Not Built For Speed

"She ain't built for comfort

She's built for speed"

-- From the song, "Ultimately Fine" by the Bodeens

I thought of this song at the gym the other day. I met this nice woman (conveniently enough, also named Denise) and we chatted for a while about how long we've been going to the gym, work out history, all that stuff. She mentioned that she started doing triathalons at 48 and that she has one coming up soon. I mentioned that I like to bike/hike outside and we were comparing notes about where we like to go. At first I thought I might have found a kindred spirit, but when I mentioned that I go slow and am usually lugging photography equipment, she said, "Me? I'm all about SPEED!" I laughed. I told her I only go fast if there is something chasing me, and even then it has to be something really really big and scary!

But the funny thing is, as I was leaving the gym today I noticed that a sign for a 5-k run coming up in June. Inspired by cousin Amy as well as the lady at the gym, I figured what the heck and signed up. I know I won't run it, my knees still aren't up for that, but what the heck. I used to do the breast cancer 5 benefit every year, and back home I did the 10k AIDS walk every year, so I think it will be fun (although it won't be as cool as the AIDS walk where they used to dress up the statues on Boston Common in feather boas!)

But I digress. Feather boas aside, my point here is that I'm definitely built for comfort, not speed. But it's also important to remember Neil Young:

"It's better to burn out than it is to rust."

I might not go fast, but at least I'm moving and not rusting!

Comments from previous blog:

(Anonymous) at 2010-06-02 19:11 (UTC) (Link)

You go girl! I'm so proud of you for doing a 5k! BTW, when is it? It's not about speed, it's about getting out there and doing it! Amy

PS, I would totally be willing to do a race with you sometime and wear a feather boa! =) Love ya!

Just for laughs...

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

Grease for Cancer. Yay.

I'm not a particularly political person. Nor am I a vegan or a tee-totaler on junk food. But for the last few weeks, I've been seeing the most nauseating commercial on tv. KFC has partnered with the Susan G. Komen foundation to sell buckets of grease with a pick ribbon on them. Is there really anyone who does not see this as just a way to sell chicken? Clearly it has nothing to do with wanting to help women or anyone.

First:

Heart disease was responsible for 28.6 percent of all deaths in U.S. women in 2002, the last year for which complete data is available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. All cancers combined, however, represented only 21.6 percent of womens deaths that year. Breast cancer was responsible for less than four percent of all deaths.

Perhaps people are thinking, well, obesity is self inflicted, but breast cancer isn't. Oh yeah? Take a look at some of the known and suspected risk factors, including:

Obesity. Being overweight or obese increases your risk of breast cancer.

Take a look at this article. If you want to donate to a cancer charity, don't forsake your own health to do it. Go to the American Cancer Society and donate directly, or pledge Cousin Amy who is doing a cancer walk/run later this month.

Buying a bucket of grease is not the way to find a cure for anything.

Recipe for Disaster

Here is a new recipe:

Smoothies

• Some skim milk
• Some protein powder (I like the publix brand greenwise soy vanilla)
• A few handfuls of frozen fruit (I like blueberries, but whatever you like)
• A handful of raw spinach or other greens

Blend in a blender. Drink.

Note: This particular recipe can reach a trajectory of up to 6 feet if you accidently whack the cup over while pouring from the blender. Also, cats, although they will show some interest, will not lick up a blender of smoothie off the floor. Ask me how I know this.

Well, it's been a while since I've updated here. The good news is that I've been knocking off some of my short term goals:

• Make crabs for the ELC
  
• Make interactive map of how the FL land mass has changed for the ELC.
  
• Toilet train the cats -- partly done. Maggie pees in the toilet, but won't poop. Barty used the potty seat, but not when it's on the potty. The other three -- I guess they are slow starters.
  
• Finish Timmy and start book -- Timmy is almost done. I just need to get some cement for his shoes.
  
• Get promotional material (brochures, magnets, web site) for David's business printed and distributed. Done, but I need to get better about distribution.
  

I have moved some stuff onto a new list and added a few new:

• Get new tattoo.
  
• Learn a song on the banjo and post a video to YouTube.
  
• Make a birthday present for someone who might read this so I can't say more.
  
• Begin taking a self defense class.
  
• With David, take a cooking class.
  
• Start a new series of models, possibly bugs or plants
  
• Cleanup my iTunes set lists and hopefully, after my birthday, put them in my new iPod Touch.
  

And, there are a few things that I wand to do on an ongoing basis:

• Go to the gym -- been doing this for about 10 weeks now, mostly 5x/week
  
• Cook one new recipe a week. Post results here.
  
• Get back to updating this blog on a regular basis.
  

What about you? Got any new goals?

Sillyness

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

Sillyness

see more Lolcats and funny pictures