THE SUPER BOWL....an experience like no other. A time when true football fanatics gather together to celebrate the culmination of a 6 month journey. For the lucky few, a chance to cheer their team to the ultimate title. For the rest of us, just another excuse to throw a party, eat poorly and consume various beverages of choice. In the past, Super Bowl Sunday would have found me lost in the reverie of the day with family or friends sucking down all sorts of delectable and unhealthy treats, as well as, consuming some sort of empty caloric beverage. Oh, how the times have changed! This year, I chose to control the environment in which I watched the game. I made decisions that would have positive instead of negative effects and created a situation that was much more conducive to the choices I am trying to make each day. By focusing on the potential problem areas I face and making better choices I am hopefully redefining the patterns/habits that have created the destructive moments in my life.
Now, I am not saying that I only ate carrot sticks and salad for the game, I did enjoy a traditional Super Bowl staple...chicken wings, but I grilled them on my own grill/smoker and was able to control both the seasonings and the use of excess oils. I also made my own dipping sauces so that I could regulate the amounts of fat, sugar and salt. The end product was quite enjoyable. I really did not miss the excess that I usually take in and the WATER that I drank made for a nice refreshing beverage. The best part of the evening was that I spent it with my beautiful family. I even had the opportunity to read stories with my 5 year old during halftime and got to say goodnight and offer sweet dreams to my 3 year old. It was also a lot of fun hanging out with my 15 month old son, who was much more energetic and enthusiastic about football than he was as a 3 month old last season. The night was capped with a restful evening with my wonderful wife. All in all, I would have to say that this may have been the most enjoyable Super Bowl in years. It didn't hurt the the Packers beat the Steelers, which as a lifelong Cincinnati Bengals fan is almost as enjoyable to watch as the Bengals winning themselves....almost!
Monday, February 7, 2011
Friday, February 4, 2011
The Evil Empire.....Girl Scouts of America!
(DISCLAIMER: Let me begin by saying that the title of this post is of course completely tongue-in-cheek. GSA is an incredible organization that provides wonderful programs for young women and truly assist in helping create positive attitudes and diligent work ethics in each of its members. Should my two daughters choose to become members of this great organization, I would gladly and proudly sign them up!)
Now, back to the Evil Empire.....
It is that time of year again, the time when the calendar rolls into February and the GSA roll out their most successful and diabolical money making plan ever. According to http://www.scribd.com/, "75% of all Americans and 80% of all parents purchase items from fundraisers." Selling goods to family and friends is a highly effective way to raise funds for any group or organization. The need to support and assist the ones you love far outweighs your need for edible goodies or miscellaneous items that will probably either never see the light of day in your home, or will some day eventually be re-gifted to someone else. Don't lie, you know you have done it! Most organizations hit you with a direct "shock and awe" form of attack. This can be accomplished by telephone, like the ever so sweet, but annoying students who continuously call me at 7:30 pm to ask if I would like to donate money to my Alma Mater. Don't get me wrong, I am a huge supporter of my university, however, the money I spent while both an undergraduate and graduate student should count for something in the record books of charitable giving. Another successful ploy is the ever so popular "door-to-door" sales approach. Bright eyed young people showing up on your doorstep so early on a Saturday morning that your brain has in no way engaged enough with the world to act as an appropriate liaison between you and the young boy or girl. This phenomenon is so dangerous that you may find yourself purchasing large quantities of doughnuts, cleaning supplies, of holiday knick knacks before you can even correctly remember your name.
The Girl Scouts deploy a much stealthier form of attack. Not only do they get you with a truly high quality product....if you have never eaten a frozen THIN MINT cookie, you have not truly lived, they also intelligently choose the most strategic places to set up their command centers, so as to provide maximum selling potential. (i.e. grocery stores, schools, offices, etc...) However, the most unassuming, yet effective weapon employed by this "Great American Super Power" are its soldiers. The beautiful, shining, mesmerizing faces of these young ladies is enough to bring complete civilizations to their knees. Walking up on a group of uniformed sprites with their blithe attitudes and piercing cuteness, the average American becomes weak in the knees and unless properly trained will fall prey to the well crafted attack every time.
This year I vowed to be strong and fight the good fight in order to overcome the gravitational pull that I seem to have to these delectable sweet sensations. I was prepared, poised, focused, trained and ready for the fight.......I LOST! Seriously, turning down one of these kids is like going into a pet store and walking by a puppy, kitten, bunny, baby chick and pony, (I know you don't find ponies at pet stores, but you get the reference) and not taking at least one of them home. Well, even though I lost the fight and bought some cookies (9 boxes, don't judge, I plan on sharing them with others...maybe...no really....I'll share...probably...????????), I made some wonderful little girls happy and hopefully did my part to teach the future leaders of America that hard work and determination pay off....and it doesn't hurt to have a great smile!
Now, back to the Evil Empire.....
It is that time of year again, the time when the calendar rolls into February and the GSA roll out their most successful and diabolical money making plan ever. According to http://www.scribd.com/, "75% of all Americans and 80% of all parents purchase items from fundraisers." Selling goods to family and friends is a highly effective way to raise funds for any group or organization. The need to support and assist the ones you love far outweighs your need for edible goodies or miscellaneous items that will probably either never see the light of day in your home, or will some day eventually be re-gifted to someone else. Don't lie, you know you have done it! Most organizations hit you with a direct "shock and awe" form of attack. This can be accomplished by telephone, like the ever so sweet, but annoying students who continuously call me at 7:30 pm to ask if I would like to donate money to my Alma Mater. Don't get me wrong, I am a huge supporter of my university, however, the money I spent while both an undergraduate and graduate student should count for something in the record books of charitable giving. Another successful ploy is the ever so popular "door-to-door" sales approach. Bright eyed young people showing up on your doorstep so early on a Saturday morning that your brain has in no way engaged enough with the world to act as an appropriate liaison between you and the young boy or girl. This phenomenon is so dangerous that you may find yourself purchasing large quantities of doughnuts, cleaning supplies, of holiday knick knacks before you can even correctly remember your name.
The Girl Scouts deploy a much stealthier form of attack. Not only do they get you with a truly high quality product....if you have never eaten a frozen THIN MINT cookie, you have not truly lived, they also intelligently choose the most strategic places to set up their command centers, so as to provide maximum selling potential. (i.e. grocery stores, schools, offices, etc...) However, the most unassuming, yet effective weapon employed by this "Great American Super Power" are its soldiers. The beautiful, shining, mesmerizing faces of these young ladies is enough to bring complete civilizations to their knees. Walking up on a group of uniformed sprites with their blithe attitudes and piercing cuteness, the average American becomes weak in the knees and unless properly trained will fall prey to the well crafted attack every time.
This year I vowed to be strong and fight the good fight in order to overcome the gravitational pull that I seem to have to these delectable sweet sensations. I was prepared, poised, focused, trained and ready for the fight.......I LOST! Seriously, turning down one of these kids is like going into a pet store and walking by a puppy, kitten, bunny, baby chick and pony, (I know you don't find ponies at pet stores, but you get the reference) and not taking at least one of them home. Well, even though I lost the fight and bought some cookies (9 boxes, don't judge, I plan on sharing them with others...maybe...no really....I'll share...probably...????????), I made some wonderful little girls happy and hopefully did my part to teach the future leaders of America that hard work and determination pay off....and it doesn't hurt to have a great smile!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Working out with Rocky....
During my workout this morning, I was listening to one of my favorite playlists. I just recently received an iPod from a friend and have finally joined the 21st century. This particular playlist includes the songs from "The Rocky Story," a collection of songs from the various Rocky films. I enjoy this music because it really motivates me to push harder during my workout. I mean, how can you not work out harder when you are picturing Rocky trudging through the Russian snow in preparation for the fight with the indestructible Drago! As I worked trough the muscle pain and discomfort, I began to listen and focus on the lyrics of the song, "No Easy Way Out." This Robert Tepper song contains a very poignant message, for me at least, which speaks towards the importance of pushing through the difficulties and struggles in order to reach the goals you set for yourself. I will not transcribe all the lyrics so as not to break any copyright laws, but I will include a few of the lines that really spoke to me today.
"We're not indestructible, baby better get that straight..."
"Some things are worth fighting for, some feelings never die"
"There's no easy way out, there's no shortcut home"
"Baby, baby we can shed this skin, we can know how we feel inside. Instead of going down an endless road, not knowing if we're dead or alive."
As I pushed through the workout, each of these lines struck a chord in my heart and made me focus on the reason I was there. This morning I had an argument with myself about getting out of bed. I literally had to tell myself several times to "GET UP! GET UP! GET OUT OF THIS BED!" Listening to the song made me proud that I listened to myself and that I had gotten out of bed. As I worked, I looked at my reflection in the window in front of me and was moved almost to tears. Feelings of sadness, frustration, apathy and dejection were overtaken by feelings of hope, joy, pride and encouragement. I know that "some things are worth fighting for" and I know that "I can shed this skin and know how I feel inside." I know that I am no longer heading "down an endless road" and I acknowledge and accept that "there is no easy way out and there is no shortcut home"...you know, I am OK with that!
Thanks Rocky!
"We're not indestructible, baby better get that straight..."
"Some things are worth fighting for, some feelings never die"
"There's no easy way out, there's no shortcut home"
"Baby, baby we can shed this skin, we can know how we feel inside. Instead of going down an endless road, not knowing if we're dead or alive."
As I pushed through the workout, each of these lines struck a chord in my heart and made me focus on the reason I was there. This morning I had an argument with myself about getting out of bed. I literally had to tell myself several times to "GET UP! GET UP! GET OUT OF THIS BED!" Listening to the song made me proud that I listened to myself and that I had gotten out of bed. As I worked, I looked at my reflection in the window in front of me and was moved almost to tears. Feelings of sadness, frustration, apathy and dejection were overtaken by feelings of hope, joy, pride and encouragement. I know that "some things are worth fighting for" and I know that "I can shed this skin and know how I feel inside." I know that I am no longer heading "down an endless road" and I acknowledge and accept that "there is no easy way out and there is no shortcut home"...you know, I am OK with that!
Thanks Rocky!
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
SURPRISE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well, I made it out of bed and to the gym this morning before heading off to work. It felt good to get up and follow through with a plan of action and not allow myself to make excuses that would have allowed me to stay in the comfort of my bed. Getting to the gym at 5:45 and working out actually was quite enjoyable. I was able to get in a decent workout and get to my job on time while feeling much more awake and prepared for my day. I am not sure what the future holds for the stability or frequency of this routine, but for today....I WIN! Neither, Fear nor Apathy played a role in keeping me from my goal, and the success I felt as I was at the gym far exceeded the other feelings that I have allowed to hinder my progress. Hopefully, today becomes the "norm" and the "old" routines will fade away....it all depends and me....I now understand and accept this personal ultimatum.
On an encouraging note....when I arrived at work, I went to weigh-in to get a base weight for the month of February and much to my surprise and delight...I lost 9 pounds in the month of January! Current weight is 311...12 more pounds and it's HELLO 200's! I CAN"T WAIT!
On an encouraging note....when I arrived at work, I went to weigh-in to get a base weight for the month of February and much to my surprise and delight...I lost 9 pounds in the month of January! Current weight is 311...12 more pounds and it's HELLO 200's! I CAN"T WAIT!
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