So by now we all know that I am a big flake when it comes to this blog. I haven't posted since October nor have I maintained my 2/week pledge to try new activities. I think i figured out a plan to keep promises- we'll see! I will only list the major happenings since the last post.
October 2008- I went to Chicago for a women's conference and to spend some time with my dad's sister. I had a great time at both - I was able to get better acquainted with my aunt ( don't know her that well) and also spend some time reflecting on Lisa. I do that a lot but don't always seem to wait for the answers. Its amazing how God can tell us one thing but yet we still choose choose Chaos over Christ? I had a marvelous time with in the city- sightseeing, strengthening relationships, and enjoying the popcorn at Garrett's.
November 2008- I participated in the Annual Run to Feed the Hungry in Sacramento. No, I didn't run but walked the 5k event with a friend and had a fantastic time. It's a good thing I did because years ago for a recreation and leisure class I lied in a paper that I paricipated- now I fill better about that assignment. I have a goal to actually do the other activities I wrote about (let me know if anyone wants to play racquetball, go camping at Big Sur or do a spur of the moment road trip)
December 2008- I cant think of anything other than new restaurants. Oh-I did register for the 2009 bay 2 breakers! I guess I dint get enough of the naked people last year
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Saturday, October 4, 2008
SUMMER 2008
I cant believe so much time has elapsed since I last posted. I got off track but now I'm back and totally committed (so I say) to the project. Life caused me to fall behind on the updates and then it just seemed liked way too much info to detail....so I will give you the down and dirty version of the past few months....
MAY- I walked the Bay to Breakers race in SF. For those of you who are not from N. California, this is a huge a marathon, beer fest, naked people party in the city. Tens and tens of thousands of folks walk/run/parade through 5+ miles of downtown SF- truly a sight to see. I have watched this legendary event on the news for years and was cautiously signed up when given the opportunity to walk it with a friend. It was definitley an experience I will remenber for years. The picture is the mildest of the ones I have. Let me know if you think you can handle the racier ones!
* Rocco was hospitalized in May as well. I was already having some personal issues when Baby Boy decided to get sick. At one point I thought he would have to be put down and that sent me over the edge. Needless to say, Morroco Eugene Hood is doing well and I will finally admit that I'm in love wtih my dog! Yes, I have crossed over and become one of those people. The price tag for his upset stomach- dont even ask -but he recd the best of care in the Level 2 critical care unit where he was sent home with meds that I had to administer every 8 hours- spoiled! He also fell in love with his new bland diet- boiled chicken, rice, and cottage cheese- I cooked more for him than I do for myself. -The activity you ask? Spending 3 days praying & crying over a dog!!!
JUNE- I went to the Marvin Sapp concert at church. The comedian was good, Marvin Sapp left me a little annoyed by coming on announcing he had a plane to catch , and then the church filled with smoke. The Highway and field behind the church caught on fire. After church I was met at my car by firemen who were hosing down the bushes in front of my parking space. They were attempting to prevent my car from being one of the casualties- the damage melted headlight, singed grill, and mutiliated license plate frame. I can say I survived the Fires of '08.
After years of planning and never doing I finally attended a Third Thursday Jazz Concert at the Crocker Art Museum. It was nice & relaixng way to start the summer. Food, music, people just enjoying themselves. Did I mention that I went by myself ? Schedules didnt permit anyone to go with me and after much hesitation - i borrowed a blanket from a co-worker and entered the park with my head held high- alone. It was great- i had a chance to converse with a few folks and left with a sense of accomplishment. I can cross this one off my list and I have a new summer activity for next year.
June/July- As part of my on-going quest to have a hard body I signed up for a water aerobics class through the local rec dept. What a better way to tone than being in a pool when its 100+ degrees outside. I enjoyed the class and had plans to continue but...smoke from the Fires of '08 caused the sessions to be cancelled. I'll keep trying until I find the activity that will give me the body of a 25 year old.
I also ate at a different restaurant- Celestins in downtown sac. Carribbean food. Cool atmosphere and food was okay. Nothing to brag abt it.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Week Two: Banjos & Bunco
I realized I had to put a little bit more effort into this project and look for opportunities to break out of the comfort zone. The activities for this week involved me saying yes when I would normally declare a stern no! A good friend's son was having an end of the season "thing" for his kindergarten basketball team. The offer was made and I was preparing to say no when I was told there would be a banjo concert. A light bulb came on and I told her if I didn't have enough activities for the week I would. In the next day or two I committed to going - it was convenient as his school is right by the job and it started right after work. Plus- we need to let the wee ones in our lives know they are important. When I got to the school, the banjo group (about 6 or 7 preteens- adults) was playing music that no one was listening to -even the person playing the washboard couldn't keep every one's attention. I clapped along (might as well participate) and the grand finale was announced. Let me just say you haven't lived until you hear "Amazing Grace " played in single string harmony on the banjo!
My second activity was a Friday night hangin' out with the girls playing Bunco. A coworker whose social calendar is always full asked me to substitute during her monthly bunco night. I was going to say no then I remembered my mission for the next year- and said yes. Turns out a few of my co-workers are in the group so I didn't have that first date awkwardness. Prior to this night I had never played bunco. I have a few friends who are in groups but I never really understood the big deal. I love to play games but seldom get the opportunity to do so. I had a really time- I was out with a different group of people, wasn't sitting at home on a Friday night, and I got to play a game where no skill was required. I got the hang of things by the end of the night. It wasn't a calm, mild evening either- just like some folks get serious about dominoes or spades- so goes the same for bunco. The fun, food and fellowship were a nice departure from my usual Friday night sleepfest that I joined the group. My 2nd Friday of every month is now booked.
For more info on BUNCO http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bunco
My second activity was a Friday night hangin' out with the girls playing Bunco. A coworker whose social calendar is always full asked me to substitute during her monthly bunco night. I was going to say no then I remembered my mission for the next year- and said yes. Turns out a few of my co-workers are in the group so I didn't have that first date awkwardness. Prior to this night I had never played bunco. I have a few friends who are in groups but I never really understood the big deal. I love to play games but seldom get the opportunity to do so. I had a really time- I was out with a different group of people, wasn't sitting at home on a Friday night, and I got to play a game where no skill was required. I got the hang of things by the end of the night. It wasn't a calm, mild evening either- just like some folks get serious about dominoes or spades- so goes the same for bunco. The fun, food and fellowship were a nice departure from my usual Friday night sleepfest that I joined the group. My 2nd Friday of every month is now booked.
For more info on BUNCO http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bunco
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Week One: Let the good times roll!
Two new activities a week? That's a cinch - but not when there's only 3 day in that week. May 1st came on Thursday and I had 72 hours to get it together. Being me, I waited until the final 6 hours and decided to do both activities. Rocco needed to get out so to spice things up I drove to a neighboring area and took a walk. It was interesting for both of us; he was able to sniff new dirt and mark foreign territory and I was able to look at the landscape of yards and familiarize myself with another part of my area. We stayed out for an hour (which is longer than our usual walks), I imagine it was because we weren't strolling the same trek we always do. On the way home I decided to patronize Lou's Burgers. I have driven past this local legend for almost 15 years and never bothered to stop because it is old and decrepit. Its one of those spots where you walk up to the window to order. The place has been around for generations and old timers swear by it. I didnt have enough cash on me for a burger so I had to settle for a milkshake - fantastic! I ordered the vanilla and it was the kind that you had when you were a kid - not the mix stuff you get at fast food restaurants today. I'll definitley visit this summer when the weather hits the century mark. Who knows- I might order a burger and the carmel shake.
Living Life
Living Life
What is...
Some of you have asked what is all this living like its golden? That's for you to decide...but for me its exploring the world that God created for me. I am taking the limits and restricitons off of self and purposefully setting out to experience life...the good life...the golden life!
Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the first you tube box to hear the song/see the video. Feel free to sing along (words provided below) as you declare your freedom. If you are already enjoying the golden life then just enjoy the music - according to my big sis "It is has a mellow, mid-tempo, jazz infused beat; appreciated primarily by the grown and sexy kind of crowd. "
Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the first you tube box to hear the song/see the video. Feel free to sing along (words provided below) as you declare your freedom. If you are already enjoying the golden life then just enjoy the music - according to my big sis "It is has a mellow, mid-tempo, jazz infused beat; appreciated primarily by the grown and sexy kind of crowd. "
Lyrics to "Golden" by Jill Scott
Hey Oh Hey Yeah Oh yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah
Verse 1:
I'm taking my freedom
Pulling it off the shelf
Putting it on my chain
Wearing it 'round my neck
I'm taking my freedom
Putting it in my car
Wherever I choose to go
It will take me far I'm…
Chorus:
Living my life like it's golden
Living my life like it's golden
Living my life like it's golden
Living my life like it's golden
Living my life like it's golden, golden(Repeat)
Verse 2:
I'm taking my own freedom
Putting it in my song
Singing loud and strong
Grooving all day long
I'm taking my freedom
Putting it in my stroll
I be high-stepping ya'll
Letting the joy unfoldI'm...
Verse 3:
I'm holding on to my freedom
Can't take it from me
I was born into it and it comes naturally
I'm strumming my own freedom
Playing the God in me
Representing His glory
Hope He's proud of me!Yeah!
Chorus:
Hook:Living my life, Like it's golden, golden, golden, golden, golden, golden
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Under construction: me & the site!
Setting up this blog is more work than I realized - you have no idea how long it took to come up with the address. Nevertheless it is here. You will definitely see changes to the layout as time goes on...I have to carve out time and develop some patience to create this journal.
Where do I begin? This blog is designed to chronicle my one year plan to venture out of my comfort zone by intentionally trying two new "things" per week. I will remove the labels and limits I (and others) have attached to my person. My journey will allow me to expand my horizons, experience different activities and encounter new people.
The rules are simple (1) an activity, event or place must be something I have never done before or (2) 10 years must have passed since I last participated in the activity. The second rule was put into place to allow me to rekindle the pleasure derived from childhood activities and give a bad experience another shot. I do reserve the right to amend the rules at any time.
I am open to most activities whether it is eating in an unfamiliar restaurant or stretching my mind and doing the unimaginable. All suggestions will be considered. Feel free to leave a comment and I will post them after review.
Living Life
Where do I begin? This blog is designed to chronicle my one year plan to venture out of my comfort zone by intentionally trying two new "things" per week. I will remove the labels and limits I (and others) have attached to my person. My journey will allow me to expand my horizons, experience different activities and encounter new people.
The rules are simple (1) an activity, event or place must be something I have never done before or (2) 10 years must have passed since I last participated in the activity. The second rule was put into place to allow me to rekindle the pleasure derived from childhood activities and give a bad experience another shot. I do reserve the right to amend the rules at any time.
I am open to most activities whether it is eating in an unfamiliar restaurant or stretching my mind and doing the unimaginable. All suggestions will be considered. Feel free to leave a comment and I will post them after review.
Living Life
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