Success Warrior: The Blog That Embraces ADHD

7th Day; 7 Words

Mark, want a Tommy Shaw pick too?

Leave your seven words in the comments.

Saturday Video: Somebody That I Used To Know

Saturday Video: TSO

 This Wednesday we'll be sitting on the front row and this year Trey joins us in our Tradition.  This will be our 7th attendance of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra's Christmas show.  Next year, I'm hoping to make it to the Beethoven show.  This song is part of that but gets included in the Christmas show each year too.

iPod Playlists . . . Again - Feedback Requested

 
Now that's an iPod docking station!

So,

When I overhauled my computer a couple of months ago, I lost all my playlists.  I kept all my music but lost the sorting that I had done.  I have spent part of the last few days trying to create new lists.  I found music on there that I didn't even know that I had.  The playlists are very different from the last ones.  I haven't started into the exercise ones and that's where you all come in.

What song[s] get you moving!

Saturday Video

Fastest selling iTunes single ever with a million downloads in 5 days.

What's This Blog About?

 
So,

Here's something that I learned while almost becoming a spy.  According to papers released by WikiLeaks, Saudi Arabia is running out of oil. 

Now, I will point out that I am not a spy because I didn't visit WikiLeaks myself so I was able to use that loophole in the Air Force's rule.  The author of the article that I read on the topic should probably be thrown into prison though, as an example of what happens to people who report on information that's so old that it has no right being released as "news".

Anyway, oil exports from the Middle East are going to be decreasing in the next couple of years.

Is it even any kind of revelation?

Not really.

It seems that the Middle East is going to run into problems as oil production goes down while local demand goes up.  Saudi Arabia might hit peak oil levels as soon as 2012 and this could have far reaching affects.  What this means is that . . .

Excuse me.

Yes.

News about peak oil is new?

Apparently.

When did you start talking about peak oil?

June 27, 2007.

But that's not what this blog is about or even what was intended for this post.  Since Superbowl Sunday, I have kind of been dragging, like my energy levels were completely out of phase with the rest of my life.  I haven't slept well and I have been tired during the day.

Today, I made an attempt to correct it by taking some drastic actions.  I cancelled exercise and I slept until I couldn't sleep anymore. 

Dat's what ahm talkin' 'bout.

You know it.

I think my body just needed it.  We'll see if things seem to turn around on my personal energy level, which has a better chance than anything connected to energy levels based on oil.

The Black Eyed Peas sure took a beating over their performance at the Superbowl.  I pulled it up on YouTube to see what the big deal was and I disagree that it's the worst half-time show ever.  I did agree with a couple of comments that I read:

"The sound guy should be fired."

"Fergie should never, ever sing Sweet Child of Mine ever again and should probably be fined for the Superbowl rendition and the fine should be greater than what Janet paid for her wardrobe malfunction."

Amen!

Right?

Still, the worst show I can remember was that little boy band group that was absolutely horrendous.  I can't remember their names, which I'm not in the least bit sad about.  The trauma has probably blocked my memory.

Speaking of stupid decisions like putting prepubescent boys that can't sing on a show where the demographic is decidedly not little girls, here's a map from Fox news and apparently Scottie from Star Wars II is able to teleport entire countries now.

 
Please tell me this is photoshopped.

Probably not.

I know.  <sigh>

Hey!  Victoria Secrets is selling PINK panties 5 for $25.50 with free shipping!

WTF?

Dunno.

My email today has been full of great information like this.

It seems that Chipotle Mexican Grill was hiring the best workers available, at least according to a South Carolina state senator.

"State Sen. Robert Ford made his remarks during a Senate committee debate over an Arizona-style immigration law, eliciting a smattering of nervous laughter in the chamber after he said "brothers" don't work as hard as Mexicans. He continued that his "blue-eyed brothers" don't either."

Mexicans work harder than black and white people, maybe put together, and they do it for cheaper so Ford is against adopting an immigration law similar to Arizona.  It would be bad for the state to kick out the very best workers.

I'm not sure what to say about that.

Leaves you a bit speechless, doesn't it?

Yeah, in fact, it's pretty much ended my high speed train (built by the hardest working employees from Chipotle's) of thought which is fueled by a dwindling oil supply from Egypt that is apparently now neighbors with Iran, so I suppose I'll call it a day for this blog post and do some much needed homework (not that I need it but that it needs to be done).

***

Follow me on Twitter to get updates on when new posts show up on this blog (plus get random thoughts on the life of Success Warrior) and feel free to "friend" me on Facebook.

Success Warrior is an Independent BeachBody Coach for BeachBody.com, a company that offers fitness programs, supplements, and equipment that have absolutely changed my life. 

Have you heard of P90X?  That's BeachBody.  They also have Insanity, Turbo Jam, TurboFire, RevAbs, Brazil Butt Lift, and many more.  They have some of the best exercise programs on the market.  These aren't just DVDs but are complete programs to transform your body.  They also have the hugely popular, and what they call "the most important meal of the day", Shakeology.  Go HERE to learn the most inexpensive way to get Shakeology.

They have equipment and supplements in addition to Shakeology and popular exercise programs.  Visit BeachBody.com and click on the "Shop" link to see everything they offer. 

There is also a business side to all this fitness that you can take advantage of.  Whether you're looking to just make a couple hundred extra dollars in fun money or are looking to take complete financial control of your life, BeachBody can help you get there.  If you have a desire to be more fit and would love to help other people do the same while making some money at it, visit BeachBody.com and click on the "Coach" link.  Team up with me and I'll help you reach your goals, in fitness and finance.

Working Legs and the Plan For This Month

 
So,

I made it to my training room (aka my garage that never has cars in it) this morning for the first time in about 10 days.  It felt good in a way that,uh, most people wouldn't consider good.  And I know that I'm going to be feeling it in the next couple of days but that's alright with me.

I need repost a couple of thank you's right here for a couple of people that made the morning that much better.

As stated, my training room is my garage.  I have lined the walls and ceiling with cloth to help reduce the echos and the floor is covered with karate mats and a wrestling mat.  I have all my dumbbells out there and the room has worked very nicely.  There is one drawback to it though that made it's yearly appearance this weekend. 

It gets cold.  I open the door from the house to the garage for a while before I go out there to try to get the temperature above freezing.  This morning, it was probably in the 50's when I was out there.  That's perfectly fine considering that I'm out there working up a sweat.  What doesn't warm up, even a smidge of a smackerel, are my dumbbells.  It's like grabbing a couple of very heavy ice cubes that have the power to resist allow my body heat to affect them at all.

What has two thumbs and hates the cold? 

This guy.

This morning, however, I was wearing a pair of Bionic Full Finger Fitness Gloves that Lynette sent for my birthday and they were an absolute life safer for someone as phobic about having cold hands and feet as I am.  These are my new best friends for the winter workouts.

Speaking of feet, I wore my VFF Flows this morning and they worked very nicely at keeping my feet warm.

The other thank you goes to Rick who sent me a docking station for my iPod.  I had a loaner but it just wasn't cutting it.  It was made for listening to elevator music in a cubicle at a volume that won't be heard by the other prairie dogs.  Played at a volume that could be heard (just "heard" mind you - not blasted in any way), the sound was so distorted that it hurt my ears. 

Since it was six in the morning, I wasn't able to turn the volumn up much but I did play it loud enough to hear over the panting and it sounded great.  Tonight is martial arts training so I'll be turning it up more and we'll see how it sounds when played at a level that can be heard over the yelling.

Both of these are going to make the winter more do-able for me.  Thanks again.

My plan for this month and I only have time to touch on it briefly today.  I was going to go into more detail but time has flown and it's already time to start gearing up for martial arts.

ADHD Moment: My stock in gold has increased by 40% since I bought it.  Too bad, I didn't buy enough to make that super cool but still . . .

My plan for the next four weeks is to do three Tabata workouts (Mon, Wed, Fri) that hit the muscles of my entire body.  On Tue and Thu, I will do punching and kicking in a very cardio fashion.  My goal is to lean up a little bit.  I know that's vague and can't really be called a goal.  My other goal is to stay healthy all winter.  It seems like I get sick in Nov and Dec of every year (except, knock on wood, I haven't been sick yet this year). 

My food intake has an equally vague plan to it.  I'll be drinking my Shakeology shake everyday, of course, but beyond that, my only goal is to cut back on portions a bit.  Last Nov and Dec, I gained about 8 pounds (but I was sick and my diet went completely to hell).  I'm not going to allow that to happen this year and it would be nice to take another inch off my waist.

Maybe that's how I'll make the goal more goal-like.  I'll measure my waist and make it a goal to lose one inch.

The Tabata workouts are cardio in themselves while dealing a brutal attack on the muscles to force them to adapt and get stronger but not necessarily bigger. 

So, there you go.  That's my vague plan that is starting to sound more like a solid plan with a real goal.

I always think better when I write out my thoughts.

And since I didn't get around to saying it last Thursday, I want to thank all my readers for being here and being a sounding board.  I always hope that something I say might be helpful to others but there is no denying the benefit that I receive from this blog.

Many thanks to all of you.

***

Follow me on Twitter to get updates on when new posts show up on this blog (plus get random thoughts on the life of Success Warrior) and feel free to "friend" me on Facebook.

Success Warrior is an Independent BeachBody Coach for BeachBody.com, a company that offers fitness programs, supplements, and equipment that have absolutely changed my life. 

Have you heard of P90X?  That's BeachBody.  They also have Insanity, Turbo Jam, TurboFire, RevAbs, Brazil Butt Lift, and many more.  They have some of the best exercise programs on the market.  These aren't just DVDs but are complete programs to transform your body.  They also have the hugely popular, and what they call "the most important meal of the day", Shakeology.  Go HERE to learn the most inexpensive way to get Shakeology.

They have equipment and supplements in addition to Shakeology and popular exercise programs.  Visit BeachBody.com and click on the "Shop" link to see everything they offer. 

There is also a business side to all this fitness that you can take advantage of.  Whether you're looking to just make a couple hundred extra dollars in fun money or are looking to take complete financial control of your life, BeachBody can help you get there.  If you have a desire to be more fit and would love to help other people do the same while making some money at it, visit BeachBody.com and click on the "Coach" link.  Team up with me and I'll help you reach your goals, in fitness and finance.

Road Trip

Trans-Siberian Orchestra was absolutely amazing.  They always are but they always seem to find a way to top their last show.  This time was no exception.  This the sixth time that Tia and I have gone to see them and each time we leave, we vow to return.  Trey will be going with us next year.  We haven't taken him because the show is a bit over the top with noise, lights, fire, and fireworks.  This year was the first year that he really enjoyed the 4th of July and that celebration is timid compared to a TSO concert.

"It's called vacation.  You're supposed to sleep in," my wife said to me this morning.  I woke up at 5 as usual.  No need for alarm clocks for me, thankyouverymuch.  I actually did lay there until 5:45 pretending that I was sleeping in but it was eventually too much for me.

Hotels can certainly be a challenge for people where their natural schedules don't match.  Trey and I are morning people and Tia is a night owl.  It's hard to do anything without interfering with the sleep of the other.  I managed to be quiet enough to let Tia sleep until Trey woke up.  He must have been tired because he slept until 7.  Once he's up, the silence is broken.

Time to starting packing up.  More later . . .

And that's how my post started that was supposed to be completed that night.

That night, we stayed in a small motel that was apparently built before there was electricity.  There was one plug in the place that had a powerstrip attached to it to run the small fridge and small TV.  My wife sat on the bed to use her laptop to take a test for college.  I am not a laptop person, when it is literal.  I am barely a laptop person when I can put the laptop on a table. 

The room did have a table but there were no plugs anywhere near the table.  No chair either but I moved a chair over there (before I figured out that there was no electricity anywhere except in the immediate vicinity of the TV).  The power cord for the laptop wasn't long enough to reach so I bagged it and planned on catching up the next day where there would be tables, chairs, and electrical outlets.

The place we were staying did indeed have all of those things in good supply.

However, what I didn't have was any cell service so I couldn't connect to the Internet.  I shouldn't say that there wasn't any cell service.  What everyone found out was that if you went up to the second floor and leaned against the doors that opened onto the balcony and raised your left hand in the air and crossed the fingers of the hand holding your phone and said a quick prayer and waited until you saw the moon crest the horizon, you could get half a bar of service for 30 to 60 seconds. 

I also found a spot outside on the east side of the house in the snow where it was 20 degrees where I could maintain cell coverage for quite a while longer (but not connect to the 3G network) so I was able to make one important phone call while freezing my royal rastafarian nay-nays off.

None of this is to complain though but only to explain why there was a lapse in this blog.  The trip was absolutely wonderful and it was unfortunate that we had to cut it short because of the blizzard warning.

Now, I'm back, unpacked, and headed back toward my groove (after Thanksgiving/my birthday).

Here are a couple of pictures that I took from our balcony.

 
 
There was no snow when we arrived.  That night, the skies opened up and it showed hard for the entire night.  It was still snowing hard when I took these pictures but the camera wasn't able to really do it justice.

A Night at the Improv

 
First, I have to thank Ricky T. for the present (or half a present, it seems) that arrived last night.  It's an audiobook called What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami.  Rick had briefly mentioned it in passing some time ago because the book is written in a similar style to how I blog.  So, I'm excited to get a chance to listen to it.  It was perfectly timed because I should have plenty of time over the next week to have a listen.  I have it downloaded on my iPod, ready to go.

I mentioned that martial arts class was fun the other night because we took it back to what we were familiar with.  I think I need to explain that better.

I mentioned the most obvious part and that was just getting back to things that were familiar and could be done rapidly.  Moving with speed and confidence just feels good.  It's the same for other pursuits.  Doing something for fun that you are confident at is just fun.  We keep pushing forward and keep practicing new moves, keep expanding the tools available to us, keep building muscle memory, and we need all of that.  We need to keep challenging ourselves, keep trying to grow, and keep increasing our repertoire.

It's just nice, after having pushed and struggled for a couple of months, to take a night to visit the comfortable.  To play.  That's what it comes down to, I think.  We are still playing when we try to push ahead but that feels more like training.  It's still playful and there are lots of laughs as weird things happen.

Monday, our newest student asked what he was supposed to do for an attack against another student. 

"Throw a right straight punch, then fall down," I said.  We laughed.  He's not really supposed to fall down but if the other student does things right, the attacker is going to fall down.

I reached for my water jug, heard the attack, and heard someone fall, then laughing.  I turned around to see the attacker still standing and the defender laying on the ground.

"Perhaps, my instructions were unclear," I said.

The defender had stepped funny, took an accidental hit to the inside of his left knee, and buckled to the ground.  That left the attacker, who should have been knocked to the ground, still standing there.

The more complicated things get, the more this kind of thing happens. 

We twist or catch a foot, lose our balance, fall to the ground, laugh, stand up, and try it again. 

For the longest time, I wore a white/gray/black camouflage belt for my uniform where a great deal of it was the gray and even the white was dirty enough that it was turning gray.  New students would ask about the belt and I would explain, pointing to each color as I explained.  "Some moves, when I do them look like I am a black belt.  Other moves, I still fumble around like I'm a white belt.  Most of what I do falls in the gray area between the two."

I still believe that.

The other thing about going back to the familiar is that we don't actually stick to any script.  On the play nights, I don't expect students to do everything exactly the way they were taught.  They may start that way but they don't have to end that way.  We improvise, change things on the fly, and do whatever feels "natural".  Natural for someone who has been doing this things for over 17 years. 

We have a running joke when someone sneaks in a different hit into one of the techniques. 

"There's no knee strike to the groin in this technique," the guy taking the surprise hit will say while putting his protective cup back where it belongs.

"There is now," the defender will say.

Sometimes these bonus moves catch on to the point where they actually do become part of the "official" technique.  We are constantly changing things, tweaking things here and there to make the techniques work a bit better in some fashion.  It might just be an extra hit or it might speed things up or it might set up the next hit better.  There are always things that can be improved and when we find something that feels natural to everyone to the point where that's just how they do it regardless of what was originally taught, we just change what we teach new people so that it becomes the official way.

It was great night and I should probably schedule that type of class in every month or so, just for the fun of it.

And last, one final reminder for tomorrow's plans.  This was my favorite TSO song for a long time:

***

Follow me on Twitter to get updates on when new posts show up on this blog (plus get random thoughts on the life of Success Warrior) and feel free to "friend" me on Facebook.

Success Warrior is an Independent BeachBody Coach for BeachBody.com, a company that offers fitness programs, supplements, and equipment that have absolutely changed my life. 

Have you heard of P90X?  That's BeachBody.  They also have Insanity, Turbo Jam, TurboFire, RevAbs, Brazil Butt Lift, and many more.  They have some of the best exercise programs on the market.  These aren't just DVDs but are complete programs to transform your body.  They also have the hugely popular, and what they call "the most important meal of the day", Shakeology.  Go HERE to learn the most inexpensive way to get Shakeology.

They have equipment and supplements in addition to Shakeology and popular exercise programs.  Visit BeachBody.com and click on the "Shop" link to see everything they offer. 

There is also a business side to all this fitness that you can take advantage of.  Whether you're looking to just make a couple hundred extra dollars in fun money or are looking to take complete financial control of your life, BeachBody can help you get there.  If you have a desire to be more fit and would love to help other people do the same while making some money at it, visit BeachBody.com and click on the "Coach" link.  Team up with me and I'll help you reach your goals, in fitness and finance.

Much Better

 
Martial Arts class was really fun last night.  For the last couple of months, I have been practicing moves that are fairly new to me, or at least, fairly unpracticed by me.  It's slow.  It's awkward.  Sometimes I do it "wrong".  That's all part of making it a lasting skill, obviously, but last night, I decided to do moves that I was good at.  We went as fast as we could for the first 30 minutes.  That's a pretty good workout.  After that, we slowed down a bit but we still got more repititions in than normal.

We won't be meeting to practice together for a couple of weeks because I have people to do and things to see. 

Like our annual pilgrammage to see the Trans Siberian Orchestra in two days:

 I was trying to explain the lights and pyrotechniques a couple of days ago and I think I did a poor job.  This video however gives you an idea.  We will be sitting in the second row again this year.  How cool is that!