Victor's Journey

Monday, March 23, 2009

Health Warning: Check Expiration Dates!

A friend sent me this warning recently:

snopes.com: Pancake Mix and Allergic Reaction

I recently made a batch of pancakes for my healthy 14-year-old son, using a mix that was in our pantry. He said that they tasted "funny," but ate them anyway. About 10 minutes later, he began having difficulty breathing and his lips began turning purple. I gave him his allergy pill, had him sit on the sofa and told him to relax. He was wheezing while inhaling and exhaling. …

… Apparently, the mold that forms in old pancake mix can be toxic!

Here is the content of the email that was sent to me:

A student had pancakes and it almost became fatal. His Mom (registered nurse) made him pancakes, dropped him off at school and headed to play tennis. She never takes her cell phone on the court but did this time and her son called to say he was having trouble breathing. She told him to go to the nurse immediately and proceeded to call school and alert the nurse. The nurse called the paramedics and they were there in 3 minutes and worked on the boy all the way to the hospital. He came so close to dying. Evidently this is more common then I ever knew. Check the expiration dates on packages like pancakes and cake mixes that have yeast which over time develop spores. Apparently, the mold that forms in old mixes can be toxic! Throw away ALL OUTDATED pancake mix, Bisquick, brownie mixes etc you have in your home.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Mid-week Status and C25K Report

I finished Day 2 of Week 2 of C25K. It is a beautiful day and I most definitely enjoyed the run! I definitely struggled with the last 90 second jogging period, but that is probably because it was uphill and I had already done two uphill stretches during the run. But struggling is a good thing -- it just makes me want to try even harder! :-)

Nutrition wise I am doing well. My calorie intake has been under control, although my appetite has increased some. Weight seems to be under control and I am hoping to lose another two pounds this week.

My greatest area of concern is stamina. Because of my 5K training, I stopped doing my staircase routine. I do not want to overdo things, but I feel my stamina is down a bit. Maybe it is the staircase routine, maybe something else (there are a number of stressors in my life right now).

I have also noticed that I am not drinking as much water as I should. My ST (strength training) has been pretty lax lately. Ah ... areas for improvement all around! :-)

Taking care of yourself

DailyOM - Staying On Track

In a world where we have routines for nearly everything—our route to work, our physical fitness regimen, and our weekday schedule—it’s amazing how many people forget to create a routine for meeting their spiritual needs.

Energy Boosts at Work

I think we all experience the occasional lack of energy during the day. Here are some great suggestions for perking yourself up as needed -- and there are no chemicals involved!

Energy Boosts at Work

This is all healthy and great for you!

Did you realize bad posture alone can give your brain up to 30% less blood and oxygen? Along with good posture, the most effective way to fight energy lulls is with heavy doses of good stretching and good breathing. Shoot for five minutes of mental or physical activity per hour, every hour at the computer.

Enjoy!

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

It shows

I am not used to this at all. For the last few days, almost on an hourly basis, people stop me and tell me how they notice my weight loss and how I look great. One co-worker said: "If you keep losing weight you are going to disappear!" Another co-worker stopped me and praised me. He ended with "I am proud of you!".

WOW! I am just floored! With this much positive feedback it is easy to keep going!

Couch-5K Week 2, Day 1

Day 1 of this second week on the Couch-to-5K program went incredibly well. I even added one 90 second period at the end of the 20-minute lap because I was far enough from my origin point to just walk back. Why not add some more training? :-)

The new shoes felt great -- I definitely need to adjust to them, but I think they made a difference. My right knee did not feel as "guarded" as with other shoes. I think it was a very good investment.

I can't wait for Thursday's run!

Monday, March 16, 2009

Aromatherapy for the Whole Family

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils from plants and aromatic plant compounds to affect someone's mood or health. In France, where it was discovered, it has been incorporated into conventional medicine to treat infections and disease. In the US, it is widely used for its ability to affect a person's emotional state. Here are some ways you can use aromatherapy to create a healthier home.

In the bath: Try this bath before bed to help you or your kids (or all of you!) sleep more soundly. Dilute 5 drops of lavender oil in 1 tablespoon of carrier oil, such as almond or coconut oil. Add to the bathwater, using caution to avoid slipping. Lavender helps promote relaxation and sleep.
Inhalation: Into a basin of steaming water, add a few drops of an essential oil, like marjoram. Lean your head over the bowl and cover with a towel, and inhale the steam for 10 minutes. Marjoram can help to clear congestion.
In the car: Sprinkle a few drops of peppermint oil on a cotton ball, and stash it under the driver's seat. Peppermint helps increase alertness.
Around the house: Help to disinfect the air in your home by adding a few drops of tea tree oil to an aromatherapy diffuser.
For your pets: Calm rambunctious or nervous pets by sprinkling a drop or two of lavender oil on their bedding.
Although aromatherapy can complement traditional medicine, it should never be used as a substitute. Always check with your doctor or pediatrician before using any home remedies on yourself or your child.

For more information you can read this article: Aromatherapy Smells Great!

Powered by ScribeFire.

All things pass eventually

Have you ever heard the concept of "seasons" in life? It refers to an idea that nothing in life lasts forever, and with time, all things change. Do you feel like your life is in an unhappy state? Are you stuck in a rut? It will pass! Sadly, this also applies to the good times as well. The elation of a promotion, the excitement of a new relationship--all will fade with time. Think creatively about how to maximize the sweet times and minimize the sour ones.

Sweet, sour, bitter, pungent, all must be tasted.
- Chinese proverb

Source: http://www.SparkPeople.com

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Another first

Yesterday, I began training for my first ever 5K race. I never imagined I would attempt something like this. Certainly, as of late last year I could barely finish the evening without collapsing on the couch and falling asleep. Now, I am exercising daily, watching what I eat, and feeling great!

I started the Couch-to-5K (C25K) program. Yesterday's session was unorthodox because I did not want to look at a stop watch to see when I needed to switch from brisk walk to jog, so I counted blocks. Looking back I realize that it was not necessarily the best way to do it, but I got through it and that was important.

On my Couch-To-5K SparkPeople group I read about free podcasts that will help you time the intervals. The first one I found was from DJ Steve at djsteveboy. These are awesome mixes! I walked to Day 1 today just to get used to the system. I love it! The site also has other running programs that bring you to 8K and 10K.

I also found another set of free podcasts at Podcasts for Running. I am listening to Day 1 while writing this blog. This is a good set. I like Robert's approach because he talks you through the changes rather than the "beep" used by Steve. But both of them are awesome and free -- what more can we ask for?

Thank you to Steve and Robert for providing these free MP3s for all of us that are training to be healthier and fit. I am grateful for their hard work and willingness to give these great music files to all of us.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Finding victory in the small stuff

Do your dreams seem far away? Does the distance between you and the finish line deflate your motivation? Often we forget that goals and dreams are not achieved overnight, but rather in a series of small steps. Progress towards your goals should also be counted as victorious! Stop looking at the end result to bring you the greatest joy. Instead, celebrate the ways in which your life is gravitating towards that desired result. Nothing is guaranteed in life, so make the most of each day and persevere. Remember that the small things in life build up to the bigger ones.

Source: http://www.SparkPeople.com

Monday, March 09, 2009

Pledging Support for Presidente Obama

I just signed a pledge of support for President Obama's plan to renew and strengthen America's economy.

Watch the video announcing this new initiative and pledge your support now:

http://my.barackobama.com/pledgeproject

Your are unique. Honor yourself.

I have always believed that it is a complete waste of time to compare myself to others. I do not compete against others. I do not try to be better than others. I am constantly trying to learn from others so that tomorrow I can be better than I am today.

DailyOM - Comparing Yourself To Others

… it is not a good use of time to compare ourselves with others because there is no one like us and this makes us incomparable.

Sushi (2006-2009)

"Sushi" came to us as a gift from our great friend Tracy, as a way to sooth Tracey's anxiety and a way to heal her during the recovery from brain surgery in early 2007. Sushi arrived in our lives in late 2006 as we moved into our new home.

He was a pretty quiet member of the house; not the most sociable of pets, but that comes with being a Beta. He was a very good sport, never complaining when we moved him to temporary housing when we went on vacation. He did not like to be moved to his temporary tank while I cleaned his regular home, but he always showed gratitude and joy when he was back in his own tank. He was specially happy when he got new furniture (color stones and decorations).

Sushi passed away last night. The kids and I gave him a burial with full pet honors early this morning. Noah and MacKenzie dug the grave in our back yard and we laid him to rest there. We thank him for his company and for being such a great fish all these years.

Sunday, March 08, 2009

Measure Progress Without the Scale

It is so very true: weight loss is not always measured in pounds on a scale:

Measure Progress Without the Scale

Losing weight usually involves a relatively simple calorie equation: burn off more calories with daily activity than you consume through food. So what happens when these numbers indicate progress, but the scale doesn’t? Before the aggravation sets in, consider why this might be the case. If you’ve been hitting the gym on a regular basis, participating in both cardiovascular and strengthening exercises, then chances are good that you have shed some fat. But the scale might not indicate this because you have also been building lean muscle. Since muscle is dense (a small volume of muscle weighs more than the same volume of fat), the scale might not reflect your hard work.

My favorite effects from being healthier: feeling better and having more energy -- a lot of both! Just an example: today I attended a soccer camp for coaches. I was able to keep up with the 18-30 year old crowd. Despite the hot weather, I was not worn out at all. Before I started working out I would have headed straight for home and a nap. Today, I just felt great being out in the sun playing soccer with other coaches. I love being healthier and working toward my goal!

Pounds lost: 34
Pounds left: 26

Friday, March 06, 2009

Focusing on YOU!

The world is moving at an ever-increasing pace. Our days are filled
with things to do, goals to accomplish, people to see. The calls for
our assistance never seem to diminish. But how can we help others when
we are so overwhelmed? Perhaps we need to take some time for ourselves.
We need to schedule this time as our number one priority. We can only
be effective if we refresh our soul in some way everyday. Whether you
choose to pray, meditate, do Yoga, dance, sing, play an instrument, or
exercise, take the time to refresh and rejuvenate. If you sharpen the
saw you will be able to handle a lot more wood with a lot less effort.

Dealing with Daylight Saving Time

Here are some great tips on dealing with the loss of sleep caused by Daylight Saving Time:

Don't Let Daylight Saving Time Deprive You of Sleep - 101 - Sleep Center

In the early-morning hours of Sunday, March 8 — at 2 a.m., to be exact — daylight saving time (DST) began and we turned our clocks ahead one hour, giving up those 60 minutes of precious slumber. Sure, switching to DST means another hour of daylight, but the adjustment can be tough for a few days.

Thursday, March 05, 2009

Happy Birthday!

Today is Tracey's birthday. She would have been 43 today -- she always joked that she was born the same year as the modern Super Bowl was.

Birthdays were very important to Tracey -- far more than they ever were for me. So the kids and I will celebrate Tracey's birthday with dinner at one of their (and hers as well as mine) restaurants: Moe's. We have soccer practice afterward so there will not be time for cake. We will leave that for Saturday evening.

Wednesday, March 04, 2009

How your body influences your emotions

There is an undeniable link between feeling healthy and feeling happy. When was the last time you had the flu, a migraine, or heartburn and felt joyful at the same time? While many of us would agree that there is a relationship between our internal workings and our feelings of happiness, many of us don't take active steps toward living a healthy, positive life. How can we meet our goals when our body isn't feeling up to par? Tiredness, aches and pains, and feeling under the weather can all be big hindrances to our goals. It is very important that we nourish our bodies with adequate amounts of the right foods, condition ourselves to maintain and build strong bones and muscles, rest properly at night, and generally adhere to a healthy regimen if we expect to feel positive emotions.

Source: http://www.SparkPeople.com

There is definite truth in these thoughts. Before I started working out, I would be tired all the time. Now I rarely ever feel exhausted in the evenings. And I am getting far more done everyday than I ever was before.

I have also noticed that when I feel a cold coming it gets resolved quicker and I have milder symptoms if I keep exercising as much as possible every day.

Do I feel better emotionally ever since I started exercising and living a healthier lifestyle? You bet!

Make Smart Substitutions

One of the things I have learned in the last few weeks is to make smart substitutions. The following article talks about making smart food substitutions:

Food Substitutions

Smart substitutions are small (seriously) changes to your diet that can really add up. Did you know that by using one teaspoon of mustard instead of mayonnaise, you save 54 calories? Or that one cup of airpopped popcorn has 100 fewer calories than one cup of buttered popcorn?

There are other substitutions you can make in your life to be healthier:

use the stairs instead of the elevator
park at the far end of the parking lot and walk more to the store
go for a walk rather than sit for lunch
schedule workout time rather than watching TV

These are all small, smart substitutions that will make a huge impact on your overall health.

Tuesday, March 03, 2009

Hope, Patience and Perseverance

My friend Tim hit it on the nail again:

Hope, Patience and Perseverance

Keep on working toward your goals. Your perseverance will pay off, your patience will grow and your hopes will be realized.

Winning victory against yourself

No one likes to lose. The thrill of victory after competition is hard to match. But the wins that leave the most significant, long-term impressions are the ones where you win against yourself. Beating a friend in a game of hoops is much less meaningful than setting a personal best time while running. We live in a highly competitive world, and everything around us screams that we've got to be number one in order to feel successful. Truly though, the best measuring sticks are your past and your potential--not against someone else's standards. Raise the bar for yourself!

Source: http://www.SparkPeople.com

I have always thought that competing against yourself is the best way to succeed in the long run. Comparing ourselves to others is unproductive and self-destructive.

Stressed? Bust it!

7 Simple Stress Busters

Stress happens. No matter how organized you are, how good your systems are, or how friendly your work and living environments are, stress can find a way to poke its ugly head in from time to time. What can you do? Turn to a convenient Stress Buster – a small, simple activity that clears your head and calms you down. When you feel a stress attack coming on, it’s the perfect time to turn to one of these busters and kick that stress out the door.

Monday, March 02, 2009

This is why I do not buy music

For the last few years I have boycotted the music industry. The following article shows one of the main reasons why I made that decision:

Who Is Ryan Sit And Why Is EMI Suing Him? — Michael Robertson.com

Here are other reasons for not endorsing the music industry:

Over-priced: CDs should not be priced at $15 when they cost pennies to produce.
Artists receive little of the money we pay for CDs — the label houses, managers, promoters, and other blood-suckers take most of it; sadly, the majority of these people have little to do with making the music happen.
The music industry is controlled by a mafia-style group of monsters that are driven by nothing but greed. They care nothing about the consumer, the artists, the musicians. They chew all of them up until there is no more, and then they spit them out as waste.
Speaking of quality, music labels have been producing garbage CDs for many years. If two out of 10 songs in a CD are passable you can count yourself as lucky. Mass production, not only of the CDs but of the music itself, has replaced quality by far.

The music industry heads caused the problem of music piracy by failing to ensure quality and fairness in the product they promote. They also ignored the huge advantages of digital distribution of individual songs and instead tried to fight such marketing model with lawsuits and harassment.

Customer loyalty? They killed it.
Artist loyalty? They killed it too.
Lawyer loyalty? Oh, they have that, no doubt about it!

The above are my opinions. Until record labels make a substantial shift in their business model, I will not from them. I used to buy an average of five CDs per month at one time. That was at least five years ago. Let's see, 5 CDs per month * 12 months * 5 years * $12 = $3,600. How many of us in the world have done the same? Millions? Is there any wonder the music industry is desperate for revenue? Would it not be easier to fix the problems (internal to their organizations and their marketing philosophy) rather than filing crap lawsuits against innocent people?

This could save your home!

I was a volunteer firefighter for several years. One of the most common causes of house fires is one that starts in the kitchen. Watch this video and learn how to extinguish a cooking oil fire. It is so easy!

I want to thank my supervisor for sending this to my work team.

A Kitchen Oil Fire

Food for thought

Chinese Proverb:

'When someone shares something of value with you, and you benefit from it, you have a moral obligation to share it with others.

Sunday, March 01, 2009

31 Days to a Healthier Diet

Here are 31 daily tips that will help you eat more nutritious, healthy foods.

Friday, February 27, 2009

Study Spills the Secret to Weight Loss

Study Spills the Secret to Weight Loss--Surprised?

As it turns out, you can eat whatever you want and still lose weight. You just have to pay attention to the amount you eat. (Sound familiar?)

A major study published today in the New England Journal of Medicine reinforces the SparkPeople philosophy. For two years, 811 overweight people were placed on four diets--low carb, high carb, low protein and high protein--and all lost weight. What they ate didn't matter. Portion control and tracking calories helped them, just as that has helped millions of SparkPeople members.

This major study supports what we (and you, as SparkPeople members) already knew: "Diets" that restrict certain foods don't work! The key to losing weight and keeping it off is moderation, coupled with portion control and tracking calories.

There is a lot more! Enjoy the article!

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Highlights from President Obama's 2009 Address to a Joint Session of Congress

Finding Balance: How Do I Make Time?

Finding time comes down to making priorities. It's easy to find time for the things that are a high priority in your life. I always shake my head at the people who say "I don't have time to exercise." Everyone has the same 24 hours in a day- it's just about how you choose to use them. Those people who have time for exercise are the ones who put it higher on their priority list. This doesn't mean that you're a failure if you can't find 60 minutes a day for physical activity. But I don't know anyone who can't find 10 minutes here and there throughout the day to get up and move.

Finding Balance: Where Do I Begin?

Setting my goals and developing a plan is my first step toward finding the balance. Do you struggle to find a balance in your own life? If so, what's your first step going to be?

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

What a difference a few weeks makes

Here is yet another clear example of what is going on with my body.

On 11/11/08, I had a health screening. My BP and pulse were:

BP: 133 / 96
Pulse: 87

The above are indicative of borderline mild hypertension -- one sign of bad news if you do not take some immediate action.

Today I walked into CVS and took my BP:

BP: 109 / 62
Pulse: 71

It makes me feel like crying with joy. These numbers do not lie -- they are the best possible witness that exercising and healthy eating makes a difference.

Is your life filled with anger?

When someone cuts you off while driving, or misses an appointment you made together, you probably get angry. Often our imaginations create internal situations and fantasies that perpetuate those feelings until you are boiling and ready to take it out on someone else. Truly though, we waste too much of our time and energy feeling negatively towards all sorts of things in our lives. When was the last time you went an entire day without feeling angry? Think about the times you most frequently feel those tense, frustrated feelings building up in you and examine the root. If the situation is unavoidable, you've got to force yourself to accept it and move past it. Maybe you need to sit down with a co-worker and talk to her about what is bothering you--instead of just letting her idiosyncrasies get under your skin each day. Perhaps you need to find an alternative route home to avoid the daily traffic jam that makes your blood boil. Your body and mind will thank you for the peace such moves provide in the end.

Source: http://www.SparkPeople.com

Is Your Diet Making You Fat?

If you're still in "diet" mode, temporarily changing your habits just until you reach your goal, then one of these dieting dilemmas could be preventing your from reaching your goals - and achieving a permanent, healthy lifestyle. Your diet might be making (or keeping) you fat if…

The rest of the article is fantastic! Enjoy!

Monday, February 23, 2009

What is Spiritual Growth?

As of the beginning of this year, the kids and I have embarked in a new journey. We began attending service at the Columbia Zen Buddhist Priory. Why join a Buddhist church? First, but not foremost, was the fact that this was a decision Tracey and I had made informally before she was gravely ill. We both felt that Buddhism was the closest religion to our personal beliefs. And that second part was the predominant criteria for beginning the journey into Buddhism.

I felt it was important that both kids began learning about internal (spiritual) growth. I held back for almost two years because I thought they were too young to understand some of the concepts of religion and church. They had been exposed to Christianity through their friends and society as a whole (after all, we live in the Bible Belt). But this year I appraised their readiness and decided it was time for them to begin learning.

The following passage beautifully illustrates spiritual growth, regardless of what religion you follow:

Spiritual Growth

I walk down the street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I fall in.
I am lost. I am hopeless.
It isn't my fault.
It takes forever to find a way out.

I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I pretend I don't see it.
I fall in again.
I can't believe I'm in the same place again.
But it isn't my fault.
It still takes long time to get out.

I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I see it is there.
I still fall in -- it's a habit.
My eyes are open,
I know where I am.
It is my fault.
I get out immediately.

I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I walk around it.

I walk down another street.

Wise words

Positive Mental Attitude Sayings and Phrases

SMALL MINDS talk about people.
MEDIOCRE MINDS talk about events.
GREAT MINDS talk about ideas.

This page credits the thought to two different authors: Eleanor Roosevelt and Hyman Rickover. The thought is brilliant and goes to the mindset of the majority and why, as a global community, we are more susceptible to domination by an elite group. Our mass focus is on stupid events like the Oscars and on people's dresses and private affairs (who divorced whom, who is sleeping with whom or cheating on whom or …). What happened to people getting together to discuss important things like concepts and ideas?

Our Mantra

Ever since Tracey passed away, the kids and I adopted the following mantra. I wanted to share it with all of you:

Everyday, in every way, I am getting better and better and better.
I am safe … I am healthy … I am happy.
Everyday, in every way, I am richer and richer and richer.

I designed this mantra after serious consideration. The words better and richer are repeated three times to acknowledge body, mind and spirit. The second line was designed to give them comfort and remind them that they are safe despite Tracey's loss, that they are blessed with health, and they can be as happy as they set their mind to be. I added the richer line, similar to the better line, because richness comes in many forms, and we need to recognize that being rich is not about money or having things.

Do You Value the Small Tasks in Life?

Do you ever feel that you will never advance in your life or career and get that opportunity to do something BIG? Don't doubt the importance and impact on doing the smaller jobs in life! The key to this quote is being consistent--despite the level (or lack of) glamour or grandeur of your work. If you must scrub toilets, make them the shiniest, cleanest darn toilets on the block! In all things do the best you can, whether someone is looking or not. If you want to succeed in life, it is important that you have a strong foundation of consistent, hard work. Don't dodge the smaller tasks in an effort to hold out for the glamorous, important jobs. Put value in the small things and you'll reap a huge reward when you're put to the test!

Source: http://www.SparkPeople.com

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Planning: Make a battle plan for success!

My SparkPeople friend Tim, whom I mentioned before, had a great blog yesterday, which has re-iginited my passion for daily planning, a habit I had somewhat abandoned due to cheer laziness:

Make a battle plan for success!

Whenever there is a battle, the winner is usually the one who has thought out the battle, planned for contingencies and implemented the plan.

SparkPeople has a very nice article on the subject: Think Two Steps Ahead

After a long day with the kids, doing laundry, reading books, and working on night school homework, you might have to decide between exercise and a couch that is screaming your name. Another difficult decision we face on a regular basis, and once again we often choose to think one step ahead. “I need to rest – I’m so drained!”

The difference between one step ahead and two steps ahead can mean the difference between staying on the fitness roller coaster or achieving your goals. Two steps ahead, we are still tired, stressed and cranky, BUT also determined, committed and able to see the big picture.

I think having a plan for the week and the next day is essential to minimize stress and achieve our goals. I have always liked Dr. Stephen Covey's approach to goal achievement through the "7 Habits of Highly Effective People." One of the things that Dr. Covey and Tim focus on is to determine what is important to you. The former calls it "Big Rocks." Focus on putting the big rocks in your jar (weekly/daily plan) first and then fit any smaller stuff in if possible. Prioritizing is the key to planning. And, as Dr. Covey so eloquently explains, you have to sharpen the saw first -- and that means focusing on you.

Planning for being fit and healthy is not a selfish activity -- it is the best thing you can do for others: your family, your community, society, the world.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Family Diet Danger: High Fructose Corn Syrup

Trying to save money, food companies introduced High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) into the food market in the 1970s. Sweetening manufactured foods this way is profitable, because it is less expensive and much sweeter than sugar, yet easy to transport because of its liquid state. Today HFCS is found in a variety of foods from soda pop to ketchup, fruit drinks to salad dressings, cereals, breads, flavored yogurt, and sauces.

Fructose should not be eliminated from your diet. It is primarily found in fruits, which provide a wealth of nutritional benefits for your family. Fructose found in fruits is fine! However, are we setting up our bodies for damage by constantly feeding it foods that have been filled with sucrose (fructose and glucose) and heavily loaded with HFCS, which is approximately one-half fructose?

A recent study conducted by the University of Cincinnati says yes. Mice freely consumed either water, fructose-sweetened water, or soft drinks. The researchers found increased body fat in the mice that drank the fructose-sweetened water and soft drinks--even though these animals decreased the amount of calories they ate from solid foods.

Another soda study conducted on humans suggests that HFCS does not provide the body with a sense of fullness. This may cause an increase in excess calorie intake, leading to weight gain.

Whenever possible, avoid food products that contain HFCS and refined table sugar. These foods often have little--if any--nutritional value. Start by:
taking inventory of your refrigerator, freezer, and pantry. Start reading the fool labels. If HFCS is one of the main ingredients (which are listed in descending order on the food label), scratch it off your grocery list--permanently.
limiting foods that have "sugar" as one of the first ingredients.
shopping around the perimeter of your grocery store; this is where you will find the foods in their natural, unprocessed state.

Source: SparkPeople

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Take an ordinary life and change it into an extraordinary adventure

This is my new motto!

Take an ordinary life and change it into an extraordinary adventure.

Simple and powerful -- just like I like it!

Simplifying the English Language

Programming Humor

088 - Simplifying the English Language
Having chosen English as the preferred language in the EEC, the European Parliament has commissioned a feasability study in ways of improving efficiency in communications between Government departments.

European officials have often pointed out that English spelling is unnecessary difficult; for example: cough, plough, rough, through and thorough. What is clearly needed is a phased programme of changes to iron out these anomalies. The programme would, of course, be administered by a committee staff at top level by participating nations.

In the first year, for example, the committee would suggest using 's' instead of the soft 'c'. Sertainly, sivil servants in all sities would resieve this news with joy. Then the hard 'c' could be replaced by 'k' sinse both letters are pronounsed alike. Not only would this klear up konfusion in the minds of klerikal workers, but typewriters kould be made with one less letter.

There would be growing enthousiasm when in the sekond year, it was anounsed that the troublesome 'ph' would henseforth be written 'f'. This would make words like 'fotograf' twenty persent shorter in print.

In the third year, publik akseptanse of the new spelling kan be expekted to reash the stage where more komplikated changes are possible. Governments would enkourage the removal of double letters which have always been a deterent to akurate speling.

We would al agre that the horible mes of silent 'e's in the languag is disgrasful. Therefor we kould drop thes and kontinu to read and writ as though nothing had hapend. By this tim it would be four years sins the skem began and peopl would be reseptive to steps sutsh as replasing 'th' by 'z'. Perhaps zen ze funktion of 'w' kould be taken on by 'v', vitsh is, after al, half a 'w'. Shortly after zis, ze unesesary 'o kould be dropd from words kontaining 'ou'. Similar arguments vud of kors be aplid to ozer kombinations of leters.

Kontinuing zis proses yer after yer, ve vud eventuli hav a reli sensibl riten styl. After tventi yers zer vud be no mor trubls, difikultis and evrivun vud fin it ezi tu understand ech ozer. Ze drems of the Guvermnt vud finali hav kum tru.

Friday, February 13, 2009

Critical Mass

Critical mass time...

We're already 6 weeks into the new year and I'm seeing a sad event happening around me, even here at SparkPeople. People that were fully energized and ready to take on the world have fallen off and are not exercising at the gym. Certain members on my friends list have not been active for a few days up to about 3 weeks.

While everyone that falls away has the same goal of getting into better shape, there are many reasons that some fall away from their motivation or their plans that some took some good thought and measure to create. It makes me sad to see this but yet I am not going to watch it happen quietly.

This was written by one of my SparkPeople friends. His name is Tim. I encourage you to read the whole blog entry -- it is not very long, it will only take you a minute, but it will definitely give you a lots to think about and take away with you.

One of the things that Tim made me think about is the sense of community and leadership. How many times do we see something wrong and do nothing about it? He vowed: "I am not going to watch it happen quietly." As members of this world we need to seek the opportunities to do something about things that need to be corrected. In the most basic sense, it means reaching out to someone and saying that you care and you are ready to spend some time helping them. If we help only one person per week, we will make a huge impact on the world around us. It reminds me of the movie "Pay It Forward."

When we do something for someone without expecting something back in return, we impact the world.

When we care for an elder person with love and patience, we impact the world.

When we take care of a child with love and patience, we impact the world.

When we take care of a pet with love and patience, we impact the world.

When we get involved in community affairs, we impact the world.

When we take care of ourselves with love and patience, we impact the world.

Take an ordinary life and change it into an extraordinary adventure

This is my new motto!

Take an ordinary life and change it into an extraordinary adventure.

Simple and powerful -- just like I like it!

Over 100 Super Foods for a Super You

These foods benefit your body in so many ways. They power your brain, and correctly and efficiently fuel your body. Super foods fight infection, enhance your immune system, and protect against diseases such as osteoporosis, heart disease, certain cancers, diabetes, and respiratory infections.

Daily Vitamin Doesn't Help Your Health

Study: Daily Vitamin Doesn't Help Your Health

A recent, quite sizable study of more than 160,000 women found that a vitamin regimen doesn't lessen one's chances of developing cancer or heart disease.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Habits of Fit People: Believe in Yourself

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Patience leads to results

Trying (but failing) to see your goals realized can be frustrating. Margaret Thatcher once said "You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it," and she was absolutely right. You've got to believe that you will succeed! Never admit defeat as long as time and effort remain. Our greatest asset is patience; our greatest weakness is throwing in the towel. Banish discouragement and feelings of impossibility by working hard, doing more, and not giving in! A diamond was only made beautiful after millions of years as a lump of coal.

Source: SparkPeople

Exercising with Lower Back Pain

As someone that has suffered from back pain (and has two back surgeries to prove it) I really appreciated this article and suggested exercises:

Exercising with Lower Back Pain

Monday, February 09, 2009

Habits of Healthy Eaters: Measure Portions

Measuring portions helps keep you on track, and it keeps you from convincing yourself you only had "a few" chips when you know the bag was full when you opened it. (No one else does that? Just me? OK…) Find out how to recover from portion distortion.

When Does Food Become Fat?

This is a very interesting quiz:

SparkPeople Quiz: When Does Food Become Fat?

When the Moon and Sun say "Good Morning"

As I took Baron for his morning walk, I was treated to a conversation between the moon and the sun. To my left, just above the horizon, was a full moon, bright and beautiful, just behind a group of pine trees. To my right, the sun had begun to show its gorgeous oranges and yellows. It was a spectacular, humbling view of three celestial bodies coming together to say good morning.

Friday, February 06, 2009

The positive cycle of forgiveness

OK, be honest. Do you hold grudges? Do you allow old drama to determine your behavior? Is there someone you just can't seem to forgive? Grudges and a non-forgiving attitude do nothing but harm both parties. You might feel like you're "winning" by not letting someone off the hook, but you're only increasing your own worry and stress. Bitterness can lead to hate, which can sour a life. Today, write a letter explaining your point of view to the person you feel resentful towards. Clear the air; forgiving him. Even if you don't send it, it is an excellent way to relieve tension. Forgiving someone does not absolve them of the wrong that you experienced. It can simply free you to live a life that isn't anchored to the hurt and resentment of past events

More at: http://www.sparkpeople.com/myspark/messageboard.asp?imboard=31&imparent=1951733

Thursday, February 05, 2009

Sherry: a story of endurance

If you are looking for inspiration, if you are feeling down on your luck, then I urge you to read the following page:

SHERRY528's SparkPage - Welcome

What an awesome lady!

Appreciate the plateaus

It is funny how our minds work. Some of us think that progress is always going to be steady in the direction of our goal. Progress comes in waves. It is during the plateaus, when the results we expect are not coming, that we really grow and learn how to get better. It is sometimes only when we fail at something that we get better at it. We should appreciate the ups and downs of our journey. When we look back we will see that the highs and lows, and everything in between, are what made our goals possible.

How America Grew

Highlights on food and America from the past 50 years:

Monday, February 02, 2009

Healthy Reflections: What wealth do you possess?

One of the many benefits of being a SparkPeople member is that I receive these amazing emails called Healthy Reflections. Here is today's:

What wealth do you possess?

There is a long-standing tradition for Buddhist monks to rise each morning very early and set out to collect alms bowls, and go out into their community to collect donations of food, usually merely rice or a simple curry. Surprisingly though, none of this food is eaten, as the monks are typically well-stocked at their monastery. Why? This age-old tradition is still in existence simply to allow the nearby townspeople to experience the joy of giving. Do you have resources or talent that you can use to help others? Hoarding what you have wastes opportunities and fails to leave a positive mark on the world. Whether you have money, talent, time, knowledge, or energy, each should be shared. No one is better off by keeping wealth--tangible or intangible--to himself or herself.

They who give have all things; they who withhold have nothing.
- Hindu Proverb

More: http://www.sparkpeople.com/myspark/messageboard.asp?imboard=31&imparent=1951733

Measuring Progress

Progress in being more fit and healthy can be measured in many ways. Some we can put numbers to, some we cannot. Many of us weigh ourselves (sometimes daily) and measure our dimensions in inches. I am fortunate to have made some very welcomed progress in both of these areas during January. I went from 255 to 236 pounds and, for example, from a 47" to a 44" waist. My hips stayed the same at 43" -- maybe there is not a lot of excess there, maybe it is not an area I have targeted properly, or maybe that part will slim down once my waist gets smaller. My neck went from 18" to 17".

But today I proved to myself that there is a different type of progress that is harder to measure. When I started this program in January, I decided to use the office staircases as an exercise machine. I could barely make it to the 8th floor without my legs giving up on me; today I made it to the 9th floor without problem, followed by a trip back to the 4th floor, back to the 8th floor, back to the 4th floor, back to the 6th, and back to the 4th floor. My legs got a bit tired but I was barely beginning to perspire. It is obvious that my conditioning has improved. THAT makes me happier than all the numbers above. The fact that I can go jogging without significant knee pain gives me great satisfaction. The idea that I will be able to coach my soccer team without being in agony the next day gives me the incentive to keep going.

I will close by saying that SparkPeople has given me a lot and I hope I can reciprocate by helping others achieve their goals.

An example to live by

So ... if they can do it, why can't we?

Dog, Cat, and Rat

The Benefits of Berries

Red, Black & Blue are Berry Good for You!

We simply love berries. As expensive as they can be, the health benefits of these fruits are amazing! We enjoy a combination of strawberries and raspberries as a smoothie -- a great dessert or snack!

My Gazelle -- The Buy of the Year

Last week I found a listing in craigslist for a Tony Little Gazelle. I had read some positive comments in SparkPeople and got excited by the price being asked ($30 for an item that is selling for $189 at Wal-Mart). The kids and I took it home on Saturday and I began using it immediately. What a great workout machine! Although Tony Little's infomercials have raised a few eye brows and are nothing less than tacky, I think the machine actually does a great job of giving you a fantastic workout. Thanks to YouTube, I was able to view of the possible workouts you can do on the machine. So far, 5-10 minutes is all I need to break into a nice sweat and feel my heart rate reach a nice level -- all with little impact to my joints. Although my right knee is feeling a lot better, I still experience minor discomfort on it. I strongly recommend getting your hands on one of these machines, especially if you can get an awesome deal on a used unit like I did.

10 Tips to Keep from Overeating at a Party

Temptations abound at parties, but celebration doesn't have to mean overindulgence.

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Mercury Found in Corn Syrup, Other Products

In the News: Mercury Found in Corn Syrup

Mercury, which is a toxin that can have debilitating effects on the nervous system, has been found in almost half of tested samples of commercial high fructose corn syrup, according to two new U.S. studies cited in a USA Today article. In addition, mercury "was also found in nearly a third of 55 popular brand-name food and beverage products where high-fructose corn syrup is the first- or second-highest labeled ingredient."

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Storing up for the winters of life

SparkPeople - Storing up for the winters of life

One of Aesop's most famous fables is about an encounter between a grasshopper and some ants. All summer long the ants had been toiling away, saving up grain for the long winter. All the while the grasshopper merrily--yet foolishly--squandered his time without a care in the world, without making any provisions for the cold season to come. When winter came, the grasshopper found himself starving and begged the ants for food. They replied, "If you were foolish enough to sing all the summer, you must dance supper-less to bed in the winter." While leisure time is important for rejuvenating an overworked mind, idleness is just a step away from foolishness. Think about the future that you deeply desire for yourself and your family. Chart and take wise steps towards it. There's nothing wrong with stopping to smell the roses, as long as you keep moving along the path.

The value of friendship

SparkPeople - The value of friendship

We all have a handful of acquaintances--those people with whom we work or see at the store and casually say hello to and move on. But a friend is someone you confide in, bring over for an afternoon cup of coffee, invite to your wedding, or cry with when a loved one passes away. You just feel a sense of safety with a friend. Don't wait until a rainy day to express how much a good friend means to you. Often we are unaware of how much we mean to others until they speak up, and likewise we never know how much another person might truly need to hear such affirmations. An approving, cheerful word of encouragement can thrill a heart. Be sure to always say kind words before you part, show sympathy during hard times and affection during wonderful ones. Life would not be the same without positive friendships. Express your gratitude to someone today who has made a difference in your world!

Wake Up to the Importance of Exercise

You stayed up late last night to finish a project, woke up groggy only to realize that you’d slept through the alarm clock, skipped breakfast, then almost fell asleep in the middle of an important morning meeting. It’s now mid-afternoon and, as you’re having yet another cup of coffee to stifle yet another yawn, you realize you’re seemingly sleep walking through your days.

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Portion Control

Portion Control Article (full of great information)

Question: Is it possible to eat meals consisting entirely of healthy foods, such as carrots, fish, apples and whole wheat bread, and continue to gain weight?

Answer: Yes, because you can still eat too much, even if everything is good for you.

This was the theme of "Super Size Me" by Morgan Spurlock and something I see as a major problem in our society.

The Importance of Setting Medium-Term Goals

Here is a nice article about setting goals — it is short and to the point and has great information:

The Importance of Setting Medium-Term Goals

Overweight Kids: The Sad Result of a Fast Society

It seems everything has to be fast: fast foods, fast cars … fast everything. The food industry has to turn animals around quickly, and so do farmers with crops. Some of this "rush to market" process has come to hunt us by causing kids to be overweight. As parents, we are also rushed for time, so we choose to feed our kids fast food (not just restaurant fast food) that is not necessarily healthy.

Here is more information on what to do to prevent or try to solve this problem: Expert Solutions: Overweight Kids

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

6 Ways to Exercise Like a Fitness Pro

Here are some awesome tips for you!

6 Ways to Exercise Like a Fitness Pro

Inauguration Day

Yesterday was an interesting day. The school district (and just about everything else) was closed due to "snow." We did get a few flurries and something like a mini-trace of the white stuff stuck to the ground for a few hours. It was good enough for the kids to go crazy for a few minutes -- then the cold got the better of their enthusiasm and they came in from the cold, asking for hot cocoa.

It did give us the chance to watch the inauguration ceremony and celebration. OK, honestly, the kids were bored but I forced them to endure the swearing in and the inaugural speech.

Needless to say, it was a historical event of proportions we can only begin to imagine. However, being the simple person I am, and considering the economical climate of our world, I would have liked the Obama team to tone down some of the celebration and set the example of how to be more fiscally responsible. I can only imagine what this whole week of celebrations cost. Millions, I would imagine. A friend of mine called this the coronation, not inauguration, as it looked more like the old-time celebrations that monarchies used to insist on at the change of power. If this is the kind of change we can expect from the Obama administration, then we are in for a rough ride. I hope this is not the case. I hope Mr. Obama will set the tone of moderation and modesty that we need from our leader. The excesses of the past got us into trouble -- it is time for all of us to change, not just the middle class and those near or at poverty levels. President Obama and his whole team need to show responsible behavior and attitude. The millions spent on celebrations can be better used to feed the hungry, save people from losing their homes, and find cures for cancer.

Friends

From an email:

Happiness keeps you Sweet,
Trials keep you Strong,
Sorrows keep you Human,
Failures keep you Humble,
Success keeps you Glowing,
But ... Only Friends ...
Keep You Going!

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Moe's Nutritional Information

If you are a fan of Moe's food, then you may be interested in this link:

Moe's Nutritional Information

The nice thing about this page is that it is interactive: add and subtract ingredients to get a more accurate calorie and carb count. Nice job by Moe's restaurants!

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Every step DOES count!

Add Steps to Subtract Pounds

The researchers conclude that setting your goals in steps (rather than minutes) may be the best way to increase your overall activity.

I have personally experienced the power of adding steps. It makes you want to do things like park at the far end of the parking lot so that you can add some more steps to your daily count. It really works!

Two for the price of one!

Here is a great story of a couple that achieved success together: SparkPeople: Sucess Stories: Matt & Denise

Bella and Tara — What is our excuse?

Elephant and Dog story: Bella and Tara (CBS)

Friday, January 16, 2009

The realities of weight loss

[outrageous advertisement] claims are readily rebuked by anyone who’s tried to lose five, 10, or 100 pounds. Losing weight ain’t that easy. It’s not in a pill, it doesn’t (usually) happen in 30 days, and judging from the myriad plans out there, there is no one diet that works for everyone.

9 Cold, Hard Weight Loss Truths

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Is Evening Eating Destroying Your Weight Loss Efforts?

Great article and helpful:

Is Evening Eating Destroying Your Weight Loss Efforts?

Insomnia Can Hinder Your Weight Loss

This is why the experts tell us that 6-8 hours of sleep daily is necessary for good health.

Insomnia Can Hinder Your Weight Loss

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

It is all relative -- about eating out

Here is an eye-opener for you:

What Do 300-Calorie Meals Really Look Like?

It really makes you wonder about going out for a meal!

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Can other drinks such as diet sodas and herbal tea count towards my 8 glasses of water for the day?

Can other drinks such as diet sodas and herbal tea count towards my 8 glasses of water for the day?

SparkPeople experts say they do. But, as they also indicate, plain water is best. There is evidence that caffeine is not good for people losing weight; I have quit my daily coffee intake until I get close to my ideal weight. Diet sodas also have sodium and other chemicals that are not all that great for dieters.

Water rules! :-)

Sunday, January 11, 2009

One week - 9 pounds = great feeling!

Week one of the SparkPeople New YOU Boot Camp is over. I have lost nine pounds! I started the year at 256 and I am currently at 247. That may not seem like a lot, but it is. Putting it in perspective: at the start of 2008 I weighed 263 pounds. I did my best to "eat right." I walked every day with my dogs -- and I take them separately so as to double-up on my walking effort. At the end of 2008 I weighed 256. That is a total loss of seven pounds in one year.

In the last week I have made many discoveries that have expanded my field of vision concerning nutrition and fitness. Perhaps none of them were new to me, but they have become a new part of my daily routines. I had known that keeping track of what you ate was important, but I had never done it. Logging everything I eat has made me aware of my approximate calorie intake, and forced me to realize that some foods I considered "OK" or even "healthy" are really not. At least not if you are trying to lose weight.

I knew that exercising was important and I thought I was doing OK by walking the dogs in the morning. But seeing results with my weight loss and how I felt in general have given me the motivation to add to this routine. I know walk the dogs twice per day, and the afternoon walk now includes my two kids. This will help all of us (including the dogs) be healthier. For example, I have an old Black Lab (now 13 years old) with a hip problem. For the last year he was struggling a little to walk. Ever since we started walking more (and going for longer walks) his hip seems better and he is not limping at all! It is also helping with my own knee problem. My right knee has been killing me for the last three months. I attribute most of the pain to the excess weight, although there may be more to it than just that. However, the pain has subsided considerably ever since I started exercising daily.

I have known that drinking water was good for you. I just broke away from the habit of drinking at least eight servings daily. I am back on it, and then some. Last Friday it was all I took in as I successfully fasted for the first time in my life.

I have blogged before but never as consistently as I have been due to the SparkTeam goals. And "unloading" my thoughts daily has been a great way of ending everyday. Please feel free to visit SparkPeople blog and my SparkPeople page.

I truly believe SparkPeople has been key to my success thus far, and I cannot tell you how grateful I am to Chris, to Nicole and the other coaches, to the SparkPeople staff, and to the SparkPeople community, for making this site possible. You are all a blessing in my life.

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Lose Twice the Weight by Tracking Your Food

Lose Twice the Weight by Tracking Your Food

This works! It's proven! It's free! How do I know? In the last 10 days I have lost almost 10 pounds (from 256 to 247). I am convinced that keeping track of my food intake has been a key factor in this weight lose.

Here is another article on the same subject:
The Key to Weight Loss Success

Good luck!

Thursday, January 08, 2009

Overeating and the effect on our body

On my way to work today I heard this report on NPR:

… overeating causes biological changes in the body that can lead more food cravings and cause your stomach to send mixed signals about when it's actually full.

Gut Reaction: Overeating Can Impair Body Function : NPR

Now here is some information on fasting.

For thousands of years, beginning with philosophers like Hippocrates, Socrates and Plato, fasting was recommended for health reasons. The Bible writes that Moses and Jesus fasted for 40 days for spiritual renewal.

And if you think I have become obsessed with fitness and health — well, perhaps you are right. And it is about time!

FDA Expands Warning to Consumers About Tainted Weight Loss Pills

FDA Expands Warning to Consumers About Tainted Weight Loss Pills

If you want to lose weight, join SparkPeople. There is no magic pill to become healthy. What it takes is work, support and patience.

Wednesday, January 07, 2009

SparkPeople success story

I mentioned that I have started a serious attempt to get back in shape. I am using the SparkPeople website to help with this. Here is a success story (one of hundreds) I wanted to share with you:

The before and the after (this is a SparkPeople member that is featured in People's magazine "They Lost Half Their Size!"

This is her SparkPeople webpage.

All I can say is: WOW!

Friday, January 02, 2009

Live simply …

A friend of mine sent me this quote recently:

Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.

It is attributed to the late President Ronald Reagan. I don't think I could summarize my life's philosophy any better than that.

Starting over with SparkPeople

A new year has started and it is a great time for a reality check, for setting goals, and looking forward to a great year. Sometime ago I found (and joined) a website called SparkPeople. But I never really used the many great tools provided by the service. I suggest that anyone that is looking forward to better fitness and better health should check out SparkPeople!

I have been trying to lose weight for months now with no real results. So I am committed to following the SparkPeople system. Based on what others have achieved, I feel I will get myself in shape!

I have a SparkPeople web page that shows my progress; please don't be scared. The "start" pictures of where I am now are not pretty. I will update that page and this blog frequently to let everyone know of my progress.

VGASCON's SparkPage - Happy 2009! It all starts today!

One thing I discovered on the very first day is that the foods I am eating have a lot more calories and carbs than I thought. But without tracking my daily intake I would have never discovered that. SparkPeople makes it easy to track not only what and how much you eat, but also how much you exercise. They provide suggested meal plans (and you can even print the shopping list for such) and great exercise plans. I have joined a boot camp that starts January 4.

Happy New Year to everyone! May all your wishes come true!

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Banned Words — Good Ridance!

There is a limit to how many times some phrases and words are used, and Lake Superior State University has published this year's overused words and phrases:

Banned words list offers no 'bailout' to offenders - Yahoo! News

My favorite, which is not mentioned, is "at the end of the day." I got tired of that in 2006 — everyone seemed to be using it then — I got sick of it in 2007 and it made me want to scream in 2008.

New Year's Resolutions

There is a great message in the story told at this web page:

New Year's Resolutions: The Two Lists

May there be much love in every moment of your every day.

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Tiny pushes

I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish humble tasks as though they were great and noble. The world is moved along, not only by the mighty shoves of its heroes, but also by the aggregate of the tiny pushes of each honest worker.

Helen Keller
Blind and deaf writer and lecturer
1880-1968

Inspirational Story

Just when you have lost faith in human kindness, someone who teaches at Kean Elementary in Wooster, Ohio forwarded the following letter. The letter was sent to the Principal's office after the school had sponsored a luncheon for the elderly. An old lady received a new radio at the lunch as a door prize and was writing to say thank you. This story is a credit to all humankind.

Dear Kean Elementary:
God bless you for the beautiful radio I won at your recent senior citizens luncheon. I am 84 years old and live at the Sprenger Home for the Aged. All of my family has passed away. I am all alone now and it's nice to know that someone is thinking of me. God bless you for your kindness to an old forgotten lady. My roommate is 95 and has always had her own radio, but before I received one, she would never let me listen to hers, even when she was napping. The other day her radio fell off the nightstand and broke into a lot of pieces. It was awful and she was in tears. She asked if she could listen to mine, and I told her to kiss my ass.
Thank you for that opportunity.

Sincerely,
Edna

Be thankful

Should you find yourself at a loss, wondering what life is all about and what your purpose is, be thankful. There are those who didn't live long enough to get the opportunity to wonder.

- Unknown

I am your dog (or cat)

I am your dog, and I have a little something I'd like to whisper in your ear. I know that you humans lead busy lives. Some have work, some have children to raise. It always seems like you are running here and there, often much too fast, often never noticing the truly grand things in life. Look down at me now, while you sit there at your computer. See the way my dark brown eyes look at yours? They are slightly cloudy now, that comes with age. The gray hairs are beginning to ring my soft muzzle.

You smile at me; I see the love in your eyes. What do you see in mine? Do you see a spirit? A soul inside, who loves you as no other could in the world? A spirit that would forgive all the trespasses of prior wrong doing for just a simple moment of your time? That is all I ask. To slow down, if even for a few minutes to be with me. So many times you have been saddened by the words you read on that screen, of other of my kind, passing. Sometimes we die young and oh so quickly, sometimes so suddenly it wrenches your heart out of your throat. Sometimes, we age so slowly before your eyes that you may not even seem to know until the very end, when we look at you with grizzled muzzles and cataract clouded eyes. Still the love is always there, even when we must take that long sleep, to run free in a distant land.

I may not be here tomorrow; I may not be here next week. Someday you will shed the water from your eyes, that humans have when deep grief fills their souls, and you will be angry at yourself that you did not have just "one more day" with me. Because I love you so, your sorrow touches my spirit and grieves me. We have NOW, together. So come, sit down here next to me on the floor, and look deep into my eyes. What do you see? If you look hard and deep enough we will talk, you and I, heart to heart. Come to me not as "alpha" or as "trainer" or even as "Mom or Dad," come to me as a living soul and stroke my fur and let us look deep into one another's eyes, and talk.

I may tell you something about the fun of chasing a tennis ball, or I may tell you something profound about myself or even life in general. You decided to have me in your life because you wanted a soul to share such things with. Someone very different from you, and here I am. I am a dog, but I am alive. I feel emotion, I feel physical senses, and I can revel in the differences of our spirits and souls. I do not think of you as a "Dog on two feet" --I know what you are. You are human, in all your quirkiness, and I love you still.

Now, come and sit with me, on the floor. Enter my world, and let time slow down if only for 15 minutes. Look deep into my eyes, and whisper into my ears. Speak with your heart, with your joy and I will know your true self. We may not have tomorrow, and life is oh so very short.

-- Love (on behalf of canines/felines everywhere)

Author Unknown

Monday, December 15, 2008

How far you go in life …

Quote Details: George Washington Carver: How far you go... - The Quotations Page

How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and the strong -- because someday you will have been all of these.
George Washington Carver
US horticulturist (1864 - 1943)

The White Envelope Story

A dear friend emailed me this story:

White Envelope Project | Original Story

I think we could all stand to learn a lesson from this!

Tuesday, December 09, 2008

Best Deal in Town

It seems like the number of problems we are confronted with is insurmountable. But, as Lao-tzu said, "the journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step." In other words, concentrate on one small issue until it is resolved, then move onto another concern. Today, I would like to write about recycling, more specifically, the use of millions of water bottles consumed every day, not all of which are recycled. Many of us involved in "green" effort believe there is a much better approach.

Everyone agrees that drinking a sensible amount of water daily is a healthy habit. And many of us go to the store and buy cases of bottled water every month. The bottles are not reusable because the plastic they are made of will either decompose and contaminate the water or bacteria will build in the bottle and make it unusable. Even if we recycle all our plastic bottles, the resources used to create them are huge! So the "green" community recommends that we install a water purifier on our tap (because many cities have problems cleaning the water supply) and refilling our own reusable bottles. Not only will we save money, but we will also help save the environment. OK, so far nothing new that you probably have not read before.

The kids and I adopted this strategy. The water filter was a minor adventure, and we settled on a Brita unit for the tap. We have been very happy and the taste of our water is considerably better when is filtered than not. The second part was to get a reusable bottle we could use. After much searching, I bought us several bottle brands, with prices ranging from $6 to $9 each bottle. None of them were worth the price we paid. They either leaked, or were hard to handle, were not safe in the dishwasher, etc. I finally found one that I am happy with and would like to recommend to everyone: the Rubbermaid "RefillReuse" line of bottles rocks! But, there is a catch -- they are not easy to find! I located them by "accident" at a CVS store. The 32 Oz bottle (model 3163, which I prefer) is $2.99, while the 20 Oz unit (model 3161, which is better for the kids) is $3.29. Of course, prices may vary. If you have a CVS near you, I recommend that you get these bottles now! Search the Internet for the same bottles and you will find that they are priced much higher even when bought in case quantities!

I hope this will help you all be healthy and keep our planet a little greener!

Monday, December 08, 2008

Nice (although not true)

The following are very interesting "facts" about Life in the 1500s, although they appear not to be factual at all. But they are nice reading anyway!

Tuesday, December 02, 2008

Are we prepared?

For as long as I can remember, I have believed in the Boy Scout's Motto: "Be Prepared." But, are we prepared, as a nation, for the possibility of a terrorist attack?

Being prepared--Israeli agent's advice & warning.

From the report:

Aviv also was concerned about the high number of children here in America who were in preschool and kindergarten after 9/11, who were 'lost' without parents being able to pick them up, and about ours schools that had no plan in place to best care for the students until parents could get there. (In New York City, this was days, in some cases!)

He stresses the importance of having a plan, that's agreed upon within your family, to respond to in the event of a terroristic emergency. He urges parents to contact their children's schools and demand that the schools, too, develop plans of actions, as they do in Israel.

Does your family know what to do if you can't contact one another by phone? Where would you gather in an emergency? He says we should all have a plan that is easy enough for even our youngest children to remember and follow.

Aviv says that the U S. government has in force a plan that, in the event of another terrorist attack, will immediately cut-off EVERYONE's ability to use cell phones, blackberries, etc., as this is the preferred communication source used by terrorists and is often the way that their bombs are detonated. How will you communicate with your loved ones in the event you cannot speak? You need to have a plan.

That thought hit home with me! What would I do if I cannot call the kids school or if they cannot get in touch with me? Does the school have a plan for a serious emergency? What is that plan? I guess I am not prepared -- are you?

Message from my wedding ring

I have worn my wedding ring continuously for ten years. For most of that time it was nearly impossible for me to take it off. For the last two years it was virtually impossible to remove it from my finger. But something interesting happened recently.

Last Monday night (11/24/08) the kids and I began our drive north to spend Thanksgiving with our family in NY. We had scheduled a stop in WV to visit with dear friends. Sometime around 5 AM I felt my wedding ring did not feel normal. I twisted it and it fell incredibly loose. With almost no effort, it came off my finger. I was amazed!

I slid it onto my pinky finger so that I could show the kids that it had come off. I have been trying to lose weight and I thought this was proof that I had lost weight. I had the best intention to put the ring back where it had been for a decade. After I showed the kids and my friend that the ring had come off my finger, I was unable to slide it back. It now refuses to go back on my ring finger. I am not sure what exactly this means, but I felt I needed to share it with all of you.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

And they want more?

The CEOs of the big three automakers flew to the nation's capital yesterday in private luxurious jets to make their case to Washington that the auto industry is running out of cash and needs $25 billion in taxpayer money to avoid bankruptcy.

ABC News: Big Three CEOs Flew Private Jets to Plead for Public Funds

This is a clear example of the excesses that have created so much of the “crisis” we are experiencing — and it is such ingrained behavior that, even in bad times, they just cannot stop. It is a good thing, though … as with all cycles, this one is coming around and we will become somewhat more frugal until the “crisis” is over … and then the next cycle of excesses will slowly start. Until our world breaks away from a mentality of “having more” to one of “being/doing more” we will see this again.