Super Bowl, Baby!

So, my Giants have made it to the big dance, and now my most urgent task at hand this very moment is figuring out where my friends and I are gonna watch the game. I must admit, I've fallen off a bit with football, but from way back I have always been a huge fan. I just have so much going on now that I don't have time to watch all the games anymore.
I used to love the Philadelphia Eagles, the Pittsburgh Steelers, my poor NY Jets, and of course, my boys in blue, the Giants. I used to hate the 49ers and the Cowboys, because they were our main rivals. This was back in Joe Montana/Jerry Rice days. Lawrence Taylor, Deion Sanders, Randall Cunningham and Warren Moon. They were also my faves. I have screamed my throat out at many a playoff game, rooting for my guys to get in. Now, I get to do it all again this Sunday. I soon as I find a 'bowl worthy bar......

In the meantime, GO GIANTS!!!!

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Winter X Dreams...

It's another lazy Sunday for me, and after watching my boy Novak Djokovic win his first Australian Open against Muhammad Ali's twin, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, I'm now snuggled up on my couch watching the Winter X Games. As I watch the competitors fly trough the air on skis, snowmobiles and snowboards at back breaking speeds, I feel like I missed my calling. lol My parents should have gotten me some ski lessons, dammit! I can so see myself out on the track hanging tough with the best skiers in the world, beating each of them one by one.....

Ok...enough with my fantasies. Back to reality! Haaaaaaaa. Had you there for a minute! I do think the Winter X competitors are awesome with their aerial spins, big air jumps, twists, flips and 1080's, though. That shizzle is bad ass!

As I sit here, I fight off the urge to indulge myself in some fatty comfort food. I try to put a limit on those cravings. My naughty no no of the week was a pint of Haagen Dazs Dulce de Leche. Damn!, that's some good stuff! But now that I went there, I have to be sure to nip it in the bud. I could SO go out and buy another one right now, but I won't. Can't let myself slip onto that bad habit trail! It's way too easy....

Did you know that there is a restaurant in New York City that makes nothing else except macaroni and cheese?? All different kinds! I really don't need to have that info in my possession!! Right now I am managing to KEEP AWAY. Baked mac and cheese is one of my MAJOR weaknesses. Heck, I'd fight you for some baked macaroni and cheese. Winner take all. lol. No, I'm serious!

My plan this week is to train myself for my upcoming snowboard trip. Keep working my core, and still play with my jumps. Get in some cardio. I plan to be ROCKING my snowboard very soon...

Shaun White. My damn idol, I swear. LOVE him!

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"That Snowboarding Afterglow"

Now that I'm back on snowless land, I find myself missing the slopes. That snowboard weekend I just had was awesome, and I am now thinking and plotting on how I can be so much better the next time I go out. I know not to try to rush it, but I'm so used to being good at things, and I guess it's just natural for me to almost overthink things in my attempt to achieve that.

So, I'm happy to say, I get my second crack at shredding some mountains in just a couple weeks. Yep, already booked the next trip. So, I've been out here checking out various snowboarding sites and blogs, checking on how to learn and master certain techniques. Here's a great tutorial on doing those turns:

http://www.wikihow.com/Perform-a-Carve-on-a-Snowboard


Now, let's just hope all that theory turns into reality the next time I'm out there! ;)

SnowboardDiva.com

Just a few of the things I dream about doing......



Yeah, I'm crazy, but I told you that already, right? ;)

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Heel Side, Toe Side, Falling Leaf.....

Omg...I just came back from my first snowboard weekend at Okemo resort in Vermont, and can I just tell ya...

Every muscle I have is killing me!

Um.... Learning to snowboard is....HARD. lol!

But, by the second day of lessons, I began to get it! If nothing else, I learned how to slow down and emergency STOP. A most important element of any downhill type sport!!! As for pics, I was too busy busting my ass to video and take pics. Sorry. That'll have to go down on the next trip.

That's right, the NEXT trip. Cause I'm DEFINITELY doing this AGAIN! It was crazy! I can't wait to go again!

I got a long, hot bath waiting for me. This post will have to be short. My arm doesn't want to lift my hand to type anymore!

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Stealin' My Thunder....

So, I step up into one of my company clubs to teach my usual Wednesday classes, and I notice that there is now a bright orange flyer posted on the glass doors and windows around the studio. "Getting Ready for Skiing and Snowboarding Training", it read. I'm like, WTH?
Hmmmmm.....has some trainer in my co been reading my blog?? Coincidence? Or am I just being paranoid? I can't help but to think about the post I did: "Getting Ready for the Slopes Workout", posted about a week ago. My company, while having a full time schedule of fitness classes with everything from Yoga to Tae Kwon Do, and also an army of personal trainers some 5,000 + strong, is always encouraging us (trainers and instructors) to create "small group training" classes. I wonder if one of my co workers stumbled across my blog and the suddenly formed his/her bright idea to create that class. God only knows! lol

But I tell ya what....I might just have to hold back a FEW of my ideas just to make sure I get to put 'em out there on the world market first. Now, I know I'm not the first person to come up with ideas for ski and snowboard training. There are already instructional and preparatory videos out there by the dozen on both subjects. But the timing on this new class at MY own gym just gives me pause.

Anyhow, I'm about to hit the slopes, y'all! I''m too excited, and I'll be back with cool as hell video and pics. PROMISE!

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Dining at McDonald's Can Be Deadly........

Don't ever say I didn't warn you!

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The Ten Fattest

I love this time of the year, because that's when all the list wizards come out with their best and worst lists of everything you can imagine. This list of the 10 fattest states in America caught my eye. Not too many surprises here to me, but props to Pennsylvania for dropping off the list. I distinctly remember when they had Philadelphia listed as the fattest city in the country. Been working out, Philly? ;)

The Ten Fattest States in America


1 Mississippi
2 Alabama
3 West Virginia
4 Louisiana
5 Tennessee
6 South Carolina
7 Kentucky
8 Arkansas
9 Michigan
10 Indiana


Now, I can't help but notice that most of those are southern states, and I must tell you, I'm not surprised. Not to insult my southern neighbors, but I know a little bit about southern lifestyle since my family is from the south.

There is just less activity, more fattening things to eat, and walking is virtually non existent in places like this, because you go everywhere by car. When I go to visit my fam, and we go to the mall or anyplace that requires walking, they're pretty much over it after less than an hour and want to go sit and eat somewhere.
When in North Carolina I saw more morbidly obese people per square mile than I'd ever seen in my life. The thing is, being grossly overweight is more accepted down there.
No one even looks at you twice if you're weighing in at over 300.

But in the big mean city, being fat ain't so nice. Lots of pressure here. And backlash! On the positive side, there is more opportunity to be active in a myriad of physical activities in highly populated, pedestrian friendly cities like New York, and you don't necessarily have to drive everywhere.

All I can say is, these places in the old south need to open up more recreation centers, and fast. Perhaps a few more gyms, too.
Also, get rid of the hush puppies, y'all. And the biscuits and gravy. lol
It's hard to break those eating habits when that's what you've grown up with, I know, but when it's a matter of life and death, you'd damn sure better start thinking about it. I'm rooting for you, southerners. Get it together! Your life depends on it!



Here's how celebrities get buff!

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Marion Jones Sentenced to Prison Time

This saga just gets sadder and sadder.....




WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. (AP) - Marion Jones was sentenced Friday to six months in prison for lying about using steroids and a check-fraud scam, despite her plea that she not be separated from her two young children "even for a short period of time."

"I ask you to be as merciful as a human being can be," said Jones, who cried on her husband's shoulder after she was sentenced.

The disgraced former Olympic champion was ordered to surrender March 11 to begin her term.
---For entire story click HERE

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Soulja Boy - The Grandma Remix!

LOL! And I thought I was the coolest one doing this dance! Check this out!

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My "Getting Ready For the Slopes" Workout

I am really into prepping for things. Must be the Virgo in me that has me crossing every T and dotting every I whenever I do ANYTHING new.
So, I'm thinking....I need to be in snowboard shape before hitting the slopes. Now, mind you, I realize that just because you're fit in one sport or area, it doesn't mean you're just going to automatically come up aces in everything else. Just doesn't work that way, usually. Now, if we're gonna be kickboxing, stepping or jumping rope out there on the mountain, I've got it locked. But ya know it's not gonna be like that! ;)

One fun thing I'm doing is working out on my trampoline. Jumps, runs, and 180 and 360 degree turns (in the middle of a jump). I want to be able to do 180's and 360's on my board when I get the basics down. Yeah, I'm always a show off, and I HAVE to have neat tricks in my arsenal. I also want to be able to jump up on elevated surfaces like I see the other, more experienced snowboarders do. Hey, my health insurance is already re upped for the year, 'kay? lol. I've also been drinking milk. I think my bones can take it. ;)

By the way, I really don't expect to be doing all that crazy stuff my first few times out, but the minute I'm feeling like I've hit my stride, I'm damn sure gonna try! I'm a complete acrobatic ham on my rollerblades, so I can't imagine not being the same way on a snowboard!

Right now, I'm building up my jump muscles on the tramp, remembering to lift my knees up just about waist high when I jump-turn (an over exaggeration of the real jumps I'll be doing). Doing high jumps with the knees up is not only prepping me for the things I'm going to want to be doing, but it's a damn good heart rate elevator. I feel SO invigorated and worked out by the time I get through 25 minutes of jumping (which is how long I'm doing now), and am sweating nicely. It's so much fun, I'm going to start doing it twice a day; once in the morning and once at night, increasing the time to 30 mins, and then 35 or 40. Next week, I'll strap on ankle weights starting with 2lbs on each ankle, and then eventually increasing the weights to simulate the weight of the board (and boots + bindings). THAT's gonna be killer at first, but once I adjust, it'll be great.

I love these new workout sessions! I just put my music on, jump up on that trampoline, and GO! I alternate between high knee runs, fast paced Urban Rebounder style down jumps, my 180 & 360 degree jump-twists and turns, and high bounces pushing off the balls of my feet. Not only is it fantastic cardio, and somewhat sport (trick) specific, but it's also a super core tightener, and great core strength is essential in sports like skiing, snowboarding and surfing. It's also fun as hell! In fact, as soon as I finish this post, I'm going to pull out my tramp and get to work. Just WAIT til I hit that powder~! I'm gonna rip it UP!

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"These Boots Were Made for Shreddin'......"

That's the new tune I'M singin'! Got my first pair of snowboard boots!!!! Aren't they cute?

Also got my cool as hell snowboard pants, a great insulated jacket, my goggles, face warmer, and a slew of other miscellaneous snowboard stuff. Betty is ready to ride! :)

So, my first crack at it comes up in two weeks at Okemo. I can't frickin' wait! I plan to take plenty of pics, and maybe even shoot some video. We'll see!

I must now give respect to the incredibly sturdy and detailed construction of snowboard clothing. Man, those pants I bought are SO tough I think they'll last about 70 years. The jacket too. And there's a pocket for everything you've ever thought of! They don't play when they make this clothing. I think that you can get dropped out in the cold, Arctic wilderness wearing snowboard gear, and do just fine. That's how intricately reinforced and insulated it is. Cool damn stuff! Can't wait to sport mine and test it out for real!

I'm doing two snowboard weekends back to back. Okemo first, and then Windham. A friend of mine told me I should do it the other way around, because the mountains at Windham are easier, but the die is already cast. I always prefer to take the harder route anyway. I'm betting on surviving the first (lol) so that I can really rip it up on the second. If the difference between the two is as my friend said, it should go exactly like that! Once again, WE WILL SEE! And, BTW, any advice from you veterans out there is welcome!

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And The Resolutions Are....

Ugh. Here we go again. Truthfully, though, I really don't have many complaints with how my life is going, and/or what I need to work on. I'm ALWAYS working at or on something. Achievement is my middle name. The only fly in my ointment right now is my credit card debt. So, I'm going to keep it nice and simple.


2008 New Year's Resolutions


1. Cut up my credit cards


2. Pay off at least 4 completely (you don't want to know how many I have...)


3. Get back to using cash and debit card ONLY.


Okay. Now, already, that first one is difficult. "What about emergencies?" one might ask. Well, listen to how sick I am. I actually have some of my credit card numbers MEMORIZED (along with the expiration dates). lol How many people can say THAT? While I'm not a credit junkie, I can tell you that I have lived quite well for the past few years, just going slightly over my actual income every now and then. The occasional vacation, sudden trip, class, course, spa day, or culinary indulgence (mainly sushi!). Funny thing is, I don't spend much money on clothing or 'things' (except foreign language books. With those, I DO have a problem! I have compiled a small library of Italian, Spanish and Mandarin Chinese novels, books, magazines and comics to keep up with my languages -- NOT cheap!). But mostly, I pay for experiences. And THOSE can be kinda pricey, depending on what you like to do. Just enough to get a little debt piled up. But, no worries. I'm gonna get this DONE!


Good luck on YOUR resolutions!



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Find out how celebs get those camera ready bods!

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