Saturday is kind of a ‘wordy’ day for me as it’s the day that I tackle the cryptic crossword in the National Post.  There are cryptic puzzles throughout the week, but I like the one constructed by Henry Rathvon and Emily Cox. Sometimes I can crack it in one sitting, usually I work at it throughout the week.

On the topic of words and language, I’ve been thinking about the abbreviations that have worked their way into my speech and writing.  For example, in my sewing room right now I have two UFO’s, several WIP’s and I’m about to start some FMQ on one of the WIP’s!   The UFO’s are UnFinished Objects.  They differ from WIP’s (Works In Progress) in that they’re tucked away and haven’t seen action for several months.  I really am working on the WIP’s.  The FMQ,(Free Motion Quilting), will get me very close to finishing one of those projects.  And, when I’m in need of supplies, I’ll check out my LQS, or Local Quilt Shop.

Abbreviations come into play in my sporty life too.  Recently I signed up to race in the Ironman triathlon 70.3 race in Victoria in June.  The distance is one-half of a full Ironman race, (140.6 miles), but instead of calling it a ‘half Ironman’, it is often referred to as a 70.3.  Training has begun and that means it’s time to focus on my DPS, RPM and to throw in a weekly LSD run.  DPS is Distance Per Stroke.  Swimming is all about technique and greater DPS means fewer strokes, which equals less fatigue.  RPM is for the bike and it is the number of Revolutions Per Minute the crank is turned.  The LSD run has nothing to do with psychedelic drugs!  Rather it’s a Long Slow Distance run, which is now 10 km, but will build to 20 km in the spring.

I love words and language.  And right now I’m going to exchange today’s WIP for the cryptic crossword and a cold beer.

Bye for now.