...and it is: to re-watch and re-read as little as possible!
Something you may or may not know about me is that I watch the same stuff over and over again, and that applies to a lesser degree to reading as well. Rather than diving into new TV shows, which I find intimidating and overwhelming, I re-watch ones I've already seen. Obviously this isn't all I do, but I do it a lot. It's comfortable and relaxing to just let my mind focus very little on what's in front of me.
Comfortable and relaxing, maybe, but not extremely engaging, is it? It's easy to just allow myself to do that, but it would really stretch my mind more if I made myself - and it will take a concerted effort - engage in new things. I intend to do more than just watching new TV shows and movies, but this is one way to cultivate new interests and hobbies.
So, I intend to watch movies I've always meant to... like "Annie Hall", "Kramer vs. Kramer", and more! Any time I sit down to watch a movie, I'll make an effort to try something new!
Brilliant. Bring it on!
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Hobbies
A thought occurred to me tonight as I sat in the Four Seasons Centre watching the working rehearsal of Cosi fan tutte: I need a hobby. I'm a busy person, but at this point it's usually work + gym + hanging out + watching TV. If someone asked, "What are you interested in?" I'm not sure what I'd say. I might say "music", but aside from listening to it, how do I take an interest in it? I like "opera", but that interest doesn't go far beyond seeing the occasional performance or listening to my girlfriend K. sing or talk about it. And when I watch TV and movies, it's often just re-watching shows and movies I've already seen before.
So here's one of my resolutions for 2014: actively cultivate interests and hobbies. If I like reading, I ought to read. If I'm so interested in opera, I'm going to listen to it regularly and read about if and form opinions on it. This may sound forced, but maybe I need to put some effort into cultivating interests to begin with. It's easy to marathon "The O.C." on DVD, but it's more difficult to decide to watch a new documentary every week.
Whatever I want to dive into, I'd like to do it wholeheartedly.
Watch out, world!
So here's one of my resolutions for 2014: actively cultivate interests and hobbies. If I like reading, I ought to read. If I'm so interested in opera, I'm going to listen to it regularly and read about if and form opinions on it. This may sound forced, but maybe I need to put some effort into cultivating interests to begin with. It's easy to marathon "The O.C." on DVD, but it's more difficult to decide to watch a new documentary every week.
Whatever I want to dive into, I'd like to do it wholeheartedly.
Watch out, world!
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Gettin' Fit
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! I just can't believe that another year has come and gone... 2014!!! I can't wait to see what the year will bring. One of my resolutions is to update Sugar & Gravy more often. This can be such a fun creative outlet, and I want to bring a little more of that back into my life.
You know what I'm not making a resolution this year? Eating healthy / getting fit / losing weight. Why is that? Because I'm already doing it. Unbeknownst to you (contrary to popular belief, I don't write everything about my life in this blog), I have been adopting a very healthy lifestyle over the past while. In fact, today marks exactly six months since my girlfriend K. and I decided to eat healthier, join a gym, and generally become more health-conscious. Since that fateful day in July 2013, I have lost approximately 35 lbs and made working out a genuine part of my routine. I have gotten stronger, fitter, and gone down about two dress sizes. Most importantly, I've gotten to the point where working out is almost as natural and necessary as brushing my teeth. It feels incredible!
I've heard many times that exercise is THE way to keep you mentally healthy (in addition to all of the physical benefits). And you know what? I get it. I have a lot going on right now in my life (all positive, and more on that another time soon), and so I've been wont to get overwhelmed. Today I'm also feeling outrageously hormonal, and as a result I found myself totally lethargic, bummed out, and emotional this afternoon. BUT K. and I had put a workout in our schedules this evening, so I fought my instinct to stretch out on the couch and watch "The O.C.", and instead walked through the snow to the gym. Around 30 minutes later I couldn't wipe the smile off my face. I was sweaty and panting, yet I felt like I could run to the top of a mountain and sing! It probably sounds cheesy and over the top, but that's genuinely how I feel right now.
It makes me wonder... why did I wait so long to make this part of my life? Who cares?! It is, and that's what's important.
You know what I'm not making a resolution this year? Eating healthy / getting fit / losing weight. Why is that? Because I'm already doing it. Unbeknownst to you (contrary to popular belief, I don't write everything about my life in this blog), I have been adopting a very healthy lifestyle over the past while. In fact, today marks exactly six months since my girlfriend K. and I decided to eat healthier, join a gym, and generally become more health-conscious. Since that fateful day in July 2013, I have lost approximately 35 lbs and made working out a genuine part of my routine. I have gotten stronger, fitter, and gone down about two dress sizes. Most importantly, I've gotten to the point where working out is almost as natural and necessary as brushing my teeth. It feels incredible!
I've heard many times that exercise is THE way to keep you mentally healthy (in addition to all of the physical benefits). And you know what? I get it. I have a lot going on right now in my life (all positive, and more on that another time soon), and so I've been wont to get overwhelmed. Today I'm also feeling outrageously hormonal, and as a result I found myself totally lethargic, bummed out, and emotional this afternoon. BUT K. and I had put a workout in our schedules this evening, so I fought my instinct to stretch out on the couch and watch "The O.C.", and instead walked through the snow to the gym. Around 30 minutes later I couldn't wipe the smile off my face. I was sweaty and panting, yet I felt like I could run to the top of a mountain and sing! It probably sounds cheesy and over the top, but that's genuinely how I feel right now.
It makes me wonder... why did I wait so long to make this part of my life? Who cares?! It is, and that's what's important.
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Legit Jams 7.0
I haven't read much lately, I've been too busy to blog, but whatever... I'm straight up obsessed with this song.
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Discovering T.O. #11: TSO, Roncy & Free Times Cafe
Is it still "Discovering T.O." now that I've been back here for a year?! I argue that it is, because my mom has lived in Toronto for 30+ years now and is still discovering the city. That's the fun thing about living in a big city: there's always something new to see, a new neighbourhood to explore, a new restaurant to try out, etc. I've had a lot of those experiences since my last "Discovering T.O." post, but I'd like to share a few I had this weekend to begin with...
It's been a busy weekend! One of those weekends where you don't have too much downtime, but that can be a good thing now and again. Friday night I went and saw the Toronto Symphony Orchestra perform at Roy Thomson Hall. I went with my girlfriend K. and two friends from high school. Kate's an opera singer, Rachel's a cellist, and Justine and I are former musicians (clarinet and cello, respectively), so all of us have an appreciation for classical music and symphonies. The main event at the TSO that night was Carmina Burana. You might ask yourself, "What's Carmina Burana?" You might be surprised to know that you know it! Or at least, I think you do... Check it out:
In a word, it was fantastic!!! The TSO and accompanying Toronto Mendelssohn Choir were stunning, the music was engaging, and the company was wonderful. I cherish the opportunities I have to experience arts and culture in the city. Nights like Friday always make me want to get out more!
Saturday (yesterday) was a bit of a crazy day. It was rainy, K. and I were in funky moods, and the energy of the day was just generally not great. Then we went to a Body Combat class at the gym and the endorphins rushing through us gave us a second wind. We had a delicious lunch at Fresh (there's now one in our neighbourhood!!! And right next to the gym!) and felt happier, so we went shopping for Halloween costumes (we were going to a party that night). Then we weren't having a lot of success at that, so our moods went sour again. Ugh! We got home, relaxed, I had a nap, and then we were feeling pretty good again, so we tried at successful Halloween costumes once again and... SUCCESS!!! I was a lumberjack (easy enough!) and Kate was our cat Spoon!!! Haha!
So off we went to the beautiful Roncesvalles neighbourhood in Toronto, where our friend Larissa now lives (and a lot of other friends, for that matter). Larissa & Co. ran quite the party!!! Orange-y lighting, cobwebs everywhere, jars filled with brains (cauliflowers), a candy bar, and more!!! It was a blast; great music, lots of friends, and great costumes! My favourite was a guy who dressed as Zack Galifianakis with two ferns on his shoulders, as in "Between Two Ferns with Zack Galifianakis". BRILLIANT. It was a great night!
And then today - Sunday - we woke up, relaxed a wee bit, and then headed to College & Spadina area for a brunch with friends, including our friend Josh who hosted us in St. John's, Newfoundland, where he lives, but he was home for a visit. Josh made us a reservation somewhere I'd never been, called Free Times Cafe. He said he was tempted by the Jewish brunch buffet, and I thought, that sounds amazing! It was! The place was busy, yet comfortable, and had excellent service. We got a table in the backroom where the stage was, and the band today played Klezmer music, which was excellent and put everyone in such a great mood. And then there was the food..... YUM! Lox, potato latkes, challah french toast, salmon patties, gelfilte fish, salads galore... mmmm. The company was excellent, the food was delicious, the vibe was great... another great Toronto experience.
And now I'm home doing laundry, enjoying some downtime and the sounds of K. practicing in the background... no complaints!
It's been a busy weekend! One of those weekends where you don't have too much downtime, but that can be a good thing now and again. Friday night I went and saw the Toronto Symphony Orchestra perform at Roy Thomson Hall. I went with my girlfriend K. and two friends from high school. Kate's an opera singer, Rachel's a cellist, and Justine and I are former musicians (clarinet and cello, respectively), so all of us have an appreciation for classical music and symphonies. The main event at the TSO that night was Carmina Burana. You might ask yourself, "What's Carmina Burana?" You might be surprised to know that you know it! Or at least, I think you do... Check it out:
In a word, it was fantastic!!! The TSO and accompanying Toronto Mendelssohn Choir were stunning, the music was engaging, and the company was wonderful. I cherish the opportunities I have to experience arts and culture in the city. Nights like Friday always make me want to get out more!
Saturday (yesterday) was a bit of a crazy day. It was rainy, K. and I were in funky moods, and the energy of the day was just generally not great. Then we went to a Body Combat class at the gym and the endorphins rushing through us gave us a second wind. We had a delicious lunch at Fresh (there's now one in our neighbourhood!!! And right next to the gym!) and felt happier, so we went shopping for Halloween costumes (we were going to a party that night). Then we weren't having a lot of success at that, so our moods went sour again. Ugh! We got home, relaxed, I had a nap, and then we were feeling pretty good again, so we tried at successful Halloween costumes once again and... SUCCESS!!! I was a lumberjack (easy enough!) and Kate was our cat Spoon!!! Haha!
So off we went to the beautiful Roncesvalles neighbourhood in Toronto, where our friend Larissa now lives (and a lot of other friends, for that matter). Larissa & Co. ran quite the party!!! Orange-y lighting, cobwebs everywhere, jars filled with brains (cauliflowers), a candy bar, and more!!! It was a blast; great music, lots of friends, and great costumes! My favourite was a guy who dressed as Zack Galifianakis with two ferns on his shoulders, as in "Between Two Ferns with Zack Galifianakis". BRILLIANT. It was a great night!
And then today - Sunday - we woke up, relaxed a wee bit, and then headed to College & Spadina area for a brunch with friends, including our friend Josh who hosted us in St. John's, Newfoundland, where he lives, but he was home for a visit. Josh made us a reservation somewhere I'd never been, called Free Times Cafe. He said he was tempted by the Jewish brunch buffet, and I thought, that sounds amazing! It was! The place was busy, yet comfortable, and had excellent service. We got a table in the backroom where the stage was, and the band today played Klezmer music, which was excellent and put everyone in such a great mood. And then there was the food..... YUM! Lox, potato latkes, challah french toast, salmon patties, gelfilte fish, salads galore... mmmm. The company was excellent, the food was delicious, the vibe was great... another great Toronto experience.
And now I'm home doing laundry, enjoying some downtime and the sounds of K. practicing in the background... no complaints!
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Yoga: Then & Now
Wanna know a secret? I've been working on my fitness. Well, it's not actually a secret; I just haven't blogged about it or posted about it on Facebook, Instagram, etc. It's been going on since July of this year and I wanted to share it now as I have something related to it to write about.
In Fall 2012, my girlfriend K. and I joined a yoga studio. That was not something I ever imagined for myself, but soon enough the classes became part of my weekly/biweekly routine. I really enjoyed it! I enjoyed - and still do - the deep stretches, the peace and quiet of the practice, the attitude that facing your own challenges is the point (and that there's no use in comparing yourself to others, and - of course - child's pose. I loved bringing something into my life that took me out of my comfort zone and did some good for the health of my mind, body, and soul.
In Summer 2013, K. and I decided we needed more, so we educated ourselves on and are continuing to establish healthy eating habits, and then in late August we joined a gym!!! Again, not something I imagined for myself, but we've been going 3x a week for the past two months or so and we feel fantastic!
So - what's the point of this post? Well, last night I returned to our yoga studio for the first time since... the summer at least, I think. I took a level 1 Ashtanga class with an instructor who I've taken classes with before, and he's really intense. But, it felt AWESOME! I felt stronger, I had better stamina, and I challenged myself to hold poses longer and try harder things than I normally would. It really felt incredible.
I never thought of myself as an active person, and I guess that point-of-view turned into a belief that I couldn't be active. Boy was I wrong! I can do anything!
In Fall 2012, my girlfriend K. and I joined a yoga studio. That was not something I ever imagined for myself, but soon enough the classes became part of my weekly/biweekly routine. I really enjoyed it! I enjoyed - and still do - the deep stretches, the peace and quiet of the practice, the attitude that facing your own challenges is the point (and that there's no use in comparing yourself to others, and - of course - child's pose. I loved bringing something into my life that took me out of my comfort zone and did some good for the health of my mind, body, and soul.
In Summer 2013, K. and I decided we needed more, so we educated ourselves on and are continuing to establish healthy eating habits, and then in late August we joined a gym!!! Again, not something I imagined for myself, but we've been going 3x a week for the past two months or so and we feel fantastic!
So - what's the point of this post? Well, last night I returned to our yoga studio for the first time since... the summer at least, I think. I took a level 1 Ashtanga class with an instructor who I've taken classes with before, and he's really intense. But, it felt AWESOME! I felt stronger, I had better stamina, and I challenged myself to hold poses longer and try harder things than I normally would. It really felt incredible.
I never thought of myself as an active person, and I guess that point-of-view turned into a belief that I couldn't be active. Boy was I wrong! I can do anything!
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