Ack! Long time, no post... Having mostly cell phone-oriented 'net access does not encourage much posting (T9=annoying). So, while I have some time with my laptop at a coffee shop, here's the last week and half in review:
I'm in Kansas City, MO now.
How I've Been Sleeping:
I joined my friend in doing the "Nightwatch" at the International House of Prayer. This means being in the Prayer Room from midnight to 6am, and also means I'm having a hell of a time adjusting to the schedule. My friend is letting my crash in her room, so it works best with our schedule's being the same, but my body refuses to keep sleeping once the sun starts poking through the windows (we were never made to sleep in the day, after all). Today I slept from 4am to 9am. Yesterday it was 6:30am to 11:30am. The lack of sleep is affecting my battle with depression and visa versa (e.g., I sobbed almost uncontrollably in the shower today for no apparent reason except that I was just that tired). It hasn't even been two weeks yet, so hopefully I will adjust soon, or at least grow so exhausted that my body relents and allows me to sleep longer than 5 hours at a shot. They say the human body can adjust to anything, so I'm testing that theory. And as for handling the depression, I do my best to keep my attitude optimistic, even when I can't control my emotions (I can't explain how this is possible, but it is), and also by taking more B vitamins. Friends and prayer also help, so does perspective. Sleep, of course, would be ideal. *sigh*
How I've Been Eating:
I'm the poorest I've been in a while, but I'm also eating the healthiest I have in a while. I have successfully cut out junk food completely (with the exception of my guilty pleasure, Cinnamon Life cereal), and I'm eating my fair share of fruits and veggies every day. Lots of fresh spinach, some kiwi fruit, bananas, blueberry juice blend, grapes, mmmmmmmango...., etc. Water intake is still not where it should be, though... But I've completely cut out caffeine! No more coffee, black tea, or soda. And after only a week and a half, I feel so much better (despite my lack of sleep). Detox was not pretty, though. I was good friends with Mr. Porcelain for all of last week. That's what I get for my poor (read: terrible) choices over the last month(s).
How I've Been Exercising:
Walking, push ups, pull ups, sit ups, pistols (I discovered them, too, Muse! Aren't they great? I think years of rollerblading and martial arts is what makes them so easiy), QMs, and messing around with an urban climber I met here. I showed him some Parkour and he was impressed at the efficiency. He would go to climb up something, and I would say, "Why not try it this way?" Several times he laughed and called me a monkey. It was a blast, and he's interested in Parkour. We rarely get to hang out, so I don't know what will come of that, but we'll see. I was trying to encourage him to practice rolls and safe landing. He was good at going up, but not at coming back down, and that was making me a little nervous for him. Then again, he's an urban climber. It's easy to see why going up would be more his thing. But what really struck me was the inefficiency of his movements, ones that I once used to use myself (I used to be more into climbing). I was amazed at how my mindset towards the how of climbing had changed.
Oh, and speaking of climbing... I've been getting into (and out of) my friend's apartment by climbing the balcony. Lots of fun, and a good upper body workout. And my friend finds it amusing and doesn't complain, so I just continue to enjoy myself with that. I did it just today on my way to the coffee shop, in fact.
I have a friend here who's into ninjitsu and climbing. It would be pretty easy to get her into Parkour. It would sure be nice to have someone to jam with, especially someone as good-natured and adventurous as her.
That's pretty much it.
Now, as far as goals...
My push ups have increased dramatically. I can do 20 in a row now, whereas before I could barely eek out 12. I can do clapping push ups, and diamonds. Diamonds, actually, feel easier than regular push ups, so that's weird.
I can very easily do 2 pull ups in a row, and am able to do 3 consistently, but I have to push myself and commit to it. Soon 3 will be easy and I'll be moving on to 4...
I haven't tried a muscle up, but I can guess the results... Still, I recently tried some dips/muscle up negatives (on a shopping cart handle in line at Wal-Mart) and was surprised at my own strength, control, and balance. I couldn't go all the way down into a full dip, but I got much closer (and with much more control) than I ever could before. It's exciting when you begin to feel a noticeable difference. Talk about encouraging! I think it helped that I was having to be mindful that A) the cart had wheels, and B) I could tip it over and take a nasty fall (the cart was empty). This forced me to keep my weight centered over the handle (and even slightly past it) much better than I ever have when trying this on monkey bars or other stationary objects. Proper balance made all the difference and I'm making a mental note of that...
My rolls are getting slick. Far from perfect, but far better than they were a month ago. They're beginning to feel natural and second-nature.
I did a wall climb! I did a catleap onto this wooden fence/wall and then popped right up on top of it. I was stunned that my muscles actually responded when I sent the signal. That never happened before! It made me want to go do more push ups and dips right then. Horray for a workout routine centered solely on bodyweight exercises. It really works!
On a sad note, my kongs are all chicken-ish again. *sigh* Lack of practice has meant lost ground. But, it's like playing "around the world" in basketball--hey, if you got there once and then get set back, you just have to trust that it wasn't a fluke and you'll be able to get there again. And, if it was a fluke, work hard until it's not.
Alright, that's all you get for a while. Peace out.
