Tiffany Painter

Whenever I start to get in a groove with working out, something happens to throw my schedule off. It happened again this week. After the busy holiday season, I got back into my routines and settled into an exercise schedule that seemed to be working. I know I need more recovery time than I once did, but I wanted to aim for two weight days and two cardio days a week with longer yoga on the other days. I hate weight days! But, I thought I could manage just two days a week. And then, I started to feel something in my chest. That raspy feeling that warns you a cold is coming. I quickly moved into a proactive state of mind. First, I cut out a cardio day and tried to rest more. By day two, things had not really gotten any worse. A few times I felt like my head might be getting stuffy, but that was fleeting. Made the decision to skip weights and continue resting. By day three and still not any better or worse, tried some yoga. That was okay, even the downward dogs, but felt extra tired by late afternoon. Now, here I sit on day four of not really sick but not 100%. I am wrestling with the decision of to-work-out-or-not-to-work-out. Knowing I have an activity planned for late afternoon today, it looks like another rest day for me. I don’t want to be tired for that. Tomorrow looks like a good day to get back to my schedule. Sundays are a good day for a fresh start, and fortunately we get one every seven days. ***Disclaimer: I have to be really sick to short-change my dog. I’ve still been taking Zephyr out for his morning walk. We enjoy that hour when the day is still new and full of wonder.

1/22

swirling clouds above
mirrors the frozen water
waiting for the sun

1/23

the sun is coming 
with all its glorious light
break out your best shades

1/24

standing all alone
challenging ice-covered lake
which one will melt first

1/25

time to judge a peer
summons arrived to step up
seat in jury box

1/26

powered by the sun
even reflected off moon
light energizes

1/27

looking across clouds
only waves on frozen lake
with splashes of snow