body and soul

I'm not an outstanding athlete. I'm not even a good athlete. But about three weeks ago, my sister Teresa, upon hearing that Bally's and LA Fitness have merged, uttered five words that have changed me-- "we can work out together."

Teresa's a marathoner extraordinaire and works out like a fiend. I... not so much. We've been meeting at lunchtime a couple of times a week and she's really putting me through the paces with seemingly impossible cardio and strength training moves. On the first day, I literally cried. Not just because I was in pain (I was) but also because I was embarassed that she is so far in advance of me fitness-wise, but yet is willing to give me so much time and encouragement. Not surprising because that who she is, but touching nevertheless.

So we've been running up and down stairs. Ten times. With 20 pound weights. We've been doing push-ups, sit-up, all the torturous machines, sprint laps and everything in between. I hate it. I love it. I get discouraged. I get encouraged. Throughout it all, Teresa is right there with me. To tell me to shut up when I tell her I hate her. To make me smile when I'm grimacing. To send me an email when I get back to my desk after a particularly grueling session that read "good job. I'm proud of you." Thanks T. There are no words to tell you how much your efforts inspire me. And I'm already seeing a payoff in my running. Today I ran a 7:59 minute mile. Child's play to most people, but huge to me. Huge. I can't wait to run my next 5K.

I've also been reinvigorated with my art. I'm in the midst of a small diptych (each piece is 12" x 12") that is completely unlike anything I've ever done. It's mixed media-- I started with Andy Warhol-ish black and white photographs of men, then women, who have somehow influenced me. Most I know personally. Some I don't. It was a walk down memory lane and a research project of sorts (finding a photograph of the doctor who saved my life, who is surprisingly still practicing in Johnstown, PA). Over these images, I applied semi-gloss gel medium and acrylic washes of color, black and white self-portraits and other collage elements to make it align with my vision. It is perhaps the most intensely personal work I've ever done.

Additionally, I got a message from a friend of mine who I haven't talked to in close to 15 years. He's a published novelist who has finished his second novel and has also ressurrected his internet column on writing. He asked me to come up with a logo for said column. I'm tickled, both to be back in contact with this talented and personable individual, but also because he thought of me when he needed artwork. My mind is alive with possibilities for this adventure.

I've been cooking. As part of my New Year's Resolution, I vowed to do "more" of the things that are good for me-- running, lifting weights, knitting, making art, eating in more-- both to eat healthier and to save money.

I've never been much of a cook, even though both of my grandmothers excelled at it. I remember Grammy, every weekend, putting out a huge spread from appetizers to desserts. She made a Lithuanian potato dish that I was particularly fond of, and her lemon pie defies adequate praise.

My mom, on the other hand, specializes in Kraft macaroni and cheese and Hamburger Helper. After I got married and moved to Chicago, I figured, "why bother learning?" We live in Little Italy. And every place delivers.

Oddly enough, though, restaurant food gets boring. So it was with a spirit of adventure that I bought a few cookbooks and supplies I've never heard of and went to task. I'm pretty proud of some of the things I've made this week-- beer glazed slow cooked pot roast with onions and mushrooms, served with oven baked red potatoes with olive oil and rosemary. Mediterranean chicken served over whole wheat noodles with chopped spinach. Cranberry-almond quinoa breakfast cookies. Next up is pork with pecan sweet potatoes.

Now, I'm not saying that I'm going to burn my pizza menu from D'Agostino's. Not hardly! Or that I'm going to do this every day. But, still... for now I'm having fun with it. I might even buy an apron!