Blinky Bellybutton Rings and other things NOT to wear/do at the gym

A while back, my wife, Michelle, and I were doing our morning workout when a young women walk pass with a blinking LED bellybutton ring. It may not have been so bad, but I was doing dumbbell military presses and she walk right in front of my face. Blinky, blinky, blinky. I am known to be easily distracted by shiny things, flashing lights and so on. It is usually not a big deal or dangerous, but it isn't very safe when I have two large dumbbells over my head (I think they were 75s, but I could be wrong). Some of you might think 150lbs coming down on my thick skull might not cause much damage; you may be right, but still it would cause a bad headache. THE POINT: Don't wear blinking LED body jewelry to the gym!!! You cause a mentally hyperactive person to get hurt.

So, LEDs are out. What else is a bad idea, or inappropriate at the gym? For starters, don't run around the workout area in your underwear. Ladies, this mainly applies to you. Short spandex shorts and a sports bra are underwear not workout clothing. Yes some guys are guilty of wearing really skimpy tank tops and bike shorts. this is wrong, and as my old First Sergeant used to say, they should be "PUNCHED IN THE HEAD!" Conversely, GUYS wear some kind of underwear. Spandex works. No one wants to see it while you're bench pressing! Also don't wear street clothes, like jeans or any button-up shirt. They can restrict movement, and you'll look like a dork.

OK, we have some basic ground rules for dress (wear clothes), but what actions should be avoided? Well, don't complain about "Mr. Sweaty" dripping all over the cardio machines. If you are not sweating while doing cardio, you need to work harder. The machines are not there for a gab session. On the other hand, if you are "Mr/Mrs/Miss Sweaty"  clean up after yourself. No one wants to use a machine that looks like Swamp Thing or the Creature from the Black Lagoon just used it. So, work hard, sweat like a nasty pig, and then clean up after yourself.

Another DON'T is carrying around your cellphone. OK, so I have a certain amount of disdain for cellphones, but do you really want your spotter to say "One sec, I got to take this call!" while you're halfway up on your last rep of a heavy lift. Think hard. this is when you need that wonderful security blanket confidence provided by your spotter. If he/she is there, you know that even if you choke or have troubles racking the bar, you won't be smashed. So, what if you are not spotting? Well, I am still easily distracted, and I'm sure there are others who are too.

Now, the list could go on and on, but I think we all get the general part. Be polite at the gym and wear some clothes! Thank you.

-Phil

The Lost Symbol

A couple of weeks ago, I finished reading Dan Brown's new book, The Lost Symbol. It was a typical Dan Brown affair with lots of skipping from place to place and character to character, strong on action, and a nice puzzle. It also had Brown's typical push of his world view, which caused the denouement to drag on long after the story was really over. All in all however, it was a fun read, if not a slightly predictable one.

As with his other books featuring Professor Langdon, the other character were more facilitating than the protagonist. The villain, Mal'alk, was particularly interesting. Mal'akh, in my opinion, is strongly based on Siddhartha, the title character in the novelette by Hermann Hesse. (Siddhartha is not the story of the Buddha, but rather a fictional contemporaneity with the same name, who also seeks and eventually finds enlightenment). Both men seek themselves and happiness in indolence and excess, and then turn to an ascetic path. Both men are transformed through their lives' journey. The glaring difference between the two is that Mal'akh choose the dark path and thus never finds true enlightenment.

One could also look at the similarities between the transformations of Mal'akh and Frankenstein's monster; however, I shall save my ramblings and analysis of Frankenstein for another time. Besides, further discussion of Mal'akh's transformation could ruin one of the major plot twists (no matter how predictable) for those of you who have not read the book and choose to do so.

-Phil

My day at the VA or An arguemnt against a single payer system

Well, today I was scheduled to have knee surgery at the VA hospital. It was a basic arthroscope with possibility of a lateral release. An easy in and out. So, I got there at 6:30am (0630hrs for you military types), got ready, laid down and waited, and waited and waited. After about eight hours, I was informed that I would not be able to get my surgery today because an emergency arose last night. Oh, I forgot to mention that we had to drive nearly two hour each way and Michelle, my wife, had to take off from work. Also special arrangements had to be made for our son on short notice.

It was a little upsetting, but lets look at this situation in the single payer paradigm. Currently, most hospitals make their money from insurance providers or individuals for services rendered. If a "normal" hospital made a patient wait and then cancel a procedure, most people would refuse to pay for anything or demand the service. Insurers wouldn't pay for anything. The hospital would loose money. On the other hand with care providers receiving a government salary (which would eventually happen with a single payer system) there is no economic need to make sure services are rendered. In other words, you could get bumped or put on a lower priority because of an emergency.

Now, I must say that I choose to use the VA medical services. I earned it, and I am choosing to use it. But that is my point. I currently have a choice. With health-care reform as it stands, and even more so with a single payer system, that choice may soon be gone.

A nice healthy snack (or lunch)

As I mentioned in an earlier posting, Michelle and I have been doing Body for Life. Unfortunately, I have to stop the exercise program because of a surgery (I'll write more about that later), but I continue with the diet routine. The basics of which are eating six small meals a day consisting of a serving of high quality protein and a serving of high quality carbohydrates. One should also include a serving of vegetables with at least two meals. You also take one day a week off from the diet and eat however you feel. To find out more, CLICK HERE.

Sometime my sweet tooth gets in the way, but here is one snack or meal that really helps out, a blueberry milkshake. And yes, it is good for you.

Ingredients:
3/4-1 cup of milk
1-2 scoop(s) of whey protein powder (optional)
1/2 cup of plain unsweetened fat free yogurt
1/2-3/4 cup of frozen blueberries

I use a stick blender, but one can always use a stand blender (especially if you plan to make multiple servings). Pour the milk into the glass and mix in the protein powder (mixing it separately will make it less like to have clumps). Add the yogurt and berries and blend to an even consistency. The frozen berries will freeze some of the liquid and give you a nice milkshake consistency.

Now, the measurements are not exact to allow for varied thicknesses. For a thicker shake that requires a spoon to eat, use less milk and more berries. For a more drinkable shake, use more milk and fewer berries. Also, you can use other frozen fruit. Strawberries work will, and I'm sure frozen peaches would taste great. Fresh fruit, like a banana, is also good, but you don't get that milkshake texture or coldness.

Well, enjoy.

-Phil

I love Mahi-Mahi

As many of you who know me or read this blog on occasion may have guessed, I love food. However, fish is usually not high on the list of my favorites. Mahi-mahi is one fish I can say I love to eat.

I first tried mahi-mahi while I was living in the Monterey, CA area. We were eating at a nice little restaurant on old Fisherman's Wharf (Monterey not San Fan), and I decided to try something new. The mahi-mahi was amazing. When it is fresh, the texture is similar to an extra tender and moist poultry. Also like poultry, the flesh has light and dark meat. The flavor is much like any white meat (no it does not taste like chicken. Only chicken taste like chicken).

Unfortunately, the is no coast in Northeastern Colorado; therefore, we must buy frozen mahi-mahi. The texture of the frozen fish when cooked is still moist and tender, but it does flake somewhat like other fish. I would love to say that the taste does not suffer, but there is not a frozen meat that is truly as good as the fresh. Having said that, frozen mahi-mahi is still quite delicious.

So, how do you cook it? There are many ways to enjoy mahi-mahi. All you really have to do is go to the Foodnetwork website (CLICK HERE) and search for mahi-mahi. There is a ton of recipes (it is also a good site for other recipes). Last night, we had a marvelous Thyme and Sesame Encrusted Mahi-Mahi. The marine and crust enhanced the subtle flavor of the fish. Normally, I would post the recipe myself but due to copyright consideration and easy of finding it, I figured I would just post the link. So, if you want to see the recipe, just click here. It will be well worth you time. Now, doesn't that look yummy?

A few notes: The photo is from Foodnetwork.com The original recipe is for Pacific Halibut, but it calls for halibut or mahi-mahi.

Allowance or Not

Do you give your kids an allowance? Did you get one? My son has often complained that he doesn't get one. I know some child behavior experts, like Jim Fay of Love and Logic fame, say that children should receive an allowance in order to learn the value of money. (I heard Mr. Fay say that chores should be separated from allowance so that kids learn the value of work and understand that we are not paid for a lot of what we do). I think Mr. Fay has a point; however, I don't feel it is the only way to do things.

Instead of an allowance, my son has to earn his money. As a child of 10or 11 years of age, I mowed many a lawn for about $5 each. My parents provided the lawnmower and the gas, and I mowed own lawn (obviously free of charge). Later, my brother John and I shared a paper route. It was nice having our own money. And yes we still had to do chores around the house.

My son makes and sell beaded lanyard for teacher IDs. We provide him with the beads and other materials, and he does the work. If we were to have him pay us back, he would still have a pretty good profit margin. However, it is less money out of our pockets than an allowance might be, and we can tell him he can buy things if he uses his own money. That usually calms his urge to buy something. If it doesn't, he usually goes for something less expensive.

I must add one final caveat to all of this child entrepreneurship. Small children should not be working in sweatshops nor should they be running such businesses. Give them a nickle or so for each pair of socks they match, or follow Jim Fay's advice.

So, lets get some comments on this one. I want to know what you think.

Today is another day

Today is a good day. Why? Well, I'm alive and can't complain too much.

I got good news today in regard to my Stop Loss Payment application. It has been approved. After multiple tries today and yesterday, I finally got through to a real live person. I was told it was sent to DFAS (Defense Finance). The bad news: the DFAS office that processes the claims is under-manned (I was told there are only five people working in a fourteen man office). So, I should get the money in time to go Christmas shopping.

In different news, Michelle and I have started the Body-For-Life challenge. CLICK HERE We started last Monday, and have already started to see some results. We get up at 5am and go to the gym. It is also nice to workout together.

Well, take care all
-Phil

Been a long time

Sorry it has been so long. We were gone the last part of December for the Christmas holiday.

As you may remember, I applied for my Retroactive Stop Loss Payment from the Army back in October. Well, I'm still waiting, as are my Army buddies. No Surprise to most of us. I have been checking my claim's status online from time to time. Apparently, my case has to be audited, and I have requested information on where my case is in the audit. Guess what? Still no response. So today, I tried calling at about 1:50 pm MST. I was forwarded to a full voice mail box. It seems like there are a lot of us Vets asking about our money.

I know the Army can be slow when they have to pay out money, but this is getting RIDICULOUS!!! 

Apple Juice Teriyaki Chicken

It's been a while since I have written a post, and I figured food is always get back in to the groove. This is a recipe that I started working on while I was in Texas get off active duty. I wanted teriyaki chicken, but did not have any sugar or some other thing need to make it. With work, I have come up with a pretty tasty marinade with no added sugar. It would be good for people trying to cut down on their sugar intake.

Pictured is a thigh marinaded in the sauce, wrapped around asparagus, and grilled. It is served with jasmine rice and pineapple, and garnished with toasted sesame seeds.

The recipe is as follows:

Ingredients

1/4 cup Apple Juice or Cider (Unsweetened)

2 Table Spoons Rice Wine Vinegar *

2 Table Spoons Soy Sauce

1/4 teaspoon Fresh Minced Garlic 

1/4 teaspoon Fresh Minced or Grated Ginger

Mix all ingredients it a one gallon ziplock freezer bag. Marinade chicken in the sauce for 4-24 hours in the fridge. Makes enough sauce to marinade 4-6 chicken breasts or thighs.

* Do not use white wine or distilled vinegars. Rice wine vinegar is slightly sweet and adds to the flavor.

I hope you enjoy the recipe. It is delicious and nutritious.

Literary Friends

Other than my usual pilgrimage to the gym, I have spent most of the day reading. If you knew me when I was younger, you would be rather surprised that I read novels (even more so to find out I do it for fun). I never really read much as a kid, with the exception of non-fiction books with pictures and diagrams. Honestly, I read so slow that I couldn't find any enjoyment in reading novels.

Over the years, things have changed. I still read slowly, but I can read much faster than I used to. (I guess practice really does help). I have also come to love certain books and series. Most notably, I love C.S. Lewis' Chonicles or Narnia. The allegorical nature of the books is a nice intellectual treat, and the action, adventure, and intrigue can make for a lively read. However, these are not the major reasons I love the books. It is because of the characters.

I read the entire series while I was in Iraq. (I know, 15 months, but it wasn't the only thing I read over there). I almost felt as if the characters were my friends. The books gave me a place were I could go and not worry about the world around me. In truth, I was rather sad upon finishing the last book, not so much because of the way it ended, but rather that I would no longer be able to go on new adventure with my friends.

As a youth, I wondered why one would read a book when there was the movie. But, books and movies are totally different forms of media. movies are able to go at a fast pace and they usually is little to no need to read or think. However, the viewer is unable to connect to the characters as deeply as the reader can. It takes little or no effort to watch a movie or a TV show (unless you find it boring or slow, or just plain bad. I think most of us have seen that one show that we wished we could get our time back). Reading takes effort. Reading requires us to create the scenes and characters in our minds. Many times we almost find ourselves in the situation with the characters. We relate empathize with the characters, and some times it seems that they become our friends.

More on Stop-loss Payments

For starters, no, I have not yet gotten the payment. Sorry if I got anyone overly excited.

As of October 30, 2009, 4200 Army Vets had applied for their retro-active stop-loss payments. (CLICK HERE to see the Stripes Central article). At first glance that seems pretty good for nine days (the application process was opened on October 20th), but it is a drop in the bucket when considering the estimated 136,000 Soldiers and their families that are eligible. That number is only for the Army. There are approximately 185,000 Veterans that may be eligible. For stop-loss payment links, CLICK HERE

We need to get the word to all OEF/OIF Veterans. If they they were not stop-lossed, they surely know someone who was. They only have until October 21, 2010 to apply for their compensation. Please use your e-mail, social networking sites, blogs, word-of-mouth, and whatever other means you can think of to let people know about this program. Thank you.

More on Country Crust Bread

I the past, I have used 5 cups of whole wheat flour and 1 1/2 cups of all purpose flour to make a wheat country crust bread. A while back I tried using straight whole wheat, and the resulting dough was very sticky and hard to work with. The bread turned out ok (though it was quite tasty).

I discussed the results with my brother, John, and we came up with the idea of using oatmeal. Mind you, it can no longer be called whole wheat, but it is whole grain. So to modify the country crust bread recipe that was previously posted for whole grain goodness, use 5 cups whole wheat flour (I like stone ground) and 1 1/2 cups rolled oats in place of the 6 1/2 to 7 1/2 cups of all purpose flour. CLICK HERE to see the recipe. Also, brown sugar works real well in place of white sugar (just make sure it is a packed 1/2 cup and drop the honey).

        Now doesn't that look YUMMY?!

Finalized Paint for the Old Huffy

Well, I finally got the finalized paint scheme done. After letting the paint cure for a while, I wet sanded the bike using 320 grit to knock down the ridges left by the previous graphics. I then smoothed it up with 600 grit.

After the sanding, I laid down some pink and brown on the frame. I painted the chain guard with a blue and pink fade. I waited three days, to allow the paint to cure, before laying out the graphics. I used positive masking to lay out the graphics (I was going for a sort of beachy pseudo-tribal feel). I then laid down the blue on the frame and brown on the chain guard. I was pretty happy with how things looked after unmasking it. More importantly, Michelle really likes how it has turned out so far. I plan to clear coat it some time next week.

Now comes the more straight forward part of fixing up the bike, mechanical. I need to replace at least one spoke and put on a new chain. Everything needs cleaned up and lubed. The changes will be less visually dramatic, but more more important than the paint.

Stop-Loss Pay Application

Today is the first day to submit you on-line application for Army Stop-Loss Payments, CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION. I just finished my application. It doesn't take to long if you have everything ready to go. For Active Duty Enlisted, you will need your DD FORM 214 and DD FORM 4 before you start.

The documents can be uploaded, emailed, faxed or mailed. I chose to upload mine for easy and to keep everything together. If you mail or fax the documents, you will need to write your claim number on each page. Like I said, uploading is faster, easier and keeps everything together. Also, scan the document before you start. I think I spent more time looking for my documents and scanning them than I did actually filling out the application.

I would also recommend having your bank account number and bank routing number ready. You can choose to receive payment through direct deposit or check. I think most of us know that the Army, and the government in general, are slow to get a check to you.

Good luck to all. I have no idea when we will get our money, but I figure that uploading documents and receiving a direct deposit would make the process faster.

Stop-Loss Payments

The US Army is reported to be accepting applications for retroactive"Stop-Loss" payments starting October 21. A while back, Congress passed a bill that entitled all stop-lossed service members $500 per month of extension past the ETS date. To find out more CLICK HERE. There is a website posted to apply but so far, I have been unable to access it.

Well, here's another photo collage doodle. The face is a mask I bought in Korea, and the skulls are a dollar store Halloween decoration.

Why do I exercise?

Why do I exercise? I have to admit that health benefits and looking good are part of it. I also like feeling strong and pushing myself. Part of it is that physical fitness is an important aspect of Army life, and I guess it just becomes part of who you are. Also, the gym is the main place where I socialize. (Being unemployed, I don't have work friends and only socializing on Facebook would be pitiful).

Are those the main reasons? Is that what really motivates my near obsession with the gym? No. Quite frankly, I go for my mental health. The VA is treating my with medication for PTSD. I don't really know if that is my problem or not, but the meds have helped. I know that I was angry most of the time when I got back from Iraq. I couldn't stand being in crowded places, and felt generally depressed. After starting medication, I noticed that I was nice, more mellow and happier if I exercised for about an hour or so two to three times a week. I felt even better if I got five good work outs in. This summer, I found that if I went a week without working out I got very disagreeable (OK, more like down right pissy). So I work out for my family and possibly for my sanity.

So why do I hit the weights so hard? My parents think I lift too much. Well, what am I suposed to do? The doctors at the VA have told me not to run because of my knees. My patellas rub against my tibias causing pain. Thinking about it that way I really shouldn't run.

So, there you have it. I use weights like other people use drugs and booze.

Art? and Weight(s)

Just a little something for fun.
I’m getting ready to go to the gym. A couple of weeks ago, I found that my muscles weren’t fully recovering between workouts. So, now I am focusing more on aerobic exercises (mainly the elliptical machine and heavy bag) and doing light weight/high reps with the weight. I am also trying to not out-grow my pants. I know there comes a time when most of us have to fight against weight gain. That’s Life!

The Bike and More

Well, last Friday, I got the bike all taped up and laid down the brown paint. I really didn’t like the result at first. Now I’m not sure. I am still leaning towards going back to my original paint scheme.

This is how it looks now. I think I will paint the brown and blue area solid brown with the exception of the neck. I plan to paint the neck blue and scallop on the backbone and down tube. Please comment and let me know what you think.





Other Items
As you may know, the band O.A.R. has teamed up with the IAVA (Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America) on a campaign to support returning Veterans. Please Click Here and check it out. You will be asked to pledge your support for the recent Veterans and Service Members. You could even win two concert tickets and backstage passes. Also check out the IAVA by CLICKING HERE.

Veterans’ Day is coming up. To me, it is time to really think about what we are doing to support the Troops and Veterans. How many of us have “Support the Troops” ribbons and bumper stickers? But what are we really doing? Think about it. Hopefully, I will be able to have some good ideas for you soon. Stay posted.

Bike Update

I know it has been a while since I last made a posting, and even longer since I made an update on the bike.

As you can see, I have started painting. Most of the old nasty black paint came off rather easily, but some was extra stubborn. I ended up using aircraft stripper to get the rest off.I laid three coats of primer, and then wet sanded it with 320 grit. Then, I laid an additional two coats of primer and hit it with the 320 again and followed it up with 600 grit. After cleaning off the sanding residue, I laid two coats of light blue Rustoleum.

You may notice that, in the first picture, only part of the frame was painted blue. Originally, I was going to paint most of the bike brown with blue arches and a blue and brown plaid pattern on the neck and forks. Well, it is my wife's bike and she had some different ideas. After some discussion, we decided to paint the thin tubing blue and give the thicker tubes the plaid graphics. Right now, the paint is curing in the basement (the temperature is in the mid 30's). I plan to tape up the frame tomorrow, and hopefully get the graphics painted as well.

My Birthday has Past!!! Huzah!!!

So, Tuesday was my birthday. I am now a whole 34 years-old. Yes, that means I will be old enough to run for President in 2012! But don't worry, I won't. Besides, pocket lint and a few pennies isn't much of a campaign fund. However, my birthday cake was great. Tres Leches, with Dulce de Leche filling. Yummy!!!

Seriously, I have been feeling a little bit old lately. It's not so much my birthday; it's looking at what other accomplished by my age. I'm pretty sure the German playwright, Buckner, had achieved famed and died by age 34 (don't quote me on that though). And there is the guy in the news who was arrested for lying to the FBI and suspected of being part of a terrorist plot. 24 and he's suspected of possibly being a mastermind. To top it off, He can grow a full beard. I still can't!!! (Note to the DHS: SARCASM!!!! I do not idolize, support, or romanticize terrorist, nor do I condone terrorism. I do however support water-boarding and punching terrorists in the head).

Well, enough wallowing in self pity. I need to bake some more bread.