Steve v5.0

Archive for the ‘Brain Burp’ Category

The more I think, turns out the less I know. Chew on that one, Steve. It doesn’t matter what the topic is, the more I think, discuss, and think some more, the more often I run smack-splat into the realization that whatever notion I had going in was inadequate crap. I guess the right way to look at it is to be grateful I’m still capable of learning something– despite my advanced years and skull density.

Today’s befuddlement turned epiphany: women’s fashion. Not a fun ride.

Rock on.

OK, so what do you call it when the title of my post makes a statement that, when looking at the two parts of a two-part title separately, kinda make sense in a way– but when coupled kinda don’t in a things-that-make-you-go, “Huh?” kinda way? Say, “Wednesday,” and you’re probably as right as rain.

So here’s the nugget, quitting at any point prior to the moment of success guarantees failure. Quitting at any point even after experiencing a modicum of success precludes a reversal of that success (think “yo-yo dieting”). Conversely, my hallucination comprises the tenet that perseverance and tenacity until my last breath is the surest formula for my ultimate success.

I blush at the though of all the times during my life that, upon experiencing a some level of success, I just quit doing whatever it was that was working. Hell, there were times when I cognitively quit doing what was working because it was working- perhaps for no other reason than my perceived lessening of the associated challenge. The thing is/was, whatever chemical triggers that were firing off in my brain that were feeding whatever need I had at the time, were satisfied by merely overcoming some hurdle- beyond the hurdle was boredom. Quiting created another hurdle. All in all a tedious circle of mediocrity.

How does one rise above? Methinks the answer lies within the hallucination rather than historical reality.

Rock on.

 

 

What is it about a calendar who’s pages move like one of those old-timey flip book cartoons that makes a rotund dude dread bedtime?

Is it merely the passing of another day, or the anxiety of goals pushed to the morrow? (a.k.a. procrastination due to squandered time)

It’s so many things, and nothing– or a whole lot of nothing that, when combined, amount to a great big something that gnaws at my brain and staves off the much needed “z’s” that I’m sure would benefit my health and hasten my weight loss efforts.

Here’s the thing, the passing of time is inevitable. The seconds turn into minutes that combine into hours that wind down the days that stretch into years that amount to a lifetime– that seems to pass in a second. The culmination of actions and words defines the life that whose mass spanned creation to reabsorption into the collective ecology– dust-to-dust so to speak.  Right now, as of this particular moment and all that remain, are of primary concern to little ol’ me, and bring forth a very important question that will inevitably be answered with subsequent action, verse, or inaction…

What will I do next?

So, the days roll on and I continue to plod on through; gym, smoothies, little plates, all that stuff I’ve learned over the past several years, etc. It has been quite a trip thus far and I have learned a lot though I’ve probably forgotten more than I’ve learned.  I guess that is why I strive to write stuff down.  Hey, sometime I may even read what I’ve written instead of just doing some kind of brain barf here on the keyboard and never looking at it again.

 

Hmm… why don’t I try it now? I mean, what was I like back in the day? Let me see… How about a little flash from the past….

 

An entry dated 9/27/2007 (a.k.a. “one of the good lo days)

 

(Day 129 / -83 lbs.) Failure is as Easy as Pie

Today was a track day and I was lucky to have been accompanied by my wife. She’s been recuperating from her first race last Saturday and was feeling good enough to give it a go. I’m really proud of her. She started running less than a year ago and she’s already competing- and placing. She placed 6th in her first race and is completely jazzed about continuing on to more competitions. She’s awesome!

With that kind of inspiration how can I possibly fail?

Easily. It’s all about choice.

I could have chosen to stay in bed this morning; cuddled up in my nice warm comforter, pillow just-right, room just cool enough. I chose instead to head to the track, hand in hand with my wife, to burn some calories.

I could have loaded up on pancakes, eggs and sausage for breakfast this morning. Instead I chose my usual protein smoothie.

I could sit here and snack on M&M’s while I work, but I won’t. I choose to stick to my plan and eat small, healthy meals at regular intervals throughout the day.

Choosing is such a simple activity. “I choose to make the right choices.” There, done. How simple was that? Notice I say simple rather than easy.

Choosing becomes easier when I consider the consequence/reward resulting from my choice. I know what happens when I sit all day and pound the M&M’s. I know how much better I feel after going to the track or the gym. I know how great I feel when I’m putting on a pair of pants that haven’t been able to wear in ten years- and they fit! I know. I know.

A simple choice yields either failure or success. I choose success.

 

Wow, that takes me back. I was such a fired-up mess. I hope to recapture some of the enthusiasm from yesteryear.

 

Rock on.

Sometimes I procrastinate, and sometimes I just put procrastination off until the very last minute.

Wow, that sounded so much more intelligent in my head. Stupid head.

Anyway, the days are winding down to my next birthday. It’s a little weird for me, getting all melancholic while still having a ton of stuff to do between now and then. I’ve been fairly diligent in monitoring my intake and fairly consistent in regard to exercise.

I still go to the gym six mornings each week and still ride my bike in going to and from. I meander a little on the return trip, I guess to justify the ride– and the weather has been crappy enough to enhance my grit and determination. Some mornings the weather is so bad that I’m almost angry by the time I get there and work through it on the weights. The only thing the weather can dissuade me from is running the bleachers– the last time, the upper deck was so wet I hydroplaned more than once.

Rock on.

Ready? Ok!

So, I’m waiting with my wife at the DMV right now, percolating away on aggravation and a bleu cheese burger from the local grill and I’m wondering just how many calories I can burn while grinding my teeth. I’ll bet not enough to make a serious contribution toward my weight loss goals. My wife is quietly sleeping against my shoulder– which should account for a couple calories an hour. Jeebus, I hope we’re not here much longer.

Rock on.