Goal: 100 Push Ups and 200 Sit Ups

In Bethany's blog about Morning Inspiration, she referenced the 100 push ups program and the 200 sit ups program. I had never heard of either, but they piqued my interest. I checked them out and decided to do them. Today was Day 1, Week 1. I pretty much can't do a push up to save my life, so I'm starting at the lowest level and doing girl push ups. Maybe once I get up to 100 girl push ups, I'll start the program over and do full-blown push ups. So this morning I did 13 push ups, divided into 5 sets. Ha! I started on the 3rd track for sit ups so this morning I did 67 sit ups, divided into 5 sets. I also did a 10 minute buns and thighs video that was free on the hotel movie system thingy. Tonight Rachel and Danielle and I are hitting up spin class. I hope I can keep up working out like this!

Fun SuperBowl Facts

Here are some fun SuperBowl facts for you, courtesy of American Way.

2.7 Million: Cost in dollars of airing a commercial during the 2008 SuperBowl.

72,000: Number of Macintosh computers sold in the first 100 days after Apple's George Orwell-inspired commercial aired in 1984, a 50% increase over projected sales. The ad is considered the first SuperBowl advertising event.

10,000: Number of cans of food used to build replicas of the University of Phoenix Stadium, where 2008's SuperBowl XLII was played, and replicas of the helmets of the two participating teams. (The cans were later donated to charity.)

25: The percentage of SuperBowl tickets that the NFL retains for distribution to sponsors and other VIPs.

20: The percentage increase in antacid sales on the day after the SuperBowl.

0: Extant copies of the television broadcast of SuperBowl I.

Early Morning #5

Success!!!! I made it to the Spin Class. :)

TMI

This is probably TMI, but I went to the doctor today because I have to go every 6 months so he can ask me how my acid reflux is doing, prescribe me more medication, and per his own words 'make sure I'm still alive'. That's supposed to be a joke. He has dad humor. And he is my dad's doctor! Has been since before I was alive. My dad still comes to Dallas to go to the doctor! Anyway, I digress. So my doctor told me that in 1 1/2 years I have to have this scope thingy done to make sure that my acid reflux isn't causing chronic burn and inflammation in my stomach or esophagus. I wanted to ask him a ton of questions about it, but it seemed silly since it's 1 1/2 years away. So I looked it up on WebMD when I got home. I bet doctors love that. Anyway here's the link if that wasn't already TMI for you: http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/upper-gastrointestinal-endoscopy. It doesn't sound too awful, but I'm pretty sure I'll freak out and gag a lot when they try to put the scope thingy down my throat. So that's something to worry about for the next 1 1/2 years, which oughtta help my acid reflux! ;)

Early Morning #4

Made it to the gym again this morning! Gosh, it's like I don't even know me anymore! Went to the boot camp / boxing / whatever it is class again this morning. It didn't kick my ass as much as last time... we didn't really do any push ups which was good since I am still sore from Tuesday. But it was still a great work out and really fun (besides dragging myself out of bed in the morning). I made a deal with a friend to meet there so I had to, and with the classes there is actually a time you have to be there - I think this all helps in actually getting me out of bed. I'm still planning attempt #3 at spin class tomorrow. The guy that works at the front desk told me I should get there a half hour early to guarantee getting a bike. Well, that's not going to happen, so if he's right then tomorrow will be failed attempt #3. I think I'll try to get there like 10-15 minutes early. If that's not early enough then forget it. If I make it tomorrow morning, that will be day #5! I'm also planning to go to the gym Saturday morning, though not nearly as early - so that would be 6 days of working out in a row, and I really can't remember the last time I would have done that.

Early Morning #3

So this morning, I set off to the gym for the 6am Spin Class, even prepared with the knowledge of where to find said Spin Class. So I got there. And it was full. Failed attempt #2 at making it to a Spin Class this week - though both times I was actually at the gym at the right time. But I had my own private spin class with my own private instructor (me) and got caught up a bit (though I'm still behind) in reading The Economist. So not all was lost. Also this morning, I went to Starbucks, the gas station, the bank, and got breakfast tacos. Besides dragging myself out of bed on cold mornings, I'm starting to like this getting up early thing. Maybe. Don't hold me to it. Maybe I'll try a third attempt at Spin Class on Friday morning.

20 Things I Love More Than I Should

1. grape leaves
2. my slippers (the tan ones)
3. my slippers (the black ones)
4. my slippers (the blue and green ones)
5. my slippers (the grey ones with green hearts)
6. my pillows
7. my sheets (Pure Beech Sateen!!!)
8. my bed
9. broccoli
10. crime shows
11. tomato soup (especially the kind with dill in it from ABC)
12. white bread (sorry Caroline)
13. fried sushi rolls
14. chips and salsa (especially the red and green salsa from Taco Diner mixed together)
15. coffee
16. mugs
17. sunshine
18. new shoes ("Hey! I put my new shoes on and suddenly everything is right. Hey! I put my new shoes on and everybody's smiling; it's so inviting. Oh, short on money but long on time, slowly strolling in the sweet sunshine. And I'm running late and I don't need an excuse 'cause I'm wearing my brand new shoes. Woke up late one Thursday, I'm seeing stars as I'm rubbing my eyes And I felt like there were two days missing as I focused on the time. And I made my way to the kitchen but had to stop from the shock of what I found. The room full of all my friends all dancing 'round and 'round. And I thought hello new shoes, bye bye blues!")
19. big rings
20. purses

Early Morning #2

Yesterday I agreed to meet a friend at a Boot Camp class this morning at the gym. It started at 5:45 am. This morning at 5 when my alarm went off, I wondered what the heck I was thinking when I agreed to that. But I dragged myself out of bed and made it on time! And then the class kicked my butt! Quite literally. I think my butt is already starting to get sore. I had to come into the office today, so I packed a bag and planned to get all ready at the gym and just head in from there. One problem - forgot a towel! So I had to go home and get ready, and I still managed to leave my house at 7:50! I think that's pretty darn impressive. Tomorrow I'll be trying out spin class and this time, I will actually find the spin class.

Arg!

You know what is really annoying? Blogger seems to be really inconsistent about what it considers to be "Small" or "Normal" font. Everytime I go to publish a blog I remember "Okay, last time I published in 'Normal' and the font was ginormous so this time I will be sure to publish in 'Small'." Click Publish Post. View Blog. Oh look at that - It's so small I can't read it! So then I have to go back and highlight the text and change the font size and publish it again. This happens like 50% of the time. Does anyone else have that problem?!

Book Review: Sway: The Irresistible Pull of Irrational Behavior

Sway: The Irresistible Pull of Irrational Behavior by Ori Brafman and Rom Brafman is about what psychological forces frequently cause people to make bad decisions. Turns out, our decisions are often unduly shaped by commitments and expectations. It makes sense when you think about it - frequently we get so wrapped up in a situation, that it's hard to take a step back and think about it completely logically. Among many examples used in the book (a deadly plane crash, a new coaching strategy for the Florida Gators, and a lot more - I mean, enough to fill a book!) they also talk about decisions we make while driving in traffic, like quickly swerving around a slow car we can't see around it and it really wouldn't hurt us at all to wait a few extra seconds.

Based on the findings of this book, I've decided that I'm going to act and think young, think that everyone I meet is really attractive, and drive dangerously. Apparently, 'feeling' old actually makes you age faster, and thinking that someone is attractive would causes you to unknowingly send signals that would make them like you too. There was also a story about men walking over a bridge and then meeting a woman at the end of it and she gives her phone number to them. The ones that went over a shaky bridge were extremely more likely to call her than the ones who went on the steady bridge because the anxiety and adrenaline caused by the scary bridge were much like the feelings of falling in love. So, if I want a guy to like me, maybe I need to almost get us killed in a car wreck? Sounds like a fine plan to me. So ta-da! The magic formula for being young forever, making friends, and finding true love. I'm so glad I have that all figured out.

The book talks a lot about taking a step back and looking at situations from a long-term perspective. I think this is especially applicable in our current economy. I know it sucks, but these things are cyclical! You can't worry too much about your 401k or stock accounts dive bombing because they're going to go on many-a roller coaster ride before we retire (this sentence obviously aimed at those in my age demographic). You have to stay focused on what is best for your long-term goals. Similarly, if you're committed to a project, situation, or way of doing things, sometimes it seems like you're in too deep to turn the ship around. However, if you take a perspective of an outsider or devil's advocate, it frequently becomes a lot easier to see the best path forward.

These are just a few things that I found pretty interesting - the book is full of findings from studies basically about what makes people tick. The book is a quick read and interesting, so if you see it at the store or library, I'd recommend picking it up and giving it a flip-through!

Maybe I Should Get Up Early More Often

It's 7:37 am, and so far today I've been to the gym, to Starbucks, to the grocery store (although I forgot to get milk), and started a load of laundry. That's probably more productive than I am in most full days, especially if you are only counting outside of work things.

Book Review: The Audacity of Hope

Our most recent book club book was The Audacity of Hope.  We actually just had our cross-continental meeting about it today, and at the beginning I felt the need to warn Farrah (the newest member of our book club who worked for a think tank while she was getting a masters in some sort of international politics degree) that this book club might not be quite as intellectual as she is hoping.  Our book club (over 2 years running!) meetings usually include about 10-20 minutes of book review and discussion and then 40 minutes of girl talk.  When we were scheduling the meeting, Farrah was concerned that she had a hard stop an hour after the start of our meeting.  Oh Farrah, you need not worry!

Anyway, back to the book.  For anyone who hasn’t read The Audacity of Hope, I highly recommend it!  Regardless of your political affiliations, I think it’s interesting and useful to know the standings of our President-Elect. 

Before reading the book, I was already an Obama fan.  I voted for him for three main reasons:

1) He inspires people, which I think our country needs right now (as evidence, see record voter turn out statistics)

2) He comes across as well-spoken and fair, which I think our world needs right now (I’ve always thought that if G. W. Bush worked for my company, we wouldn’t be able to put him in front of a client because, regardless of whatever intelligence he may or may not have, he sounds like an idiot)

3)    The Republicans have effed everything up for 8 years and someone else should have a shot at it, for better or for worse

After reading the book, I went from liking and respecting Obama to loving Obama.  Being fairly moderate in my political beliefs, I was relieved to find that most of Obama’s standings are fairly moderate as well.  Even more relieving, he seems to genuinely consider any counter-arguments to his platforms.  There were several stories he shared in the book about times he encountered people with very different beliefs than his.  Each time he considered their stories and input and recalled them in the future when making decisions.

One of my favorite quotes of the book is actually Obama quoting Warren Buffett:

The free market’s the best mechanism ever devised to put resources to their most efficient and productive use.  The government isn’t particularly good at that.  But the market isn’t so good at making sure that the wealth that’s produced is being distributed fairly or wisely.  Some of that wealth has to be plowed back into education, so that the next generation has a fair chance, and to maintain our infrastructure, and provide some sort of safety net for those who lose out in a market economy.  And it just makes sense that those of us who’ve benefited most from the market should pay a bigger share.  *

Another point that ties in with this and wasn’t explicitly stated in the book, but was somewhat of an underlying theme, is that something needs to be done to keep our middle class afloat.  Over the past decades, we’ve seen a shrinking middle class and growing lower class.  It’s become increasingly harder for a single-working-person family to make ends meet.  I think the middle class is the stabilization of our economy.  A strong middle class means lots of discretionary income.  Discretionary income also gives people a bit of cushion between the ups and downs in life, a little bit of padding to try something new and think outside of the box.  While I don’t think the answer is to completely stop moving certain types of jobs overseas (globalization is here, there’s no stopping it – we can choose to change our businesses accordingly and stay competitive, or our businesses can all die a slow death), I do think that the circumstances can be made better for the employees losing their jobs.  The companies and/or government can offer a stronger safety net, retrain employees for a different type of job with equal pay.  During our book club meeting, Rose had a great example of this.  Her dad’s hometown used to be a factory town, but then the factory closed.  Lots of years later, Dole has opened a food processing plant there, reusing some of the same factory buildings and employing the aid of nearby universities to do research.  Granted there was a big time gap in this example, but it wouldn’t have to be that way.

Anyway, I could go on forever, but I’m tired!  Moral of this very long post is: Obama sure has his work cut out for him!  But honestly I think he’s just the man for the job.  There were a few times in the book when Obama referenced meeting people around Illinois and on occasion people would say to him in more or less words, “Please don’t let us down.”  I think 60% of the people in the country are holding their breath, thinking the same thing.  The stakes are too high.  Please don’t let us down.

*Most right-wing people don't like this idea of wealth redistribution.  I certainly would agree that there have to be 'incentives' for succeeding in the market economy.  However most of those right-wing people also claim to be Christians, so I would like to remind them of the following:

"From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." -Luke 12:48

NYC

Last weekend I went to NYC to celebrate Lindsay's birthday!  We had lots of fun eating, drinking, sleeping in, and shopping at the solid color sweater store.  Friday we went out to a yummy restaurant for Lindsay's birthday dinner and then we went out to a bar that had $3 drinks!  Who knew you could find $3 drinks anywhere, much less NYC?!  On Lindsay's birthday I also got to meet Craig, who I felt like I already knew since we're Facebook friends and all. ;)  It was nice to hang out with him a bit and see first hand how happy he makes Lindsay.  On Saturday Lindsay and I had sushi, went to a wine bar, and hit up Auction House for the Jannual - of course!  

On Sunday we met my friends Monica and Rachel (who used to live in Dallas and transferred to the NY office) for brunch and then went shopping around SoHo (including the Solid Color Sweater Store!).  We finished off the night with dinner in Chinatown.  We at ate a place that specializes in these difficult to eat, but worth it, dumplings.  First you have to pick up the dumpling in your dumpling spoon and pick off the cabbage/lettuce that is stuck to it.  Then you have to bite off the top of the noodle and slurp out some of the soup.  Once you've managed that, you get the piece of meat out with your chopsticks and eat it.  Then you eat the rest of the noodle and remaining soup inside.  Being in Chinatown reminded me of college trips and eating dim sum around the country (seven cities so far: Austin, SanFran, Boston, NYC, Houston, Dallas, Kansas City... and wondering if New Zealand can be added to the list later this year?).  Lindsay and I also went on a hunt for sesame balls (my favorite part of dim sum!).  We went to like four bakeries that were all sold out of sesame balls.  And then we found one that had exactly ONE sesame ball left.  Which we split.  Then we went to like three or four more bakeries and finally found one with remaining sesame balls, so we took two home to eat later.  We practically cleaned Chinatown out of sesame balls!  It was a very fun weekend!

Just for kicks, here is a picture of Horrible Cat sleeping in the sink:

Poll Results!

The first poll question of 2009 was: 

"What is your favorite (non-Halloween) holiday to dress up on?"

Your results:

Christmas: 4 votes, 33%

Thanksgiving: 0 votes, 0%

St Patty's Day: 8 votes, 66%

Easter: 0 votes, 0%

With St Patty's Day just a little over 2 months away, I will expect you all to be out with me, wearing shamrock sunglasses, and carrying your own green food coloring bottle!  I must say, St Patty's Day is my favorite dress up holiday.  Period.  Even more so than Halloween (sorry Adam & Amy).  Green IS my favorite color, so it is a lot easier to dress up for than Halloween.  No shopping or prior planning required.  Just pick one of the many green shirts and accessories out of my closet, grab a bottle of green food coloring, and ta-da!  Ready for a night of fun!  Also, it's fun to make friends with random strangers at the bar as you insist upon dying their drink (regular beer, Guiness, rum and coke... it really doesn't matter) a nice shade of festive green.  (Almost as fun as rate-the-guy stickers, but that's another story for another time.)

If you have any suggestions for the next poll, feel free to leave them in a comment!

Resolutions

I'm not usually one for New Year's resolutions.  As Amy would say, I strive to be on a continual path of improvement.  Making improvements once a year is for slackers!  But for some reason this year I have a lot of resolutions, although none of them are SMART goals (yep, I just said that) so we'll never really know if I meet them. 

Here they are:

1. Eat better

2. Drink less

3. Work out more

4. Read more

5. Stop cussing (that one is actually measurable, since it's complete!)

So feel free to hold me accountable to my unmeasurable goals. :)

Happy New Year

2009 started off well with a party at the Terry's house!  We had dinner first - another very tasty success by Michelle!  I made emapanda-like-thingies for appetizers and fortunately they were a big hit!  I was a little worried since I just kinda made up the recipe.  Amy and I taste-tested some first batches and decided what needed to be added to make them better.  They turned out quite well in the end!  I almost left the party right after midnight but got talked into staying (they didn't exactly have to twist my arm) and we ended up staying up until almost 4.  Towards the end of the night we were sitting around the fire pit outside, just chatting about random topics - like social networking or listening to Nathan prodding people about their pro-choice/pro-life positions.  This morning we had breakfast (yet another wonderful Terry-provided meal) and sat around chatting some more.  There were lots of new year jokes that made for a fun time... "That's the creepiest thing that's been said all year!"... and the like.  All in all, a great way to start the New Year. :)  Happy 2009!!