L.Y. Levand's Blog, page 21
July 15, 2013
The Weekly Health Challenge: Loving Yourself and Loving Exercises You Hate
I'm back! And the good news is, my grandfather went through surgery, came out all right, and went home less than twenty-four hours later. :)
The Weekly Health Challenge: Level One
Find something about yourself that you love
Instead of looking in the mirror and saying 'oh, I'm fat,' or 'my nose is too big,' or 'I don't like my hair,' find something you like about your appearance.
That doesn't mean admire yourself for hours in front of the mirror, lol. It means, replace the negative with a positive.
The Weekly Health Challenge: Level Two
Choose the exercise you like the least (or hate the most - your choice)
Then, learn to do it right. For three days this week, I want you to practice that exercise. When you starting getting good at it, you'll probably find that it's not as bad as you thought at first.
After doing it for a while, you might even decide you like it!
Extra Challenge: Do TWO exercises you despise instead of just one! Learn to love them, because they'll love you! :)
The Weekly Health Challenge: Level One
Find something about yourself that you love
Instead of looking in the mirror and saying 'oh, I'm fat,' or 'my nose is too big,' or 'I don't like my hair,' find something you like about your appearance.
That doesn't mean admire yourself for hours in front of the mirror, lol. It means, replace the negative with a positive.
The Weekly Health Challenge: Level Two
Choose the exercise you like the least (or hate the most - your choice)
Then, learn to do it right. For three days this week, I want you to practice that exercise. When you starting getting good at it, you'll probably find that it's not as bad as you thought at first.
After doing it for a while, you might even decide you like it!
Extra Challenge: Do TWO exercises you despise instead of just one! Learn to love them, because they'll love you! :)
July 10, 2013
No Blog Posts Until Further Notice!
I'm in the midst of a family emergency.
My grandfather, who is seventy-five, went to the hospital last night for chest pains, and today they discovered he'd had a minor heart attack. The most recent update said that he had a blockage, and they don't know where it is.
My dad, who is close to his father, wants to see him, and wants all of us (my siblings and I) to see him, in case this is the last time. So I'll be out of state for who-knows-how-long, and probably will not have access to a computer, or any of my writing stuff for the duration of that time.
Prayers are appreciated, for him to come out of it all right and have a full recovery, and so that we have a safe trip.
See everyone when I get back - hopefully with some good news!
My grandfather, who is seventy-five, went to the hospital last night for chest pains, and today they discovered he'd had a minor heart attack. The most recent update said that he had a blockage, and they don't know where it is.
My dad, who is close to his father, wants to see him, and wants all of us (my siblings and I) to see him, in case this is the last time. So I'll be out of state for who-knows-how-long, and probably will not have access to a computer, or any of my writing stuff for the duration of that time.
Prayers are appreciated, for him to come out of it all right and have a full recovery, and so that we have a safe trip.
See everyone when I get back - hopefully with some good news!
The Weekly Quote: Earning Freedom
"In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be achieved." ~ Franklin D. Roosevelt
This is true.
What child that was born into a rich family really appreciates what they have?
What person can appreciate plenty if they have not also suffered without?
Who can appreciate freedom if they haven't already been a slave?
Anything we've had to work for is appreciated. It gains value in our eyes, simply because we know what kind of work it takes to get it. Nothing worth having ever comes easily, and freedom is included in that.
It can't be given to us, for precisely that reason. Real freedom comes after bravery, courage, and a longing for something better that someone is willing and able to work for.
This is true.
What child that was born into a rich family really appreciates what they have?
What person can appreciate plenty if they have not also suffered without?
Who can appreciate freedom if they haven't already been a slave?
Anything we've had to work for is appreciated. It gains value in our eyes, simply because we know what kind of work it takes to get it. Nothing worth having ever comes easily, and freedom is included in that.
It can't be given to us, for precisely that reason. Real freedom comes after bravery, courage, and a longing for something better that someone is willing and able to work for.
July 9, 2013
The Hobbit Production Video
Why am I posting this? Because it has to do with The Hobbit. And I love The Hobbit. Enjoy:
P. S. I found it here, so if you want to see more, knock yourselves out. :)
P. S. I found it here, so if you want to see more, knock yourselves out. :)
July 8, 2013
The Weekly Health Challenge: Organic Desserts and Pick an Exercise
The Weekly Health Challenge: Level One
Try an organic dessert
I've heard so many excuses from people on this one. They don't want to eat 'healthy' desserts. Well, they're not healthy. But they are more filling, and more substantial.
I know, because I tried my cousin's organic homemade brownies. Much more filling than the kind I'd made from a box the night before. You're far less likely to overeat on something if it's filling. Give it a try!
The Weekly Health Challenge: Level Two
Pick a muscle you want to work, and then find an exercise to work it!
If you want to work the underside of your upper arms, try a triceps exercise. If you want to work your thighs, then maybe squats will be your choice. Core muscles (abs) then you might choose crunches or planks. But pick one, and then learn to do it properly.
Emphasis on properly. You can injure yourself by doing it improperly.
Extra Challenge: Do both challenges together!
Try an organic dessert
I've heard so many excuses from people on this one. They don't want to eat 'healthy' desserts. Well, they're not healthy. But they are more filling, and more substantial.
I know, because I tried my cousin's organic homemade brownies. Much more filling than the kind I'd made from a box the night before. You're far less likely to overeat on something if it's filling. Give it a try!
The Weekly Health Challenge: Level Two
Pick a muscle you want to work, and then find an exercise to work it!
If you want to work the underside of your upper arms, try a triceps exercise. If you want to work your thighs, then maybe squats will be your choice. Core muscles (abs) then you might choose crunches or planks. But pick one, and then learn to do it properly.
Emphasis on properly. You can injure yourself by doing it improperly.
Extra Challenge: Do both challenges together!
July 6, 2013
A Visit (Free Fantasy Short Story)
Beenie bit her lip as Horace and Kara went on about the preparations going on in the Ring.
"Wow!" Troy said. "Can we come see?"
His voice brought Beenie's attention back to the conversation.
"It's dangerous..." Kara said doubtfully.
"No less dangerous than the other things they've done," Horace pointed out in a low voice.
"Don't remind me," Kara replied.
"So, can we?" Troy asked, his tail twitching.
"They're probably going to see it eventually anyway, Kara," Horace said. "Better for them to see it now, when we can be reasonably certain that it's safe."
"That's true," Kara said. Then she sighed. "All right. After we eat something, we'll take you to see."
"Yay!" Troy exclaimed, running in spastic circles before leading his parents to the kitchen area so they could find something to eat.
Beenie walked slowly back to her bed. The talk around her seemed to swirl without ever coming close enough to touch her. Yes, Troy and his parents included her, but they weren't her family. She sniffed.
She sank down on her cot, and watched the other families chatter away at each other until Troy and his parents had come back out.
"Hurry," Troy urged as they sat down to eat. "I want to go see!"
"Calm down, Troy," Horace said. "It's not going anywhere."
"Neither are we," Troy said.
Kara laughed.
At long last, they had finished eating. Troy bounced out of his seat, scurried that stack of plates back into the kitchen, and then bounded back out. He was so full of energy that Beenie started to feel tired just by watching him.
"All right," Horace said. "Let's go."
The four of them went through the doorway and out into the catacombs. Troy's parents knew the way, so Beenie and Troy followed them, Troy talking without seeming to have to pause for breath.
When they finally stepped out into the cool morning air, Kara and Horace immediately set out for the Ring. Beenie assumed that this was the same path she and Troy had taken to get to the entrance to the catacombs the night before, but couldn't be sure.
Beenie breathed deeply of the early morning air, and smiled. She hadn't realized how musty the catacombs were.
The walk back to the Ring didn't seem to take as long as the walk to the catacombs had, and Beenie wondered if she'd just been tired. But that was pushed completely out of her mind when they rounded the last corner, and saw the Ring.
It was completely unrecognizable.
"Wow!" Troy said. "Can we come see?"
His voice brought Beenie's attention back to the conversation.
"It's dangerous..." Kara said doubtfully.
"No less dangerous than the other things they've done," Horace pointed out in a low voice.
"Don't remind me," Kara replied.
"So, can we?" Troy asked, his tail twitching.
"They're probably going to see it eventually anyway, Kara," Horace said. "Better for them to see it now, when we can be reasonably certain that it's safe."
"That's true," Kara said. Then she sighed. "All right. After we eat something, we'll take you to see."
"Yay!" Troy exclaimed, running in spastic circles before leading his parents to the kitchen area so they could find something to eat.
Beenie walked slowly back to her bed. The talk around her seemed to swirl without ever coming close enough to touch her. Yes, Troy and his parents included her, but they weren't her family. She sniffed.
She sank down on her cot, and watched the other families chatter away at each other until Troy and his parents had come back out.
"Hurry," Troy urged as they sat down to eat. "I want to go see!"
"Calm down, Troy," Horace said. "It's not going anywhere."
"Neither are we," Troy said.
Kara laughed.
At long last, they had finished eating. Troy bounced out of his seat, scurried that stack of plates back into the kitchen, and then bounded back out. He was so full of energy that Beenie started to feel tired just by watching him.
"All right," Horace said. "Let's go."
The four of them went through the doorway and out into the catacombs. Troy's parents knew the way, so Beenie and Troy followed them, Troy talking without seeming to have to pause for breath.
When they finally stepped out into the cool morning air, Kara and Horace immediately set out for the Ring. Beenie assumed that this was the same path she and Troy had taken to get to the entrance to the catacombs the night before, but couldn't be sure.
Beenie breathed deeply of the early morning air, and smiled. She hadn't realized how musty the catacombs were.
The walk back to the Ring didn't seem to take as long as the walk to the catacombs had, and Beenie wondered if she'd just been tired. But that was pushed completely out of her mind when they rounded the last corner, and saw the Ring.
It was completely unrecognizable.
July 3, 2013
The Weekly Quote: Why Are We Free?
"This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave." ~ Elmer Davis
This month we celebrate the fact that we've acquired our freedom. And we do it by setting off fireworks and eating good food.
But what about those people who made that freedom possible?
How often do we wonder what exactly motivated those people to fight so hard, for so long, for something they might not ever have experienced for themselves?
That kind of fighting takes some real bravery. Real courage, and in large amounts.
Could you do it? Is there anything you believe in so much that you would do that fore future generations?
If so, then tell us.
This month we celebrate the fact that we've acquired our freedom. And we do it by setting off fireworks and eating good food.
But what about those people who made that freedom possible?
How often do we wonder what exactly motivated those people to fight so hard, for so long, for something they might not ever have experienced for themselves?
That kind of fighting takes some real bravery. Real courage, and in large amounts.
Could you do it? Is there anything you believe in so much that you would do that fore future generations?
If so, then tell us.
July 1, 2013
The Weekly Health Challenge: Walking and Cardio
The Weekly Health Challenge: Level One
Get out and walk!
Three nonconsecutive days this week, go outside and walk for a half hour. Take a camera if you want, and water if you need. But get out there and take a walk. Go to the park, walk around your property, take some pictures. Walking outside is good for you in more ways than one.
One, you're getting some physical activity. Which is good for you physically.
Two, you're getting out of your house, and having some time to just relax and enjoy the scenery. A lot of people don't get that very often.
The Weekly Health Challenge: Level Two
Find a fun cardio workout
The things you do that are fun you're more likely to do again and again, right? So find a cardio workout that you love. There are some places that have turned dancing into an exercise; there are some games that burn cardio. There are all sorts of options. Find one you like, and give it a try!
Extra Challenge: If you want more to do along with cardio or walking, do high-intensity intervals.
Get out and walk!
Three nonconsecutive days this week, go outside and walk for a half hour. Take a camera if you want, and water if you need. But get out there and take a walk. Go to the park, walk around your property, take some pictures. Walking outside is good for you in more ways than one.
One, you're getting some physical activity. Which is good for you physically.
Two, you're getting out of your house, and having some time to just relax and enjoy the scenery. A lot of people don't get that very often.
The Weekly Health Challenge: Level Two
Find a fun cardio workout
The things you do that are fun you're more likely to do again and again, right? So find a cardio workout that you love. There are some places that have turned dancing into an exercise; there are some games that burn cardio. There are all sorts of options. Find one you like, and give it a try!
Extra Challenge: If you want more to do along with cardio or walking, do high-intensity intervals.
June 30, 2013
Review of Mermother: An Account of What Happened in the Sea by Elizabeth Jane Wolfe
Mermother: An Account of What Happened in the Sea by Elizabeth Jane WolfeMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
The story in Mermother was intriguing to me from the start. Mostly because the author specified in her request for reviewers that it was a mermaid story. I was given a free copy in exchange for a review.
You are dropped into a first-person account, starting with the main character waking up in a tidepool by the sea, having fallen off a boat in the night. You don't know why, and you don't know how.
The main character stays in the tidepool, too exhausted to leave, and before long, she meets a beautiful woman who decides to be her friend. She's not sure what to make of this lovely, and vain, stranger. But she keeps coming back, teaching a rather confused Briony how to survive in the sea.
What at first seemed a fun, if slightly unstable, relationship changes quickly as Briony discovers her own inner strength. Her new friend, Sylvie, has her secrets, and Briony sets out to discover them all.
Along the way, Sylvie reveals the real reason she helped Briony.
And Briony, who has become too dependent on the sea, can't leave it. But she's now too independent to simply submit to Sylvie, and fights back in her own way. Ultimately, she gives Sylvie what she desires, but she uses her newfound strength and confidence to do it on her own terms.
This is a novel that I believe could easily have stretched out much longer, and had more detail and character development. On the whole, it seemed rushed. There are also a few small typos, and occasionally the dialogue seems rather stilted.
However, I enjoyed it very much and look forward to reading it again. The story itself is interesting, and I personally feel that parts of it are quite unique. The reader is drawn in by the mysteries surrounding Briony, some of which are revealed throughout the book, and the different facets of mer life are very well thought out. It's an interesting twist to the mermaid legends, and, for it's length, is an entertaining story.
View all my reviews
June 29, 2013
War Prep (Free Fantasy Short Story)
They weren't immediately visible, because they were crouching on the ground and a number of rabbits had blocked the way, but when the rabbits moved, Beenie pointed.
"There they are!" she exclaimed.
"Where?" Troy asked, looking the wrong direction.
Beenie sighed, took his head in her hand, and turned it the right way.
"Oh," he said, his whiskers quivering. "There they are."
"Beenie, Troy," Kara called, waving over the heads of the others separating them.
"Mom, Dad," Troy called. "Come over here."
A few moments later, the two older gray squirrels had extracted themselves from the crowd and were scurrying toward them. Kara went straight for Troy, and hugged him tight.
"Mom," Troy mumbled. "I can't breathe."
"Sorry," Kara said breathlessly. "It's just...everything has happened so fast."
"And it's going to continue to happen fast," Horace said. "The gnomes did search for you, and they all but destroyed our house in the process."
Troy's whiskers drooped, and he glanced at Beenie, but said nothing. He didn't have to. Beenie felt a flush of guilt, made even stronger by Troy's marked lack of accusation.
"But the forest has been warned, and that's a good thing," Kara put in, smiling a squirrel smile at Beenie.
"And we may need you two before this is over," Horace said. "They're fortifying the Fairy Ring as we speak. They're going to turn it into a fort."
"A fort?' Troy said, perking up again.
"A fort for what?" Beenie asked.
"To protect us. The gnomes are a little...scattered at the moment, but it won't last for long. They didn't expect you two to break in and sabotage their machine," Horace explained.
"There are beavers working on making fences, and the birds are weaving the branches together," Kara said. "The rabbits are digging trenches to fill with traps, and the squirrels are all gathering nuts to store away in case there's a siege."
Beenie tried to let all this sink in, but she was having trouble. Siege? Fort? Trenches?
They were preparing for war - and it was all her fault.
"There they are!" she exclaimed.
"Where?" Troy asked, looking the wrong direction.
Beenie sighed, took his head in her hand, and turned it the right way.
"Oh," he said, his whiskers quivering. "There they are."
"Beenie, Troy," Kara called, waving over the heads of the others separating them.
"Mom, Dad," Troy called. "Come over here."
A few moments later, the two older gray squirrels had extracted themselves from the crowd and were scurrying toward them. Kara went straight for Troy, and hugged him tight.
"Mom," Troy mumbled. "I can't breathe."
"Sorry," Kara said breathlessly. "It's just...everything has happened so fast."
"And it's going to continue to happen fast," Horace said. "The gnomes did search for you, and they all but destroyed our house in the process."
Troy's whiskers drooped, and he glanced at Beenie, but said nothing. He didn't have to. Beenie felt a flush of guilt, made even stronger by Troy's marked lack of accusation.
"But the forest has been warned, and that's a good thing," Kara put in, smiling a squirrel smile at Beenie.
"And we may need you two before this is over," Horace said. "They're fortifying the Fairy Ring as we speak. They're going to turn it into a fort."
"A fort?' Troy said, perking up again.
"A fort for what?" Beenie asked.
"To protect us. The gnomes are a little...scattered at the moment, but it won't last for long. They didn't expect you two to break in and sabotage their machine," Horace explained.
"There are beavers working on making fences, and the birds are weaving the branches together," Kara said. "The rabbits are digging trenches to fill with traps, and the squirrels are all gathering nuts to store away in case there's a siege."
Beenie tried to let all this sink in, but she was having trouble. Siege? Fort? Trenches?
They were preparing for war - and it was all her fault.
