You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)

Yes, that's right!

Two blog posts in one week and BOTH have titles from 80's songs.

Remember this gem?

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Alright, now stay with me and see if you get the connection.

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I did Spinning for the first time ever last night!

Now don't get too excited.

I wasn't part of a class, but rather I decided to try it before my Pilates class. My teacher and I had been talking about my need for cardio and she suggested I come early before Pilates and try spinning. Last week after class she showed me how to use the bike (adjust the seat, etc...) and wished me well.

In the days leading up to Monday night, I was mostly concerned with one thing: what music was I going to listen to while I pedaled?

I'm a luddite when it comes to music on devices. I have zero.

I ended up downloading the Spotify app and created a playlist. Here it is:

To say my music tastes are eclectic would be an understatement.

Having good music definitely helps the time go faster on the bike.

My first time ended up being fine- definitely got me sweating and warmed up for Pilates. Each week I'll try to pedal a little longer...but that means I need more songs!


What songs do you listen to while exercising?

Hello...Is It Me You're Looking For?

Yes, Lionel, it is.

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So, now that you've found me, it's been over six months since I've posted. This is a record.

And not a good one.

Let's see what's what.

Winter has arrived here in New England. I guess I should be happy it waited until 12/9 to show up?

We got about 6 inches of the white stuff starting mid-afternoon yesterday and overnight.

I originally had plans to go out shopping today (I had visions in my head of being alone strolling through aisles browsing at my leisure) but then I realized it was just too freaking cold.

So, I ended up staying in- reading and napping- with two pair of socks on and my fleece blanket.

My parents were saying how cold it is where they are in NE Florida. Cold as in "in the 40's." Yeah. Wimps.

Can I possibly cover everything that's happened since my last post? Doubtful. Here's a bulleted synopsis:

• Grace turned 30. Yes, that's right. 30. As we were planning her party, I couldn't stop thinking how old I felt. (And John and her Mom commented the same.) We had a cookout and a few of her friends and her respite person came over to celebrate. Her big gift was a new laptop. I think she kind of liked it.

• Grace had her Special Olympics Massachusetts Summer State Games and participated in swimming. It's always a blast for her because she gets to sleep in a college dorm and be "parent-free." Can't miss her with the Candy Crush swim cap.

• Grace & I went to a Red Sox game. It was a Monday night & John had a prior commitment, so he couldn't make it. I figured I'd take the subway in from some point and we'd go from there. John said I should drive in. I drove. Never.again. Stuck in traffic for days. I ended up pulling into the first lot we came up (which turned out to be valet and was pretty much right across the street from the Park.) I would normally never pay that much to park, but since the tickets were cheap and we were running late, I did it. We had fun but it was brutally hot. (Can't tell from my face, can you?)

• While scrolling through my iPhone photos to write this post (because my memory is pretty bad), I came across this picture.

This may seem like an odd picture to be in my camera roll on my phone. Nine friends will recognize it immediately. Maria, a member of the online chat board I've been a part of for the past nine or so years, passed away in June. We often posted this picture when someone in the group needed a virtual hug (or maybe it was just me that posted it?) I posted it in our group the day before she passed. This loss was hard for me- much harder than I expected. I'd never met Maria in person and we often disagreed on things, but I had contact with her close to everyday for those nine years. Her loss is still felt.

• We got to meet our great nephew Camden! He was about six-ish weeks at the time and soooo cute. It's amazing how much he's changed since these pictures from June.

Wow...I'm only through June! If you read this whole thing, kudos to you. I could go on, obviously, but I think I'll quit while I'm ahead. Look for my July 2017 recap in May 2018.

Ok- let's hope not.