Building Muscle

I want a strong back so I went to the gym twice this week.

I would love to go a third time but since it is only a small gym their hours clash with my schedule on some days. So twice a week it is for now.

I really like the classes I am taking on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I always feel better after having exercised.

I am glad they offer so many different ways to buikd muscle in your back. I want to get rid of that pain for good.

How often do you take classes at your local gym? Which are your favorite workouts for a stronger back?

Working Out & Meeting Friends

Remember when I told you about my hurting back? Well, the problem is still not solved so the doc advised me to take rehabilitation sports classes.
Unfortunately, my private health insurance does not (want to) cover the costs. PUBLIC health insurance does. Go figure!
Does not matter, though, because these classes are also included in my gym membership.
My first class was last week. When I entered the gym, I saw a familiar face among the other members: a friend of mine! And I did not even know she had joined the gym.
I had hoped to have found a workout buddy but I have not seen her since although she wanted to join me in the classes I was taking. Hope she has not given up (yet).

Animals

As most of you already know, I love animals. I love my little Flo more than I can say and it breaks my heart to hear about animals who have been abused, tortured, left to die.

If you'd like to help an animal in need, maybe donate a small amount or even adopt one, please do! If you don't know where your help is needed, here are two suggestions (many more can be found through internet search or are listed in your local phone book):

Noah's Ark Rescue (located in SC, USA) 

Warning: some photos of the animals' injuries are very graphic. 

Argos Sanctuary (located in Cyprus)

There are a lot more organisations helping and saving animals. If there's an animal shelter or organisation close to you locally - or close to your heart - and if you can spare a dollar/euro or two, please consider donating. 

Even small donations help them save animals, feed them, care for them, and find new homes for them.

Some shelters are also grateful for donations of dog/cat toys, cat litter, blankets etc. Just call ahead and ask them what is needed.

Back On Track

We did it! Flo and I went on a short run today. Felt so good! :)

I'm looking forward to resuming my running now that winter is finally (hopefully?) over. 

Don't you dare!

For days, if not weeks, I have not dared checking my weight. I do not know how many kilograms I have added or lost and I do not want to know just yet.

I think finding my inner balance is probably more important than weight loss right now although I am not absolutely sure about all that.

What do you do to improve your state of mind when life gets weird?

Sunshine & Warmth, Snow & Frozen Souls

Last week, we returned from our one-week trip to the island of Mallorca, Spain. While Germany had freezing degrees below zero, we enjoyed a much the milder climate and sunny days. 

Unfortunately, we had to return to German winter weather again. It has been snowing the last couple of days and metereologists have declared this month as the coldest March we've had in 130 years. 

~ * ~

I would like to thank you all for your comments and mails concerning my last post. Thanks for being honest and encouraging and trying to help me see both sides of the story.

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Mental Health

I often wonder why I am so unhappy with my life.
Nothing seems to work out the way it is supposed to, I hate the system in which I work, I hate looking at myself in the mirror, and most of all: I hate being unhappy.
Part of the problem are my depressive episodes. Or aren't they?
Which came first? Depression or unhappiness? Which caused which? Were both caused by something else entirely?
Will I ever be able to get rid of depression as long as my life remains the same? As long as I remain the same?
I do not work well in hierarchical systems and I know it. Do I simply have to learn to get along with this? Is it possible to learn how to endure working in hierarchical structures? Can I keep my mouth shut and not question my superiors? And be happy with it?
I do not see how.

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What's wrong with me and my life?