My friend Ian sent out this creepy/fascinating This American Life to a few people he thought might share his interest in exploring abandoned places. Take a listen…
http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/199/house-on-loon-lake?act=0
year of fun
HAVE FUN. EVERY DAY. SIMPLE BUT DAUNTING.
Category Archives: Solitary Fun
Day 295: Runner?
I went for a run today. Seriously, I did. I was at home doing work, emails, etc. The hubs came home a little early and decided to go for a long bike ride. Frustrated that I could not accompany him and that I had not gone to the gym that day, I decided to get out of the house.
As I put on athletic clothes, I had a thought, “What if I could go for a run, like all of my super athletic friends?” I have always had romantic ideas about running, just getting out of your house and moving quickly through streets, people, going to the lakeshore path and hi-fiveing all the other runners (Ok that probably doesn’t happen).
I went out the front door, crossed Sheridan and started walking. Then faster. Then faster. Then running. Really running. Instead of joy, I felt dread. I expected sudden pain. Yet it did not come, at least not in the way I expected. My joints felt fine, but my muscles in my legs felt so heavy and weak. I ran about a half mile before I had to walk. My heart was pounding so hard, it actually scared me. I walked for a while and ran the last probably .1 mile to my house where I found the hubs and Elphie waiting for me outside. (I had left a note that said “gone for a walk/run”). In that last .1 mile running towards my husband and dog, I finally felt the joy of what I was doing. I let myself feel good about running rather than frustrated about how terrible I was at it. I just kept thinking, “I’m 29 years old and I should be able to run.”
Day 288: Ombré
I know it’s not very new anymore, but I’ve been noticing a lot of different ombré hair colors out there. I’ve successfully maintained long hair for about the past year and a half so, rather than do something drastic with the cut, I thought it might be fun to make a color change. I asked for a nicely blended ombré that still had a big color difference from top to bottom. I’m super happy with it, though I think it could still be a little darker on top…
Day 287: Active Me
Life is different as an active person. I spent a little time reflecting upon the changes I’ve undergone from last summer to this summer. Last summer I walked with a cane. This summer I’ve been hiking, biking, and walked 3.1 miles to raise money and awareness for the Arthritis Foundation. Last summer, after a long day at work, I would most likely have sat on the couch watching tv all evening. Tonight, instead, the hubs and I cooked and ate dinner, picked up around the house and went through a couple “junk drawers” in preparation for our upcoming Iowa garage sale. Then I practiced the dulcimer. We did not turn the tv on all night. (Well, until 9:00 when reruns of How I Met Your Mother come on for an hour).
At the end of the day, I feel so much better having participated in and accomplished all of these things than I ever did “resting” on the couch. While it may still be necessary from time-to-time, resting on the couch is not actually all that restful when done in large doses. I’m loving what feels like a new life!
Day 281: Massage Envy
Did you know Massage Envy holds an event called Healing Hands for Arthritis to benefit the Arthritis Foundation? One day every year, $10 from every one-hour massage and facial goes to the foundation. Every location! Nationwide!
No, this event was not today. Though today I did sign up for a membership with Massage Envy because I got an online deal for a massage. The masseuse I had (Rebecca at the Southport location) was so great that I want to see her every month and get a discount. Massage can really help blood flow through achey joints. Also, because I spend a lot of time at a computer, I have big knots and big trigger points in my shoulders. They are horrible but Rebecca is GREAT. And I’m glad to support a company that does so much for the Arthritis Foundation.
year of fun 