After 5 days of sunshine and cool weather, dreariness has descended. Yesterday and today have been cloudy, rainy days that have brought down some spirits here. Luckily we have exercise to keep us pumped up. Or so we are told.
When I saw Friday’s schedule I thought it looked like the perfect day. Everything on the schedule looked like something I would enjoy: a walk out in Vermont nature, a total body strength class, Zumba, and kayaking. Thanks to the rain I didn’t get to go kayaking, but 3 out of 4 activities wasn’t bad. Instead of the trip to the start park for kayaking and hiking we went for a walk by a covered bridge. I’m not opposed to walking in the rain, but that outing was a poor substitute for kayaking considering I came back with damp clothes and 7 new mosquito bites (I forgot to spray myself before I left and the mosquitoes took advantage).
Despite being itchy all night it was a fun night. We watched I Love You, Man for our movie night and then I had a fun video chat with my favorite person. All in all Friday turned out to be a great day despite not going kayaking. (It helps to know that we have another outing to the lake planned for next week.)
We woke up this morning to more rain drizzle and overcast skies. It’s a bit disheartening but I remember when I lived up here that many of the days were like this in the winter. It’s somewhat comforting, even if a bit of a downer. There are no outside activities planned on Saturdays. We have three one hour classes on Saturday morning (I’m only doing two) and then after lunch the day is open to do with what we want. We went on a Vermont adventure since there are only 8 of us left right now until the new people come tomorrow (yay!). We hit up the Vermont Country Store and some little shops around there. The drive was nice as the trees are already starting to turn.
Oh, and because I forgot earlier, here are some photos from adventures we went on this week including hikes and soap making:
These are all from Friday:
Meals:
Moves:
- 30 minute walk at slow pace
- 1 hr total body strength class
- 1 hr walk at moderate pace.
And now for Saturday’s…
Meals:
Moves:
- 1 hr lower body conditioning class
- 45 minutes yoga class
- 30 minutes stretching
Firsts:
Eating eggplant! The dinner today was eggplant parmesan so I finally got around to trying eggplant. Not bad!
Also, first time doing any type of yoga! It was really quite nice. I have been putting off yoga at home because I was worried about going to a class where everyone was already a yoga fanatic. I didn’t want to get myself into anything I couldn’t do or wouldn’t like. But I really enjoyed the little introduction to yoga and can’t wait to try another class. Do any of you do yoga? On your own? Take classes? Want to try?
I’ve never done yoga, and I’ve never hiked in the rain! Maybe I should try both of them but without the mosquitos.
Are you enjoying yourself up there? I was wondering if you are the youngest person there or not? Sorry for the questions – inquiring minds want to know.
I’m impressed with the variety of activities they have you do, from crafting to boating. Sounds like a neat experience.
So much to say…ok
1. I love me some yoga..which reminds me I need to do it. It’s one of those things that when life is crazy it falls to the sideline for me..and in actual fact I need it most.
2. Eggplant is amazing.
3. The soaps look amazing. We need recipes :) when you make some more.
4. The food looks amazing.
How are you feeling in your heart? How have you grown?
Keep up the amazing work that you’re doing. We’re all cheering for you.
Michelle
@Diane
No, questions are great! I might end up posting about them! I’m not the youngest. There are a couple girls around my age and younger in the program and working in the fitness dept. So that’s kind of cool.
@Michelle
Hehehe. I will get ya the soap recipe. It’s super easy! And I’m feeling good. I really like it here and I’m learning a lot. I’ve grown already in the fact that I’ve tried new things and really like them. I think that will continue to happen. I’m also learning how much the environment I’m in controls my eating habits. This will be a future post, but yeah, environment certainly spurs on addictive behavior patterns I’ve learned.
Have you tried housework as a way to get exercise on rainy days? I usually try to tackle a beast of a project, like organizing my closet or mopping the floors.
I am incredibly envious of your food. It looks awesome. The soap making looks great, and I think I want to take a hike through the piney wood. You look like you are having a great time. It looks like a really good place to go and get centered.
Have fun!
Chris
Eggplant! I love it, it’s one of my absolute favorite veggies.
I’ve never tried yoga but I’ve always wanted to – same reasons as you, I’m afraid everyone will be a superyogamaster and then there’s me. About 3 years ago I had a dream that I was doing bikram yoga (the HOT one) and I’ve wanted to do it ever since. But I’m afraid of dying halfway through.
Maybe I’ll try one day :-)
As someone with the flexibility of a 2×4, yoga’s always been hard for me to get into. I’ve tried it from time to time, and am always surprised at what a deceptively intense workout it can be. Glad you were able to give it a try.
And look at you, trying new foods. I like the way you’re broadening your horizons while slimming down the rest of you. Keep up the great work!
I took a yoga class in the summer of 2007 in university. The teacher wasn’t that great so I wouldn’t take another class with her, but I hope to be taking a class again either at the gym or in university with another teacher when I go back to school next month.
I loved I love you man, what a funny movie! I LOVE eggplant. I had some last nite yum! I want to try yoga. I tried the hot yoga a few months ago and did not like it (and it made me sick!), but ive heard regular yoga is much different. I enjoy pilates a lot (when I can afford it) so yoga would probably be fun too… I want to try in a class setting though so I know im doing it right. Maybe I should try and make some soap one day at home it does look fun, and would make great gifts…