a food dehydrator. I have access to one for 30 days, and plan to start with some sweet potato chips, some zucchini chips, and some strawberry chips. Yes, strawberry chips. Maybe lightly drizzled with balsamic vinegar. Seems like a pretty painless process, so the real test will be in the results. And I should have those for you on Friday. Join me on the road to healthy snacking, won't you?
Here's to clobbering crisp cravings!
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Granted, when you're eating controlled portions of carbs, your blood sugars don't fluctuate much so you tend not to get those pesky cravings all that often. But believe you me, the time will come when you'll want to chomp on something salty, crunchy and, well, let's face it, unhealthy. Potato chips come to mind. Particularly the sea salt & vinegar variety. Oh my, have I a weakness for those. Obviously, these are not conducive to my weight loss efforts, thus I find myself often having to suppress the cravings for these delightful crisps. And on the days I can't fight the urge or it's been suppressed one too many times? Yeah, I cave and wind up eating the whole cracklin' bag. <hangs head in shame.>
Because I refuse to gain back any of the weight I've lost over the last 9 months, I am always on the lookout for healthy alternatives to the carb laden, salt & vinegar potato crisp. Terra has some tasty options in their chip line; their Taro chips and their Sweet Potato chips are among my favorites. Unfortunately, they are hard to find and though I'm sure I can get them online, they are pretty pricey at $3.98 for a 6 oz bag of Terra Taro Chips, and $3.75 for a 6 oz bag of Terra Sweet Potato chips where Kettle Salt & Vinegar chips average about $2.27 for a 5 oz bag. Like I said, pricey.
Lucky for me, there are alternatives to the alternatives. Wait, what? Yeah, so here's what I'm saying. I can make my own sweet potato chips, and probably my own taro chips if I could get my hands on a raw taro. I can even make my own zucchini chips, should I be so inclined. And guess what? I am inclined.
I am going to try my hand at making my own veggie crisps by way of a food dehydrator. I have access to one for 30 days, and plan to start with some sweet potato chips, some zucchini chips, and some strawberry chips. Yes, strawberry chips. Maybe lightly drizzled with balsamic vinegar. Seems like a pretty painless process, so the real test will be in the results. And I should have those for you on Friday. Join me on the road to healthy snacking, won't you?
Here's to clobbering crisp cravings!
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