90s RAP & PUNK

Unimportant update for today:

For some reason I've been listening, almost exclusively, to 90s rap and punk. A very odd combo, and very different than what I usually listen to, but lately I can't get enough.
"Take me by the hand, we're going to see a punk rock band..."

Now get back to work.

SHOW ME POTATO SALAD

While I certainly enjoy posting more about victories than minor set-backs, I only think it fair to my dear readers to try and be truthful as possible.  To show both the good and the bad.

So, here it is.

My supper consisted of deli-fresh fare...potato salad and wings. And, I ate it while watching TV. Take that adulthood.

Unhealthy? Yes.
Needed? Well...not needed but certainly wanted.

And, for the trifecta of unhealthy choices...no working out today.

Was it 70 degrees? Yes. Is there a blizzard warning for tomorrow? Yes. Does that mean that doing anything outside in the next couple days becomes less of a reality. Sure does. Did that motivate me to do something productive or healthy outside? Not in the least. My mind was made up. Tonight was going to be all about resting.

I came home from work today, put on comfy clothes, and plopped down on the couch.  Armed with the remote and a desire to be lazy, I started watching TV. Since you're reading this, I'm assuming you know me, which means you know this isn't anywhere near my style.  But, sometimes you gotta put your feet up so you can be productive later in the week.

As I'm writing this post, I'm already on my third documentary. If all goes according to my plan, I'll be sleeping by 9.

Watch out world, there's a crazy guy on the loose.

STILL TRUCKIN'

With the exception of a few mis-steps (I'm looking at you, happy hours) I'm still on the eating healthy and exercising regularly wagon...and I can tell.

Recently, I've been reacquainted with some old friends...

• New old clothes...Shirts that had been relegated to the bottom of my drawer because they didn't fit are being reminded of what outside looks like
• Hole on my belt...I've switched the hole I use on my belt (don't get too excited, this used to be my go-to hole)
• Energy and strength...There you are. I've missed you. 
• Pedal Pushing...Time and distance are increasing

All in all, I'm heading in the right direction. There is still a lot of work to be done, but progress is always nice to see.

We were hoping to make this the third weekend in a row we tackled the steps at Red Rocks and rode our bikes...but no go...the snow crashed that plan. Because I'm not hardcore enough to run the steps when they're covered in snow, I'm going to have to find alternative activities to fill my time.

If you're worried that I won't be able to find anything to do and will be forced to sit inside and quietly wait for Monday's arrival so I can go back to work, you don't know me at all. That being said, I'm sure you're on the edge of your seat wondering what I'm going to do to fill my time.

Well, lucky for you I've made one of my world-famous lists to help clue you in...

Things that will (most likely) take up my weekend hours:

• Work
• Laundry
• Watching House of Cards
• Practicing my new turkey call (Thanks A-Harp!!)
• Maybe getting a new pair of work shoes, maybe
• Going to the gym
• Cleaning the house
• Drinking coffee
• Dusting off the ol' graphic design skills and working on a small project for J's school
• Setting up my double-montior system in the home office (my company was giving away old monitors...and you know I rarely pass on the opportunity to take something that's free)
• Shoveling the driveway
• Watching basketball
• Going to Cabelas
• Grocery shopping
• Meal prep

Now you know.  And like GI Joe says, "Knowledge is have the battle". 

WIND BACK IN THE OL' SAILS

Cheesy? Borderline.
Original? Not even a tiny bit.
"Borrowed" picture? You bet.
Accurate? 100%

This past weekend was everything that my soul needed.  After working more hours than I care to think about for longer than I can remember, I took this weekend off (gasp!) to recharge my batteries.

I've said it before, and I'm sure I'll say it again after today, but I believe I was a mountain-man hippy in a past life.

When life gets too crazy and hectic one of the first things my mind and body crave is time outside...ideally spent on a bike. The other thing it needs is to hang out with like-minded people who have great energy. This weekend definitely scratched that itch.

Friday J and I went on an after-work ride to take advantage of the longer days and warmer weather. We worked up quite an appetite on the ride and decided to check out a new-to-us restaurant. The food and drinks were great and the atmosphere was nice--even if it was a bit "surbany" for us. (But as I was reminded, it's to be expected...we did move to the 'burbs.)

Saturday started by getting a haircut and hanging out at the barbershop to pick up on some of the good vibes and energy that are always present at the shop.

Then we spent the afternoon at Red Rocks running the steps.  Exhausted, humbled, inspired and full of positivity we headed home.

Sunday the weather was perfect and I headed out for a short mountain bike ride.

The ride was amazing (even if it pointed out that I need some serious conditioning to be able to climb like I should) and left me feeling proud and re-charged.

During the ride I came up with three goals for this summer.. (if I end up in a cast, you may have a pretty good guess as to why...)
Become a mountain goat
I want to be able to climb with the best of them. I have a long way to go, but at least I know where I want to be.

Use my breaks less
While I wouldn't consider myself "break happy", I could definitely cut back a bit

Jump more obstacles than not 
I used to jump everything as a kid. I want to get back to that point.

Weekends like this remind me how important perspective is...how it's important to take care of yourself and allow yourself the opportunity to recharge by doing the things you love with the people you love. Not only is this 100% necessary for yourself, but it also allows you to perform your job at a higher level.

HAPPY 303 DAY

What a fitting day to announce that I lost 3 lbs.

Carry on as you were.

BOUNCE BOUNCE

Who said working out had to be lame and boring?

Last night I played racquetball with a friend and worked up quite a sweat...and had a great time doing it. Double win.