Often I...
“Oh Margaret, what dopey dopplegangers.”
—Bugs Bunny (“Invasion of the Bunny Snatchers”)
My favorite short from Bugs.
My favorite short from Bugs.
March 2011
44 posts
...Remember Some Stuff
From here until the end of the semester, I’m going to be randomly (maybe 3x’s a week) posting some exercises. No, not ones for physical health, but writing. I am supposed to be doing a daily-ish journal in my Fiction Writing class that revolves around Fiction. Well, the first half of class, I just used my blog. Not very fiction-ey. The professor said it was okay this time, but for the rest of the semester, I should try to do more exercises.
So, once I get my notebook back (possibly Friday), I will be posting these exercises in a “Read More” section. I will not force people to read them, but I would love to get some feedback on them. the more I practice, the better my writing gets. the better my writing gets, the better chance I have of getting published one day. If I get published, I will be super happy. I’ll probably be doing these Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Just be on the lookout, I will be doing them in the title of the post (after the “-OR-” that I’ve come to love). That not only helps me know what days I do them on, but it helps you find them, read them and help me!
Thanks everyone,
~Jared~
PS : Yes, I kind of hope to make some more subscribers through this too.
PPS : No, I will not stop posting about my life or my weight/exercise. Just to let you know.
...End Up Not Being Dead
So I’m not dead, although it has seemed like that. I figured I needed a good break from this after my last program and all the work I have had to do over the last week. Quite a lot has happened while I’ve not posted, so here goes:
- I’m working on that last short story to make it an actual book. It’s quite a lot harder than I thought, but nothing I can’t do. I just really REALLY need to keep my attention on it.
- I’ve been looking for writing jobs in the Syracuse area and it’s been really upsetting. There really isn’t all that much that I can find. I would love to try teaching, but I’ve heard the teaching market in New York really blows right now.
- I had quite a bit of homework over the las week. That wasn’t fun. A lot of it was Midterm studying too.
- This previous weekend was Grad Weekend at our Fraternity. I was bombarded with people I used to live with and people they used to live with. I normally don’t enjoy it all that much, but I think because I’m almost in their shoes, I feel much better about it. Also, a couple of them got together to make it so when grads are over, they don’t just destroy shit. That’s a plus.
- I purchased the 3DS on Sunday. It’s amazing. I love it so much. I’m just confused by how no one has another one on this campus (except my close friends). I mean, this is RPI. Nerds should have it.
- I’ve been doing short workout circuits. They are made by a guy who calls himself “Trainer David.” He’s highly energetic and he really gets me into the workouts. They are a lot tougher than the EA Sports Active 2 workouts. I did an ab one over the weekend and I was still sore by Monday. (Check out David here)
- Finally, I have played my first sport since Bowling in High School! I am on the Ultimate team for my Fraternity. I may not be all too good at catching and tossing, but I’m apparently good at not being in the way. I also assisted on the last touchdown. I’m going to be practicing a lot this semester in addition to my Couch to 5K (when it gets warmer again - next week?). I forgot to stretch enough afterward, my hamstrings are slightly sore still. I have not actually run that much since I did my 5K at the end of last semester. Oi.
Well, those would be all the updates I can think of for now. If anything else comes up, I’ll post about it.
~Jared~
“‘Villains!’ I shrieked, ‘dissemble no more! I admit the deed! - tear up the planks! - here, here! - it is the beating of his hideous heart!’”
—“The Tell-Tale Heart” - Edgar Allan Poe
...Am Really Busy
Had a busy weekend. Got a long and busy day ahead of me. Maybe I’ll be able to get a quality post in tomorrow. Just giving a small update so people know I’m not dead.
~Jared~
all weightloss blogs, please reblog this. i want to follow every single one of you.
...Just Kick Some Ass (Cardio 11 & 12)
Cardio 11: This workout was all upper body. There were a lot of exercises that focused on the shoulders. It happened to be fairly tiring, however, I plan on finishing this program today so that I can start running over the weekend. I don’t feel like being bothered by EA Sports Active 2 for a while.
Cardio 12: This workout was all lower body. I can to cut out a lot of the better exercises because of knees issues that have been cropping up from the weather. At least between the two workouts, I get one full workout. And this is tiring, but not too bad.
And I’m done! That’s the end of my Cardio Program! Changes? Not really. I think I have a little better cardio. I also believe that even though I seem to have put on weight, none of it has been fat. It looks to me like I’ve still been thinning, but my weight has gone up. It’s probably muscle. Stupid muscle. At least when I start up C25K again, I will be losing weight. From what I recall, I might be able to begin on week 4 for C25K. Go Me!
——
I’m feeling fairly well for everything else in my life. I found out the other day that on the 14th of April I will be on campus from 12-9PM. It kind of sucks, but that’s the day the McKinney Contest is being done. It’s required for me to go to an author’s panel at 4-6 then the contest reading at 8. I really REALLY hope I get something in the contest, even an honorable mention. I also hope I get a chance to grab some food.
——
Nothing else is going on other than homework for now. This weekend is our Grad Weekend at the fraternity. I usually am not a fan of the grads being here, because quite a few of them are disrespectful. I hope to not be like them in a couple months (I won’t). I will try my hardest to be somewhere else for the weekend. I don’t know where though, plans will be made today probably.
~Jared~
11 : Average/High HR : 109/147
12 : Average/High HR : 116/141
...Do it To it (Cardio 9 + 10)
So, I decided to pick up the workouts I missed today so I can end on Friday morning. The first workout was an all out workout and was fairly tiring. I think the problem is that I have not done anything since Saturday. After this week - C25K is starting again, it’s supposed to be really really nice. The second workout was just the same as the other.
——
Today is going to be boring. I have some work to do in my Proposal Writing class and then I think I’m watching Sabrina. I also need to read some short stories (which can wait until later of course).
That’s it for right now.
~Jared~
9 : Average/High HR : 122/166
10 : Average/High HR : 120/143
Sorry for the random question, but I saw a post from you on C25K about starting the program again, but this time doing it on the road. I am in week 9 of the program, but I have been doing all my runs in the gym (on a treadmill). Was going to attempt to venture outside this weekend to the trail...was curious what I should expect running outside vs. inside?
First : Thanks for the follow!
Second :
When I did C25K I did most of it in Vibrams. They really helped me with my calf strength and my posture, but when it came from leaving the treadmill and going outside, it became vastly different.
1. Surface
The biggest problem here is that I am going from a nice smooth surface with a little bit of bounce to a rocky surface that won’t give. Yes, I can run in the grass, but in the residential area of Troy, it’s still hard to find long strips of grass to run on. The rocks aren’t too much to worry about, but the surface tires out my feet much more quickly than it would in normal shoes.
2. Weather
I have a problem here because I go from a nice climate controlled area in a gym to a wild beast of mother nature. It’s tough to run the same way outside when you’re getting beat on by the sun or frozen by the rain. I also find it tough to run and have water readily on me, so I have to go like a camel which makes it a lot harder.
3. Incline
On the treadmill you have a nice flat surface to run on so you can run at an even pace for the full time. Outside, you have to deal with hills and traffic and people that all either slow you down or mess you up. Going out from my residence, I can go up a hill or up a hill. I get very tired from lugging my body up the hill that I need to rest a little before I can continue. It’s really hard for me to progress because of that.
Those are my personal problems with changing to outside. To be honest, I don’t have to redo C25K, but it was a really nice program that helped me to lose 40 pounds the first time I did it. I don’t see a reason not to do it again (and hopefully lose 35 more).
Hope this helps,
~Jared~
Hi. I read your story. It's great, especially the ending. I really like how you've written his thoughts. There are just a couple things that I would point out.
"I run from the shower with a towel about my waist, I am dripping wet." I think it sounds better without the "I am."
"My eyes flash to the clock on my wall. The hands seem to have a menacing aura about them as they point to the two. My mind goes into a haze…"
I think maybe add some more details at this point. I guess I don't really get the menacing feeling. It just feels like something is missing.
"The only hospital is immediately south from my town."
Maybe just write "south of town." It's a given that it is his town.
"Now as I experience it first person, I begin to gag."
I think it sounds/flows better without the first part. Just leave "I begin to gag."
I do like your story. These are just a few things that I thought of while I was reading it. Hopefully some of it helps you.
The wording changes are noted. I probably would have edited them out myself if I did another revision. The piece was due today at 4PM for the contest, so I didn’t get an extra day to mull it over.
With the clock, Im not too sure how I was thinking of changing it. I knew I wanted some sort of foreshadowing, and it might have fit better in the first draft. I think I can add a little more detail to give it a more menacing feeling, something like : “The black hands of the clock barely stood out on the dark face of the clock, menacing, like a stalker.” Then again, it might have gotten more attention in a later draft (also, it will get more attention in another draft).
Thanks for the comments! Glad you enjoyed.
~Jared~
...Think "If Only..."
Under the “Read More” section of this post is the third submission I made to the McKinney Contest. It’s a short story fiction which I plan on expanding at a later date (within the next week for another project for class).
I would love to get some creative criticism for this. It was a quick write for me, so I may have made some mistakes that I normally wouldn’t, but I would like for anyone to comment. If you have a lot to comment on, send me a question and I’ll answer as promptly as possible.
VERY brief summary : This is a short story about a man who gets a second chance to do something right in his life.
I hope everyone enjoys!
“Oh, so mean. Off my hat, bitch.”
—Prof. Lee Sheldon - About the rough nature of the PVP prep
...In a Shitty Mood
Knees hurt. No workout. Fuck this weather.
I’ll at least go ahead and do some sort of weight training today.
~Jared~
EDIT : My Designing Interactive Characters class has made me feel better. The Midterm prep has become a game of grab the hat and answer the question. Awesome. Awesome to the max.
“So it goes”
—Slaughterhouse Five
Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.
Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.
...Really Really Really Really Really Really Hate Troy...Really
This morning I woke up at 8:30, thinking to myself that I’d get my workout in. As I jumped from my bed, my knees began to whimper. I said to myself: “Self, this better not mean what I think it means.” I opened the window and was awestruck by the blanket of white. Immediately, I climbed back into bed until 10. There is no way I am going to work out today.
——
What I’m trying to say is that the weather blows today, it’s hurting my knees, and I’d rather not work out with these shitty knees. I’m sure it’s going to be better tomorrow, I need to finish this cardio program.
When I did wake up, I found that my 2PM class was cancelled for today. I can only hope that my 6PM is as well, although I doubt it’s going to. I really really hope that my noon class isn’t cancelled because I won’t know until I get there.
——
Good news on my short story, it’s almost to the point I like (for this purpose). I’m going to get one more revision in during my 2-6 break today. Tomorrow it will be turned in (before 4 [silly deadline]), and hopefully I will be happy enough with it to post it (I think I will be). Right now I have some holes in the plot, but I’m sure those will get filled in later.
~Jared~
...Wake Up in a Fantastic Mood
I love when I wake up in a fantastic mood, right before my alarm. I am deciding to let this week of workouts be normal (M,T,R,F) to finish off the program. It’s looking like the weather might heat up after this week, so I think I will begin the Couch to 5K again immediately after. I think I can start in around week 4. To be honest, I have no problem with my legs anymore, it’s my breathing. I didn’t do it outside the last time, and now it seems to be harder for me.
Another addition to my good mood: I got to finish up all the Naruto filler last night, and I got to see the first four episodes of Shippuden. By the way, the animation and pacing of it is so refreshing. After watching all that filler, I needed something new.
Oh yeah! I can’t forget tat today is the first day of Spring. Hooray! Even though it’s like 40 out, I’m going to be wearing flip-flops all day (even though I did this on St. Patrick’s Day and I normally wear my Vibrams - it’s the thought that counts!) I hope this means that the weather is done being shitty; I would love to see green grass and leaves on my trees.
Things that suck today :
- I have to revise my story once around 2 (when I get showered and dressed) and then once again later tonight
- My butt hurts (that workout yesterday really targeted my glutes, today they are sore fr the first time ever)
- Meetings (Fucking Meetings)
- No Shippuden tonight
The good still outweighs the shitty. Hooray!
~Jared~
...Am so Happy It's Over
220 Episodes of Naruto DONE
Shippuden is up next (Sadly, only 70 are dubbed so far)
To be honest, the filler wasn’t terrible, and the ending was fantastic.
Fuck, I must be out of it.
~Jared~
“Does it ever occur to you that I am sometimes thinking?”
—Walter Mitty
...Am Going to Miss Spring Break (Cardio 8)
The workout today was the first annoyance since the middle of the last program. The workout consisted completely of leg exercises. Apparently, I forgot to stretch my groin the other day when I went out for a run, so it’s sore right now. That really made today miserable.
——
Today is technically the last day of Spring Break for me since tomorrow I have all my Fraternity-related meetings. I’m probably going to lose today because I need to some homework that’s due on Monday. Luckily, it’s beautiful again outside. I may try to read out on the porch if the wind doesn’t pick up too much. It shouldn’t take me longer than a couple hours to do, then I may go in and revise my story draft for the contest on Tuesday. I hope I do well on one of my 3 works. As a side note, I will post up the story when I finish it and send it in, to get some responses. I do plan on expanding it, so any amount of brainstorming you do, I would be glad to hear (although I do have some ideas for it).
In addition to the work I have to do, I also have to finish Naruto’s filler today. Last night we watched approximately 20 episodes. We only have 18 left, I’m so excited. After, we get to watch Shippuden (what’s dubbed of it anyway), YuYuHakusho (possibly, I’ve already seen all of it, one friend has not), or Sabrina the Teenage Witch. You heard me. Sabrina.
While out one friend wasn’t here to watch Naruto over the break, we got into watching Sabrina. We made it through one season in about 2 days. 6 more to go! It’s honestly just so much fun to watch because the actors are trying soooo hard (also the writing is so stale and predictable).
I hope I can get the work done quickly for my one class (3 short stories and a page reflection), so I can move onto my story. The revisions could take me more than a day, so I might want to get to it today so I can look at it again tomorrow.
——
Before I forget, this might be my last Spring Break. Boo. I enjoyed having a week off and not being home. I think it would be nice to have more of these but with a job (I still need a job v.v).
~Jared~
Average/High HR : 110/139
