tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29320028057145844352024-03-08T11:25:43.729-08:00Can i get that covered in gravy?TheBuzzardKinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01869923317599730395noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2932002805714584435.post-77308724595073947252012-08-31T15:53:00.000-07:002012-08-31T15:53:52.569-07:00And What Are You Thankful For?I'm sure both of you have noticed that there have not been any posts for a while and really no real posts* since the beginning of the year. The truth is I have been torn with how to start back up again. <br />
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The past several months have been just over burdened with high stress, heavy subjects and bad news. Honestly I thought I had reached my breaking point and if I was going down in flames, I decided I wasn't going to chronicle it for the world to see. The world can be depressing enough on it's own, I wasn't about to add to it. Every single time it seemed like a good time to start writing again something would come out of the blue that would take away from the writing time. How was I supposed to be funny and clever if i was losing my mind from worry or stress or heart ache? Well, the honest answer is, I wasn't going to be funny. So I chose not to write anything.<br />
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The funny thing that happened is, while I was faking my smiles and hiding my emotions, a positive energy would occasionally, if I gave it the opportunity, help me through my days... sometimes i felt like my sanity was down to my last minute... I thought I was falling apart... but I wasn't.<br />
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Do you remember my story about trying hot yoga for the first time?<br />
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http://canigetthatcoveredingravy.blogspot.com/2012/01/remember-to-breathe.html<br />
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I continued my yoga practice and through that, got to know some very inspiring and positive people. One in particular was Miss Julie Wilkes, who in a nutshell, is a Powerhouse Yoga Woman and a Motivating Machine! She was in the process of putting together an event based around fitness,wellness and community called Inspire the World Day and after a brief conversation with her** I had volunteered to play live music for one of the yoga practices at the event. I had never seen nor heard of playing live music for yoga. I couldn't have been more clueless as to what I was going to play. I did know that I could use a little positive karma in the in-box of life. <br />
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I recruit my good friend Mark Vance, who is an excellent percussionist and all around good guy and convinced him that he needed to be a part of this. <br />
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Then, more stuff gets in the way and literally the day before the event Mark and I get together in my living room with an acoustic guitar and a drum kit and we stumble on to something... I don't want to over describe it but what we came up with was right. It just felt... right.<br />
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So we show up for the gig and I have to admit I was a little nervous. I'm not exactly a virtuoso guitar player (actually the exact opposite is much more accurate!) and with really no rehearsal to speak of we just ...play. Mark and I tried to follow Julie as she lead the class. Match the intensity of the movements with the music we were playing.<br />
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It. Was. Amazing. <br />
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I'm not saying <i>we</i> were amazing but what we were attempting to do was awesome. I've been playing music for over twenty years and have never felt anything like that. It was sort of like dancing with 100 people at the same time. It was very powerful. Since the event I have had several meetings and conversations with Julie about future Inspire the World Day's and am now officially sanctioned to help spread the good vibes. If you are interested, here is a highlight video of the event:<br />
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTOWX9Da7IU<br />
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That brings you up to speed with the last 8 months or so. All of that stuff, both good and bad... Still here and still mostly sane.<br />
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What got me through this was focusing on what is good in my life and what I was thankful for. Before this recent life lesson session I maybe was not specific in what I was thankful for. I can tell you now: I am thankful that I have some great stuff coming up on the creative side, I'm now involved with Inspire the World Day and that I have the greatest family. Ever.<br />
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* I did a few blogs just to do them but they weren't up to my normal standard of being a goofball.<br />
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**Julie is SO positive and generous that it is contagious. If Julie asks for help with one of her charities you can't stop yourself from helping!<br />
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listening to Wheatgrass Revival<br />
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TheBuzzardKinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01869923317599730395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2932002805714584435.post-57608574296364225182012-03-23T14:52:00.000-07:002012-03-23T14:52:14.648-07:00So... what exactly have I been eating?"I have an idea!" My wife proclaims as I drag myself home from yet another day of enjoyable work. <br />
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"I'm in." I say.<br />
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"You don't even know what it is yet!" She replies.<br />
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"Is it awesome?"<br />
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"YES!"<br />
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"Then I'm in."<br />
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That was the conversation that lead to the (in a big booming voice) The One HUNDRED Days Of REAL Food... challenge. <br />
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I haven't really researched this much myself and maybe that is something I should be doing right now BUT that can wait. This eating plan isn't really a <i>diet</i> in itself more than some simple rules to eating. It is certainly NOT low calorie. I would call it FULL calorie eating. She has been following the blog of Lisa Leake @ http://www.100daysofrealfood.com which chronicles Ms. Leake's journey and philosophy on modern food processing and nutrition or to be more specific the lack there of. Lisa also encourages others to try what she did and see if it changes your perspective. That brings you pretty much up to speed with what I know. <br />
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There are some new (old) ideas floating around in the health and fitness world about this, another is called Paleo Eating aka only eating foods available in the Paleolithic time period aka cave men. The problem with that system is fairly obvious: finding pterodactyl eggs and brontosaurus steaks is hard thus you starve, equals no fun at all. Seriously it doesn't take a dietary professional to figure out that all the chemicals and processing in the food we are eating just can't be <i>healthy</i>. We all understand that yet we do it anyway. So this is basically a "here we go" kinda blog. I'll let you know how it's going and how i am feeling.<br />
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The first few things that I've noticed is how much crap I must have been eating. The hardest for me thus far is Diet Coke and peppermint candy. If you asked me 6 days ago how much of that stuff I consumed I would have checked the "little to none times a week" box. Wrong! I bet it was at least a pop a day and 4-5 candies. Not a lot but enough that I crave it. Stupid cravings...<br />
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Anyway, I'm in the middle of day 5 and I am starting to feel better. Not that I felt bad, just feel better. The saying is you are what you eat, but a more accurate version is "You are what you <i>ate</i>." Everything I am was built with what I stuffed down my pie hole. Maybe, just maybe, the new cells and blood made from the good stuff will ultimately build a better me. 95 days to go!<br />
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Feeling nostalgic and listening to Saving Jane :)TheBuzzardKinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01869923317599730395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2932002805714584435.post-77491049441303748572012-03-05T21:20:00.000-08:002012-03-05T21:20:30.871-08:00The Buzzard King's Top 5 ways to keep your cool!Life is funny. Not in a "night at the comedy club, I could do this all the time" kinda way though, more of a "Hey is that creepy guy following us? Is he wearing pants???" kind of way. I've had a rough start to the year. I had to deal with a few things and adjust to some others. It's ok though, I'm not complaining, just sharing. It's not all bad news, it's not all good news either. It's life and you know what? It is a whole lot better than the alternative. Can I get an Amen? Amen! Thank you.<br />
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I quit smoking last year and I took two things away from that experience: A) quitting smoking sucks and B) a few ways to deal with stress. Stress is a killer. With a few clicks of the mouse on the inter webs you can find a LOT of research linking stress to pretty much everything that kills us. It makes sense then to maybe figure out a couple ways to dial it down a notch or two in your life. I'm happy to share a couple of my tricks. I hope it helps!<br />
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1) Talk It Out: talk to someone who know exactly what you are going through at that exact moment. Ummmm.... huh? Talk to yourself. Sometimes just saying it out loud will help you work through it. Think of it like showing your work for math homework. You don't need to go into a full blown debate with yourself BUT if it helps then go right ahead.<br />
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2) It's Elementary: Think how your six year old self would deal with this problem that is in front of you. Is it really a problem? Is it just the straw that is potentially breaking your back? Your younger self would probably just draw a picture or go run around then come back to the problem. So give yourself a quick break and even mentally picture yourself skipping rocks. It will calm you down. Try it right now................. Told ya!<br />
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3)Sweat it Out: Regular exercise is good for ..... well.... everything. people who exercise regularly have a lower average of stress in their lives because they get to work out their problem on the treadmill or their aggressions on the punching bag or whatever it is you want to do. If you do it regularly it becomes a safety valve for the things that are bugging you and then you get rid of them! Plus you feel better from working out and you look better then you buy smaller pants then BOOM. Good mood.<br />
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4) Perspective: Everyone has problems. Your boss who just ruined your day has problems. The barista you just told off has problems. I have problems and you have problems. We all gotta deal with them AND share the planet with each other. <br />
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5) Why Am I Here? What is the source of your stress? Is it your job? Is it making you miserable? Do you need <i>that</i> particular job then? Look for something else. We have a tendency to make ourselves feel "trapped" by our circumstances. "I have to go to work to pay my bills and my job sucks!" Even just the knowledge that you <i>could</i> leave is enough. <br />
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Hope this helps you as much as it helps me! Stay cool!<br />
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Listening to Death Cab For Cutie. Goodnight everybody.TheBuzzardKinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01869923317599730395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2932002805714584435.post-34736683040554329642012-01-15T22:23:00.000-08:002012-01-15T22:27:37.167-08:00Remember to BreatheSo this week is a <b>Body Blog</b>. The monthly <b>BB</b> will be a new adventure for me. I have a list of things I've always wanted to do and other things I've always enjoyed (yes, there will be a mountain biking BB so get over it!) This month??? Drum roll please: YOGA!<br />
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To be specific what I did was Hot Yoga. If you are not familiar, it's yoga (duh) in a hot room, which was awesome on this particularly brisk snowy day. The sensation of walking into a <i>too hot</i> room on one of the first snow covered twenty degree days of the season is... overwhelming. My first thought was "Ain't no way I'll make it. Too damn hot." I did have a mat with me to nap on if needed and about a gallon of water so here we go!<br />
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I have done some yoga DVDs before but I have never had a live instructor OR (and this is important) witnesses to my non stretchy and non bendy awkwardness so, with some apprehension and an already forming bead of sweat on my brow, I unroll my mat take off any and all appropriate clothing I can and follow as best as I can!<br />
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Alexander Mcafee-Chang is a rock star yoga man. He was brought into Shape Fitness by owner James McGuire to offer the hot yoga experience to his clients. Well James, that was an awesome call! He effortlessly guides rookies and veterans alike through an almost whimsical surreal experience. Set to music (but not necessarily synced) this is no new age "Sweating To The Oldies"* routine. You focus on breathing through the motions. Yes, I said that right. You <i>breathe</i> through them. You feel the power of simply inhaling and exhaling as you move from one position to next. It is really mind blowing. I have been working out in one way shape or form for over thirty years and have never felt the power of my breathing.<br />
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In sweat, however, I am fluent. Being a somewhat meaty fella I can sweat standing still at a bus stop in Chicago in February. So, yes, I was sweating my ass off but the strange thing was I didn't really notice it. Focusing on the movements, the music and breathing everything else just didn't really matter. I didn't even drink that much water considering the intensity of the workout ....but that is really it. It didn't <i>feel</i> like a workout or some chore. It was something different. Almost freeing. <br />
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After the practice Alexander took a few minutes to share some thoughts with me. If I had any kind of smarts or foresight I would have brought either A) some type of recording device (for example : the thing I'm currently typing on!) or B) something to write on.... I chose mystery door C) nothing but a sweaty yoga mat... Alexander trusted me to paraphrase for him. He' s a good man.<br />
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I started out with asking him to give me 5 things about yoga he would want both of my readers to know. What I got though was more of a dissertation on his passion for the practice (you don't <i>do</i> yoga, you <i>practice</i> yoga. I didn't know that either!) When Alexander speaks about yoga he lights up and becomes very animated. He loves it and what it does to the body and spirit. It's refreshing to be around someone who is passionate about what they do. There is no "going trough the motions" with Alexander! Some of the things he shared in his dissertation were that when practicing yoga you use all of your body's systems. Skeletal, muscular, nervous, circulatory, digestive (it's recommended to eat lightly and a few hours prior to the practice. That is good advice!) and all the other ones. He said that the only other time your body uses all of its systems is during sleep. I find that very interesting and maybe is a clue to why after such an intense "workout" you feel so refreshed. Hmmm....<br />
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I asked him about some of the negatives or myths that surround the practice. First thing that comes up is that it is not just for women! Fellas! Get your yoga mats to the studio and have the best workout, maybe, of your life!<br />
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Second thing was you don't have to be flexible to practice yoga. The practice of yoga <i>makes</i> you flexible. Ahhhh.... it's a "chicken and the egg" thing...<br />
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Lastly was it's not a religion. It may feel spiritual and some religions embrace the practice but yoga in itself is not. <br />
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So ladies and Gents, if you find yourself in Columbus, OH, look up my friend Alexander at Shape Fitness bring a water bottle and a good attitude. You'll probably see me there, albeit sweaty! Best money you'll spend all day... week!<br />
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Namaste.<br />
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* Sweating to the Oldies was a series of videos done by Richard Simmons in the 80's and were probably awesome but I have never actually seen one or <i>sweat</i> to an oldie.TheBuzzardKinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01869923317599730395noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2932002805714584435.post-54170220243976389902012-01-03T12:26:00.000-08:002012-01-03T14:36:16.314-08:00you may be wondering why I've called you all here...I'm trying something new. It's the kind of thing I've hinted at and used in varied compartments of my life but I am going to try a different approach.<br />
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Drum roll please: This year, two thousand and twelve, I'm going to plan out my life! Huh?<br />
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I have faked my way and shot from the hip for the larger part of my life. In the grand scheme of how I do things there is rarely a plan... or a back door. Just having a basic inclination on where i was heading but 100% relying on my quick thinking, luck and common sense to get me through any obstacles i may encounter on my "journey." However when I set my mind and planning to one aspect or project it very rarely backfires. It's strange, if you plan and prepare for things that may or may not happen, then when things do pop up (they always do) you handle them in stride without ensuing panic. No, racing internal dialog basically screaming "OH SHIT!" over and over. Just react and move on. I likes the idea of the "don't panic."<br />
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I have labored under the Robert Burns quote "The best laid plans plans of mice and men..." but I never really thought about it. I have always felt it doesn't matter what you plan, it's the unexpected that gets you. Well there is some truth to that but it doesn't mean "don't plan!" it just means you never know what's around the corner so be flexible. <br />
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So this year it's not some crazed resolution shouted from a mountain top. Instead, I have laid out some goals and directions that I want to go with my life AND I intentionally balanced them out. My PLAN (nice huh?) covers Professional, Artistic/Creative, Personal and Private goals. All will be chronicled here except the private stuff (duh... it's PRIVATE!)<br />
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The first one is an easy guess: my weight/fitness. My whole life I have made this too complicated. It really isn't that tricky on the science side: calories in and calories out. There is some other factors that push the numbers around a little bit... but not that much. I have a whole new support team around me and even have some competitions going on plus other shenanigans, so stay tuned! Basically: stay active, monitor what I eat and keep training for bigger and badder-er races. The first one is a tower race in late January. I don't have all the details but it's up a bunch of stairs... in a tower. What else do I really need to know???<br />
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My new post workout snack? Choco Milk-o!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pjlertmvnVA/TwNWHAGTh9I/AAAAAAAAABo/FedpRA7ogE8/s1600/milk1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pjlertmvnVA/TwNWHAGTh9I/AAAAAAAAABo/FedpRA7ogE8/s320/milk1.jpg" width="250" /></a></div><br />
Delicious!<br />
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It's 150 calories, 2.5 fat grams and 8 grams of protein! As far as post workout snacks go it ranks pretty high for the "it's got what you need" factor.<br />
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Onward and Upwards.<br />
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Listening to Iron & Wine <i>The Creek Drank the Cradle</i>... just can't get into it. I've tried.TheBuzzardKinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01869923317599730395noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2932002805714584435.post-45320848887149934262011-12-23T13:04:00.000-08:002011-12-23T15:00:32.393-08:00The Gift of Mullet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I remember it well. It was 1989, my sophomore year in college and all was fantastic. My mullet was coming in nicely, my tiny gold hoop earring would sometimes catch the light and sparkle its ass off. I was a master at cuffing my acid washed jeans and I could roll up the sleeves on my striped pastel shirts like a madman! I was also involved with the campus radio station WCCB... "involved" doesn't really sum it up. I became obsessed. I loved it. I got elected to the board of directors my freshman year (an honor usually bestowed on upperclassmen) and the result of that was the campus newspaper, The Clarion Call, did a write up on me. I really have no idea why...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So I show up for my "photo shoot" all pastel'd and mullet'd up when the photographer suggested me posing with the teddy bear. It was the Christmas issue after all. Well it really seemed like a good idea at the time... As you can imagine there was some mocking. My friends and total strangers took to calling me "Teddy Bear" for a while but, ultimately it passed and was forgotten.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then MANY years later I show it to my friend and bandmate Marti. I don't remember exactly how long she laughed but it was quite a while. Understandably so. It is awesome. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So Marti, this is for you. May it make you smile whenever you need it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hiV8Gu9O29I/TvTm6Jo0pcI/AAAAAAAAABc/sasF_1gjekQ/s1600/mulletcrop1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hiV8Gu9O29I/TvTm6Jo0pcI/AAAAAAAAABc/sasF_1gjekQ/s400/mulletcrop1.jpg" width="363" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm a Merry Christmas guy, but may the season find you healthy and happy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>TheBuzzardKinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01869923317599730395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2932002805714584435.post-78879470389370804752011-12-16T15:05:00.000-08:002011-12-16T15:20:25.157-08:00Top Ten Things About Being SickI don't know if there can be anything "top" about being sick... but it does have its benefits. Yes, by the way, I am currently enjoying Flu like symptoms... I am only talking about the inconvenient kind of sick. Colds, sniffles and flu type, over the counter medicine, 24-48 bug kind of sick. Pain in my ass kind of sick... which brings us to number ten.<br />
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10) Being a pain in the ASS: everyone is allowed a 48 hour window to be cranky when your illness de jour settles in. Be it a summer cold or my annual February sinus infection, it's ok to say things like "do you mind going to the store and getting me something that I won't find nauseating to eat? Even though I'm really not hungry, more bored than anything, and I have no idea what I might even want to eat if I were hungry... Oh and magazine too! Something that will interest me..." Yeah, you have minimum 24 hrs, maximum 48hrs to say ridiculous things like that. Enjoy.<br />
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9) Sleep your ass off: Most people are under rested. Hold on, let me Google it... Ha! If you Google: "US population under rested" you get several articles on the US penitentiary system. Funny. Anyway, it is a loose figure but somewhere around 70% of us is estimated to be sleep deprived. So sleep! For the next 36 hrs sleep as much as you can! Several studies suggest it's probably the reason you are sick in the first place. Hit the snooze button, it's good for you.<br />
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8) Read an actual book: It really goes hand in hand with step 9. When not sleeping, read one of those books you keep stacking up on your dresser in your bedroom. We are not that far away from books and newspapers going the way of the walkman. Enjoy a book while you still can. Your Kindle/Nook/tablet can wait. <br />
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7) Drop a few pounds: Nothing will lift my spirits like stepping on the scale and seeing a slightly less me has survived the fever breaking sweat naps I've been taking. Yay! Thinner...<br />
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6) NetFlix Online: It's really quite awesome. Watch wretched one star movies to your hearts content. Better than the endless loop of Sports Center or Two and a Half Men (that darn Charlie Harper!) Also a ton of great documentaries and decent new releases and old classics. Also you can do headphones so you don't interrupt anyone else's viewing schedule. Seriously. It kicks ass.<br />
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5) Let yourself go: Shower? I don't need no stinking shower! The non shaving/non bathing routine of illness is kinda awesome. You already feel bad, you might as well smell bad! The unknown benefit is on day three when you have to re-enter society and you clean up and take a shower you feel AMAZING! At least for a bit...<br />
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4) Watch TV mindlessly: Clean out the ol' DVR or watch all those movies that you have been meaning to get back to your friend who loaned them to you but it will be awkward when they ask if you liked them and you didn't really watch them. Really anything to just waste the time until your immune system kicks in and gets you back up and running.<br />
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3) Eat whatever: Cheese popcorn and ginger ale currently tickling your fancy? Dig in! Diets don't apply when you are sick. Which is cool! However, you really can't exploit this either (currently the thought of a Sausage/Pep with a side of Krispy Kremes sounds disgusting and as you both know that is not usually the case!) You just want what you want. Try to have fun with it. <br />
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2) Busy work: This is really a nice thing. You can come out of your illness completely caught up on emails and other things procrastinated. It goes well with that shower on day three!<br />
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And finally.... Number One is: Track Suits<br />
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I have wanted a track suit for years but never purchased on for myself. Little Fun Fact: We tried to get custom matching track suits written into one of our record deals. We thought it would be cool. <i>They</i> didn't. I did however get, not one, but two track suits a few Christmases ago. They are everything I had hoped they would be. In all honesty I don't wear the suits as a set all that often. When I do, I feel like Tony Soprano (the lead Character from HBO's "the Sopranos") and I will also wear the whole set on special occasions like Christmas morning or New Year's Day. You feel real classy! I had not, however, worn my track suit while under the weather. Much better than flannel pj's or sweat pants. Plus they feel silky on your skin!<br />
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Feel better everybody and load up on vitamin C!TheBuzzardKinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01869923317599730395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2932002805714584435.post-58562507882366757942011-12-08T11:11:00.000-08:002011-12-08T11:14:30.135-08:00Can you make that out of gold?Well my "30 BLOGS in 30 DAYS" campaign kinda lost it's way, came off the tracks, took a wrong turn and any other cliche that you deem fitting. This whole endeavor has been a tremendous learning experience and an excellent experiment. I have, through blind stumbling around and trial and error, determined what I would like to change and ultimately do with this blog. A few days ago I went back and reread all of my posts and there were some I actually liked and some that were crap. Well lady and gentleman, we here at the <i>Can I Get That Covered In Gravy</i> HQ have heard you and our mission is to make your valuable time spent here, reading these babbling's of a mad man, MORE BETTER. I will probably coast through the holiday season then start making improvements and revamps in the new year.<br />
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One of the things that will definitely make it in the new improved CIGTCIG 2.0 is the addition of what music I am or am not listening to.... am not... amn't?.. nope doesn't work... anyway today it is the newly released <i>Fractured Love </i>by Jordan Rast. I really hate Jordan in a lot of ways. Naaaa... Hate is too strong. I am jealous though. He's a great singer and song writer. I mean REALLY great. He's young... too young to be on his THIRD original release! I've never met him but have heard nothing but awesome things about him. Sigh... He probably rescues kittens. Kitten rescuing aside, his record is very good and I'm currently trying to coerce him into playing on my next record. If you haven't figured out my subtle hints check out his record and support an "indie." It's good for you!<br />
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http://www.woodstovehouse.com/jordan-rast-fractured-love/<br />
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if "anyone" has a better link to Jordan's record please leave it in the comments. Thanks!<br />
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I don't listen to much music when I drive. Strange for a guy who has made his living with music over the last several years, I know, but it's true. It doesn't help the cause that my daily driver is not radio friendly. It's loud and rumbly so I find other ways to occupy my time on long drives. One is... jeez... I'm not sure I should let this one out of the box. Eh... <br />
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Ok. I give interviews. To no one. I don't talk to myself. I talk to the person "interviewing" me. Wow. That seems crazy. Maybe that is why I really like talk radio. Those guys are just talking to themselves. Hell this blog (and other peoples I'm sure!) is just me writing down my internal dialog. I don't know maybe I'm just rationalizing now.... Well the reason I brought this up was to talk about Chris Gaines.<br />
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I always thought it would be hilarious, in an interview, to sight him as a musical inspiration but never did (I have been interviewed before and did well due to all my practice!) for fear of pissing off Garth Brooks. You see, if you didn't know Chris Gaines was the fictitious alter ego created by Garth Brooks to explore his rock aspirations... or something like that. <br />
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At the time it was suspected that GB had LOST his mind. In truth I think he was just bored. He did the Gaines record when he was on top of the world and had nothing but money to burn. I believe he still keeps his house warm burning bundles of hundred dollar bills. My mind can not comprehend the kind of money he has. Buy a country money. So maybe, in his shoes I would have done something dumb like dress up like a pretend rock star and put out a record. I would have done something probably even more stupid. <br />
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Do they make toilets out of gold?TheBuzzardKinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01869923317599730395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2932002805714584435.post-32897067473934220672011-11-29T21:10:00.000-08:002011-11-29T21:10:23.146-08:00Writing is Hard!I know, I know... I pledged an oath to all of you that I would valiantly blog everyday for 30 days and become more better! Well I have blogged a lot. Not everyday though...<br />
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It seems I am not comfortable with just typing some words and calling it done. I feel it is my responsibility to give you the best writing I can and hurrying something down just to get it down wasn't sitting well with me. So I will continue to attempt the everyday blog knowing full well it may be more than my 17 words a minute can handle BUT I shall do my best to make it worth your while kind reader!TheBuzzardKinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01869923317599730395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2932002805714584435.post-82280961045650742312011-11-27T20:46:00.000-08:002011-11-27T20:46:24.182-08:00Giving BackWoosh! This weekend flew by and I didn't get near the ol' laptop to get my daily chores done but that's ok. You both forgive me right?<br />
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I am SUPER excited for tomorrow. It's day one of my volunteer training for the American Red Cross. I get to use my skills in transportaionizing (driving) for the good guys! I will go into all the details tomorrow for all y'all. until then I gots to get my but in bed!<br />
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Night!TheBuzzardKinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01869923317599730395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2932002805714584435.post-37726578429763209062011-11-25T15:11:00.000-08:002011-11-25T15:11:45.090-08:00Well that was stupid!Thanksgiving was, as usual, an exercise in gluttony for me. More gravy? Are you kidding? That's my blog name!!! Sigh... I'm so clever. So this morning I get up nice and early to get some stuff done and even do a little bit of shopping but then out of the blue, for some unknown reason, I decide to get on the scale. The day after Thanksgiving. GENIUS. <br />
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I don't want to boil down all this years accomplishments into one moment. The moment that cold unfeeling machine unceremoniously spit that dreadfully high number at me? Yeah. That moment. So to counter my feelings of failure I decided to run through some of the changes with me and my life since last March (or was it February? Doesn't matter.) <br />
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I stopped feeling sorry for myself and uninvited myself to the pity party. I made myself accountable for all things I didn't like about myself.<br />
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I started and maintained a regular running schedule, ran several races (I think six) AND actually competed in a few of them! Don't get me wrong I wasn't in the running (pun intended) for an <i>actual</i> victory. I just put up a respectable time for two of the races and I was proud of that.<br />
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I stopped smoking. I have said this before but I really never thought I would quit. Just didn't see it happening.... but it did and I am pleased it did.<br />
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Kept this blog going. I didn't thing that would happen either. I figured I would get bored with it and stop doing it. Which I did! But I missed it. So here I am, still typing away. <br />
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Overall, that's is not too bad! Several life changes and some diligence. Definitely a whole bunch of steps in the right direction.<br />
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The wrong direction, though, is looming all big and bad in front of me. I got some blood work done and my cholesterol is a tad wonky. The good stuff a little too low and the bad stuff a little too high. Nothing terrible by any means but add that on top of an ever expanding gut and we've got the beginning of a big problem. <br />
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I've noticed that my "loose jeans", track pants and cargo shorts have been trending for wardrobe choices so it was no real surprise that my weight was up. Just didn't quite expect it that UP. It's ok though. Nothing that can't be fixed. It's just time to fix it though. <br />
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Fat Man Strikes Back.TheBuzzardKinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01869923317599730395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2932002805714584435.post-55827905670673186862011-11-24T22:29:00.000-08:002011-11-24T22:29:38.413-08:00Run Josh, Run!We have an annual event here at our household. It's the Columbus Turkey Trot. We've done about a half dozen or so and we actually look forward to it. It's a "guilt free" Thanksgiving dinner and that's a good thing for a habitual over eater such as myself!<br />
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The "race" is a five miler. A five K would be more to my liking really but the extra 2 miles gives more to the guilt free-ness. I say "race" because we're never really in it. There are lot's of people who do treat it like a race and just fly around the course. Not us! We run the first mile or so then just walk it out. Good fun.<br />
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The thing that gets me every year is the turn out. It has to be 5,000 people. People are all over the place! You can't get a parking spot anywhere near the place. (Although this year driving the jeep, I got a parking spot where no one else could park so that was cool!) It is at the crack of dawn (ok 9am!) and it's usually cold (Thanksgiving? November? It was cold? Really?) I just can't figure out why everyone does it... but then I realize I do it every year for the same unknown reason. Sure it's nice to get a decent start to the day but for anyone cooking or traveling that's a busy morning. Also it's not free. So to recap: It's crowded, cold, inconvenient, expensive, too long and too early. So why do it? Tradition I guess...<br />
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So.... Josh. One of the great things and actually the real reason we do these races, is the people watching! It is all walks of life all level of fitness and it is just a blast getting to know the people around you. Every year we have a few stand out characters that make our whole race. This year the winner was young Josh.<br />
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At a bout mile 3 we came up on Josh and his brother and mother. We learned his name because his mother kept yelling it. "Joshy Joshy Poshy Washy Josh!" Josh was by our best estimate 4 years old and adorable and couldn't have less of an interest in "running" this fine brisk morning. We never really met Josh. Instead we created a dialog for him cursing his turquoise spandexed mother. He would lag behind, go off the track, pick up a rock, get yelled at then run back up cursing his mother the whole way. Good luck Josh. I think you're gonna need it.<br />
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Happy Thanksgiving everyone. TheBuzzardKinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01869923317599730395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2932002805714584435.post-32556629388271972572011-11-22T18:59:00.000-08:002011-12-23T16:32:53.349-08:00More Smarter!I really have a fear of technology and specifically computers. I bore witness to computers. I watched them crawl out of the primordial ooze of prehistoric technology as crappy typewriters.<br />
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You see kids, a "type writer" was the keyboard part of your laptop. It had no screen, you couldn't change the font and it weighed about 75lbs. Having one didn't "make you cool." It did come with a big plastic suitcase to lug it around, so that made it really convenient to go to the coffee shop. Oh that's right... there were no coffee shops! They were called diners and you paid fifty cents for a cup of java. no frills, just bean juice. Mmmmmm......dee-lish!<br />
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When I was in college I saw my first computer with a mouse. It blew my mind! We (my college cohorts and I) would go to the "computer lab" and just move the mouse and watch the little arrow move around. For hours... I'm almost embarrassed to share that. Almost! The thing was, is you just <i>knew</i> you were looking at the future. The whole possibility of SKYNET* or HAL* becoming self aware and attempting to either replace or completely eliminate mankind now became <i>plausible</i>. I am not suggesting that it's time to build bunkers and prepare for the "Rise of the Machines" (or some other cool catch phrase name) but it really was the beginning of a whole new era. This new era and I have not exactly seen eye to eye over the last 20 years. I have really just come to terms with "computers" and them NOT being a fad or trend... Yet another thing this blog has helped me with.<br />
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Longtime readers may have noticed the use of italics in this blog. Something I would have NEVER attempted a year ago. TOO SCARY! I don't know if I have used it correctly but I did it and I didn't even have to ask for help! <br />
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Onward and upward.<br />
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*SKYNET was the computer in the Terminator movies that waged war with mankind.<br />
*HAL was the computer who became self-aware in the movie 2001: a Space Odyssey and took over the ship.TheBuzzardKinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01869923317599730395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2932002805714584435.post-41064608460329801302011-11-21T22:05:00.000-08:002011-11-21T22:05:57.042-08:00the more I eat the more I eat and other such phenomenonsI sometimes think I have the digestive system of a competitive eater. I don't mean that in any kind of positive way at all. I try to outwit my gut by having a "hearty" breakfast. My gut responds by saying "Let's get a huge lunch too then we can skip dinner!" I can almost hear it snickering at me when it pulls these shenanigans... Because it doesn't work and it knew it the whole time! I call bullshit. The other thing is I can go all day and not really eat and be totally fine then eat a large but not ridiculous dinner and be cool for the day. Weird. I stumbled upon (actually stumbled not the web browser/search engine thingy) an article on temporary/conditional fasting. Basically you can only eat a certain number of hours each day. Like noon to 6pm. I kinda do that anyway and I'm kinda fat so... looks like I've already disproved that one!<br />
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I know a lot of blog type folks also put what they are listening to when they enlighten the world, so I too shall share my musical whimsy with you! Tonight it was the Green Album. A selection of tunes from the Muppet Show and movies covered by contemporary artists. Some are weird, some are pretty much the same and some are pretty cool. I'll give it 3 outta 5 BuzzPoints.TheBuzzardKinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01869923317599730395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2932002805714584435.post-19253062216698390222011-11-20T08:46:00.000-08:002011-11-20T14:35:14.296-08:00keep your eyes openI ended my blog yesterday saying i would try to catch Halley's comet next time. That would be 2061... that's still a ways off and who knows if any of us will still be here let alone me! I mean 2012 is right around the corner! But I digress...<br />
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The original last sentence of yesterdays blog was this, "I never got to see Halley's comet and it is one of my biggest regrets of my misspent youth." I don't edit a lot or do a bunch of drafts (obviously!) my usual method is write it, read it, fix a couple glaring errors then post it. The "biggest regret" thing seemed a little too dramatic... i mean really? Biggest regret? So I cut it out. Then it kind of bugged me all day that I never got to see it. Then it started to bug me about the other things in my life I could have seen but did not.<br />
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*EDITOR'S NOTE* <br />
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What you just read I wrote yesterday during the day then came home from a gig late last night and sat down to finish it. This is what I found when I woke up this morning. I believe I got a little sleepy. And hungry.<br />
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I'm not talking about the Grand Canyon (although I've never seen that either...) but things like presidential inaugurations or Space shuttle launches. Things that with a little effort I could have seen first hand. I'm going to try and make an effort to do that kind of thing from now on. I don't really know what that is but at the very least I will drive out to the the countryside the next time the weather man tells me there will be a meteor shower! I'll even get a pizza.<br />
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I reallt dko love pizza. I ould eat it evry day if i was allowed. THat and chheese burgrs. I don't know why people like medum rar chheeseburgrs. I thinks its gross!!!!!! Man that guy tonight hwas crazy! he kept starrring at me and airguutaring at me... kinda creeeeped me out.<br />
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Ok well I gott to go to bed, I'll probbably call you tomoorrow.<br />
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*I found it this way this morning and decided not to touch it and just post it. I have NO IDEA who i was writing to. My best guess is my Mom because Sunday is our call day. Call ya later Ma!*TheBuzzardKinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01869923317599730395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2932002805714584435.post-66149179325929025012011-11-18T11:34:00.000-08:002011-11-18T11:34:43.155-08:00Flying cars and other such nonsenseI believe I was in 4th grade when I learned about Halley's comet. I think what struck me the most is that was the first time I really considered the future and my place in it. I was overwhelmed for days thinking about what life in 1986 would be like. Now, we're only talking about a few years. I think it was about 1980 so at ten years old I had to consider six years forward. That was the first time in my life I didn't just live in the moment. It really was life changing at the time. <br />
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At that point I had only considered what science fiction movies and tv shows had taught me. Clothes in the future will be very tight. Everyone will be very fit and trim (even though robots do all the physical labor...) Food will come out of a machine (and somehow taste delicious...) and racism, poverty, pollution, civil rights and everything else we humans have waged war over will be put aside as we unite the entire planet against a global threat of _____!<br />
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Well I can tell you how I spent a lot of my 1986. Watching Top Gun, learning how to drive a stick, battling acne, listening to Bon Jovi on cassette (kids, I'll explain later) and trying to get to second base.... whatever that was. <br />
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As it turned out 1980 and 1986 really were not all that different. That trend has continued for the entirety of my life. A few things have changed but it's really just consumption that has changed. Music is still music it's just on an iPod. Books (I'll explain those too, kids) are still books they're just on a Kindle. TV shows are still crap just on a bigger screen.<br />
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So, food out of a machine? No problem. Flying cars? Nope. And what exactly is the deal with the Metric system? Jury still out? Are we just learning in case we travel abroad? Hmmmm?<br />
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I never did see Halley's comet. Maybe I'll catch it the next time around.TheBuzzardKinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01869923317599730395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2932002805714584435.post-9406312802152741232011-11-17T22:14:00.000-08:002011-11-17T22:14:26.554-08:00A gallon of milk, a loaf of bread and come home right away...So it dawned on me as I was headed for bed that I made this "I'll post everyday" pledge YESTERDAY. I completely forgot already...<br />
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So I think I'll just do a grocery list or something like that but noooooo.... I already shot myself in the foot saying i would not be doing grocery lists. I have totally out witted myself. It really isn't that hard to trick me to be honest...<br />
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TheBuzzardKinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01869923317599730395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2932002805714584435.post-48142349769346568802011-11-16T20:21:00.000-08:002011-11-16T20:21:23.811-08:00You want ME to guest write a blog??? What???I know I have been on again off again with the writing of the blogs. I have gotten better with a lot of things in my life since starting this, but getting too busy is still a tough one for me. For the both of you who read this I will make a greater effort to get you your blog damn it!<br />
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There has been an unexpected side effect to doing this. I really like it. A lot. I don't know if I have what it takes to be a "writer" or anything or really how to even pursue it... maybe I don't need to worry about that and just write on a regular basis for a while and see if I get any more better. Maybe I'll do some kind of 30 day challenge.... Hmmm. Ok. I accept your challenge!<br />
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I will write a post everyday for the next 30 days. It doesn't have to be as awesome (kidding!) as my usual posts but it must be more coherent than a grocery list. Ok. I like it! Maybe I'll even work on grammar. Say Whaaat??? Oh yeah!<br />
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So on my journey to a thinner, happier, professional writer-y me I have already gotten published!!! No WAY! Way! Hard to believe. I know!<br />
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I am proud to be associated with Wood Stove House and honored to be the featured guest blog. Check it out:<br />
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http://www.woodstovehouse.com/5-things-i-learned-when-i-was-a-rock-star/<br />
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You didn't know i was famous did ya?TheBuzzardKinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01869923317599730395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2932002805714584435.post-86624502187752650522011-11-10T06:55:00.000-08:002011-11-10T06:55:23.946-08:00HeroesThis has been a strange football season. First off the NFL was on strike and it looked like they would not get things together for the regular season, but they did. Then Jim Tressel, the head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes, who was the "straight and narrow" coach in NCAA football, was forced out of his job amid shame and scandal. And then Penn State happened. Joe Paterno was fired in a maelstrom of a sex scandal...<br />
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First, I have no words to describe my feelings toward what happened to those young boys. Rage is the main one then it's a whole mess of mixed emotions and unanswered questions...<br />
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Child molestation is something that is so unthinkable, horrible and unfortunately unspeakable that it paralyses people with fear and disgust. Because of that, the right thing isn't always done... or enough of the right thing. <br />
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This to me isn't about a football coach or about football at all. It's about hope. This horrible event has brought so much real attention to child molestation that maybe, just maybe, we won't be afraid to talk about it and ultimately do something about it. Personally i think they should get the chair. <br />
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Joe Paterno was a hero to me. I grew up in western Pennsylvania. Not a huge PSU fan but always keeping an eye on them and Joe. He did it "right", no compromise. He was inspiring. He made you want to be a better person. I read books about Joe and used to wish that I could someday play for him. Never got to play for him. Moved away from PA, to the home of Ohio State of all places, which oddly enough made me MORE of a college football fan and specifically PSU. In the back of my mind over the last few years I have felt that Joe maybe needs to go. I didn't want to see him die on the field. I didn't want to see him got out like this either... <br />
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I'm not here to defend Joe.... I'm not even sure i could. I would like to ask something all of you who take the few minutes out of your day to read my run on sentences and ramblings: Look back on you life and think of the times you could have done more. Remember that the next time you are in a position to do the right thing. Try to do more of the right thing.TheBuzzardKinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01869923317599730395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2932002805714584435.post-89422623827761922862011-09-22T10:53:00.000-07:002011-09-22T16:00:48.095-07:00I did whaaaat?So a few weeks ago i went on vacation. We went down to the beach. The eastern side of the north american continent beach. The location of first flight (although i can only imagine there are as many as 75 to 80 birds who would disagree with that statement. Maybe more) beach. The North Carolina barrier islands beach. The Outer Banks.... beach!<br />
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I realize that you might think that seems like a lot of built up to say me and my sweetie drove 12 hrs to spend 10 days lounging in the surf and sun. You'd be right. One more thing happened on that beautiful beach. Me and my lady got hitched. Tied the not. Exchanged vows. Made it legal.... You get the gist. I will say this. It was awesome. She planned it to a tee (she could work for the military!) and she was, is and always will be more beautiful than an old rock guitar player like me should be with. I'm a very lucky man.<br />
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We did a small beach ceremony presided over by one of my dearest friends and we were surrounded by our closest friends and our family. It was amazing and I might have even cried. A tiny bit. Barely noticeable. <br />
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We just got back to our home and real life has already set in: jobs, chores, fantasy football, DVR's and whatever else gets in the way of just enjoying life. It's ok though. I can take it for a little bit. Christmas is just around the corner!<br />
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Best. Vacation. Ever.TheBuzzardKinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01869923317599730395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2932002805714584435.post-64347267698010571342011-08-21T09:23:00.000-07:002011-08-21T09:23:17.848-07:00Top Five things I learned this summerThis has been a summer of great change for me and through these changes I learned a few things.... and here I thought I knew everything already!<br />
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1. Smoking is bad for you:<br />
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I know, I know.... who doesn't know this? Well. Me, that's who! Over the last forty years or so I have come up with the theory that if it was REALLY bad for you then it would be banned. That it is such a heavily taxed and profitable business that the powers that be didn't want it to go anywhere and that in fact they use a smear campaign on purpose to draw people in. Reverse psychology Jedi Mind Trick style! I'm not UN-convinced of my theory in the slightest but after several weeks smoke free-ness. I feel a ton better. I didn't even realize that i felt bad! <br />
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2. My cat is right about most things:<br />
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Shamus (my cat) has the best decision making skills on the planet. Tired? Sleep. Hungry? Eat. Mad? Chomp.<br />
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It seems so simple but people (at least I do... maybe you have no issues with this and I applaud your feline abilities) have the need to complicate things. Keep it simple. If it needs done, do it.<br />
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3. People stink:<br />
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I can only assume it has something to do with the no smoking and my senses have sharpened up a bit or something but HOLY SHIT! I seriously had no idea how bad a dumpster smells or a bar for that matter! <br />
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4. I have always hated running... and I still do:<br />
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I am getting better at it but I have yet to experience these thing runners speak of like runners highs and such. I kinda think it's a bunch of malarky just to convince people to run further (Jedi Mind Tricks again!) and buy more shoes... still I'm glad I'm getting into it more but I still hate it!<br />
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5. Eight hours of sleep is maybe the greatest thing in the whole world!:<br />
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If you are not getting eight or close to that try it. it will change your life! It's not hard. Just go to bed. Turn off the tv and the computer and go to bed. Facebook will wait until tomorrow... or even the next day.TheBuzzardKinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01869923317599730395noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2932002805714584435.post-2301556012028253622011-07-12T20:32:00.000-07:002011-07-12T20:32:56.279-07:00when the chips are down...So i've been on the running wagon for about 5 weeks. I could look it up on a calendar and get you the date but do you really have to know at this exact minute how long i've been wheezing around my neighborhood? Also, I have fought the future as long as possible. Stayed away from "gadget phones" and cool tech stuff. What i'm alluding to here is I don't have a google calendar with every bowel movement and twitter post scheduled for 2 months straight. So if you really wanted to know the date i would have to look up the Warrior Dash and reverse math it from there. Detective work. Old School!<br />
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Where was I even going with this.... Oh yeah! So I also have quit smoking due to, in no small part, the training and running. I got fed up and angry with not being able to make progress. So I stopped. 18 days ago? Sounds right. Anyway, my point is i had to get out of my lazy ass comfort zone and get a little riled up and the quitting was... i almost hesitate to say it... easy. I hope i'm not cursing myself here. I feel motivation is the key to sticking with anything. If i continue to run and do races and events then i'll want to keep pushing myself. So it turns out that running might be my anti-smoking program. Great. Now i'll always be running somewhere...<br />
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So tonight's run (i run early morning or very late at night) brought something to the very front of my fury. I got home from work and it's too hot (today was about a hundred degrees) to do anything so i cooled off in the pool (nice!) then had an admittedly too large dinner then took a little nap to prepare for my night's run. I wake up ravenous and begin to systematically seek out and devour any and all salty chip or cracker in our kitchen. Crap. I have to run in an hour! Take a couple tums and drink a bunch of water. That will do the trick! Or it will make you want to vomit for 2 of the 4 miles you ran in the hot humid bayou-esqe climate.<br />
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I got home and was mad. Very mad. I decided that this kind of thing is what i've been using for motivation so... No more salty chips on any kind of regular basis. The occasional tailgate party? Have at it but with some restraint! Salt is my biggest addiction. Time to cut it loose.<br />
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I'm saying it out loud. Chips not welcome here.TheBuzzardKinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01869923317599730395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2932002805714584435.post-18039284209937946532011-07-08T17:04:00.000-07:002011-07-08T17:04:30.729-07:005K for fun? Oh hell no...I've done my share of little races and 5K's and I have NEVER tried to finnish with any kind velocity or real pace. That has never bothered me even in the slightest. Until now.<br />
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Tomorrow morning I'm doing a 5k that i signed up for before i "transformed" into a runner and i am planing on CRUSHING it! I mean come on! I've already run 3 5K's this week!<br />
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This will be my first attempt at not finishing in the back of the pack. There will be the normal front runners who will scorch the 3.2 miles then run home to continue the work out they need to get to be a considered a real run. I used to (and apparently still do!) really dislike these guys and gals who grace the race with their presence only to then embarrass everyone (ok... me) then vanish into the misty morning clad in spandex. I mean i really hated these people... Now i get it... at least a little bit. I am certainly going to try and crush everyone at the charity event tomorrow. I am my own arch enemy! Great.<br />
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TheBuzzardKinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01869923317599730395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2932002805714584435.post-50767600348409850822011-07-05T19:41:00.000-07:002011-07-05T19:41:49.727-07:00Day 11I have been eleven days smoke free. I almost can't believe it myself. Actually no. I can't believe it at all. I really had decided that i would probably smoke forever in some capacity. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not getting all cocky and bad ass saying I kicked smokings ass! No... more like I have this plan and up until 11 days ago smoking wasn't interfering with it. Once I realized that it was preventing me from reaching my goals i got angry. I have been ashamed of my cigarette habit for years but it wasn't until i got mad that something was going to happen. <br />
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Spirits are high and breathing is better. Baby steps.TheBuzzardKinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01869923317599730395noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2932002805714584435.post-6947502458494877602011-06-21T20:17:00.000-07:002011-06-21T20:28:39.635-07:00... and then, out of the blue, i wanted to be a runner.So the Warrior Dash was everything I thought it would be AND a bunch of stuff i didn't think it would be. The first thing you notice is how BIG the event was. <br />
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The first Turkey Trot we ran several years ago was the first time i realized thousands of people will show up to run a race. I had no idea. I mean sure, the Boston Marathon i figured would get a couple thousand runners but a 5 miler in little Columbus, Ohio on Thanksgiving Morning? (hence the Turkey Trot name) I figured 4 maybe 5 hundred tops. Nope. More like 7K plus. I was stunned and i still get surprised every year. That is NOTHING compared to the WD.<br />
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For 2 days straight they set off 500 person heats every half hour ALL DAY. Conservative estimate is 25k total but I could be off by half as much.<br />
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The second thing is how organized it was. No issues with anything. Directions? Cake. Parking? A breeze. Shuttle to the event? Every 5 minutes. You're seeing the pattern right? Everything was well thought out and flawlessly performed. It was really cool and I'm glad I did it. It will not be my last event for sure.<br />
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The unexpected thing had nothing to do with the race at all.<br />
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When I decided to do this several months ago I recruited all my friends who i thought might be up for this. They were all IN! except none of them did it... but my fiance said I should ask Richard.<br />
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Richard is her best friend. They grew up across the street together and have never "lost touch" like a lot of us do. I know Richard but we're not really "friends." No reason, I certainly like him enough, we just don't live very close to him and everybody has life to deal with. <br />
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Last year he was diagnosed with a brain tumor that, from what I understand, is very difficult to remove. This is the kind of news that you have nightmares about. I'm certain he had his "Well... my life is over, Check please." moment or two that he had to deal with but the amazing thing is he didn't let it kill him. Instead he got himself in shape, started running races and living life. That's what really got to me. That is what made me feel small and petty and... well... dumb. He lives his life like he's going to die tomorrow where as i live mine like I'm going to live forever. I keep the "tomorrow it will be better" mantra running through my thick skull all the time instead of making today better. What's really so bad about today anyway? <br />
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So a week after the Dash i started training for a half marathon. I'm doing several things different this time. First off, I'm actually into week 2 without and major complaints or wining. Which is practically unheard of from me. The really big difference is I am actually telling people about it. Previously, I would start these grand schemes of various design and direction but never let anyone know about it. That way when I quit, no one would give me shit about it because no one even knew. This time I am saying it out loud. I'm attempting a major physical feat which will require dedication and changes in my daily life. I have certainly stumbled a lot in my first 2 weeks but I am at least seeing my mistakes and making corrections instead of excuses. I have even started making changes in my daily eating!!! What??? Yup. I want to move faster... not eat more. Weird. Never had that happen before.TheBuzzardKinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01869923317599730395noreply@blogger.com0