Religious Rant

Matt and I went to go see "The DaVinci Code" last week. I've not yet read the book, so for me it was just a movie. Matt's read the book, so he had some opinions on how Ron Howard "pussied-out" on the religious tone of the book as it translated into film. But, that's not the main focus of this post. I'll let Matt comment on that, if he so chooses. My rant is about Catholics.
Now, those of you who have known me for awhile are aware that I disagree with the Catholic faith about a great number of things. The role of women in the church, confession, communion, & celibacy just to name a few. I do not see why a woman cannot be a minister of Christ's teachings. I do not understand why they feel that you need to confess your sins to another earthly being when the only One you need to be absolved by is God - why the middle man? If you believe in God, and accept Christ as your Savior, why aren't you welcome to partake in the ritual of Holy Communion? And if God gave us sexuality as a gift and NOT a sin, why is it a sin to enjoy the gift we were blessed with? I'm not saying to flout the gift by giving it away to everyone you run into, but why be shamed for putting your sexuality to good use?
Anyway, my biggest problem with Catholicism is the idea of deprivation - during Lent, and, as discussed in "The DaVinci Code" - in Opus Dei. (*caveat - I understand that the representation of Opus Dei in "The DaVinci Code" was exaggerated and that the real organization is different. However, the physical affliction of "self denial" or as I see it "self mutilation" is, to some extent, real for some Opus Dei members.) I've never understood the concept of "giving up" something for Lent. the whole idea of the Crucifixion was so that mankind would be saved from our sins. Christ gave His life for that idea - that we would not have to suffer our own crosses because He had done it for us. I find it an insult to His ultimate sacrifice to think that giving up chocolate or potato chips for 40 days can come close to wandering through a desert fasting and being tested by the Devil himself, only to ultimately end up nailed to 2 boards with 3 nails. I celebrate my faith by trying to do at least 1 nice thing for someone every day during Lent - that seems a more appropriate homage.
I know it seems strange for me to bring up my beefs with Catholicism so far past lent, but as I said, "The DaVinci Code" is what brought it to mind. I thought it appropriate since self-denial and "humiliation" goes beyond this 40 day period for some pious Catholics.

I have more about the Catholic faith, particularly about the concept of a Pope, but I'll save that for a later rant. Mostly I wanted to vent about thinking our puny sacrifices could be considered on the same level as the suffering of Christ.

Progress Notes

About a month or so ago, I wrote about recent motivation to hoisting my ass off of my couch and setting foot on the treadmill. Since it's been awhile since I took that first step, I thought I'd give a little "status report".

I do some form of exercise every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday. I've been switching it up between walking, aerobics, strength training, and bellydance. (No, you may not watch, and yes, Matt is thrilled.) If I miss a day, my makeup days are Saturday and Monday. I'm getting into a groove, and feel guilty if I miss, which isn't often.

The downside - no, I haven't lost any weight. I still enjoy food too much, and I'm considering Weight Watchers (TM), but don't know if I can afford it. But, I do eat pretty healthy most of the time. As Matt so rightly pointed out, my weakness is sugary carbs, like homemade banana nut bread, and ice cream, and brownies, and...ooooh, I'd better stop right there.

The upside - I may not be any lighter, but I am definitely healthier. Probably the best cardiovascular/respiratory shape I've been in since high school show choir. I can take 2 flights of stairs without getting winded. Used to be a little out of breath after one. The strength training portions of my workout are still tiring, but I'm finding that I need heavier weights to get the same fatigue. I'm jumping around more during aerobics. And, the progress I'm the most proud of.... drumroll, please!

WALKING DOESN'T DO IT FOR ME ANYMORE!!!!!
No, ladies and gentleman, the same fast paced jaunt is no longer a workout. I discovered that on Saturday during my makeup workout in the Metroparks. It started out as a little experiment. I walked to warm up, and had a feeling I wasn't going to get anything out of walking. So, I jogged from one workout station to the next. And at first, that was really tiring, but it felt good. So I thought I'd jog as far as I could and see how long I could go. I went a whole song. So I rested a song, jogged a song. And did that for almost 40 minutes. The first few songs, I was huffing towards the end. And, of course, my calves were talking to me. But, after a about 2 rounds of this, my breathing was no longer labored, and I just had to fight with my muscles. I had to stop when my calves just couldn't do it any more, and I walked the rest of the way.
I will admit that I wasn't jogging very fast, but it was a steady rhythm. And I amazed myself with how far I went. I smirked to myself that Allen would be proud.

Matt said that he feels I might not be looking at my new lifestyle from the right approach. That I should stop weighing myself all together because I just get depressed with lack of progress in that arena. And I can see his point, but physical fitness has not been my main objective - it's been to fit into a smaller size. So it's hard not to weigh in and check my progress that way. But I tell myself that I'm not any lighter because I've gained muscle. ;^) Whether it's true or not, I don't know, but it sure makes me feel better.
Leave me some encouragement and tell me how proud you are!!! I need all the help I can get!!!!

Gah!

It's been way too long since I've posted! Really, not all that much going on. Had my review at work, got the chance to yitch about my one boss who's making me nuts. Found out she's moving, and got a little giddy. Maybe that's why I'm supposed to be promoted...we'll see. At this point, all I care about is finding out what my "normal" work life is going to be and get there. At least for the duration of 1 week.

Tonight's the concert with CAC, which will be fun. I'm taking a half day off of work so that I'm not scrambling around this afternoon with everything. Yay. I had to giggle that I only spent 50 minutes at Marymount this morning. But that's all they needed, so bonus.

Things with Matt are good. He took me shopping for my birthday gift last night, so I got a new outfit. More yay.

Easter (although weeks ago), went well. This was our first family holiday as a couple, so making the rounds to our parents' houses was a must. Went well, I think. I like Matt's family, overwhelming at times as they may be. If you think I'm loud, you ain't seen nothing yet.

Martha emailed to say that she got her invite to the MUC Choir Reunion that happens every 2 years during Alumni Weekend. Sweetness. I did it the last time, it's a hoot.

Anywho, back to the grindstone.