There's not much to say today. It's not like my mind has been completely devoid of original or creative thought, but I just haven't gotten the inspiration to write anything of essence. I'll start reading Fitzgerald's "This Side of Paradise" soon, though. Usually Fitzgerald always gets my creative gear to work. In other news, after months and months of waiting, "The Hangover 2" is finally premiering in theaters here today! I loved the first Hangover, and am kind of in need of comedic relief, so we've already got tickets for tonight! I wonder how long it's going to take for "Crazy, Stupid, Love" or "The Change-up" to get here... LOL. I'm also really looking forward to "One Day" with Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess. I read the novel it's based on, written by David Nicholls, and I really liked it. Anyways, that's premiering in the US next week, so who knows how long I'll have to wait for it to start playing here. Seriously, sometimes movies are released in DVD before they reach theaters here. Oh well, at least we've got online ticketing now. LMAO.
Second order of business... I wanted to share two of my favorite workouts: one for the elliptical, the other for the treadmill. The elliptical one is intensive if you are a beginner, but if you've been working out regularly, it should only give you the extra "burn" you need. Now, the treadmill one is brutal. When I first tried it, I couldn't even finish it. But hey, everyone knows I love a challenge, so I stuck with it. I have a picture of the workout "directions" on my iPhone, so I just open it up when I'm at the gym.
Here's the elliptical one. It's pretty self-explanatory, but I know that I did cut off the column headings. So, in case you're a bit lost, the first column is the time, the second one is resistance, the third gives you any special instructions, and the fourth is what your heart rate should be. I usually don't pay much attention to the heart rate one, though.
Some days are just a drag and seem to be never-ending. Instead of getting all lethargic and hating yourself and your life, I suggest you actively try to do things to make your day a bit better.
We’ve all heard of “The Secret,” and how the key to unlocking your true potential and happiness is to have a positive outlook in life. (Positive attracts positive.) This is a little bit too hippy-dippy-trippy to me, and in all honestly, I think that it gives people false expectations and can lead to failure. For instance, I don’t think that just because you are positive, things will magically fall onto your lap – you have to actively pursue the things you want. You won’t find yourself in a perfect relationship, or land the perfect job if you just remain optimistic. You have to put in the work, and that is what “The Secret” doesn’t tell people. That said, I find something of value in philosophies that try to improve one’s well-being. So, I decided to give you some of my own tips on how to feel better.
1. Do some EXERCISE.
Ever since I was in 12th grade, I’ve always been a frequent visitor at the gym. However, I will admit that if I was feeling lazy, I wouldn’t go. I wouldn’t push myself. Now, it’s been about 8 months that I’ve been working out everyday (or at least 5 times per week.) And I truly think that this has done wonders to improve my overall well-being and mood. Even if it’s just 20-30 minutes, I urge you all to incorporate some form of physical activity: Zumba, walking your dog, dancing to Lady Gaga, going to the gym, whatever. Trust me – exercise alone will make you feel better almost immediately.
2. Get some SUN.
Receiving sunlight gives us Vitamin D, which is not only necessary for our bodies to function properly, but it also gives us an energy boost. I prefer to stay indoors, simply because the only time I like to sweat is when I’m working out and because I find the sun to be a bit offensive on my eyes (yea, I’m a diva like that.) However, whenever I do force myself to venture out into the world, I find that my mood improves significantly. Can’t really find an explanation for it (other than the Vitamin D, I mean) but yea, it works.
3. Tickle your sense of SMELL.
Light a candle, put on your favorite perfume, bake some pastries – do something to activate your olfactory system. My favorite holiday is Christmas, and I absolutely adore everything about the holiday season in general. So recently, my go-to scent has been an Apple Cinnamon candle. Something about it just puts me in a good mood. I light it on as soon as I wake up and let it burn for about an hour or two as I study, and I just love the way the smell lingers in my room. Try it out.
4. Put on some MUSIC!
This one is pretty simple and self-explanatory. Create a playlist with your favorite songs and just play it when you’re not feeling so great. There have been numerous studies on how music affects our daily performance, so you’re more than welcome to check them out in case you’re wondering why music is so great for you. But yea: listen to music.
5. BREATHE
Our daily lives tend to be so busy and hectic that we seldom take time to just sit and relax. So, the next time you’re feeling blue I suggest you hit pause, find a quite place in your house where you can sit uninterrupted for 5 minutes, and simply breathe. The trick is to really focus on your breathing and try to block everything else out. What I do: inhale deeply for 3 counts, and then exhale for another 3 counts, and just focus on repeating that pattern. If this happens to work for you, I suggest you Google meditation breathing techniques and explore it all some more.
6. DAILY CHALLENGES
I follow Deepak Chopra on Twitter and one day he posted a well-being test, which I obviously had to take. My score was about average, so the website suggested that I subscribe to an email newsletter called The Daily Challenge. Essentially, you get a small challenge delivered to your inbox everyday, including something that you can do to improve your well-being. For example, today’s challenge was to “Smile at 3 people today.” I’m being open-minded and giving it a try, although I have found some of the challenges to be a bit too hippy-dippy-trippy (hehe.) But, I know that whoever wrote them did it with the best intentions at heart.
Coffee brewing in the kitchen, the smell alone makes my blood start pumping. I hear the birds chirping outside my window, and for a moment I think about the things they’ve surely seen in all of their travels, the secrets they must hold. Focus, now! FOCUS!
Ah, it’s a new day. Not only a new day, but it’s the start of a new week, too. And you know what that means, time to plan out my workouts. I’ve found that planning what I’ll do in advance helps me stay committed to it. (Hint, hint: Workout tip #7)
I’m actually sore from yesterday’s workout, which was brutal. I’ll call it the Sarah Fit Workout (since it was taken from Sarah Fit’s website), and it was as follows:
- 10 minutes of running/walking → I did 5 minutes of power walking, 3 minutes of jogging, 1 minute of walking, and a 1 minute full-speed sprint.
- 15 pushups
- 20 lunges
- 1 minute plank (a killer!)
- Chair dips – 15 reps
- Plank with a knee to elbow crunch – 10 reps
- Sumo squat jump – 10 reps
- And then repeated the entire thing (including the running/walking portion) twice…
So, this week’s plan:
Monday: 40 minutes on the elliptical (400 calories) + 15 minutes on the bike (100 calories) + 40 minutes on the treadmill (350 calories) = 850 calories
Tuesday: 40 minutes on the elliptical (400 calories) + Jillian Michaels workout (250 calories) + 35 minutes on the treadmill (300 calories) = 950 calories
Wednesday: 40 minutes on the treadmill (350 calories) + 40 minutes on the elliptical (400 calories) = 750 calories
Thursday: 40 minutes on the elliptical (400 calories) + Jillian Michaels workout (250 calories) + 35 minutes on the treadmill (300 calories) = 950 calories
Friday: 40 minutes on the elliptical (400 calories) + 15 minutes on the bike (100 calories) + 40 minutes on the treadmill (350 calories) = 850 calories
Saturday: OFF
Sunday: Sarah Fit workout
For these past months, I've been focusing mostly on cardio. However, now I feel that it's time to add more strength training to my routine, and this is why I've added 2 days of the Jillian Michaels workout (30 day shred.) My knee isn't bothering me nearly as much as it used to, so everything seems to be working out splendidly.
In other news, I highly recommend the show "Covert Affairs" on USA.
Here's my non-pop workout playlist (mostly used for strength training):
- Infected Mushroom - Smashing the opponent
- System of a down - Aerials
- Kanye West - Power
- Kanye West - Stronger
- Disturbed - Down with the sickness
- Coheed & Cambria - Welcome home
- Fort Minor - Remember the name
- Eminem - Lose Yourself
- Pendulum - Watercolor
- Trick Daddy feat. Lil John & Twista - Let's go
And with that, I'm off to study Nihongo. Ci vediamo dopo.
Mirror, mirror on the wall Who is the biggest spy of them all?
- - -
And you pry and you pry, Hoping to always get by... Unnoticed, unscathed, Without unleashing my wrath. But I have noticed, you see.. People like you will NEVER outsmart the likes of me. And it's exhilarating to win at this game, So worry not, to no other shall I reveal your true name. I propose a toast for times to come and times long gone, Haven't you realized that I've just begun having my fun?
X: “You know that’s not the answer I’m looking for…”
K: “You’re right. And I also knew you were going to say that. How?”
X: “I already told you. In many ways, we are one.”
K: “Ok. Let’s assume for a minute that I actually believe that…”
X: “Good girl.”
K: “… if I believe that, then would I be correct in saying that you know what I’m thinking about this very minute?”
X: “You naughty girl…”
K: “What!? Wow...”
X: “Don’t be ashamed. Last time I check, you were a young human woman in your prime. It’s normal for your mind to wander to that from time to time.”
K: “I know that. You don’t have to lecture me on the nature of my species.”
X: “And you don’t have to go and get all defensive. All I’m saying is, you don’t have to be afraid of me.”
K: “For some reason, I’m not.”
X: “Good. Now that we’ve covered that… Tell me, how are you? There’s something different about you…”
K: “Well, I have lost about 30 pounds…”
X: “No, not that. That’s obvious, you know. And you don’t need me to tell you that you look great, which you do.”
K: “Then, how am I different? Different from when?”
X: “Different from the last time we saw each other…”
K: “Which was when exactly?”
X: “Well, I’m not sure. Or maybe I am, I just don’t want to tell you.”
K: “That’s not fair.”
X: “C’mon. Don’t play the justice card with me. You know I’d never fall for that.”
K: “Do I? Do I really know what you’d fall for…?”
X: “I thought we’d already established that we are one…”
K: “You’re impossible.”
X: “It’s part of my charm. But, don’t close up on me. We won’t get anywhere if you decide to keep to yourself. Actually, why haven’t you offered me a drink already? You’re usually such a good hostess.”
K: “Ok. What would you like? I’ve got Coke zero, Crystal Light, tea, coffee…”
X: “What do you take me for? Do I need to show you my ID? Surprise me.”
….
X: “A whiskey on the rocks, just what I wanted. Thank you. Nothing for yourself?”
K: “No, I’m good.”
X: “So, tell me, what’s so different about you?”
K: “If we are one, shouldn’t you know that already?”
X: “Hehe. Always the smart cookie. Of course, I know. But I want you to say it out loud, or at least to think about it.”
K: “I’m not as weak as the last time we met…”
X: “So, you do remember me now?”
K: “Maybe…”
X: “Hehe. Always the fast learner.”
K: “And you’re still as arrogant as ever…”
X: “If you had the answers to every question posed by humanity, wouldn’t you be too?”
K: “Well, no. If you knew me already, then you’d know that 90% of the time, I do think that I have all of the answers to humanity’s problems. However, I always second guess myself.”
X: “Not always. You know, you’re a lot more confident than you allow yourself to believe. There’s nothing wrong with being confident.”
K: “There isn’t. But there’s a fine line between confidence and arrogance. And I don’t like being perceived as arrogant. It’s not cute.”
X: “You’re not striving to be cute, though. If you were trying to be cute, then your life would be very, very different.”
K: “Hmmm… Maybe.”
X: “You know I’m right.”
K: “What about you? What’ve you been up to?”
X: “Oh, you know me. Nothing much. Just doing my rounds.”
K: “Liberating souls one mind at a time?”
X: “Something like that…”
K: “Am I crazy?”
X: “Why would you say that?”
K: “Because I decided to stay here and have a conversation with you, when I should’ve ran to get a weapon.”
X: “You know I’m not going to hurt you. And I know you wouldn’t actually hurt me, either. But, let’s not lose precious time talking about that. Have you figured out what’s different about you?”
K: “I’ve grown up.”
X: “That was a weak, but safe answer. And yes, you would be right. I was looking for something more, but I’m not going to drill you any longer. You seem to have understood the gist of it, and that’s all I really care about.”
K: “Why are you here?”
X: “Why??? Why not?”
K: “Because, I’m doing fine. You shouldn’t show up out of the blue like that. There are other souls that need more help than I do. If you’d like, I can point you in their direction.”
X: “Maybe I shouldn’t have. But, I saw you here, already in a semi-meditative state. I couldn’t stay away. You really are a fascinating creature, you know.”
K: “Fascinating, eh? Lots of people would disagree.”
X: “Who? The people in this town? In this country?”
K: “Yea, but not only them. Lots of others, too.”
X: “And you already know that they’re poor, lost souls. Who cares what they think?”
K: “It’s not that I care what they think. It’s just that it’s easy to get lost in it all... I don’t know.”
X: “No, you aren’t getting lost. And you know this quite well. I don’t know why you keep playing these games with yourself. Just admit it – you’re doing what you came here to do. And you’ve succeeded so far. There’s still work to be done, but you’re doing wonderfully. And I guess that I needed to come give you some encouragement.”
K: “Why?”
X: “Because my opinion matters to you. It’s one of the few opinions that does, or should matter.”
K: “…”
X: “And no, I’m not being arrogant. I’m just being truthful.”
K: “So… if I’m so fascinating, why’d you stay away for so long?”
X: “I haven’t stayed away. We’re one, remember? In some ways, I’m always with you. But sometimes, I need to actively remind you that I’m still here.”
K: “But you’re not real…”
X: “Ouch. That hurt.”
K: “You know what I meant.”
X: “What’s real to you?”
K: “Something that I can see, feel, and will respond to my touch.”
X: “In that case, you left out the senses of taste, hearing, and smell. And don’t disappoint me. You know that’s not what you define as reality. Don’t make me take back what I said about you being fascinating.”
K: “You know what I meant.”
X: “And you keep saying that. I’m going to have to ask you to elaborate on this. It’s for your own good.”
K: “I’m here, having a full-on philosophical conversation with you, but I know that you’re not really here.”
X: “Just because I’m not really here doesn’t mean that I’m not real. Reality is subjective. And we’re both students of the school of Rene Descartes.”
K: “Je pense, donc je suis...”
X: “Oui.”
K: “I have missed you, you know.”
X: “I know. I’ve missed you, too.”
K: “When will I see you again?”
X: “I haven’t even left, and you’re already asking me that…?” Always so curious.”
K: “I can’t help it, it’s part of my charm.”
X: “Yes, yes it is. As I said before, I’m always here. And to answer the question that you want to ask, but are too afraid to do so… just give it time. You’ve barely begun the journey, but t least you’re on it.”
K: “And you? You’re on your journey, too?”
X: “I am. We’re always on a journey. All of us.”
K: “What about death?”
X: “You know what they say, the end of one journey is the beginning of another.”
K: “What happens when you reach nirvana? You know I’m more of a Buddhist these days.”
X: “That’s not for me to tell you. I said I had all the answers to humanity’s problems, what happens in the divine state is the jurisdiction of someone else.”
K: “But you surely have some thoughts on it?”
X: “I do. But that’s the topic of another conversation. Right now, I just wanted to tell you that you were on the right track. I know you feel lonely sometimes, and want to give up. But don’t give into abandon, as tempting as it may seem at times. Keep pushing forward... and keep your heart pure and open.”
K: “It’s not very open and pure these days.”
X: “Oh, stop being so dramatic. So, you’ve had your heartbroken a few times? Big deal. We’ve all dealt with that. And I already told you, give it time. Despite being so analytical, and the fact that you second-guess yourself all the time, I know that there are some things that you believe to your very core. Keep on believing them. Some things, you just know. Have faith in your convictions.”
K: “Hmmmm…”
X: “With that, my dear lady, I’m afraid I hear another soul calling out my name. Not looking forward to that encounter, but a man’s gotta do, what a man’s gotta do.”
He got up gently, adjusted his jeans, kissed me on the forehead, and walked towards the dark yard, his figure blending in with the shadows, until they’d completely consumed him.
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
I woke up and checked my watch. It was fifteen after twelve - I’d only been asleep for a little over five minutes. I sighed deeply, for I knew that none of it could have been real. I quickly picked up the hookah and all its supplies, knowing that my brother would kill me if I left it outside overnight.
I cleaned up the kitchen and dragged myself upstairs to my room, where the cool breeze emanating from the air conditioner quickly dried up the sweat that was dripping down my face – even summer nights are unbearable here. I washed my teeth and collapsed on the bed, falling into a deep slumber as soon as my face hit the pillow.
The following morning, I found a note from my mother on my desk, “We’re going to the supermarket with your father. Call us if you need anything. BTW, next time you feel like drinking your father’s whiskey, at least finish it up – you left the glass outside. And since when do you drink whiskey, anyways? Love, mom.”
Today, I feel better than "just alright." I've come a LONG way in this process, and I've certainly been busy making myself strong, both physically and mentally. I've realized that though it may take a long time for us to reach our goals, victory will be a sweet, sweet nectar. Most importantly, I've realized that one day, the world won't know what hit it. The day when I finally come out to play is near... ;)
