Quick carbs, sweet stuff, yummie yummie yummie...
but no steak in the wrappers.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Shasta doesn't know
THAT
1. Mommy cooks for her
2. She eats better than at least 75% of the world
3. She gets her teeth cleaned (I don't )
4. She gets pharmaceutical grade fish oil (she hates anyway)
5. She gets $15 shampoo and $15 conditioner bottles (I use Pantene for everything)
6. She doesn't have a job, pay taxes, do housework, or contribute in any material way; she only has to be her.
7. She comes first, the world is second
8. She really is smaller than a Dobberman and 98% of the dogs on our street.
9. The cats just want to be her friends
10. How lucky she is...
1. Mommy cooks for her
2. She eats better than at least 75% of the world
3. She gets her teeth cleaned (I don't )
4. She gets pharmaceutical grade fish oil (she hates anyway)
5. She gets $15 shampoo and $15 conditioner bottles (I use Pantene for everything)
6. She doesn't have a job, pay taxes, do housework, or contribute in any material way; she only has to be her.
7. She comes first, the world is second
8. She really is smaller than a Dobberman and 98% of the dogs on our street.
9. The cats just want to be her friends
10. How lucky she is...
Sitting and waiting for the traffic light to turn
This is a memo to those people who didn't get the one 20 years ago about the sensor strips under the asphalt and the painted white lines over them.
This means, that when you pull up to a red light, and keep inching forward 3+ yards passed the white line, you have crossed the sensory area that will NOTICE that it should turn the light, so your inching really renders you invisible and stupid. But, I know the memo didn't go out to EVERYONE, so I am sending one to you now.
Stay where you are supposed to, if you want to go. Otherwise you will stay there forever. Hm.. kewl!
This means, that when you pull up to a red light, and keep inching forward 3+ yards passed the white line, you have crossed the sensory area that will NOTICE that it should turn the light, so your inching really renders you invisible and stupid. But, I know the memo didn't go out to EVERYONE, so I am sending one to you now.
Stay where you are supposed to, if you want to go. Otherwise you will stay there forever. Hm.. kewl!
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Publix Apron Simple Meals-or-What can we sell tonight?
Dear Consumer,
I listen to radio on my daily drives and listen to some of the ads plaid on the major stations. One of those is by Publix, and the topic of my discussion. The "simple meals" project that is found as a free standing station close to the entrance seemingly tries to help people by providing dinner choices, complete with not only the recipe, but taste testing and ingredients close by as well. So I've listened to two of these in two consecutive days, and I can't stay quiet anymore!
The first ad had something healthy as a main course (I cannot remember what exactly) accompanied by a side of bacon cheese fries, which, according to the expert, needed to be dipped in ranch dressing. I said, yeih! what a great way to add an extra 1000 calories to your DINNER! Ok, cheesy fries, whatever. Topped with bacon, now you are cancelling the effects of fish oil capsules you've been taking. AND dipped in ranch? WHY??? Are those poor potatos lacking falvor still?
No, I tell you why. To sell stuff. Now we have gone from potatoes, to potatos, cheese, bacon and ranch. Bamm! Good job.
Next day, commercial: thai something salmon (thai always means sweet!), accompanied by something that had bacon in it.
Ok, here's the downlow: know what you are ADDING to your dinner. Little things add up, especially if it begins with "bac" and ends with "on". The main directive of any corporation is to sell stuff by appealing to someone. Providing easy recipes is one thing (though how hard is it to cook a piece of fish, or make a side dish?), turning something basically good into something totally bad is another. I will paste the link for the Apron's recipe site, and ask you too look hard and find how many of them do not have added sugar or added fat (for flavor, of course, or just in case we are bored with how real food tastes). These things are fun to eat every now and then, but cannot be part of your everyday cooking!
No surprise then, that when I was asked by my evening boot campers what to eat after 8pm (when the class is over), I said "Grab a sugar cube wrapped in bacon". Why the cooking? They didn't believe me...
Anyway, to save time, try baking a big batch of chicken breast and freeze it. It can be used with packages of vegetable stir fry (just the vegetables!) or rice, or salad, or anything you can think of! It is a great source of protein, and can be eaten hot or cold, alone or with someone else:)
Another trick I do is to get a really nice, thick sirloin steak and slice it like the Chinese do, thin. A quick seasoning and pan searing does the job in 10 minutes. Then this can be frozen too, or added in tomato sauce, on a sandwich, or eaten alone, even cold. Sometimes I just slice tomatoes or fresh fruit as a side. I find that the side dishes take the longest to prepare: like couscous, bulgur wheat, quinoa - all have a 25-30 minute prep time. So I don't make those for every meal. I am lucky though, for living alone I get to eat a serving of side dish for 3 days:)
Anyway, here's the link to the Publix Experts, use it with care!
http://www.publix.com/aprons/meals/SimpleMeals.do
I listen to radio on my daily drives and listen to some of the ads plaid on the major stations. One of those is by Publix, and the topic of my discussion. The "simple meals" project that is found as a free standing station close to the entrance seemingly tries to help people by providing dinner choices, complete with not only the recipe, but taste testing and ingredients close by as well. So I've listened to two of these in two consecutive days, and I can't stay quiet anymore!
The first ad had something healthy as a main course (I cannot remember what exactly) accompanied by a side of bacon cheese fries, which, according to the expert, needed to be dipped in ranch dressing. I said, yeih! what a great way to add an extra 1000 calories to your DINNER! Ok, cheesy fries, whatever. Topped with bacon, now you are cancelling the effects of fish oil capsules you've been taking. AND dipped in ranch? WHY??? Are those poor potatos lacking falvor still?
No, I tell you why. To sell stuff. Now we have gone from potatoes, to potatos, cheese, bacon and ranch. Bamm! Good job.
Next day, commercial: thai something salmon (thai always means sweet!), accompanied by something that had bacon in it.
Ok, here's the downlow: know what you are ADDING to your dinner. Little things add up, especially if it begins with "bac" and ends with "on". The main directive of any corporation is to sell stuff by appealing to someone. Providing easy recipes is one thing (though how hard is it to cook a piece of fish, or make a side dish?), turning something basically good into something totally bad is another. I will paste the link for the Apron's recipe site, and ask you too look hard and find how many of them do not have added sugar or added fat (for flavor, of course, or just in case we are bored with how real food tastes). These things are fun to eat every now and then, but cannot be part of your everyday cooking!
No surprise then, that when I was asked by my evening boot campers what to eat after 8pm (when the class is over), I said "Grab a sugar cube wrapped in bacon". Why the cooking? They didn't believe me...
Anyway, to save time, try baking a big batch of chicken breast and freeze it. It can be used with packages of vegetable stir fry (just the vegetables!) or rice, or salad, or anything you can think of! It is a great source of protein, and can be eaten hot or cold, alone or with someone else:)
Another trick I do is to get a really nice, thick sirloin steak and slice it like the Chinese do, thin. A quick seasoning and pan searing does the job in 10 minutes. Then this can be frozen too, or added in tomato sauce, on a sandwich, or eaten alone, even cold. Sometimes I just slice tomatoes or fresh fruit as a side. I find that the side dishes take the longest to prepare: like couscous, bulgur wheat, quinoa - all have a 25-30 minute prep time. So I don't make those for every meal. I am lucky though, for living alone I get to eat a serving of side dish for 3 days:)
Anyway, here's the link to the Publix Experts, use it with care!
http://www.publix.com/aprons/meals/SimpleMeals.do
Saturday, October 17, 2009
poetry analysis
I am in a class that is sometimes funny, sometimes mind boggling and other times scary. It can also be ridiculous.
It occurred to me that analyzing poetry is like working on a conspiracy theory. If there is something to connect to something else, we will find it. What's funny is that some of it is totally lost in translation or not applicable, but hey! I found it!!! The third letter of the second word of the first verse in the fifth Canto is the same as the last letter of the fifth word in the first verse of the second Canto. And by this I mean there is a connection in my overly overworked awesome mind that long ago stopped reading poetry and started breaking code! Holy Moly! And by this I mean I need to start building a card castle.
All I am saying is that sometimes, just sometimes, poetry is meant to be read and interpreted by the reader according to her emotions, experiences and ideals, with the underlying meaning in focus, but for each reader a unique voice that delivers that meaning. It's POETRY, not code. No way a true poet would have set out and deliberately constructed references to everything under the sun, in a volume that needs three books to print. No way. I'm not buying it. But it's funny! It's almost like a deranged child's play: "Mommy, I know what "walking along" means, it means we are having chicken for dinner, because the chicken was doing the walking in the other verse, and along could mean "along with dinner". Crazy *(#!
What I really think is that people who don't have the emotional intelligence to FEEL the tone and have no musical awareness to LISTEN to the left hand playing along have to find meaningless and barbaric references to the chicken dinner. It doesn't always have to be a conspiracy. What about conspiracy by accident, does that have a name? Yeah, it's called: genius, Genius!
And by genius, I mean hit you with a wooden spoon in the head.
The end.
It occurred to me that analyzing poetry is like working on a conspiracy theory. If there is something to connect to something else, we will find it. What's funny is that some of it is totally lost in translation or not applicable, but hey! I found it!!! The third letter of the second word of the first verse in the fifth Canto is the same as the last letter of the fifth word in the first verse of the second Canto. And by this I mean there is a connection in my overly overworked awesome mind that long ago stopped reading poetry and started breaking code! Holy Moly! And by this I mean I need to start building a card castle.
All I am saying is that sometimes, just sometimes, poetry is meant to be read and interpreted by the reader according to her emotions, experiences and ideals, with the underlying meaning in focus, but for each reader a unique voice that delivers that meaning. It's POETRY, not code. No way a true poet would have set out and deliberately constructed references to everything under the sun, in a volume that needs three books to print. No way. I'm not buying it. But it's funny! It's almost like a deranged child's play: "Mommy, I know what "walking along" means, it means we are having chicken for dinner, because the chicken was doing the walking in the other verse, and along could mean "along with dinner". Crazy *(#!
What I really think is that people who don't have the emotional intelligence to FEEL the tone and have no musical awareness to LISTEN to the left hand playing along have to find meaningless and barbaric references to the chicken dinner. It doesn't always have to be a conspiracy. What about conspiracy by accident, does that have a name? Yeah, it's called: genius, Genius!
And by genius, I mean hit you with a wooden spoon in the head.
The end.
if you are a vegetarian
You must not know how the American and international farmers alike are being exploited and governed with seed control, pesticides, production regulations and all sorts of industrially favorable rules. I recommend reading "Animal, vegetable, miracle" for a little eye opening. Nothing that is profitable and consumable is safe anymore from human exploitation. The only solution I see is a compromise by reversion to self sustained communities and local food movement, such as the "Slow Food" movement of Italy.
And if you think "organic" is safe, think again. It's just another guideline and another business. It's not really natural and pure. I don't think any of the store bought food is. Even the soil is tainted and treated. And tainted. So there...We are so far away from sustenance, we are in the era of devourment conjoined with pretences to appear normal. Or, I could've said, we are in the era of over consumption and making a business out of everything else that can hide it. Eat this and eat that, get a value for your dollar and take supplements and get surgeries to hide away the greed. I wonder how many different versions of, say, ice cream there are in the US. Or bread. Or milk. Simple items that want to cater to some specific group. Then, there is a whole other industry of keeping people "healthy". WHAT THE HELL DOES THAT MEAN ANYMORE?
By the way, I meet more and more people who are vegetarians to some degree and are,sadly, obese. So there, again. What's the solution? I dunno... Simplicity and modesty?. Eating cantaloupe that was harvested in Chile by starving farmers who are on the verge of ruin as they try to comply with and stay within government guidelines is not it. Having to harvest produce prematurely that has to be packaged and transported (using fuel, yes) while competing with mechanized farms is not it.
But! Eating off the land of neighboring farms and having to miss Chilean cantaloupe off season is a sacrifice, something that is right next to modesty and sustenance. Dying.
I do miss simplicity.
And if you think "organic" is safe, think again. It's just another guideline and another business. It's not really natural and pure. I don't think any of the store bought food is. Even the soil is tainted and treated. And tainted. So there...We are so far away from sustenance, we are in the era of devourment conjoined with pretences to appear normal. Or, I could've said, we are in the era of over consumption and making a business out of everything else that can hide it. Eat this and eat that, get a value for your dollar and take supplements and get surgeries to hide away the greed. I wonder how many different versions of, say, ice cream there are in the US. Or bread. Or milk. Simple items that want to cater to some specific group. Then, there is a whole other industry of keeping people "healthy". WHAT THE HELL DOES THAT MEAN ANYMORE?
By the way, I meet more and more people who are vegetarians to some degree and are,sadly, obese. So there, again. What's the solution? I dunno... Simplicity and modesty?. Eating cantaloupe that was harvested in Chile by starving farmers who are on the verge of ruin as they try to comply with and stay within government guidelines is not it. Having to harvest produce prematurely that has to be packaged and transported (using fuel, yes) while competing with mechanized farms is not it.
But! Eating off the land of neighboring farms and having to miss Chilean cantaloupe off season is a sacrifice, something that is right next to modesty and sustenance. Dying.
I do miss simplicity.
assembly of a chicken
I have pondered... if I were to take body parts of a chicken from packages of chickien body parts (i.e. 2 thighs from a package of chicken thighs, breasts from a package of chicken breasts, etc) what kind of chicken would be built? The answer: a superchicken, with breasts as big as Dolly Parton's, and legs like a power lifter. The next qeustion is. From what kind of chickens do these body parts come? I suspect it goes something like this: parts from genetically engineered big breasted ones, from genetically enhanced fat legged ones, and from ones that probably don't even have a head. Unless there is a market somewhere for chicken lips.
Sad, isn't it? Exploited animals. I would just like to eat an average chicken with cup size B, and shoe size 7. One that can run without tipping on her own breasts and is actually able to lift his legs off the ground. Geez...
Sad, isn't it? Exploited animals. I would just like to eat an average chicken with cup size B, and shoe size 7. One that can run without tipping on her own breasts and is actually able to lift his legs off the ground. Geez...
Sunday, October 11, 2009
training styles
What's the difference between Crossfit, Boot Camp, Exercise Class, Kettle Bell workout, Interval Training and so forth?
They try to appeal to someone. It's like buying shampoo. There are mandarin scented ones with a hint of peach, or cucumber melon scented ones, or unscented ones...do they really differ that much? The answer is NO. Not really. They would get your hair washed, all of them. So how does that apply to all the special types of training? Do what you like. But do it with heart and do it regularly. Not everyone likes spinning and not everyone likes dancy workout classes. Fitness levels and likes and dislikes vary.
I vote for complexity, intensity and variety. That is why I like to do boot camp, as opposed to sitting on a broom handle in a closed up room, or bouncing around to music standing in one spot. I am also not a great fan of Crossfit because it wears on the body with too much intensity and provides for no recovery. Overuse injury is likely to result, however! I do think it is a good platform to drastically increase fitness levels and help with weight loss. You choose if you are willing to submit your body to overuse to get there. Not everyone is a Navy Seal.
H.I.T.T. or high intensity interval training is also a great way to get in shape and have a good mix of tortures in your workout.
Boot camp, on the other hand, can be whatever. I like to alternate between muscle strength and endurance, cardiovascular fitness, and fun games. You can't go wrong with it!
So, yes, I am partial to my own technique, but I am also a participant and picky about my workouts. Remember, whatever you decide to engage in, make sure someone is paying attention to you and your form, your progress and your input. Make sure you get sweaty and feel great at the end of the workout. Make sure you look forward to your workouts.
Have fun and push yourself!
They try to appeal to someone. It's like buying shampoo. There are mandarin scented ones with a hint of peach, or cucumber melon scented ones, or unscented ones...do they really differ that much? The answer is NO. Not really. They would get your hair washed, all of them. So how does that apply to all the special types of training? Do what you like. But do it with heart and do it regularly. Not everyone likes spinning and not everyone likes dancy workout classes. Fitness levels and likes and dislikes vary.
I vote for complexity, intensity and variety. That is why I like to do boot camp, as opposed to sitting on a broom handle in a closed up room, or bouncing around to music standing in one spot. I am also not a great fan of Crossfit because it wears on the body with too much intensity and provides for no recovery. Overuse injury is likely to result, however! I do think it is a good platform to drastically increase fitness levels and help with weight loss. You choose if you are willing to submit your body to overuse to get there. Not everyone is a Navy Seal.
H.I.T.T. or high intensity interval training is also a great way to get in shape and have a good mix of tortures in your workout.
Boot camp, on the other hand, can be whatever. I like to alternate between muscle strength and endurance, cardiovascular fitness, and fun games. You can't go wrong with it!
So, yes, I am partial to my own technique, but I am also a participant and picky about my workouts. Remember, whatever you decide to engage in, make sure someone is paying attention to you and your form, your progress and your input. Make sure you get sweaty and feel great at the end of the workout. Make sure you look forward to your workouts.
Have fun and push yourself!
Birthday
I have not had the opportunity to say something to all the dear people who have remembered my birthday and extended a good wish and made my day!
I cherish these relationships and thank you all for keeping it alive!
Ex-coworkers, old friends, new friends, clients and otherwise bored people (just kidding) THANK YOU VERY MUCH! I had a wonderful time out with a few friends and remembered all the ones that couldn't be there!
I hope your special day is happy one as well, and I hope I will remember it too!
I cherish these relationships and thank you all for keeping it alive!
Ex-coworkers, old friends, new friends, clients and otherwise bored people (just kidding) THANK YOU VERY MUCH! I had a wonderful time out with a few friends and remembered all the ones that couldn't be there!
I hope your special day is happy one as well, and I hope I will remember it too!
Phfew!
Or however it's spelled... big sigh...
I have been away (literally) from my computer for a while, because it had a nasty virus I didn't want to catch! Now it's all better, till I start downloading music again, so I will use this opportunity to get a few words in.
First of all - Uma Thurman is a butt-ugly girl, if she's even a girl, I suspect she could be an overgrown amoeba with boobs stock on her sickly frame that closely resemble her eyes: way too large and far apart. Her delicate face reminds me of butt cheeks squeezed apart as one sits on the toilet, before secretion. Now then. Off to more important things...
Matt Lauer is gay, or else he would uncross his silly legs from a girly dainty position they are ALWAYS in. Bad sentence ending.
Fat tax...hm. tuff one. I say yes, only because it IS a legitimate and pressing cause for many ailments that could easily be solved with a bit of effort. Effort to walk, effort to shop and cook and pack food instead of quick fixes, effort to admit that it is NOT OK and NOT PRETTY, effort to not think of food as a reward and a comfort(er), effort to actually work out instead of reading a magazine on a recumbent bike. It is, nonetheless, a liability to others who DO make an effort and exercise self control. When big people look at skinny people they say "It's easy for you to be skinny", well, do you really think so???????? I have news for you, it's not! Not in this country, where portions are enough for an all day intake (which we feel compelled to consume because we paid for it), and walking is left for the vagrants and poor people, and fitness and supplements have become somewhat of a joke and just another business, whose goal is to make you feel good about yourself for very little effort.
Finally, I have a new interpretation of break lights in front of me. One light = picked up phone or hung up phone, or looked down on phone to see who's calling. Repeating break lights (for no (*^*&%&^ reason) = text messaging is in progress. Driving 20 miles under the speed limit (no longer exclusively belonging to frail old ladies or incompetent drivers who are intimidated by the act of driving) = cellphone in usage. I remember a law that declared earphone use illegal while driving under the assumption that it causes distraction from the actual traffic around. What do we call cellphones? A menace, I say! And I will admit - I am the first one to use mine while driving, because it's time used wisely, phone calls returned or made (not texting though). But seriously, I will gladly put mine away if that means no one can use theirs either. It is so ridiculous having these new roads built and having these high tech cars so we can drive with no eyes on the road and at most, 60 miles per hour speed. Something is gotta give. I hope a new law will be implemented to fix this.
Now, I've got much work to to, but plan on ranting some more soon, so don't miss it!
I have been away (literally) from my computer for a while, because it had a nasty virus I didn't want to catch! Now it's all better, till I start downloading music again, so I will use this opportunity to get a few words in.
First of all - Uma Thurman is a butt-ugly girl, if she's even a girl, I suspect she could be an overgrown amoeba with boobs stock on her sickly frame that closely resemble her eyes: way too large and far apart. Her delicate face reminds me of butt cheeks squeezed apart as one sits on the toilet, before secretion. Now then. Off to more important things...
Matt Lauer is gay, or else he would uncross his silly legs from a girly dainty position they are ALWAYS in. Bad sentence ending.
Fat tax...hm. tuff one. I say yes, only because it IS a legitimate and pressing cause for many ailments that could easily be solved with a bit of effort. Effort to walk, effort to shop and cook and pack food instead of quick fixes, effort to admit that it is NOT OK and NOT PRETTY, effort to not think of food as a reward and a comfort(er), effort to actually work out instead of reading a magazine on a recumbent bike. It is, nonetheless, a liability to others who DO make an effort and exercise self control. When big people look at skinny people they say "It's easy for you to be skinny", well, do you really think so???????? I have news for you, it's not! Not in this country, where portions are enough for an all day intake (which we feel compelled to consume because we paid for it), and walking is left for the vagrants and poor people, and fitness and supplements have become somewhat of a joke and just another business, whose goal is to make you feel good about yourself for very little effort.
Finally, I have a new interpretation of break lights in front of me. One light = picked up phone or hung up phone, or looked down on phone to see who's calling. Repeating break lights (for no (*^*&%&^ reason) = text messaging is in progress. Driving 20 miles under the speed limit (no longer exclusively belonging to frail old ladies or incompetent drivers who are intimidated by the act of driving) = cellphone in usage. I remember a law that declared earphone use illegal while driving under the assumption that it causes distraction from the actual traffic around. What do we call cellphones? A menace, I say! And I will admit - I am the first one to use mine while driving, because it's time used wisely, phone calls returned or made (not texting though). But seriously, I will gladly put mine away if that means no one can use theirs either. It is so ridiculous having these new roads built and having these high tech cars so we can drive with no eyes on the road and at most, 60 miles per hour speed. Something is gotta give. I hope a new law will be implemented to fix this.
Now, I've got much work to to, but plan on ranting some more soon, so don't miss it!
Friday, September 18, 2009
How to safely and effectively lose weight at any stage
Eat half of what you are eating now.
That will be $100 dollars.
That will be $100 dollars.
Leap movie
I have recently been sent an invitation to view this film. I watched the trailer... you can too http://www.leapmovie.com/
Aaand...,ok. I haven't gotten over worrying about my credit score. Now they tell me it's not even real! Pfh!
Well then. I am not sure if I would call this "mind opening" or "mind clouding". Because (and this is only my simple minded argument), spiritually speaking, many REAL LIFE events have been "spiritualized" by the ancients, due to the lack of knowledge that could explain things. Spiritually, some have also believed that throwing little children to their death off the mountain will bring rain. And so on and so forth.
What I do agree with (and I haven't seen the film, only assume certain messages and meanings from it) is that much of what we VALUE is bogus and we have to almost devolve (yes, I made that word up) to take in all that is around us and truly be happy with what IS. Instead of worrying about credit scores, just cherish Earth and humanity and take care of all things living with respect. Profit is humanities downfall. His best buddy is greed. Together they will guide us into the abyss where the vast majority of us belong. No Hail Marys can nullify this fact. I am not a socialist, nor am I a worshipper. I just am. Living in my reality.
But I digress, as usual. So if you have seen the film, please comment on it and enlighten us.
Peace
Aaand...,ok. I haven't gotten over worrying about my credit score. Now they tell me it's not even real! Pfh!
Well then. I am not sure if I would call this "mind opening" or "mind clouding". Because (and this is only my simple minded argument), spiritually speaking, many REAL LIFE events have been "spiritualized" by the ancients, due to the lack of knowledge that could explain things. Spiritually, some have also believed that throwing little children to their death off the mountain will bring rain. And so on and so forth.
What I do agree with (and I haven't seen the film, only assume certain messages and meanings from it) is that much of what we VALUE is bogus and we have to almost devolve (yes, I made that word up) to take in all that is around us and truly be happy with what IS. Instead of worrying about credit scores, just cherish Earth and humanity and take care of all things living with respect. Profit is humanities downfall. His best buddy is greed. Together they will guide us into the abyss where the vast majority of us belong. No Hail Marys can nullify this fact. I am not a socialist, nor am I a worshipper. I just am. Living in my reality.
But I digress, as usual. So if you have seen the film, please comment on it and enlighten us.
Peace
Saturday, August 22, 2009
runners' injuries
This is a great article everyone should read!
http://www.active.com/running/Articles/6-Common-Running-Injuries-to-Avoid.htm?act=EMC-Active&Vehicle=Insider&Date=08_19_09&Edition=1&Sections=Articles&Creative=How_to_Avoid_These_6_Common_Running_Injuries&TextName=How_to_Avoid_These_6_Common_Running_Injuries&ArtText=Txt&Placement=1&Dy=Wed&lyrisid=20097013&dart=F
http://www.active.com/running/Articles/6-Common-Running-Injuries-to-Avoid.htm?act=EMC-Active&Vehicle=Insider&Date=08_19_09&Edition=1&Sections=Articles&Creative=How_to_Avoid_These_6_Common_Running_Injuries&TextName=How_to_Avoid_These_6_Common_Running_Injuries&ArtText=Txt&Placement=1&Dy=Wed&lyrisid=20097013&dart=F
Friday, August 21, 2009
the truth about personal training
I have made a sad discovery in my quest for "marketing" myself as a personal trainer: People -for the most part, I would say 98 percent - are not looking for training, for achieved goals, for improvements, or for value for their money; they are looking for entertainment. Why do I say this? Because that's what sells, and there is not a lot of professional training going on. I mean, they are "doing stuff", but sometimes it's painful to watch. They are mostly happy that some poof poof muscle guy with a shaved head and tight shirt is paying attention to them. Yes, I'm talking about women. I would be interested to see what percentage of trainees are male, because what can a woman (or anyone) possibly teach a guy who's been swinging his bicep curls away for years. And women want to feel better about themselves. "Yes, I have invested in myself, I am working out, and this manly man is smiling at me." Do you look different in a year's time and after thousands of dollars spent?
So how do I top that? Do I need to?
I saw an ex-bootcamper in the gym doing lateral plyometrics (jumping side to side on a Bosu), as her "personal" trainer watched over. I asked her why she quit coming to workouts. She said, because her knee can't take it. Go back to the previous sentence. What was she doing? Jumping side to side. Okaaaaaaaaaaaay. Here's the icing. She is an orthopedic surgeon.
Your honor, I rest my case.
I do not want to be a personal trainer anymore...I am not a clown or a babe-for-hire. If you want to make yourself feel better get a new haircut. I mean, $60-$100 an hour for fake compliments?
I will close this post. It makes me irritated...
So how do I top that? Do I need to?
I saw an ex-bootcamper in the gym doing lateral plyometrics (jumping side to side on a Bosu), as her "personal" trainer watched over. I asked her why she quit coming to workouts. She said, because her knee can't take it. Go back to the previous sentence. What was she doing? Jumping side to side. Okaaaaaaaaaaaay. Here's the icing. She is an orthopedic surgeon.
Your honor, I rest my case.
I do not want to be a personal trainer anymore...I am not a clown or a babe-for-hire. If you want to make yourself feel better get a new haircut. I mean, $60-$100 an hour for fake compliments?
I will close this post. It makes me irritated...
email etiquette`
I don't even know if I spelled the word right - etiquette. Anyway, I am not going to let it go! I will be the last dinosaur on Earth and start emails with a "Dear" or a first name, and close it with regards. Or something. Anything.
I resent getting responses on a professional level from strangers, using one line short sentences more similar to text messaging. Are we this busy? Are we really? Because to type, it takes a lot less time than finding letters on the phone, and including three more words and two extra lines CANNOT possibly take up enough time to justify its omission. Exclamation point. Twice.
Geez! I would like to be addressed when spoken to, and dismissed with even a "New York haveaniceday"
When I see movies and how they just hang up, and doesn't say enough words on the phone to convey the camera's action and facial expressions I think: how rude! Softly placing a receiver down with gazing eyes conveys absolutely nothing to the other end. Hello!!!!???Can't see ya!
I think we should be extra careful and communicative when writing. Make the extra lines, say the extra words, even if its automatic. One has to see and read them. It would be helpful if colleges focused more on actual creative writing instead of the tedious and STUPID research papers. What's that all about anyway? Gosh, don't get me started!
"Hello, young adults, this course's objective, for which you have paid )*^&^%&* dollars, is to teach you how to use google and a spell checker. No independent thoughts need be expressed. But you must site 20 references in the bibliography, and use APA style properly..." Greeeeeeeeat...just so you can sit in your high paying corporate chair and write two line emails that, when read aloud, actually sound rude and primitive.
Please, insert the niceties to strangers and business correspondence.
Thank you!
Best regards,
I resent getting responses on a professional level from strangers, using one line short sentences more similar to text messaging. Are we this busy? Are we really? Because to type, it takes a lot less time than finding letters on the phone, and including three more words and two extra lines CANNOT possibly take up enough time to justify its omission. Exclamation point. Twice.
Geez! I would like to be addressed when spoken to, and dismissed with even a "New York haveaniceday"
When I see movies and how they just hang up, and doesn't say enough words on the phone to convey the camera's action and facial expressions I think: how rude! Softly placing a receiver down with gazing eyes conveys absolutely nothing to the other end. Hello!!!!???Can't see ya!
I think we should be extra careful and communicative when writing. Make the extra lines, say the extra words, even if its automatic. One has to see and read them. It would be helpful if colleges focused more on actual creative writing instead of the tedious and STUPID research papers. What's that all about anyway? Gosh, don't get me started!
"Hello, young adults, this course's objective, for which you have paid )*^&^%&* dollars, is to teach you how to use google and a spell checker. No independent thoughts need be expressed. But you must site 20 references in the bibliography, and use APA style properly..." Greeeeeeeeat...just so you can sit in your high paying corporate chair and write two line emails that, when read aloud, actually sound rude and primitive.
Please, insert the niceties to strangers and business correspondence.
Thank you!
Best regards,
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
for palm beach residents, dogs and cats
I have been searching for some place to take the kats that I am feeding outside where I could get affordable care for the little munchkins. I called VCA and they quoted $240 for one cat, with blood test and vaccinations. Only after which they would consider neutering...God knows how much THAT might cost there.
So, after many phone calls and unanswered emails I spoke with a lovely woman from Peggy Adams who referred me to this site, where I am hoping to get an appointment as I write. If anyone is acting on behalf of needy dogs or cats and is on a limited budget should check out this place - they are sooo reasonable.
http://www.paws2help.com/
good luck!
So, after many phone calls and unanswered emails I spoke with a lovely woman from Peggy Adams who referred me to this site, where I am hoping to get an appointment as I write. If anyone is acting on behalf of needy dogs or cats and is on a limited budget should check out this place - they are sooo reasonable.
http://www.paws2help.com/
good luck!
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Sunday, July 12, 2009
what it means to be human
In the core of things, before motherhood and creativity and evolution, there is the fundamental element that separates us from the animal kingdom.
It is compassion. It is selfless act. Away from survival insticts, from reproduction insticts, from nurishing and building and thinking and so forth, it is the very ability to consider others and to do something unrecognized and selfless, for no personal gain whatsoever.
Ponder this thougth for a minute then ask yourself: have you been a good human being today? This week, this year?
(Ps: not because god told you to, not because you are scared of punishment if you aren't a good human.
Although, there is one HUGE reward that makes humanitarianism not completely selfless: it's the deepest, warmest flash that starts as a tiny spark and explodes into tears that choke you up when you know you have brought some kind of relief or some measure of happiness to another human. Sometimes it's just a smile or a genuine greeting. Many many things ignite this spark. However, it does not make up for other wrong doings; there is no mathematical formula for being a selfish asshole or an abusive person, or just plain mean. There is no set number of community hours or hail mary-s that cancel out badness. Not even your 10% that goes towards annual fees at Frenchman's Reserve...wake up people!)
It is compassion. It is selfless act. Away from survival insticts, from reproduction insticts, from nurishing and building and thinking and so forth, it is the very ability to consider others and to do something unrecognized and selfless, for no personal gain whatsoever.
Ponder this thougth for a minute then ask yourself: have you been a good human being today? This week, this year?
(Ps: not because god told you to, not because you are scared of punishment if you aren't a good human.
Although, there is one HUGE reward that makes humanitarianism not completely selfless: it's the deepest, warmest flash that starts as a tiny spark and explodes into tears that choke you up when you know you have brought some kind of relief or some measure of happiness to another human. Sometimes it's just a smile or a genuine greeting. Many many things ignite this spark. However, it does not make up for other wrong doings; there is no mathematical formula for being a selfish asshole or an abusive person, or just plain mean. There is no set number of community hours or hail mary-s that cancel out badness. Not even your 10% that goes towards annual fees at Frenchman's Reserve...wake up people!)
another example of relativity
All things are easy or difficult, according to perspective. It can be "relatively" easy to run up to the top of a parking garage, but it could also be "relatively" difficult.
For those of you whose perspective dictates that it IS TOO difficult and walk away, take a look at this, and ask yourself: whose perspective would you rather have: your own, or this guy's?
Well, you can guess my answer. Garage runs are not easy, but I always get to the top....
http://www.ted.com/talks/ray_zahab_treks_to_the_south_pole.html
For those of you whose perspective dictates that it IS TOO difficult and walk away, take a look at this, and ask yourself: whose perspective would you rather have: your own, or this guy's?
Well, you can guess my answer. Garage runs are not easy, but I always get to the top....
http://www.ted.com/talks/ray_zahab_treks_to_the_south_pole.html
religion vs. science
In my humble opinion religion offers fear, contradiction and division.
Science, on the other hand is "truth and beauty" (not my original words, but couldn't find more fitting ones)
So watch this and wonder! Just think... and decide for yourself:
http://www.ted.com/talks/david_bolinsky_animates_a_cell.html
Science, on the other hand is "truth and beauty" (not my original words, but couldn't find more fitting ones)
So watch this and wonder! Just think... and decide for yourself:
http://www.ted.com/talks/david_bolinsky_animates_a_cell.html
Saturday, June 6, 2009
doggie intelligence
My dog Shaz has developed a great talent for pouting and expressing her feelings in general. I believe that dogs exhibit as much emotions as they are receiving, in other words, my pooch, who is spoiled with attention has the capacity to talk to me without words in a very expressive way.
She would lie down facing away from me, butt turned to me, but taking a glance behind her now and then. She also has a "pouty" bed that she uses when she wants to "hide away" from me, but also in a way that she is able to take glances at me through her half shot eyelids...
She sits with me, in my lap or next to me ALL OF THE TIME. She is never on the ground when I am home, except of course on her walks. So... when she comes up to me as I had just sat down, and prances away backwards as I reach for her to pick her up - well, that's an expression of "I want something from you, I am not going to sit just yet!" There are many more, as she is also capable of smiling and jumping for joy. I like to think that I have learned her language quite well and am able to interpret her body language and cater to her needs. So, basically, I am the trained one...but I don't mind at all.
When I see signs in parks saying animals are not allowed, or no dogs, I wonder who the hell we think we are when we restrict a natural life form from its habitat. The sad thing is, that I realize the actual message saying "no irresponsible animal owners are allowed", it still screws it up for the rest of us. I mean, what do they do with the animals that are there and are without people who can read the signs to them? Do they get chased or fined? Silly s*&%^!
Now... I have to find Shasta who has decided to get up from her pout position and leave me altogether. She might be peeing in the hallway - just to put an exclamation point on her request...
She would lie down facing away from me, butt turned to me, but taking a glance behind her now and then. She also has a "pouty" bed that she uses when she wants to "hide away" from me, but also in a way that she is able to take glances at me through her half shot eyelids...
She sits with me, in my lap or next to me ALL OF THE TIME. She is never on the ground when I am home, except of course on her walks. So... when she comes up to me as I had just sat down, and prances away backwards as I reach for her to pick her up - well, that's an expression of "I want something from you, I am not going to sit just yet!" There are many more, as she is also capable of smiling and jumping for joy. I like to think that I have learned her language quite well and am able to interpret her body language and cater to her needs. So, basically, I am the trained one...but I don't mind at all.
When I see signs in parks saying animals are not allowed, or no dogs, I wonder who the hell we think we are when we restrict a natural life form from its habitat. The sad thing is, that I realize the actual message saying "no irresponsible animal owners are allowed", it still screws it up for the rest of us. I mean, what do they do with the animals that are there and are without people who can read the signs to them? Do they get chased or fined? Silly s*&%^!
Now... I have to find Shasta who has decided to get up from her pout position and leave me altogether. She might be peeing in the hallway - just to put an exclamation point on her request...
comments
I want to thank the people who take the time and send comments on my posts. I have gotten some great info from others as well. Please continue to send your opinions and ideas my way, I love it!
Friday, June 5, 2009
comfortis
In case you haven't heard, Frontline and Advantage are out! Comfortis is in! The best and newest flea treatment that is virtually impossible to overdose. Only one little interaction problem, it doesn't play nice with high doses of invermectin. Read about it here http://www.pedigreedatabase.com/gsd/bulletins_read/200073.html
However, it does really work and it may provide the much needed relief for your little friend struggling with skin issues, restlessness, face rubbing, and general anxiety, all related to not getting relief from the ithcies.
I love the stuff!
However, it does really work and it may provide the much needed relief for your little friend struggling with skin issues, restlessness, face rubbing, and general anxiety, all related to not getting relief from the ithcies.
I love the stuff!
buddy 125 genuine scooter
I want to provide a few useful posts, that is the reason for these entries you see here. What I have learned from experience might help out another with the same issues. That is one of the reasons why this platform is available, to help others. And you know how I loooooove doing that!
So, about the scooter. Firstly, it's not the most inexpensive one in its class, but it's well worth the money. It's adorably cute and comfortable and powerful. Its performance and looks are second to none, however, I found these minor issues that are easily fixed:
1. Its mirrors are silver and rust like crazy. I started cleaning them with a Brillo pad and WD40, which works just fine, but it has to be done periodically and it looks bad when it's not done. Plus they come lose while riding and constantly have to be retightened, which is not very safe when you are riding and need your hands and eyes to do what they are supposed to do. Definitely no texting on motorcycles!!
So I will replace them, as soon as I find a right and a left thread! Most scooters now only use right thread, this one has one right and one left! Important detail...
2. It may, while running, start missing and actually act like it ran out of fuel and stop altogether. It started happening to me and I would pull over, wait a while and start it again. Then it would do it more frequently, to the point when it wouldn't start up again. I had it towed once and had a really great mechanic trouble shoot it for a whole day. Well, the problem is with the fuel gage and fuel valve. Since it does not have the traditional outside turn valve that most motorcycles use(d), it uses a hose that runs under the seat, that pushes fuel (by its weight) down the line. When there is not sufficient weight (amount of fuel) left in the tank, it might start skipping and act like it ran out of fuel. Then, after it had time to settle with more fuel weight, it will open again... new inventions are not always an improvement...
On top of that, with these little tanks, it's easy to really top off the fuel which in turn will stick the cheapo fuel gage to the top, which will falsely register more fuel than there is in the tank. Those gages are highly inaccurate. So, in my particular scootie, I put gas in just below half a tank shown and I have not had any problems since. So basically, I refuel more often and never let it go down to even a quarter tank. Problem solved. If I come across any more tricks I will post them on ze veb. Doggie doodledoo
So, about the scooter. Firstly, it's not the most inexpensive one in its class, but it's well worth the money. It's adorably cute and comfortable and powerful. Its performance and looks are second to none, however, I found these minor issues that are easily fixed:
1. Its mirrors are silver and rust like crazy. I started cleaning them with a Brillo pad and WD40, which works just fine, but it has to be done periodically and it looks bad when it's not done. Plus they come lose while riding and constantly have to be retightened, which is not very safe when you are riding and need your hands and eyes to do what they are supposed to do. Definitely no texting on motorcycles!!
So I will replace them, as soon as I find a right and a left thread! Most scooters now only use right thread, this one has one right and one left! Important detail...
2. It may, while running, start missing and actually act like it ran out of fuel and stop altogether. It started happening to me and I would pull over, wait a while and start it again. Then it would do it more frequently, to the point when it wouldn't start up again. I had it towed once and had a really great mechanic trouble shoot it for a whole day. Well, the problem is with the fuel gage and fuel valve. Since it does not have the traditional outside turn valve that most motorcycles use(d), it uses a hose that runs under the seat, that pushes fuel (by its weight) down the line. When there is not sufficient weight (amount of fuel) left in the tank, it might start skipping and act like it ran out of fuel. Then, after it had time to settle with more fuel weight, it will open again... new inventions are not always an improvement...
On top of that, with these little tanks, it's easy to really top off the fuel which in turn will stick the cheapo fuel gage to the top, which will falsely register more fuel than there is in the tank. Those gages are highly inaccurate. So, in my particular scootie, I put gas in just below half a tank shown and I have not had any problems since. So basically, I refuel more often and never let it go down to even a quarter tank. Problem solved. If I come across any more tricks I will post them on ze veb. Doggie doodledoo
VW leaky sunroof solution
I have struggled for years with my leaky sunroof in fear of incurring body work and replacement part costs...well, here's the dealio: it's a typical problem quickly and inexpensively solved.
There are drains that extend down the columns of the windshield that supposed to drain the excess water out, but get clogged from time to time. They need to be blown out. One hour's work and $75 dollars later (which, by the way, my mechanic performed) I was good to go. No more yoga mats on the roof and reptile habitat under the floor board. No more left turn showers and broken overhead lights. No replacement of any kind needed. What a relief!!!
There are drains that extend down the columns of the windshield that supposed to drain the excess water out, but get clogged from time to time. They need to be blown out. One hour's work and $75 dollars later (which, by the way, my mechanic performed) I was good to go. No more yoga mats on the roof and reptile habitat under the floor board. No more left turn showers and broken overhead lights. No replacement of any kind needed. What a relief!!!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
iwiw
What is it? International Who Is Who. IWIW. It is a (theoretically) a great platform to reconnect with people all over the world. The problem is that it is not working half the time, the website is sluggish and a pain in a (insert body part) to navigate. I wonder if Indians has designed it, like the dell website, because it is just as asinine. Plus I have all sorts of krraaazies marking me as acquaintances, and mind you, I have forgotten half of my school mates, I know when neither a face, nor a name looks familiar. So, for now, I will take the GOOD part and stay on it, but I visit it as little as possible due to its non-userfriendliness...
Monday, May 25, 2009
watch out for the sauces!
Yeap, the evil sauces. Why? Because they add stupid calories to your food.
I say, no one is perfect and living on algae is no fun, therefore, we all must choose our stupid calories wisely.
Human nature is inquisitive and indulgent, so it is OKAAAAAAAY to enjoy food, to drink alcohol socially, to taste the goodness of KFC, and to have bacon for breakfast - sometimes! You see, there are already plenty of stupid calories floating around and we all want our share. So don't let the sneaky stupid cals take up the room for the occasional stumble and poison your foods.
The sneaky sauces, such as marinades, ketchup, anything Thai, anything dipping, anything teriyaki will add flavor and calories to your foods, mostly in disguise of my favorite condiment, the corn syrup! These can be easier avoided and left off, making room for that 1/4 of decadent dessert that you might indulge in. Or that glass of wine. Or that piece of bread. In any case, avoiding sauces has worked well for me, and avoiding piling up stupidity works even better. For instance, one cannot have wine, bread, pasta and dessert in one meal. In my case, I would choose wine and pasta. Or wine and one piece of bread. Or just wine. Furthermore, the stupid calories have to be carefully accounted for - just because you only choose one item, it doesn't mean you can have a bushel of it. Or barrel, or a whole dessert. One should never consume a full order of any sweet or starchy food that is served in a restaurant.
Another human notion is gathering. We gather stuff, including wealth, food clothes, and other collectibles. It's pretty much pointless. It is greedy and has no benefit to us, it actually makes one miserable, fat, pretentious and miserable. And fat. So instead of gathering and accumulating, try having needs satisfied and sharing the surplus. Save for later, but what's not used, don't discard - give away!
I am not a socialist - I believe in individuality and having good traits and deeds rewarded. But I do not believe in building dynasties for future generations to squander, and having to buy perfumes of Tori Spelling and Paris Hilton. Why? I think if someone doesn't know how to use wealth and what to do with it, to make oneself worthy of having it in the first place, than it's a waste anyway, might as well give it away. I also do not believe in supporting useless people (I use this in its harsh sense) or providing for the ones who waste themselves and contribute nothing to this world. So where is the balance??? I really don't know. But I do know that Bill Gates is doing a lot with his fortune and that each of us have to stop gathering stupid calories and stupidity, period. Less is more, believe me!
Many of our current issues revolve around the greedy gathering characteristic of our race... just take a look at everyone's giant house that no one could afford and now being written off, accumulating more debt. Just take a look at our need to get bigger plates served at the restaurant so we can buy products and services that promise instant fixes without us expanding effort. Just take a look at having all monies on the market only to make more monies that will be invested back into the market to earn more monies - and loosing the whole stupid illusion, all at once...Just take a look at our appetite to devour everything and our need to stand out by having more (of anything; botox, guns, clothes, cars) that has no real meaning in the universe and in the course of human history anyway. If Galileo lived now and preached about how tiny Earth is and how we don't see the big picture - we might burn him on a pile of wood chips too. Consumption is the enemy, and on top of that, the sauces.
So forgive my rant (again), and stay away from the sauces. Big fixes don't happen overnight, and sauce seem to be a good first step:)
Instead of treating symptoms we should nix the cause. THAT is the only permanent fix, my friends.
I say, no one is perfect and living on algae is no fun, therefore, we all must choose our stupid calories wisely.
Human nature is inquisitive and indulgent, so it is OKAAAAAAAY to enjoy food, to drink alcohol socially, to taste the goodness of KFC, and to have bacon for breakfast - sometimes! You see, there are already plenty of stupid calories floating around and we all want our share. So don't let the sneaky stupid cals take up the room for the occasional stumble and poison your foods.
The sneaky sauces, such as marinades, ketchup, anything Thai, anything dipping, anything teriyaki will add flavor and calories to your foods, mostly in disguise of my favorite condiment, the corn syrup! These can be easier avoided and left off, making room for that 1/4 of decadent dessert that you might indulge in. Or that glass of wine. Or that piece of bread. In any case, avoiding sauces has worked well for me, and avoiding piling up stupidity works even better. For instance, one cannot have wine, bread, pasta and dessert in one meal. In my case, I would choose wine and pasta. Or wine and one piece of bread. Or just wine. Furthermore, the stupid calories have to be carefully accounted for - just because you only choose one item, it doesn't mean you can have a bushel of it. Or barrel, or a whole dessert. One should never consume a full order of any sweet or starchy food that is served in a restaurant.
Another human notion is gathering. We gather stuff, including wealth, food clothes, and other collectibles. It's pretty much pointless. It is greedy and has no benefit to us, it actually makes one miserable, fat, pretentious and miserable. And fat. So instead of gathering and accumulating, try having needs satisfied and sharing the surplus. Save for later, but what's not used, don't discard - give away!
I am not a socialist - I believe in individuality and having good traits and deeds rewarded. But I do not believe in building dynasties for future generations to squander, and having to buy perfumes of Tori Spelling and Paris Hilton. Why? I think if someone doesn't know how to use wealth and what to do with it, to make oneself worthy of having it in the first place, than it's a waste anyway, might as well give it away. I also do not believe in supporting useless people (I use this in its harsh sense) or providing for the ones who waste themselves and contribute nothing to this world. So where is the balance??? I really don't know. But I do know that Bill Gates is doing a lot with his fortune and that each of us have to stop gathering stupid calories and stupidity, period. Less is more, believe me!
Many of our current issues revolve around the greedy gathering characteristic of our race... just take a look at everyone's giant house that no one could afford and now being written off, accumulating more debt. Just take a look at our need to get bigger plates served at the restaurant so we can buy products and services that promise instant fixes without us expanding effort. Just take a look at having all monies on the market only to make more monies that will be invested back into the market to earn more monies - and loosing the whole stupid illusion, all at once...Just take a look at our appetite to devour everything and our need to stand out by having more (of anything; botox, guns, clothes, cars) that has no real meaning in the universe and in the course of human history anyway. If Galileo lived now and preached about how tiny Earth is and how we don't see the big picture - we might burn him on a pile of wood chips too. Consumption is the enemy, and on top of that, the sauces.
So forgive my rant (again), and stay away from the sauces. Big fixes don't happen overnight, and sauce seem to be a good first step:)
Instead of treating symptoms we should nix the cause. THAT is the only permanent fix, my friends.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
everything is relative
The law of relativity... how sucky my life is, compared to Bill Gates's. Or how lucky I am, having a roof over my head. It's all BS.
We are comparing apples and oranges. Instead, should look in our immediate environment and see what we can improve. Not compare, demand, expect, IMPROVE. If each of us tried to do something nice for another person, animal, plant, or oneself, and enjoy everything that is already present in one's life, than there would be a lot more happy people.
My sister in law talks to me on Skype from Hungary, while my brother is overseas, trying to make a buck to support his family. Silvia is home with two little boys, ages two and a half and one, in a one bedroom apartment. She calls her rooms, "little room" and "big room". The big room is the family/living room, also serving as the parents' bedroom. It is so, to combine usage of one area without sacrificing privacy, and due to the lack of "extra space" (I live in a "3 room" apartment) that we are so accustomed to elsewhere. The family/master bedroom is quite doable, because the parents normally are the ones to rise first and sleep last. We also have beds that have a hollow compartment underneath, so to strip and store the linens every morning and use the bed as a great big "couch" during the day, where the whole family fits and plays. I never thought much of this till I realized, sitting across from her on the video camera, how spoiled I have become. On the other hand, they are a happy, wholesome family with bright kids and a satisfied mother who is able to spend her days with her most precious possessions, and make those days into anything they want to, each time around. She also takes them to the park for 3-4 hours every day. To her, it's not work, it's not hardship, it's the best life has to offer. Did I mention that she is really really happy?
I have a huge living room, a huge bedroom and a huge "office" room, with two full baths. Why? Because I can...So it's all relative, you see.
We eat because we can, it's all around us. If we see someone walking (away from the downtown area) we assume they are "lowlife" or poor people, or drunk, or homeless, or some other person of misfortune who CANNOT drive. Because we can all drive everywhere and eat till the plate is clean. Then flip to the other side, become holistic about green living and veganism, while sporting over sized breasts of the not so holistic kind... whatsup? Go to yoga and church and pull out of the parking lot, ignoring everyone else on the road. We burn up energy to condition the air in our living and working spaces, but we do not use the sun to dry our hair and clothes. Instead, we use more energy for dryers, that heat up our living area that has to be conditioned with more energy to make it cool again. Is this not a bit wasteful???
I am no angel, I admit, I could scale down on some of my indulgent habits, like having 17 pairs of running shoes and more than 8 beds for my dog around the house.
I wonder why we are so wasteful and superficial still, knowing that others are literally starving to death, and knowing that this planet will not sustain our indulgent asses (regardless, it will cycle into its deadly changes). I wonder why (and here I will step on some toes, and get "witchy"), still we have to fear and beg a nonexistent human form, in the name of god, and go to wars, in the name of god, and believe in contra-scientific FACTS, in the name of god, who was created long long ago, BECAUSE we couldn't deal with life and explain the unexplained, and get comforted and reassured, and regard our passing life as passing, and reach for solutions that were beyond our realm of knowledge and understanding. Oh... I forgot to mention, it is also the greatest, most profitable and longest standing BUSINESS ran by the biggest hypocrats in the world (who have your little boys and girls in their laps).
And the answer to all is that we are still crawling. As a species and a life form, we are, at best, toddlers. Some of us can speak already, some are just drooling and screaming for instant gratification... sounds familiar?? Yeah... little kids, who cannot conceptualize every aspect of life, time, and the "whys". This is what I think.
So this post is merely a think-out-loud for me, not a rant, not a scolding, more of my own reasoning to explain our, my shortcomings. This way, and not because some god figure tells me, it is fathomable that we just don't know how to be better. Yet.
The comforting part is, that against the best efforts of religion to keep progress from happening, there are, have been, and always will be inquisitive minds, pioneer minds, and brave, independent thinkers, scientists and motivators who carry the spark of humanity forward (not in the form of burning women on stakes, or feeding babies to a fire pile, or blowing themselves up). So cheer to humanity, and if you are inquisitive, seek out the knowledge and keep walking... the tunnel has another end. I am sure!
In the meantime, I am trying to identify and cease my selfish habits that are programmed through society and are so meaningless, in the long run. They really are...
Does anyone know the ownership-line of ancient art, does anyone know the shoemaker of Luis the XVI? Does anyone know what brand of writing instruments Newton used? No... and who cares. It is all relative. We care about what Paris Hilton wears...but the future generations will only look to accomplishments, discoveries, reforms and improvements and other, beautiful creations. THAT is what's relative on the big scale. What we do and how we think... not the credit score and brand of clothing and cars...do you see?
My newest interest is the slowfood movement that started in Italy... check it out.
Also a last note about religion: I do not need to be "scared" into being a decent human being, nore do I need to pay my way into heaven. Or wherever. I regard my NOW life with care and concern and not wait to chill lazily on top of clouds (probably getting skinnier as I eat more and more), laughing at others, who are burning in hell (must have missed a payment, or got bad credit rating). I do not judge anyone's belief, only if it's an extremest kind (an extremist of any kind is unhealthy, even a workout freak). I do not argue sicentific proof. Seriously...
I do what I can NOW to improve something. And it doesn't always take money.
We are comparing apples and oranges. Instead, should look in our immediate environment and see what we can improve. Not compare, demand, expect, IMPROVE. If each of us tried to do something nice for another person, animal, plant, or oneself, and enjoy everything that is already present in one's life, than there would be a lot more happy people.
My sister in law talks to me on Skype from Hungary, while my brother is overseas, trying to make a buck to support his family. Silvia is home with two little boys, ages two and a half and one, in a one bedroom apartment. She calls her rooms, "little room" and "big room". The big room is the family/living room, also serving as the parents' bedroom. It is so, to combine usage of one area without sacrificing privacy, and due to the lack of "extra space" (I live in a "3 room" apartment) that we are so accustomed to elsewhere. The family/master bedroom is quite doable, because the parents normally are the ones to rise first and sleep last. We also have beds that have a hollow compartment underneath, so to strip and store the linens every morning and use the bed as a great big "couch" during the day, where the whole family fits and plays. I never thought much of this till I realized, sitting across from her on the video camera, how spoiled I have become. On the other hand, they are a happy, wholesome family with bright kids and a satisfied mother who is able to spend her days with her most precious possessions, and make those days into anything they want to, each time around. She also takes them to the park for 3-4 hours every day. To her, it's not work, it's not hardship, it's the best life has to offer. Did I mention that she is really really happy?
I have a huge living room, a huge bedroom and a huge "office" room, with two full baths. Why? Because I can...So it's all relative, you see.
We eat because we can, it's all around us. If we see someone walking (away from the downtown area) we assume they are "lowlife" or poor people, or drunk, or homeless, or some other person of misfortune who CANNOT drive. Because we can all drive everywhere and eat till the plate is clean. Then flip to the other side, become holistic about green living and veganism, while sporting over sized breasts of the not so holistic kind... whatsup? Go to yoga and church and pull out of the parking lot, ignoring everyone else on the road. We burn up energy to condition the air in our living and working spaces, but we do not use the sun to dry our hair and clothes. Instead, we use more energy for dryers, that heat up our living area that has to be conditioned with more energy to make it cool again. Is this not a bit wasteful???
I am no angel, I admit, I could scale down on some of my indulgent habits, like having 17 pairs of running shoes and more than 8 beds for my dog around the house.
I wonder why we are so wasteful and superficial still, knowing that others are literally starving to death, and knowing that this planet will not sustain our indulgent asses (regardless, it will cycle into its deadly changes). I wonder why (and here I will step on some toes, and get "witchy"), still we have to fear and beg a nonexistent human form, in the name of god, and go to wars, in the name of god, and believe in contra-scientific FACTS, in the name of god, who was created long long ago, BECAUSE we couldn't deal with life and explain the unexplained, and get comforted and reassured, and regard our passing life as passing, and reach for solutions that were beyond our realm of knowledge and understanding. Oh... I forgot to mention, it is also the greatest, most profitable and longest standing BUSINESS ran by the biggest hypocrats in the world (who have your little boys and girls in their laps).
And the answer to all is that we are still crawling. As a species and a life form, we are, at best, toddlers. Some of us can speak already, some are just drooling and screaming for instant gratification... sounds familiar?? Yeah... little kids, who cannot conceptualize every aspect of life, time, and the "whys". This is what I think.
So this post is merely a think-out-loud for me, not a rant, not a scolding, more of my own reasoning to explain our, my shortcomings. This way, and not because some god figure tells me, it is fathomable that we just don't know how to be better. Yet.
The comforting part is, that against the best efforts of religion to keep progress from happening, there are, have been, and always will be inquisitive minds, pioneer minds, and brave, independent thinkers, scientists and motivators who carry the spark of humanity forward (not in the form of burning women on stakes, or feeding babies to a fire pile, or blowing themselves up). So cheer to humanity, and if you are inquisitive, seek out the knowledge and keep walking... the tunnel has another end. I am sure!
In the meantime, I am trying to identify and cease my selfish habits that are programmed through society and are so meaningless, in the long run. They really are...
Does anyone know the ownership-line of ancient art, does anyone know the shoemaker of Luis the XVI? Does anyone know what brand of writing instruments Newton used? No... and who cares. It is all relative. We care about what Paris Hilton wears...but the future generations will only look to accomplishments, discoveries, reforms and improvements and other, beautiful creations. THAT is what's relative on the big scale. What we do and how we think... not the credit score and brand of clothing and cars...do you see?
My newest interest is the slowfood movement that started in Italy... check it out.
Also a last note about religion: I do not need to be "scared" into being a decent human being, nore do I need to pay my way into heaven. Or wherever. I regard my NOW life with care and concern and not wait to chill lazily on top of clouds (probably getting skinnier as I eat more and more), laughing at others, who are burning in hell (must have missed a payment, or got bad credit rating). I do not judge anyone's belief, only if it's an extremest kind (an extremist of any kind is unhealthy, even a workout freak). I do not argue sicentific proof. Seriously...
I do what I can NOW to improve something. And it doesn't always take money.
Friday, May 1, 2009
the year in review
Ph! What a trying first 4 months these were!!
I have made it... And I sense a change in the winds for the upcoming months. I will take the summer to reevaluate and rediscover life, slowly and sweetly. In retrospect, the year has had nothing but trials for me so far but I really feel I can breath easily and I really feel I have accomplished a lot without losing focus.
Focus on what, you ask. Focus on not focusing on unimportant things. And what would those be, you ask. Pretty much everything we "think" is so important.
Just to keep it brief, I'll give you a quick rundown.
Important: love, respect for life, respect for self, positive outlook, help and consideration for others, being able to live with all your decisions, moving forward, finding solitude, all things beautiful (colors, sounds, living things, literature)
Unimportant: money, things you own, credit or the lack of (credit rating??? arbitraty...), things you collect, clothes, cars, how many places ahead you get between traffic lights, who made your shoes, etc.
But, that is not the title of my post, so I shall post something that accounts for my hardship for the past four months. Those were, in order:
a (short) notice to move due to short sale
a notice to ship out to Afghanistan with the Army
a knee injury
a move (and midterm)
dog got INFESTED with flees (in a house we looked at as potential residence) car died (and got half-assed fixed for a lot of money)
latissimus injury (and finals, with the last week of school missed because I couldn't drive, couldn't sleep, and didn't eat because I had PAINKILLERS in my tummy!!)
BUT! I have also had some heartwarming heat flashes of being overwhelmed by emotions due to some of the following.
Having talked to my nephews and my brother via Skype video;
Having talked to my Hungarian ex, with whom I came here and actually being able to be friends
Having seen my teen idol band's lead singer LIVE in concert in my Klub, 3 feet away from me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Having talked to another ex who was very dear to me but almost cost me my life (and his as well), and knowing that he is doing OK.
Sitting through Rigoletto (and "hearing"my father singing those arias when I was little)
Reuniting with a dear dear classmate from Hungary from (I don't' know) xyz Conhead years ago
Attending an appreciation lunch at the center where I volunteer
and these are just a few... I sometimes tear up watching a puppet show on the street (childhood memories??) or seeing a woman feeding her baby ice cream (lost love, lost life(s)), and all sorts of other, hormonal and emotional outbursts.
Now I feel like I have grown up 20 years worth in 4 months. Probably because I am fighting alone and I appreciate more of the everyday pleasures and little wonders around me. I love my plants in my apartment, love to watch them grow. I gather the lost lizards and bugs and dragon flies and carry them outside my door. I marvel at the breeze that comes off the water as I am sitting in the park with my precious puppy in my lap. I inhale the sweetness of the blooming gardenias on my long runs. I speed down the freeway to turn my last paper in as the wind whips through my open windows and sunroof in the cool spring afternoon. I watch the sunrise and feel a rush of gratitude flood over me to have another day in which I can fight and save my critters and watch the skies and breath the breeze and taste the scent of flowers and feel Shasta's heartbeat as she lay in my lap...
life is good... for me, and for us... and even for the Hottentots who sleep with their heads propped up on one arm,on the ground so the bugs don't crawl in their ears. We are all alive...THAT alone is precious... don't squander it.
Good night Palm Beach!
I have made it... And I sense a change in the winds for the upcoming months. I will take the summer to reevaluate and rediscover life, slowly and sweetly. In retrospect, the year has had nothing but trials for me so far but I really feel I can breath easily and I really feel I have accomplished a lot without losing focus.
Focus on what, you ask. Focus on not focusing on unimportant things. And what would those be, you ask. Pretty much everything we "think" is so important.
Just to keep it brief, I'll give you a quick rundown.
Important: love, respect for life, respect for self, positive outlook, help and consideration for others, being able to live with all your decisions, moving forward, finding solitude, all things beautiful (colors, sounds, living things, literature)
Unimportant: money, things you own, credit or the lack of (credit rating??? arbitraty...), things you collect, clothes, cars, how many places ahead you get between traffic lights, who made your shoes, etc.
But, that is not the title of my post, so I shall post something that accounts for my hardship for the past four months. Those were, in order:
a (short) notice to move due to short sale
a notice to ship out to Afghanistan with the Army
a knee injury
a move (and midterm)
dog got INFESTED with flees (in a house we looked at as potential residence) car died (and got half-assed fixed for a lot of money)
latissimus injury (and finals, with the last week of school missed because I couldn't drive, couldn't sleep, and didn't eat because I had PAINKILLERS in my tummy!!)
BUT! I have also had some heartwarming heat flashes of being overwhelmed by emotions due to some of the following.
Having talked to my nephews and my brother via Skype video;
Having talked to my Hungarian ex, with whom I came here and actually being able to be friends
Having seen my teen idol band's lead singer LIVE in concert in my Klub, 3 feet away from me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Having talked to another ex who was very dear to me but almost cost me my life (and his as well), and knowing that he is doing OK.
Sitting through Rigoletto (and "hearing"my father singing those arias when I was little)
Reuniting with a dear dear classmate from Hungary from (I don't' know) xyz Conhead years ago
Attending an appreciation lunch at the center where I volunteer
and these are just a few... I sometimes tear up watching a puppet show on the street (childhood memories??) or seeing a woman feeding her baby ice cream (lost love, lost life(s)), and all sorts of other, hormonal and emotional outbursts.
Now I feel like I have grown up 20 years worth in 4 months. Probably because I am fighting alone and I appreciate more of the everyday pleasures and little wonders around me. I love my plants in my apartment, love to watch them grow. I gather the lost lizards and bugs and dragon flies and carry them outside my door. I marvel at the breeze that comes off the water as I am sitting in the park with my precious puppy in my lap. I inhale the sweetness of the blooming gardenias on my long runs. I speed down the freeway to turn my last paper in as the wind whips through my open windows and sunroof in the cool spring afternoon. I watch the sunrise and feel a rush of gratitude flood over me to have another day in which I can fight and save my critters and watch the skies and breath the breeze and taste the scent of flowers and feel Shasta's heartbeat as she lay in my lap...
life is good... for me, and for us... and even for the Hottentots who sleep with their heads propped up on one arm,on the ground so the bugs don't crawl in their ears. We are all alive...THAT alone is precious... don't squander it.
Good night Palm Beach!
Friday, April 17, 2009
please consider
Dear friends,
I know you are all good people who care about their environment and do some good for others and the community, but I am sure you could do some more by sending some help to one of the animal saving entities that care for abandoned and abused pets. Their lives are the most heartbreaking because they are without a voice, and I admit, that I do not have the stomach to actually work with or keep an animal with such a sad disposition... I just don't. But I do know that I have a few bucs every month that I don't even miss, and is being deposited for ASPCA to help fund this care for these voiceless creatures.
I am a pet owner and a compassionate person, I cannot even say much more about this because it is so simple, please give a small monthly contribution to one of these agencies and you'll have done a wonderful deed!
PLEEEEEEEEASE!
http://www.hsus.org/humane_living/memorial_and_planned_gifts/other_ways_give.html
http://www.aspca.org/
http://www.hspb.org/Page.aspx?pid=192
I know you are all good people who care about their environment and do some good for others and the community, but I am sure you could do some more by sending some help to one of the animal saving entities that care for abandoned and abused pets. Their lives are the most heartbreaking because they are without a voice, and I admit, that I do not have the stomach to actually work with or keep an animal with such a sad disposition... I just don't. But I do know that I have a few bucs every month that I don't even miss, and is being deposited for ASPCA to help fund this care for these voiceless creatures.
I am a pet owner and a compassionate person, I cannot even say much more about this because it is so simple, please give a small monthly contribution to one of these agencies and you'll have done a wonderful deed!
PLEEEEEEEEASE!
http://www.hsus.org/humane_living/memorial_and_planned_gifts/other_ways_give.html
http://www.aspca.org/
http://www.hspb.org/Page.aspx?pid=192
Saturday, April 11, 2009
a trainer's diet
Well, the lack of, anyway... the night before I had for dinner, two cups of roasted, salted and pepperred pistachios with two glasses of vino. For breakfast, the following day, I had some dim sum and a piece of the Killer Chocolate cake from Toojays.
Life is good...
Life is good...
Saturday, April 4, 2009
pfewh!
or however sigh is spelled... with a relief...
I have been away too long... with reasons. However, today I saw a bus, and on its side there was an advert with the following: "Wellington Regional ER doctors. Board Certified" with a big medical cross and other things promoting the hospitals ER. Hmmm. What is the purpose of this advert??? I wondered... is it to let people know that their doctors are board certified?? Well, I should hope so... big news there. Or is it to tell people, hey! If you end up in an emergency situation, please request Wellington Regional for ER treatment because we are the best! Do people generally have a choice in that, anyway?? Maybe if one chops one's foot off with a weed whacker (Annette..heehee) and decided to take it for sewing to the, hm... furthest emergency room, that would be Wellington Regional. Or maybe if one is trampled by a polo horse one could request a Wellington Regional board certified ER doctor at the Wellington Regional ER. Whatever. I don't get it...
another issue... I had problems with some of my students who seem to pay no attention to my instructions, constantly being in the state of confusion and not knowing what I just said and emailed what is it that they are supposed to be doing... is it a coincidence that they are the ones with OTHER discipline issues, like weight control and cutting corners while doing drills and cutting the running loops short??? Is it a coincidence??? eeeeeerrrrrrrrrrrrgh!! Makes me so mad... because they make it seem like I HAVEN'T done my job and I HAVEN'T given clear instructions and I HAVEN'T made sure they got the message... whatever. I guess I am just having a hard time thinking I will fail these people because I cannot save the unwilling. I have to let it go... progress will come slowly and I have to be patient and firm - I think.
On another note... there is a girl at one of the gyms who seems so perfect and pretty and well coordinatedly dressed... she wears tight little shorts and low cut little tops with her perfectly matched chest jewels and flat tummy. She is pretty much not eating, I am sure. Living on green stuff and self reflexion in her mirror. She is quite pretty, as a glass doll - transparent and rigid... I will not envy her because it must be boring being locked into that self admiring existence. Even if her tummy is nice and flat...
One more...
two gypsies are sitting around about to take the last two shots of their bottle. One glass is more full then the other, and when the first buddy takes his glass he picks up the fuller one and chugs it... the other looks at him in disbelief and says "you know what, that was wrong!" "why?" says the first one? "what did I do?" "you took the full one, I would've taken the lesser one!" "then you got what you wanted, why aren't' you happy?"
It's the principle, people, just the principle
and perception...
I have been away too long... with reasons. However, today I saw a bus, and on its side there was an advert with the following: "Wellington Regional ER doctors. Board Certified" with a big medical cross and other things promoting the hospitals ER. Hmmm. What is the purpose of this advert??? I wondered... is it to let people know that their doctors are board certified?? Well, I should hope so... big news there. Or is it to tell people, hey! If you end up in an emergency situation, please request Wellington Regional for ER treatment because we are the best! Do people generally have a choice in that, anyway?? Maybe if one chops one's foot off with a weed whacker (Annette..heehee) and decided to take it for sewing to the, hm... furthest emergency room, that would be Wellington Regional. Or maybe if one is trampled by a polo horse one could request a Wellington Regional board certified ER doctor at the Wellington Regional ER. Whatever. I don't get it...
another issue... I had problems with some of my students who seem to pay no attention to my instructions, constantly being in the state of confusion and not knowing what I just said and emailed what is it that they are supposed to be doing... is it a coincidence that they are the ones with OTHER discipline issues, like weight control and cutting corners while doing drills and cutting the running loops short??? Is it a coincidence??? eeeeeerrrrrrrrrrrrgh!! Makes me so mad... because they make it seem like I HAVEN'T done my job and I HAVEN'T given clear instructions and I HAVEN'T made sure they got the message... whatever. I guess I am just having a hard time thinking I will fail these people because I cannot save the unwilling. I have to let it go... progress will come slowly and I have to be patient and firm - I think.
On another note... there is a girl at one of the gyms who seems so perfect and pretty and well coordinatedly dressed... she wears tight little shorts and low cut little tops with her perfectly matched chest jewels and flat tummy. She is pretty much not eating, I am sure. Living on green stuff and self reflexion in her mirror. She is quite pretty, as a glass doll - transparent and rigid... I will not envy her because it must be boring being locked into that self admiring existence. Even if her tummy is nice and flat...
One more...
two gypsies are sitting around about to take the last two shots of their bottle. One glass is more full then the other, and when the first buddy takes his glass he picks up the fuller one and chugs it... the other looks at him in disbelief and says "you know what, that was wrong!" "why?" says the first one? "what did I do?" "you took the full one, I would've taken the lesser one!" "then you got what you wanted, why aren't' you happy?"
It's the principle, people, just the principle
and perception...
Monday, February 23, 2009
it has been a while
WOW!!
I keep thinking about things I want to post or talk about and before I know it a month has gone by... wow!!
I had not much good news and plenty of stress so I didn't want to project all that negativity by venting on my blog... we get enough negativity from the news and from uncaring and selfish people anyway.
I did have a rather large wave close up overhead and take my breath away for a moment, but I was determined to stick my head out again and fill my lungs with air... so I am doing that now. You have no clue what I am talking about.
Well, the army decided to call me back to active duty and I am gathering documents right now to ask for an exemption, given that my contract is going to expire this October anyway and I am in the middle of a language degree at an advanced level that I shouldn't interrupt. Unless of course I will be stationed in Rome... fat chance for that, fat AMERICAN chance for that one!!
Then, as my landlord advised me to look for a place to live unless I want to wait for the bank to padlock the place, my searched seemed to be so fruitful and lucky when I found a house two doors down the street. Only to discover that it was infested with fleas which my poor little girl has carried home on her back and infested our house as well... she is still recovering from the vicious flea invasion....
On top of that this week I have to work on three exams, one written assignment and a draft of my term paper, along with a regional report and oral presentation for later... hmmm...
And I am supposed to ALWAYS keep my business up front because that is how I survive... which is time consuming as well.
So, prioritize, Violet, prioritize!
A friend of mine pointed out to me (as I was feeling sorry for myself, wondering why my life is written my a talk show producer) it is always like this with me, things are never at idle speed and if so, not for long... there are things and emergencies and overdue projects and pressing career issues all of the time,l but they somehow get done one by one and with great results. So it seems that it's life as usual and I just haven't gotten used to it...
Life is good and it is exceptionally beautiful here in Florida, have a great week y'all!!
I keep thinking about things I want to post or talk about and before I know it a month has gone by... wow!!
I had not much good news and plenty of stress so I didn't want to project all that negativity by venting on my blog... we get enough negativity from the news and from uncaring and selfish people anyway.
I did have a rather large wave close up overhead and take my breath away for a moment, but I was determined to stick my head out again and fill my lungs with air... so I am doing that now. You have no clue what I am talking about.
Well, the army decided to call me back to active duty and I am gathering documents right now to ask for an exemption, given that my contract is going to expire this October anyway and I am in the middle of a language degree at an advanced level that I shouldn't interrupt. Unless of course I will be stationed in Rome... fat chance for that, fat AMERICAN chance for that one!!
Then, as my landlord advised me to look for a place to live unless I want to wait for the bank to padlock the place, my searched seemed to be so fruitful and lucky when I found a house two doors down the street. Only to discover that it was infested with fleas which my poor little girl has carried home on her back and infested our house as well... she is still recovering from the vicious flea invasion....
On top of that this week I have to work on three exams, one written assignment and a draft of my term paper, along with a regional report and oral presentation for later... hmmm...
And I am supposed to ALWAYS keep my business up front because that is how I survive... which is time consuming as well.
So, prioritize, Violet, prioritize!
A friend of mine pointed out to me (as I was feeling sorry for myself, wondering why my life is written my a talk show producer) it is always like this with me, things are never at idle speed and if so, not for long... there are things and emergencies and overdue projects and pressing career issues all of the time,l but they somehow get done one by one and with great results. So it seems that it's life as usual and I just haven't gotten used to it...
Life is good and it is exceptionally beautiful here in Florida, have a great week y'all!!
Saturday, January 31, 2009
to attain balance
Many people (especially the older generation) are concerned with balance and want to train using the fancy shmancy unstable surface doohickies, like air disks, Bosu, balance board and stability ball. That's all fancy, but it will not get you better at balance.
Not significantly. It has its place and it's a good "break up" of the old routine, but frankly, nothing replaces the good old strenght training, body weight exercises and sprinting.
Here is why. BALANCE IS A BIPRODUCT OF STRENGHT. It does not exist separately and cannot be isolated as a training goal. It can be improved with the fancy shmancy doohickies, but it cannot be established standing on one foot all day.
Core strenght is key as well. What I would start to establish balance is train the legs and core. Do multiplane compound exercises. (What is that?) Such as walking lunges... ok, that's not doable for everyone. Than start with squats against the wall with a stability ball. Try adding isometric exercises. Like sitting against the wall for a minute at a time. Then add weight to that. Leg presses are good too. And just squats, squats and more squats. Dead lifts or hip bridges from the floor are great hamstring trainers. Then progress to jump squats, or wall balls...bla bla bla...
But, standing on a surfing board and wobbling like a fool for 10 minutes will build nothing.
Should do box jumps and jumps up on the bosu. Should do medicine ball tosses standing on a disk or sitting on a balance ball on your knees. Etc.
I never train for balance. But I can still sit on my heels on a balance ball or stand on a disk on one foot till the cows come home. How is that? I have a strong core and sufficient leg strenght, is how. I believe. So get out there and move some weight around or start doing 100s of air squats.
Drink water and chew slower:)
Not significantly. It has its place and it's a good "break up" of the old routine, but frankly, nothing replaces the good old strenght training, body weight exercises and sprinting.
Here is why. BALANCE IS A BIPRODUCT OF STRENGHT. It does not exist separately and cannot be isolated as a training goal. It can be improved with the fancy shmancy doohickies, but it cannot be established standing on one foot all day.
Core strenght is key as well. What I would start to establish balance is train the legs and core. Do multiplane compound exercises. (What is that?) Such as walking lunges... ok, that's not doable for everyone. Than start with squats against the wall with a stability ball. Try adding isometric exercises. Like sitting against the wall for a minute at a time. Then add weight to that. Leg presses are good too. And just squats, squats and more squats. Dead lifts or hip bridges from the floor are great hamstring trainers. Then progress to jump squats, or wall balls...bla bla bla...
But, standing on a surfing board and wobbling like a fool for 10 minutes will build nothing.
Should do box jumps and jumps up on the bosu. Should do medicine ball tosses standing on a disk or sitting on a balance ball on your knees. Etc.
I never train for balance. But I can still sit on my heels on a balance ball or stand on a disk on one foot till the cows come home. How is that? I have a strong core and sufficient leg strenght, is how. I believe. So get out there and move some weight around or start doing 100s of air squats.
Drink water and chew slower:)
Sunday, January 25, 2009
the human animal
We are little removed from our animal state... little, just barely human, mostly cocky monkey state.
For individuals to think that they are superior and unique as a life form, to use the word "prestigious", to be a collector of pricey somethings and accumulate wealth and have insane expenses just to LIVE while everywhere there are people in distress, people without hope, people in need, people who are the same animals as their prestigious rulers and have only one life like everyone else, but are burdened by suffering and hopelessness that could be easily relieved with a fraction of this wealth.... yes, I believe we are animals... superficial and petty predators that will eventually devour this beautiful world around them and kill off their own species...
Our vision is so narrow and our awareness so dim. We ALL have surpluses... if some of that real human suffering was in our neighborhood we would pitch in and do something about it. We can honeymoon in Paris and see the grand sites of the world but are so removed from poverty and pain - and what's not seen is not known to us. We take our fat comfort for granted and want more - the newest Iphones, the biggest freakin' TV sets, the biggest Hummers - where does it end? Why the greed? Why is it so hard to give? To share? To care? Why do we define human worth with status and wealth, instead of compassion and achievement?
Yes, you might say that only a non-aristocrat can talk like me... well, I don't know that if I was one I wouldn't hate my kind. It is just so shallow to be materialistic and not see THE WORLD as it is, as a whole, with all us human animals in it, and try to make it better, ESPECIALLY here, where we have so much surplus and so much power with so little concern and understanding for others... yeah, keep Christ in Christmas... where do you think He went???
We have to save instead of creating debts, we have to give instead of asking for bail outs. We have to see how LITTLE we can consume and how much we can give away and create. Everyone has the power to do some good. Every one of us... At least be patient and appreciative. That's a start... it's a good start...
For individuals to think that they are superior and unique as a life form, to use the word "prestigious", to be a collector of pricey somethings and accumulate wealth and have insane expenses just to LIVE while everywhere there are people in distress, people without hope, people in need, people who are the same animals as their prestigious rulers and have only one life like everyone else, but are burdened by suffering and hopelessness that could be easily relieved with a fraction of this wealth.... yes, I believe we are animals... superficial and petty predators that will eventually devour this beautiful world around them and kill off their own species...
Our vision is so narrow and our awareness so dim. We ALL have surpluses... if some of that real human suffering was in our neighborhood we would pitch in and do something about it. We can honeymoon in Paris and see the grand sites of the world but are so removed from poverty and pain - and what's not seen is not known to us. We take our fat comfort for granted and want more - the newest Iphones, the biggest freakin' TV sets, the biggest Hummers - where does it end? Why the greed? Why is it so hard to give? To share? To care? Why do we define human worth with status and wealth, instead of compassion and achievement?
Yes, you might say that only a non-aristocrat can talk like me... well, I don't know that if I was one I wouldn't hate my kind. It is just so shallow to be materialistic and not see THE WORLD as it is, as a whole, with all us human animals in it, and try to make it better, ESPECIALLY here, where we have so much surplus and so much power with so little concern and understanding for others... yeah, keep Christ in Christmas... where do you think He went???
We have to save instead of creating debts, we have to give instead of asking for bail outs. We have to see how LITTLE we can consume and how much we can give away and create. Everyone has the power to do some good. Every one of us... At least be patient and appreciative. That's a start... it's a good start...
Thursday, January 22, 2009
what makes a good trainer? Part 9867756
Competence, patience, poise and character.
1. She must know the principals, I mean really know stuff!
2. She must have patience with clients and gym owners.
3. She must be a diplomat and a princess. (huh?)
4. She must carry herself accordingly and not deviate. She must be a role model and a professional.
5. And there is more, much more... it's not about how many outfits one has, or how many silly toys one throws in front of the client... it's not always about results either, in a fitness sense.
I will say more about this when I can keep my eyes open long enough to type a whole sentence...
good night y'all!
1. She must know the principals, I mean really know stuff!
2. She must have patience with clients and gym owners.
3. She must be a diplomat and a princess. (huh?)
4. She must carry herself accordingly and not deviate. She must be a role model and a professional.
5. And there is more, much more... it's not about how many outfits one has, or how many silly toys one throws in front of the client... it's not always about results either, in a fitness sense.
I will say more about this when I can keep my eyes open long enough to type a whole sentence...
good night y'all!
the few and the good
Because it's so much easier to criticize and because I also like my sarcasm and like to b... about things, for a change I thought I'd document some simple acts of kindness that, in their simplicity, left me almost in tears.
1. One of my clients whom I see at the crack of dawn twice a week at her house had given me extra $20 a week ago. So this week, on our first appointment I told her to pay me less or tell me why she overpaid me: was I supposed to pick up something for her? To which she replied "Oh no, that's your fee; it's a new year and you come from far away - have a long drive, so I'm giving you more" Just like that... what do you say to something like that...?
2. Last week Thursday I left my newly bought drink bottle, in which I carry my liquid protein dinner, sitting on the floor. I returned a week later today, and found it hanging on an unused back door handle... so I left a note thanking the person who saved it for me....because it really made my day!
But there are other things that people do, as they go out of their way, or do something unsolicited, just as an act of kindness and being considerate and respectful. Not everyone is rotten, only the ones that drive the speed limit. Which brings up another topic I've been dying to write: What would I do if I were a traffic police?
Here's is a sample traffic check, conducted by officer Mess (haha):
"Good evening Sir, how are you this evening?
"I am fine. Could you tell me why I am being pulled over?"
"Sure...I need to look inside your trunk and ask you a few questions or you can tell me why you are driving the speed limit... Are you high?
"no...?(**^#??"
"Are you transporting drugs?"
"no, Ma'am"
"are you drunk or illegal or have a warrant out for your arrest?"
"no!!"
"is this car stolen?"
"but, NO!"
"can you see alright?"
"yes!"
"do you know where the gas pedal is?"
"yes, of course!"
"is there a medical problem that's keeping you from depressing it?"
"....no..."
"then get going, Sir, you are being tailgated by 7 cars, press that pedal and get a move on - speed limits are set to filter people who have something to hide or are incompetent to drive...and you should look in your rear view mirror and see the sea of headlights that are inches away from you a...., good day, Sir, don't let me crawl up on you like this again!"
Well, a little exaggeration... but you get the point... hang up the )*(^&*%$ phone, and drive...talk to Tom (Tom) and drive that 80+ thousand dollar "driving machine" you use to float your overweight, oblivious, complacent butt and don't even know how to park...
thank you:)
1. One of my clients whom I see at the crack of dawn twice a week at her house had given me extra $20 a week ago. So this week, on our first appointment I told her to pay me less or tell me why she overpaid me: was I supposed to pick up something for her? To which she replied "Oh no, that's your fee; it's a new year and you come from far away - have a long drive, so I'm giving you more" Just like that... what do you say to something like that...?
2. Last week Thursday I left my newly bought drink bottle, in which I carry my liquid protein dinner, sitting on the floor. I returned a week later today, and found it hanging on an unused back door handle... so I left a note thanking the person who saved it for me....because it really made my day!
But there are other things that people do, as they go out of their way, or do something unsolicited, just as an act of kindness and being considerate and respectful. Not everyone is rotten, only the ones that drive the speed limit. Which brings up another topic I've been dying to write: What would I do if I were a traffic police?
Here's is a sample traffic check, conducted by officer Mess (haha):
"Good evening Sir, how are you this evening?
"I am fine. Could you tell me why I am being pulled over?"
"Sure...I need to look inside your trunk and ask you a few questions or you can tell me why you are driving the speed limit... Are you high?
"no...?(**^#??"
"Are you transporting drugs?"
"no, Ma'am"
"are you drunk or illegal or have a warrant out for your arrest?"
"no!!"
"is this car stolen?"
"but, NO!"
"can you see alright?"
"yes!"
"do you know where the gas pedal is?"
"yes, of course!"
"is there a medical problem that's keeping you from depressing it?"
"....no..."
"then get going, Sir, you are being tailgated by 7 cars, press that pedal and get a move on - speed limits are set to filter people who have something to hide or are incompetent to drive...and you should look in your rear view mirror and see the sea of headlights that are inches away from you a...., good day, Sir, don't let me crawl up on you like this again!"
Well, a little exaggeration... but you get the point... hang up the )*(^&*%$ phone, and drive...talk to Tom (Tom) and drive that 80+ thousand dollar "driving machine" you use to float your overweight, oblivious, complacent butt and don't even know how to park...
thank you:)
Monday, January 19, 2009
more on crazy Richard Simmons
Actually, I say "crazy" endearingly, because I happen to like the guy. Here's what he says about how to control weight, the first thing that is wrong in our society - portions! Agreed...
Dominos now has a "bonus" with your stuffed pizza order: frosted chocolate squares for dessert!
anyway... Richard also says that the other thing we have to fix quickly is the lack of PE in schools. Kids don't exercise. He is so right...
I would add another really bad and easily fixable thing: take desserts out of cafeterias. It is not part of the meal!!!!!!Serve it to those who earn it in PE class. And only on occasion. Like once a week. Take desserts out of all government cafeterias and hospitals and even the army. You can buy it outside, separately, or order Dominos or Papa Johns or whoever wants to fatten you up this week.
anyway... I say: Go Richard Simmons!!! At least people listen to him and he's not using it to sell products or sell himself; he wants people to care about themselves and change bad lifestyles and get healthier. He is a good motivator and he doesn't try to bottle bulls... So I say: Go Richard!!!
Dominos now has a "bonus" with your stuffed pizza order: frosted chocolate squares for dessert!
anyway... Richard also says that the other thing we have to fix quickly is the lack of PE in schools. Kids don't exercise. He is so right...
I would add another really bad and easily fixable thing: take desserts out of cafeterias. It is not part of the meal!!!!!!Serve it to those who earn it in PE class. And only on occasion. Like once a week. Take desserts out of all government cafeterias and hospitals and even the army. You can buy it outside, separately, or order Dominos or Papa Johns or whoever wants to fatten you up this week.
anyway... I say: Go Richard Simmons!!! At least people listen to him and he's not using it to sell products or sell himself; he wants people to care about themselves and change bad lifestyles and get healthier. He is a good motivator and he doesn't try to bottle bulls... So I say: Go Richard!!!
Jillian Michaels
I saw her on the VIEW on TV where she was demonstrating exercises to the two VERY overweigth subjects and I thought, GREAT, she is showing off and forgetting about her subjects... These obese women had to do one arm DB rows while balancing in a push up position. Then they had to stand on an upside down Bosu... Then they had to perform walking lunges with a twist... why not send them mountain climbing???
Nice... just an observation...She's crazy...they could've gotten seriously hurt on national tv. But she looked good...
Nice... just an observation...She's crazy...they could've gotten seriously hurt on national tv. But she looked good...
the birds are here
I have recently put up a bird feeder and was getting concerned about the birds GPS and thought maybe I should also put out signs in the treetops saying: All you can eat birddin-din, 24-7, no cover!
But they came..a couple of Cardinals, pretty red birds, boy and girl. Now they are getting so chubby I'm afraid I'll have to put up a birdcalator or birdmill or hire a little chirpy Richard Simmons-bird to take them on a cruise so they can get back into their birdipants again...
But I love seeing and hearing them... I hope they will settle in a big tree and have little Cardinals. We'll see...Fortunately, Shaz is oblivious to them and hasn't started barking them away...so far so good...I love animals... they don't crack their knuckles:):):):)
But they came..a couple of Cardinals, pretty red birds, boy and girl. Now they are getting so chubby I'm afraid I'll have to put up a birdcalator or birdmill or hire a little chirpy Richard Simmons-bird to take them on a cruise so they can get back into their birdipants again...
But I love seeing and hearing them... I hope they will settle in a big tree and have little Cardinals. We'll see...Fortunately, Shaz is oblivious to them and hasn't started barking them away...so far so good...I love animals... they don't crack their knuckles:):):):)
Sunday, January 18, 2009
not for polls
I have to express some of my dislikes of some of the "Americanisms" in general. Starting with knuckle cracking... what the )(&&)(?? It is quite disgusting and annoying, especially while one is trying to remember words in a foreign language on a foreign language test... STOP!!!!
Then there is ice chewing. Again, what's that all about? Though it's not annoying, it's just retarted. Annoying would be clearing one's sinuses by sucking snot down one's throat with a snorting sound. Not good...might as well go out and hang the sack of nuts (not wall-) on your trailer hitch...
but, you know what? It all doesn't really matter in the great scheme of things, what matters is how we treat each other. So if you don't' want me to loath you, refrain from doing these above mentioned things, including the trailer hitch ornament.
I am only kidding, this is a little sarcasm. Which might be annoying to somebody else...but, I am nice to everyone, in general so I can be sarcastic on a Sunday night.
Be well, and invest in yourself: hire a trainer!
Then there is ice chewing. Again, what's that all about? Though it's not annoying, it's just retarted. Annoying would be clearing one's sinuses by sucking snot down one's throat with a snorting sound. Not good...might as well go out and hang the sack of nuts (not wall-) on your trailer hitch...
but, you know what? It all doesn't really matter in the great scheme of things, what matters is how we treat each other. So if you don't' want me to loath you, refrain from doing these above mentioned things, including the trailer hitch ornament.
I am only kidding, this is a little sarcasm. Which might be annoying to somebody else...but, I am nice to everyone, in general so I can be sarcastic on a Sunday night.
Be well, and invest in yourself: hire a trainer!
stuff
Product review:
Headphones: Sennheiser moisture resistant ear buds. Awesome sound, awesome accessories make awesome fit and they are also very affordable on Amazon.
My freakin' windshield wipers that I wrote about last summer - still going! I forgot their names, something like ANCO? Made in Mexico and not inexpensive. Forty box for the pair, but they still work fine after having my car sit in the sun for 8 months.
Best investment of 2008: Publix apple corer: $3.99!! I am not kidding, it is simply marvelous, works like a charm to produce perfect 8 little apple wedges ready to eat or pack and take with you. I gave them out as Xmas presents...heehee
Basta!
Headphones: Sennheiser moisture resistant ear buds. Awesome sound, awesome accessories make awesome fit and they are also very affordable on Amazon.
My freakin' windshield wipers that I wrote about last summer - still going! I forgot their names, something like ANCO? Made in Mexico and not inexpensive. Forty box for the pair, but they still work fine after having my car sit in the sun for 8 months.
Best investment of 2008: Publix apple corer: $3.99!! I am not kidding, it is simply marvelous, works like a charm to produce perfect 8 little apple wedges ready to eat or pack and take with you. I gave them out as Xmas presents...heehee
Basta!
Sunday, January 11, 2009
news bits
Germ control...
Riveting news revealed last week that we are all doomed when it comes to germs and are exposed to a plethora of viruses in (guess!...no, think hard!!!) public places. Such as gyms, guard rails, supermarket shopping cart handles, airports and doctors' offices. They actually left out your own car, which I think carries germ colonies as well.
But fear not, Howie Mandels, because I have two simple cures for this. Perhaps three. 1. Keep your hands away from your face at all times. 2. Wash your hands frequently with warm soapy water (no need for antibacterial stuff, any soap will do) but make sure your hand washing takes long enough (just as your teeth brushing should). and 3. Keep a strong immune system. This is the hardest one because it's a complex task. It needs good nutrition, supplements and healthy mind and body. Big task! But, keep up with the first two and you will greatly reduce your germ exposure. End of story.
In other news, it is revealed that running is actually good for you. Who wudda thunk... If you can walk, you can probably jog and then nothing should keep you from running a bit. Don't have to start with a Marathon. 100 yards will do, one after another. It does not break the body down and it does not cause heart attacks. But if 10 people drop dead with a coronary, and nine of them are obese and one of them is a runner, we will hear about the runner. Runners are not invincible, but will live longer due to a stronger cardiovascular system that functions on a more efficient level. The end.
Riveting news revealed last week that we are all doomed when it comes to germs and are exposed to a plethora of viruses in (guess!...no, think hard!!!) public places. Such as gyms, guard rails, supermarket shopping cart handles, airports and doctors' offices. They actually left out your own car, which I think carries germ colonies as well.
But fear not, Howie Mandels, because I have two simple cures for this. Perhaps three. 1. Keep your hands away from your face at all times. 2. Wash your hands frequently with warm soapy water (no need for antibacterial stuff, any soap will do) but make sure your hand washing takes long enough (just as your teeth brushing should). and 3. Keep a strong immune system. This is the hardest one because it's a complex task. It needs good nutrition, supplements and healthy mind and body. Big task! But, keep up with the first two and you will greatly reduce your germ exposure. End of story.
In other news, it is revealed that running is actually good for you. Who wudda thunk... If you can walk, you can probably jog and then nothing should keep you from running a bit. Don't have to start with a Marathon. 100 yards will do, one after another. It does not break the body down and it does not cause heart attacks. But if 10 people drop dead with a coronary, and nine of them are obese and one of them is a runner, we will hear about the runner. Runners are not invincible, but will live longer due to a stronger cardiovascular system that functions on a more efficient level. The end.
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