Hi. I was going to write a post about how motivated I feel to exercise and practice fencing, but now that it's so late I just feel drained and dreading tomorrow's early work-day. I believe i'm 217-218 right now.
I said about a year and half ago or more that when I hit 210 I was going to do fencing and badminton. I got a little antsy and couldnt' wait anymore for the fencing. So I decided to order about $200 worth of gear. One of the things they say that locks you into a program is making an investment in it!
So, even though I'll be dog tired tomorrow and the snow is really coming down out there, I've made a monetary investment in the sport of fencing that I hope will take me far. I've begun stretching like Cara's mom showed me, though it will help when Anna is here because many of them are facilitated (partner) stretches. I've just been trying to work the ol' legs out in the meantime, doing splits and lunges and stuff--god it's amazing what hurts me. It's not just getting old, I have a problem, which is very bothersome.
I think I found out how to stretch before a fencing tournament, and I think I will be a little nicer to myself when I lunge--I used to go all out and bang my foot against the ground and really stretch my groin/hip when I threw myself at an opponent. That could be why I'm having problems now? lol.
Anyway, It's 2009. 10 years ago I won the State High School Championship. That's a long time ago. But for 1/3 of my life I've been wondering how far I can go in this sport. Fencing is nice because even though joints and flexibility matter, you're not out once you're older. I'm not THAT old yet, but given the amount of practice hours it takes to become 'elite...' well, let's just say I may be by the time I get there.
No one becomes great over night, but I want to see how far I can go. Who knows what rating or awards are in my future? I'm confident that I can get my E, probably my D, by November of 2010. I think there's some timing and technique I have to get back, but I think I can pull it off. After the D, pursuit of the C... and I'll be a contender at Nats again.
It's been 9 or 10 years since I've been on the scene seriously. I have no idea what advances in the game have been made, except the thorny issue of changing the timing. For all I know foils aren't made the same way anymore (though I'm sure they are).
218 lbs. Overweight now. Fencing is a chance to continue that drop, but it's not the only one. There's badminton, walking, running and of course nutrition. These are all doing good things for me. Here's to keeping them coming.
Expect this blog to take on more of a chronicle of training as that goes. I'm going to try to use this blog to keep myself accountable. It's nice because if it's missing entries, I know that I haven't been thinking about it, and if I write the same excuses or any excuses, I'll know to make myself accountable.
Speaking of responsibility, if I dont sleep now I'll be utterly worthless tomorrow. God it's white out!
nite!
mcsm
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Resolution for tomorrow
- Hot oatmeal/cereal and fruit for breakfast
- Panera you pick 2 turkey sandwich lite mayo sub field greens, low-fat soup and 1 whole grain baguette, plus an apple
- Bowl of pasta, steamed veggies and toasted everything bread.
- Snack on veggies in fridge.
- Drink lots of water. Avoid pop
- 1 cup of coffee max
--
- Walk 4 miles total
- Stretching
- Sleep at a decent hour
- Zazen
No-sleep binge, where I talk like a schizo.
So Anna's out of town, which apparently means I stay up way later than I'm supposed to. I'm getting a lot of chess playing in, but I'm still not sure the sleep sacrifice is worth it...
...okay, I KNOW it's not worth it, but man what the hell am I doing?
Anyway, today I way 222 still, plus or minus a pound, depending on the day. Shouldnt' focus on the weight TOO much, but I do feel like this is "my" weight when I don't exercise. Now that I'm carless, I walk 2 miles to and from work every day. For a 220 pound guy walking 4 miles at about 13 minutes a mile will net me about 460 calories burned a day. 5 days of work is 2200 calories a week. If I walk 4 miles a day, 7 days a week, I will burn 3120 calories.
2700 Calories burned a week is considered optimal for someone weightin 220 lbs.
Now, this is getting ahead of myself. I need to factor in diet as well as physical activity. A few things:
...okay, I KNOW it's not worth it, but man what the hell am I doing?
Anyway, today I way 222 still, plus or minus a pound, depending on the day. Shouldnt' focus on the weight TOO much, but I do feel like this is "my" weight when I don't exercise. Now that I'm carless, I walk 2 miles to and from work every day. For a 220 pound guy walking 4 miles at about 13 minutes a mile will net me about 460 calories burned a day. 5 days of work is 2200 calories a week. If I walk 4 miles a day, 7 days a week, I will burn 3120 calories.
2700 Calories burned a week is considered optimal for someone weightin 220 lbs.
Now, this is getting ahead of myself. I need to factor in diet as well as physical activity. A few things:
- Congrats, the physical activity will certainly be helpful in your quest to shed pounds. 3500 less than you NORMALLY consume/expend will lose you 1 pound a week. However, there are other activities you could be doing besides the walking to help you LOSE that weight.
- Smaller or different portions at Panera.... after a visit to the website, 1 whole grain baguette portion is 190 calories. Mayonnaise on the sandwich is 110, cheese is probably 90, and a cup of Creamy Tomato is 300.... I hate to admit it, but I think I know exactly where I need to cut down on what I eat. Fat-free mayo, spicy mustard is okay, no cheese on the sandwich, and only 1 baguette with the soup will cut 280 calories outright. Mediterranean veggie will cut about 200 more. Tomato soup once a week! Low-fat the other days.
- I snack/eat late at night for some reason. I always want a quesadilla at about 11:30 at night. Maybe if I plan for a late-night snack I can avoid this one.
- Use the bike at the workout center. Yes, it's cold as balls. Yes, it may be occupied, but it counts your progress and you like using it.
- Try some anaerobics at home. You have the apartment to yourself for a few weeks, experiment with home-workouts. Maybe a house-hold routine is very good--who knows, a situation where you and Anna take turns using the bedroom or living room for working out could be optimal. Now is a good time to figure out the furniture situation.
- Do fencing and badminton/racquetball you crazy.
So, do I have a plan? No, but I'm glad we had this chat....
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Saw 221 on the scale yesterday. Still hovering around in the 221-223 range. I think simply adopting a healthier lifestyle has done the trick so far. I'm two pounds away from being merely "overweight" and not "obese." My current BMI is like 30.1 or something... less than 30 is considered overweight.
I need to continue eating well--somehow I survived the holidays without permanent weight gain-- and continue to exercise. I've been walkign a lot, and that seems to have been quite a benefit. I need to step it up, perhaps by doing some running.
I talked to a friends' mother about my hip problems. She has recommended some good stretches, with the caveat that if I lose control of my bowels or bladder go to the hospital immediately. You got it, doc! But I think they will seriously help.
220=overweight.
210=my target fencing conditioning weight. 1-2 lbs. a week? Today is December 1st. By January 1st I could be at 215. February 1st I could be at 210. I don't really want to wait that long to do fencing conditioning. I also don't that long to lose the weight though. I'm excited!
I guess I should do the responsible thing and set a goal. I'm probably 222 officially still. At least according to Anna's scale. Today is December 1st. I'm going to shoot for 215 by New Year's.
Back to basics then--walking, running, eating right, stretching, and some conditioning. I'm trying to not eat fast food (Panera doesn't count). Hopefully I'll be able to reign that in. With my current budget I shouldn't be indulging in extras to much anyway.
I've been experimenting with minimalism lately. Since I couldn't seem to get away from facebook in a satisfactory way, I manipulated my friend list so that it is only with my closest friends and family, who do not use facebook as a diversion (and therefore don't rope me into it as well). I swear I've gotten more things done online.
I've been thinking of a lot of things I can reduce. I think whatever I can fit into one hamper is plenty. It will keep the place smelling better if nothing else, and I'll have a good place for clothes--I want to try to hang everything up if I can (using the living room closet is acceptable). There's really no reason for a big bulky thing like a dresser--so if I can cease using it, I will be in good shape.
This is for my mental and financial health--I find myself being frequently distracted by the internet. I'm trying to use it instead of let it use me. I have been frequenting chess.com more often. I am doing this with intention and because I enjoy chess rather than because it is a diversion. At least not a harmful, all-consuming one.
I better get to the bank before it closes.
MCSM
I need to continue eating well--somehow I survived the holidays without permanent weight gain-- and continue to exercise. I've been walkign a lot, and that seems to have been quite a benefit. I need to step it up, perhaps by doing some running.
I talked to a friends' mother about my hip problems. She has recommended some good stretches, with the caveat that if I lose control of my bowels or bladder go to the hospital immediately. You got it, doc! But I think they will seriously help.
220=overweight.
210=my target fencing conditioning weight. 1-2 lbs. a week? Today is December 1st. By January 1st I could be at 215. February 1st I could be at 210. I don't really want to wait that long to do fencing conditioning. I also don't that long to lose the weight though. I'm excited!
I guess I should do the responsible thing and set a goal. I'm probably 222 officially still. At least according to Anna's scale. Today is December 1st. I'm going to shoot for 215 by New Year's.
Back to basics then--walking, running, eating right, stretching, and some conditioning. I'm trying to not eat fast food (Panera doesn't count). Hopefully I'll be able to reign that in. With my current budget I shouldn't be indulging in extras to much anyway.
I've been experimenting with minimalism lately. Since I couldn't seem to get away from facebook in a satisfactory way, I manipulated my friend list so that it is only with my closest friends and family, who do not use facebook as a diversion (and therefore don't rope me into it as well). I swear I've gotten more things done online.
I've been thinking of a lot of things I can reduce. I think whatever I can fit into one hamper is plenty. It will keep the place smelling better if nothing else, and I'll have a good place for clothes--I want to try to hang everything up if I can (using the living room closet is acceptable). There's really no reason for a big bulky thing like a dresser--so if I can cease using it, I will be in good shape.
This is for my mental and financial health--I find myself being frequently distracted by the internet. I'm trying to use it instead of let it use me. I have been frequenting chess.com more often. I am doing this with intention and because I enjoy chess rather than because it is a diversion. At least not a harmful, all-consuming one.
I better get to the bank before it closes.
MCSM
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Hmm. Don't know why that didn't go through.
Dim Sum tomorrow morning, a Taylor household tradition. Hopefully I got all my gorging out of the way this Turkey Day. God Bless America, yeah?
Tomorrow will be a good chance to be mindful about eating. I'm at Anna's house right now, so that will be a good chance to reign in the calories.
Back to the real world on Monday. My friend Alex asked me for some workout advice. I gave him plenty, but felt kinda like a hypocrite. Keep ya updated!
--MCSM
Dim Sum tomorrow morning, a Taylor household tradition. Hopefully I got all my gorging out of the way this Turkey Day. God Bless America, yeah?
Tomorrow will be a good chance to be mindful about eating. I'm at Anna's house right now, so that will be a good chance to reign in the calories.
Back to the real world on Monday. My friend Alex asked me for some workout advice. I gave him plenty, but felt kinda like a hypocrite. Keep ya updated!
--MCSM
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Focus/Commitment Scale
FOCUS RATING SCALE
1) I get so absorbed in my performances (or experiences) that everything else disappears--8
2) I can direct or redirect my focus so that it does me the greatest good, even if I become nervous or uptight in performance--8
3) I maintain or quickly regain a high-quality focus in practice or preparation sessions.--4
4) I maintain or quickly regain a high-quality focus in performance or competitions.--9
5) I have a strong inner confidence, a feeling that I can do anything I set my mind to.--3
6) I learn from criticism and take it as an opportunity to improve.--8
7) I handle bad calls or situations that go against me by getting right back on a positive path.--9
8) I stay motivated and focused even when behind or down in points.--10
9) I maintain my performance focus totally in the present, in the here and now (for example, one shot, one step, one moment at a time.--8
10) I quickly regain my best-performance focus even after an error or setback.--9
COMMITMENT RATING SCALE
1) I am willing to put aside other things to excel in my sport or chosen performance domain.--6
2) I really want to become an excellent performer in my sport or performance domain (or other chosen endeavor)--7
3) I prepare myself mentally for each practice and each performance so I can continue to get the best out of myself.--4
4) I am determined to never let up or give up (for example, I remain committed to achieve my goals, make the move, or complete the mission), even in the face of obstacles.--2
5) I take personal responsibility for mistakes and work hard to correct them.--9
6) I give 100 percent focus and effort in practices or preparation sessions, whether it’s going well or not--6
7) I give 100 percent focus and effort in performances or competitions, whether it’s going well or not--10
8) I give everything I can, even when the challenge seems insurmountable or beyond reach--9
9) I feel more committed to improvement in my performance domain (or other chosen endeavor) than to anything else--4
10) I find great joy and personal fulfillment in my performance domain (or other chosen endeavor)--7
1) I get so absorbed in my performances (or experiences) that everything else disappears--8
2) I can direct or redirect my focus so that it does me the greatest good, even if I become nervous or uptight in performance--8
3) I maintain or quickly regain a high-quality focus in practice or preparation sessions.--4
4) I maintain or quickly regain a high-quality focus in performance or competitions.--9
5) I have a strong inner confidence, a feeling that I can do anything I set my mind to.--3
6) I learn from criticism and take it as an opportunity to improve.--8
7) I handle bad calls or situations that go against me by getting right back on a positive path.--9
8) I stay motivated and focused even when behind or down in points.--10
9) I maintain my performance focus totally in the present, in the here and now (for example, one shot, one step, one moment at a time.--8
10) I quickly regain my best-performance focus even after an error or setback.--9
COMMITMENT RATING SCALE
1) I am willing to put aside other things to excel in my sport or chosen performance domain.--6
2) I really want to become an excellent performer in my sport or performance domain (or other chosen endeavor)--7
3) I prepare myself mentally for each practice and each performance so I can continue to get the best out of myself.--4
4) I am determined to never let up or give up (for example, I remain committed to achieve my goals, make the move, or complete the mission), even in the face of obstacles.--2
5) I take personal responsibility for mistakes and work hard to correct them.--9
6) I give 100 percent focus and effort in practices or preparation sessions, whether it’s going well or not--6
7) I give 100 percent focus and effort in performances or competitions, whether it’s going well or not--10
8) I give everything I can, even when the challenge seems insurmountable or beyond reach--9
9) I feel more committed to improvement in my performance domain (or other chosen endeavor) than to anything else--4
10) I find great joy and personal fulfillment in my performance domain (or other chosen endeavor)--7
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Sunday, November 15, 2009
....aaaannnd I'm sick.
Postponing hard workouts until recovery. In the meantime, trying to prepare other aspects of my life for success. Terry Orlick is a constant warm fuzzy inspiration--sometimes there's too much of a good thing there in my opinion, but he makes me think about what I'm doing.
Job interview tomorrow, but I hope I sleep well tonight! Bet I do...
Will post my results from Orlick's "Focus/Commitment" Survey soon. I'm looking forward to it, anyway.
MCSM
Job interview tomorrow, but I hope I sleep well tonight! Bet I do...
Will post my results from Orlick's "Focus/Commitment" Survey soon. I'm looking forward to it, anyway.
MCSM
Good night.
It's not quite 1:30am on a Saturday. Slowly but surely, I will get back on the sleep horse.
My throat itches. If I'm sick, I will cry a lot.
MCSM
My throat itches. If I'm sick, I will cry a lot.
MCSM
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Athletics afoot!
Hi! I just looked up the Bloomington YMCA. There are racquetball courts and there are Judo and Tae Kwon Do classes! Gosh, I could work out 6 days a week--2 days of Judo, 2 days of Tae Kwon Do, and 2 days of Fencing! Hmm.. What is there to "Hmm" about?"
I think Tae Kwon Do may be too expensive for now. I think Judo might be more my speed for now anyway.
Just read a great article about how cross training is very important. So that seals it for me. Gotta go get in that Judo class! Mon-Wed- 7:00-8:30, Saturdays 9:00-10:30. Hmm, half Judo half Fencing? that would do me quite nicely, and I think I'd get some good flexibility in Judo-wise, which of course would help fencing.
Running and maybe get into an Indoor Soccer league? That would be fun.
I walked to work today, just like I said I would :) Took me about 50 minutes. Not sure what the calories for that is. Should probably find out before I clock on...
I'm feeling pretty good about getting back on the fitness horse. I've been at a cool 222 for a long time now. I'm almost considered "overweight" and not "obese." So it's almost time to get out of "recovery mode" and into pro-active "fitness mode." I should reflect upon what a milestone this is about to be.
--MCSM
I think Tae Kwon Do may be too expensive for now. I think Judo might be more my speed for now anyway.
Just read a great article about how cross training is very important. So that seals it for me. Gotta go get in that Judo class! Mon-Wed- 7:00-8:30, Saturdays 9:00-10:30. Hmm, half Judo half Fencing? that would do me quite nicely, and I think I'd get some good flexibility in Judo-wise, which of course would help fencing.
Running and maybe get into an Indoor Soccer league? That would be fun.
I walked to work today, just like I said I would :) Took me about 50 minutes. Not sure what the calories for that is. Should probably find out before I clock on...
I'm feeling pretty good about getting back on the fitness horse. I've been at a cool 222 for a long time now. I'm almost considered "overweight" and not "obese." So it's almost time to get out of "recovery mode" and into pro-active "fitness mode." I should reflect upon what a milestone this is about to be.
--MCSM
So I've realized I use this blog kind of as a pep talk. It's after 4am, and I feel pretty messed up because it's so easy to sleep in when I don't have to go to work till like 11:30. As I mentioned in my last post, I think I'm basically at the same weight, and I'm not going to get much further down without some real commitment to physical activity. Not really a problem, but it does require a bit of planning for me.
I imagine I'll be very tired on Saturday, but I'm going to try a nice long walk on for size. Anna has hurt her foot recently, so running or going on long treks is not an option for her right now. Still, I think it's possible to find a stretch of time to take a nice long one. Maybe I'll go play in Bloomington in the morning? Or just go down town after a healthy breakfast. Who knows, but tomorrow needs to be healthy.
I've been trying to listen to my body to see what agitates my hip. Seems like everything agitates my hip. I think I can rehab it, but I have to do some serious work to it. I have a contact--Cara's mother is a professional kinesiologist :) That means she prolly knows why my hip hurts when I do lateral movement. It will either require rehab or surgery. If its' rehab, go me. If it's surgery, well I can wait.
In the meantime, gotta get that cardio in. Need to seriously consider a free-weight program. And weights. I'm a P.E. major, yet my anaerobic repertoire is pretty pitiful. If anyone asked me to teach a high school weight training class I'd be sunk lol. Not really, but brushing up on technique and what to do for specific weight training goals IS a must, and soon.
Refresh:
*Burn more calories by walking. Maybe I'll walk to work and have Anna pick me up?
*Eat well.
*Create Anaerobic plan
*Fencing workout
*Laundry situation--how can I optimize my environment so that it is most conducive to working out?
*Go to sleep goddammit
--MCSM
I imagine I'll be very tired on Saturday, but I'm going to try a nice long walk on for size. Anna has hurt her foot recently, so running or going on long treks is not an option for her right now. Still, I think it's possible to find a stretch of time to take a nice long one. Maybe I'll go play in Bloomington in the morning? Or just go down town after a healthy breakfast. Who knows, but tomorrow needs to be healthy.
I've been trying to listen to my body to see what agitates my hip. Seems like everything agitates my hip. I think I can rehab it, but I have to do some serious work to it. I have a contact--Cara's mother is a professional kinesiologist :) That means she prolly knows why my hip hurts when I do lateral movement. It will either require rehab or surgery. If its' rehab, go me. If it's surgery, well I can wait.
In the meantime, gotta get that cardio in. Need to seriously consider a free-weight program. And weights. I'm a P.E. major, yet my anaerobic repertoire is pretty pitiful. If anyone asked me to teach a high school weight training class I'd be sunk lol. Not really, but brushing up on technique and what to do for specific weight training goals IS a must, and soon.
Refresh:
*Burn more calories by walking. Maybe I'll walk to work and have Anna pick me up?
*Eat well.
*Create Anaerobic plan
*Fencing workout
*Laundry situation--how can I optimize my environment so that it is most conducive to working out?
*Go to sleep goddammit
--MCSM
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Sleeeeep?
Well I haven't run in about a month, but I have been eating fairly decently. I think I officially weigh somewhere between 222 and 225. I'd love to see that number at 215 by the end of December. 210 was my ultimate goal when I started this blog. I kind of forgot about it, but now it actually seems like an attainable goal. Just shows to go ya...
Anywho, I'm not doing wonders for myself by staying up so damn late having to be at work in less than 6 hours... Ugh. I am kind of getting stoked about getting healthy again. I'm worrying myself sick about finding a teaching job, but once I do, I will be able to afford taking much better care of myself i.e. SEE A FREAKING DOCTOR! Woo hoo!
So, I'm 223 right now... Let's see how low I can get it before December eh?
I'm trying to clear the apartment out right now. I'm on a minimalism/frugality kick, and I think having a good place to do Yoga/Workout type stuff would be awesome. I've been looking at how much free-weights cost--it's incredible how much freakin' molds of freakin' metal costs...
I want to go back to that fencing club and throw down some more. Maybe the newbies are outta there. Sorry, but I want to fence for reals. Tomorrow I promised Anna I'd go to bed when she does--No problemo! zzzz... but seriously, I have a lot of crap to taek care of, financially, mentally, physically...uh..spatially.. It's coming together. Just let it take care of itself, and be focused.
K, tomorrow is a simple day. Thursday will be a crazy-yet healthful day. As will Wednesday. Oh man am I tired. Good night!
MCSM
Anywho, I'm not doing wonders for myself by staying up so damn late having to be at work in less than 6 hours... Ugh. I am kind of getting stoked about getting healthy again. I'm worrying myself sick about finding a teaching job, but once I do, I will be able to afford taking much better care of myself i.e. SEE A FREAKING DOCTOR! Woo hoo!
So, I'm 223 right now... Let's see how low I can get it before December eh?
I'm trying to clear the apartment out right now. I'm on a minimalism/frugality kick, and I think having a good place to do Yoga/Workout type stuff would be awesome. I've been looking at how much free-weights cost--it's incredible how much freakin' molds of freakin' metal costs...
I want to go back to that fencing club and throw down some more. Maybe the newbies are outta there. Sorry, but I want to fence for reals. Tomorrow I promised Anna I'd go to bed when she does--No problemo! zzzz... but seriously, I have a lot of crap to taek care of, financially, mentally, physically...uh..spatially.. It's coming together. Just let it take care of itself, and be focused.
K, tomorrow is a simple day. Thursday will be a crazy-yet healthful day. As will Wednesday. Oh man am I tired. Good night!
MCSM
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
So I've seen the number "228" a few times on the scale at varying times throughout the week, so I'm very encouraged by that. I wrote a very long time ago on this that I was going to try to hit 210. I hit 228 almost by accident. Living with Anna and being somewhat mindful of my diet, eating more veggie than not, has enabled me to shed a pound or two. She strong-arms me into running with her and I walk everywhere as much as possible, so this is also nothing but good for me.
I've essentially cut "froo-froo" coffee drinks from my diet, so even though I'm spending a shit-ton on a cup of coffee, it's essentially calorie-free.
Anna and I eat boca often, and we only use skim milk in anything we do, and we skimp on butter when a recipe calls for it.
We eat out fairly rarely, and often split entrees. It saves cash and it keeps us from eating everything in sight.
I'm working on portion control too. Light mayo, skipping condiments altogether, or skipping fast food places as much as I can.
It's amazing how easy it is to drop a dollar at taco bell or burger king just because it's burning a hole in your pocket. That's my own tendency but oh well.
Anyway, something is working. Let's not celebrate yet, I got this way by doing somethign right, don't switch it!
--MCSM
I've essentially cut "froo-froo" coffee drinks from my diet, so even though I'm spending a shit-ton on a cup of coffee, it's essentially calorie-free.
Anna and I eat boca often, and we only use skim milk in anything we do, and we skimp on butter when a recipe calls for it.
We eat out fairly rarely, and often split entrees. It saves cash and it keeps us from eating everything in sight.
I'm working on portion control too. Light mayo, skipping condiments altogether, or skipping fast food places as much as I can.
It's amazing how easy it is to drop a dollar at taco bell or burger king just because it's burning a hole in your pocket. That's my own tendency but oh well.
Anyway, something is working. Let's not celebrate yet, I got this way by doing somethign right, don't switch it!
--MCSM
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Does Facebook Poker count as "Screen Time?"
Walked briskly for an hour through Illinois' Constitution Trail. Very cool place. Jogged for about 6 minutes of it. Much tougher than the last time I tried this! Gotta start doing it more.
I've been slapped with a very disturbing fit of depression. It's strange. It seems to have no source, other than I feel that I have removed many anchors from my life, and now I seem to be floating. Mental health and Physical health are both at risk here.
I have been eating fairly well, I'm losing weight again, which seems to be good. With the exception of an occasional sweet I seem to be eating extremly well, actually.
I need a lot less screen time. I'm working on it. Today was not a lot of screen time, comparatively, and it seemed to work out well.
I'm officially in Bloomington/Normal, so I need to check out the fencing club, and the Zen group.
Have fun
MCSM
I've been slapped with a very disturbing fit of depression. It's strange. It seems to have no source, other than I feel that I have removed many anchors from my life, and now I seem to be floating. Mental health and Physical health are both at risk here.
I have been eating fairly well, I'm losing weight again, which seems to be good. With the exception of an occasional sweet I seem to be eating extremly well, actually.
I need a lot less screen time. I'm working on it. Today was not a lot of screen time, comparatively, and it seemed to work out well.
I'm officially in Bloomington/Normal, so I need to check out the fencing club, and the Zen group.
Have fun
MCSM
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Been Awhile
Out here in Ohio housesitting my fencing coach's dogs and cats. Despite my poor sleep, today is detox day. I had a big salad: Iceberg lettuce, a tomato, 1 serving of cottage cheese, 1 serving of pine nuts, and some spritzed Balsamic Vinaigrette (sp). Drank two cups of hot tea.
I'm about to go into Dayton and say hello to people. Might have some more hot tea. If dad offers me some food I'll make it slight. Vegetarian today.
I'm about to go into Dayton and say hello to people. Might have some more hot tea. If dad offers me some food I'll make it slight. Vegetarian today.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Feeling a little weird today. Not a lot of people hiring. Not bearded people anyway :) I gotta keep looking for jobs.
I'm really floating right now. It's tough to stay motivated. I'm going to run tonight--skipped last night, just didn't feel like it. So much for commitment?
Lot of emotional stress right now. I'm at the library, it's a gorgeous day out. I think I'll look for some boks, take a walk, come back, apply for more jobs, and get ready for my run tonight.
Found my old fencing foils. Still crooked as shit! I used to love the belgian grips. I'm much more of an american/visconti these days....
I'm really floating right now. It's tough to stay motivated. I'm going to run tonight--skipped last night, just didn't feel like it. So much for commitment?
Lot of emotional stress right now. I'm at the library, it's a gorgeous day out. I think I'll look for some boks, take a walk, come back, apply for more jobs, and get ready for my run tonight.
Found my old fencing foils. Still crooked as shit! I used to love the belgian grips. I'm much more of an american/visconti these days....
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Mindfulness Pledge
I'm going to try to wake up every morning and every evening with 5 minutes available to sit on the cushion. I find myself unable to keep on top of the tremendous amount of work I have to do, and I want to be the best I can be. So I'm going to give myself 5 minutes every morning to sit and think about the day. To relax and to organize my thoughts. To just be.
I was naughty and went to chinese again today. I think I need to swear off of that stuff. It's always pretty good, but I don't think it's ever worth it. It's more like binging for binging's sake actually. It's good--it's sugary and fatty and fried and Asian, but I eat it for the same reason I'd gorge on a huge burger. It's a feast, and I don't feel good about it afterwards.
So, Thursday and Friday--I'm going to try to stay on top of my work, eat right, and sit. Maybe if I have a spare minute, I'll do some working out. This was supposed to be a good week. It's a medium week. I want to make it better. This half of the week will be good. I'm over the hump.
Tonight, I'm just going to bust out what I need for Thursday, and then Thursday will be all about preparing for next week.
Namaste
mcsm
I was naughty and went to chinese again today. I think I need to swear off of that stuff. It's always pretty good, but I don't think it's ever worth it. It's more like binging for binging's sake actually. It's good--it's sugary and fatty and fried and Asian, but I eat it for the same reason I'd gorge on a huge burger. It's a feast, and I don't feel good about it afterwards.
So, Thursday and Friday--I'm going to try to stay on top of my work, eat right, and sit. Maybe if I have a spare minute, I'll do some working out. This was supposed to be a good week. It's a medium week. I want to make it better. This half of the week will be good. I'm over the hump.
Tonight, I'm just going to bust out what I need for Thursday, and then Thursday will be all about preparing for next week.
Namaste
mcsm
Monday, January 19, 2009
Happy MLK day.
Today is my last busy day of my MLK break. The last day, rather. Spent good time with friends and doing stuff I want, and I'm not sure if I got anything done or if I just read a bunch. At any rate, I gotta get my nose to the grindstone now, and hopefully I'll have enough time today to catch up on some house-cleaning issues (no literally, they're about house-cleaning).
Peace!
MCSM
Peace!
MCSM
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Happy New Year
Hi everyone (dear reader...singular...) it's been awhile. I really felt like I fell off the wagon almost precisely at the onset of the holiday season. It's pretty far into the New Year already. Student teaching is going to be so so busy.
I'm really interested in judo. Have been for awhile, but I really have the bug lately. That's a martial art I can get behind: It's very rough and tumble, but the only injuries anyone should be sustaining would be callouses and scratched feet from others' toenails. I guess I'm trying to say the practice-to-application turnover rate is very quick, so thumbs up.
I'm going to try (try try try) to eat healthier. Once back in BG, I'll be responsible for my own food again, which will be nice. I am getting a little better at saying "no" in the company of others, although that doesn't stop me from hitting a Burger King on the way home. Anna and I always eat well when we make our own food and we have it in the house, so I think if we commit a little to having some food by ourselves things will look better...uh... weight wise.
I haven't really had a chance to let the fact that I'm basically going to be doing what my job is for the next 3 months and then doing it for reals in about 8 months. Wow. I think that removes some of the "tentative" nature of proposed lifestyle changes/experimentation/trials. I keep telling myself that I'm a healthy person. A healthy person is smart about going to Burger King. a healthy person can say no. A healthy person gets sleep!
I'm not looking forward to waking up tomorrow and meeting Em at Java Spot. I'm looking forward to meeting Em, but not the waking up. My sleep schedule has been in tatters since the first day of break. Hopefully it will get back on track soon.
Here's a thought: A significant part of a healthy lifestyle is a combination of the individuals belief that what he or she does matters, and that he or she actually does have the control over exerting that power. A person's sense of autonomy, in all matters of life, likely effects that person's health in an indirect way.
I think that's part of what makes it easy to go on that diet "tomorrow." You didn't do well at 'controlling' today. Tomorrow, you can easily imagine you will. That's certainly true for me it seems.
Peace
matt
I'm really interested in judo. Have been for awhile, but I really have the bug lately. That's a martial art I can get behind: It's very rough and tumble, but the only injuries anyone should be sustaining would be callouses and scratched feet from others' toenails. I guess I'm trying to say the practice-to-application turnover rate is very quick, so thumbs up.
I'm going to try (try try try) to eat healthier. Once back in BG, I'll be responsible for my own food again, which will be nice. I am getting a little better at saying "no" in the company of others, although that doesn't stop me from hitting a Burger King on the way home. Anna and I always eat well when we make our own food and we have it in the house, so I think if we commit a little to having some food by ourselves things will look better...uh... weight wise.
I haven't really had a chance to let the fact that I'm basically going to be doing what my job is for the next 3 months and then doing it for reals in about 8 months. Wow. I think that removes some of the "tentative" nature of proposed lifestyle changes/experimentation/trials. I keep telling myself that I'm a healthy person. A healthy person is smart about going to Burger King. a healthy person can say no. A healthy person gets sleep!
I'm not looking forward to waking up tomorrow and meeting Em at Java Spot. I'm looking forward to meeting Em, but not the waking up. My sleep schedule has been in tatters since the first day of break. Hopefully it will get back on track soon.
Here's a thought: A significant part of a healthy lifestyle is a combination of the individuals belief that what he or she does matters, and that he or she actually does have the control over exerting that power. A person's sense of autonomy, in all matters of life, likely effects that person's health in an indirect way.
I think that's part of what makes it easy to go on that diet "tomorrow." You didn't do well at 'controlling' today. Tomorrow, you can easily imagine you will. That's certainly true for me it seems.
Peace
matt
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