Sometimes when you are reading a really good book you run across a quote that really resonates with you.
I often struggle with the desire to understand and have something spiritual in my life while remaining my productive and practical self. This quote is form Elizabeth Gilbert's "Eat, Pray, Love"
"Here's another example of the difference in our worldviews. A family in my sister's neighborhood was recently stricken with a double tragedy, when both the young mother and her three-year-old son were diagnosed with cancer. When Catherine told me about this, I could only say, shocked, "Dear God, that family needs grace." She replied firmly, "That family needs casseroles," and then proceeded to organize the entire neighborhood into bringing that family dinner in shifts, every single night, for an entire year, I do not know if my sister fully recognizes that this IS grace."
I often find that non-religious people are far kinder and full of grace than those who run to church at every opportunity and make sure everyone knows about it.
It's always more important what you do than what you say.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Biggest Loser
Well I was Facebooking with an old friend last night and see told me about a BL contest she was doing with a friend and asked me if I wanted to join in. So I went down to her friend's work, which happens to have a gym on the first floor and weighed in. The contest goes on for 14 weeks and the personal who loses the most percentage wins the money- which is about $300 right now.
The minimum I would like to lose in this challenge is 32 pounds- which gets me past a big milestone I haven't seen in the last decade. If I really stay on track and follow a fairly strict diet and really get some exercise in I think I could lose about 70 pounds. That would be a good way to start the Spring. So that could be anywhere from a 9.7% to 21.1% weight loss. I think the higher number just might get me the prize- but I am not that familiar with a lot of the contestants.
Alright I have some decent food in the house and am cleaning out the crappy stuff. I have the BL 30 Day Jump Start Book, the Biggest Loser Season 9 is now on for inspiration, have the BL Wii game, BL dvd's, and have joined an online BL contest that starts next week. That one is not for money- just for bragging rights. Plus I have a gym membership and plenty of Malls to walk at that are close to my house for the cold weather. So I have all the tools- just have to commit to really doing this for the next 14 weeks.
So here we go- the big goal is going to be 5 pounds lighter by next Wednesday morning.
I think the closest I can figure is that I use about 3000 calories a day without any extra exercise. So my goal is 2000 calories consumed which means I need to burn about 1500 calories each day. So I burn about 320 calories per hour walking, 635 calories per half an hour on the elliptical, 390 calories per half an hour for low impact aerobics, and 500 calories per half an hour for circuit training, and about half of that for just strength training.
So lots of work ahead but at least it's only for 14 weeks.
The minimum I would like to lose in this challenge is 32 pounds- which gets me past a big milestone I haven't seen in the last decade. If I really stay on track and follow a fairly strict diet and really get some exercise in I think I could lose about 70 pounds. That would be a good way to start the Spring. So that could be anywhere from a 9.7% to 21.1% weight loss. I think the higher number just might get me the prize- but I am not that familiar with a lot of the contestants.
Alright I have some decent food in the house and am cleaning out the crappy stuff. I have the BL 30 Day Jump Start Book, the Biggest Loser Season 9 is now on for inspiration, have the BL Wii game, BL dvd's, and have joined an online BL contest that starts next week. That one is not for money- just for bragging rights. Plus I have a gym membership and plenty of Malls to walk at that are close to my house for the cold weather. So I have all the tools- just have to commit to really doing this for the next 14 weeks.
So here we go- the big goal is going to be 5 pounds lighter by next Wednesday morning.
I think the closest I can figure is that I use about 3000 calories a day without any extra exercise. So my goal is 2000 calories consumed which means I need to burn about 1500 calories each day. So I burn about 320 calories per hour walking, 635 calories per half an hour on the elliptical, 390 calories per half an hour for low impact aerobics, and 500 calories per half an hour for circuit training, and about half of that for just strength training.
So lots of work ahead but at least it's only for 14 weeks.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
New Year Cleanse
Well it's that time of year- holidays are over, the waist measurement is up, and the next Biggest Loser season just aired on TV.
I inspired (at least for now) to get back on the old wagon and start working on my health again. Planning on starting a mild cleanse to start out the new year. I have done similar cleanses in the past but couldn't find my notes- so thanks to the Natural Path for the refresher course :)
General Cleanse-
Try to eliminate fatty foods, meat- at least red meat and pork, any processed foods, white sugar and flour
Extra water
Juice Fasts- don't do for more than 1-2 days in a row- ideal is one day a week
Hyperthermia- heat detox- 10-15 min in a sauna or 20-30 min in a hot bath with Epson salts
Oxygen therapy- deep breathing exercises- 2-3 times a day
1.Colon Cleanse
Starting out with the fun colon cleanse. You drink the following every night for 3-4 weeks with 2 capsules of cascara sagrada.
1/2 cup organic (raw if you can find it) apple juice
1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 Tablespoons chlorophyll
2 Tablespoons aloe vera juice
1 Tablespoon psyllium husk powder
1 glass water
Mix all together and drink immediately since the husk powder will not stay mixed- may need to add some water and mix with any remaining husk powder that may remain in the glass.
Drink plenty of water throughout the cleanse
2.Parasite Cleanse- good to start around the full moon since parasites are most active then. (Next one in Jan 30th- then Feb 28th)
Need Black Walnut Hull tincture
Wormwood capsules 200-300mg
Clove capsules 500mg
L-ornitine 500mg- take 2-4 each night if having trouble sleeping
take about 30 minutes before a meal- drink lots of water
Week 1- 1 cup organic apple juice
30 drops of walnut hull tincture
1 capsule wormwood
1 capsule cloves
3 times a day- before meals
Week 2- 1 cup organic apple juice
30 drops of walnut hull tincture
2 capsule wormwood
2 capsule cloves
3 times a day- before meals
Week 3- 1 cup organic apple juice
30 drops of walnut hull tincture
3 capsule wormwood
3 capsule cloves
3 times a day- before meals
3. Kidney Cleanse
8oz organic apple juice
20-30 drops of Hydrangea root tincture
20-30 drops Uva-Ursi
3-4 times a day for 3-4 weeks
Drink plenty of water- add lemon juice to water to help dissolve any kidney stones- drink with a straw to make sure you don't wear down tooth enamel
4.Liver Cleanse
Needs to be the last cleanse so the other systems can handle the toxin elimination
Day one- no fatty foods or meats- eat mainly fruits and veggies- stop eating at 2pm
6pm- 3/4 water with 1 Tablespoon Epson salts
8pm- 3/4 water with 1 Tablespoon Epson salts
10pm- 1/2 cup olive oil, 3/4 cup fresh grapefruit juice (take 4-8 capsules of L-ornithine 500mg capsules to help you sleep) then immediately go to bed
6am- 3/4 water with 1 Tablespoon Epson salts
8am- 3/4 water with 1 Tablespoon Epson salts
10am- light breakfast- no meat or fat for the rest of the day
may experience some diarrhea-like symptoms, can eliminate green fatty particles which is excess cholesterol
Drink plenty of water
Get a bottle of milk thistle capsules- 200mg
Take 1 capsule a day for a week, then increase to 2 capsules a day until the bottle is finished
I inspired (at least for now) to get back on the old wagon and start working on my health again. Planning on starting a mild cleanse to start out the new year. I have done similar cleanses in the past but couldn't find my notes- so thanks to the Natural Path for the refresher course :)
General Cleanse-
Try to eliminate fatty foods, meat- at least red meat and pork, any processed foods, white sugar and flour
Extra water
Juice Fasts- don't do for more than 1-2 days in a row- ideal is one day a week
Hyperthermia- heat detox- 10-15 min in a sauna or 20-30 min in a hot bath with Epson salts
Oxygen therapy- deep breathing exercises- 2-3 times a day
1.Colon Cleanse
Starting out with the fun colon cleanse. You drink the following every night for 3-4 weeks with 2 capsules of cascara sagrada.
1/2 cup organic (raw if you can find it) apple juice
1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 Tablespoons chlorophyll
2 Tablespoons aloe vera juice
1 Tablespoon psyllium husk powder
1 glass water
Mix all together and drink immediately since the husk powder will not stay mixed- may need to add some water and mix with any remaining husk powder that may remain in the glass.
Drink plenty of water throughout the cleanse
2.Parasite Cleanse- good to start around the full moon since parasites are most active then. (Next one in Jan 30th- then Feb 28th)
Need Black Walnut Hull tincture
Wormwood capsules 200-300mg
Clove capsules 500mg
L-ornitine 500mg- take 2-4 each night if having trouble sleeping
take about 30 minutes before a meal- drink lots of water
Week 1- 1 cup organic apple juice
30 drops of walnut hull tincture
1 capsule wormwood
1 capsule cloves
3 times a day- before meals
Week 2- 1 cup organic apple juice
30 drops of walnut hull tincture
2 capsule wormwood
2 capsule cloves
3 times a day- before meals
Week 3- 1 cup organic apple juice
30 drops of walnut hull tincture
3 capsule wormwood
3 capsule cloves
3 times a day- before meals
3. Kidney Cleanse
8oz organic apple juice
20-30 drops of Hydrangea root tincture
20-30 drops Uva-Ursi
3-4 times a day for 3-4 weeks
Drink plenty of water- add lemon juice to water to help dissolve any kidney stones- drink with a straw to make sure you don't wear down tooth enamel
4.Liver Cleanse
Needs to be the last cleanse so the other systems can handle the toxin elimination
Day one- no fatty foods or meats- eat mainly fruits and veggies- stop eating at 2pm
6pm- 3/4 water with 1 Tablespoon Epson salts
8pm- 3/4 water with 1 Tablespoon Epson salts
10pm- 1/2 cup olive oil, 3/4 cup fresh grapefruit juice (take 4-8 capsules of L-ornithine 500mg capsules to help you sleep) then immediately go to bed
6am- 3/4 water with 1 Tablespoon Epson salts
8am- 3/4 water with 1 Tablespoon Epson salts
10am- light breakfast- no meat or fat for the rest of the day
may experience some diarrhea-like symptoms, can eliminate green fatty particles which is excess cholesterol
Drink plenty of water
Get a bottle of milk thistle capsules- 200mg
Take 1 capsule a day for a week, then increase to 2 capsules a day until the bottle is finished
Monday, January 4, 2010
Hanna
I have a 14 year old German Shepherd named Hanna. She has been one of the best pets I have ever had and her time is near it's end. She has been having some trouble with her back legs for a while, but still could get around and play with my other dog. This past weekend her condition became much worse. She can barely get around now and has to have help getting outside to go the bathroom.
The vet basically said there is not much we can do now. She just got a steroid shot and we have about a week's worth of steroid pills and pain pills to help keep her comfortable. There is really not much chance of her regaining much mobility and at her age any kind of surgery or acute care is not warranted.
So I have come back to the most difficult part of being a pet owner- when a pet becomes ill how and when do you decide on euthanasia. I obviously don't want her to suffer but since she can't talk you don't know how she really feels about all of this.
***
The medicine seems to be helping slightly. She has a bit more mobility this morning buy not enough yet to really say her quality of life has improved. So do I let her struggle on for a few more days? I think I at least owe her a few days to see if the meds help more- she seems pretty comfortable when she is resting.
I had one cat several years ago that was 19 years old and died peacefully in his sleep- I wish that everyone could be that lucky.
The vet basically said there is not much we can do now. She just got a steroid shot and we have about a week's worth of steroid pills and pain pills to help keep her comfortable. There is really not much chance of her regaining much mobility and at her age any kind of surgery or acute care is not warranted.
So I have come back to the most difficult part of being a pet owner- when a pet becomes ill how and when do you decide on euthanasia. I obviously don't want her to suffer but since she can't talk you don't know how she really feels about all of this.
***
The medicine seems to be helping slightly. She has a bit more mobility this morning buy not enough yet to really say her quality of life has improved. So do I let her struggle on for a few more days? I think I at least owe her a few days to see if the meds help more- she seems pretty comfortable when she is resting.
I had one cat several years ago that was 19 years old and died peacefully in his sleep- I wish that everyone could be that lucky.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
More Movie Musings
Some movies that are out that I would like to see and upcoming movies that look interesting...
Up In the Air
The Princess and the Frog
Avatar
The Hurt Locker
Precious
It's Complicated
Crazy Heart
Old Dogs
1/8
Youth in Revolt
Daybreakers
Leap Year
1/15
The Book of Eli
The Spy Next Door
1/22
Legion
Extraordinary Measures
The Tooth Fairy
1/29
When in Rome
2/12
Percy Jackson
Valentine's Day
Wolfman
2/19
Shutter Island
Alice in Wonderland
3/26
Clash of the Titans
4/30
Iron Man 2
5/28
Sex in the City 2
6/18
Toy Story 3
6/25
Grown Ups
6/30
Eclipse
8/13
Eat, Pray, Love
Friday the 13th- 2
10/22
Saw VII
11/19
Harry Potter
12/11
Narnia
12/17
Tron
12/22
Green Hornet
Up In the Air
The Princess and the Frog
Avatar
The Hurt Locker
Precious
It's Complicated
Crazy Heart
Old Dogs
1/8
Youth in Revolt
Daybreakers
Leap Year
1/15
The Book of Eli
The Spy Next Door
1/22
Legion
Extraordinary Measures
The Tooth Fairy
1/29
When in Rome
2/12
Percy Jackson
Valentine's Day
Wolfman
2/19
Shutter Island
Alice in Wonderland
3/26
Clash of the Titans
4/30
Iron Man 2
5/28
Sex in the City 2
6/18
Toy Story 3
6/25
Grown Ups
6/30
Eclipse
8/13
Eat, Pray, Love
Friday the 13th- 2
10/22
Saw VII
11/19
Harry Potter
12/11
Narnia
12/17
Tron
12/22
Green Hornet
The beginning of the year always brings out the "top" lists. Of course this year we get both the top year's and the top decade's stuff.
Here is a list of Roger Eberts top picks- interestingly enough I have not seen most of these and I consider myself a pretty active movie watcher. I will have to consider adding some of this to my Netflix list. This list comes from the Armchair Commentary blog.
1. Synecdoche, New York (2008)- never seen buy Roger admits you have to watch this one several times to get it's brilliance
2. The Hurt Locker (2009)- never seen
3. Monster (2004)- never seen
4. Juno (2007)- saw and did like very much
5. Me and You and Everyone We Know (2005)- not seen
6. Chop Shop (2008)- not seen
7. The Son (2002)- not seen
8. The 25th Hour (2003) - not seen
9. Almost Famous (2000)- not seen
10. My Winnipeg (2008) - not seen
His other ten, alphabetically:
* Adaptation (2002)- not seen
* Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call, New Orleans (2009)- not seen
* City of God (2002)- not seen
* Crash (2004)- seen and thought it was good- not great
* Kill Bill Vol.1 and Vol. 2 (2003 + 2004)- seen- entertaining buy not extraordinary
* Minority Report (2002)- seen- interesting sci-fi buy again not extraordinary
* No Country for Old Men (2007)- seen- thought the cinematography was good buy didn't much care for the movie- especially the ending
* Pan's Labyrinth (2006)- seen- brilliant and disturbing
* Silent Light (2009)- not seen
* Waking Life (2001)- not seen
These are some of my favorites- not necessarily critically wonderful but the ones I saw, remembered, and enjoyed.
2000
The Whole Nine Yards
Pitch Black
Gladiator
X-Men
The Replacements
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
The Emperor's New Groove
Miss Congeniality
O'Brother Where Art Thou?
2001
ah- the start of the Harry Potter movies
Harry Pottery and The Sorcerer's Stone
Lord of the Rings- Fellowship of the Rings
Shrek
Monster's Inc
Legally Blonde
The Others
Save the Last Dance
Bridget's Jones Diary
Serendipity
Out Cold
2002
Spider Man
The Lord of the Rings- The Two Towers
Star Wars II- Attack of the Clones
Harry Potter - Chamber of Secrets
My Big Fat Greek Wedding
Die Another Day
The Scorpion King
Blade II
Star Trek- Nemesis
Resident Evil
The Transporter
The Sweetest Thing
Van Wilder
Frailty
Big Trouble
2003
The Lord of the Rings- Return of the King
Finding Nemo
Matrix Reloaded
Pirates of the Caribbean
XMen 2
Elf
Matrix Revolutions
Kill Bill
League of Extraordinary Gentlemen
Identity
Underworld
28 Days Later
What a Girl Wants
2004
Shrek 2
Spiderman 2
The Incredibles
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
The Polar Express
I Robot
Van Helsing
Dodge Ball
Man on Fire
The Terminal
Kill Bill 2
Hellboy
Dawn of the Dead
The Chronicles of Riddick
Blade Trinity
A Cinderella Story
Resident Evil- Apocalypse
Bridget Jones- Edge of Reason
Eurotrip
Shawn of the Dead
Supersize Me
What the (*&&^ Do We Know?
2005
Star Wars- Episode III
Chronicles of Narnia
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Wedding Crashers
Batman Begins
Mr & Mr Smith
Hitch
The Longest Yard
The Fantastic Four
The Pacifier
40 Year Old Virgin
Constantine
Sin City
The Legend of Zorro
Must Love Dogs
Pride and Prejudice
The Wedding Date
Serenity
Electrka
2006
Pirates of the Caribbean- Dead Man's Chest
Night at the Museum
Cars
X-Men- The Last Stand
Casino Royale
Over the Hedge
Talladega Nights
The Devil Wears Prada
Step Up
The Holiday
Underworld- Evolution
Little Miss Sunshine
The Lake House
Stranger Than Fiction
Last Holiday
Pan's Labyrinth
Accepted
Children of Men
Take the Lead
The Descent
Ultraviolet
Curse of the Golden Flower
Peaceful Warrior
Idiocracy
2007
Transformers
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Juno
The Game Plan
Stomp the Yard
Halloween
PS I Love You
Resident Evil- Extinction
License to Wed
No Reservations
Stardust
August Rush
2008
The Dark Knight
Iron Man
Twilight
Wall-E
Kung Fu Panda
Quantum of Solace
Sex and the City
Prince Caspian
Slumdog Millionaire
The Incredible Hulk
Wanted
Get Smart
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Four Christmases
Bedtime Stories
Journey the the Center of teh Earth
Yes Man
What Happens in Vegas
27 Dresses
Hellboy 2
Forgetting Sarah Marshall
The Strangers
Australia
The House Bunny
Maid of Honor
Deathrace
Zack and Miri Make a Porno
My Best Friend's Girl
Bottle Shock
2009
Transformers and the Revenge of the Fallen
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
UP
Twilight- New Moon
The Hangover
Star Trek
X-Men Wolverine
The Blind Side
Night at the Museum- Battle of the Smithsonian
The Proposal
Fast and Furious
GI Joe
Paul Blart- Mall Cop
Terminator Salvation
Couples Retreat
Watchman
Julie and Julia
He's Just Not That Into You
Zombieland
Sherlock Holmes
Bride Wars
Underworld- Rise of the Lycans
Confessions of a Shopoholic
Push
Did You Hear About the Morgans?
Here is a list of Roger Eberts top picks- interestingly enough I have not seen most of these and I consider myself a pretty active movie watcher. I will have to consider adding some of this to my Netflix list. This list comes from the Armchair Commentary blog.
1. Synecdoche, New York (2008)- never seen buy Roger admits you have to watch this one several times to get it's brilliance
2. The Hurt Locker (2009)- never seen
3. Monster (2004)- never seen
4. Juno (2007)- saw and did like very much
5. Me and You and Everyone We Know (2005)- not seen
6. Chop Shop (2008)- not seen
7. The Son (2002)- not seen
8. The 25th Hour (2003) - not seen
9. Almost Famous (2000)- not seen
10. My Winnipeg (2008) - not seen
His other ten, alphabetically:
* Adaptation (2002)- not seen
* Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call, New Orleans (2009)- not seen
* City of God (2002)- not seen
* Crash (2004)- seen and thought it was good- not great
* Kill Bill Vol.1 and Vol. 2 (2003 + 2004)- seen- entertaining buy not extraordinary
* Minority Report (2002)- seen- interesting sci-fi buy again not extraordinary
* No Country for Old Men (2007)- seen- thought the cinematography was good buy didn't much care for the movie- especially the ending
* Pan's Labyrinth (2006)- seen- brilliant and disturbing
* Silent Light (2009)- not seen
* Waking Life (2001)- not seen
These are some of my favorites- not necessarily critically wonderful but the ones I saw, remembered, and enjoyed.
2000
The Whole Nine Yards
Pitch Black
Gladiator
X-Men
The Replacements
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
The Emperor's New Groove
Miss Congeniality
O'Brother Where Art Thou?
2001
ah- the start of the Harry Potter movies
Harry Pottery and The Sorcerer's Stone
Lord of the Rings- Fellowship of the Rings
Shrek
Monster's Inc
Legally Blonde
The Others
Save the Last Dance
Bridget's Jones Diary
Serendipity
Out Cold
2002
Spider Man
The Lord of the Rings- The Two Towers
Star Wars II- Attack of the Clones
Harry Potter - Chamber of Secrets
My Big Fat Greek Wedding
Die Another Day
The Scorpion King
Blade II
Star Trek- Nemesis
Resident Evil
The Transporter
The Sweetest Thing
Van Wilder
Frailty
Big Trouble
2003
The Lord of the Rings- Return of the King
Finding Nemo
Matrix Reloaded
Pirates of the Caribbean
XMen 2
Elf
Matrix Revolutions
Kill Bill
League of Extraordinary Gentlemen
Identity
Underworld
28 Days Later
What a Girl Wants
2004
Shrek 2
Spiderman 2
The Incredibles
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
The Polar Express
I Robot
Van Helsing
Dodge Ball
Man on Fire
The Terminal
Kill Bill 2
Hellboy
Dawn of the Dead
The Chronicles of Riddick
Blade Trinity
A Cinderella Story
Resident Evil- Apocalypse
Bridget Jones- Edge of Reason
Eurotrip
Shawn of the Dead
Supersize Me
What the (*&&^ Do We Know?
2005
Star Wars- Episode III
Chronicles of Narnia
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Wedding Crashers
Batman Begins
Mr & Mr Smith
Hitch
The Longest Yard
The Fantastic Four
The Pacifier
40 Year Old Virgin
Constantine
Sin City
The Legend of Zorro
Must Love Dogs
Pride and Prejudice
The Wedding Date
Serenity
Electrka
2006
Pirates of the Caribbean- Dead Man's Chest
Night at the Museum
Cars
X-Men- The Last Stand
Casino Royale
Over the Hedge
Talladega Nights
The Devil Wears Prada
Step Up
The Holiday
Underworld- Evolution
Little Miss Sunshine
The Lake House
Stranger Than Fiction
Last Holiday
Pan's Labyrinth
Accepted
Children of Men
Take the Lead
The Descent
Ultraviolet
Curse of the Golden Flower
Peaceful Warrior
Idiocracy
2007
Transformers
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Juno
The Game Plan
Stomp the Yard
Halloween
PS I Love You
Resident Evil- Extinction
License to Wed
No Reservations
Stardust
August Rush
2008
The Dark Knight
Iron Man
Twilight
Wall-E
Kung Fu Panda
Quantum of Solace
Sex and the City
Prince Caspian
Slumdog Millionaire
The Incredible Hulk
Wanted
Get Smart
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Four Christmases
Bedtime Stories
Journey the the Center of teh Earth
Yes Man
What Happens in Vegas
27 Dresses
Hellboy 2
Forgetting Sarah Marshall
The Strangers
Australia
The House Bunny
Maid of Honor
Deathrace
Zack and Miri Make a Porno
My Best Friend's Girl
Bottle Shock
2009
Transformers and the Revenge of the Fallen
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
UP
Twilight- New Moon
The Hangover
Star Trek
X-Men Wolverine
The Blind Side
Night at the Museum- Battle of the Smithsonian
The Proposal
Fast and Furious
GI Joe
Paul Blart- Mall Cop
Terminator Salvation
Couples Retreat
Watchman
Julie and Julia
He's Just Not That Into You
Zombieland
Sherlock Holmes
Bride Wars
Underworld- Rise of the Lycans
Confessions of a Shopoholic
Push
Did You Hear About the Morgans?
Saturday, January 2, 2010
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