Today, we started with a walk down to the creek along one of our favorite trails. We went first thing in the morning, holding hands. There were deer, and a large flock of wild ducks muttering contentedly to each other on one of the ponds. But by far the most interesting sight we saw was a HUGE gathering of buzzards --- there must have been 100 of them --- flying back and forth over our heads, and coming to settle on the roof of the highest-sitting house in the area. They covered that roof, and jockeyed for position on its highest points (there is, among birds, quite literally a pecking order). I couldn't help but be glad that wasn't MY house with a hundred or more turkey buzzards swarming it. Undoubtedly it was completely harmless but sensitive and artistic souls such as myself might be forgiven for taking it as a bad sign. They didn't stay long, though --- all but about a dozen suddenly decided to wing away. I was left with the impression that they'd had their usual morning meeting, and then various groups had been dispatched to cover their assigned territory. It was the buzzard version of The Office.
We also spotted this cheery sight:
I do so love it when people decorate random trees along the trail and highways.
Although I woke up feeling fine, the walk did tire me more than it should. But later in the afternoon, I did a group fitness class that I bought through Groupon. The gym where it took place, to be charitable, is low rent. (If one was inclined to be uncharitable, one might suggest that it's a bit sketch). The class lasted about 45 minutes and consisted of two rounds of a circuit of different exercises, all of which were things I'd done before either in P90X or with my trainer. You basically did the station for one full minute and then moved on to the next. I was expecting more of a boot camp type thing, with more interaction with the other participants. It was more like personal training in a group. So, meh. Not very interesting, but it was a good workout, I didn't get unduly tired, and it will give me what I want --- help in re-establishing my exercise habit.
Meanwhile, I did better with my eating today than I have in some time. Inch by inch.
Tomorrow, the plan is to be at the lab as early as possible to get my blood drawn; then a walk; and then music and projects. As previously mentioned, I don't do resolutions; I do themes for the year. But this year, I am also stealing an idea from my friend, the wonderful Canadian soprano Erin Wall (she's a runner, too!). Erin picks a big project for the year. As soon as I read that, I wanted a project too!
I don't want a health/fitness project or a singing project. I've got enough of those. So I decided that my big project for 2012 is to fix up every room in my house, one by one (the front and back yards count, too). Clean up, declutter, repair, refresh, switch stuff around, and all without spending money. The more I travel, the more domesticity appeals to me. Plus, my house will be really really clean.
Hmmmm, I've heard of flocks of buzzards and crows being nicknamed the "sheriff's deputies." But then I probably read too many trashy murder mysteries . . .
Posted by: H. Skippety | January 06, 2012 at 01:24 PM