Okay, so it's been a while since I updated. There's a reason for that.
Previously, my laptop has been running on Windows Vista. And by that I mean it was slow, full of viruses and bugs, and barely loping along at times. My dad and I decided that it was time to move to Windows 7, if only to get rid of some of the virus problems. Personally, I wasn't thrilled about it. I thought 7 would be just a pain to work with. But I'm all switched over and I have never been happier to be wrong. My computer is fast again, there aren't viruses on it, the internet actually loads...
So happy to be proven wrong.
But that was the main reason for me not updating. We had to completely transfer and back up all my files (There are MANY files on this computer, trust me), then move them over after installing the new OS. That took the better part of two days, then we had to get Firefox installed again and just recently we were able to install Microsoft Office again. So my computer is pretty much back to speed, but that's why you guys didn't get an update. Sorry!
A lot's been going on...where to start? Let's begin with running.
It's HOT AS HELL. I do not run well in the heat and humidity. Which means I have to run either early in the morning or late at night. Late at night I'm usually at karate or closing for work and mornings are just hard all around. This has forced me to do my runs inside for the most part. But tonight I'm planning a five mile run at seven, then tomorrow morning I'm doing a 12 mile sunrise run. I really do mean sunrise though, since I'm leaving the house at 5AM.
I really hate myself, don't I? But that's the only time it's cool enough to run without dying of heat stroke.
But it's nice to run. I get to see lots of parts of town that I don't usually see...my favorite runs are near the lake. All the houses down there are so cute.
Often times I end up running past my karate dojo, which makes me smile. It's like I just never leave there! Karate has been going well...we only had karate one day last week since there was the annual lakeside festival which totally locked us out. Yesterday was my first day back since then, and I have to admit that I was frustrated to no end. I really seemed to hit a wall. Usually I'm able to push past it, but I don't know. I just couldn't.
I get frustrated when I can't get a move or kata just perfect and I feel I should be able to. I know I'm only a yellow belt, and I'm not expected to be perfect, but I feel like if I can get things perfect now, there will be less to correct in the future. The main problem is that I'm holding myself to standards that are too high for my rank. Sensei McKeon said he'll need to teach me Mizu No Kokuro, which translates to Mind like Water.
From what I've been able to find (thanks Google!) Mind like Water is being able to remove all other thoughts from your head and making your mind calm, smooth like an untouched body of water. Such a state will allow you to take anything that comes your way with an open mind. It's hard to anticipate an attack or make changes when you're focused on a thousand other things. Remove those distractions, and you will be able to clearly see what needs to be done. At least, that's how I'm reading it.
I'll be trying to work on that as I prepare for the seminar in a week. Just letting go of all distractions, of everything and focusing on what needs to be done.
Knitting is going well, but slowly. I'm still working on my sister's graduation present, which isn't too difficult but I just need to work on it. I've started my first project on circular needles, which is a hat for my friend Bobert. For all Firefly fans out there, the hat that Jayne wears? You know...
That hat. It's awesome. After that I'll be working on a hat for myself, and then I think I'll take the ultimate challenge of making THE SCARF.
For those unfamiliar, in the early seasons of Dr. Who, the Doctor regenerated into his fourth form, played by Tom Baker. This man then proceeded to play the Doctor for the longest stretch to date, seven years. That's unimportant. http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifWhat is important was the costume. Someone on the costume team wanted him to wear a scarf, but didn't know how to knit. So they handed a bunch of yarn scraps to a woman who did know and told her to make a scarf. They never specified what it would look like though, so the woman just went to town.
That is Tom Baker, some Daleks, and the original scarf. Seriously, that thing is a beast. There are seriously whole websites dedicated to the thing and how to make your own. So that will be my project when I'm done with all my others.
I've been writing a lot more, but not as often as I usually do. I think it's something I do more during the school year. Oh well. Still getting some work done.
Lately I've been absolutely HOOKED on the game Borderlands. It won game of the year a while back, and it's not hard to see why. It's addictive and well done!
Oh yeah, and they advertised it by saying you could (and I quote) "punch a midget's leg off." No, you did not read that wrong. The game is full of crude humor, foul language, and people turning into blood fountains left and right.
I think it's AWESOME.
My fourth of July was all right. I was working from 10 to 4, which was kinda meh, but afterwards I was able to stop by my uncle's party before going to another party with Jim. Saw the fireworks at the lake on Sunday evening, and they were INCREDIBLE! I love fireworks. They're just so cool. I didn't like that we were downwind from two groups of smokers and a guy who was smoking the biggest cigar I've ever seen in my life, but there was nothing to be done about it.
On Sunday my dad, sister, and I are headed up to Summerfest to see Sara Bareilles preform with Sugarland. I've never been to a concert before, and I'm super excited. Sara is one of my favorites of all time, so this'll be AWESOME!
I'm sitting outside writing this on the screened in porch. There are birdies splashing in the bird bath. Yaaaay summer!
Raceday Countdown: 17 Days
Boston Countdown: 8 DAYS
Song of the Day: Other Side of the World by KT Tunstall
<3 Erin
