Sunday, November 30, 2008

Sandy's departure

I found out today that the service IwantSandy from iWantsandy.com will be shutting down on December 8th, 2008.

It's funny but I became attached to my cyber personal assistant. I'll have to go looking for a new one. I liked Sandy!

Anyone out there that can recommend another service like Sandy?

Off to Google I go. :-(

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Wine and Dine...

Today was another day of grilling. These kind of things take a long time. What to do? My video gives you an idea. I've done a similar thing while Earning my Carbs.

Here is to all my friends. Go here Wine and Dance!


Thursday, November 20, 2008

Kettlebell creativity

My kettlebells have now become an important part of my workout routines. The variety they offer allows for interesting workouts to say the least.

Some time ago I thought of using them on my barbell instead of plates.  I mainly use them for dead lifts since they are easier to control. The barbell becomes unstable and you have focus on what you're doing.

Using them while performing Deadlifts and Romanian Deadlifts are the most comfortable for me. I just have a feeling of insecurity doing squats with them. When you lift the barbell swings as the kettlebells settle into position. It's not a large swing but you can feel the movement ever so slightly. Adjustemnts on teh spot are then necessary.

In addition I'm using the shoulder pads designed for doing squats on the barbell. This creates a semi-solid fat bar. That coupled with the kettlebells and you have a total different workout.

Friday, November 14, 2008

Roll with the punches

roll with the punches
to adjust to difficult events as they happen.
She had to perform shortly after her brother died, but she rolled with the punches and put on a great show.
Etymology: based on boxing, from the literal meaning roll with the punches (= step back or to one side as you are being hit), so that you do not receive the full force of the attack

From theFreeDictionary.com


I had fun plans for today. I was going to perform and excellent workout. Do some chores around the house, visit a museum, get some work done.

The first punch came in the form of my Honda  Accord not starting. Not having another car around left me stranded, sort of. I was in front of my home, not in real danger!

The second punch has been coming for a while. I could not find my Triple A card, I procrastinated in trying to locate it so I was really hit with the problem today. I could not call a tow truck to take it to the car shop so with the help of my son-in-law we tackled the problem.

A call to a friend with experience on auto mechanics suggested that we change the old battery cables. I had recently bought a new battery so that was assumed not to be the problem.

The plan was then to change the cables and get going.

Rolling with the punches.

I needed to go to the a car parts dealer to get a pair of new cables. I had no car, so I called my daughter in law who fortunately was home and borrowed her car and went to the autoparts shop and bought a cable. I thought I had bought two. By this time I had returned the car and she needed to go to work. I was car less again. I needed to get another cable. Darn!

I got on the bike and rode to the autoparts dealer. Yup I got my exercise in this manner. Only thing is that once I got back I realized that both the cables I had bought were not the correct ones. I really needed to go to the Honda dealer. We were rolling so I went and got the correct cables. My daughter arrived by this time so we drove in her car.

Finally the cables were back on and the car...did not start! The previous cables were bad and the battery had completely drained (this is the story so far). Jumped started my car and everything was fine again. I'll go check the battery tomorrow to make sure nothing else is wrong. This took all of five hours. Meanwhile I did squats, ran and rode a bike.

I was completely exausted and took a nap, I felt asleep as soon as I hit the bed for about twenty minutes. Everything is some much better now. I feel good and car is working order.

Rolled with the punches.

Monday, November 03, 2008

Cinq étoiles Sleeping

Taking care of ourselves and living a healthy lifestyle seems to revolve around being very active.

What is often forgotten is the amount of inactivity we do need!

Through sleep that is: http://www.bettersleep.org/

A little Color in your life!


The color RED as in red wine to be exact.

Red wines have Reservatrol which according to Men's Health: prompts a reflex in your body that improves tissue maintenance,
which seems to extend life by cutting down on the degenerative diseases of aging.

Cool huh?

The downside to this is that you need to drink 4 to 5 five ounce glasses. That my friends is a whopping 20oz of wine.

That will put on weight on my frame quicker than a big Mac! Which will end up shortening my life.

Moderation is key as in all things. There is such a thing a having too much of a good thing!