Applesauce, Fires, Yoga and Sushi

It was a pretty good week around here. I got together with one of my biffles for a delicious dinner at the sushi buffet. I ate so much. I slept really well that night, too. I think there may be a correlation.

The weekend wasn't all that exciting. We got some snow in this area, so we had a nice fire going and my aunt was cooking away in the kitchen. I learned how to make applesauce, too. It's really not that hard. Just peel and core the apples, put them in a pot, add some water, cook them down. She whisks it because we like it a little chunky, and you add cinnamon. And maybe some sugar depending on how tart the apples are. That's it. Then you eat a cup of warm applesauce because YUM. (Side note: applesauce is delicious on Belgian waffles.)

I spent the rest of the day sitting in front of the fire knitting. I made a lot of progress, so I'm happy about that. I can say that I will have it done in time for Christmas as planned.

I did manage to get myself to yoga both Saturday and Sunday. Saturday's my beginner class. I want to make sure I have a good foundation. Usually I'll head over to the gym and at least run after it. Sunday is the all levels Vinyasa. Vinyasa is when you flow from pose to pose. It kicks my butt. I did get myself into a half bind in side angle pose, though.  That's the next step in getting into bird of paradise.

Courtesy of Google

My strength and balance are getting better, and I really enjoy the classes.  I want to try a retreat sometime next year I think.  There's one this week in Vermont that combines yoga and knitting. Sounds kind of perfect for me.

I hope everyone had a lovely weekend!

I'm Totally Phoning It In

I was planning on writing for real today, but I saw my horoscope and thought it was better.

"It's harder these days to take your responsibilities lightly because the Moon and somber Saturn are both in your sign, setting the tone for the day. Don't waste precious energy trying to put on a cheerful face for others, just because that's what they expect from you. It isn't your job to make everyone feel okay about the issues you face. Nevertheless, it's up to you to look inward and ask yourself tough questions so you can gain clarity about the next phase of your life."

 

This part is worth a repeat: It isn't your job to make everyone feel okay about the issues you face.

 

I want to add: or the decisions that you make.

 

Real post later this week. Probably.

 

 

Fall: Leaves, Pumpkins, and Cute Clothes

Via PhiladelphiaFallFestival.com

I love fall. And it’s not because the first day of autumn usually falls on my birthday. I used to hate it because of school starting. But now, I love the change in the seasons.  The cool air coming in through the open window is welcome after all the humidity we had this year.  One of my favorite sounds is the wind through the crackly leaves. Am I too old for leave piles? This is why I borrow other people’s kids. I’m excited to get out my boots and my scarves (I have a lot), and wear my cute jackets. I’m such a fan of being cozy.  The only problem with fall is that it leads to winter, which would be fine if it only lasted like a week.  Or my office actually closed on snow days.

I’m also a fan of the food that comes along with the cooler weather. My aunt makes everything from scratch, and she starts to stock the freezer in October.  Cooking started Monday.  She got the bug and made 2 kinds of soup, a stew, meatballs, spaghetti sauce, and some meatloaves. 

I also start to eat oatmeal again when it gets cooler.  I feel like it’s too heavy for the warmer weather.  Health Magazine told me to put cocoa on plain oatmeal because cocoa has good-for-you-stuff in it. So I did.  And I added some peanut butter and a bit of sugar and OH MY GIDDY GOD was it GOOD! It’s like eating that Reese’s cereal stuff, but hot.  Try it.  You’ll thank me.

Aunt P also made pumpkin cookies.  I want everything pumpkin right now.  Including an actual pumpkin that I can carve.  Might have to do that this year, too. I hope everyone's enjoying the season!

Tidbits

• I decided to not really care about diet so much for the last couple of weeks.  This has resulted in a 5 pound weight gain.  My goal is to drop that, plus a little more as a cushion, before the holiday foodfests begin.  Fingers crossed. I'm planning on cardio 3 days a week, yoga twice, and weight training once or twice.  I also found out my old yoga teacher (from hot yoga last year) is teaching pole dancing at my gym.  I may have to try it.
• Kellifish’s baby shower is this weekend. I’m very excited that I got the blanket done.  I’m making cupcakes for the shower, so I just have to get those done and I’ll be good.  Here’s a little preview.  It’s knit, purl, and seed stitches. It’s supposed to have a hood on the corner, but I don’t think I’m a fan.

• I need to start thinking about what I’m getting/making people for Christmas.  I know for sure what I’m getting most people.
• I wanted to start building at Habitat asap.  The soonest available date is October 27.  Which is a Thursday, when I work 2 jobs.  So I’ll probably end up going to the Women Build site (which is not as close to me) the first Saturday in November.  I would have thought they’d have more Saturdays available.  Shows what I know.
• I really need to either find a different job #2 or start doing something on the side.  It’s making me stabby and I don’t like it.
• I dislike people who come into job #2 wearing Phillies jerseys/tshirts/hats/etc while there's a NLDS GAME GOING ON RIGHT NOW. Are there assigned seats on the bandwagon? Meanwhile, I'm trying to check scores on my phone, which we're not allowed to use while we're clocked in because we can fired for it. Awesome.  Game 4 tonight! Also, who picks the times for these games? 6:07? What is that?