Writing, Painting, & P90X

March 28, 2010

My activities have been much more focused this past week, and promise to continue in a similar vein in the coming week. Most of the routine involves writing papers for school: a training portfolio (done!), a Marketplace / leadership theory paper (due Monday), a practitioner theory paper, a paper on my individual project, and the final self-assessment paper.

I've been using various strategies to keep paper writing interesting, one of which has going with my friend Katie to the University of Washington graduate library to write. The atmosphere is inspiring, as you can see from these photos: http://lmthorsell.shutterfly.com/266 Katie is also a fabulous writing buddy -- so helpful to have someone with whom to discuss ideas or process writing blocks.

I've also done five days of the P90X training -- so good to have something very physical to balance all the mental work. The program mixes strength training with jump-cardio (plyometrics), yoga, and kenpo (a style of karate). It's been a challenge! The yoga had me doing advanced postures that I hadn't thought I could do. Actually, there's usually some point during every workout when I wonder whether I'll be able to finish, but so far I've made it. The instructor in the videos does an excellent job, showing that he and the people who've finished the program are human, too, motivating the viewer, yet also giving reminders to respect one's own physical limits. No photos to share regarding this yet! Maybe I'll share my "after" pics once I make it through.

I did play hooky from writing and working out on Saturday to do a process painting workshop at Present Sense. Last November I did five paintings during the day. This time I only did one. It felt like a gift to me (my 19th sobriety birthday is Tuesday), and also a promise of spring both in the world and in my life.

My classmate Tanya, her boyfriend, and I have a kayaking trip planned for the Easter weekend, weather permitting. I'll share news of that in my next email. Looking forward to hearing from you, too! Thanks for your emails.


Copyright © 2010 Lynn Thorsell, All rights reserved.