Random Musings #5

Well, so it's been 2 weeks since my last musings post. With the holiday, last week was just too busy at work and at home, I've been occupied with all of the craziness and mountains of paperwork that go along with having a new house built. (We got our final plans back from the architect this weekend...... nice.) Okay then, right to it - Here's the current contents of my cranium (ewwww....) ? Yesterday afternoon, we took our daughter to the neighborhood playground for some quality time on the swings and the slide. Not 30 seconds after exiting my vehicle, a woman who was pushing her Grand-niece on the swings, glanced in my direction and shouted... "Hey! I've seen you on the internet!" Holy crap... I just froze in my tracks and took a quick mental inventory of all of the out-of-control experiences that I've had in the past where an unseen camera may have been present. (Unfortunately, there were many... fortunately, none of them involved Elvis impersonators) My heart descended from my throat when she explained that she'd had WLS also and had seen my profile on OH. (If you're reading this.... Hi Barbara!) We spent the next 45 minutes having a wonderful discussion about how much our lives have changed for the better. She was such a cool lady. Not only has this surgery helped me with my overall health, but our common WLS experiences have given me a unique opportunity to meet some great people who, in the past, probably would have stayed strangers. ? I have very little tolerance for intolerance and a very negative opinion of negativity. (Quite the paradox, I know!) Not everyone believes what I believe. Not everyone feels how I feel. Not everyone handles their accomplishments and failures in the same way. C'mon now... I learned these simple truths at 2 years old from watching Sesame Street. I've come across some adults recently that could stand to re-visit Big Bird & Company for a refresher course. In the words of a great teacher..."When we come into contact with another person, our thoughts and actions should express our mind of compassion, even if that person says and does things that are not easy to accept. We practice in this way until we see clearly that our love is not contingent upon the other person being lovable." - Thich Nhat Hanh (Whoa, maybe I could use a little refresher course myself.) ...Off my soapbox now. ? Is every TV commercial about unhealthy food? If I want to be bombarded with images of Quarter-Pounders, Chalupas, Toasted Cheesesteak Sandwiches, Chicken Fries, Stuffed-Crust Pizza, and Bowls full of a mixture of Mashed Potatoes, Fried Chicken, Gravy AND Cheese Sauce(!!!!)... all I need is to flip on the tube. It's a good thing that none of this stuff appeals to me any longer. ? I used to equate it to a modern torture device... but, the elliptical machine has become my friend. Two months ago, I struggled to go 5 minutes. Now, I'm going full-steam for a full hour and burning close to 1,000 calories each time. My brandy-new iPod Nano has been a big help. I loaded it up with my custom "Cardio Mix" - 50 songs that get my blood (and legs) moving. Here's my top 5 cardio songs that really do the job: "25 Miles" - Edwin Starr; "Go Faster" - The Black Crowes; "I Just Want To Celebrate" - Rare Earth; "Domino" - Kiss; "Super Bad" - James Brown. I wouldn't listen to most of these songs in the car or at home but, they work well for me at the gym. Wow, If you've stuck with this post for this long, you deserve a smootch. Next time you see me in person, make sure you remind me of that... I never welch on a deal. Be Well, A.J.

i agree with the tv commercials -- i see fat and more fat -- always nice to hear your musings -- makes me think take care roberta

I love your musings.... and, I want my smootch! Hugs, Nan

Your enthusiasm for exercising is encouraging, and your zest for life. Keep posting, please.

Hi, I enjoy your random postings of random thoughts .. seems to be somewhat similar to how my brain works ... Am curious about your choice of exercise equipment ... in this case the elliptical machine ... I currently have/use a treadmill and am going to be purchasing something new in the fall ... The choices are: elliptical machine, recumbant bicycle or another treadmill (IF this one bites the dust) ... Have you ever used/worked on a treadmill and if so, how does it compare to the elliptical? Anyone else have any suggestions/experiences? Thanks! -cbf

Hey Cbf, Wow, your brain works similar to mine? My sympathies. Anyway... It's a fact that, eventually, your body adjusts to your work out. After that, you don't benefit as much from the routine. (I've done my homework) So, keeping that in mind, I switch it up every 3-4 weeks. I went from the stationary bike to the treadmill and now to the elliptical. In about 2 more weeks, I'll be hitting the StairMaster. Since I wasn't really used to working out, I decided to start with the excercise that I felt was easiest for me. For each subsequent work out cycle, I "graduated" to the machine that I perceived to be the logical next step. I hope this helps in some way. Be Well, -A.J.

I missed you last week! You made my night when I saw that you posted this week... I call the TV the "fat box" and yes every commercial is about BAD food...UGH! AND Big Bird is my hero...I have a three year old... Life is great post op. I've lost 143 pounds and I can go on the swings and slide with her...nothing could be better... Have an awesome week, thank you for your thoughts...and keep writting. Shaun

Hey there A.J.! Jennifer here (blues musician with my husband Gary). Haven't been able to make the meetings on fridays due to that "oh we love NJ so much" traffic. Hope to see you at one of our shows soon. LOVE your postings. I haven't been on OH in months. I see I have missed such great words of wit and wisdom. Thank you for the laughs! Jenn

Whoa! Hey Jenn, There's no need to re-intruduce yourself. As a matter of fact, I was just *****ing to Nannette 2 weeks ago that I haven't seen you and Gary for a few months now. I hope all is well with both of you. I've checked the Terraplane Blues website a few times and even downloaded a few of the sample tracks. (I know, I know... I should support the arts - just pony up and actually buy a CD!) My wife and I have been trying to get a show all summer. We just need to nail down some reliable baby-sitting for a long evening. In the meantime, it would be great to see you guys at the Toms River meeting on the 4th, if you're able. We could talk philosophy, sing some Taj, design some new stadiums - that kind of thing. But, believe me... I know how it is. Nice to hear from you - My best to Gary Be Well, -A.J.

Hey A.J.! Can't make 8/4 meeting b/c I will be away in Baltimore. Can't make September meeting either b/c of the traffic for labor day going to the shore...but promise you will see me in October and maybe if you make it to a Thursday night meeting in Lakewood we can meet up. I went last night and we need more people But you and Gary are on your own with designing the stadiums - unless you want to fit in a shopping complex somewhere with lots of clothes, bags and silver jewelry - then I am game. : - ) Thanks for ripping off our music - I like people who are honest (tee hee hee). Actually I am flattered. So maybe you, wife and child can come together for our show in Red Bank outside on the water next Thursday, July 27? Early night...we go on at 8 pm - 9:30 pm. Opener goes on at 7 pm. Fun time. Bring blankets, chairs and food/drink if you can make it. And oh my, I need to change my OH picture. That was taken months ago. Let me get on that. 2 days ago (7/19) was my 1 year "re-birthday"...down now 161 lbs (12 lbs pre-op) and feeling like I am 16 years old. Yippeeeee! Peace, Jenn