L.Y. Levand's Blog, page 17
September 16, 2013
Exercise: Improving Balance (Health Blog Series, Post #6)
We're going to start with some easy balance exercises; but first, let's go over some basic balance facts. (Check my source!) There are three planes of movement, and to improve balance you need to work all three.
~Sagittal plane
~Frontal plane
~Transverse plane
The Sagittal plane is the one used most often, and is called the forward and backward plane. The Frontal plane is side-to-side movement, and the Transverse plane is rotational movement.
Improving Balance on the Sagittal Plane
The sagittal plane divides your body into right and left halves, and involves forward and backward movement. A simple way to start improving balance without a lot of effort is to stand on one leg for thirty seconds, and then alternate sides.
A more challenging way to improve your balance on the sagittal plane is to combine an exercise with a balance-improving movement, such as the standing crunch.
Improving Balance on the Frontal Plane
The frontal plane divides your body into a front and back half, and involves movements from side to side. An easy way to work the balance along the frontal plane would be to bend from one side to the other.
To add an exercise element to this, you could add dumbells, like this.
Improving Balance on the Transverse Plane
The transverse plane divides your body into a top half and a bottom half, and is rotational movement. An example of rotational movement or a transverse activity would be swinging a golf club. One way you could improve your balance in this plane is to spread your arms out, and bend from the waist to touch one hand to your opposite foot, and then switch.
To make it into an exercise, you can try a standing wood chop.
HOMEWORK! :D
Yep! You lucky people get some homework now. ^-^ Using the information I've given you, pick one exercise for each plane. Do a few reps of each one, on three nonconsecutive days this week. If you don't think you can handle an exercise, then just do the simple balance movements.
Oh, and make sure you talk to your doctor if you're having some balance issues. He or she will be better able to help you with your individual challenges.
Share your exercise and balance movement finds in the comments! :D
~Sagittal plane
~Frontal plane
~Transverse plane
The Sagittal plane is the one used most often, and is called the forward and backward plane. The Frontal plane is side-to-side movement, and the Transverse plane is rotational movement.
Improving Balance on the Sagittal Plane
The sagittal plane divides your body into right and left halves, and involves forward and backward movement. A simple way to start improving balance without a lot of effort is to stand on one leg for thirty seconds, and then alternate sides.
A more challenging way to improve your balance on the sagittal plane is to combine an exercise with a balance-improving movement, such as the standing crunch.
Improving Balance on the Frontal Plane
The frontal plane divides your body into a front and back half, and involves movements from side to side. An easy way to work the balance along the frontal plane would be to bend from one side to the other.
To add an exercise element to this, you could add dumbells, like this.
Improving Balance on the Transverse Plane
The transverse plane divides your body into a top half and a bottom half, and is rotational movement. An example of rotational movement or a transverse activity would be swinging a golf club. One way you could improve your balance in this plane is to spread your arms out, and bend from the waist to touch one hand to your opposite foot, and then switch.
To make it into an exercise, you can try a standing wood chop.
HOMEWORK! :D
Yep! You lucky people get some homework now. ^-^ Using the information I've given you, pick one exercise for each plane. Do a few reps of each one, on three nonconsecutive days this week. If you don't think you can handle an exercise, then just do the simple balance movements.
Oh, and make sure you talk to your doctor if you're having some balance issues. He or she will be better able to help you with your individual challenges.
Share your exercise and balance movement finds in the comments! :D
September 14, 2013
The Attack (Free Fantasy Short Story)
Beenie gasped in horror.
There were birds up above, dropping stones and acorns into the trees where the gnomes were hiding, and some of the other animals were throwing rocks from over the top of the log wall, while others were trying to smother the glowing sparks. There was smoke drifting across the ground, and the smell of it made Beenie's eyes water and her throat scratch.
"We've got to help them!" she squealed at the fairy council. But they ignored her, huddling together and speaking in a group, while the other fairies watched in wide-eyed silence. They were hidden from the gnomes and the animals by a thin screen of branches - except for the birds.
"Beenie!" an angry squall cut through the noise.
Beenie looked up, and saw a robin swooping into their hiding place.
"Mort?" said Beenie, incredulously.
"Yes, yes it's me. Peter said he'd sent you off to get help." Mort's dark eyes took in the collection of fairies behind her and the council, and then returned to her. "We need help. Now," he said bluntly.
Beenie turned toward the council, who had stopped murmuring to each other at Mort's approach.
"Women and children will stay here," the council spokesman said clearly and firmly, glancing at Beenie. "The men will come."
Beenie watched with a frown on her face as men separated themselves from the women. Then the council members turned to Mort.
"Where do you need us?"
"Everywhere," Mort snapped. He seemed aggravated that they were taking so long to do anything.
The council member who had spoken gave Mort a coldly appraising look, and then turned to the men gathered behind him. "Split up in pairs," he said. "Go wherever you are needed."
The few men did as they were ordered, splitting the larger group into pairs. As each set of two was completed, they flew off through the smoke.
"Stay here," Mort said. He was speaking to all the women and children, but he was looking at Beenie. "There's nothing you can do right now, and no way to get you to safety. Don't do anything stupid." The last bit was directed at Beenie, and she glared at him as he flew away.
From above the forest looked like a kicked anthill; gnomes were boiling over the ground in utter silence, pulling at the log wall and setting fire to anything dry enough to catch. The forest creatures were occupied with putting out the fires, and having difficulties fighting the gnomes off at the same time.
The fairies arrived just in time. While their mastery of magic was limited, they could put out fires quickly, freeing the others to push the gnomes back from the Ring. The fairies were not met with cheers - the creatures were far too busy for cheering - but they were welcomed, and gratefully so.
The gnomes, who, it appeared, hadn't expected such resistance, backed off after an hour or so, abandoning their offensive and scurrying through the trees. There were a few ragged cheers at this, but not many, and they ended quickly.
Beenie was able to watch this from the relative safety of their hideout, waiting for an opportunity to come out without risking the wrath of the council - or Peter. But the chance didn't come until it was too late for her to do anything. And then, Mort came to fetch them.
Beenie scowled at him, but followed as he led them out.
The ground was charred, and in many places wet from the water that had been used to put fires out. She could smell singed fur and feathers along with burnt wood and grass, and some of the forest creatures had ventured from the fort to help their injured comrades back inside.
Beenie looked around her, and found that her hands were trembling.
There were birds up above, dropping stones and acorns into the trees where the gnomes were hiding, and some of the other animals were throwing rocks from over the top of the log wall, while others were trying to smother the glowing sparks. There was smoke drifting across the ground, and the smell of it made Beenie's eyes water and her throat scratch.
"We've got to help them!" she squealed at the fairy council. But they ignored her, huddling together and speaking in a group, while the other fairies watched in wide-eyed silence. They were hidden from the gnomes and the animals by a thin screen of branches - except for the birds.
"Beenie!" an angry squall cut through the noise.
Beenie looked up, and saw a robin swooping into their hiding place.
"Mort?" said Beenie, incredulously.
"Yes, yes it's me. Peter said he'd sent you off to get help." Mort's dark eyes took in the collection of fairies behind her and the council, and then returned to her. "We need help. Now," he said bluntly.
Beenie turned toward the council, who had stopped murmuring to each other at Mort's approach.
"Women and children will stay here," the council spokesman said clearly and firmly, glancing at Beenie. "The men will come."
Beenie watched with a frown on her face as men separated themselves from the women. Then the council members turned to Mort.
"Where do you need us?"
"Everywhere," Mort snapped. He seemed aggravated that they were taking so long to do anything.
The council member who had spoken gave Mort a coldly appraising look, and then turned to the men gathered behind him. "Split up in pairs," he said. "Go wherever you are needed."
The few men did as they were ordered, splitting the larger group into pairs. As each set of two was completed, they flew off through the smoke.
"Stay here," Mort said. He was speaking to all the women and children, but he was looking at Beenie. "There's nothing you can do right now, and no way to get you to safety. Don't do anything stupid." The last bit was directed at Beenie, and she glared at him as he flew away.
From above the forest looked like a kicked anthill; gnomes were boiling over the ground in utter silence, pulling at the log wall and setting fire to anything dry enough to catch. The forest creatures were occupied with putting out the fires, and having difficulties fighting the gnomes off at the same time.
The fairies arrived just in time. While their mastery of magic was limited, they could put out fires quickly, freeing the others to push the gnomes back from the Ring. The fairies were not met with cheers - the creatures were far too busy for cheering - but they were welcomed, and gratefully so.
The gnomes, who, it appeared, hadn't expected such resistance, backed off after an hour or so, abandoning their offensive and scurrying through the trees. There were a few ragged cheers at this, but not many, and they ended quickly.
Beenie was able to watch this from the relative safety of their hideout, waiting for an opportunity to come out without risking the wrath of the council - or Peter. But the chance didn't come until it was too late for her to do anything. And then, Mort came to fetch them.
Beenie scowled at him, but followed as he led them out.
The ground was charred, and in many places wet from the water that had been used to put fires out. She could smell singed fur and feathers along with burnt wood and grass, and some of the forest creatures had ventured from the fort to help their injured comrades back inside.
Beenie looked around her, and found that her hands were trembling.
September 13, 2013
New Harry Potter Movie?!
Yes, you read that right! I just recently found a link someone had posted on Facebook to an article on BBC's website, stating that J. K. Rowling is stretching her writing muscles to encompass screenwriting. :D
What does that mean? It means, for Harry Potter buffs, you'll get to see Newt Scamander's story, the fictional author of the book 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.'
For those who don't know what that is, it was a schoolbook for the students of Hogwarts, mentioned several times, and J. K. Rowling even wrote a version that's available for purchase (you can find it on Amazon, here). If you ever wondered about acromantulas, basilisks, and other creatures from the Harry Potter universe, you can read about them. And if you buy it, you can also read Harry, Ron's, and Hermione's thoughts on some of them. Because despite Hermione's penchant for following rules, they've scribbled in it.
But now there's going to be a spin-off movie from the Harry Potter universe, on Newt Scamander, who wrote it in the series. (You can read the article here.)
I'm excited. And not just because this story is supposed to begin in America. (!!) New York, to be precise.
Any thoughts?
What does that mean? It means, for Harry Potter buffs, you'll get to see Newt Scamander's story, the fictional author of the book 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.'
For those who don't know what that is, it was a schoolbook for the students of Hogwarts, mentioned several times, and J. K. Rowling even wrote a version that's available for purchase (you can find it on Amazon, here). If you ever wondered about acromantulas, basilisks, and other creatures from the Harry Potter universe, you can read about them. And if you buy it, you can also read Harry, Ron's, and Hermione's thoughts on some of them. Because despite Hermione's penchant for following rules, they've scribbled in it.
But now there's going to be a spin-off movie from the Harry Potter universe, on Newt Scamander, who wrote it in the series. (You can read the article here.)
I'm excited. And not just because this story is supposed to begin in America. (!!) New York, to be precise.
Any thoughts?
September 11, 2013
Weekly Quote: Remembering 9/11
"Not a day passes over the earth but men and women of no note do great deeds, speak great words, and suffer noble sorrows." ~ Charles Reade
Today, every American is remembering the attacks of September eleventh. If they forgot, they need only one look at the news to be reminded. There are memorials taking place all over the nation, to remember the people who died that day, and in the days after.
Charles Reade said that there are men and women of no note who do great things every day. Maybe some of those men and women got the recognition they deserved in 9/11. I hope so.
But on this day when we remember those who got hurt, those who died, those who lost loved ones, let's not forget the unsung heroes that are still with us. Despite the horrible things that have happened, let's pick up the pieces and find some good in this - even if it's only with a newly awakened sense of those we love that are still with us.
If there's only one good thing that's come about because of the attacks on 9/11, let it be that we all appreciate life a little more. It is precious, and can be taken from us in an instant.
Today, every American is remembering the attacks of September eleventh. If they forgot, they need only one look at the news to be reminded. There are memorials taking place all over the nation, to remember the people who died that day, and in the days after.
Charles Reade said that there are men and women of no note who do great things every day. Maybe some of those men and women got the recognition they deserved in 9/11. I hope so.
But on this day when we remember those who got hurt, those who died, those who lost loved ones, let's not forget the unsung heroes that are still with us. Despite the horrible things that have happened, let's pick up the pieces and find some good in this - even if it's only with a newly awakened sense of those we love that are still with us.
If there's only one good thing that's come about because of the attacks on 9/11, let it be that we all appreciate life a little more. It is precious, and can be taken from us in an instant.
September 9, 2013
Exercise: Balance, Flexibility, Strength, Endurance (Health Blog Series, Post #5)
The first part of our multiple approach plan is exercise. There are four basic types of exercise:
~Balance
~Flexibility
~Strength
~Endurance
Each is important and we'll go over some ways to use all four in the next few weeks. (For more info on the four types, you can go here.)
Balance:
Balance is very important, especially for older men and women, who have a greater risk of falling. But even younger people use balance every day, to walk, to run, to stand up from a sitting position - we use balance every day in many, many ways. Once your balance starts to deteriorate, you can fall and cause yourself serious injury, such as a fracture, or head trauma. (For more on this, go here.)
Flexibility:
Just like balance, flexibility is something that we need and use in our day-to-day lives. If you can't, for instance, reach above your head, but you have to get something from that high, you could cause yourself injury. Flexibility also helps keeps your joints in good working order, as well as decreasing the risk that you'll hurt yourself doing other types of exercise. (For more about this, you can look here.)
Strength:
Most everyone has heard of strength training. And you've probably heard of its benefits, too. It increases muscle tone, but that's just one effect it can have. Strength training can decrease arthritis pain, assist with your balance, help you manage your weight, and help you sleep better at night - if for no other reason than it tires you out more than usual. (For more information see this.)
Endurance:
Endurance is a familiar word to most of us. If you lack endurance, you get tired quickly, and most of us don't like that too much. One of the biggest benefits to endurance training is improved cardiovascular health. It also boosts the efficiency of your respiratory system. If you get tired in your daily routine, it may be a lack of endurance, and this type of exercise can help with that. (You can read more about it here.)
No complaining now. You don't need a lot of equipment to pull this stuff off. Balancing on one leg can improve your balance. Sitting down and stretching for five minutes can improve your flexibility. Pushups (which don't require you to buy equipment, by the way) can improve your strength, and jogging can help your endurance. It's by no means impossible to incorporate all four into your daily routine. Plus, there are some exercises that will do double-duty, working at two or more of them at once.
Exercise as a whole:
Altogether, exercise is a way to improve your daily life, increase your physical fitness, help control your weight, and give you more energy. You might even, like me, discover that you love it after a while. If I go too long without working out, I feel tired. And then when I get started, I feel better, have more energy, and I'm reminded of why I take the time to do it. Because it's worth it. If you're lucky, you may even find a type of physical activity (like a game) that works all four types and that you love doing.
Which of the four do you think will be most difficult for you? Why?
See the previous post.
~Balance
~Flexibility
~Strength
~Endurance
Each is important and we'll go over some ways to use all four in the next few weeks. (For more info on the four types, you can go here.)
Balance:
Balance is very important, especially for older men and women, who have a greater risk of falling. But even younger people use balance every day, to walk, to run, to stand up from a sitting position - we use balance every day in many, many ways. Once your balance starts to deteriorate, you can fall and cause yourself serious injury, such as a fracture, or head trauma. (For more on this, go here.)
Flexibility:
Just like balance, flexibility is something that we need and use in our day-to-day lives. If you can't, for instance, reach above your head, but you have to get something from that high, you could cause yourself injury. Flexibility also helps keeps your joints in good working order, as well as decreasing the risk that you'll hurt yourself doing other types of exercise. (For more about this, you can look here.)
Strength:
Most everyone has heard of strength training. And you've probably heard of its benefits, too. It increases muscle tone, but that's just one effect it can have. Strength training can decrease arthritis pain, assist with your balance, help you manage your weight, and help you sleep better at night - if for no other reason than it tires you out more than usual. (For more information see this.)
Endurance:
Endurance is a familiar word to most of us. If you lack endurance, you get tired quickly, and most of us don't like that too much. One of the biggest benefits to endurance training is improved cardiovascular health. It also boosts the efficiency of your respiratory system. If you get tired in your daily routine, it may be a lack of endurance, and this type of exercise can help with that. (You can read more about it here.)
No complaining now. You don't need a lot of equipment to pull this stuff off. Balancing on one leg can improve your balance. Sitting down and stretching for five minutes can improve your flexibility. Pushups (which don't require you to buy equipment, by the way) can improve your strength, and jogging can help your endurance. It's by no means impossible to incorporate all four into your daily routine. Plus, there are some exercises that will do double-duty, working at two or more of them at once.
Exercise as a whole:
Altogether, exercise is a way to improve your daily life, increase your physical fitness, help control your weight, and give you more energy. You might even, like me, discover that you love it after a while. If I go too long without working out, I feel tired. And then when I get started, I feel better, have more energy, and I'm reminded of why I take the time to do it. Because it's worth it. If you're lucky, you may even find a type of physical activity (like a game) that works all four types and that you love doing.
Which of the four do you think will be most difficult for you? Why?
See the previous post.
September 7, 2013
March of the Fairies (Free Fantasy Short Story)
There was a buzz of excitement, and worry, as the fairies gathered in the square whispered to each other on their way to do as they were told.
"How long is this going to take?" Beenie asked. No one seemed to be moving very fast; in fact, most were walking talking - and it bothered Beenie that it was the talking that was more animated.
"Several hours, perhaps a day," one of the older fairies answered.
Beenie stared at him. "Isn't there any way to make it go faster?" she asked. For all she knew, the gnomes were attacking right now. What if they were needed?
"There is not," the fairy said. "Our librarians alone will require time to choose the magical items we will bring with us. With any luck, we can be off in the morning. Now, please tell us what sort of defenses we will have."
Beenie ground her teeth together, and then forced her hands to unclench. There was no way to know if the forest creatures were in trouble. They might not be. And even if they were, a group of unprepared fairies probably would be of little help. She took a deep breath, and began to describe what she'd seen of the fort that was being built, and the catacombs.
When Beenie went to sleep that night, in her own bed for the first time in days, she was exhausted. The councilmen had dragged her around the village as they inspected the belongings each family was bringing, and then reviewed the magic items the librarians had chosen. Beenie had thought she would find this interesting, but it had turned out to be just as boring as the others. They spoke in cryptic terms about things she didn't understand, and after a few minutes of it, she just blocked it out and scuffed her toes in the dirt.
When Beenie woke up, it was to hear scurrying and talking outside. She was wide awake and going to investigate in moments.
It was still dark outside, not yet dawn, and chilly. But despite the early hour, the village was a hive of activity. In stark contrast to the sluggish action of the day before, everyone was bustling, and, if anything, frantic. Beenie looked around, her heart pounding. Had something happened?
"Hey," she called, plucking at the sleeve of a fairy man who was flitting by. "What's going on? Why is everyone freaking out?"
He yanked his sleeve out of her grasp. "There's smoke rising," he said, pointing. "The councilmen told us all to hurry."
"They didn't tell me anything," Beenie said with a frown.
"You were impatient enough that I guess they didn't think you needed it," he said with a shrug. Then he was gone. Only once he was out of sight did she comprehend what else he'd said.
She turned to look where he had been pointing, and she gasped.
A plume of smoke was, indeed, rising from the direction of the forest.
She fluttered around the village, offering help where it was needed, and urging people to go faster where it was not. She was aware that she was being a nuisance, but she didn't care.
An hour later, as the sun was rising, everyone was finally ready. A column led by Beenie and the councilmen left the village took to the air, and headed toward the forest.
"Oh," Beenie whispered "please let us be in time!"
The column didn't move quite as fast as Beenie would have liked, but they made good time anyway. Halfway to the woods, the smoke seemed to vanish, and Beenie fought the clutch of anxiety. What if they were too late? What if the fire had burned down everything? What if...? She tried not to think about it.
When they entered the eaves of the forest, she could smell burning, faint but obvious.
She didn't know the way to the Ring, but she knew how to follow her nose. She knew, just knew, that something at the Ring was on fire. What else would be? If the forest creatures had decided to burn the machine the gnomes had built, they wouldn't have let the fire get out of hand. There wouldn't have been as much smoke.
They all followed her lead, though the councilmen helped her choose a direction when she wasn't sure which way to go. After a while like this, she finally saw something she recognized.
The wall of the fort loomed ahead. It was flickering with embers, not quite put out. Between the fairies and the fort, darting between the trees, were the gnarled figures of the gnomes.
The Ring was under attack.
"How long is this going to take?" Beenie asked. No one seemed to be moving very fast; in fact, most were walking talking - and it bothered Beenie that it was the talking that was more animated.
"Several hours, perhaps a day," one of the older fairies answered.
Beenie stared at him. "Isn't there any way to make it go faster?" she asked. For all she knew, the gnomes were attacking right now. What if they were needed?
"There is not," the fairy said. "Our librarians alone will require time to choose the magical items we will bring with us. With any luck, we can be off in the morning. Now, please tell us what sort of defenses we will have."
Beenie ground her teeth together, and then forced her hands to unclench. There was no way to know if the forest creatures were in trouble. They might not be. And even if they were, a group of unprepared fairies probably would be of little help. She took a deep breath, and began to describe what she'd seen of the fort that was being built, and the catacombs.
When Beenie went to sleep that night, in her own bed for the first time in days, she was exhausted. The councilmen had dragged her around the village as they inspected the belongings each family was bringing, and then reviewed the magic items the librarians had chosen. Beenie had thought she would find this interesting, but it had turned out to be just as boring as the others. They spoke in cryptic terms about things she didn't understand, and after a few minutes of it, she just blocked it out and scuffed her toes in the dirt.
When Beenie woke up, it was to hear scurrying and talking outside. She was wide awake and going to investigate in moments.
It was still dark outside, not yet dawn, and chilly. But despite the early hour, the village was a hive of activity. In stark contrast to the sluggish action of the day before, everyone was bustling, and, if anything, frantic. Beenie looked around, her heart pounding. Had something happened?
"Hey," she called, plucking at the sleeve of a fairy man who was flitting by. "What's going on? Why is everyone freaking out?"
He yanked his sleeve out of her grasp. "There's smoke rising," he said, pointing. "The councilmen told us all to hurry."
"They didn't tell me anything," Beenie said with a frown.
"You were impatient enough that I guess they didn't think you needed it," he said with a shrug. Then he was gone. Only once he was out of sight did she comprehend what else he'd said.
She turned to look where he had been pointing, and she gasped.
A plume of smoke was, indeed, rising from the direction of the forest.
She fluttered around the village, offering help where it was needed, and urging people to go faster where it was not. She was aware that she was being a nuisance, but she didn't care.
An hour later, as the sun was rising, everyone was finally ready. A column led by Beenie and the councilmen left the village took to the air, and headed toward the forest.
"Oh," Beenie whispered "please let us be in time!"
The column didn't move quite as fast as Beenie would have liked, but they made good time anyway. Halfway to the woods, the smoke seemed to vanish, and Beenie fought the clutch of anxiety. What if they were too late? What if the fire had burned down everything? What if...? She tried not to think about it.
When they entered the eaves of the forest, she could smell burning, faint but obvious.
She didn't know the way to the Ring, but she knew how to follow her nose. She knew, just knew, that something at the Ring was on fire. What else would be? If the forest creatures had decided to burn the machine the gnomes had built, they wouldn't have let the fire get out of hand. There wouldn't have been as much smoke.
They all followed her lead, though the councilmen helped her choose a direction when she wasn't sure which way to go. After a while like this, she finally saw something she recognized.
The wall of the fort loomed ahead. It was flickering with embers, not quite put out. Between the fairies and the fort, darting between the trees, were the gnarled figures of the gnomes.
The Ring was under attack.
September 5, 2013
Weekly Quote: Education
Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school. ~ Albert Einstein
This made me giggle. It implies that school doesn't really teach you anything, which is funny in an ironic sort of way. But aside from the obvious, it also has some serious applications. If you forget what you've learned in school, what's left? What you've learned on your own, yes?
Teachers can drill your heads full of stuff as much as they want, over and over, for years. But the things that will really stick with you are the ones you learn yourself. And the things that stick with you are the things that will form your education.
This made me giggle. It implies that school doesn't really teach you anything, which is funny in an ironic sort of way. But aside from the obvious, it also has some serious applications. If you forget what you've learned in school, what's left? What you've learned on your own, yes?
Teachers can drill your heads full of stuff as much as they want, over and over, for years. But the things that will really stick with you are the ones you learn yourself. And the things that stick with you are the things that will form your education.
September 4, 2013
Review of The Fires of Heaven, by Robert Jordan
The Fires of Heaven by Robert JordanMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
I liked it. It could have been better, it could have been much worse. xP
Just about every fantasy book I've read has a section in it where it's pretty boring, but there's plenty of stuff that you're absolutely sure will pop up later in the story. In which case, it gets read, no matter how boring it is, because you're sure it will be worth it later. I think this entire book was like that.
Yes, there were some sections that had me reading until I had a hard time keeping my eyes open, but the whole book wasn't like that, sadly. In fact, it seemed like all the important stuff didn't happen until the last third of the book.
Nynaeve...well. Nynaeve has always been bluff and bluster, but I wanted to slap her. Constantly blaming other people, seeing herself as always right...it was enough to make me glad I'm never going to meet her in person. On the other hand, Birgette was a pleasant surprise. I quite liked her. Mat, though, was never one of my favorites. I always liked Perrin better. But Perrin wasn't in this one, which made me sad. So I was stuck with Mat. Reading about him trying to run away from his 'destiny' and laughing when he failed - over and over - was the best part of it.
The little bits with Siuan and Leane were all right. Siuan was quite entertaining, especially where Gareth Bryne was concerned. And the few tiny sections with Morgase were also nice.
The constant 'you'll never understand a man' or 'you'll never understand a woman' and the eye-rolling at the opposite gender got on my nerves. They all blather about how the opposite gender doesn't get it, or it's best to let them have their way sometimes, or there's no point in arguing because they're stubborn. But since you get to sit inside the heads of both sides, you can see how both sides are being STUPID, and totally not recognizing that they're doing exactly what the other side is that annoys them so bad. At first, it was entertaining. But after hundreds of pages of it, it gets old.
What I did like was how long I got to stick with one character before switching POV. You stayed where the action was, for the most part, and when something big was happening you stayed with the character until it was concluded. Mostly.
All in all, I would say i enjoyed this book, but that I might not read it again. Depending on the circumstances. A second read might just be laborious and boring, and if I can skip it to get to the good stuff I probably would.
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September 2, 2013
Multiple Approaches: Diet and Exercise (Health Blog Series, Post #4)
There are two ways to work at your physical health, and you've probably heard of them both - many times. Diet, and exercise.
To some people, those are dirty words. Diet and exercise are how you lose weight, get healthier, and a whole bunch of other things besides. But who actually likes those things? Not many people. And those who do probably get all sorts of funny looks.
But in order for you to get healthier, you'll need to utilize both.
Yes, both. We're taking multiple approaches to get you healthier; one will help, but both will help more.
Take a good look at your motivation for doing this. If your motivation is good, then this shouldn't seem so bad. If your motivation isn't good, then go back and find another. There's no point in you doing this unless it's something you really want. You don't have to stick with this, but in order for it to work, you kinda need to.
Now let's take a look at these two dirty words.
Diet
Yup, I put that in bold, underlined it, and made it bigger. You need to understand something about diets. First of all, you have one already. It's what you eat every morning for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and all the times between. I'm not talking about one of those 'starve yourself until you lose weight' diets. Not even one that involves cutting out all the things you love. Yeah, I'm going to make (some of) them not seem so wonderful by describing what they can do to you or how they're made and what's in them, but you don't have to cut them out. You'll just be messing up your body and realizing you're doing it instead of being ignorant about it.
(Okay, even I have to admit it; some of the things you love are probably quite good for you; if you like strawberries for instance. I'm referring specifically to junk food. You know, the stuff you get addicted to and hide in your house to splurge on later.)
Exercise
Whoo! Another dirty word! I can't sugarcoat this one, though. You will get hot, you will get sweaty, and you will experience muscle pain. You will get tired, you will complain, you will make excuses. And when you do, pull out your motivation and ask if it's still worth it. If it is, deal with it and keep going. If it's not, find another motivation that's good enough and keep going anyway.
These are your tools. Diet and exercise can help you change your life. Put them in your mental toolbox with your motivations and list of priorities. We'll use them later. ;)
To some people, those are dirty words. Diet and exercise are how you lose weight, get healthier, and a whole bunch of other things besides. But who actually likes those things? Not many people. And those who do probably get all sorts of funny looks.
But in order for you to get healthier, you'll need to utilize both.
Yes, both. We're taking multiple approaches to get you healthier; one will help, but both will help more.
Take a good look at your motivation for doing this. If your motivation is good, then this shouldn't seem so bad. If your motivation isn't good, then go back and find another. There's no point in you doing this unless it's something you really want. You don't have to stick with this, but in order for it to work, you kinda need to.
Now let's take a look at these two dirty words.
Diet
Yup, I put that in bold, underlined it, and made it bigger. You need to understand something about diets. First of all, you have one already. It's what you eat every morning for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and all the times between. I'm not talking about one of those 'starve yourself until you lose weight' diets. Not even one that involves cutting out all the things you love. Yeah, I'm going to make (some of) them not seem so wonderful by describing what they can do to you or how they're made and what's in them, but you don't have to cut them out. You'll just be messing up your body and realizing you're doing it instead of being ignorant about it.
(Okay, even I have to admit it; some of the things you love are probably quite good for you; if you like strawberries for instance. I'm referring specifically to junk food. You know, the stuff you get addicted to and hide in your house to splurge on later.)
Exercise
Whoo! Another dirty word! I can't sugarcoat this one, though. You will get hot, you will get sweaty, and you will experience muscle pain. You will get tired, you will complain, you will make excuses. And when you do, pull out your motivation and ask if it's still worth it. If it is, deal with it and keep going. If it's not, find another motivation that's good enough and keep going anyway.
These are your tools. Diet and exercise can help you change your life. Put them in your mental toolbox with your motivations and list of priorities. We'll use them later. ;)
September 1, 2013
Book Review of The Shadow Rising, by Robert Jordan
The Shadow Rising by Robert JordanMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
What I don't like, is how long it takes to get into these, especially when I have all but the last book. I also despise how much headhopping there is. I'm just getting really into something that's happening with one character when the chapter ends on a cliffhanger and switches character on me. Super-annoying.
But with that said, I LOVE Perrin and Faile! My two favorite characters. And I still get excited about the story, despite my moments of sheer aggravation when switching characters. I don't think I can even really go into the plotline, because it's getting more and more complex; but things are going downhill. You know things are bad when Elaida becomes the Amyrlin, and Stills Siuan while taking over the White Tower. Oh, and did I mention that Rand is 'making friends' with one of the Forsaken? I still have no idea what Mat's doing, or why he's ta'veren, but I'm sure I'll figure it out eventually.
I'm very glad I have all the books to read one right after the other; otherwise, I'd be lost. I'd forget all the characters and what they've done in the past. Luckily, it's pretty easy to reattach names to faces (or circumstances) where these books are concerned. And that's part of what makes this series so complex and interesting; the many different characters. Each has their own personality, their own goals and motivations. I love it.
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