Well. The weathermen have predicted what is essentially a perfect storm. What are we going to do? What are we going to do?
Went to an Oscar party last night. . .party was good, Oscar's were boring. Chris Rock won't be coming back. It should always be Billy Crystal - not extremely funny but safe and predictable.
February 28, 2005
February 26, 2005
City Crab
Last night, Sandra and I had dinner at the most wonderful restaurant in New York City. . . City Crab. We met to discuss the thing that I don't want this blog to become about. Okay. Fine. I might as well say it. We met to discuss the wedding. We each ate something that was brutally delicious from their fantastic menu. Sandra had the crabcakes with a side of yummy roasted potatoes. I chose something from the Friday night specials - Monkfish served on a bed of the nicest paella ever. The chorizo popped with flavors, the shrimp was fresh, the clams didn't make me sick and the scallops were brilliant. For dessert we shared the coconut parfait with sauteed pineapples. The place is great. They serve seafood appetizers at the bar. It's also the locale of my first seriously romantic date with Jon in 2003.
Just so the legend of our relationship remains true, I will tell you that our actual first date took place at Republic, that great trendy noodle house inUnion Square. It was after this date that we both decided to keep on seeing each other.
Thank you so much for dinner Sandra. I had a wonderful time.
Just so the legend of our relationship remains true, I will tell you that our actual first date took place at Republic, that great trendy noodle house inUnion Square. It was after this date that we both decided to keep on seeing each other.
Thank you so much for dinner Sandra. I had a wonderful time.
February 25, 2005
It Snowed
The Northeast received a God size helping of snow last night. I looked out the window and saw that today was going to be cold and damp.
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I'm tired this morning. I watched the Apprentice twice last night. Once at 8 and then later on tape with Jon. Last night's episode contained this bit of wisom from Donald Trump, no doubt learned in one of his classes at Wharton.
"Shut up and listen." He explained that this is the best way to learn things from people.
So now you're thinking that's profound, so simple and obvious a child could have figured that out. Yet the project manager from the STREET SMARTS team (those contestants that don't have college), didn't listen to anyone and led her team straight to a loss. She was also steeped deep in denial. Several people on her team, at her initial meeting told her that her idea was wrong, yet she didn't listen. Nor did she listen to the people for whom they were creating a graffiti ad in Harlem. Yet she claimed right until her taxi cab interview that no one told her she was on the wrong track and blamed her team for a failure that was obviously her own.
How did the BOOK SMARTS (those with college) team win? The project manager not only listened to the client and to his team, but surveyed people in the neighborhood to see what would be the most effective GRAFFITI advertisement for the product whose name I won't mention because it received enough publicity last night.** I have mixed feelings about this approach. While he applied a little common sense by getting ideas from other people, he didn't show much in the end of creativity.
But in the end it wasn't about creativity or artistry. In the end the task was about delivering the product in the most effective way to the requirements laid out by the client. In the end, it was another ridiculous episode.
---------------------------------------------------------
**Sheez Louise, D. Trump said the name of the product 9 times while explaining the task to the contestants during the beginning of the show.
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I'm tired this morning. I watched the Apprentice twice last night. Once at 8 and then later on tape with Jon. Last night's episode contained this bit of wisom from Donald Trump, no doubt learned in one of his classes at Wharton.
"Shut up and listen." He explained that this is the best way to learn things from people.
So now you're thinking that's profound, so simple and obvious a child could have figured that out. Yet the project manager from the STREET SMARTS team (those contestants that don't have college), didn't listen to anyone and led her team straight to a loss. She was also steeped deep in denial. Several people on her team, at her initial meeting told her that her idea was wrong, yet she didn't listen. Nor did she listen to the people for whom they were creating a graffiti ad in Harlem. Yet she claimed right until her taxi cab interview that no one told her she was on the wrong track and blamed her team for a failure that was obviously her own.
How did the BOOK SMARTS (those with college) team win? The project manager not only listened to the client and to his team, but surveyed people in the neighborhood to see what would be the most effective GRAFFITI advertisement for the product whose name I won't mention because it received enough publicity last night.** I have mixed feelings about this approach. While he applied a little common sense by getting ideas from other people, he didn't show much in the end of creativity.
But in the end it wasn't about creativity or artistry. In the end the task was about delivering the product in the most effective way to the requirements laid out by the client. In the end, it was another ridiculous episode.
---------------------------------------------------------
**Sheez Louise, D. Trump said the name of the product 9 times while explaining the task to the contestants during the beginning of the show.
February 24, 2005
The Gym
I weighed myself this morning and I gained weight. I shouldn't have stepped on that scale.
I decided I was going to start with some kind of high calorie burning aerobic activity to take off some initial weight before I started really working out with the weights because I know weight training builds mass and makes you heavier even though your toning up.
But I wanted to have an initial success, a quick weight loss, a month of extreme movement and sweating to get me started, to make me feel like working out is a worthwhile activity.
You know how upset I am. You've been here. After three weeks of working out, I expected to see at least a loss of 2 or 3 pounds. Nope. Not me. It doesn't work like that with me. Because every time I start an exercise and diet program my body has the opposite response. It puts weight on me.
Argh!!!!!
I decided I was going to start with some kind of high calorie burning aerobic activity to take off some initial weight before I started really working out with the weights because I know weight training builds mass and makes you heavier even though your toning up.
But I wanted to have an initial success, a quick weight loss, a month of extreme movement and sweating to get me started, to make me feel like working out is a worthwhile activity.
You know how upset I am. You've been here. After three weeks of working out, I expected to see at least a loss of 2 or 3 pounds. Nope. Not me. It doesn't work like that with me. Because every time I start an exercise and diet program my body has the opposite response. It puts weight on me.
Argh!!!!!
February 23, 2005
Paris Hilton annoys me but I still feel bad for her. Her private life was stolen and posted on the internet. All those people in her phone book, whose numbers were exposed to the public lost a little bit more of their privacy and probably hold Paris responsible - not all of them but some.
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Stayed at work until 7 tonight. I'm going to have to go to the gym extraordinarily early tomorrow morning to make up for not going this evening.
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Now I'm watching yet another rerun of Law & Order. This is the one where the actress who plays the mom on Six Feet Under, plays an amateur exorcist responsible for the murder of a young, teenage girl.
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At 9, I will watch American Idol for a third night in a row.
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Stayed at work until 7 tonight. I'm going to have to go to the gym extraordinarily early tomorrow morning to make up for not going this evening.
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Now I'm watching yet another rerun of Law & Order. This is the one where the actress who plays the mom on Six Feet Under, plays an amateur exorcist responsible for the murder of a young, teenage girl.
============================================
At 9, I will watch American Idol for a third night in a row.
February 22, 2005
Back To Work
Today was a great day. I worked on a mailing the entire morning. I never thought I'd be thankful to be working on another mailing but I am. It's easy work that occupies a large amount of time. When one is doing a mailing, often one is not responsible for anything else. So for about 6 hours today, my sole responsiblity was the folding, stuffing, sealing and stamping of one of our clients' newsletters.
Later in the day, I got organize previous press releases with the help of a plastic see thru sleeves and a loose leaf binder. I also edited a press release for another client and updated a letter for my boss.
I was also simultaneously entertaining the four year old daughter of my co-worker. The four year old is off from school this week and her babysitter has a broken leg, so I'll be seeing a lot of her this week. She just couldn't be any cuter. I asked her to draw me a picture of an elephant. She didn't work on it until the end of the day. When she did finally get around to it she drew me on the back of a big elephant in and her on the back of a little elephant. When I have a chance I'll scan it and post it. It's the most amazing picture I've ever seen a young child draw. Usually four year olds draw those potato people with sticks and arms for legs. This picture had proportion, smiley faces, and enough information to let you know what she wanted to convey - two happy people riding on the backs of two happy elephants. I was flattered.
She didn't say a word to me the whole day but was following me around everywhere. What a day.
Now I'm pooped. Mailings are tiring. Maybe next time I'll sit down. But that wouldn't work because it's faster to do the mailing when you're standing - something about being able to twist a the waist.
But I go on. . . you probably don't give a sh*t about the proper technique for putting together a mailing but if you ever need any advice, you know where to reach me.
Later in the day, I got organize previous press releases with the help of a plastic see thru sleeves and a loose leaf binder. I also edited a press release for another client and updated a letter for my boss.
I was also simultaneously entertaining the four year old daughter of my co-worker. The four year old is off from school this week and her babysitter has a broken leg, so I'll be seeing a lot of her this week. She just couldn't be any cuter. I asked her to draw me a picture of an elephant. She didn't work on it until the end of the day. When she did finally get around to it she drew me on the back of a big elephant in and her on the back of a little elephant. When I have a chance I'll scan it and post it. It's the most amazing picture I've ever seen a young child draw. Usually four year olds draw those potato people with sticks and arms for legs. This picture had proportion, smiley faces, and enough information to let you know what she wanted to convey - two happy people riding on the backs of two happy elephants. I was flattered.
She didn't say a word to me the whole day but was following me around everywhere. What a day.
Now I'm pooped. Mailings are tiring. Maybe next time I'll sit down. But that wouldn't work because it's faster to do the mailing when you're standing - something about being able to twist a the waist.
But I go on. . . you probably don't give a sh*t about the proper technique for putting together a mailing but if you ever need any advice, you know where to reach me.
February 21, 2005
Winter is Back
Winter is back in force. Today was cold and damp and overcast.
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Thanks to the holiday, I got to enjoy another Monday off with Jon.
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I don't want this to become a wedding blog, so it won't become one. We started putting together some lose ideas for our wedding and it's hard. After about an hour of discussion, which I know isn't that much, we decided on a place where we can hold both the ceremony and the reception. We have a copy of The Knot's wedding planning book. That's somewhat helpful. Discussions with people who have had weddings is turning out to be the best help.
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After discussing the wedding, I watched American Idol - men only. 12 men performed for the TV audience - 6 will be voted to stay. Tomorrow night 12 women will perform. The winners will be announced on Wednesday night. Guess what I'm doing the next two nights.
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Thanks to the holiday, I got to enjoy another Monday off with Jon.
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I don't want this to become a wedding blog, so it won't become one. We started putting together some lose ideas for our wedding and it's hard. After about an hour of discussion, which I know isn't that much, we decided on a place where we can hold both the ceremony and the reception. We have a copy of The Knot's wedding planning book. That's somewhat helpful. Discussions with people who have had weddings is turning out to be the best help.
================================
After discussing the wedding, I watched American Idol - men only. 12 men performed for the TV audience - 6 will be voted to stay. Tomorrow night 12 women will perform. The winners will be announced on Wednesday night. Guess what I'm doing the next two nights.
Happy Birsday Mista Pwez ee dent
To which great man do we owe this day off? I don't know - some dead guy, some former President. Does it really matter? It's a Monday OFF!!!! I worked out like mad this weekend. GO ME!!! I also had fun this weekend. GO ME!!!!!
Part of the fun was taking pictures. GO ME!!!!
Did you know that one of the most patriotic New York neighborhoods in the city is Astoria, Queens? In this part of the world, where over 120 different languages are spoken and one can find more cultural diversity than any where else in America, patriotic symbols can be found everywhere;
in the names of the stores,
on the front doors of businesses,
hanging from building entrances,
and even on the shelves of the 99 cent stores that seem to dominate the area.
Part of the fun was taking pictures. GO ME!!!!
Did you know that one of the most patriotic New York neighborhoods in the city is Astoria, Queens? In this part of the world, where over 120 different languages are spoken and one can find more cultural diversity than any where else in America, patriotic symbols can be found everywhere;
in the names of the stores,
on the front doors of businesses,
hanging from building entrances,
and even on the shelves of the 99 cent stores that seem to dominate the area.
February 20, 2005
February 18, 2005
February 17, 2005
New Job
Whose bright idea was it to start a new job on Thursday?
Oh yeah. Mine.
Things went well. But I realized starting a new job on a Thursday means I won't be able to get any momentum going this week - the momentum to prove myself.
That psychological MONDAY edge wasn't with me today. I hope I still managed to make a good impression as this executive's assistant. I finished my tasks quickly and efficiently. Sometimes that's not such a good thing. Sometimes, people assign you work to keep you busy. If you finish it too quickly, it can annoy them. Also, nobody likes a brown noser.
I don't think that was the case today but just in case, tomorrow I'll take my time and make sure I perform my tasks to the best of my ability.
A positive attitude goes a long way. Never underestimate the power of smiling. Because if your boss finds that you aren't doing a good job, at least he/she can say that you're a pleasure to work with.
Oh yeah. Mine.
Things went well. But I realized starting a new job on a Thursday means I won't be able to get any momentum going this week - the momentum to prove myself.
That psychological MONDAY edge wasn't with me today. I hope I still managed to make a good impression as this executive's assistant. I finished my tasks quickly and efficiently. Sometimes that's not such a good thing. Sometimes, people assign you work to keep you busy. If you finish it too quickly, it can annoy them. Also, nobody likes a brown noser.
I don't think that was the case today but just in case, tomorrow I'll take my time and make sure I perform my tasks to the best of my ability.
A positive attitude goes a long way. Never underestimate the power of smiling. Because if your boss finds that you aren't doing a good job, at least he/she can say that you're a pleasure to work with.
First Day - Again
Today is the first day of yet another new job.
I think this is the fourth job I'm starting since I started this blog.
I know I don't deserve because things are going so well but wish me luck anyway just because you understand.
I think this is the fourth job I'm starting since I started this blog.
I know I don't deserve because things are going so well but wish me luck anyway just because you understand.
February 16, 2005
Liza Minelli
It is unusually warm today. Spring has sprung early. I don't like when the seasons don't behave the way they are supposed to. Normally, February is the most miserable month of a New Yorker's year. Not this February. Today it's 50 degrees outside.
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Liza Minelli is performing live this week at the Westbury Music Fair.
Is anyone actually going to see her?
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I attended the LOVE SUCKS edition of Tuesday Night Trivia. Our team, Saffron Dreams, tied for first. One of the hosts made an example of me by announcing our engagement. The crowd barely reacted because most of them don't know us. Of course, the host was making an angry example of us because the LOVE SUCKS theme was for those who are angry at the Valentine's Day institution.
If it weren't for my amazing sense of humour I may have been embarrassed.
=======================================
I've got the Tony Danza show on - part of the soundtrack of my day. This morning's activity is sorting and doing laundry. I need something like the Tony Danza show to help me separate the whites from the colors. It keeps me going. Gets my energy up. Motivates me.
Not really. I'm lying becuase he's a nice guy with a lame show and I was trying to find something positive about this experience but there really isn't anything here. He's just not a great talk show host but at least he's working. He doesn't stop trying and there is something to that.
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There are people who don't like The Gates. They say it's because The Gates get in the way of all the nature in Central Park. Well, I say to them. . .it's just for another 12 days. Soon Central Park will be bereft of life - gray and miserable.
=======================================
Liza Minelli is performing live this week at the Westbury Music Fair.
Is anyone actually going to see her?
=======================================
I attended the LOVE SUCKS edition of Tuesday Night Trivia. Our team, Saffron Dreams, tied for first. One of the hosts made an example of me by announcing our engagement. The crowd barely reacted because most of them don't know us. Of course, the host was making an angry example of us because the LOVE SUCKS theme was for those who are angry at the Valentine's Day institution.
If it weren't for my amazing sense of humour I may have been embarrassed.
=======================================
I've got the Tony Danza show on - part of the soundtrack of my day. This morning's activity is sorting and doing laundry. I need something like the Tony Danza show to help me separate the whites from the colors. It keeps me going. Gets my energy up. Motivates me.
Not really. I'm lying becuase he's a nice guy with a lame show and I was trying to find something positive about this experience but there really isn't anything here. He's just not a great talk show host but at least he's working. He doesn't stop trying and there is something to that.
=======================================
There are people who don't like The Gates. They say it's because The Gates get in the way of all the nature in Central Park. Well, I say to them. . .it's just for another 12 days. Soon Central Park will be bereft of life - gray and miserable.
February 15, 2005
Happy
I have to change the name of this website because I don't feel like a misanthrope anymore. I'm engaged to the best guy in the world, I have plenty of friends, I just left a good job for another, I quit smoking and I'm working out regularly. My life is going well.
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The elliptical machine makes working out at the gym more enjoyable than any other machine I have ever used. In 30 minutes I walked/jogged a little over two miles and burned over 300 calories. To say I was downhearted when I discovered my shin splints is an understatement. However, they were a blessing in disguise. I actually feel like I'm accomplishing something on the elliptical machine. On the treadmill, I was just walking, which is something I do all the time and find boring. The E.M. requires a certain amount of concentration and doesn't ever get boring.
Also, I'm finding that runner's high I used to get when I would ride my bicycle like a maniac on the boardwalk in Long Beach. It's downright relaxing is what it is.
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The elliptical machine makes working out at the gym more enjoyable than any other machine I have ever used. In 30 minutes I walked/jogged a little over two miles and burned over 300 calories. To say I was downhearted when I discovered my shin splints is an understatement. However, they were a blessing in disguise. I actually feel like I'm accomplishing something on the elliptical machine. On the treadmill, I was just walking, which is something I do all the time and find boring. The E.M. requires a certain amount of concentration and doesn't ever get boring.
Also, I'm finding that runner's high I used to get when I would ride my bicycle like a maniac on the boardwalk in Long Beach. It's downright relaxing is what it is.
February 14, 2005
The Gates
Jon and I spent a good part of this rainy Valentine's Day, braving the elements in Central Park. One of our friends saw these on Friday night and said he wasn't terribly impressed.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion.
I was impressed. I think they are lovely and that The Gates is nice gift from the artists to New York City.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion.
I was impressed. I think they are lovely and that The Gates is nice gift from the artists to New York City.
Happy Valentine's Day
Jon and I celebrated Valentine's Day on Sunday because we thought I would be working on Monday and wanted to get in a good night's worth of celebration. Here is a picture of us getting ready to go out.
After we got ready to go out, Jon handed me the Best Valentine I Would Ever Get.
Here is a picture of me reading it.
It was THE BEST VALENTINE I EVER GOT because he proposed to me. Here I am positively glowing with happiness. If you look closely, you can see my face is red from happy crying.
And finally after telling everyone and then going out for a nice dinner, here we are at home, at the end of the evening, engaged.
After we got ready to go out, Jon handed me the Best Valentine I Would Ever Get.
Here is a picture of me reading it.
It was THE BEST VALENTINE I EVER GOT because he proposed to me. Here I am positively glowing with happiness. If you look closely, you can see my face is red from happy crying.
And finally after telling everyone and then going out for a nice dinner, here we are at home, at the end of the evening, engaged.
February 11, 2005
A New Favorite
Rainblo Bubblegum is my new favorite snack.
It was introduced to me by KF.
We chew gum all day long at work because it's fun!!
It was introduced to me by KF.
We chew gum all day long at work because it's fun!!
Friday
Hee hee. It's Friday again.
How wonderful and splendiforous. This weekend starts the Christo installation of thousands of yards of orange fabric tented all over Central Park.
Pictures will be take for those of you who won't be able to come into town to enjoy.
Enjoy writing in the passive voice, I do.
How wonderful and splendiforous. This weekend starts the Christo installation of thousands of yards of orange fabric tented all over Central Park.
Pictures will be take for those of you who won't be able to come into town to enjoy.
Enjoy writing in the passive voice, I do.
February 10, 2005
Thursday is Trumpday
The Apprentice
Two teams produced two ads for Donny Deutsch to promote some DOVE product or the other (that's two tie-ins, thank you very much.) Both teams made commercials that sucked so bad that both had to see The Donald in the Boardroom. Final tie-in of this and every episode is the huge YAHOO HOTJOBS banner on the taxis that pickup the ejected, dejected and rejected apprentices. Tonight was no different.
I don't know what kind of 30 second commercial Donald Trump and Donny Deutsch expected either team to produce. Neither really had the experience and they certainly didn't have the time.
These tests don't always accurately measure the abilities of the teams and their members. They are unfairly difficult.
The tie-ins are excessive but indeed a lesson in advertising and product placement.
Will I watch again next week? Absolutely. I'm hooked. Mark Burnett is a genius. Is he looking for an apprentice? I want to be a contestant on THAT SHOW.
Two teams produced two ads for Donny Deutsch to promote some DOVE product or the other (that's two tie-ins, thank you very much.) Both teams made commercials that sucked so bad that both had to see The Donald in the Boardroom. Final tie-in of this and every episode is the huge YAHOO HOTJOBS banner on the taxis that pickup the ejected, dejected and rejected apprentices. Tonight was no different.
I don't know what kind of 30 second commercial Donald Trump and Donny Deutsch expected either team to produce. Neither really had the experience and they certainly didn't have the time.
These tests don't always accurately measure the abilities of the teams and their members. They are unfairly difficult.
The tie-ins are excessive but indeed a lesson in advertising and product placement.
Will I watch again next week? Absolutely. I'm hooked. Mark Burnett is a genius. Is he looking for an apprentice? I want to be a contestant on THAT SHOW.
Reelin' in the Days
Here is stuff about some things you should know:
Tuesday night I played Tuesday NightTrivia. My friend and a co-worker K.F. was a welcome addition to the team which consisted of T.A.B., Vidiot and B., and Erik and of course me. We named our team LOSE LIKE AN EAGLE, to honor the losing Super Bowl team and we did. Caren, who did a great job of hosting, pointed out that we "lost like an EAGLE" because we came in second. I keep telling myself there is no shame in coming in second, we still finished in the money, but I don't know if I can stand for that next week.
Last night I went to the gym directly from work. I am determined to lose weight and tone up and feel better. I set out to do exactly what I did on Monday. I just wanted to walk briskly on the treadmill for 35 minutes or so. But 5 minutes into last night's treadmill routine, my shins were aching. After 15 minutes, I had to stop. I was so mad and frustrated. How am I going to do the high impact aerobic exercise necessary to lose weight if my body won't cooperate. I angrily submitted to my weakness and peddled furiously on one of those gym bikes. I focused all of that frustration and anger into the peddles. By the time I was done, I was crimson red and sweating hard. People were looking at me with alarm as they often do when I exercise. My face always turns deep red. If you've never seen that happen to someone before, it could be pretty upsetting. But my heart rate was fine. My target rate is 167 and last night it didn't go above 148.
I felt better when it was all done. The frustration left through the opening I provided - my peddling feet - and the steaming hot bath I took later finished the job. I slept really well last night.
It's true. Exercise does make you feel better.
Tuesday night I played Tuesday NightTrivia. My friend and a co-worker K.F. was a welcome addition to the team which consisted of T.A.B., Vidiot and B., and Erik and of course me. We named our team LOSE LIKE AN EAGLE, to honor the losing Super Bowl team and we did. Caren, who did a great job of hosting, pointed out that we "lost like an EAGLE" because we came in second. I keep telling myself there is no shame in coming in second, we still finished in the money, but I don't know if I can stand for that next week.
Last night I went to the gym directly from work. I am determined to lose weight and tone up and feel better. I set out to do exactly what I did on Monday. I just wanted to walk briskly on the treadmill for 35 minutes or so. But 5 minutes into last night's treadmill routine, my shins were aching. After 15 minutes, I had to stop. I was so mad and frustrated. How am I going to do the high impact aerobic exercise necessary to lose weight if my body won't cooperate. I angrily submitted to my weakness and peddled furiously on one of those gym bikes. I focused all of that frustration and anger into the peddles. By the time I was done, I was crimson red and sweating hard. People were looking at me with alarm as they often do when I exercise. My face always turns deep red. If you've never seen that happen to someone before, it could be pretty upsetting. But my heart rate was fine. My target rate is 167 and last night it didn't go above 148.
I felt better when it was all done. The frustration left through the opening I provided - my peddling feet - and the steaming hot bath I took later finished the job. I slept really well last night.
It's true. Exercise does make you feel better.
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