Primal Journal - Siobhan page 110

[Siobhan]

Had some crazy fun this morning. After yesterday's adventures, I decided to take a different path today. There is a place with no dogs and no heavy things. So I went to the Y and swam for the first time in years! The local Y has a brand-spanking-new aquatic center courtesy of the local wealthy folk, who donated millions of dollars to get their name plastered on the side of the building. It is spectacular, all modern technology, waveless, needs very little chlorine. I forgot how fun it is to swim. I went from splashing around at the shallow end to dreaming about forming a masters swim team. Needless to say this will added to my regular activities under both 'play' and 'workout.'

It's funny, I'm not an athlete, never been one, and I'm not competitive in any way, shape, or form. But compared to the public at large, I'm an Olympian. I mean, the other people at the pool couldn't even swim. They were half my age and twice my size. All credit to them, they are taking lessons and trying to learn. I was able to swim slowly, with frequent breaks, for half an hour. I'm not saying this to brag, I'm just putting it forward as a sad commentary on the condition of the American public.

Now if I went at a different time of day, say at 5:30 AM with the regular swimmers, it would be a different story. I would be the fat slow one! At least I hope so!

Anyway, I won't be nervous about going again. It is nerve wracking to go to a gym or a pool for the first time. It's like being the new kid in the 7th grade.

[Siobhan]

Got my new LL Bean flannel-lined cargo pants. They fit perfectly, a little loose, comfortable everywhere, not baggy. Size 10. I wear an 8 in Bean, but lined pants fit a bit snugger (obviously - they are lined) and these are advertised as slim-fitting. So 10 was a good choice, although I run the risk of having them be way too big if I continue to lose, which I hope I do. But I like having them fit me NOW and not in the future. Plus they are working pants, shoveling, hiking, digging, cleaning pants. No binding allowed. I really like them. It is so much fun to get clothes that I actually like and feel good in instead of "I guess these aren't too horrible."

[Judg]

I so hear you. It's heady stuff, feeling good in your clothes. Although I went a little overboard on tight Tshirts this year. Hey, all those colours! And I wasn't going to buy loose things! Still too much pudge for it to really work well though. Oh well. They'll be loose next year, LOL!

[Coll]

Glad you had fun at the pool and no more bites from the dog!! Yowser! That doesn't sound like fun at all! May have to start carrying a club (Grokette would you know) and give the dog (and owner!) something to think about Congratulations on all the lovely possibilities opening up in the clothing realm! Enjoy your new pants and wear the heck out of them so that once they are too big you have got lots of time in them already!

[Siobhan]

Hah! I HAD a club! Well, a walking stick.

Went to the dentist in the next town and decided to treat myself to another pair of cargos - unlined this time - and would you believe the fall clothes are already depleted in the shops? The store did not have a single pair of size 8!!!!! And 10 is too big! How did this happen? Of course they had loads of 12s. Hey, I'm not buying them anymore, I guess no one else is either!

Farmers market today and the goat guy sold out of milk before I got there, grrrrrrr. Had to console myself with a breakfast of fresh eggs, wild mushrooms (chicken of the woods), homemade sausage. (Homemade by the goat guy.) Very delish.

[Siobhan]

When I think of all the years I tortured myself with chronic cardio, I feel a little ill. Today I had some serious fun running around in the woods, sprinting around the pond, heaving my hammer. My forearms are kinda sore -they are definitely getting more of a workout than they have ever had. Note to self: Must wear sports bra for sprinting. Don't forget next time. Also bring water.

Had some cottage cheese with strawberries. Full fat cottage cheese is the bomb. I had to stop myself from eating the whole carton.

[Judg]

I can't even FIND full-fat cottage cheese anymore. Of course, I could add mashed avocado. Cottage cheese mixed with salsa is one of my favourite super-lazy meals. Not too often, so as not to overdo dairy, but it is so much fun.

I need to work more on this whole play thing, which is an oxymoron if there ever was one.

[Siobhan]

Woke up sore as hell which was worrisome until I remembered that I was tearing around in the woods like a mad squirrel yesterday. Then I was happy. Also the soreness went away as soon as I got up and moved around.

Scale at 138 this AM!

Had choir practice again last night. Didn't go so well! Couldn't find the key, the pitch, anything. I couldn't hear myself or the woman next to me, only a tenor sitting behind me singing not only a different part but off key. Then I had an anxiety dream last night - the classic can't find the right room, can't find my robe, can't find my music. Woke up and laughed at myself for being anxious about this. Amazing how anything can be turned into a potential problem if we let it.

[hunneme]

Siobhan,
Last few days while I was waiting for my account to be activated, I read bits of your journal. I want to say that you are an inspiration for me. You started exactly where I am today, my goals are similar and I look forward to charging the world with my sledgehammer in hand in the future. Thank you for that!

[Siobhan]

Thank you so much! These last few months have been quite a ride! From fat, sick, depressed, and discouraged to frolicking around swinging a sledgehammer like some kind of demented female Pan - yes, I think the whole world should be more like me!