Big Fans Of Potatoes

I am a big fan of food.  Ok, most of us are.  I mean how many of us avoid dinner or dessert?  Anyhow, I really don't get that much time with the family at night.  One of the things that I miss most is the elusive 'family meal.'  I've always loved to cook and have an arsenal of recipes that would make a housewife tear up (possibly because of all the cayenne.)  But, I would never have a chance to use them.  We as a family decided to hold what we call Martin Mondays each week where I get to delve into my bag of tricks.

What you see over in the photo are potato fans which we discovered while watching a show on television.  (Yes, I watch a lot of those shows even when it's focus is something I'd never put in my mouth.)  We tried these out and found a winner.  We will also try scallops for the first time (as well as some chicken and steak as David can be a little picky.)

What is nice is that feeling that I can provide an experience for the ones that I love and maybe pass on a few Hennessy family favorites and new favorites on to another generation.  (Chili tacos didn't make it to that next generation but maybe there is a niece or nephew that I can inspire.)  So, if your kids aren't huge fans of potatoes... make fans of the potatoes first.

90 Days Later

Every journey starts somewhere.  And this photo captures a moment that I look back and go, "Really?"  I was on my West Coast Tour 2.0 with the family and my father-in-law caught this shot of me with the kids and dogs near a little stream.  It doesn't look pretty.  By this point, I had gone through a lot of different struggles with health.  I had been in pain when on the treadmill.  I had sore ankles when I walked.  My eating was sporadic and fluctuated with what I was focused on at the time.  So, when I saw this photo for the first time, it was one of those wake up calls.

Losing weight is easy.  Really.  But the hard thing about extreme body changes are the extreme rebounds as your body tries to find its homeostasis or internal equilibrium.  Let's use a quick example.  I will be celebrating my 5th wedding anniversary this month.  I had my ring finger sized before the wedding.  Because of it being a 'lifetime event' it is usually photographed like crazy, so I wanted to look as good as possible.  I went on a low carb diet.  They had always worked for me and it is wonderful for those that have seen similar results.  But, I never thought that once the ring went on my finger... it would be too big for it.  During the honeymoon cruise, I stopped the diet and found a ring guard on the ship to keep it from falling off.  The problem is that it only took a few weeks for the ring to become uncomfortable and I'd have to remove that guard.  Because the weight was coming right back.

Extreme changes are roller coasters and your body gets sick of the movement too.  But what if you don't have to "diet."  I really dislike the way the word has been used or used in different ways.  An animals diet of nuts and berries or smaller animals isn't something that it just decided on to lose a little weight.  A diet is your every day lifestyle.  So we should really strike the usage of the word in lieu of "weight-loss program."  Because, everyone is on a "diet."  But what we need is a long-term lifestyle change.  What, how and when we eat should stay consistent.  Why?  Stress.

Your body doesn't like the roller coaster, right?  So, if it knows that the road isn't going to swerve (or you aren't going to miss a meal), it isn't worried about what comes next.  Stress hormones like DHEA and cortisol are shock absorbers for the body.  Heck, they even have weight loss drugs to suppress cortisol to help keep your body from storing extra energy as adipose fat tissue.  Why not cut out the stress instead?

Sure, there are lots of ways to stress out the body.  Just skip breakfast and you are already on your way.  The way we handle external stress can also be a factor but that can be alleviated with exercise -- and having an outlet to unleash it.  But I find it most shocking how easily we stress ourselves out by just the infrequency of our meals.  In fact, I'm just about an hour from my next one.  If you have children, watch what happens when they next ask you, "What are we having for dinner?" and you say, "I don't know when we are going to eat."  Your body reacts the same way.  It will ask you again and again... that's what really feeling hunger is about.  Take two of your days off and try eating small meals every 3 hours.  If you get up at 6am and eat, your last meal will be at 6pm.  Just see what happens if you go 30 minutes over for dinner.  You will hear that message clearer than normal.

Enough babbling.  After 90 days working on my program which included a minimal yet effective workout, having a special shake for breakfast and eating every 3 hours, I am down 21 pounds and 6 belt sizes.  I'm wearing a ring guard again and feeling healthier than I have in years.  The journey will still continue but I wanted to have a good moment to sit down and assess how things are going.  I know that I could be doing more workouts and can see that in the next 90 days.  I've moved on to the Accelerated Results schedule to test myself further.  But, I'm amazed at where I am already.  Life is looking pretty darn good and I can't wait to take my next blood test to see where my cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure are at.  Then again, this is the way I'm spending the rest of my life.  I'd say that I'm going to become the man my wife deserves.

Last Day Of The Initial Process

When I said that I wanted to focus on getting healthier, I meant it.  That is why I started after Thanksgiving instead of making it just another New Year's resolution.  Well, today is my 90th day of the program.  3 months worth of work and the effort is paying off.  I'll post the end results either tomorrow or Thursday.  But, since I am talking about days, I'm changing the game plan and calling these Tuesday posts Fit Tuesdays as Fat Tuesday can sound like it's going in the wrong direction (and to avoid possible legal action from a certain alcoholic beverage enterprise.)

Why the leg muscle photo?  I'm more and more impressed with how quickly my legs have responded.  Leg cramps were always a problem for me when working out.  I would spend days recovering from my first workout.  A lot of this difference I believe comes from the workout plan and what I have for breakfast each morning as they are the main adjustments that I've made.

What I can tell you before looking at numbers tomorrow is that I'm more balanced, stronger and self-aware than I have ever been.  What surprises me is that it really didn't take that much work.  Taking back control of your life, your present and your future begins with a step.  That step may be unsteady but it is going in a direction.  Future steps will be more sure and resolute and less painful but you can't quit.  Stopping mid-step throws your balance off, allows you to stumble and can ultimately fall.  But even then... fall in the right direction and keep going even if you have to crawl.  A future you awaits you if you just meet them part way.

Surfing The Ocean Blue

I've had this band on my brain for the last week. This 1989 hit single by Hershey, Pennsylvania's The Ocean Blue really brings me back.  The band just has a sound that is hard to describe... hence the reason that they were absorbed under the alternative college rock description at the time.  Just listen to the breathy vocals and that great guitar solo.  Love their stuff.

The reason they are on my mind is that they are releasing a new album.  They have even previewed a few tracks here and there including another song that just sticks in my head:  "Sad Night, Where Is The Morning."  Enjoy it.

Healthy Food Doesn't Have To Taste Healthy

So, today is the start of my last 2 weeks of my 3 month (90 day) attempt to reclaim my life.  Sounds dramatic that way, doesn't it.  The results are great.  I'm down nearly 20 pounds, stronger and more alert.  It's weird having to buy new clothes in sizes that I'm unused to.  But, what have I really changed?  Very little.

One of the excuses people have about the journey toward fitness and staying healthy is:  "It's too hard for me to change my lifestyle."  Ok, that isn't an excuse people admit.  The excuses they do use are:  "I don't have the time to exercise."  "I don't have the money for... (insert gym membership, healthier food or workout equipment.)"  "I don't like the taste of... (insert fruits, vegetables, vitamins, minerals or lean meats.)"  Another one that they don't say is:  "I don't have the willpower to do something consistently."  Yet, they find time check their Facebook account.  They have the money for junk and fast food.  And, as for taste... healthy food doesn't have to taste bad.

I could ramble on a bit here.  (Actually, I did and then I decided to hold onto it for further posts.)  But, healthy things don't have to taste bad.  Shakeology is a great example.  The video above explains it pretty darn well.  I have even cut back on some of the vitamins I take every morning and, at my house, it's what's for breakfast. You can find out more here.

My Friend The Resistance Band

I've decided to take Tuesdays and post specifically about fitness.  Let's call it Fat Tuesday, shall we?  Anyhow, today I wanted to focus on my new friend the resistance band.  I have tons of weights and other great tools in the house to get healthy but for those of you just starting... start right here.  Ok, your eating habits are important too but, when used properly, you can work biceps, triceps, shoulders, delts, quads and even gluts.

A small investment and it takes up very little space.  If you are looking for exercises to start with... there are tons.  Feel free to ask.  But... don't you think tripping over this rather than a dumbell would hurt less?

Numbers are numbers

I have mentioned my dislike for numbers before.  Let's take two for a moment: weight and BMI.  If a man loses 2 pounds of fat but gains 2 pounds of muscle, he sees a zero on the scale.  In that man's head, his body didn't do anything because the numbers are the same.  It makes it a bit easier for someone to quit the journey.  My issue with BMI comes from weight lifters.  You could have a low body fat percentage but because your body contains so much muscle weight, you would be considered fat due to how much you weigh and how tall you are.  Then there is mathematics.  So, I tend to not want to qualify or quantify my success numerically.  Well, until yesterday.

As you can see, I weighed in about 4 times starting in May.  The numbers on the far right are weight.  From a high of 222, I am now down 18 pounds.  Blood pressure is to the left next to the date and that is looking better as well.  There are even hydration percentage and BMI numbers in there somewhere.  Having too many numbers can be confusing.  It is good to feel great but, now, when someone asks, I can tell them something other than how many pant sizes dropped or belt loops I've had to adjust.

Living And Living Well

Nothing quite as dramatic as looking at this photo of Jared.  I love me some Subway but there is more to a weight loss journey than repeat visits to a restaurant.  So, why the photo?  As of late October, I have moved my belt notches at least 4 spots.  I have made temporary drops in weight for things like my wedding (which was almost 5 years ago) but all things go back to use of the word 'diet.'  I'll say it here right now that I am not dieting.

The Free Dictionary defines a diet as:

   n.

    1. The usual food and drink of a person or animal.

    2. A regulated selection of foods, as for medical reasons or cosmetic weight loss.

    3. Something used, enjoyed, or provided regularly: subsisted on a diet of detective novels during his vacation.

   adj.

    1. Of or relating to a food regimen designed to promote weight loss in a person or an animal: the diet industry.

    2.

     a. Having fewer calories.

     b. Sweetened with a noncaloric sugar substitute.

    3. Designed to reduce or suppress the appetite: diet pills; diet drugs.

    v. di·et·ed, di·et·ing, di·ets

    v.intr.

     To eat and drink according to a regulated system, especially so as to lose weight or control a medical condition.

    v.tr.

      To regulate or prescribe food and drink for.

 

Notice that -- as a noun #2, adjective #1, #2a, #2b, #3, as an intransitive verb and possibly the transitive verb -- most of these deal with weight loss.  Yet, only one (#1 noun) deals with regularity (non-bowel.)  Years ago, the word diet was focused on what one's normal eating was but as you can see... it has evolved.  So maybe we need a new word for this.  I would say that I am just living.

I was stretching out a size 38 pair of pants before Halloween (I still have issues with calling one item a pair) but, yesterday, decided to see how far I've progressed.  I'm not a scale person.  I want health but if muscle comes with it, I don't want to upset myself with gaining a pound (muscle) when looking for loss (fat.)  It could also be a numerical denial and avoidance but I'll seek therapy someday for that.  Oh, so I purchased a size 34 pair of pants and they fit with a little room.  I don't think I've been in a 34 since after high school.

I also know that my trajectory may take me beyond 34 and more wardrobe changes.  So these purchases are going to be here and there.  I recently also started purging any shirt over a large.  Gave a few to David for bed shirts.  My jacket is currently a 44 (down from a 48 at one point) with room to move.

No, you don't need to have pant-size or shirt-size comparisons to make you feel good.  Making changes in your life should do that for you.  This especially happens when finding the ability to do more in your workout program, have better form in your moves, feel less sore afterwards and not tire out as much.  Sometime I may talk about the program a bit more extensively and if curious you can contact me but, for now, let's just say that I'm living and living well.

An Available Open Door Doesn't Guarantee Its Use

On January 9, economist Jed Kolko released a study to real estate site Trulia.com that takes 5 different measures to rank the best and worst cities to live in if you want to lose weight.  Of course, this is the best time to mention such a study as people made resolutions recently to make a life change this year.  Despite living in nearby Henderson, Las Vegas was named at the worst place to live in if you want to drop that midsection tire.

What I find interesting about such studies is that there are and will always be other studies.  One specifically released last year in Men's Fitness named Las Vegas at #6 in the top 25 "fattest cities."  On that same list, Philadelphia is #14 on the heavy cities list but #8 on the "best cities to lose weight" list.  Houston and Memphis come in come in #1 and #4 (respectively) on this list and #7 and #6 on the worst cities to lose that weight.

Sure, I think it's easy to pick on a city that is known for buffets but not everyone here goes to them.  Personally, I may go to one once or twice a year (excluding Sweet Tomatoes.)  I guess it is a case of perception and reality.  Las Vegas is full of hotels with buffets that are supported by people coming to visit from other cities, states and countries.  Having something doesn't mean it is highly attended by locals.  Healthy food shopping is available all over from Trader Joe's, Whole Foods Market, Wild Oats, Fresh and Easy (for now) as well as many sections at WinCo, Walmart, Smith's, Albertson's and Von's.  The Urban Spoon cites 48 organic restaurants and 23 vegan friendly organic restaurants in the area.

The Kolko study misses a big issue here.  Having healthy food available doesn't mean it will be purchased or eaten.  3 of the 5 measures Kolko studies view the proximity of a gym to homes, outdoor sports opportunities and percentage of weight loss or diet centers per population density.  Proximity, opportunity and locality do not mean attendance.  If you survey those that walk or bike to work, why not survey them on if they walk or bike for exercise or recreation?  Does walking to work include walking a mile or so to public transportation?  Does the study account for weather conditions conducive to outdoor exercise or count the number of tennis or basketball courts... and why limit it to outdoor in an age of P90X, Insanity, Turbofire and many other home indoor options?  Might as well ask if they have a functioning DVD player if you are going to measure opportunities to lose weight.

The Long Road To A New Year

Distance and time have all sorts of mathematical equations surrounding them.  I like to believe that they can be extrapolated and ripped away from their fixed points and viewed separately as experiences  While distance can be a "long and winding road" it is also a journey.  Time can also be a countdown clock or a fixed moment.  2012 will remain a difficult collection of those experiences.

The year started with my grandfather's passing.  Weird to think about it now.  I still have a lot of work to do editing some interviews that I conducted with him.  One can say that time caught up or that we ran out of time with him.  What I do know is that he remains in my thoughts each day.

I ended and started new projects.  It isn't really easy to know when the road should end.  Think about the above picture.  If you were just laying down asphalt, where would you decide to put a fork in the road?  Where would you stop?  Projects can be hard to judge like that.  I thought the road would be quite a bit longer for the new news site but I'm happy that I learned my lessons early.  What lessons?  One big one, really.  "Are people really ready for facts?"

We also saw the passing of my sister-in-law.  Time and distance.  We had an idea that an end was coming but didn't know how far out it was.  All we know is that it was too soon.  We did a lot in her name (raising money for breast cancer... even have some bracelets left over) and spend quality time before her passing.  At one point I thought that our love and support for her husband and step-son were important but who would have thought that we'd be the ones supported when around them?

At the end of the year several of us came down with the flu.  (Ok, most of both sides of the family.)  Time does heal all, doesn't it?  While we support one that is sick until health, another gets sick and we rally behind them until better and then another one goes down... and today I'm better.  House is full of healthy people again.  Just not mentally.  B)  So much emotional distance traveled this year and now it's definitely time to move on to a new beginning.

Halfway Mark In Month-long Workout Project

Today is the start of week 3 of my month-long workout plan.  Yes, there will be a follow-up plan but setting goals is important.  This series will end on Christmas day and allow me to reward myself a little.  But let's talk about the journey so far.

Understand, these are part of a series called 10 Minute Trainer.  The idea is that you work out multiple muscle groups at the same time to maximize your effort.  My abs after 1 day of focus were sore for a good 2 days.  (Which I believe prove they got a beating.)  Arm muscles and leg muscles feel full and strong now.  I can see a major difference in my quads as they are a lot stronger in supporting myself during the workouts.  The way the workouts are mixed up do leave me wanting more.  But, I want to take this slow and enjoy the journey.  Maybe I'll expand it next month before going on to advanced.

From Time To Eternity

The bonds of marriage really aren't like the ball and chain that they are made out to be.  Sure, I guess bondage and the binding legality of the ceremony can be confused.  One can even say that the bonds established bear greater further significance.  Remember that phrase "lawfully wedded" in the ceremony, you suddenly gain a whole 'other side' of the family that you append with the phrase "in-law."

At about 4pm on Tuesday, my sister-in-law Paula Stage-Squire lost her year-long battle with cancer.  I've done more praying in the last year than I have in the last decade with her being a primary focus.  She was a strong, intelligent and caring person of faith that people could rely on.  She was also the partner to a very good man, my brother-in-law Joe.  She loved her nieces and nephews immensely.  As you can see from the above photo, nature could easily be seen as the family backyard and they loved the outdoors.

I told my wife a little while ago that, if it weren't for what I learned from previous relationships, I would not have been good for her at all nor would I have appreciated her as much.  I have been made a better man by them.  People leave impressions and help shape our hearts through joy, pain and strife.  Paula did make us better people and all of our hearts are heavy at this time.  Today, she's no longer a sister-in-law but a sister from this temporary home.

Changing My Direction... Intentionally

Decided that it is worth making some life adjustments before throwing out a New Year's resolution -- as those really don't have a great track record for anyone.  Thanksgiving was a chance to give thanks for all that I have, have been given and have ahead of me.  That was the last stop before taking a detour to a better path.

When you grow up around someone that works out twice a day, takes his vitamins daily, has a physically intense 12 hour-a-day job and is always looking for a 'healthier' option, it is bound to creep into your psyche.  But knowing and practicing are two different things.  I have always been big on vitamins but, previous to this, I had gone with low carb and timed eating which worked together but didn't make much sense as a way to live long term.  I even decided to use a blender to mix smoothies using... well, we'll go into that another time as I have a video for that.  Although I felt good, portion control became an issue.  So I gave more than a glance to nutrient dense meal replacement products and found Shakeology.  It could sound like a quick fix but I'll explain that away in a future post but I can say that since starting it in October, I lowered my cholesterol 45 points, dropped a few pounds and have no issue with cravings.

So, the day after Thanksgiving, I went the Shakeology 3 day cleanse.  (Contact me here for details.)  Long story short, it is 3 days of restricted calories, 3 Shakeology drinks, some green tea, a gallon of water and a whole lot of bathroom breaks.  Generally, it is used for when you feel your weight loss is at a plateau, to detoxify and/or to start a new program.  In the end, over a belt size down and no hunger during the process.

Last week began phase 2.  The cleanse was a planned springboard for my new workout program.  Ever felt that you just didn't have time to work out?  Did you just skip it that day?  Did you ever let that stop you from going after that?  We all do it unless we are fiercely determined or on a show with Bob, Jillian and Dolvet.  That's when I saw 10 Minute Trainer.


Part of the idea here was the stacking your workouts.  Think about how one person, maybe yourself, would go to the gym and focus on 1 body part.  While holding that dumbell in your hand to do bicep curls, why not work another muscle or two.  Anyhow, it was a great first week of four and now starting the second week.  At the end, I will see where things go and, if I'm ready to ramp it up a bit more, possibly go to advanced series or stack the workouts.  As of now, I'm really thankful that I started this now and feel like I'm regaining a bit of myself.  I hope your next New Year's resolution is as fulfilling.

You can find more details about particular products here or email me here.

Post Post-Thanksgiving Shakeology Cleanse Post

I saw some positive gains here... well, let me say, losses and gains.  I don't have a scale, don't plan on using measuring tape even though some may really may like doing so.  I definitely lost a few pounds and could see definite improvement in many areas.  I can the sides of my abs (pre-six pack) and a thinner jaw/chin.  Looks like I am also down a belt size.  Can't wait to see a blood test next year.  I have gained a lot of knowledge about hunger and nutrition and how a body can be satisfied with so little.

My vet told me once that the problem with my dog eating her poo was that certain nutrients weren't being absorbed in digestion and she was now seeking it and any other unprocessed items there.  Shakeology is nutrient dense.  It's so dense that there was no hunger during 3 days of these 5 eating times.  But, what do people not getting those essential nutrients do?  Some may skip breakfast or eat a large one.  They may flip that scenario around for dinner.  They may eat crap all day.  My son mentioned to me today that he sometimes eats because he is bored.  So, if you aren't getting the nutrients... you are doing what my dog does -- searching for nutrition and eating crap to fill the void.

My assessment?  I'm sick of eating crap for no reason.  Meals should mean something.  Eat to live, don't live to eat.

Post-Thanksgiving Shakeology Cleanse: Day 3

Slept amazingly well again.  The 3 day cleanse may be a perfect thing for insomniacs.  Woke up about 15 minutes until 6, made our green tea and Shakeology mixes.  I also took a long look in the mirror.  A little leaner in the face and mid-section but also a lot more energy.

Wife had a banana and I had an apple as our 9am snack.  Just in time to get ready for some football.

We returned from running some errands (after deciding the football game wasn't going to go our way) just in time for lunch at noon.  She had a chocolate and I again went with greenberry for our Shakeology mixes.  The reason I decided to change things up around lunch was I felt that I needed to break up the chocolate taste as... I really haven't had a craving for chocolate since taking Shakeology.  We both topped it off with our green tea.  We then took the dogs for a walk.

At 3pm we had our final chocolate Shakeology mixes of the cleanse cycle.  Left out a piece of ice to see if it helped or hurt the taste but found it didn't affect it much.  Also had our half-serving of almonds.  Decided to watch a little television.

I love the way that I am excited about our final meal of the night.  I can't really describe it.  Well, I can (it's the same spinach, romaine and chicken breast salad mentioned previously) but what I mean is the anticipation.  I even told my wife that I would be happy having that with her for dinner here and there because it just leaves you feeling satisfied.

All our water is gulped and, yes, the need to pee is strong.  One of us spent more time in the bathroom than the other one and figured that we really had that much more junk in our system to 'cleanse.'  Tomorrow should be an exciting morning.  Back to putting bananas and peanut butter in my shakes.  But I really love how I am feeling right now.  A summation will follow tomorrow.

Post-Thanksgiving Shakeology Cleanse: Day 2

Today we slept in.  In fact all of the day before we just stayed around the house to minimize issues with needing to run off to the bathroom or not have to adjust our eating for the people around us.  Noticed a few slight differences in the mirror around chin and abs but both of us felt noticably lighter.

We had breakfast at 8am.  Our green tea followed out chocolate Shakology mix.  Headaches persisted but wasn't debilitating (well, for me) but hers gradually went away.  We decided to run some errands and move about a bit.  Took the dogs to get shots and then went shopping.

At 11am, we had our snacks -- her a banana and I an apple.  We then headed off to run a few more errands and a little more shopping.  It was around this time that my headache went away just before returning to make lunch.

Due to our late rise and an inevitable later dinner, we decided to cut 30 minutes out here and eat lunch at 1:30pm.  Since it is the lightest of the meals, it would be the easiest to cut back.  She had her chocolate Shakeology and I opted for greenberry (made the same way.)  We followed this with our green tea.  We stayed in from here on out watching television.

At 4:30pm, we had our next Shakeology and both opted for chocolate.  We chased that with 14 raw unsalted almonds each (about half a serving.)

Stomachs began to growl again by 7:30pm (but that had been absent for quite some time.)  Again went with the same dinner but decided to bake the chicken instead of grilling to see the difference.  Still an amazing meal that I can look forward to each evening.  I am starting to think that the cleanse subconsciously has you looking forward to a salad every night.  I can't think of any better way to train a brain to re-think dessert.  I have also learned to try to drink my gallon of water earlier in the day than later as it can seem overwhelming if you forget.

Overall, a great day.  More energy than Day 1 and it made us confident that we can accomplish some regular activities at the same time.  Some, but not all activities.  At this time, both of us are free of headaches, full and feeling pretty darn good about ourselves.  We are eagerly anticipating Day 3.

Post-Thanksgiving Shakeology Cleanse: Day 1

I had read about the Shakeology cleanse about a month ago.  To put all my cards on the table, I love the way I feel taking Shakeology once every morning for breakfast and have noticed many positive changes.  But the idea of taking it 3 times a day and limiting my calories seemed absolutely nutty.  I am a person that loves to study nutrition.  In fact, I have a nutrition guide with calories and information for most items sitting near the kitchen as we speak.  So, I had to look into this.  Neither of us weighed in or measured anything beforehand as we really are looking at this as a health change and clease --not a diet.

My wife started taking Shakeology every morning as well and she agreed that trying this 3-day challenge after Thanksgiving while we were both off of work would be best.  I couldn't agree more.  So let's explain today -- day 1.

We woke up at 5:45am and started making our green tea.  Followed that with our chocolate Shakeology.  We mixed the 2 scoops together with 16 ounces of water and 22 ice cubes -- dividing the contents equally.  Not having the almond milk and strawberries that we were used to was a major change but we believe that our taste buds have made improvements over the last month or so while using the product.  We also bought gallon jugs of water each for us to finish every day.

At 9am we each had a piece of fruit.  I went with an apple and she went with a banana.  The hardest part was here as you are functioning for another 3 hours on just a piece of fruit but it keeps you anticipating the next meal.  A little stomach growling isn't bad, right?

We mixed our next batch of Shakeology at noon, the same way, in our wonderful Vitamix.  We followed that with our green tea.  Now, to clarify the tea, we have been adding Stevia which is also a component in Shakeology, so we felt that wasn't cheating.  Around this time, the wife started getting headaches.  Persistent and located in the front and back of the head but she endured.

At 3pm, we had our next Shakeology mix.  We also took the advice of another person that he replaced his snacks with half servings of raw unsalted almonds.  It comes out to about 14 of them.  Getting to chew the almonds added a little satisfaction as you feel you are biting into something.

For our final meal of the day at 6pm, we grilled up 4 ounce chicken breasts (one seasoned with salt and pepper while the other included garlic, paprika and cayenne pepper.)  We placed that on a bed of 2 cups of spinach and 1 cup of romaine lettuce with 2 tablespoons of dressing (light honey mustard and the other light caesar.)  I can honestly say that this was the most satisfying meal of the day.

We both slept extremely well that night, but her headaches followed her to bed.  Mine started gradually before bed at 8:30pm.  But at no time were we hungry.  This is a shocking fact that really says a lot for what Shakology does as an appetite suppressant.  Pretty amazing.  I can also note that we were both extremely emotional... don't know if that had to do with what we were watching on television all day or if it is a side affect.  We were pretty much couch potatoes all day.  Day 2 should be pretty intriguing but I'm expecting some struggles as I have heard some similar notes.

A Time To Put Things Away

You have to figure that there is a point in time that typewriter manufacturers either transitioned to a new line of business or closed up shop.  Knowing when you are fighting against the tide is important.  It's also important to know when the water is muddy, rising or throwing you against the cliffs.

The experiment is over.  On June 1 of this year, we initiated the Muze News project.  What we didn't tell you were the underlying motivations for the site.  It seems that the time was not right for a news aggregation site that avoided gossip, side-stepped conjecture and went right for release information.  You see, when an album comes out, there is a little dance between the artist, label and press.  First, a mention of the artist wanting to record a new album, work with a producer or finds inspiration in (insert event).  Second, articles pop up about the act in the studio, going into the studio, writing songs or a tour is announced.  Third, a month or season is floated to the press about the album (like "hopes to release the as-yet untitled album early in 2013".)  Fourth, a song is debuted, a single is selected or video is filmed.  Fifth, a single is released.  Sixth, the new single is performed on one or several TV shows or radio shows with interviews.  Seventh, a second single is mentioned with a release date.  Eighth, the album is given a name and a month is mentioned for the release.  Ninth, the album release date is released.  This kind of keeps going on through each single being released abut the album comes out.  Often, it can be jostled.  But, notice that just up to that point, there were 9 different ways to mention the artist's new album before it even came out.  We just cut to the chase:  New single coming out (insert date), new album (insert date) and new video (insert date.)  The more mentions an artist has in the press, the more interest you have in their product when finally released.

Now, we did also mention artists passing away and there is a good reason.  It often goes unreported.  As often the release dates sometimes get lost in the babble out there.  Why do I say babble?  When an artist calls another artist out, slaps another artist, flips off a crowd, moons a crowd, gets arrested or countless other things that do not relate but get them mentioned in the news.  We hoped to prove the populace was ready for something other than the TMZ style of reporting music information.  Seems to be a wrong assumption.

Much thanks to all those who have supported this project, have been visiting the site and have let others know about it.  The way we interact is as important as the way we get our news.  As with the typewriter manufacturers, one needs to know when to look for the exit.  Because, there is bound to be a word processor or a computer just a few generations away that can do the job more effectively.

Thank you little Tivo

It's been a decade.  In September of 2002, I purchased my first Tivo.  It was a risk as I didn't know anyone with one, at the time.  But, I also didn't want to pay monthly so I went with a lifetime service.  It recorded some amazing content.  There were interviews with my father for local sports news and when my friend Daniel was on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire.  (I think I burned those to disc later, so no big loss.)  But I learned to depend on it.  I even talked the girlfriend (now wife) into doing the same... and hers is still running.  They would send recordings back and forth.  I guess, you can say they were dating.  I wonder if we need to console the other... console?

Technology has come a long way in a decade.  I know it will be better moving to an HD unit with more capacity and shiny new remote.  I even thought about paying a company to get it fixed.  But, that would be like buying ribbon for a typewriter.  It's time to move on.  Just sad to see it go.  I figure that with the lifetime service I paid about $50 per year for it.  Pretty darn cool when you think the replacement could easily be a "DVR" via cable or satellite service costing $20 a month.  And buying another Tivo makes it difficult to move to satellite later.

So, thank you little Tivo for recording more cooking, home repair, cartoons and drama series than you were expected to.  I mean, heck, you were only turned off a few times when we moved.  Thank you for making my life easier.

West Coast Tour 2.0: Silver Falls in Oregon

I look back at these photos and have Rodney Atkins' "Take A Backroad" running through my head.  The next stop on our vacation/tour would be Oregon's Golden and Silver Falls State Natural Area.  The drive was pretty enjoyable.  Beautiful winding roads with a lot of lush trees, farmland and the occasional wild animal all right outside your car window... unless you venture outside.  Which we did. 
 

Our first stop was a little creek that runs off from the falls.  With a motor court-style entry and two picnic benches, it could easily host a small group or two as they kick back and enjoy the chirping birds and surging waters.  Jake, David, Kenzie and a neighbor friend Courtney went to investigate the waters before we moved on.  Jake decided to take a quick photo... well, I decided to take it.  He just hopped in front of every shot I took.  The dogs wanted to go running into the wilderness but we held them back.  After a little time walking around, we decided to check out another area.

But we did come back.  I'm breaking the timeline a bit here because I wanted you to see the whitewater in the background on both these photos.  Were it a bit deeper, I could see some tubing going on but not here.  The kids decided to try swimming when we returned and the water was icy cold.  Kerry and I took the dogs out a ways to look for suitable spots for them but there are some holes in the rock containing stagnant water with interesting little insects in there.  Had to prevent the dogs from drinking out of them.  Under the water looked like a series of slabs or plates, that seemed pretty sharp to me and I didn't like the look of it for the kids playing in it.  So after nibbling on a few chips and stretching our legs, Bear and Bettieann loaded up the truck and we the Tucson and we were gone.

Between the two visits to that area, we were on a mission.  It was an area called the Silver Falls and Golden Falls that my father-in-law had spotted some time back.  He'd taken Kerry's aunt and uncle to the latter before and now it was time to check the other one out.  But it was a distance away.  What amazes me about the drive is this canopy or archway the trees create.  It's stunning when a little light peeps through in an area that seems protected from the outside world.  Had to try to take a photo of it but the closest I got was on the way out.

By the time we parked, we divided off duties.  Bettieann stayed with the vehicles, I followed Kerry as she grabbed Bella, Bear stayed with David as he took Tulip, Jake and the kids tried to get up there as quick possible but Jake would reconsider at about half-way up-hill and decided to get his iPod and start over again.  I had a great time talking with Bear taking in the scenery as he got some great shots.  We also helped another hiker take a personal photo.  Speaking of personal pics, this one speaks volumes.  Dave is trying to keep pace with Tulip as they continue the journey upward.  There is something cute about a dog that stops and smells everything.  That cuteness can wear off when you have a goal that she doesn't seem to be on board for and she can be a bit stubborn.  Not exactly a jogging partner, there.  Gotta love her.  Dave has the Hawaiian swim shorts, polo shirt, gladiator-thing going on.  You have to like the hiking shoes?  Sandals may seem fun and easy to just slap on but so are Vans and moccasins and... they provide better traction and while letting less rocks in under your toes.  But, lessons have to be learned, right?

So what was the at the end of the trek?  I can't really gather the words well but I'll try.  If you've ever seen those videos of metal being heated into a liquid form and poured into a vessel, this reminded me of silver overflowing from that same vessel.  A very fitting name.  We didn't bother going to the other spot as, we were told, it didn't match this.  Couldn't chose between these two shots.  Enjoy.