So, I am now able to accept credit cards at the Sports Center, on my own account. Now, if they'll just get my address correct, we'll be in business. My plan is to call tomorrow and check if it's been corrected, and if it hasn't, I'm going to send the customer service people a fax every chance I get until it's corrected. And the process of getting it set up, which they say will take 15 minutes, ended up taking almost 90. I was about to pull my hair out by the time we were done.
Anyway, it makes me feel like a real live grown-up. It's crazy.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Young Storytellers Success!
Last night was The Big Show, the final culmination of the work we've been doing at Coldwater Canyon Elementary, mentoring kids through the process of writing short screenplays. For 6 weeks, we met every Thursday for an hour and play games and write with the kids. Then, for the Big Show, we bring in 10 actors to perform them, and they did a bang-up job. The kids were entirely tickled. Aaron, my mentee, was so absorbed in the performance of his story that he didn't even notice a rogue child who had made it to the piano and was banging away. It took one of our actors improvising a line about a piano in response to make him notice. And his parents were incredibly nice and so appreciative. Very, very cool.
Saturday, February 24, 2007
More on Pilates: Three In One
So I taught my mat class today, using a whole bunch of the theraband exercises in the third section of this book, and it was fantastic. I also mentioned it to a one-on-one client this morning, as a really nice home workout explanation, and it's got three full workouts. She's going to check out the bargain section at B&N and see if she can find it, too.
Best $7.99 I've spent all year.
Best $7.99 I've spent all year.
Born on a Blue Day, by Daniel Tammet
This is a really fascinating story, directly from the perspective of an autistic savant, with Asperger's Syndrome. Tammet, who wasn't diagnosed until he was 25, tells his story from birth. He's a fairly high-functioning guy, and it's pretty amazing how he manages to negotiate life. Especially vivid are his descriptions of his synesthesia, meaning he experiences numbers and words as colors and shapes, which is one of the reasons he is so fluent at languages, and incredibly good at math, a la Rainman.
A fast read, and really interesting.
A fast read, and really interesting.
The Memory Keeper's Daughter, by Kim Edwards
I have to say, I had read and heard so much good about this book that I was a little disappointed in it. It reminded me of 100 other books I've read in that families-living-with-secrets vein, and I liked this one, but it didn't blow me away.
Two Weeks of Healthy (Mostly) Living
Inspired by my acupuncturist, I have almost completely cut out caffeine and soda for the last two weeks. I did have one Coke at the movies, with popcorn, but as a whole, I have been eating a much wider variety of fruits and vegetables, and aside from a rainy day stop at In-N-Out Burger, have been eating all fresh, real food. Trying to be more consistent about vitamins and supplements, too.
And, shocker, feeling really good. Sleeping better. Someone asked me today if I had lost weight, too. Just trying to keep it up, and practice moderation when I do indulge. Tonight for instance, after the show, the cast congregated at Little Toni's. I had a salad and one slice of pizza, and just water to drink. Very reasonable, and as I'm about to go to bed I feel pretty good. A later night than usual, but some nights just go that way.
And, shocker, feeling really good. Sleeping better. Someone asked me today if I had lost weight, too. Just trying to keep it up, and practice moderation when I do indulge. Tonight for instance, after the show, the cast congregated at Little Toni's. I had a salad and one slice of pizza, and just water to drink. Very reasonable, and as I'm about to go to bed I feel pretty good. A later night than usual, but some nights just go that way.
To Kill A Mockingbird, by Harper Lee and Mockingbird: A Portrait of Harper Lee, by Charles J. Shields
My aunt had suggested the biography of Harper Lee, and I always take her book suggestions. I started to read it, and then realized that I needed to read To Kill A Mockingbird itself, too. And since I was on the kick, I also picked up the movie from the library, too. God, I love the library. I still have moments when I gleefully think, how can this all be free?
First, what a wonderful book. I guess I read it sometime in high school, though I can't say I have any memory of it. I am trying to read some of the books I either didn't read or wasn't equipped yet to understand or appreciate in my teens. Tom Jones is waiting for me next, and I have such fond memories of reading it in Mr. Loyd's AP English class, and of seeing the movie, with its wonderfully sexy, comical eating scene. But more on that when I finish that one.
Lee evokes the small southern town so perfectly, and Scout is such a perfect narrator, whether it's Scout the child or Scout the grownup. It was interesting to read these books, too, after having read In Cold Blood, and seeing the movie Capote not too long ago. I'd like to read some more of his work, too, especially after reading Mockingbird.
Lee was notoriously shy of interviews, so the book is put together based on other people's perceptions of her, which might actually be more interesting. Also fascinating is the recounting of her relationship with Capote, which becomes severely strained as time goes on.
The movie was also fun to watch. Much more emphasis on the trial and fewer of the townspeople, but it really captured the feeling and tone of the book, which to my mind, makes for a good adaptation. I've always been fascinated with the adaptation process, and I really enjoy reading the book and seeing the movie together.
I should also say that I accidentally chose the large type version of the book, and kind of liked reading it. I hope that's not a bad sign...
First, what a wonderful book. I guess I read it sometime in high school, though I can't say I have any memory of it. I am trying to read some of the books I either didn't read or wasn't equipped yet to understand or appreciate in my teens. Tom Jones is waiting for me next, and I have such fond memories of reading it in Mr. Loyd's AP English class, and of seeing the movie, with its wonderfully sexy, comical eating scene. But more on that when I finish that one.
Lee evokes the small southern town so perfectly, and Scout is such a perfect narrator, whether it's Scout the child or Scout the grownup. It was interesting to read these books, too, after having read In Cold Blood, and seeing the movie Capote not too long ago. I'd like to read some more of his work, too, especially after reading Mockingbird.
Lee was notoriously shy of interviews, so the book is put together based on other people's perceptions of her, which might actually be more interesting. Also fascinating is the recounting of her relationship with Capote, which becomes severely strained as time goes on.
The movie was also fun to watch. Much more emphasis on the trial and fewer of the townspeople, but it really captured the feeling and tone of the book, which to my mind, makes for a good adaptation. I've always been fascinated with the adaptation process, and I really enjoy reading the book and seeing the movie together.
I should also say that I accidentally chose the large type version of the book, and kind of liked reading it. I hope that's not a bad sign...
Pilates, by Rael Iscowitz, and Pilates: Three In One
So far I have avoided buying Pilates books, generally, since the ones that seem the best also seem to be ridiculously high-priced. This one was just under $20, and is written by one of the old guard of Pilates. It's a really nice, very clear book that takes you through all the different apparati, and includes helpful suggestions of complete workouts in the back. Pretty cool.
Also picked up (from the bargain bin) a Pilates book targeted more at Joe-Schmoe-Home-Workouter. It's called Pilates: Three in One, and has three sections which could each stand alone as a book, focusing on exercises that can be done at home. The first two sections are simple mat work, but it was the third that convinced me to buy it. It's alot of really interesting work with a theraband, which I'm hoping to incorporate into my class tomorrow.
Also picked up (from the bargain bin) a Pilates book targeted more at Joe-Schmoe-Home-Workouter. It's called Pilates: Three in One, and has three sections which could each stand alone as a book, focusing on exercises that can be done at home. The first two sections are simple mat work, but it was the third that convinced me to buy it. It's alot of really interesting work with a theraband, which I'm hoping to incorporate into my class tomorrow.
Life Sentence, by David Ellis
Standard legal thriller. Strangely enough, it shared a character name with one from Michael Connelly's latest, Echo Park. Curious. One of those where you know constantly that there will be a twist at the end. A really, twisty twist. Good time-passing reading, though.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Coming Out of the Grump
This week, while exhausting, has been so much more pleasant than last. I had a lovely session of acupuncture of Wednesday, and I am newly invigorated to take care of myself, and eat right, and exercise, etc., etc. My Pilates shifts are filling in nicely, and I'm managing to carve out more free time for myself. I still have a ways to go to have a perfect, well-balanced life (I'm rolling my eyes here), but things are looking up.
One of the things the acupuncturist (who is like a sweet, slightly older Jewish big sister--very caring and cute) encouraged me to do was work toward some kind of meditation or spiritual practice. I've never had much luck with this sort of thing, but while I was lying on the table full of needles, I reflected on how nice it was to have a few minutes in which I did nothing. Generally, sort of like the heroine in the book I read a few weeks back, I tend to fill in empty spaces in my day with books. So, I'm either doing things, or reading. It was nice to be forced to just be quiet and still. So, we'll see how that goes. I'm starting small, like 5 minutes a day, maybe.
One of the things the acupuncturist (who is like a sweet, slightly older Jewish big sister--very caring and cute) encouraged me to do was work toward some kind of meditation or spiritual practice. I've never had much luck with this sort of thing, but while I was lying on the table full of needles, I reflected on how nice it was to have a few minutes in which I did nothing. Generally, sort of like the heroine in the book I read a few weeks back, I tend to fill in empty spaces in my day with books. So, I'm either doing things, or reading. It was nice to be forced to just be quiet and still. So, we'll see how that goes. I'm starting small, like 5 minutes a day, maybe.
The Tenth Circle, by Jodi Piccoult
Not bad...an interesting new take on her tortured everyday people. The main character is a comic-book creator and illustrator, his wife is a scholar of Dante. Interspersed throughout the story are chapters of his comic book, and sort of journey through hell to save his daughter (mirroring real life, as you might imagine). Very much like her other books, but not a bad way to pass a few hours.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Odd Thomas, by Dean Koontz
One of Koontz's better books, as far as I have read. Otherworldly stuff, battle between good and evil, and a main character who sees dead people (including Elvis) and tries to help them.
Grumpy Weekend
Hmmmphhh... That's how I've felt for the last few days. I had a dream that woke me up in a funny place on Friday morning, and I haven't been able to shake it. Ever have a dream like that? And Friday was a fine day, long, but uneventful until my show, which was unsatisfying, to say the least.
I abjured the company of husband and fellow players and went directly home to bed. I felt in a fog all day Saturday, maybe the start of a cold? Again, things went fine. I had 2 private Pilates sessions in the morning, and my mat class had 10 people in it! 10! I know it's partly that beginning-of-the-year, resolution crowd, but it's also a lot of repeat students, and they seem really happy when we're done. I'm really enjoying it so much. And then massages, and a lazy night at home with the husband.
Two massages this morning (when I was expecting only one, so that's a nice bonus!) with nice, new clients, with 2 lovely small daughters and a lovely house in a lovely area. That always makes me a little wistful, but I know we're on the path to all of that.
Anyway, the fog is clearing now, and I think we will take a walk in the fresh, just-rained-on air this afternoon, and start the week fresh.
I abjured the company of husband and fellow players and went directly home to bed. I felt in a fog all day Saturday, maybe the start of a cold? Again, things went fine. I had 2 private Pilates sessions in the morning, and my mat class had 10 people in it! 10! I know it's partly that beginning-of-the-year, resolution crowd, but it's also a lot of repeat students, and they seem really happy when we're done. I'm really enjoying it so much. And then massages, and a lazy night at home with the husband.
Two massages this morning (when I was expecting only one, so that's a nice bonus!) with nice, new clients, with 2 lovely small daughters and a lovely house in a lovely area. That always makes me a little wistful, but I know we're on the path to all of that.
Anyway, the fog is clearing now, and I think we will take a walk in the fresh, just-rained-on air this afternoon, and start the week fresh.
Exquisite Corpse: Surrealism and the Black Dahlia Murders, Mark Nelson and Sarah Hudson Bayliss
I have to confess, I didn't actually read this book so much as skim it and look at the pictures. It's interesting, and would probably be more so if I knew (or cared) a little more about art. The supposition of the book is a link between surrealist art and the grisly murder of Elizabeth Short, The Black Dahlia. I checked it out of the library because another Dahlia book I read recently referenced it. It includes a slew of photographs of both the Short autopsy and crime scene, and various surrealist works.
Jury Of One, by David Ellis
Standard legal thriller, but an engaging one. I will seek this author out again.
Literacy and Longing in L.A., by Jennifer Kaufman and Karen Mack
I enjoyed this one, mostly because I can relate to the protagonist and her near-addictive love of books. Dora, child of a literary mother and absent father, has a tendency to use books to insulate her from the world at large, which I have been guilty of before, I confess. She goes on book benders the way other book heroines drink, have sex, and do drugs.
As with most books set in Los Angeles, the city itself functions as kind of a character, which is so neat to read, now that we're living there. I'm working on reading more L.A. writers, especially ones I read before we moved here. Michael Connelly is my favorite of these.
The story is pretty standard chick-lit fare. Dora is a pretty neurotic, but mostly good person, who reads herself into a hole of sorts at the beginning, and works her way out of it by building relationships with actual people as she goes, finding love again, etc., etc. It was a really fun read, despite being slightly predictable. Predictability is interesting, since it doesn't necessarily equal a bad book. The Kite Runner, which I read last year, was one of the most predictable books I ever read, but I was glued to the story anyway.
The book teems with interesting literary references; in fact, I began making a list of books and authors Dora mentions. Luckily, I gave up on this gargantuan task quickly, since there is a 9-page appendix listing them. My plan is to copy the list before I return the book and see if I can't make some headway. Reading this list, and considering my reading history has made me aware of some of the gaps in my literary life, so I'd like to try to fill it with a few more classics, some books that I should have read and haven't, and books that I did read, but so long ago I wasn't equipped to make any sense of them. So in a sense, Literacy and Longing in L.A. is an inspirational book for me.
As with most books set in Los Angeles, the city itself functions as kind of a character, which is so neat to read, now that we're living there. I'm working on reading more L.A. writers, especially ones I read before we moved here. Michael Connelly is my favorite of these.
The story is pretty standard chick-lit fare. Dora is a pretty neurotic, but mostly good person, who reads herself into a hole of sorts at the beginning, and works her way out of it by building relationships with actual people as she goes, finding love again, etc., etc. It was a really fun read, despite being slightly predictable. Predictability is interesting, since it doesn't necessarily equal a bad book. The Kite Runner, which I read last year, was one of the most predictable books I ever read, but I was glued to the story anyway.
The book teems with interesting literary references; in fact, I began making a list of books and authors Dora mentions. Luckily, I gave up on this gargantuan task quickly, since there is a 9-page appendix listing them. My plan is to copy the list before I return the book and see if I can't make some headway. Reading this list, and considering my reading history has made me aware of some of the gaps in my literary life, so I'd like to try to fill it with a few more classics, some books that I should have read and haven't, and books that I did read, but so long ago I wasn't equipped to make any sense of them. So in a sense, Literacy and Longing in L.A. is an inspirational book for me.
Playground, by Jennifer Saginor
A memoir of a girl's early years growing up in/near the Playboy Mansion.
The trouble with memoirs is that they tend to be so self-indulgent. This one has a few interesting tidbits, celebrity sightings, and the standard sex, drugs, and rock'n'roll, but it comes across mostly as a whiny little girl working out her daddy issues on paper instead of with a therapist. A quick read, at least, but not one I would recommend highly.
The trouble with memoirs is that they tend to be so self-indulgent. This one has a few interesting tidbits, celebrity sightings, and the standard sex, drugs, and rock'n'roll, but it comes across mostly as a whiny little girl working out her daddy issues on paper instead of with a therapist. A quick read, at least, but not one I would recommend highly.
Shotgun Opera, by Victor Gischler
Assassins (both retired and active), lunatic sisters, wimpy nephews, dangerous criminals--your basic thriller. Not a great read, but an okay way to pass a few hours. Weak characters, though; hard to believe that any of them would do the things they do.
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
Echo Park, by Michael Connelly
Pretty much like every other Michael Connelly/Harry Bosch book, but I love them. They've become particularly rich to me since we moved to Los Angeles, and the places in the book are places I've been, or could go really easily. Chris and I both read (I re-read) the whole series in our first few months here, and it was pretty neat. We loosely planned to take my parents (also Connelly fans) on a Harry Bosch tour of LA, and didn't really do it. We had a grand plan, to make a soundtrack using music Harry listened to, and eat at his favorite restaurants. Maybe this summer we'll manage it. It would be really cool.
Test.....OUT!
Way behind on my book reporting, obviously, but today it is more important to report on my Pilates progress. I am now officially certified (no paper yet, though, who knows how long that will take?) as a Pilates instructor. After multiple frustrating rescheduled test-outs, we finally managed to do it. And it doesn't matter how confident you are in your skills, having people watch you changes everything.
I got a lot of very positive feedback on my style of explanation and my rapport with the client, but was encouraged to think more globally, as it were, taking in more of how the client's body reacts, not just at the primary sites, but everywhere. Makes a lot of sense to me, and that's something that I feel has been improving steadily over the last few months. I also got a couple of criticisms that I think were due to the unnatural nature of the test-out itself, so I'm confident that those things will work themselves out. It was also a really nice thing to get some feedback, which doesn't happen very often in the professional Pilates world.
But, mostly...I'M DONE! It was largely a formality, but it feels really good to get it out of the way.
I got a lot of very positive feedback on my style of explanation and my rapport with the client, but was encouraged to think more globally, as it were, taking in more of how the client's body reacts, not just at the primary sites, but everywhere. Makes a lot of sense to me, and that's something that I feel has been improving steadily over the last few months. I also got a couple of criticisms that I think were due to the unnatural nature of the test-out itself, so I'm confident that those things will work themselves out. It was also a really nice thing to get some feedback, which doesn't happen very often in the professional Pilates world.
But, mostly...I'M DONE! It was largely a formality, but it feels really good to get it out of the way.
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