A productive week indeed...and I saw my first Robin of the year today!

Sunday.


I have actually managed to get some stuff done this week. So let's get right to it, starting with...

Working out:

As you may remember, last week I took my first NIA class. I LOVED IT! It's like a mix of free-form dance, a little Tai Chi, a little martial arts and a lot of fun. Who'd have known that such joyful movements could provide such a work out. The class is an hour long at In Shape Fitness, the instructor is fab and everyone friendly. I was so sore the next day, I felt as if I had been lifting weights...there were no weights involved, no high impact of any kind; an incredible workout though.

Today it was just too nice out to be indoors, so after a lengthy discussion (about 15 min of vacillating really),I decided it best to get out for a bike ride and did manage nearly 7 miles (I rode rather slowly to enjoy the sun) and afterwards, I went out for a near 5 mile walk and again just kinda went at a slower-than-my-usual pace so I could just enjoy being outdoors. So as far as the rest of the week, I did get some Yoga in and some Leslie Sansone.

Sasha came up with another challenge. This one will begin on Feb 20. She was kind enough to send the packet to me via post, thanks Sasha! I have read thru the information...this is a different one for certain. It does have the usual work out goals, etc...but, this one has a bit of a different twist. This one requires us to work out everyday, not just a couple times a week, but everyday! There is also tracking, which in and of itself is not unusual for her challenges, but this tracking requires us to come up with a game plan, as it were, for each week and we have to stick to it. No allowance for slacking here! Of course the tracking must be turned in weekly.

Yeah, I'm going to start mine tomorrow, 2.13.12. It's not going to count towards the challenge, but I just want to get myself into the habit ahead of time. I do work out a fair amount, however, I admit it, I don't work out everyday. I am going to now though (~: I'm also going to try and post my daily/weekly goals/tracking, so stay tuned and if you catch me slacking...give me a nudge to get me back on track!

The Current Pay-it-Forward:

I'm still working on the snuggles project. So far I have one completed and another one cast on. Since it's pretty mindless I can work on it while working. Here's a pic of this first one complete:

Some little cat or puppy will feel a lot more comfy while waiting for it's forever family. This is going to make me cry, so let's move on...

I finished these this week too:

First I finished the headband for Carmen, which looked spectacular on her!

And I also finished this for my "It's hard to be green" swap:

My socks are still in progress and I haven't given them much love so maybe next week you will get to see them.

Spinning:

So, as you see above ^ I had purchased a beautiful new spindle. I even took it with me to the spinning group yesterday with Jean. I had one of the gals there show me how she uses hers. I came home and tried what I had learned...well, all I will say for now is...patience, much patience and I will probably be going back again to start all over. Yeah, that's all I have to say about that for now, well, except I did pull out the little kick spindle and will see what I can do with it for the time being...hah!

In the garden:

Whoever loves and understands a garden will find contentment
within. ~Chinese Proverb

Not much to report on in the garden this week, except...remember I had thought I lost my purple clover? Guess what, it has now sprouts! I am beyond excited about this. Also, my Hyacinths are getting bigger out back. So I guess that is something to report! Happy day!

Upcoming fun:

First off, this Friday Jean, Helen and I are going to see The Great American Trailer Park Musical...I have seen it twice already and it is hilarious, I can't wait for them to see it. Then, yesterday, Jean turned me on to another venue which I had not considered. It falls right in with the local criteria too. It's events at The Shedd Institute. There are a lot of different things coming up and the tix don't look to badly priced. I am mostly interested in the Theatricals section and going to check my calendar and start booking seats.
I'm still looking at the information, so I'll post later what I've decided on.

What I'm reading:

I'm still reading Over the Edge of the World. It's about Magellan's circumnavigation of the world. I have to say, from the historical accounts, this trip was pretty horrendous. So far we have had a mutiny, or rather an attempted mutiny which resulted in swift, and barbaric action against the mutineers. I won't get into the details, suffice it to say, it is not pretty. In fact it lead to some strange dreams. Here I do have to say, I usually don't have many dreams; probably shouldn't be reading this stuff before I retire for the evening. And I don't think I've picked up any other book lately. Usually I have a couple going at the same time. It seems I'm too busy lately. Looks like it's time to get on Audible and hook up some audio books so I can listen while doing other stuff.

~And today I saw my first Robin of the season...can Spring be that far off...