Self discipline.
Self control.
To have the discipline to get things done you have to have the control not to do things that aren't good for you.
Before you can control the conditions of your life you must control yourself.
Man do I ever want a chocolate bar right now.
No, really, I don't. I have beaten that weakness for the time being. But it does cross my mind so I haven't beaten it completely.
It is the hardest job you face, just controlling yourself.
This is the one thing that you absolutely must beat. If you don't then it will beat you and all your other work will be of little value.
Think of something you indulge in that you don't need and that isn't good for you. Set your sights on that one thing and beat it.
Thursday
just for laughs
This gave me such a laugh I had to post it here.
It is a review of the book Superbikes of the Seventies on the Amazon website.
The reviewer calls himself The Highwayman and it is the only review he has.
"Motorcyclists are known by the machines they ride. And men are known by the company they keep.
It is a review of the book Superbikes of the Seventies on the Amazon website.
The reviewer calls himself The Highwayman and it is the only review he has.
"Motorcyclists are known by the machines they ride. And men are known by the company they keep.
These veritable truths account for why Harley men keep to their own kind on the open road. Whether on reconnaissance in local territories, carrying the flag from coast to coast in a well-regulated convoy or striking a daring posse deep into the uncharted badlands, Harley men place their trust and confidence in other men of robust character and proven substance. Men who can be counted on through good times and bad. Men who never surrender, and don't take prisoners. Stout and hearty men who sit proud and righteous in the saddle. Men who make up the Harley-Davidson brethren.
There's no place here for anyone looking for a false way in and an easy way out. There's no place for men or bikes that by artifice are here today but by expediency will be gone tomorrow. There's no place for those who pledge allegiance to far-eastern feudalism by riding Asian atrocity cycles slammed together in some godforsaken land. There's no place for the sniveling lisp and depraved cowardice of atrociteurs who would make a slobbering mockery of real American motorcycling.
That leaves the atrociteurs off on their own, with a facade of pose and pretense, and a despair of resentment and bitterness. Taking the badges of vulgarity off their throwaway contraptions out of shame, but leaving a space as blank as their empty souls. Carrying on with a sham travesty of brotherhood that's nothing but a hollow charade. Pretending to be the real deal but fooling nobody.
Not ordinary American folk, who are comforted that all is well on the home front only when they see genuine Harleys lead their Fourth of July parades down the Main Streets of America. Not womenfolk, who by intuition know the deep rumble of the mighty Big Twin as the unmistakable confirmation that real men are in command of the nation's destiny. Not even youngsters, who have a keen sense of authentic role models and clearly know the difference between a real American motorcycle and some knock-off in tin and plastic.
There's a fork early on in the road for every motorcyclist in America, with paths going off in opposite directions. A life membership in the brotherhood of righteousness is part of the authentic Harley-Davidson experience. A life sentence among the damned is reserved for the atrociteurs.
Choose carefully, `cause there's no turnin' back.
_______________________________
They call me . . . The Highwayman"exercise
If you are interested in exercise and want to avoid most of the hype you find in exercise magazines I reccommend a vist to the Clarence Bass website.
He has written a lot of articles for us.
Here is Clarence at the age of 60.
He has written a lot of articles for us.
Here is Clarence at the age of 60.
commit
It is one thing to have goals. It is another thing to do something about them.
To get what you want you have to commit to doing whatever it takes to reach your goal.
Wanting to be in better shape is useless without committing to exercise.
Wanting to lose weight is pointless when you're still pounding down the cokes.
Wanting to quit smoking is silly when you rush outside for a smoke at every opportunity.
Wanting to move up the ladder in your company is foolish when they demand more education and you won't go back to school.
Wanting to write a book is senseless when you don't spend any time at all writing about anything.
Time passes quickly. It's gone before you know it and so is your chance to get what you want.
Take that first small step towards your goal today.
To get what you want you have to commit to doing whatever it takes to reach your goal.
Wanting to be in better shape is useless without committing to exercise.
Wanting to lose weight is pointless when you're still pounding down the cokes.
Wanting to quit smoking is silly when you rush outside for a smoke at every opportunity.
Wanting to move up the ladder in your company is foolish when they demand more education and you won't go back to school.
Wanting to write a book is senseless when you don't spend any time at all writing about anything.
Time passes quickly. It's gone before you know it and so is your chance to get what you want.
Take that first small step towards your goal today.
Wednesday
do work you love
Frequent advice, do the work that you love.
It isn't hard finding work but it is hard finding work that you love.
What if you love the work that you do even if you're in a plant in Ohio making air conditioners or in a software company in California?
The advice, do the work that you love, has always seemed incomplete to me. It is about the product, the end result, "Aren't you proud that you did this?"
I think for a lot of us the work we love is also about the process. The work we love is about the way we go about things, more how we do the work than what the work is that we do.
I also think that 'do the work you love' doesn't apply to a lot of people. There are a lot of books about doing the work you love and one of the things they often mention is to find your special talent. HEY! Not everyone has a special talent.
This is one of the secrets of self help, take any one work in the field and realize that it just doesn't work for most people. It might appeal to some, they are the ones who buy it, then it is interesting for most (but not all) of them, then some of them actually put the lessons into practice and some of them actually change their way of thinking. That's all a self help program can do for you anyway, change your way of thinking.
I've spent 25 years working for the same company and I would have to say that I came to love the work at some point. Nevertheless I've realized, like all the other 'old timers' have, that opportunities for us range from slim to none. With this realization comes impetus to look beyond the horizon, to find some work that we love. Even though this is the mental process I'm in now I still find myself doing the things that got me where I am. I'm still walking around with the boss talking about improvements.
You're lucky if you can do the work you love. It is hard to get, hard to find, hard to sort out for yourself just what it is. Most people will never find the work that they love, not because it isn't out there but because they just won't be satisfied with it if they were to find it.
Finding the work you love is a project for most of us and there you go, a project, get started. Values listed, interests, talents, draw a mind map, spend lots of time on it, study, read, ask, talk about it, most of all do something about it if you can. Don't shove this project into the closet and forget about it, opportunity is knocking, right now.
It isn't hard finding work but it is hard finding work that you love.
What if you love the work that you do even if you're in a plant in Ohio making air conditioners or in a software company in California?
The advice, do the work that you love, has always seemed incomplete to me. It is about the product, the end result, "Aren't you proud that you did this?"
I think for a lot of us the work we love is also about the process. The work we love is about the way we go about things, more how we do the work than what the work is that we do.
I also think that 'do the work you love' doesn't apply to a lot of people. There are a lot of books about doing the work you love and one of the things they often mention is to find your special talent. HEY! Not everyone has a special talent.
This is one of the secrets of self help, take any one work in the field and realize that it just doesn't work for most people. It might appeal to some, they are the ones who buy it, then it is interesting for most (but not all) of them, then some of them actually put the lessons into practice and some of them actually change their way of thinking. That's all a self help program can do for you anyway, change your way of thinking.
I've spent 25 years working for the same company and I would have to say that I came to love the work at some point. Nevertheless I've realized, like all the other 'old timers' have, that opportunities for us range from slim to none. With this realization comes impetus to look beyond the horizon, to find some work that we love. Even though this is the mental process I'm in now I still find myself doing the things that got me where I am. I'm still walking around with the boss talking about improvements.
You're lucky if you can do the work you love. It is hard to get, hard to find, hard to sort out for yourself just what it is. Most people will never find the work that they love, not because it isn't out there but because they just won't be satisfied with it if they were to find it.
Finding the work you love is a project for most of us and there you go, a project, get started. Values listed, interests, talents, draw a mind map, spend lots of time on it, study, read, ask, talk about it, most of all do something about it if you can. Don't shove this project into the closet and forget about it, opportunity is knocking, right now.
plan, prepare, do
A prescription for success.
Prepare yourself.
If something is important to you than prepare for it. Time spent in advance getting ready is time well spent.
There comes a time when getting by isn't good enough. Why short change yourself?
Spend a little time planning, successful people do, because it works.
Do the stuff that works.
Prepare yourself.
If something is important to you than prepare for it. Time spent in advance getting ready is time well spent.
There comes a time when getting by isn't good enough. Why short change yourself?
Spend a little time planning, successful people do, because it works.
Do the stuff that works.
real lemmon
Here is a cut and paste from a blog that is in my Blogs Worth a Look links.
I just discovered this fellow last week. I'm really pleased with myself!
"The thing is, I would rather be forced to play guitar for the rest of my life with only three fingers than to be somebody else’s idea of a success. I just left a very high-paying job - with a life-sucking, morally compromised organization - to do what I love. Laziness, corruption, and incompetence just don’t suit me, I guess. I’ll be poor from here on in, and alone a lot of the time, but that suits me fine. Life has never been better.
I’ve always said that all I’ve ever needed from life were a guitar, a kiss, and a loaf of bread. While that’s a bit of an exaggeration, I do think that I could live as happily as I am now with much less than I already have. I don’t need the car, really. Don’t need a lot of the fancy furniture, either. Yes, I’m keeping the stereo, but you can take the t.v. I wouldn’t part with my washer/dryer, but the dishwasher is certainly superfluous. I’m certainly no fashion-plate. The last time I bought something to wear was about three years ago. So much is just “stuff” (Note: I’m not talking about ”stuffing” here: I would not wish to make do without a spleen or a kidney).
The things that make life worth living for me aren’t things you can take away: a snuggle in the morning, music, imagination, sunny weather, sleep.
Oh, yeah, and lemons.
Think about it: what could you do without? No, scratch that: What could you do BETTER without?"
citricritic
Check his blog out! Just lean over to the right and click the link.
I just discovered this fellow last week. I'm really pleased with myself!
"The thing is, I would rather be forced to play guitar for the rest of my life with only three fingers than to be somebody else’s idea of a success. I just left a very high-paying job - with a life-sucking, morally compromised organization - to do what I love. Laziness, corruption, and incompetence just don’t suit me, I guess. I’ll be poor from here on in, and alone a lot of the time, but that suits me fine. Life has never been better.
I’ve always said that all I’ve ever needed from life were a guitar, a kiss, and a loaf of bread. While that’s a bit of an exaggeration, I do think that I could live as happily as I am now with much less than I already have. I don’t need the car, really. Don’t need a lot of the fancy furniture, either. Yes, I’m keeping the stereo, but you can take the t.v. I wouldn’t part with my washer/dryer, but the dishwasher is certainly superfluous. I’m certainly no fashion-plate. The last time I bought something to wear was about three years ago. So much is just “stuff” (Note: I’m not talking about ”stuffing” here: I would not wish to make do without a spleen or a kidney).
The things that make life worth living for me aren’t things you can take away: a snuggle in the morning, music, imagination, sunny weather, sleep.
Oh, yeah, and lemons.
Think about it: what could you do without? No, scratch that: What could you do BETTER without?"
citricritic
Check his blog out! Just lean over to the right and click the link.
go back to the woods
Most of you who stumble onto this blog shouldn't stay here. You should just go back to the woods.
This is a place for people who are interested in making improvements in their lives.
Now you might be thinking, "That's me!" but it probably isn't. Most people aren't interested in that even when they beg to differ with that assertion.
This blog doesn't demand much. It is a no charge kind of place. There aren't long stories to make a point. There isn't a structured program that you follow step by step. It doesn't pretend to be the best.
It just is what it is. It delivers some help in a variety of areas. It has some extra stuff here and there just to let you know something about me or something I have noticed. Sometimes all this stuff overlaps, blends, dovetails, mixes. Sometimes it does this and you don't even notice.
It has some regular readers and it will get some more.
The people who want to be successful in life will find their way here.
Statistically that probably doesn't include you.
That's why you should go back to the woods.
This is a place for people who are interested in making improvements in their lives.
Now you might be thinking, "That's me!" but it probably isn't. Most people aren't interested in that even when they beg to differ with that assertion.
This blog doesn't demand much. It is a no charge kind of place. There aren't long stories to make a point. There isn't a structured program that you follow step by step. It doesn't pretend to be the best.
It just is what it is. It delivers some help in a variety of areas. It has some extra stuff here and there just to let you know something about me or something I have noticed. Sometimes all this stuff overlaps, blends, dovetails, mixes. Sometimes it does this and you don't even notice.
It has some regular readers and it will get some more.
The people who want to be successful in life will find their way here.
Statistically that probably doesn't include you.
That's why you should go back to the woods.
crackpot theory #3
People who complain all of the time about everything aren't anymore unhappy than people who don't complain at all.
I can't even begin to explain this one, it is simply my observation. All the whiners and complainers that I have had the pleasure to know through the years are just as happy as all the positive thinking people I have known.
I can't understand it at all. I will leave it to the king to explain this one to me.
I see no gain in whining and complaining but perhaps I am wrong there. Must be something that people get out of it. Must serve some purpose.
Of course most whiners seem to be able to turn it off and on like they have a switch in their pocket. Such a switch would be a really handy if you could apply it to other things.
"Double bacon cheese burger, fries and a coke. Giant size that please."
Flip the switch.
"Oh wait a minute. I think I would like a salad instead, with water. Thanks!"
"I've got to buy this new gadget! The price is down to $399."
Flip the switch.
"Hmmm. $399. For what! That? It will end up in the closet in 2 months. I'm going to keep my money. Might really need it someday."
Yes, I've got to have one of those switches. I'll have to think about it.
I can't even begin to explain this one, it is simply my observation. All the whiners and complainers that I have had the pleasure to know through the years are just as happy as all the positive thinking people I have known.
I can't understand it at all. I will leave it to the king to explain this one to me.
I see no gain in whining and complaining but perhaps I am wrong there. Must be something that people get out of it. Must serve some purpose.
Of course most whiners seem to be able to turn it off and on like they have a switch in their pocket. Such a switch would be a really handy if you could apply it to other things.
"Double bacon cheese burger, fries and a coke. Giant size that please."
Flip the switch.
"Oh wait a minute. I think I would like a salad instead, with water. Thanks!"
"I've got to buy this new gadget! The price is down to $399."
Flip the switch.
"Hmmm. $399. For what! That? It will end up in the closet in 2 months. I'm going to keep my money. Might really need it someday."
Yes, I've got to have one of those switches. I'll have to think about it.
fruition
Congratulations to Nikki at Ink Blotter!
Starting next week she is in business for herself.
Ink Blotter is a very cool blog that is in my Blogs Worth a Look links.
It is definitely a step on the road of personal development to hone your skills and start your own business. A project brought to fruition, a dream realized.
I wish this lady all the success in the world.
Starting next week she is in business for herself.
Ink Blotter is a very cool blog that is in my Blogs Worth a Look links.
It is definitely a step on the road of personal development to hone your skills and start your own business. A project brought to fruition, a dream realized.
I wish this lady all the success in the world.
Tuesday
every thought you think
One idea that runs through the lexicon of self improvement is that you are what you think.
In fact one of the earliest books on self improvement was called "As a Man Thinketh" and it is available for free on the web here.
The power of our thoughts can be our greatest ally, and our greatest enemy.
Fortunately we can to a very great extent guide our thoughts, in doing so our thoughts will guide us to the desired outcome.
There is a constant monologue going on in our mind and it behaves as it does out of habit. Change the habits of this monologue on purpose and you gain that valuable ally.
This 'voice' is often called "self talk" and it should not be confused with "positive thinking" which is a little bit different. Self talk is more about paying attention to what you are thinking and guiding these thoughts.
Self talk does not have to be relentlessly positive but it does need to be reinforcing and it needs to be in your own voice. There are programs you can buy that provide a monologue to listen to, and they are very helpful, but it would be best if they could be in your own voice.
Self talk is easy to construct as it involves a combination of three elements; I, what to do, why.
For example I am not the greatest lover of fruit on the planet so I might say to myself, "I like fruit because it's good for me." instead of saying "I don't like fruit very much."
Pay attention to your thoughts and when you hear one that is not in your favor take a second to write a new thought. Make this writing a little habit and these self talk thoughts will invade your thinking and help guide you to the outcome you want.
I could probably write more about this but for some reason I just remembered that I have some apples and oranges in the other room and I think I would like to have some for breakfast.
In fact one of the earliest books on self improvement was called "As a Man Thinketh" and it is available for free on the web here.
The power of our thoughts can be our greatest ally, and our greatest enemy.
Fortunately we can to a very great extent guide our thoughts, in doing so our thoughts will guide us to the desired outcome.
There is a constant monologue going on in our mind and it behaves as it does out of habit. Change the habits of this monologue on purpose and you gain that valuable ally.
This 'voice' is often called "self talk" and it should not be confused with "positive thinking" which is a little bit different. Self talk is more about paying attention to what you are thinking and guiding these thoughts.
Self talk does not have to be relentlessly positive but it does need to be reinforcing and it needs to be in your own voice. There are programs you can buy that provide a monologue to listen to, and they are very helpful, but it would be best if they could be in your own voice.
Self talk is easy to construct as it involves a combination of three elements; I, what to do, why.
For example I am not the greatest lover of fruit on the planet so I might say to myself, "I like fruit because it's good for me." instead of saying "I don't like fruit very much."
Pay attention to your thoughts and when you hear one that is not in your favor take a second to write a new thought. Make this writing a little habit and these self talk thoughts will invade your thinking and help guide you to the outcome you want.
I could probably write more about this but for some reason I just remembered that I have some apples and oranges in the other room and I think I would like to have some for breakfast.
a helping hand
One thing I have always noticed a shortage of is help and support when you are trying to do something.
Family and friends will tell you that they are there for you but try something different to find out if this true.
Go ahead, tell them you are going to sell Amway and become rich and watch as they distance themselves from you.
Well I have a plan.
If help and support from family and friends is something you can't depend on when you need it then provide it yourself to someone else in need. I think this might work just as well!
For instance you may feel the need to exercise and your family doesn't know why you bother. This wears on you, I know, and sooner or later you get tired of the workout in the gym and the workout defending the workout when you get home.
Well if you can't get support at home then give it to someone else. The act of helping someone who is doing the same thing that you are is invigorating. It will provide you with the energy you should be getting from friends and family.
If you cannot receive what you need then give it away and it will all return to you.
Family and friends will tell you that they are there for you but try something different to find out if this true.
Go ahead, tell them you are going to sell Amway and become rich and watch as they distance themselves from you.
Well I have a plan.
If help and support from family and friends is something you can't depend on when you need it then provide it yourself to someone else in need. I think this might work just as well!
For instance you may feel the need to exercise and your family doesn't know why you bother. This wears on you, I know, and sooner or later you get tired of the workout in the gym and the workout defending the workout when you get home.
Well if you can't get support at home then give it to someone else. The act of helping someone who is doing the same thing that you are is invigorating. It will provide you with the energy you should be getting from friends and family.
If you cannot receive what you need then give it away and it will all return to you.
Monday
ultimate fighter
If you're a sports fan I highly recommend "The Ultimate Fighter" on Spike TV tonight.
I'll be watching it while in the gym.
The show will start off tonight with a painful demonstration of emotion by a tough kid who just lost a fight in last weeks episode. I think he was winning but a swipe across his forehead gave him a cut and he lost the fight because of it.
He doesn't take it very well. It will probably be a little hard to watch but who among us has a natural grace to endure a heart breaking loss at a young age?
The feature of tonight's episode will be the fight at the end of the show. Both of these kids are tough and highly skilled and it will be one helluva combination.
This reality program is a way for these young men to get something out of life at the moment, to win a big prize.
It takes a lot of commitment on their part to try this. More than most of us are willing, or able, to give.
I'll be watching it while in the gym.
The show will start off tonight with a painful demonstration of emotion by a tough kid who just lost a fight in last weeks episode. I think he was winning but a swipe across his forehead gave him a cut and he lost the fight because of it.
He doesn't take it very well. It will probably be a little hard to watch but who among us has a natural grace to endure a heart breaking loss at a young age?
The feature of tonight's episode will be the fight at the end of the show. Both of these kids are tough and highly skilled and it will be one helluva combination.
This reality program is a way for these young men to get something out of life at the moment, to win a big prize.
It takes a lot of commitment on their part to try this. More than most of us are willing, or able, to give.
mind map
A mind map is sort of an outline that has gone wild.
When you outline you plan a project in a very structured manner using the printed word.
When you mind map you create a visulization of your thinking on your ideas, you capture more than just what you can plan for in the structured enviroment. The visual nature of a mind map aids memory so it is a very good skill to develop if you are learning something.
The mind map becomes a thought catcher, it allows room for ideas that you might otherwise over look.
Tony Buzan created the mind map nearly four decades ago.
Here is a link to his site. There are enough instructions there to get you started in mind mapping.
You will also find it very interesting to do a Google image search on the phrase 'mind map' as there are many of them posted to the web.
When you outline you plan a project in a very structured manner using the printed word.
When you mind map you create a visulization of your thinking on your ideas, you capture more than just what you can plan for in the structured enviroment. The visual nature of a mind map aids memory so it is a very good skill to develop if you are learning something.
The mind map becomes a thought catcher, it allows room for ideas that you might otherwise over look.
Tony Buzan created the mind map nearly four decades ago.
Here is a link to his site. There are enough instructions there to get you started in mind mapping.
You will also find it very interesting to do a Google image search on the phrase 'mind map' as there are many of them posted to the web.
fear
It is hard.
It is hard to start something you know you aren't ready for even if you have to.
It's fear. Fear of the unknown and known.
Just going back to the gym for example is paralyzing for some people. They know they must. They know that when they did before they felt better. They know that it could be uncomfortable and even painful, and that they fear.
Even though they are uncomfortable all of the time in their present condition. Even though they already experience pain in their present condition.
They tell themselves it is all just part of growing old. They ignore the people who are older then they are and living active healthy lives.
They fear the process of getting there.
They do not have faith in the body that God gave them.
With faith there is no room for fear.
Do the things you fear and fear will disappear.
It is hard to start something you know you aren't ready for even if you have to.
It's fear. Fear of the unknown and known.
Just going back to the gym for example is paralyzing for some people. They know they must. They know that when they did before they felt better. They know that it could be uncomfortable and even painful, and that they fear.
Even though they are uncomfortable all of the time in their present condition. Even though they already experience pain in their present condition.
They tell themselves it is all just part of growing old. They ignore the people who are older then they are and living active healthy lives.
They fear the process of getting there.
They do not have faith in the body that God gave them.
With faith there is no room for fear.
Do the things you fear and fear will disappear.
canine dental
Snicks goes in for a dental today.
I am really going to have to get with it on her maintenance.
She doesn't much like tooth brushing but she is going to have to change.
Just like the rest of us.
Sunday
more links
I've added some more links in the sidebar.
These are for commercial self improvement sites. They have some useful content but of course they want to sell you the product.
I add the links manually and I really need to study this XHTML stuff.
These are for commercial self improvement sites. They have some useful content but of course they want to sell you the product.
I add the links manually and I really need to study this XHTML stuff.
Saturday
all gummed up
Geoff is a Cadillac man. I can't blame him. They're very nice if you give them a look.
He has an old Fleetwood, beaten by time and the elements and a succession of owners each caring less then the one before. The exhaust needs repair but what really bothered him is that the passenger door wouldn't open.
He came over today with his daughter and his dad. The old man (my younger brother) was lying in the car after they got here trying to get some reaction out of said door.
Geoff wanted to use a slimjim that I have somewhere in my tool boxes but I couldn't find it. I told him we could just use a hanger and give it a go.
He didn't much like that. People today think they need special tools, preferably powered, for everything. Just the same I cut and bent a wire hanger and went to work.
Found the right piece to pull on in about 3 minutes and opened the door.
The mechanism was all gummed up, looked like the wrong type of grease had been applied at sometime and had frozen everything in place. I started spraying Kroil into it and moving things back and forth as best as I could. Geoff pulled the inner door panel for better access and kept the spray treatment up. Worked fine when he quit.
That door had been held shut for the past year and it had kept people from getting in and out on that side of the car, didn't take much to change that.
Sort of like us.
Doesn't take much to keep us from moving on to a better life and it doesn't take much to change that either.
He has an old Fleetwood, beaten by time and the elements and a succession of owners each caring less then the one before. The exhaust needs repair but what really bothered him is that the passenger door wouldn't open.
He came over today with his daughter and his dad. The old man (my younger brother) was lying in the car after they got here trying to get some reaction out of said door.
Geoff wanted to use a slimjim that I have somewhere in my tool boxes but I couldn't find it. I told him we could just use a hanger and give it a go.
He didn't much like that. People today think they need special tools, preferably powered, for everything. Just the same I cut and bent a wire hanger and went to work.
Found the right piece to pull on in about 3 minutes and opened the door.
The mechanism was all gummed up, looked like the wrong type of grease had been applied at sometime and had frozen everything in place. I started spraying Kroil into it and moving things back and forth as best as I could. Geoff pulled the inner door panel for better access and kept the spray treatment up. Worked fine when he quit.
That door had been held shut for the past year and it had kept people from getting in and out on that side of the car, didn't take much to change that.
Sort of like us.
Doesn't take much to keep us from moving on to a better life and it doesn't take much to change that either.
why you should blog
Write to make it happen.
Write about what you want to do and about what who you want to be.
Write for yourself, everyday.
You're on the computer almost everyday so your own blog would be a few clicks away.
Write about the steps you are taking to make improvements in your life.
The writing will help to fuel the work you are doing.
How many times have you started to make improvements only to give up after a while?
Writing everyday can help prevent that.
Start your project and then start your blog.
Let them both grow together.
Write it down, make it happen.
Write about what you want to do and about what who you want to be.
Write for yourself, everyday.
You're on the computer almost everyday so your own blog would be a few clicks away.
Write about the steps you are taking to make improvements in your life.
The writing will help to fuel the work you are doing.
How many times have you started to make improvements only to give up after a while?
Writing everyday can help prevent that.
Start your project and then start your blog.
Let them both grow together.
Write it down, make it happen.
Friday
Imus has a cow!
I should look to the New York Post for headlines more often, they seem to be pretty good at it.
Here is a story about radio personality Don Imus and his charity ranch out in New Mexico.
Seems he is being questioned about use and money and he is pretty P.O.'d about it.
Comes with the territory when you set up a tax exempt charity. If the books are in order then he has nothing to worry about.
Here is the follow up story from the Wall Street Journal, they are the ones who got this ball rolling.
Here is a story about radio personality Don Imus and his charity ranch out in New Mexico.
Seems he is being questioned about use and money and he is pretty P.O.'d about it.
Comes with the territory when you set up a tax exempt charity. If the books are in order then he has nothing to worry about.
Here is the follow up story from the Wall Street Journal, they are the ones who got this ball rolling.
mute button
Advertisers are to blame for worn out buttons all over America.
For some reason they insist that their advertisements be louder than the shows that are on.
Consequently the poor little 'mute' button on all the remote controls gets a lot of extra wear.
I'm not sure this is the effect the advertisers wanted.
I turn away and read when this happens but sometimes I look up and watch in the blessed silence. I can tell what they are selling without the noise.
They are selling the American dream. Beautiful people in wonderful houses living the good life, and most of them really don't have anything to do but enjoy their leisure time. I don't know these people.
Nevertheless you can be just like them if you buy the product. You want to be like that so you will want to buy the product. Won't you?
It's a great system, keeps the economy humming along and that is good for all of us. It's humming so well that it doesn't miss the many people who drop out of the system all of the time.
Yes there are people who get out. Keep the old car going, ride a bike, make do with things they already have. People who find more satisfaction in a job that pays less than the job they used to have. Go shopping at garage sales and auctions and flee markets. Drink tap water by choice.
There is a lot to it, it's called voluntary simplicity, and it's a pretty good idea.
For some reason they insist that their advertisements be louder than the shows that are on.
Consequently the poor little 'mute' button on all the remote controls gets a lot of extra wear.
I'm not sure this is the effect the advertisers wanted.
I turn away and read when this happens but sometimes I look up and watch in the blessed silence. I can tell what they are selling without the noise.
They are selling the American dream. Beautiful people in wonderful houses living the good life, and most of them really don't have anything to do but enjoy their leisure time. I don't know these people.
Nevertheless you can be just like them if you buy the product. You want to be like that so you will want to buy the product. Won't you?
It's a great system, keeps the economy humming along and that is good for all of us. It's humming so well that it doesn't miss the many people who drop out of the system all of the time.
Yes there are people who get out. Keep the old car going, ride a bike, make do with things they already have. People who find more satisfaction in a job that pays less than the job they used to have. Go shopping at garage sales and auctions and flee markets. Drink tap water by choice.
There is a lot to it, it's called voluntary simplicity, and it's a pretty good idea.
pitiful
Amazing! Detroit columnist says injured motorcyclists shouldn't be given medical treatment.
I don't need to write anymore about this moron, read the story at the AMA.
I don't need to write anymore about this moron, read the story at the AMA.
clocky
Here is an alarm clock that rolls off the table and hides after you hit the snooze button.
When it goes off again you have to get up and look for it before you can turn it off. It hides in a different spot everyday. It comes to us by way of MIT.
The whole idea of a snooze button sort of emulates human behavior, doesn't it? I mean we do something that we would like to quit, and an alarm goes off to remind us of this but we just hit some mental snooze button and keep on going.
We have a terrible time breaking bad habits because of that snooze button. Just hearing that alarm that tells us to stop isn't enough. The whole system that we have in place doesn't work. That's why you have to replace bad habits with good habits. You have to do something instead of what you use to do. Just stopping doesn't work, you have to move on to something else or you will be right back where you don't want to be.
Want change? Don't hit the snooze button.
When it goes off again you have to get up and look for it before you can turn it off. It hides in a different spot everyday. It comes to us by way of MIT.
The whole idea of a snooze button sort of emulates human behavior, doesn't it? I mean we do something that we would like to quit, and an alarm goes off to remind us of this but we just hit some mental snooze button and keep on going.
We have a terrible time breaking bad habits because of that snooze button. Just hearing that alarm that tells us to stop isn't enough. The whole system that we have in place doesn't work. That's why you have to replace bad habits with good habits. You have to do something instead of what you use to do. Just stopping doesn't work, you have to move on to something else or you will be right back where you don't want to be.
Want change? Don't hit the snooze button.
Thursday
value
"Try not to become a man of success but rather try to become a man of value." Albert Einstein
Wow! Think about that a little bit. A man of value.
Value is what keeps people coming back. Give good value for yourself.
Think about the people you like to spend time with. You enjoy that time, it is rewarding.
People should find time with you rewarding too. They will want to spend time with you. Your employer will want to keep you around. Potential business partners will decide in your favor.
Value. Be sure that you provide an experience for others that is valued.
Wow! Think about that a little bit. A man of value.
Value is what keeps people coming back. Give good value for yourself.
Think about the people you like to spend time with. You enjoy that time, it is rewarding.
People should find time with you rewarding too. They will want to spend time with you. Your employer will want to keep you around. Potential business partners will decide in your favor.
Value. Be sure that you provide an experience for others that is valued.
incremental
Here's a view of the space above my desk at home.
There's almost 150 books on those two shelves.
I have 7 more shelves, 6 feet long, on the wall behind me.
Then there are three 'regular' stand up book shelves in the room, all full.
Then there is a closet with all of the floor space stacked high.
Another four stacks of magazines under the table.
And four more stacks at the end of the room under a window.
And then there is a staircase in the house that turns on its way up,
there are boxes and boxes of books under that turn.
A few stray books have lost their way and are upstairs on the 3rd floor too.
I've done this to myself incrementally.
There is always a reason to pick up another book or magazine.
Just goes to show what you can do one step at a time.
Sort of.
lists
Some how or other I've got myself a four day weekend. Trying to stave off possible inactivity I've made myself a list of things to do.
That is the easy part.
It will be easier still to let the list lay dormant, to not open the door when opportunity knocks. For that is surely what available time is, opportunity knocking. Time is the only thing that we really have, and we have less of it, well, all the time.
Friday is my anniversary date at work, twenty five years. Thirty eight days later is another anniversary, my fiftieth birthday. These two dates mark the passing of another aniversary, one already gone by, one most people might think of but wouldn't put their finger on. I have spent half of my life working in the same place. That is all time I have spent and I sure don't have that much left.
If you want to get things done, writing lists is a good place to start. Doing the items on the list is the second half; the game isn't over until you play the second half.
Here is a short list by Sally Ride, astronaut.
Three Secrets to Success
That is the easy part.
It will be easier still to let the list lay dormant, to not open the door when opportunity knocks. For that is surely what available time is, opportunity knocking. Time is the only thing that we really have, and we have less of it, well, all the time.
Friday is my anniversary date at work, twenty five years. Thirty eight days later is another anniversary, my fiftieth birthday. These two dates mark the passing of another aniversary, one already gone by, one most people might think of but wouldn't put their finger on. I have spent half of my life working in the same place. That is all time I have spent and I sure don't have that much left.
If you want to get things done, writing lists is a good place to start. Doing the items on the list is the second half; the game isn't over until you play the second half.
Here is a short list by Sally Ride, astronaut.
Three Secrets to Success
- Be willing to learn new things.
- Be able to assimilate new information quickly.
- Be able to get along with and work with other people.
Wednesday
wrapped around her finger
I have to admit a weekness.
Her name is Snickers. She gets what she wants too often. We go to the vet Thursday and I will get one of those little lectures on the matter.
She's got me wrapped around her little finger, or toe.
But I've got her eating out of my hand. She doesn't like bowls.
Anyway I'm going to work early today so I don't know when I will squeeze in a post on the subject we are all interested in, but I will get back to it.
Her name is Snickers. She gets what she wants too often. We go to the vet Thursday and I will get one of those little lectures on the matter.
She's got me wrapped around her little finger, or toe.
But I've got her eating out of my hand. She doesn't like bowls.
Anyway I'm going to work early today so I don't know when I will squeeze in a post on the subject we are all interested in, but I will get back to it.
Tuesday
simple
I am really running out of time today so I am compelled to simply link to a site of interest to my readers.
This is The Simple Living Network, a resource for all things, well, simple.
I will write more about simple living in the future, as soon as I start to really do something about it myself!
This is The Simple Living Network, a resource for all things, well, simple.
I will write more about simple living in the future, as soon as I start to really do something about it myself!
Monday
13 virtues
Ben Franklins 13 virtues. He created this list when he was 22, placed it in a notebook that he kept with him for the rest of his life and resolved to concentrate on one every week. When the cycle was complete he started over.
These were the values that governed his life. It is important enough that all of us should do something similar.Temperance Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation
Silence Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation.
Order Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time.
Resolution Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve.
Frugality Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; i.e., waste nothing.
Industry Lose no time; be always employ'd in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions.
Sincerity Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly.
Justice Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty.
Moderation Avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.
Cleanliness Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, clothes, or habitation.
Tranquillity Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.
Chastity Rarely use venery but for health or offspring, never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another's peace or reputation.
Humility Imitate Jesus and Socrates.
Sunday
memory
I am sorry to say it, but people at work say "Hi Chris" to me all the time and of course I respond in kind but I can't remember their names. I simply have never taken the time to work on my memory skills.
This comes to mind when I learn of the great skills people are capable of attaining if they want to. Here is a great article at Slate about the U.S. Memory Championships.
"To attain the rank of grand master of memory, you must be able to perform three seemingly superhuman feats. You have to memorize 1,000 digits in under an hour, the precise order of 10 shuffled decks of playing cards in the same amount of time, and one shuffled deck in less than two minutes. There are 36 grand masters of memory in the world."
Of course this is not some new phenomena. The great Ohio State basketball player Jerry Lucas has made teaching memory systems his career after finishing his playing days. He has a website for his business, Lucas Education, and he has a new moniker too, Dr. Memory. This seems to be a much better pursuit than the fast food restaurant he opened on Huy Road, about a mile from my house but just blocks from my school, when I was a kid.
Before Mr. Lucas there was a fellow by the name of Harry Loraine selling techniques for memory systems. They even did a book together.
"Systematic strategies for strengthening long-term retention and retrieval of information are referred to as mnemonic strategies." That's the opening line from a basic article on the subject at Purdue Calumet.
It sounds incredible but the skills needed to memorise lots of things are not that hard to obtain.
It just takes a little bit of practice.
This comes to mind when I learn of the great skills people are capable of attaining if they want to. Here is a great article at Slate about the U.S. Memory Championships.
"To attain the rank of grand master of memory, you must be able to perform three seemingly superhuman feats. You have to memorize 1,000 digits in under an hour, the precise order of 10 shuffled decks of playing cards in the same amount of time, and one shuffled deck in less than two minutes. There are 36 grand masters of memory in the world."
Of course this is not some new phenomena. The great Ohio State basketball player Jerry Lucas has made teaching memory systems his career after finishing his playing days. He has a website for his business, Lucas Education, and he has a new moniker too, Dr. Memory. This seems to be a much better pursuit than the fast food restaurant he opened on Huy Road, about a mile from my house but just blocks from my school, when I was a kid.
Before Mr. Lucas there was a fellow by the name of Harry Loraine selling techniques for memory systems. They even did a book together.
"Systematic strategies for strengthening long-term retention and retrieval of information are referred to as mnemonic strategies." That's the opening line from a basic article on the subject at Purdue Calumet.
It sounds incredible but the skills needed to memorise lots of things are not that hard to obtain.
It just takes a little bit of practice.
details
Went to the auto show Saturday with my nephew and his girlfriend. I brought along a digital camera for pictures. Car shows aren't good places to get pictures of cars, too many people crowding about.
I don't know how but the camera got switched from still pictures to movies and we only got seven shots, none of which looks printable.
Reminds one to pay attention to the details when you execute a plan. And to be familiar with your equipment.
I don't know how but the camera got switched from still pictures to movies and we only got seven shots, none of which looks printable.
Reminds one to pay attention to the details when you execute a plan. And to be familiar with your equipment.
Friday
10 weeks
I've just set down my guitar after a bit of practice. That's an overstatement.
I tuned it and fingered a scale for a few minutes. At least that is better than not doing anything with it which is my usual habit. I will have to pick it up again after work.
I've laid out an ambitious plan to return to strength. After reviewing my work out diary I figure that I can return to a level I have been at before in just 10 short weeks. That will be 40 workouts. The amount of workouts is similar to what I did just two years ago but I think I am pushing the timeline. I will also be using less variety in equipment.
10 weeks just doesn't seem like very much at all. Nevertheless big changes will happen and I will enjoy myself more through the bike riding season. It will also make going to races and other events much more pleasurable.
Where could you be in 10 weeks if you did something versus where you will be if you don't do anything at all?
I tuned it and fingered a scale for a few minutes. At least that is better than not doing anything with it which is my usual habit. I will have to pick it up again after work.
I've laid out an ambitious plan to return to strength. After reviewing my work out diary I figure that I can return to a level I have been at before in just 10 short weeks. That will be 40 workouts. The amount of workouts is similar to what I did just two years ago but I think I am pushing the timeline. I will also be using less variety in equipment.
10 weeks just doesn't seem like very much at all. Nevertheless big changes will happen and I will enjoy myself more through the bike riding season. It will also make going to races and other events much more pleasurable.
Where could you be in 10 weeks if you did something versus where you will be if you don't do anything at all?
cruisers
My brother and I had identical Huffy Silver Streaks back in the 60's.
He let his get stolen and I guess I can't remember what happened to mine, must have outgrown it by high school.
Cruisers remain my favorite choice of bike to this day. I have 2, both Schwinns, a Heavy Duti and a Deluxe Supreme.
I much prefer riding a bike to an exercise bike in the gym. When you start to get tired indoors you get off and hit the showers. When you start to get tired on the real thing you still have to turn around and go all the way back. Twice the workout.
Here is Felt Racing's cruiser page, skip through the models and enjoy.
He let his get stolen and I guess I can't remember what happened to mine, must have outgrown it by high school.
Cruisers remain my favorite choice of bike to this day. I have 2, both Schwinns, a Heavy Duti and a Deluxe Supreme.
I much prefer riding a bike to an exercise bike in the gym. When you start to get tired indoors you get off and hit the showers. When you start to get tired on the real thing you still have to turn around and go all the way back. Twice the workout.
Here is Felt Racing's cruiser page, skip through the models and enjoy.
13 things
I had trouble getting on line for the past 12 hours and when I did this is what I found.
13 things that do not make sense, at NewScientist.com
The list includes an event that happened right in nearby Delaware Ohio.
A good read if you are so inclined.
13 things that do not make sense, at NewScientist.com
The list includes an event that happened right in nearby Delaware Ohio.
A good read if you are so inclined.
Thursday
lost its appeal
The place where I work has associate lunches once in a while. A big plate of sometimes edible food for a buck.
Since I work on 2nd shift with a small crew I had to go in early to enjoy this benefit. Two beef brisket sandwiches, potatoes, Cole slaw and a coke, I skipped the cookies.
After two weeks of drinking nothing but water the coke had completely lost its appeal. I use to love the stuff but now I could taste the tinny flavor of the can. I hope it has lost its hold on me.
Since I work on 2nd shift with a small crew I had to go in early to enjoy this benefit. Two beef brisket sandwiches, potatoes, Cole slaw and a coke, I skipped the cookies.
After two weeks of drinking nothing but water the coke had completely lost its appeal. I use to love the stuff but now I could taste the tinny flavor of the can. I hope it has lost its hold on me.
Wednesday
time management
When I was young I went to the mall. It was just something to do, something pointless, never got me anywhere. Passing the time.
I had never learned to control my time. It has been hard ever since.
If you are looking to make changes start with controlling your time. Of course you have to play the cards already dealt. You can control the time you get up but you can't control (without effort) the time it takes you to drive to work, you've already made a compromise on that. You can control what you do while commuting to work. You can listen to the radio, something pointless, or you can listen to audio books and programs.
Start with one event a day, something you have control over. We have to condition ourselves to accept new habits.
Don't be fooled by optimism. Don't scoff at the whole idea of managing your time now because you will have more time in the future, you won't. Time is the only thing that we all really have and we have less today than we did yesterday.
You cannot save time either. You have what you have and you either spend it productively or you don't. It's gone either way after that.
Start making choices about managing your time.
I had never learned to control my time. It has been hard ever since.
If you are looking to make changes start with controlling your time. Of course you have to play the cards already dealt. You can control the time you get up but you can't control (without effort) the time it takes you to drive to work, you've already made a compromise on that. You can control what you do while commuting to work. You can listen to the radio, something pointless, or you can listen to audio books and programs.
Start with one event a day, something you have control over. We have to condition ourselves to accept new habits.
Don't be fooled by optimism. Don't scoff at the whole idea of managing your time now because you will have more time in the future, you won't. Time is the only thing that we all really have and we have less today than we did yesterday.
You cannot save time either. You have what you have and you either spend it productively or you don't. It's gone either way after that.
Start making choices about managing your time.
looking for a title
Ideas evolve. I was thinking of starting a web site, of abandoning this blog, of focusing on a new idea. That idea has evolved.
Now, I'm looking for a title for my next blog.
It will be another blogspot, I guess I like it here.
The idea is evolving from something a little too complicated into something a little more manageable. It will serve as a springboard to my goals rather than trying to be the end product out of the box. The work will be more or less the same if just a little less complicated.
Now I can take my time learning the latest HTML and CSS code.
I just need to find a good title.
Now, I'm looking for a title for my next blog.
It will be another blogspot, I guess I like it here.
The idea is evolving from something a little too complicated into something a little more manageable. It will serve as a springboard to my goals rather than trying to be the end product out of the box. The work will be more or less the same if just a little less complicated.
Now I can take my time learning the latest HTML and CSS code.
I just need to find a good title.
experimenting with vegetables
Since my 6 day fast I am limiting myself to mostly fruits and vegetables.
I had a cold naval orange yesterday and wondered why anyone would buy a candy bar when they could have one of these.
I've also been working on some vegetable mixes that can be easily thrown together and eaten for lunch. Simple combinations of vegetables and spices over a sauce or light cheese. Nuke and go.
Of course all simple things tend to get more complicated. It won't be long before I am roasting one or two of the veggies for added flavor. Making spice blends from fresh instead of just shaking out the contents of some bottle.
Before you know it, it won't taste all that good at all. I'll make it all too complicated and will completely lose the original, and simple, idea.
Twenty years ago I could make a fantastic stew. It cleared your sinuses with the first spoonful. It was great in the winter. It really isn't the same when I make it now. I think.
Of course that leads to the crux of the tail. Our perceptions change as we go along and we cannot see things as we once did. It's called perspective.
I had a cold naval orange yesterday and wondered why anyone would buy a candy bar when they could have one of these.
I've also been working on some vegetable mixes that can be easily thrown together and eaten for lunch. Simple combinations of vegetables and spices over a sauce or light cheese. Nuke and go.
Of course all simple things tend to get more complicated. It won't be long before I am roasting one or two of the veggies for added flavor. Making spice blends from fresh instead of just shaking out the contents of some bottle.
Before you know it, it won't taste all that good at all. I'll make it all too complicated and will completely lose the original, and simple, idea.
Twenty years ago I could make a fantastic stew. It cleared your sinuses with the first spoonful. It was great in the winter. It really isn't the same when I make it now. I think.
Of course that leads to the crux of the tail. Our perceptions change as we go along and we cannot see things as we once did. It's called perspective.
slice of black
It started with Ink Blotter, I had pressed the 'Next Blog' button and actually found something worthwhile.
The writing was interesting. The set up was interesting. The links are interesting. Be sure to look through her links.
What this middle aged white guy found was a slice of black America. One blog among many, all linking to each other, all pretty interesting.
Don't agree with some of the viewpoints in all these blogs but they tell stories and are often well illustrated.
Check them out and bookmark some for future viewing.
The writing was interesting. The set up was interesting. The links are interesting. Be sure to look through her links.
What this middle aged white guy found was a slice of black America. One blog among many, all linking to each other, all pretty interesting.
Don't agree with some of the viewpoints in all these blogs but they tell stories and are often well illustrated.
Check them out and bookmark some for future viewing.
running in black
A story running in the black blogosphere is about the brutal murder of Rashawn Brazell. Try Kendal Brown's Pondering Negro blog for the story.
The great lament is that the national, and even the local, media are not covering the story.
The capriciousness of the Main Stream Media cannot be overestimated.
A murder happened in Columbus 25 years ago that was nearly as brutal as this one. Monday the killer won parole, the story did not get a lot of attention.
A story needs a complete set of elements to attract attention. It needs a personable victim with lots of details and pictures, it needs a suspect, it needs someone that can fall from grace, someone we can have doubts about, and someone we can cheer on to victory. A story needs a cast of characters before the media will jump on to it.
There are 15 to 16 thousand murders in the USA every year. Almost all of them are between the murderer and the victim. That's too small a cast for the media to show much interest.
The great lament is that the national, and even the local, media are not covering the story.
The capriciousness of the Main Stream Media cannot be overestimated.
A murder happened in Columbus 25 years ago that was nearly as brutal as this one. Monday the killer won parole, the story did not get a lot of attention.
A story needs a complete set of elements to attract attention. It needs a personable victim with lots of details and pictures, it needs a suspect, it needs someone that can fall from grace, someone we can have doubts about, and someone we can cheer on to victory. A story needs a cast of characters before the media will jump on to it.
There are 15 to 16 thousand murders in the USA every year. Almost all of them are between the murderer and the victim. That's too small a cast for the media to show much interest.
attention control
Give me a chance and I'll pound out 4 or 5 three hundred word articles for this blog in quick time.
I really don't find it too hard at all, unless I am interrupted. Then my mind goes to the distraction and goes away from the work at hand.
POOF! It's gone in an instant. Can't do it after that, can't make the connection after it's been broken, will get back to it later.
I don't think this is at all that unusual.
We all probably share this problem, it just happens to us in different ways.
Successful change depends on us controlling our attention. Keep your mind on the things you want and off the things you don't want.
I really don't find it too hard at all, unless I am interrupted. Then my mind goes to the distraction and goes away from the work at hand.
POOF! It's gone in an instant. Can't do it after that, can't make the connection after it's been broken, will get back to it later.
I don't think this is at all that unusual.
We all probably share this problem, it just happens to us in different ways.
Successful change depends on us controlling our attention. Keep your mind on the things you want and off the things you don't want.
Tuesday
i can't help myself
Once in a while I like to write about something that falls into the realm of politics. Like my recent post on foreign ownership of American property.
However I do try to be careful not to reveal my personal stand on these matters. Of course that is sometimes due to the position merely being one of degrees.
I often, in life outside of the Ordeal, say things just to spark thinking on the part of the listener. It seems a lot of people have firm ideas about things and are allergic to thoughts that don't support these ideas.
Nowadays, I sometimes think of my great great grandparents, immigrants from Italy and Germany. Fleeing homelands that held no future for them, living with other immigrants in poor conditions until they got their start, taking jobs that were at the bottom of the ladder and working their way up, living among people who didn't want them around.
It is easy to think about them again because Ohio is filled with people who are doing the same thing.
However I do try to be careful not to reveal my personal stand on these matters. Of course that is sometimes due to the position merely being one of degrees.
I often, in life outside of the Ordeal, say things just to spark thinking on the part of the listener. It seems a lot of people have firm ideas about things and are allergic to thoughts that don't support these ideas.
Nowadays, I sometimes think of my great great grandparents, immigrants from Italy and Germany. Fleeing homelands that held no future for them, living with other immigrants in poor conditions until they got their start, taking jobs that were at the bottom of the ladder and working their way up, living among people who didn't want them around.
It is easy to think about them again because Ohio is filled with people who are doing the same thing.
like gettin robbed
Watty came into work last night, upset, he had a bad day.
Lost a faux wire wheel hub cap on the way home in the morning.
Lost a hard drive later on.
Losing a hard drive is like getting robbed. When you spend lots of time on the computer doing things you end up with a lot of stuff on the hard drive. It can all be gone in an instant.
I've lost two in the last five years. One I screwed up myself, it was a multi boot set up and I was adding a new operating system to a partition when I formatted the whole thing instead. The other one I lost to a power outage, and I did have a surge protector.
The second one was like getting robbed, there were things on there that I thought I would like to keep. Gone in an instant
So now I have two hard drives in this PC, one for running and one for storage.
Now if I would just get in the habit of actually storing stuff on that second hard drive.
Lost a faux wire wheel hub cap on the way home in the morning.
Lost a hard drive later on.
Losing a hard drive is like getting robbed. When you spend lots of time on the computer doing things you end up with a lot of stuff on the hard drive. It can all be gone in an instant.
I've lost two in the last five years. One I screwed up myself, it was a multi boot set up and I was adding a new operating system to a partition when I formatted the whole thing instead. The other one I lost to a power outage, and I did have a surge protector.
The second one was like getting robbed, there were things on there that I thought I would like to keep. Gone in an instant
So now I have two hard drives in this PC, one for running and one for storage.
Now if I would just get in the habit of actually storing stuff on that second hard drive.
Monday
throw it out
Just spent the weekend working on my writing area. Things had really gotten out of hand.
Threw away most of my old notebooks, some were nearly full and some were nearly empty.
I was reading through the entries from 1999, a particularly hard year for me.
Some things that were important then are not important now.
Some things that I wanted to do never got done.
That's the way it goes when you do not put one major goal right in front of you, life gets in the way and opportunity drifts away. Five years from now you think of it and wonder why you're not there yet.
Throw out the flotsam and set a major purpose to aim at, don't let the years go by.
Threw away most of my old notebooks, some were nearly full and some were nearly empty.
I was reading through the entries from 1999, a particularly hard year for me.
Some things that were important then are not important now.
Some things that I wanted to do never got done.
That's the way it goes when you do not put one major goal right in front of you, life gets in the way and opportunity drifts away. Five years from now you think of it and wonder why you're not there yet.
Throw out the flotsam and set a major purpose to aim at, don't let the years go by.
Sunday
i just had to link to this
Sort of a fantasy league for music fans.
Pick the songs Bob Dylan will play most often on his current tour and enter for a chance to win great prizes. Okay, quirky prizes.
It's all at Dylan Pool.
Pick the songs Bob Dylan will play most often on his current tour and enter for a chance to win great prizes. Okay, quirky prizes.
It's all at Dylan Pool.
Friday
your greatest asset
It was easy to find a spot, I was only the 6th car in the parking lot.
I heard some odd noise as I put my bank machine money in my wallet before getting out, 'Must be trucks backing up at the freight terminal' I thought.
I stepped out into the cold black night and noticed the sound was an alarm emanating from the store.
For a moment, I thought twice about going in.
It was, after all, 1:30 in the morning.
In I went just the same, got a cart, and went about my business. Picked up the fruits and vegetables I needed. The 3 or 4 employees I saw were going about their business too.
The alarm kept ringing. Loud and clear.
I headed for the checkout, 2 young men got there first. Buying munchies. Doughnuts. I know where life will lead them if they keep that up.
They checked out no problem. I put my items on the belt and waited. And waited.
The register had crashed. The girl running it was rebooting, but she couldn't be bothered with telling me that, she just stared into the keyboard.
After I finally checked out I asked her about the alarm.
"What's that alarm ringing for?"
"I don't know."
"Seems to do it all the time." I said.
"I'm not here all the time." she responded in a voice without character.
Your personality is your greatest asset or your greatest liability.
I heard some odd noise as I put my bank machine money in my wallet before getting out, 'Must be trucks backing up at the freight terminal' I thought.
I stepped out into the cold black night and noticed the sound was an alarm emanating from the store.
For a moment, I thought twice about going in.
It was, after all, 1:30 in the morning.
In I went just the same, got a cart, and went about my business. Picked up the fruits and vegetables I needed. The 3 or 4 employees I saw were going about their business too.
The alarm kept ringing. Loud and clear.
I headed for the checkout, 2 young men got there first. Buying munchies. Doughnuts. I know where life will lead them if they keep that up.
They checked out no problem. I put my items on the belt and waited. And waited.
The register had crashed. The girl running it was rebooting, but she couldn't be bothered with telling me that, she just stared into the keyboard.
After I finally checked out I asked her about the alarm.
"What's that alarm ringing for?"
"I don't know."
"Seems to do it all the time." I said.
"I'm not here all the time." she responded in a voice without character.
Your personality is your greatest asset or your greatest liability.
Thursday
mmm mmm good
I brought the spoon up to my mouth in anxious anticipation, I had not eaten any hot food in a week.
In it went and I wasn't disappointed. "Wow! That's good!"
I'm sure Monty, sitting at the table, thought I was exaggerating, he's gotten use to home cooking of late and the idea that Campbell's Chunky Savory Vegetable soup might be really good probably doesn't occur to him.
But I know better since I was coming off a six day fast and everything tasted good.
Notwithstanding the goodness of the Campbell's, Saturday I expect to be making my own savory soup.
File under cooking with gas.
In it went and I wasn't disappointed. "Wow! That's good!"
I'm sure Monty, sitting at the table, thought I was exaggerating, he's gotten use to home cooking of late and the idea that Campbell's Chunky Savory Vegetable soup might be really good probably doesn't occur to him.
But I know better since I was coming off a six day fast and everything tasted good.
Notwithstanding the goodness of the Campbell's, Saturday I expect to be making my own savory soup.
File under cooking with gas.
hey bloggers
If you're a blogger and you want traffic at your site here is a tip.
The 'Next Blog' button at Blogger.com works like this; it takes you to a recently updated blog. That's why you will often get brand new ones with little or no content if you click through it a couple of times.
I'm not 100% sure but I think traffic is highest during the workday. All those people in their cubicles across North America are sitting in front of their computers and some of them check out blogs sometime during the day.
Now put those 2 observations together and you know that to get random traffic at your blog you need to post in the morning (primetime.) But 1 time is not enough, you will only get 5 or 6 hits if you post once.
Throw that observation into the mix and you know that if you post multiple times in the morning you will get a lot of random hits.
So here is the plan. Write 12 cogent pieces with great opening sentences every day and post them about 15 minutes apart all morning long.
You'll get 50 hits!
Of course it is all pointless if none of those people ever come back so make sure your writing is great and that you have something to say. Simple, huh?
One more thing, I had trouble getting one post into Blogger this morning, their servers seemed to be stumbling. Oh well!
The 'Next Blog' button at Blogger.com works like this; it takes you to a recently updated blog. That's why you will often get brand new ones with little or no content if you click through it a couple of times.
I'm not 100% sure but I think traffic is highest during the workday. All those people in their cubicles across North America are sitting in front of their computers and some of them check out blogs sometime during the day.
Now put those 2 observations together and you know that to get random traffic at your blog you need to post in the morning (primetime.) But 1 time is not enough, you will only get 5 or 6 hits if you post once.
Throw that observation into the mix and you know that if you post multiple times in the morning you will get a lot of random hits.
So here is the plan. Write 12 cogent pieces with great opening sentences every day and post them about 15 minutes apart all morning long.
You'll get 50 hits!
Of course it is all pointless if none of those people ever come back so make sure your writing is great and that you have something to say. Simple, huh?
One more thing, I had trouble getting one post into Blogger this morning, their servers seemed to be stumbling. Oh well!
why write?
Why write down your goals? Why write down your definite major purpose? You already know what you want why bother writing it down?
Because you have to keep your eyes on the prize, because you have to keep your goals right there in front of you or you will be distracted.
I have a brother who tells his mother about once a year that he is going to come out and have lunch with her every week. He does this for about two or three weeks and that's the end of it. What's going on here? I know he means well, I know he meant it when he said it. Why is he incapable of following up on his intentions?
Because he doesn't have them right in front of him to look at every day.
Let's say you want to read Ulysses by James Joyce, a difficult read but worth the effort. You start out by reading a few pages and you set the book back on your shelf. Maybe you take it down again tomorrow, maybe you don't. Why? Because you put it back on the shelf and it just blended into line of books that are there, you didn't leave it out front to see.
There should be things you want to do and you need to keep them right out in front of you so you can act on them everyday. That is why you need to write down you goals and tape the list up where you can see it.
Wednesday
think think think
"Success comes to those who become success conscious.
Failure comes to those who indifferently allow themselves to become failure conscious."
Napoleon Hill, Think & Grow Rich
There it is, written circa 1936 after 18 years of study. The basis of self improvement, self development or whatever you would prefer to call it.
Learn how to think.
Of course you already know how to think but is it helping you or are you just treading water before you drown?
Think. Think. Think.
Have a goal. Observe success. Forget the word impossible. Stop measuring by your yard stick.
Whatever you decide to do someone else has done something similar, learn from them.
Setbacks are just new opportunities.
Be objective.
Most of all, stop wasting time.
Failure comes to those who indifferently allow themselves to become failure conscious."
Napoleon Hill, Think & Grow Rich
There it is, written circa 1936 after 18 years of study. The basis of self improvement, self development or whatever you would prefer to call it.
Learn how to think.
Of course you already know how to think but is it helping you or are you just treading water before you drown?
Think. Think. Think.
Have a goal. Observe success. Forget the word impossible. Stop measuring by your yard stick.
Whatever you decide to do someone else has done something similar, learn from them.
Setbacks are just new opportunities.
Be objective.
Most of all, stop wasting time.
over fast
The fast is over. 6 days no food just water. No problem. Lost 21 pounds and feel much better.
Some unexpected intestinal issues told me I was done this morning, I won't go into the details.
Easy to figure out why though, lack of preparation. I simply didn't bother to taper down to the fast. Did the same thing last time I fasted. Won't happen next time.
Had a salad seasoned with spices and vinegar. Oranges and pineapple slices on top, and some vegetable cheese substitute from the health foods section, and some unsalted peanuts. A more delicate soul might be advised to quite on half an orange, I live recklessly.
Will have the same salad again later and some vegetable soup also. That will be it for the day.
I am going to become very friendly with the produce section at the grocer. I will be on fruits and vegetables for a while to maintain progress on my definite major purpose.
Never been much of a fruit and veggie guy but a fast clears the decks, levels the playing field, all flavors get a new respect. I plan to eat more of it than appeals to me even now.
I won't go hungry.
Some unexpected intestinal issues told me I was done this morning, I won't go into the details.
Easy to figure out why though, lack of preparation. I simply didn't bother to taper down to the fast. Did the same thing last time I fasted. Won't happen next time.
Had a salad seasoned with spices and vinegar. Oranges and pineapple slices on top, and some vegetable cheese substitute from the health foods section, and some unsalted peanuts. A more delicate soul might be advised to quite on half an orange, I live recklessly.
Will have the same salad again later and some vegetable soup also. That will be it for the day.
I am going to become very friendly with the produce section at the grocer. I will be on fruits and vegetables for a while to maintain progress on my definite major purpose.
Never been much of a fruit and veggie guy but a fast clears the decks, levels the playing field, all flavors get a new respect. I plan to eat more of it than appeals to me even now.
I won't go hungry.
yeah, sure
Here is a perfect example of a failure of common sense.
It is a failure of course, only if you believe it. Some people probably do.
API applied the Body Mass Index to NBA players and found that, by this criteria, a bunch of them were overweight.
Here is a link to an ABC News article on it.
The BMI can be a valuable tool but to believe in applies to 100% of people is a mistake. The NBA story illustrates this.
It is the same with many of the tools we use, they all have value but you have to know when to use them and when not to. Use the right tool for the job.
It is a failure of course, only if you believe it. Some people probably do.
API applied the Body Mass Index to NBA players and found that, by this criteria, a bunch of them were overweight.
Here is a link to an ABC News article on it.
The BMI can be a valuable tool but to believe in applies to 100% of people is a mistake. The NBA story illustrates this.
It is the same with many of the tools we use, they all have value but you have to know when to use them and when not to. Use the right tool for the job.
Tuesday
will
It all boils down to will power.
In the 6th day of my fast I have only my will between me and the end of the fast.
If I have the will power I will continue through the week and reap greater rewards.
Will power is a rare commodity, few of us have as much as we would like. It takes practice.
G. Gordon Liddy used to practice. He used to light a flame and stick a finger in it, and hold it there. He got to the point where he could just hold his hand steady as his flesh burned.
A little too much for me.
Will power is a great tool to have at hand. You can avoid a lot of the waste in your life if you have will power. It might seem like you are missing something but you aren't.
A good example to consider can be found in the work place. Look at a sample of hundreds of people in a large company, all of them making about the same income. Some live in run down homes and drive broken down cars, and some live in fabulous homes and have great cars. Why is there a difference?
Because of will power.
In the 6th day of my fast I have only my will between me and the end of the fast.
If I have the will power I will continue through the week and reap greater rewards.
Will power is a rare commodity, few of us have as much as we would like. It takes practice.
G. Gordon Liddy used to practice. He used to light a flame and stick a finger in it, and hold it there. He got to the point where he could just hold his hand steady as his flesh burned.
A little too much for me.
Will power is a great tool to have at hand. You can avoid a lot of the waste in your life if you have will power. It might seem like you are missing something but you aren't.
A good example to consider can be found in the work place. Look at a sample of hundreds of people in a large company, all of them making about the same income. Some live in run down homes and drive broken down cars, and some live in fabulous homes and have great cars. Why is there a difference?
Because of will power.
tools
I write about tools that we use.
The general theme of this blog is to write about the self improvement tools that have been around for ages but aren't taught in schools and are rarely taught at home.
Of course there is some selfishness in this, I cannot help putting these tools to work for myself when I write about them almost every day. That, the writing, in itself is a tool, keeping the idea in the forefront of the mind.
One of the most important tools is having a definite purpose. Right now my primary definite purpose is to lose weight, and I am jump starting the process by fasting. Consequently fasting is a recurring subject here this week and if your not interested in the subject please scroll down the page or look in the archives there is plenty here for you.
Having a definite purpose is supremely important to achieving success. You have to know what you want before you get to work trying to obtain it. There is so much to want in our society that it is a particularly hard idea to get a hold of. You should wrestle with it though, write it down and rewrite it again after giving it more thought.
Deciding on your definite purpose should be your first step on the road to success.
The general theme of this blog is to write about the self improvement tools that have been around for ages but aren't taught in schools and are rarely taught at home.
Of course there is some selfishness in this, I cannot help putting these tools to work for myself when I write about them almost every day. That, the writing, in itself is a tool, keeping the idea in the forefront of the mind.
One of the most important tools is having a definite purpose. Right now my primary definite purpose is to lose weight, and I am jump starting the process by fasting. Consequently fasting is a recurring subject here this week and if your not interested in the subject please scroll down the page or look in the archives there is plenty here for you.
Having a definite purpose is supremely important to achieving success. You have to know what you want before you get to work trying to obtain it. There is so much to want in our society that it is a particularly hard idea to get a hold of. You should wrestle with it though, write it down and rewrite it again after giving it more thought.
Deciding on your definite purpose should be your first step on the road to success.
still fasting, 120 hours
5 days without eating. Feel fine.
Tonight however will be a real test as I have to go back to work and work involves some physical labor.
We will have to just wait and see.
I've lost 20 pounds so far which is what I expected. There are other good things happening too.
The real test is of mental toughness which I don't think I am gifted in.
Later.
Tonight however will be a real test as I have to go back to work and work involves some physical labor.
We will have to just wait and see.
I've lost 20 pounds so far which is what I expected. There are other good things happening too.
The real test is of mental toughness which I don't think I am gifted in.
Later.
5 reasons it's easier to succeed
- It's easier to succeed because failure exacts a high price in terms of time when you have to do a job over.
- It's easier to succeed because success eliminates the agony and frustration of defeat.
- It's easier to succeed because money spent to fail must be spent again to succeed.
- It's easier to succeed because a person's credibility decreases with each failure, making it harder to succeed the second time.
- And it's easier to succeed because joy and expressions of affirmation come from succeeding, whereas feelings of discouragement and discontent accompany failure.
Monday
for your consideration
Your rent is due; please post your check to 'Your Landlord' Paris, France.
Well of course you would never get a notice like this, there will always be a middleman here in the states, but we do have a problem developing here. You see more and more of our country is owned by people who don't live in our country and we have to pay them for their wise investments. They will of course spend their profits but it won't all, if any, be here.
Stop and think about this for a moment, this means that our ownership and wealth is moving oversees. I say 'our' because it affects all of us, whether we own property or not. Owning a business or working for one, owning property too, produces a return on the investment and where that return is spent is of great importance to all of us. Taking money out of the country leaves less of it for us.
I will not pretend to know what will work out the best for us in the future but the issue does warrant further investigation and possible action in the future. If not by our government then certainly by us.
I seek balance in all areas of life; I am not leaning towards jingoism.
Meanwhile take a look at this article in the Guardian Unlimited regarding Warren Buffet's views on the matter and this article in Forbes regarding Warren Buffet (he's the 2nd richest man in the world.)
Well of course you would never get a notice like this, there will always be a middleman here in the states, but we do have a problem developing here. You see more and more of our country is owned by people who don't live in our country and we have to pay them for their wise investments. They will of course spend their profits but it won't all, if any, be here.
Stop and think about this for a moment, this means that our ownership and wealth is moving oversees. I say 'our' because it affects all of us, whether we own property or not. Owning a business or working for one, owning property too, produces a return on the investment and where that return is spent is of great importance to all of us. Taking money out of the country leaves less of it for us.
I will not pretend to know what will work out the best for us in the future but the issue does warrant further investigation and possible action in the future. If not by our government then certainly by us.
I seek balance in all areas of life; I am not leaning towards jingoism.
Meanwhile take a look at this article in the Guardian Unlimited regarding Warren Buffet's views on the matter and this article in Forbes regarding Warren Buffet (he's the 2nd richest man in the world.)
still fasting
This starving artist has reached the conclusion that food alleviates boredom.
Time is slow to pass while the fast quickly reaches 100 hours.
Whenever I am inactively involved in something the thought of a good snack comes to mind. I guess it is best to stay a little bit busy while fasting.
I really hope to make this fast last through Sunday next and even beyond that but realistically it is a day by day thing.
The greatest benefits will accrue this week so stay tuned.
Time is slow to pass while the fast quickly reaches 100 hours.
Whenever I am inactively involved in something the thought of a good snack comes to mind. I guess it is best to stay a little bit busy while fasting.
I really hope to make this fast last through Sunday next and even beyond that but realistically it is a day by day thing.
The greatest benefits will accrue this week so stay tuned.
random
Most likely, you arrived here randomly. What's in it for me you ask. Depends on what you need. Or want.
This isn't a place where you have to wade through pointless self examination by the writer.
This is a place that encourages self examination by the reader.
Not the kind that results in 'why me?' thoughts but the kind that results in 'why not me?'
If you have ever thought that your life could be fine tuned for better performance then this is a station to stop at. I write, most of the time, about the tried and true steps in self improvement. By stopping here you can get it in little doses instead of dealing with one of the 39,618 results you get at Amazon if you look up 'Self Help.'
Could be your lucky day.
This isn't a place where you have to wade through pointless self examination by the writer.
This is a place that encourages self examination by the reader.
Not the kind that results in 'why me?' thoughts but the kind that results in 'why not me?'
If you have ever thought that your life could be fine tuned for better performance then this is a station to stop at. I write, most of the time, about the tried and true steps in self improvement. By stopping here you can get it in little doses instead of dealing with one of the 39,618 results you get at Amazon if you look up 'Self Help.'
Could be your lucky day.
toughness
I don't know when I was weeded out. It is a naturally occurring process. In the course of life we all get left behind. When we are young there is a time when we aren't picked first, then we get better and we get chosen sooner, then we get older and go in the wrong direction again. Mostly we just don't show up for the pick up games anymore.
I've been under trained, not enough stress to adapt to. Too easy to keep it up, adapt to work and to life and let the rest go, sliding away to an eventual disaster.
I know some people who were over trained, too much stress to adapt to, they don't challenge themselves anymore.
Adapting to stress results in toughness. Toughness is something to admire when we see it but it doesn't come easy. You have to challenge yourself. Nobody is going to do it for you. This isn't school and you aren't being made to learn new things or have the opportunity to try out for sports anymore.
You have to get into the gym on your own and work out hard enough to create stress. Easy work outs don't count. If you can do more, than you should do more.
You have to find a college math book that is over your head and do a page or two everyday. Do it slowly because it will take time for the mind to adapt to the stress, to get tough. You need to read James Joyce's Ulysses, most people can't handle that.
Today is the fourth day of my fast, nothing but distilled water since Thursday at
Sunday
fast report sunday
Still going strong, 84 hours into the fast.
Went out today, drove the Mercedes because I like it so much. Did feel a little week but did not notice any aches or pains that were there before.
Have not experienced any light headedness, that is something to be wary of after fasting for a few days.
I did have some stopped up sinuses today. I believe this is a detoxification symptom, the body is attempting to rid itself of unhealthy substances.
Went to the grocery to stock up on the foods I will be eating after the fast. I am moving to fruits and vegetables for an extended period of time. Stocked up on some appropriate canned goods.
Well, that's it for Sunday, I need to start on some articles for Monday morning.
Went out today, drove the Mercedes because I like it so much. Did feel a little week but did not notice any aches or pains that were there before.
Have not experienced any light headedness, that is something to be wary of after fasting for a few days.
I did have some stopped up sinuses today. I believe this is a detoxification symptom, the body is attempting to rid itself of unhealthy substances.
Went to the grocery to stock up on the foods I will be eating after the fast. I am moving to fruits and vegetables for an extended period of time. Stocked up on some appropriate canned goods.
Well, that's it for Sunday, I need to start on some articles for Monday morning.
Saturday
fast observation
Food comes to mind often when you're not eating.
But not for the reason you think.
I'm not hungry at all, last meal was Thursday at noon. But I keep having thoughts about things like chips, a ham sandwhich and a beer. But I swear I'm not hungry.
This is a pretty clear example of how food becomes a comfort thing for us. It just seems there should be some food at hand. A little snack now to tide me over until the next little snack to tide me over until the next meal et cetera.
No loss of energy yet either. I just reconfigured my tower into a desktop and next I have to elevate some shelves to move this monitor back. I might wait until Sunday to do that.
But not for the reason you think.
I'm not hungry at all, last meal was Thursday at noon. But I keep having thoughts about things like chips, a ham sandwhich and a beer. But I swear I'm not hungry.
This is a pretty clear example of how food becomes a comfort thing for us. It just seems there should be some food at hand. A little snack now to tide me over until the next little snack to tide me over until the next meal et cetera.
No loss of energy yet either. I just reconfigured my tower into a desktop and next I have to elevate some shelves to move this monitor back. I might wait until Sunday to do that.
fast report
50 hours into my fast and I am feeling fine.
No loss of energy, no really noticable symptoms of, of, anything!
I have spent some time thinking about things like Sesame Chicken, Filet Mignon and even Pizza, but that was yesterday. Since I did this once before I can report a difference between this fast and my first one, less anxiety this time.
Yes I remember being quite concerned the last time, going into an unknown area and all. The all being the advice of people who didn't really have a clue about it.
This whole thing is going so well after 2 days that I think I can do it for a month. I certainly have the reserves to work with and my job is not too demanding.
Well we'll see, if I start having light headedness when I get back to work then I will simply re-evaluate.
The grocery is open 24 hours a day.
No loss of energy, no really noticable symptoms of, of, anything!
I have spent some time thinking about things like Sesame Chicken, Filet Mignon and even Pizza, but that was yesterday. Since I did this once before I can report a difference between this fast and my first one, less anxiety this time.
Yes I remember being quite concerned the last time, going into an unknown area and all. The all being the advice of people who didn't really have a clue about it.
This whole thing is going so well after 2 days that I think I can do it for a month. I certainly have the reserves to work with and my job is not too demanding.
Well we'll see, if I start having light headedness when I get back to work then I will simply re-evaluate.
The grocery is open 24 hours a day.
Friday
write it down
"I am still working on my goals.
I am trying to prioritize them and set time lines for steps along the way." Rex
When it comes to goals this is the right approach.
Prioritize them so that distractions don't get between you and your goals.
Chunk them down into steps.
Set time lines for accomplishments.
Rex is setting goals for himself in regards to his family, his fitness and his environment and this reflects balance. With balanced goals your whole life will not be focused on one thing and you won't burn out trying to get it done.
Goal setting takes some thoughtful consideration and I am writing about only a few of the things to be considered here.
One step I recommend next is to work out each goal in precise detail, chunk them down into steps, then you only have to move on to each step without having to worry about the whole thing.
The most important step is to write it down. Not only do you put it on paper when you do this but you also begin to communicate with your subconscious mind by writing it down. Your subconscious needs to hear your goals in your own voice.
fast link
The book that put me over the top a few years ago regarding fasting is Dr. Joel Fuhrman's Fasting and Eating for Health.
Here is a link to it at Amazon.
Read through the 33 reviews for some great comments on fasting, weight loss and the industry of losing weight.
Here is a link to it at Amazon.
Read through the 33 reviews for some great comments on fasting, weight loss and the industry of losing weight.
avoiding politics
I avoid politics on this blog. No place for it, you can find it elsewhere.
But.
I do have a non partisan thought to share. I listen to Rush, I listen to Frakken, we have proggressive talk radio and conservative talk radio and something from Ann Coulter and her counterpart on the left drift my way from time to time.
They are all political entertainers. That's it, that's my political posting, as far as I will go here.
Political entertainers.
A phrase we should make popular because it may help to keep things in perspective.
But.
I do have a non partisan thought to share. I listen to Rush, I listen to Frakken, we have proggressive talk radio and conservative talk radio and something from Ann Coulter and her counterpart on the left drift my way from time to time.
They are all political entertainers. That's it, that's my political posting, as far as I will go here.
Political entertainers.
A phrase we should make popular because it may help to keep things in perspective.
a nice little article
Here is a nice little article at HeartInfo.org worth linking to.
It expresses the basics, what we already know but so easily forget.
Rex and I are jump starting our programs with fasts and then we should look at the basics and keep going.
It expresses the basics, what we already know but so easily forget.
Rex and I are jump starting our programs with fasts and then we should look at the basics and keep going.
sour apple
As a blogger I am a publisher so this is an important developing story. I am taking a wait and see attitude.
Court rules for Apple in Think Secret case.
Lots of good opinions being expressed at SlashDot on this one.
Court rules for Apple in Think Secret case.
Lots of good opinions being expressed at SlashDot on this one.
the king takes the challenge
The king, my friend Rex, will be starting a fast in a couple of days just as mine may be drawing to a close.
He is a brave man.
I eased into my fast by having lunch on Thursday and taking Friday off. I expect Friday and Saturday to be the hard days and after that it is just a matter of hanging on and not worrying about it.
I did a fast like this once before, cleared up arthritis symptoms, lost 20 pounds and everything tasted better afterwards. I think I have a book on the subject but I can't put my fingers on it at the moment.
For Rex I suggest that you eat salads and raw vegetables for your meals before you start. Make sure to get distilled water and bring it to work, tap water doesn't cut it because of the many chemicals in it.
A fast can be hard to do. The second day is the worst. The stomach growls and aches and you have to be up to the challenge. If you don't quit then you will begin to reap the benefits after that.
If you have a low activity level anyway then fasting is something you can endure for awhile. I'm not going into the gym to lift weights while I'm doing this but I might pull out the Gazelle and swing on it for a while.
We have all endured painful times in our youth when we readied ourselves for sports. This is something that is not hard to endure at all and it provides a real jump start to get going on the road to better health.
Cheers.
He is a brave man.
I eased into my fast by having lunch on Thursday and taking Friday off. I expect Friday and Saturday to be the hard days and after that it is just a matter of hanging on and not worrying about it.
I did a fast like this once before, cleared up arthritis symptoms, lost 20 pounds and everything tasted better afterwards. I think I have a book on the subject but I can't put my fingers on it at the moment.
For Rex I suggest that you eat salads and raw vegetables for your meals before you start. Make sure to get distilled water and bring it to work, tap water doesn't cut it because of the many chemicals in it.
A fast can be hard to do. The second day is the worst. The stomach growls and aches and you have to be up to the challenge. If you don't quit then you will begin to reap the benefits after that.
If you have a low activity level anyway then fasting is something you can endure for awhile. I'm not going into the gym to lift weights while I'm doing this but I might pull out the Gazelle and swing on it for a while.
We have all endured painful times in our youth when we readied ourselves for sports. This is something that is not hard to endure at all and it provides a real jump start to get going on the road to better health.
Cheers.
retching on the grass
I remember the first day of cross country practice in a time when kids didn't have to work out all year long for their sport. Half the runners were basketball players and some of them were not ready for a little 3 mile run on a hot afternoon.
The team predictably strung out over the first leg of the run, a simple out and back course. I was on the way back already, doing better than some and worse than others, when I began passing some of the other boys. They were stopping in people's front yards and retching on the grass.
It was a little setback but it didn't stop them, they all finished.
Don't take little setbacks too seriously. Evaluate them but don't let them stop you.
I'm into the first full day of my fast, about 22 hours into it. There is a faint echo of a headache brewing, probably withdrawal syptoms from caffeine. I love Coca-cola.
The team predictably strung out over the first leg of the run, a simple out and back course. I was on the way back already, doing better than some and worse than others, when I began passing some of the other boys. They were stopping in people's front yards and retching on the grass.
It was a little setback but it didn't stop them, they all finished.
Don't take little setbacks too seriously. Evaluate them but don't let them stop you.
I'm into the first full day of my fast, about 22 hours into it. There is a faint echo of a headache brewing, probably withdrawal syptoms from caffeine. I love Coca-cola.
Thursday
it ain't easy
The stock car roared into the pits. All he had to do was change one front tire, over the wall he went, put the tire down, pull the trigger and take the nuts off, turn for the tire, only to see it rolling away because he had not laid it down.
Change is a simple thing but it ain't easy. Get this right and get that right and everything will be right. Just stop doing this and start doing that, there isn't much to it.
Adapting to a new process is, however, a challenge. We like doing things the way we have always done them, we are in the habit of doing things the way we have always done them.
Some things come naturally to some of us while not even being within the understanding of others.
I can never say that change is easy but I can say that change is simple. If you want to change then take one of the simple steps necessary and just concentrate on that until you get it right.
Change is a simple thing but it ain't easy. Get this right and get that right and everything will be right. Just stop doing this and start doing that, there isn't much to it.
Adapting to a new process is, however, a challenge. We like doing things the way we have always done them, we are in the habit of doing things the way we have always done them.
Some things come naturally to some of us while not even being within the understanding of others.
I can never say that change is easy but I can say that change is simple. If you want to change then take one of the simple steps necessary and just concentrate on that until you get it right.
too hard for a king
Very soon, I am going to have lunch with my mother, and it will be my last meal. I can't stand it anymore.
Well last meal for a few days anyway. I'm starting a fast, did it before and it is time to do it again.
Marvelous curative powers! Will shake out some aches and pains this week, knee feeling finicky, the heck with that, out goes the bad, heel been bothering me, let's straighten that out.
Nothing but distilled water this weekend. Maybe a headache will show up early, even a little bit of pain, so what, those are withdrawal symptoms.
After the second day fasting gets easy, just keep your nerve and glide right along. All those pesky toxins that are in our food begin to flush out and the weight drops. We survived thousands of years ago because we were able to deal with feast and famine. Today it is feast all of the time and that is not easy on our bodies.
Fasting is the sort of thing that doctors don't recommend, they don't get it, never studied it, too bad.
I invite the king to join me. He is a friend of mine who needs this as badly as I do. I don't expect him to though. It is too hard for a king.
I will tell you how I am doing everyday so stop back.
I'm 6'3" at 425.
Well last meal for a few days anyway. I'm starting a fast, did it before and it is time to do it again.
Marvelous curative powers! Will shake out some aches and pains this week, knee feeling finicky, the heck with that, out goes the bad, heel been bothering me, let's straighten that out.
Nothing but distilled water this weekend. Maybe a headache will show up early, even a little bit of pain, so what, those are withdrawal symptoms.
After the second day fasting gets easy, just keep your nerve and glide right along. All those pesky toxins that are in our food begin to flush out and the weight drops. We survived thousands of years ago because we were able to deal with feast and famine. Today it is feast all of the time and that is not easy on our bodies.
Fasting is the sort of thing that doctors don't recommend, they don't get it, never studied it, too bad.
I invite the king to join me. He is a friend of mine who needs this as badly as I do. I don't expect him to though. It is too hard for a king.
I will tell you how I am doing everyday so stop back.
I'm 6'3" at 425.
Tuesday
the master mind
Harry Miller ruled auto racing in the 1920's, but he would never have amounted to anything at all without Fred Offenhauser and Leo Goosen.
These three men working together were able to build the state of the art racing cars in their day.
It is a perfect example of what Napoleon Hill called the Master Mind; "Coordination of knowledge and effort, in a spirit of harmony, between two or more people, for the attainment of a definite purpose."
The Master Mind is a powerful tool that most of us never utilize. In fact many people cannot even conceive of it because they have such a high regard for themselves that the idea that two brains are better than one is repugnent to them.
Don't be one of them.
Seek sympathetic council to help you with your goals, there are many people who share those same goals with you.
You will be stronger for your efforts.
File under personal development.
These three men working together were able to build the state of the art racing cars in their day.
It is a perfect example of what Napoleon Hill called the Master Mind; "Coordination of knowledge and effort, in a spirit of harmony, between two or more people, for the attainment of a definite purpose."
The Master Mind is a powerful tool that most of us never utilize. In fact many people cannot even conceive of it because they have such a high regard for themselves that the idea that two brains are better than one is repugnent to them.
Don't be one of them.
Seek sympathetic council to help you with your goals, there are many people who share those same goals with you.
You will be stronger for your efforts.
File under personal development.
my doom
Add and Remove Programs.
I've spent the morning cleaning up a computer. MyDoom virus please be gone, delete this, delete that, add this, add that. A few hours work that I do for a few people from time to time. Repeat offenders of course.
Easy metaphor here, if we could change ourselves in a few hours wouldn't we?
Delete this bad habit, add this good one. If only it was that easy!
Well it is pretty easy, it is just the starting that is hard. When I say that self improvement is all about thinking that is the starting point. Start by writing down your goals of course but simple goals are not the whole picture. Write down the software that you want your brain to be running for each goal. Once you have the program of your choice running everything else will follow.
I've spent the morning cleaning up a computer. MyDoom virus please be gone, delete this, delete that, add this, add that. A few hours work that I do for a few people from time to time. Repeat offenders of course.
Easy metaphor here, if we could change ourselves in a few hours wouldn't we?
Delete this bad habit, add this good one. If only it was that easy!
Well it is pretty easy, it is just the starting that is hard. When I say that self improvement is all about thinking that is the starting point. Start by writing down your goals of course but simple goals are not the whole picture. Write down the software that you want your brain to be running for each goal. Once you have the program of your choice running everything else will follow.
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