The Hottest New Workout

I was watching the telly the other night and they did a promo about the latest craze in workouts.  I never jumped on the P90X bandwagon or joined in the CrossFit craze although I haven't ruled them out.  I digress.

So the promo was about SurfSET.  It's a fitness workout that simulates you surfing and fighting off sharks.

And to make it even better, Erik Barrajas did the story!  You can view the story here:

Ramblings Of A Caffeinated Mind 17.1

URGGHHH!
OK. So despite this being a busy week I also wanted to increase my level of fitness activities. Who knew that this stuffy nose & sore throat would wear me down? I have done one run and one weight workout this week. I was going to get up early this morning and go for a run but I just didn't have it in me. Then I was going to go workout after work but considering that I never had a decent meal today I had no energy. Someone at work even noticed that I had not eaten anything for lunch because she said I was tanking. Things at work will calm down next week so maybe my eating and fitness will get back on schedule.

Debates
I tried to watch the debate last night between Barack Obama and John McCain. I was not entertained.

When the adults would speak all that you could hear was "Wah wah wah." That's what I heard last night when I turned on the telly. Obama: "Wah, wah, wah." McCain, "Wah, wah, wah." I can't remember what I watched but I know it wasn't much of the debate.

I actually enjoyed the Biden/Palin debate last week. I was always a sucker for freak shows at the circus. I'm just sayin'.

Costume
I need a costume idea. I've been invited to a Halloween Party on the 17th and I really haven't had much time to think of a costume. Any ideas? Suggestions are welcome.

What if...
you paid invited a big name celebrity to be the guest speaker at a fundraiser luncheon and he/she didn't show up? Just askin'...and yes it happened yesterday.

dilemma

I was faced with a dilemma this evening. It all had to do with which street I turned left on to get home. You see...

If I turned left on Gray, that would take me to West Gray which would put me within spitting distance of LeFittes. If I turned left on St. Joseph, that would eventually put me on a few streets to take me to Memorial Drive which would take me home. What to do?

This morning I woke up around 3:00a.m. and had a sore throat and was sneezing so no running for me! Knowing that I had done any physical exercise today I decided to go to LeFittes.

I'm a bit tired right now due to my illness and fitness routine but I do feel better from physical exertion. I guess I should always keep a change of clothes in the car in case I'm faced with similar

Hello! Let me introduce myself to you.

Bois and gurrls. I am so sorry. I feel like I have been neglecting and well, I have but it wasn't intentional.

It's been whirlwind of activity since I started my new job and I REALLY meant to post something over the weekend but a pool party and a party for Legacy got in the way. Plus my other weekend stuff of running (on a bum knee), working out, checking in at the office and making new friends have just kept me being a busy boi.

I really meant to write a longer post this evening but I swear Apple is out to drive me crazy! And yes, it has to do with the iPod nano.

I haven't even had a chance to pay attention to Ike. Everytime I hear that name I start humming Proud Mary. I didn't even like Ike Turner. And once again, I must ask, who comes up with these names?

Well in case you haven't been paying attention, the cone of uncertainty changes everytime a Houston weatherman sneezes. OY! Maybe I won't have to spend my birthday Wednesday night in line at Kroger replenishing supplies. I really need to stop buying food that I normally wouldn't eat. I'm beginning to wonder if Kroger, HEB, Randalls, Piggly Wiggly and Fiesta have something to do with all of these hurricanes. I'm just sayin'.

One other thing to report...Calvin tried to mawl me while I was in bed. He's been reading a book or something because he went for my wrist and right for the vein! They don't call him The Calvinator for no reason.

I think he is a bit p!ssed that I haven't been spending more time with him and I did return a bit late after making new friends. I think he was trying to tell me something. Just a minute ago I walked up to him to pet him and he growled. LOL Well, turns out he had just started munching on a rawhide and I didn't know it. I think I'm gonna be like Korto on Project Runway and sleep with one eye open.

Catch up with y'all later, I promise!

Don't Let This Happen To You

I picked this up from Kenneth In The 212.
Here is the story from NYPost.  
GYM MACHINE HURLS WOMAN By TOM LIDDY, PILAR CONCI and JAMIE SCHRAM Last updated: 9:29 pm July 28, 2008 Posted: 9:29 pm July 28, 2008

In the age-old battle of human vs. machine, the "abductor" defeated its foe - a portly woman - at a Harlem gym today A "very large lady" at the New York Sports Club was "sling-shot" off equipment known as the "abductor" - and had to be hauled from the gym in a rescue basket by firefighters, authorities said.

The accident was reported before noon at 345 W. 145th St., where a 38-year-old woman was using the machine, which firms muscles of the hips and inner thighs, witnesses said.

"She didn't close [the machine] properly," said one source who asked not to be identified.

"She was supposed to exit it from the side but tried to go over the leg bar . . and her loose pants got caught in the handle."

Gym members were aghast as they watched the accident unfold.

"If you are on a machine, it's you versus the machine," said another gym member who also asked not to be identified.

"She put too much weight on the machine. She was, like, sling-shot from it."

A FDNY spokesman said that because of the woman's large size, paramedics had to use a "Stokes basket" instead of a regular stretcher to lift the woman from the gym and into the ambulance.

She was then taken to New York Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center. A spokeswoman at the hospital had no immediate information, including the woman's weight.

Separately, the Fire Department responded Sunday night to the Queens apartment of a 400-pound man who was knocked unconscious by smoke - and had to be hauled to safety with special cargo netting, authorities said.

The fire alarm was reported at 8:50 p.m. at 61-15 97th St., the source said.

When firefighters from Ladder Co. 136 opened the door of the first-floor apartment, a lieutenant and probationary officer found an unnamed 400-pound man unconscious, lying face down, in a hallway near the living room, the source said.

Rescuers had to use cargo netting to envelope the large patient and drag him to safety.

tom.liddy@nypost.com

So I went and looked up a pic of The Abductor and here it is.

I can't figure out how she could have been hurled but then I guess stranger things have happened!

Catching Up

I know I've been a bit quiet lately. I really was disappointed that I didn't get the job that I really wanted. I guess it was best to find out early in the week rather wait and wait and wait and then find out later in the week. Disappointment is never fun.

So here are some snippets of what has been going on.

• A group of us met on Tuesday to start planning for World AIDS Day Houston 2008. We are still trying to figure out what it will consist of but there will be events on and around December 1.
  
  
• I'm not getting much sleep again. I was up at 4:30 a.m. today. I'm averaging about 5 to 6 hours of sleep each night and I've gone back to not eating much. Good news is that I'm getting back into clothes from 2002. This is also partially due to the fact that since I can't sleep, I get up and go run or workout and/or both.
  
  
• Friday night was a full evening. Montrose Counseling Center had an Open House and the dedication of rooms. People who supported the capital campaign and donated at designated levels have had rooms named after them. Kenny In Montrose (KIM) has a room named after him. We got a peek and I noticed a few things were missing. For instance, no bar, no vodka and no Elaine.
  
  
• Later on Friday night Gray Squirrel Micheal (yes, that is spelled correctly) celebrated his 40th birthday with over 100 of his closest friends. It was a fun evening full of chatter, gossip, cocktails and laughter. Plus it was a pretty crowd. Today is actually Micheal's birthday so a shout out to Micheal and welcome to The 40s. You're in good company.
  
  
• Saturday I didn't run because I was suffering from vodka remorse. Once I was finished being remorseful I made my way to St. Anne's for a class. On the 4th Sunday of the month I will be helping during the 5:00 p.m. Mass in the distribution of the Eucharist. I thought I had signed up to be a substitute but I am part of a permanent team. It was amazing what all came back to me from being an altar boy for so many years. My biggest fear is falling down the steps (which I did when I was an altar boy). Guess I'll be wearing rubber soled shoes on the 4th Sunday of each month. No leather soled Cole Haans for me!
  
  
• Saturday afternoon was the perfect afternoon for being out by a pool so I took my quasi-happy ass to a Summer Solstice Party that was being thrown by Bill and David. This was not an S&M Pool Party...you know, Stand 'n Model...this was a get in the pool party so I did. Once again, good chatter gossip, cocktails and pretty people.
  
  
• Saturday evening was a concert performed by Bayou City Performing Arts. It was a nice evening. I ended up going by myself which was OK because at one of their concerts I know I will always run into folks that I know...and I did.
  
  
• Sunday I woke up early and decided that I needed to go run...so I did. Then as punishment for not running on Saturday, I went to they gym and did an extended workout on the Stairmaster. OMG! I obviously picked the wrong settings because I was beat and covered in sweat when it was all said and done...or was all that sweat from the alcohol consumed on Friday AND Saturday? I'm just asking.
  
  
• Sunday afternoon Krewe of Olympus had a Rush Party. Ginger Grant hosted the Krewe at her adobe and fixed a wonderful brisket. I worked the bar (as a bartender) for a bit. It was a nice afternoon. While I was at the party, I found out that one of the costumes I will be wearing in February '09 will probably require me to lose about 50 pounds of fat and put on 25 pounds of muscle. GEEZ! LOL

During the weekend I found out that three couples I know have visited Splitsville. It really has me bothered. I guess it just goes to prove that what you see on the surface is just that...what you see on the surface.

At the same time, I found out that two couples I know are going to be wed in California. One couple will be married today and the other in September. I guess hope springs eternal.

A couple of other things are really bothering and I won't go into much detail. One is the guy who has not been formally charged with murdering his two children. Their burned bodies were found the other day.

The other thing that is bothering me is about a guy who literally ran his dog to death at Memorial Park and left it there. It happened a few weeks ago and I was finally able to put all of the pieces together.

Not to be judgemental but I think there is a special place in Hell for people who don't protect children and animals. And as always, I have a song. It was recorded by The Carpenters when I was a young kid and it is titled, Bless The Beasts & The Children.

So that's about it for now. Calvin is fine and is getting in some long walks. And I need to scoot.

Mario Lopez Comes To The Bayou City

So. I was wondering if Mario Lopez would be coming to Houston to promote his book Mario Lopez's Knockout Fitness. I figured he has a fairly busy schedule what with him being on Broadway in A Chorus Line. Imagine my glee when I read in The Houston Chronicle that he will be here this Tuesday (May 27, 2008)!

Mario will be at Borders (3025 Kirby) starting at 700p. That is only 2.22 miles from me and The Calvinator. Normally the big name authors go out to the westside of town to do book signings so this is way cool. (Maybe he'll want to stop by for a beverage when he is finished? Probably not. He has a sister who lives in the area so I'm sure they'll be spending some time together.)

According to the interview, he will also be posing for photographs. I wonder if he will lift his shirt and show those abs. He can show his 6-pack and I'll show my keg.

So. I was debating about going to the gym today and I guess I just got my inspiration. To get a body like that I guess ya gotta start somewhere, right?

With Mario flaunting his Hollywood smile and his 6-pack, I have started humming a showtune.

As Ulla sings in The Producers, "Ven you got it, flaunt it. Show your assets, let them know you're proud." BTW...if you watch this clip from The Producers, that is Uma Thurman and not Nicole Kidman (as stated on the page of the clip).

Hello

OK. Yes. I know. I've been a bit quiet. Not much to say about anything.

It's getting hotter here in H-town. It's so hot (how hot is it?), The Calvinator is cutting his walks short. Seriously. When he has had enough and is ready to turn around he just stops and digs in and won't move. It's sort of like trying to get a mule to budge.

I went running this morning a bit before 800a.m. and it was already in the low 80s. In fact, when we went for our morning stroll at 630a.m. it was already 83 degrees and the humidity was high. I'm one of those people who sweats like a whore in church (no comments please) and I just can't understand those lizard people who don't sweat.

This morning as I was finishing up my 5 mile jaunt at Memorial Park, I saw a familiar face...well, familiar from his blog. It was Active Runner. I had about 1/2 a mile to go and REALLY wanted to finish so I didn't stop to chat him up. I think I surprised him though.

So I showered and went and did some weights and worked up another sweat. And showered again.

Then later on I went to AttyHou and Everyday Italian's pool and was joined by Neighbor Michael. At this point the temperature was in the 90s. OY! I didn't last long because I was sweating like a whore at The Vatican. So yes, I showered...again.

I must ask. Is it normal to take three showers in one day? Am I bordering on OCD or am I OCD?

So that's what's on my mind tonight...well that and whole bunch of other stuff that you may or not may not be interested in, like:

1) I can't figure why gas is so high in Houston when the f_cking refineries are right down the road in Texas City, La Porte and Deer Park? I'm just saying.

2) Is it normal to have a job interview at 800a on Memorial Day? Is this some kind of test?

3) I finally had to look up the words to 4 Minutes and I still don't understand part of it and I'm laughing at myself for not incorrectly singing some of the lyrics. (Lyrics I don't understand: "Keep it up, keep it up, don't be a pri..")

4) I'm wondering if Candy Shop will be remixed?

5) I don't think Betty Suarez went to Tuscon (with Henry) or Rome (with Gio). If she was going to marry Henry, that would mean she has to leave Mode and there goes the whole show. Plus, she would want her family at the wedding. I think she is afraid of Gio because she knows she belongs with him. I think she went on a trip to Mexico to visit family and get her head together.

And while I'm on the subject of Ugly Betty, did anyone else LOL when Naomi Campbell pulled out her cell phone and everybody took cover? And poor Hilda. She gets a hunkalicious love interest only to find out he is still married.

6) Did anyone watch The Bachelorette? Deanna was in her own Candy Shop. My assumption is that they don't let the guys eat any food and then do a vodka drip so the alcohol can go directly into their bloodstream. And the guy who didn't get picked and was howling at the moon? Uh...LOL

I hope everyone is having a safe and fun holiday weekend!

Challenge Day 2008 - Houston (reminder)

Don't forget!

Tomorrow (Wednesday) is Challenge Day 2008. Exercise for at least 15 minutes and send in your results no later than Thursday, May 22.

For more information, click here.

A short post.

This post has been inspired by two other bloggers and something that was in the gift bag from the fave magazine party last week. This is the Show 'n Tell that I referred to yesterday.

Awhile back Running For Gold commented that he had received some hits to his blog from people looking for information about masculine running shorts. Click on his name and you can read what was said.

Then, Blog My Runs did a post about running in long shorts just like Lance Armstrong. I'm not sure that he was prepared for the number of comments that he received. I chimed in and stated why I wear short running shorts when I run.

Let's face it folks, I'm short. I'm 5'8". It seems like most guys are taller than me. For me to run in long shorts is very uncomfortable. Let me do some 'splaining.

I have tried to run in long shorts but the problem that I encounter is that there is way too much material flying around my knees. With all that material flying around it makes me feel like Sister Bertrille from The Flying Nun. With the proper wind gust, I could take flight. Plus, the long shorts make me look like I belong to some cult that doesn't allow you to show anything above the knee.

There are some square-cut running shorts that I have but those give me a wedgie in the front and the back. Talk about uncomfortable.

Now, I will say that I do wear the longer shorts sometimes when I'm walking The Calvinator or when I go to the gym to do weights. I don't wear them when I'm spinning because I'm afraid the extra material is going to get caught in the wheel plus the one time I wore a pair of long shorts I had a bunch of material flopping around my knees. And yes, I do wear biking shorts when I spin because they have the extra cushion in the ass.

So here are some photos of some of my shorts.

These are Calvinator walking shorts for first thing in the morning. I can throw them on with a t-shirt and off we go. They have pockets for the keys, poop bags, etc. They're also good cover-up shorts for the running shorts when I don't feel like walking into Kroger after a run and freezing off my kibbles and bit. See how far down on my leg they go!

They sort of remind me of Skorts. Remember those skirts/shorts that Units used to sell?

Next we have another pair of long shorts. It only has a small pocket; big enough for the nano. They're just a bit shorter than the previous pair. I wear these to workout in.

This is another pair that I workout in. They're just a bit shorter than the previous pair. Small inside key pocket.

I can run in these but they cause a wedgie in the front and the back so I normally wear them to the gym if I'm going to do an eliptical machine. Small inside key pocket.

This is the normal size shorts that I run in. OK. Compare them to the long shorts and you can see how short I am and why I like the shorter shorts. No wedgies. No extra material flying around my knees. Very comfortable. Small key pocket inside both.

I do have some wild patterned shorts and so to continue the fashion show, here ya go.

First is this pair. When I run in these I don't even feel them. They don't squish my love handles and the sweat runs right off of them so they don't get all wet and sticky. Funny thing. runnerOne has the same pair and one morning when we went running we showed up both wearing them. Talk about looking like a pair of Twinkies. OK...maybe a Ding Dong a Ho-Ho.

Then we have this pair. Wild but subtle.

And then we have these. I will only wear these at twilight or pre-dawn. It's hard to miss me in the dark. Uh...plus they become a bit transparent when they get wet with sweat.

I bought this pair several years ago and I have never worn them. I guess I was thinking that if I ever had to run in Iraq, they would come in handy. And, as of right now I have no plans to go to Iraq.

Now, back to what was in the gift bag from the party. There was a candle, some soap, some vodka and a pair of shorts(?). A VERY small pair of shorts. Just so you know how small they are, I put them against a pair of my short Puma shorts. Are you ready to see them?

I know of one or two people who MIGHT be able to wear these by their pool. I seriously doubt that I could get them past my calves.

So that is today's fashion show. I'm invited to the first pool party of the season tomorrow and I need to decide which pair of swimtrunks to wear. I have them in varying lengths. ;-)

Challenge Day 2008 - Houston

CHALLENGE DAY 2008
WEDNESDAY, MAY 21
IN QUEST OF ONE MILLION EXERCISERS

Join the exercise challenge as Houston competes with other cities internationally.

Do some form of physical exercise for at least 15 minutes on Wednesday, May 21st &
report your results, by e-mail to:

challengeday2008@cityofhouston.net

No later than Thursday, May 22nd

Group Leaders may report for their entire class/group.

Thanks for helping Houston accept the Challenge Day Challenge.

Questions? Please contact Doug Earle at doug.earle@cityofhouston.net or 713-845-8075

It's Almost Pool Party Time

The weather is heating up here in H-town and even though I have often said, "There are two seasons in Houston: Summer and Autumn", hanging out by a pool takes a break during December - March.

So, I've been running (sweated like pig at 545 this morning) and working out and trying to watch what I eat. I mean let's face it. If people wanted to hang out with Shamu, they could drive down I-10 to San Antonio.

So, you know what they say about never go to the grocery store when you're hungry? Well I did. And not only that, I ate a free cookie. Yes, I know. Some kid with grubby hands probably touched every cookie in the free container and then along comes Timmy and eats a contaminated cookie.

Oh. It gets worse.

So on my way to check out, I see these containers that have two slices of carrot cake and if you have your Kroger Card with you they're on sale. So I did and I did and then after dinner I ate one whole slice of carrot cake. And yes, it was yummy.

If I keep up these bad eating habits, I'll never have abs like this

or this

Maybe there are some things that just should not be on your Things To Achieve List?

Ramblings Of A Caffeinated Mind 10.3

Belated Happy Birthday!
Last week was Sugar Land Stuart's birthday. I did call to send him birthday greetings. I just didn't get around to doing it on the blog.

I met Stuart in 2003. Stuart was Calvin's 2nd owner. He adopted Calvin from Citizens For Animal Protection. Here is a pic of Stuart and Calvin.

Today's Birthday Greetings
Today is the first full day of Spring which means it is AttyHou's birthday! I met Jim through mutual friends but it wasn't until one night in Galveston that we bonded and became good friends. You see...

I was sitting in a second story window of a bar in Galveston and I had Mardi Gras beads. I was giving the beads away and Jim joined me. That was the beginning of the friendship.

Jim and I lived together for a few years. It was during that time that we both trained for our first marathon. I think one of my funniest running memories is the 1997 Heights Fun Run.

We had gone out to eat (Mexican food) the night before and after dinner we went out for a few more cocktails AND Tequila shots. So here it is the next morning. It's June. It's hot. It's humid and we're there to run a race. That has to be one of the most painful 5ks I have ever run. What were we thinking???!!!

There are many good stories to tell about Jim; too many to tell. Let's just say that I am very fortunate to have him in my life and I wish everyone could have an AttyHou in their life.

I've posted this pic before and here it is again. It is one of my favorite photos. We are in NYC in 2001. AttyHou is in blue.

First Day of Spring
So AttyHou's birthday always makes me sing & hum a Pet Shop Boys song. Can you guess which one?

Well...part of the lyrics are: "I feel like taking all my clothes off. Dancing to the Rite of Spring..."


Fitness Activities
OK...so I'm trying to get back into the groove. I've started running again and doing weights. Haven't added spinning back to the routine. I'm feeling much better and getting active again is making me feel better.

Biggest Loser -Houston (sort of)

You know how you get those flyers in your mailbox or attached to your door knob or fence? Well, I received one yesterday and was about to throw it away without even looking at it. So, I noticed it was a wellness brochure for the people in my neighborhood, which kind of caught my attention.

Then I noticed it was from the chiropractor that I used to go to when I was having all kinds of problems. So I'm reading it and then I notice that they are doing something similar to The Biggest Loser. Their program is named Big Weight Loss. Here's the 411 from their website.

Inspired by a popular weight-loss reality show, the team at Today´s Health Center has developed a four-week weight-loss program designed to be educational, effective, and FUN!

This program will include nutritional recommendations, meal planning, healthy recipes, exercise guidelines, body composition analysis, and team-oriented group discussion.

Our program leader is Tom Jackobs, certified personal trainer and owner of Body3 Personal Fitness. (You´ll recognize Tom, because his Wedding Workout was recently featured on "Great Day Houston.") Tom´s first-hand experience with personal weight-loss success will be inspirational to all who participate.

Take the First Step! Sign up today. Just click the link below and we´ll send you more information.

The next four-week program begins soon. Only 10 applicants will be accepted into each four-week program. Class sessions take place on Saturdays from 11:00 a.m until 1:00 p.m. and the cost to participate in this exciting program is only $49.00!

To receive an application, click on the "Sign-up/Register Here" link at the bottom of this page. An application will be emailed and completed applications must be faxed back to (713) 880-3886.

Here´s your chance to actively take responsibility for your health. We can´t wait to meet the new you!

With my recent illness (that sounds so dramatic), I've been quite sedentary and have become a bit concerned about only burning calories when I walk The Calvinator. So after a consultation with Everyday Italian I decided I should probably go to the gym and do a very light weight workout. I did and it wore me out. While I was there, I weighed myself and I haven't gained any weight, I've acutally lost 2 pounds.

So...I won't be signing up for Big Weight Loss. However, I will tell you that I have met Tom Jackobs. You really need to ask him for his before and after pictures because it is unbelievable that someone can transform himself like that!

(I forgot to post this yesterday.)
Weekly Post Of Physical Fitness Activities


SUN Feb. 17: 3 walks with Calvin (Total time: 58 minutes); weight workout (abs, arms, chest, back)
MON Feb 18: 3 walks with Calvin (Total time: 47 minutes); 3 mile run at Memorial Park
TUE Feb 19: 3 walks with Calvin (Total time: 48 minutes); eliptical machine workout; weight workout (abs, chest, back)
WED Feb 20: 2 walks with Calvin (Total time: 28 minutes); 3 mile run at Memorial Park
THU Feb 21: 3 walks with Calvin (Total time: 44 minutes); 3 mile run at Memorial Park
FRI Feb 22: 3 walks with Calvin (Total time: 50 minutes);
SAT Feb 23: 3 walks with Calvin (Total time: 61 minutes); weight workout (abs, arms, chest)

Weekly post of physical fitness activities


Sunday: 3 walks with Calvin totaling 56 minutes; weight workout (abs, chest, arms)
Monday: 4 walks with Calvin totaling 45 minutes; 3 mile run at Memorial Park
Tuesday: 3 walks with Calvin totaling 49 minutes; 35 minute treadmill run (_/_\_); 60 min. spin class
Wednesday: 2 walks with Calvin totaling 25 minutes; weight workout (abs, chest, arms)
Thursday: 4 walks with Calvin totaling 46 minutes; 4 mile run at Memorial Park; 60 min. spin class
Friday: 3 walks with Calvin totaling 41 minutes
Saturday: 3 walks with Calvin totaling 45 minutes; 6 mile run at Memorial Park

As I mentioned earlier this week, I decided to not post everyday what I am doing in regard to physical fitness. So here is a recap for the week.

• Sunday: 3 walks with The Calvinator totaling 43 minutes; weight workout (abs, chest, arms)


• Monday: 3 walks with The Calvinator totaling 48 minutes; 3 mile at Memorial Park.


• Tuesday: 3 walks with The Calvinator totaling 46 minutes; 35 minute treadmill run (flat, incline and decline); 60 minute spin class


• Wednesday: 2 walks with The Calvinator totaling 24 minutes; 30 minutes on elliptical machine (cross-training mode)


• Thursday: 4 walks with The Calvinator totaling 49 minutes; 3 mile run at Memorial Park; 60 minute spin class


• Friday: 3 walks with The Calvinator totaling 46 minutes


• Saturday: 3 walks with The Calvinator totaling 46 minutes; 3 mile run at Memorial Park (note: Today's run should have been 5-6 miles but my allergies have been bothering me and I just wasn't up to it. I spent most of the day on the couch and didn't even go to the gym. It what I call a Louis Armstrong Day: You can't blow it out if you ain't got it in you.)

Ramblings Of A Caffeinated Mind 9.1

Party Etiquette
The party season is over (Christmas, New Year, Super Bowl, Mardi Gras). Recently, I have had several discussions with friends about party guests who bring a bus load of guests with them.

I always thought that if the invitation was addressed to me, it was for me only. If the invitation was addressed to me and guest, then that meant I could bring one guest. If the word guests is on the invitation, that sort of opens it up. (In these instances, I am referring to parties not fundraisers. For a fundraiser, I would want as many people as possible to show up AND contribute.)

I can understand the frustration of people who have put on a party and have ended up with extra guests. For one thing, you never want to run out of food and booze. Also, it is nice to know who is walking around your house.

There have been instances where I have thrown a party, invited someone and then received a phone call/e-mail asking if they can bring a guest. I am totally fine with that. At least they asked AND it gave me ample opportunity to plan for additional adult beverages.

There have also been some instances where friends brought extra guests (without telling me) but they also walked in with a full bottle of vodka. That was cool with me too and I was totally fine. Plus their guests were H-O-T, introduced themselves to me, and were polite. Even if they weren't hot, that would have been fine too as long as they displayed good public decorum and manners.

I guess one of the reasons I never bring an entourage with me (without asking or without them being invited) is because when a large group of my people show up it could be considered a gang. Yes, I know my people travel in large numbers to the grocery store, to the mall, to the hospital, etc. It's part of our culture but why perpetuate the stereotype by bringing mass amounts of people with me to a party.

So with all of this said, I found this in Miss Manners column this morning:
Dear Miss Manners:
My husband and I hosted a Super Bowl party and were absolutely appalled by the number of guests who brought several of their own friends, without acknowledging these people in their RSVP. What should have been a party of 24 turned into 35, and it was difficult to accommodate everyone in our small townhouse.

Some of the "extra guests" did not even introduce themselves to me or my husband and proceeded to place their feet (and shoes) on our furniture. I wanted to be a gracious host, but I admit I was steamed by this lack of respect for my home.

I would like to communicate to my friends who were invited and brought these people that I don't appreciate the casual nature of their behavior, but how do I do this and not offend the friend?

Gentle Reader:
By not inviting them to your next party. If they seem offended, you can say that this is just for your friends, and you know that they have other friends to entertain.

What puzzles Miss Manners is that you are characterizing them as "casual," in contrast to their friends, of whom you say they failed to respect your house. Casual is a word that many people mistakenly believe to mean (when applied to themselves) "charmingly unpretentious." It is at least as disrespectful to march other people into your party and even fail to introduce them (that was their job, not their friends') as to put feet on the furniture.

Project Runway
FINALLY! Ricky is gone!!!

Last night the challenge was to design an outfit for one of the divas from the WWE. Ricky designed a swimsuit and was auf'd. At least now we don't have to watch him cry every week. Hey Ricky...go get some cajones. If he had really thought about it, he could have relied on his lingerie design experience and come up with something HOT!...but he didn't.

Chris won the challenge with his green leopard outfit. I REALLY liked the black sequin lining that he used in the hoodie and he carried that through with the shorts and gloves.Christian could have won with his faux leather and lace outfit. Rami and Sweet P were almost derailed. In my mind the jury is still out on Jillian's outift. I think I would have liked it more if she had not used the thigh high white thingamugjigs.

Running, Spinning, Weights
You may have noticed that I have not been posting my fitness activities. Rather than bore you on a daily basis, I have decided to do a weekly recap. Details to follow.

Do you need to firm up your butt?

Resolution for the new year

New Year's resolution: Become happier runner

Tips include stretching, setting goals and taking some time off
By ROBERTA MACINNIS
Copyright 2007 Houston Chronicle

Get fit for life! Total body makeover! Drop 5 pounds fast!
Call it a seasonal perk. Every January, it's satisfying to realize that we regular exercisers can largely ignore the New Year! New You! headlines that nag at us from the magazines in the racks of the grocery store checkout line.

Build a healthy heart? Check. Reduce stress? Check. Get weight under control? Check, more or less.
Still, the urge to get fitter or faster or to run farther — to somehow improve — remains in even the most veteran runners. I'll leave the speedwork assignments and mileage suggestions to the paid professionals.

Here's 10 things that can make you a happier runner in the new year:

• 1. Stretch: It's easy to skip this essential part of a balanced running routine, like I did for 25 years. But since I started training this year with a runner who consistently stretches for a few minutes after each workout, my legs and back feel better the rest of the day.

• 2. Run fast once a week: Sure, it's uncomfortable. But it's also satisfying in that I'm-master-of-my-own-universe-hear-me-roar kind of way.

• 3. Set a goal: Maybe it's as small as sprinting to the next street light or as big as a personal best in the marathon. Not only will the accomplishment leave you feeling better about yourself, you will have learned new lessons during the journey — however brief — there.

• 4. Do a real fun run: Purist racers may disapprove, but running an event at an easy pace is a blast. And you still get the shirt.

• 5. Volunteer at a race: All those people on the course are doing something positive about how they conduct their lives. And you're helping them. Giving back to the tribe is always a good thing.

• 6. Whine: You got out of bed before dawn to run five miles in the rain. Indulge your dark side, wallow in your unhappy place, and you'll end up laughing about it.

• 7. Take some time off: A week or more. It can be risky flirting with the dark side, the seductive sedentary life. But it's also rewarding. You'll not only give your mind and body a rest, you'll also appreciate running even more when you start again.

• 8. Give yourself a break: Decided to skip this morning's workout for no better reason than you didn't want to get out of bed? Don't beat yourself up. You'll get another chance to get up early tomorrow.
• 9. Stop running: When you hear a woodpecker, try to spot it in the tree. Nice view of the sunset? Soak it in. Appreciate all the natural beauty — yes, even in Houston — around you.
• 10. Remember that running is freedom: The freedom that comes from being able-bodied. The freedom that comes from being disciplined, yet relaxed. The freedom that comes with the realization that you're doing the right thing for yourself. It's easy to be happy when you're free.