The Gym Rat's Top 5

My friend Sylvia posted a picture on her facebook page the other day of a woman at her gym that was "working out" super hard. Her dialing hand that is. The woman had spent an entire 30 minutes in a chair on the phone. She got up adjusted her shorts and shoes and then left. I got a big chuckle out of that because I see it at my gym ALL the time.

Here are some things at the gym that annoy the general population. If you're a newbie - it's not too late to change your ways!

1) The weight benches and gym floor are not your personal locker space!! Keep your keys, cell phones, purses, duffel bags etc in the locker room. That's why there are lockers. People actually need and use those benches for lifting. The other thing that shouldn't be on it? You on a cell phone - but more on that later.

2) Let's talk about cell phones in the gym! Really? You can't put it away for 30 minutes?


You are taking up valuable space. People are waiting to use the equipment and none of the people around you want to hear about your escapades at the bar last night, or hear you fight with your significant other. Hang the darn thing up and get to work! If you must take a call, get off the machine or bench and go stand out of the way.

3) Sweat! Eww! I know it happens in the gym. Its why we're there - to get our sweat on! But Carry a towel. No one wants to get on a piece of equipment right behind you and sit or stand in a puddle of your sweat. Even if you're the dainty female type that insists you don't sweat - wipe it anyway! Don't be gross! All gyms require you to have a towel. Bring one from home. Put a couple in your gym bag. Use them.





4) Be quiet! Really! Encouraging your work out partner? Totally acceptable. Hanging around a piece of equipment and chatting it up with your friends for a social hour? NOT. You have no idea how loud you are. Say your hellos and how are ya's and then get on with your work out. It's distracting to those around you trying to focus. If I can hear you over the music in my headphones.. you are too loud. Visit later - out of the way.

5)Yes - we smell you!




This goes for those of you who have been wearing and sweating in the same work out clothes all week long as well as those of you who lather up in your favorite cologne before you hit the gym floor. I was on the stairmaster earlier this week and about got knocked out with the scent of Polo. I don't know if he was covering up the smell of dirty gym clothes or not - but PHEW it was overpowering. Deodorant - a definite yes Your smelling pretty stuff? Save it for later.

These, in my mind, are the big 5. It's the ones that I see abused on a regular basis. I know there are others.. but if you can master these 5 - people at the gym will love you whether they know you or not.

So what are some of your gym pet peeves?

Is It Really Exercise?

It's Friday - Finally!! And the sun is shining - for now. I don't know about you but I think I've had my fill of rain for a few days!

I haven't had much time this week to do anything. Work has been crazy busy and it seems like I've had a million things to do before and after work. So today will be brief.

I could give you a hundred reasons why you should hit the gym or get some type of physical activity into your life-style. But I've learned that if the first few sentences don't grab someone's attention - they move on to the next thing.

So here is a pictorial of why you should exercise

If that works and you want to get started... please don't run out and purchase one of these...


But if you do... I want to see a video clip of you in action!

Have a fantastic Day!

R U Listening?

We've all done it at least once. The majority of us even do it a couple of times a day! Then there's some who do it a staggering 350 times a month!! PHEW

About 60% of us have done it in the car despite the fact that 28 states limit how much of it you can do in a car. A staggering 89% of us want a ban on doing it while driving because we think it's distracting and dangerous.

Got your interest yet??




Did you know that your car.. moving at 35mph moves 53 feet in one second? It takes about that amount of time of being distracted for you to cause an accident while you text.

80% of crashes, and 65% of near crashes, involved some form of driver inattention
within 3 seconds of the event

The average text read or response take the drivers eyes off the road for 4.6 seconds. At highway speeds they would have cleared a football field and and, unfortunately in some cases, removed their ability to avoid a collision.




Twenty-eight percent of traffic accidents occur when people talk on cellphones or send text messages while driving, according to a study released in January 2010 by the National Safety Council.

The vast majority of those crashes, 1.4 million annually, are caused by cellphone conversations, and 200,000 are blamed on text messaging.




I bring this up because this evening when I was leaving the gym I witnessed a lady pulling out of her parking spot and driving away all while texting. She never once looked where she was going until she hit a parked car.





There isn't one thing important enough to text about that anyone of us should be endangering lives and property. People's loved ones are on the streets. Your loved ones are at home waiting for you. Keep your eyes on the road and get home safe. You can give them the message in person when you get there.


Pictures and statistics on the following websites:
www.cnn.com
www.madd.com
www.cagle.com
www.endtextingwhiledriving.com

Whole Wheat Blueberry Pancakes

Usually I'm all about egg whites and wheat toast... or bowl of cereal. But on holidays we treat ourselves and do it up right. Today it was blueberry pancakes. Usually I just throw a recipe up here and leave you to it. This time, however, there are pictures documenting all the steps. That way you'll know I really do cook!


INGREDIENTS

1 cup white flour
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 tbs and 1 tsp baking powder
2 eggs
2 cups milk
1 tsp salt
3 tbs sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp cinnamon
1 cup blueberries

Combine all the dry ingredients




Beat the eggs, milk and vanilla until combined and add to the dry ingredients

Gently mix in the blueberries. GENTLY!!





Plug in your flat top griddle. If you dont have one - use the largest skillet you have. I set my griddle at 350 degrees. If you're using a stove top I'd go with a medium heat



Pour out your pancakes using a 1/2 cup measure

When they start to bubble like this....


Flip them! You should only turn them once

Your finished product should come out like this



Serve it up with some low cal or sugar free syrup








You may or may not have any left overs



Bear in mind that the wheat flour gives the pancake a richer maybe denser consistency than what you would get using Aunt Jemima or Bisquick. But they are delicious. Steve gave them a two thumbs up!

So take a little time and make your loved ones something home made instead of out of a box. It won't take long and they'll love you for it.

Some Basic Rules To Live By

I got this in an e-mail last week and thought it was good enough to share here

The most useless thing to do ..... worry




The greatest joy...... giving

The greatest loss..... loss of self respect

The most satisfying work..... helping others




The ugliest personality trait....selfishness


The most endangered species....dedicated leaders

The greatest problem to overcome.... fear





The greatest "shot in the arm"..... Encouragement




The most effective sleeping pill.... peace of mind




The most crippling failure disease...... excuses




The most powerful force in life..... love




The most dangerous pariah... a gossiper




The worlds most incredible computer.... the brain

The deadliest weapon..... the tongue




The two most power filled words....I can

The greatest assett....faith





The most worthless emtion....self-pity

The most prized possession.....integrity

The most beautiful attire....a smile





The most powerful channel of communication....prayer



The most contagious spirit....enthusiasm




The most important thing in life.....God


have a wonderfully blessed day!!

Blast From The Past

I've have a crazy schedule this morning so I thought I'd do a repost of something I wrote back in 2005!

(Original post - July 2005)

I didn't know what to write until just now because he jumped into my lap and onto the keyboard. He being my 13 pound red tabby Pumpkin. Yes - Pumpkin. I didn't name him.... I adopted him - complete with that title.




The person who said that animals have their own personality certainly modeled that statement after my cat. He refuses to drink from a bowl and will drink only from the toilet. He will come if I whistle for him. And when he wants to be fed in the morning he will sit on my chest and stare at me.



LOL I'll open my eyes and he is sitting there staring. If the staring doesn't work he'll rub his head against my face until I wake up. And he will only eat the Meow Mix that comes in a little pouch. (yes - he's spoiled!)

One Saturday I came in from running errands. He wasn't at the door waiting like he usually does. I whistled for him.. (stop laughing!) and he wouldnt come. Called him - no Pumpkin. I searched everywhere and then it hit me. He got out. I drove the entire apartment complex looking for him. I had two of my neighbors - big burly guys - running around the complex calling out "here kitty kitty - Pumpkin" I was crying by this point. Hey - it's allowed! Over an hour had gone by and the guys told me to go home and they would keep looking.

I went back inside and sat on the couch holding a cat toy crying. (I hear you laughing!!) It only took moments and I hear a meow. Then I hear his little collar bell ringing followed very closely by the cabinet door under the kitchen sink banging shut. He sauntered out into the kitchen... gave me the big deep kitty cat stretch and proceeded to give me his "feed me" look. That damn cat had been sleeping under the sink this whole time!

I picked him up and held him.. cried a little more.. then I fed him. I called off the search party and ended up buying them a case of beer. They came inside and held him and petted him too. I know - I can hear you saying it - "get a life" and you may be right. But we as humans sometimes form a stronger bond with out pet than we do some people. I have some great friends and an amazing family who love me unconditionally and I love them just the same.

But Pumpkin sitting on my chest breathing cat breath on me to wake me up isn't such an annoying thing afterall - its just his way of telling me he loves me - and to get my butt out of bed and feed him.

As 2009 was coming to a close and I set my mind to get back to writing I wondered where I'd find inspiration. What I would write about. I also wondered if people would read and if they did would they like it. Would they be moved or inspired in some way.

I don't typcially just sit and write. I don't write poetry and I've never been the type to just toss out the details of my life on paper for the world to see. I like to write about things that move me... make me think... or even things that simply amuse me.

Nature moves me. How can you not drive through the hill country during wild flower season and not be moved?



On some of those roads that venture out through the hillsides there is nothing but field after field of flowers. It's an amazing reminder of God and his goodness in blessing us with such beauty.

Or an unobstructed view of a gorgeous sunset off the coast of Florida



There's something very powerful in watching the day give to night.

Family moves me.



My family...Steve's family... being with friends at their family functions. I love the closeness and warmth that being around family brings.

Art moves me. I wish I could paint like my Dad or get some of the incredibly inventive ideas that Steve does. But the brushes and pencils are their thing. Not really mine.

I had the opportunity today to take in an art exhibit at Houston's own Winter Street Studios. I've only recently become familiar with John Palmer's art and I have to say that it does indeed move me. The pieces and their accompanying narratives tell the story of his journey and it's an amazing story. I could see heart and soul in his works. For the first time in a long time I could see emotion in a piece of art. I stood in front of one painting for about 15 minutes and kept seeing new things to love about it. I was completely captivated. I was moved. John - I thank you for that.


www.johnpalmerart.com

Lighting The Way To Family Harmony

No, I'm not talking about evening meals around the table together, outings to the zoo as a family unit or a family meeting. There's something even better out there that will quickly bring your family together possibly strenghening the ties that bind tighter than they've ever been. Want to know what it is???? Well I'm going to tell you.



What is the Johnny Light??? Well... this is not your ordinary light. No - this is the light that claims to LIGHT THE WAY TO FAMILY HARMONY!!




When you're done laughing...lol I'll continue!!

This product is for real. Here is the scenario. Its the middle of the night and nature calls. You stumble to the bathroom tripping over your feet and anything else in sight. Or since it's dark - not in sight. When you finally make it to the bathroom and find the john you raise the lid and the bathroom fills with an eeire green glow. It's not aliens.. its not your dreams... its the Johnny Light!



According to the website the use of this product::

Ends the bathroom battle of the sexes

Elimintes annoying "fall ins" (That part really made me laugh!)

The product even comes with batteries. And the install is easy!!!

This amazing product


can be yours for the low low price of $14. This includes shipping and handling. If you live in the great state of Texas be sure to add 8.25% tax.

I'm just curious... I know it's not as fascinating and all but how many of these




can I get for $14???

Resolutions. I made a few in December just as the new year was coming to a close. At the top of the list was reading and writing.

With respect to the writing, getting this blog back up and running is my first step. Granted I shold have done it 5 months ago but - better late than never. There is an alternative blog that I'm working on designing and I'll let you in on it as soon as its up.

Reading? I used to read all the time. When I was a kid I had the full collection of Nancy Drew mysteries. Remember those?

Lately the only reading I've really done is the Chronicle website, weekend newspapers and local magazines like 002, Houston Press, House and Home and the like.

After the first of the year I asked several friends for suggestions and I have a list a mile long to get through. But here's what I've accomplished so far.



Talk about an interesting cast of characters!! It's definitely not a quick read and if you have a short attention span - it may take you the rest of the year to finish it. I kept it on my desk at work and read during my lunch breaks. It took me about two months. It's a great read and I highly recommend it.

Before that - I read this.

The writing style is on the opposite end of the spectrum from Koontz but still enjoyable. I was able to finish this one in about a week. There's a lot of humor in it and then there's monkeys. Who doesn't enjoy a story with monkeys in it??

I've started my next book already..


I also have a great little book that I look at on an almost daily basis. Steve got it for me for Christmas.



I love useless trivia.. and this book is full of it! Much like this blog which I started at 10:00 this morning and have since - completely lost my train of thought and where I was going to go with it!

So in the interest of your sanity and mine.. I'll sign off! Please leave your book suggestions in a comment here. If you've got brain exercises that will help my memory - I'll take those too!!

Going..Going...Almost Gone

Did you ever have one of these growing up??




I did. I had one of these too! If memory serves me right.. I went through a couple of these




Every kid I knew owned one of these at some point when they were toddlers



I had all but forgotten these things even existed until I visited a little store in Rice Village almost two years ago. Early on in our relationship Steve and I spent the better part of the day bumming around the area going in and out of all the shops. Being nothing but big kids, we had the most fun here



Variety 5 & 10 opened up for business in 1948 and have been in the same place ever since. The aisles are crammed packed with everything and anything. Books, candy, toys, costumes.. you name it - their 2500 square feet has it in some shape or form.

I remember when Steve and I were in there the first time, we both kept commenting over and over how we "had one of those" when we were kids. I even bought him a toy while we were there.


It lights up when you bounce it. That crazy ball would travel with us and would show up in the strangest of places like under my pillow, in a sink of water in the bathroom or in a bag of pretzels. It hasn't surfaced in awhile but I always have an eye open for it. (no pun intended!!)

Steve and I went back a few weeks ago for old time's sake and had just as much fun as we did the first time.

I know that Variety may not have the attraction of mega malls, fancy boutiques, Super Walmart or The Galleria but it's a piece of history and something you shouldn't miss.

Take the kids and pick up an old time toy or something else you don't need like rock candy, pixie sticks, double bubble or Tiddly Winks! Take a few pictures. Poke around at all the notions, dust catchers, gadgets and odd items. Because on June 30, after more than 60 years of doing business Variety will close their doors for good.




We're definitely going back once more before the end of June. I want to get a few more pictures and stock up on eyeball balls!

Check them out here

www.varietyfair.com