Merriam-Websters's Collegiate Dictionary defines loyalty as such: " the quality or state or an instance of being loyal "
Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary defines loyal as such: " 1: unswerving in allegiance: as a : faithful in allegiance to one's lawful sovereign or government b: faithful to a private person to whom fidelity is due c: faithful to a cause, ideal, custom, institution, or product 2: showing loyalty 3 obs: lawful, legitimate syn see faithful "
The same book defines hypocrisy as such " 1: a feigning to be what one is not or to believe what one does not; esp : the false assumption of an appearance of virtue or religion 2: an act or instance of hypocrisy " The very next word in this book is hypocrite, and it is defined as follows " 1: a person who puts on a false appearance of virtue or religion 2 : a person who acts in contradiction to his or her stated beliefs or feelings "
Besides the mere fact that I know how to read and can type verbatim what is coming from a book, what other factors do these words have that I would put pen to paper? These are 4 words that have been playing on repeat mode in my head for roughly the past 6 weeks or so.
Life in general is meant to not be easy. There is confusion, there is stress, there are children involved for some of us, there are our careers, and for some there is the lack of a consistent pay check coming in. There are opinions and beliefs involved in life that are all generated from various backgrounds that make each and every one of us unique, different, and wonderful. Our various backgrounds that are intertwined within our lives have various factors that create them. They can include, but are not limited to social economic upbringings, geographical upbringings, our families and their influences in our lives, current economic standings, current family outlines, previous lessons from life that have helped form who we are currently, and the list can go on and on. The fun part in all of this, is to somehow take this melting pot of varieties and make them somehow work for us in our lives. This, to me is where we each get to make the fun decision of compromise.
Now that I have marinated the steak ( the background, information ); lets go ahead and put that steak on the grill and let it cook ( the hefty part of this blog )
I am no different than any of you. I have to face the day to day responsibilities of life ( i.e. get up out of bed, go to work, do house chores, help my daughters do better in their lives, support my wife, be a friend just because to my friends, etc etc ). Having said that, I also recognize the fact that I have faltered and have failed at certain times in my life. We are not perfect and failures will happen. It's how we handle those failures and try to learn from them that makes us better. Day in and day out.
Now, what I am upset and EXTREMELY pissed off at is when people are in our lives, and they want to scrutinize you, and judge you, and put you down because they do not agree with how you handle not only certain situations but how you conduct yourself. As if to say you don't meet up to their standards. Well, I'm sorry if I don't meet up to certain peoples' standards. It's an easy fix... remove yourself from my life or deal with the fact that I am not perfect. If you don't like it, by all means, stop being a part of my life. However, I dare anyone who can honestly look at their current situation, find someone that is in their life, and find fault with one or two individuals within their social circle; be able to step up and say that they themselves are faultless. I guarantee no one can say that they are not without fault or blame. We should all try to do a self check and see where we might be falling short in our own life before passing judgement towards another. It is so much easier in life to judge another, than it is to look at our own selves and admit that we too have problems.
Then there is the loyalty aspect. I believe that like chivalry, so too is loyalty dying, if not already dead. People are so wrapped up in their own problems that they only care about what in life benefits them. I've worked with and have had friends who were these types of individuals, and I do best to try and separate myself as much as possible from them. I have no need, nor place in my life for them. I am a person, I have feelings ( although some would say very minimal ), and to some, I matter. What I'm getting at here is, and this is at least in my own case, I am loyal to those whom I consider my friends. I offer a hand of friendship whenever it is needed, and I rarely ever ask for anything back in return. However, when I need to call out to someone, and I have the anticipation that they too will be as loyal to me as I am to them, then they had better be able to match that expectation. If people in my life do not feel that they can; then please, do us both a favor and remove yourself from my social network of friends.
Now, there is not a person that I know that has not been a hypocrite at one point in their life, me included. It all reverts back to the statement previously made about previous lessons in life. We make mistakes, and we make errors. Its whether or not we actually learn from those said mistakes and move forward that matters. However, when a person is an habitual hypocrite, then I would much rather they too remove themselves out of my life. I would much rather suffer the heartache of losing someone I deem a friend and love, then to be heartbroken in the future because their hypocrisy caused me emotional pain.
I would much rather love you as a friend for being true to yourself, than to love you for something that you are not.. I'm sure you as the reader can agree with this next statement, and probably can think of someone in your life that this would reflect towards. I would much rather hate you for who you truly are, than to love you for what you truly are not. I'm simply stating, be you. Don't be what you THINK I may want you to be, just be you. At that moment, it is up to me to make the decision as to whether or not I want to keep, or can except you in my life as a social contact.
*** Now that the steak has been thoroughly cooked, and is appeasing to our appetite, lets eat it, and let's throw on some sides with it too ****
So the bottom line, at least from this writer is thus: Just be you. Don't be a fake... be you, and do YOU! Don't be what people want you to be. Break the mold of living up to another's expectations. If you don't meet up to what others' want, then they obviously have issues within themselves. Fuck them. It's pure and simple.
We are not here to please everyone. It's impossible. How can we expect to please everyone when everyone has a different set of expectations and ideals? You can't. The best we can hope for is to be the best person we can be, and live by the " Golden Rule " of treating others as we would want to be treated. If we have those people in our lives that are hypocrites, slowly remove yourself from a constant interaction with them. If you suffer from people judging you because you don't meet their expectations, silently pray for them that whatever GOD you attain to will bless them and help enlighten them with insight and understanding, and quietly remove yourself from constant interactions with them.
However, if you like to be used for your kindness and generosity; if you like to be walked all over for your genuineness and heart felt honesty, then stay where you are.... but, if you don't like it, and you've had enough, muster up the intestinal fortitude to say " GET BENT ", and remove those individuals from your life. EACH OF YOU... and I mean EACH OF YOU deserve better than that. If anyone who is reading this blog, and feels as though I mis-treat or disrespect you personally, please, by all means bring it to my attention and afford me the chance to fix it.... if it is past that point, then send me a private message and tell me to " GET BENT "
As I write this, most of the points that I bring up have been adamant in my life recently. I have had to withdraw myself from the rat race and look back at what I've gotten caught up into. I have felt used by people who are hypocrites, I have felt the pain of abandonment by others because I don't live up to their expectations, and I have seen first hand how another's involvement into my life was only beneficiary to their own personal gains.... to those people who have thought you can treat me like this... I say to you " shame on me for being heartfelt enough to care, but FUCK YOU for thinking you'd walk all over me. "
Don't appreciate my language? I don't care. Don't like the mere fact that I'm standing up for myself, Too-God-damn-Bad, get over yourself and what ever thought process that is running through your puny little brain to think you can control me or make me do what you want. You won't. I refuse to allow it. Get over your insecurities of life, and grow the hell up.... THIS WORLD, NOR ME OWES YOU A DAMN THING!!
I whole heartily, and publicly announce that I have a small circle of people I trust in my life. Those who are in that circle know it. Everyone else isn't. If you question whether or not you are in my circle of trust, ask yourself this one thing " Can Shane tell me something deep and secretive, and I not tell another person for the rest of my life?" If you feel that you can honestly answer yes to that question, then I already know that you are in my small circle, however, if you face doubt and uncertainty to the answer of that question, then guess what.... chances are I have not allowed you into my circle. Hence, this is where loyalty comes in.
It's not that I have anything against people who can't help but run their mouths to whomever comes around, but it is simply that I have no use for you to tell my deep and darkest secrets to, nor will I ever confide in you. If you can't handle that reality from me.... then just simply remove yourself from my life... it's that simple.
I was asked a while ago from someone dear to my heart, on how I could be so cold and uncaring if people just freely came and went in my life. I pondered on that question for a moment or two and I came up with, what I thought was a simple answer. " I was raised by a single mother and as an only child. The only person I've ever had to be responsible for was myself. Therefore, I took care of what I needed, when I needed it, and however I needed it... regardless of anothers' involvement. " and then I followed that up with " People will let you down. They will fail you. However, how I handle that depicts solely on me. So, if I don't trust in other's, and hope that other's will come through with what I've asked them to do, then I only have myself to blame for the failure in the end..... " I still hold true to those statements.
To close this blog out: if you are a hypocrite, if you are unloyal, then get the hell away from me. Remove yourself from my life. I don't need nor want you in it. There are a few people who are somewhat in my life currently, and as I think of their influence in my life, I just simply have to say " GO FUCK YOURSELF " . You are nothing more than a self righteous, egotistical, arrogant piece of shit who thinks you can live your life on the backs and hard workings of other people. I hate you, I despise everything about you, and I regret the day I ever met you. The knowledge of you wasting the same air space that I have been blessed with makes me ill to my stomach and I wish that you would do me, the human race, and everyone else a favor and just hold your breath and stop breathing, for you are nothing more than a waste for all that is good in life... you are what makes society a shit hole... because of the people you are and the type of people you represent.... please, literally... just stop.... I fucking hate you.
In closing, a dear friend, and someone I will hold dear in my heart till my dying day once told me " You are only has good as those you surround yourself with " I believe that to be true even today....
It is my prayer for each and everyone of my friends that they have someone watching their six. If not, find someone who will, if you can't find that person, call on me... chances are that I am already watching it. If you can't watch mine, then chances are, I'm not willing to watch yours.
My thoughts, trials, tribulations, and achievements that have gotten me to where I am now
2012-07-24
Ethics... of not only people but companies
"I , _____, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FIRST RANT
I took this oath shortly, on, or around December 17, 2001. That was the day that I embarked to try and do my part post 9/11 to be patriotic. I possibly could have done more, but Uncle Sam has this thing against morbidly obese people who love their country. I was fat, I was overweight, however, I was as patriotic back then as I am today. I still believe in this oath. I live by it. I have yet to be released from it.
Having said that, allow me to be explicit in saying, that I want you, the reader to understand; that I am NOT ENLISTED. I am a civil service employee. I am not enlisted, I have never given the impression that I am. If anyone that knows me has thought I was enlisted, then I apologize for giving off that impression.
So what the hell does this have to do with anything? Well, just here recently, my family and I had to embark upon a journey down to southern California to get to see my grandmother for the final time. Fortunately, we were blessed to see her, spend time with her, laugh with her, and joke with her for 2 days before she passed.
On our journies, both to and from So Cal back to Utah, we got to stay in a decent hotel in Nevada. For sakes of Libel or slander, I will not name them. We also stayed in another hotel, aside from the one in Nevada near my grandmother's final resting place. BOTH, I REPEAT, BOTH of these two hotels ( 2 different chains ) offered me a better price because of my CDL ( commercial driver's license ) over my military I.D. I'm sorry... but WHAT THE FUCK!!!!????? Really? Honestly??? Hotels are giving better rates to stay at their places to truck drivers over military members?
Now.... I understand that most hotels / motels have a higher chance of guests being truck drivers over military members/civil employees, I understand that.. But why can't they at least make the savings rate equal to, or at least a little bit better than truck drivers? Should we not, as a country, try and show appreciation to those men and women who have written the check, payable with their life, to all of us who sleep under the blanket of freedom? Yet, they are less than a mere truck driver who delivers goods from one state to another, spending hours and hours away from home and their families, and for some, they never leave their state that they currently reside in ?
I was upset, and it truly hurt my soul gang. I was shocked, hurt, and I felt to some degree, embarrassment that I was receiving a better rate because I can drive big ass vehicles rather over the fact that I am willing to defend my country with my life.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECOND RANT
It appears that I have recently caused unrest and anger in a business, and a few of those involved with them. Why? Because I spoke my mind about something. Out of professionalism, I will not post this companies name. However, apparently, I pissed them off sooo good, that they have decided to go back on their word towards me specifically. That's all fine and dandy. Their business, their rules and policies. Fuckers....
However I wonder, if I had actually spoke ill of their products ( oh god forbid right? ), would the people invested in this business take it personal and get all butt hurt and bent out of shape because I didn't like their product? Sounds like it to me.
I'm sorry, but if a business can't take some criticism, to any degree, then why the fuck are they in business? Consumers, at least the decent ones, would not be concerned with buffering a companies feel goods with lies. If you buy a product, try a product, and it does not work for you, why in god's name would you stroke a companies feelings with lies? Especially if you have no intention of ever using this companies products again in the future.
You don't like my responses that your products don't work for me? Go fuck yourself. You don't like that I'm honest and upfront? Use a tampon and deal with your bullshit feelings outside of a social media. I have an idea... how about looking at yourself in the mirror and realizing that you aren't the fucking best thing since sliced bread... DEAL WITH IT!!! Perhaps instead of having your head so far up your fucking ass, maybe you should bring yourself down to a level to realize that your products may not work for everyone, and even take a few moments to sit back and take a glimpse that you in the end, ultimately fucked yourself because your feelings got hurt. Wait... no that can't be it right? Everyone who doesn't get on your dick and suck it because they want free products is obviously the problem, not yourself or the way your company is ran right? Whatever.
What I am getting at here folks is don't be afraid of negativity because of your honesty. If you are willing to forego your honesty, whether it be to a business/company or a person... then what do you have? Absolutely nothing. You've sold yourself out for whatever reason. People and companies deserve honesty. If they don't like it or can't handle it... fuck them. Be true to you and forget their feelings.
I'd love for ANYONE who reads this to tell me of a company that is majorly successful today, that has never received an ounce of negativity regarding themselves or any of that said companies products. Just 1... thats all I'm asking for. Can't do it? I didn't think so.
My point is thus: I WILL NOT SELL MYSELF OUT... I WILL NOT LIE JUST TO GET FREE SHIT IN LIFE. I HAVE NO QUARRELS WITH BEING HONEST.
Anything that I have ever taken, tried, tested, used, or continue to use now.... I have been honest about. I don't see the need in giving false hopes and aspirations to people or companies just to benefit myself. I would much rather give of myself and gain NOTHING to benefit the masses than to lie and lead people astray.
Maybe I'm too harsh right now, but honestly, I don't care. The people need to be informed, and if you don't like it... deal with me on a personal level, don't embarrass yourself and make stupid comments.... come to me, and we can talk about it like adults.
In closing, I love each of you for you. I don't have hopes or dreams for what you may or could be... fuck that... be yourself, and if people can't handle that... fuck them.!
However I wonder, if I had actually spoke ill of their products ( oh god forbid right? ), would the people invested in this business take it personal and get all butt hurt and bent out of shape because I didn't like their product? Sounds like it to me.
I'm sorry, but if a business can't take some criticism, to any degree, then why the fuck are they in business? Consumers, at least the decent ones, would not be concerned with buffering a companies feel goods with lies. If you buy a product, try a product, and it does not work for you, why in god's name would you stroke a companies feelings with lies? Especially if you have no intention of ever using this companies products again in the future.
You don't like my responses that your products don't work for me? Go fuck yourself. You don't like that I'm honest and upfront? Use a tampon and deal with your bullshit feelings outside of a social media. I have an idea... how about looking at yourself in the mirror and realizing that you aren't the fucking best thing since sliced bread... DEAL WITH IT!!! Perhaps instead of having your head so far up your fucking ass, maybe you should bring yourself down to a level to realize that your products may not work for everyone, and even take a few moments to sit back and take a glimpse that you in the end, ultimately fucked yourself because your feelings got hurt. Wait... no that can't be it right? Everyone who doesn't get on your dick and suck it because they want free products is obviously the problem, not yourself or the way your company is ran right? Whatever.
What I am getting at here folks is don't be afraid of negativity because of your honesty. If you are willing to forego your honesty, whether it be to a business/company or a person... then what do you have? Absolutely nothing. You've sold yourself out for whatever reason. People and companies deserve honesty. If they don't like it or can't handle it... fuck them. Be true to you and forget their feelings.
I'd love for ANYONE who reads this to tell me of a company that is majorly successful today, that has never received an ounce of negativity regarding themselves or any of that said companies products. Just 1... thats all I'm asking for. Can't do it? I didn't think so.
My point is thus: I WILL NOT SELL MYSELF OUT... I WILL NOT LIE JUST TO GET FREE SHIT IN LIFE. I HAVE NO QUARRELS WITH BEING HONEST.
Anything that I have ever taken, tried, tested, used, or continue to use now.... I have been honest about. I don't see the need in giving false hopes and aspirations to people or companies just to benefit myself. I would much rather give of myself and gain NOTHING to benefit the masses than to lie and lead people astray.
Maybe I'm too harsh right now, but honestly, I don't care. The people need to be informed, and if you don't like it... deal with me on a personal level, don't embarrass yourself and make stupid comments.... come to me, and we can talk about it like adults.
In closing, I love each of you for you. I don't have hopes or dreams for what you may or could be... fuck that... be yourself, and if people can't handle that... fuck them.!
2012-06-19
Ramblings of a skinny fat guy
....." Many of you are going to have very difficult experiences: disappointment, heartbreak, bereavement, defeat. You are going to be tested and tried. I just want you to know that if you don't get what, remember, God is the gardener here. He knows what He wants you to be... "
**** EDITOR'S NOTE*****
For sake of argument, or being accused of slander or libel, I am publicly declaring at this moment that I am speaking of no company directly in this blog. All posts in this blog are to be considered as me speaking generally in terms of companies.
- Hugh B. Brown
**** EDITOR'S NOTE*****
For sake of argument, or being accused of slander or libel, I am publicly declaring at this moment that I am speaking of no company directly in this blog. All posts in this blog are to be considered as me speaking generally in terms of companies.
The whole story and the meaning behind the quote has been reeling over and over in my head a lot lately. The past couple of weeks honestly.
These past few weeks have been by far the hardest for me to have to deal with, cope with, and quite honestly having to face. In spite of all the negative turmoil that myself and my family have had to go through, we seem to keep weathering through it. Through out these storms, I have been trying to get into the gym more and more, and to keep going harder and harder, to push myself to a limit that I never would have thought possible.
However, due to some recent illnesses, my gym time has been suffering. Mostly due to the pain that my body is currently physically having to undergo. Because of this down time from the gym, I have had an opportunity to think things through and I'm still not certain what the bottom line is, but none the less, I still have some ramblings to put down.
Why is it that the normal physique'd individual can not represent a supplemental company just as good as a semi pro or pro body builder? Why can't a normal physique'd stay at home mom represent a make up company or clothing line? Yet, there are certain companies that use your every day people to model their products that appeal to the normal everyday people. Why the two sides of the spectrum?
Lets think about this though. Most supplement companies want to have a body builder as their model, or spokesperson to represent them right? It is used as nothing more than as a marketing tool to try and get the masses ( both normal and unhealthy people ) to take their product and to subconciously think that by using their product, they too will get the body of a roman God. I used to feel that way about those companies, and in part, I still do. However, I would say that 90% of the people who take it will never achieve that level. Most runway models are like what, a size 0 to maybe a 2? Women adore these dresses, they have high hopes of being able to not only wear, but to afford these dresses one day. Yet, how many women are actually a size 0 or 2?
Allow me to go further... I was doing my domesticated husband duties one day and went clothes shopping with my wife in a particular retail store that attends the needs of your plus size people. All of the mannequins, and all of the posters of their models that they had displayed were women models / mannequins of a not so plus sized individual. Umm, excuse me? How in the hell, or rather why in the hell would you want to do that? It's not smart advertising. I used to be fat, I used to be large, I used to have my own damn zip code. I know what it is like to be so big, that when you walked up to a buffet, people moved out of my way because they didn't want to the fat guy to go hungry! Why would I want to shop in a store where their models / mannequins are of a skinny guy wearing a skinny version of the jeans I wanted to buy in size TENT? I wouldnt. I hated it, and quite frankly it pissed me off. It still pisses me off now.
The point I'm trying to make here is that plus sized people should not have to feel inferior at something as little as shopping for clothes, let alone with every other day to day products. It is my contention that a normal physique'd, in shape person can represent a supplemental company just as easily as a pro level type of body builder. Why? Have you ever looked at pictures taken from a body building show. The majority of the masses ( customers ) are people either in normal great shape, or leaning towards the heavier side of the scale. Granted, there are some people who go to these shows who have been putting in years and time in the gym, and for them I am happy. But why not have models, spokesman/women who are your typical, in shape, but not excessively cut and ripped or excessively obese to be a part of your company as a representative. That will appeal to the masses more. Why, because it is too realistic? People today want goals that are realistic and they want to know that they can achieve something, something that is is tangible.
You wouldn't ask a paraplegic what it feels to run would you? You wouldn't ask a blind person to describe to you the colors of the cloud filled sky either. What I am trying to say is I believe that people who are of normal size should be afforded the opportunity to represent companies for products that people want to use.
Now, I'm not saying to get rid of the bodybuilders; building and sculpting their body is more or less their job. That would be like asking a cop to go to work without a knowledge of the laws, or their gun. Nor would I ask a firefighter to do their job without a fire truck, or a source of water to douse the fire out. But my question, though rhetorical at best possibly, is why not have a regular physique'd person as part of the team for these many different supplement companies. I honestly believe that having a person who is of a normal physique along side a body builder would help sell products more than just a body building representative.
Most consumers are skeptical, if not cynical of any product, regardless of the market that the product is aimed towards if all they see is beauty and perfection. We each see imperfections within ourselves. We see shortcomings, and trouble spots.
So then, do we like supplement companies because of their models ( male and female ), or do we pick and choose the supplements because their products work for us? Do we pick a sports team because of who is on the team ( the players ) or do we pick the team because we appreciate the clubs reputation? Do women pick a make up line because of their spokesperson ( ie super model ) in hopes that they will look as good as that woman does, or do they pick their make up choices based on several factors ( ie color options, whether or not they have allergic reactions to the chemical composition of the make up blend, etc etc ). I would dare say that we each pick different companies ( albeit supplements, clothing, make up, cars, etc etc ) based on several influences. Whether consciously or subconsciously, we all still do it. Speaking for myself, I would much rather pick a product that is used by everyday realistic people than products that use something or someone that is at a level of not being obtained by myself. That is just my opinion.
I wish to express how I do not pick a supplemental company because of their models. I pick them by trial and error based on whether or not they work for me. I do not pick my clothing based on the influence of any one person. I pick them because they fit me. However, last time I checked, Wal-Mart does not have any super popular model endorsing the Sam Walton Corporation. I do not choose my food based on any famous Chef or food critic. I pick my food based on what I like to eat.
One last thing before I close out my rant or rambling is how much I truly despise companies that lure people in with false hopes and advertising. Don't claim to be willing to do something for people if they do you a favor, then turn around and not fulfill your end of the bargain/agreement. I would much rather have never even seen what it was that company was advertising and go on my merry way, than to stop for a moment in hopes that the reward would be delivered for helping them out.
If you found a stranded person on the side of the road, and they told you that if you gave them a ride to a specific destination and promised you a reward of $500 once you got there, you may be inclined to help them out. But you would be more inclined to help them out in the future again if they in fact gave you the $500 once you delivered them to their destination. However, if they didn't, you would go away pissed, frustrated, and most likely not be willing to help them out in the future, should you come across them again when they are stranded.
In closing, I wish to state that there is no underlying purpose or reason behind me writing this particular blog. It is derived from my own thoughts and inner demons. There is no expectations to come from me writing this. I have my own dreams and hopes, but those stay locked away in a deep cellar, free from the world and it's cruelness. Those dreams and hopes are part of the equation that keep my fire fueled to be who I am today, who I look forward to be tomorrow, and who I run away from yesterday. I may have struck a nerve with some of you readers, and if that happened, I can't say I'm sorry only because I am speaking what is on my mind and how I feel about the whole discussion. Just remember, we all have the means to get what we wish for... you just have to have the motivation and the desire to accomplish it.
These past few weeks have been by far the hardest for me to have to deal with, cope with, and quite honestly having to face. In spite of all the negative turmoil that myself and my family have had to go through, we seem to keep weathering through it. Through out these storms, I have been trying to get into the gym more and more, and to keep going harder and harder, to push myself to a limit that I never would have thought possible.
However, due to some recent illnesses, my gym time has been suffering. Mostly due to the pain that my body is currently physically having to undergo. Because of this down time from the gym, I have had an opportunity to think things through and I'm still not certain what the bottom line is, but none the less, I still have some ramblings to put down.
Why is it that the normal physique'd individual can not represent a supplemental company just as good as a semi pro or pro body builder? Why can't a normal physique'd stay at home mom represent a make up company or clothing line? Yet, there are certain companies that use your every day people to model their products that appeal to the normal everyday people. Why the two sides of the spectrum?
Lets think about this though. Most supplement companies want to have a body builder as their model, or spokesperson to represent them right? It is used as nothing more than as a marketing tool to try and get the masses ( both normal and unhealthy people ) to take their product and to subconciously think that by using their product, they too will get the body of a roman God. I used to feel that way about those companies, and in part, I still do. However, I would say that 90% of the people who take it will never achieve that level. Most runway models are like what, a size 0 to maybe a 2? Women adore these dresses, they have high hopes of being able to not only wear, but to afford these dresses one day. Yet, how many women are actually a size 0 or 2?
Allow me to go further... I was doing my domesticated husband duties one day and went clothes shopping with my wife in a particular retail store that attends the needs of your plus size people. All of the mannequins, and all of the posters of their models that they had displayed were women models / mannequins of a not so plus sized individual. Umm, excuse me? How in the hell, or rather why in the hell would you want to do that? It's not smart advertising. I used to be fat, I used to be large, I used to have my own damn zip code. I know what it is like to be so big, that when you walked up to a buffet, people moved out of my way because they didn't want to the fat guy to go hungry! Why would I want to shop in a store where their models / mannequins are of a skinny guy wearing a skinny version of the jeans I wanted to buy in size TENT? I wouldnt. I hated it, and quite frankly it pissed me off. It still pisses me off now.
The point I'm trying to make here is that plus sized people should not have to feel inferior at something as little as shopping for clothes, let alone with every other day to day products. It is my contention that a normal physique'd, in shape person can represent a supplemental company just as easily as a pro level type of body builder. Why? Have you ever looked at pictures taken from a body building show. The majority of the masses ( customers ) are people either in normal great shape, or leaning towards the heavier side of the scale. Granted, there are some people who go to these shows who have been putting in years and time in the gym, and for them I am happy. But why not have models, spokesman/women who are your typical, in shape, but not excessively cut and ripped or excessively obese to be a part of your company as a representative. That will appeal to the masses more. Why, because it is too realistic? People today want goals that are realistic and they want to know that they can achieve something, something that is is tangible.
You wouldn't ask a paraplegic what it feels to run would you? You wouldn't ask a blind person to describe to you the colors of the cloud filled sky either. What I am trying to say is I believe that people who are of normal size should be afforded the opportunity to represent companies for products that people want to use.
Now, I'm not saying to get rid of the bodybuilders; building and sculpting their body is more or less their job. That would be like asking a cop to go to work without a knowledge of the laws, or their gun. Nor would I ask a firefighter to do their job without a fire truck, or a source of water to douse the fire out. But my question, though rhetorical at best possibly, is why not have a regular physique'd person as part of the team for these many different supplement companies. I honestly believe that having a person who is of a normal physique along side a body builder would help sell products more than just a body building representative.
Most consumers are skeptical, if not cynical of any product, regardless of the market that the product is aimed towards if all they see is beauty and perfection. We each see imperfections within ourselves. We see shortcomings, and trouble spots.
So then, do we like supplement companies because of their models ( male and female ), or do we pick and choose the supplements because their products work for us? Do we pick a sports team because of who is on the team ( the players ) or do we pick the team because we appreciate the clubs reputation? Do women pick a make up line because of their spokesperson ( ie super model ) in hopes that they will look as good as that woman does, or do they pick their make up choices based on several factors ( ie color options, whether or not they have allergic reactions to the chemical composition of the make up blend, etc etc ). I would dare say that we each pick different companies ( albeit supplements, clothing, make up, cars, etc etc ) based on several influences. Whether consciously or subconsciously, we all still do it. Speaking for myself, I would much rather pick a product that is used by everyday realistic people than products that use something or someone that is at a level of not being obtained by myself. That is just my opinion.
I wish to express how I do not pick a supplemental company because of their models. I pick them by trial and error based on whether or not they work for me. I do not pick my clothing based on the influence of any one person. I pick them because they fit me. However, last time I checked, Wal-Mart does not have any super popular model endorsing the Sam Walton Corporation. I do not choose my food based on any famous Chef or food critic. I pick my food based on what I like to eat.
One last thing before I close out my rant or rambling is how much I truly despise companies that lure people in with false hopes and advertising. Don't claim to be willing to do something for people if they do you a favor, then turn around and not fulfill your end of the bargain/agreement. I would much rather have never even seen what it was that company was advertising and go on my merry way, than to stop for a moment in hopes that the reward would be delivered for helping them out.
If you found a stranded person on the side of the road, and they told you that if you gave them a ride to a specific destination and promised you a reward of $500 once you got there, you may be inclined to help them out. But you would be more inclined to help them out in the future again if they in fact gave you the $500 once you delivered them to their destination. However, if they didn't, you would go away pissed, frustrated, and most likely not be willing to help them out in the future, should you come across them again when they are stranded.
In closing, I wish to state that there is no underlying purpose or reason behind me writing this particular blog. It is derived from my own thoughts and inner demons. There is no expectations to come from me writing this. I have my own dreams and hopes, but those stay locked away in a deep cellar, free from the world and it's cruelness. Those dreams and hopes are part of the equation that keep my fire fueled to be who I am today, who I look forward to be tomorrow, and who I run away from yesterday. I may have struck a nerve with some of you readers, and if that happened, I can't say I'm sorry only because I am speaking what is on my mind and how I feel about the whole discussion. Just remember, we all have the means to get what we wish for... you just have to have the motivation and the desire to accomplish it.
2012-04-04
Where does my momentum come from.... a question asked by a friend
The question that was asked of me was " Where u find ur motivation each day to keep pressing on " - Ronnie Solesbee.
This was a very simple question, and even a more simplier answer. However, it is very in depth. So where do I find my motivation each day? Well, allow me to answer that.
Growing up, my father and I did not have the best of relationships. Quite frankly, from roughly about age 9 till I was 19, we really didn't have a relationship as a father and son at all. Growing up, I wasn't too sure why, and I was confused by the lack of, what I would call in my fragile mind during those years; an interest from him towards me.
After a few more years of bumpy roads in the path of our relationship from about age 19-26 or so, and with the help of my step mother, my father and I were able to put bygone's behind us and started working on a friendship of a son to a father, and what I would add to that, as a father not knowing too much about his son. We spent every year together on at least a once a year father/son only hunting excursion in southern Utah for a few days. We got to spend time together, talk about nothing and everything, and we created memories that were and still are just ours.
Now, my father was a large man in stature. He was a few inches taller than I was. I believe him to be around 6'2" or so. My large size came from him, to that there is no doubt. My father also had medical and health issues, but his love for his family, and grand children were unquestionable and overshadowed his health issues. He loved being a grandfather first I think, and a father second. At least, from what I saw and expierenced.
However, sadly, August of 2010, my father suddenly passed away while scouting an area for an elk and deer hunt. He suffered a heart attack and was gone almost instantly.
When I was notified of his sudden passing, and when I snapped out of my shock at that time, I sat and thought a lot of what I was doing, what I had been doing, and what I wanted to do in the future. I came to the realization at that moment, that I didn't want to be like my father. Now mind you, I had my gastric bypass surgery back in March. I wasn't totally sure of my drive to have my surgery at that time, except to save my ass and my job; and to provide a paycheck for my family in a struggling economy. However, I was much like my father in the sense that I was on a path of morbid obesity, being unhealthy, and living day to day being at risk of ending up like he did. I had hypertension ( high blood pressure). I had no cardiovascular exercise regiment, except for how quickly I could get up and get something to eat or drink from the refrigerator. I had no weight lifting regiment, save the weight of my supper plate. I had zero energy. I had no drive. The only thing I did possess an abundance of was excuses. I had more excuses for why I was fat and unhappy than the day had hours.
I hurt every day. I hurt from hurting. I wasn't really happy with who I was physically. I tried to hide the pain, but it was only a facade. The year 2010 was when all of that ended. It was a rather heavy year for me personally:
1) March 1, 2010 was the day I killed my old life and started the path of a new one.
2) August 2010, my father passes away from a sudden heart attack.
3) Thanksgiving night 2010, I ended up in the hospital emergency room with severe stomach pain and cramps, and ended up having my gall bladder removed the following morning, and then being out of work for the rest of the year.
So, where does my day to day motivation to keep pressing on come from? To not end up like my dad did at such an early age. He was in his mid to late 50's if my memory serves me correctly when he passed. I want to be able to run and play with my children. I want to watch my kids get older. I want to grow old and pester the living hell out of my friends and family, and more especially my endearing wife. I want to live long so I can ask people stupid questions, and bother them, and more importantly, I want to live a long time so that I can be an example to my children, my dear friends, and family and to prove to them that they too can accomplish whatever their goals may be. Albeit weight loss, to be a better person, a better employee/employer, or just a better friend.
I love my father. He taught me a lot of examples, but indirectly. His teaching methods were a bit different than what people would consider the norm, but regardless of HOW he taught, he still taught. From what I can recall of his lessons, he never voiced his opinion unless it was asked. He kept his thoughts to himself, but if you asked him for guidance and help, he would offer it.
The second aspect of my day to day motivation is each of you. My wife, my close family, and each and everyone of my friends who have been supportive of me throughout this journey. Its because of your support, that fuels my inner fire. EACH of you have not let me down, so how dare I even think to take that for granted and let you each down? I couldn't. I won't.
I feel so blessed when each of you trust in me enough to share your success stories with me. Whether it be to lose weight, or try something new and overcome a fear, or whether it be just facing the fears of not having a job; and landing that job that makes you so happy, that you enjoy going to work each and every day. These little tidbits that you; my friends and family, have shared with me, help push me even harder. It's not to out do any of you, but I can literally feel your strength and support each time I'm lifting those weights, or running that extra few minutes, or pushing through some other form of regimented exercise.
There have been some people that I have thanked for my continued success quite frequently in these blog postings, and this time I am not going to thank them. Not because I don't appreciate them by any means. That is not the case. But, there are other people that I too must thank.
First, I can never thank my wife enough. She has been such a wonderful support system, and listening ear, and has completely re-changed her eating habits and style, just to help me be successful.
Next, I want to thank Cimmaron Kuskie. He and I go back many years. Though, our lives veered apart for some time, he and I still have that friendship from so long ago. He has been extremely supportive, and has helped pushed my story out to his network of friends. To you Cimmaron, I say thank you for not only trusting in me to help you, but thank you for being a great friend.
Next is Kelly Adele. She has been such an amazing and powerful voice in my efforts to get things done with regards to my supplements and trying to acquire them. She too, has spread the word around when I'm up to something new, and every so often, she sends me such a kind word of support. To you as well Kelly, I appreciate you showing some faith in me to help you succeed in your goals.
Phil Sandeen. I could not make one more blog posting without showing him some love and appreciation. He is never aware of how much he refuels my drive to be successful. I think he possesses an apt of spider sense and knows when I need a kind word, or an aspect of motivation. He is a humble giant, and having the opportunity to meet him, and converse with him has been such a blessing in my life. So Phil, please never think your influence in my life is not appreciated. Thank you.
Finally, I have to give some major recognition to Luke Avina. He has been a great source of knowledge, information, support, and motivation. He is a dying breed of what it means to pay it forward. He is always willing to help people out, offer advice and suggestions, but he knows and understands the fine line of not offering unsolicited knowledge versus helping out when asked. Thank you Luke for always being there when I needed you.
One more finally, I have to thank Cody Allen ( though he may never see this ). Thank you for always believing in me and having my back.
This was a very simple question, and even a more simplier answer. However, it is very in depth. So where do I find my motivation each day? Well, allow me to answer that.
Growing up, my father and I did not have the best of relationships. Quite frankly, from roughly about age 9 till I was 19, we really didn't have a relationship as a father and son at all. Growing up, I wasn't too sure why, and I was confused by the lack of, what I would call in my fragile mind during those years; an interest from him towards me.
After a few more years of bumpy roads in the path of our relationship from about age 19-26 or so, and with the help of my step mother, my father and I were able to put bygone's behind us and started working on a friendship of a son to a father, and what I would add to that, as a father not knowing too much about his son. We spent every year together on at least a once a year father/son only hunting excursion in southern Utah for a few days. We got to spend time together, talk about nothing and everything, and we created memories that were and still are just ours.
Now, my father was a large man in stature. He was a few inches taller than I was. I believe him to be around 6'2" or so. My large size came from him, to that there is no doubt. My father also had medical and health issues, but his love for his family, and grand children were unquestionable and overshadowed his health issues. He loved being a grandfather first I think, and a father second. At least, from what I saw and expierenced.
However, sadly, August of 2010, my father suddenly passed away while scouting an area for an elk and deer hunt. He suffered a heart attack and was gone almost instantly.
When I was notified of his sudden passing, and when I snapped out of my shock at that time, I sat and thought a lot of what I was doing, what I had been doing, and what I wanted to do in the future. I came to the realization at that moment, that I didn't want to be like my father. Now mind you, I had my gastric bypass surgery back in March. I wasn't totally sure of my drive to have my surgery at that time, except to save my ass and my job; and to provide a paycheck for my family in a struggling economy. However, I was much like my father in the sense that I was on a path of morbid obesity, being unhealthy, and living day to day being at risk of ending up like he did. I had hypertension ( high blood pressure). I had no cardiovascular exercise regiment, except for how quickly I could get up and get something to eat or drink from the refrigerator. I had no weight lifting regiment, save the weight of my supper plate. I had zero energy. I had no drive. The only thing I did possess an abundance of was excuses. I had more excuses for why I was fat and unhappy than the day had hours.
I hurt every day. I hurt from hurting. I wasn't really happy with who I was physically. I tried to hide the pain, but it was only a facade. The year 2010 was when all of that ended. It was a rather heavy year for me personally:
1) March 1, 2010 was the day I killed my old life and started the path of a new one.
2) August 2010, my father passes away from a sudden heart attack.
3) Thanksgiving night 2010, I ended up in the hospital emergency room with severe stomach pain and cramps, and ended up having my gall bladder removed the following morning, and then being out of work for the rest of the year.
So, where does my day to day motivation to keep pressing on come from? To not end up like my dad did at such an early age. He was in his mid to late 50's if my memory serves me correctly when he passed. I want to be able to run and play with my children. I want to watch my kids get older. I want to grow old and pester the living hell out of my friends and family, and more especially my endearing wife. I want to live long so I can ask people stupid questions, and bother them, and more importantly, I want to live a long time so that I can be an example to my children, my dear friends, and family and to prove to them that they too can accomplish whatever their goals may be. Albeit weight loss, to be a better person, a better employee/employer, or just a better friend.
I love my father. He taught me a lot of examples, but indirectly. His teaching methods were a bit different than what people would consider the norm, but regardless of HOW he taught, he still taught. From what I can recall of his lessons, he never voiced his opinion unless it was asked. He kept his thoughts to himself, but if you asked him for guidance and help, he would offer it.
The second aspect of my day to day motivation is each of you. My wife, my close family, and each and everyone of my friends who have been supportive of me throughout this journey. Its because of your support, that fuels my inner fire. EACH of you have not let me down, so how dare I even think to take that for granted and let you each down? I couldn't. I won't.
I feel so blessed when each of you trust in me enough to share your success stories with me. Whether it be to lose weight, or try something new and overcome a fear, or whether it be just facing the fears of not having a job; and landing that job that makes you so happy, that you enjoy going to work each and every day. These little tidbits that you; my friends and family, have shared with me, help push me even harder. It's not to out do any of you, but I can literally feel your strength and support each time I'm lifting those weights, or running that extra few minutes, or pushing through some other form of regimented exercise.
There have been some people that I have thanked for my continued success quite frequently in these blog postings, and this time I am not going to thank them. Not because I don't appreciate them by any means. That is not the case. But, there are other people that I too must thank.
First, I can never thank my wife enough. She has been such a wonderful support system, and listening ear, and has completely re-changed her eating habits and style, just to help me be successful.
Next, I want to thank Cimmaron Kuskie. He and I go back many years. Though, our lives veered apart for some time, he and I still have that friendship from so long ago. He has been extremely supportive, and has helped pushed my story out to his network of friends. To you Cimmaron, I say thank you for not only trusting in me to help you, but thank you for being a great friend.
Next is Kelly Adele. She has been such an amazing and powerful voice in my efforts to get things done with regards to my supplements and trying to acquire them. She too, has spread the word around when I'm up to something new, and every so often, she sends me such a kind word of support. To you as well Kelly, I appreciate you showing some faith in me to help you succeed in your goals.
Phil Sandeen. I could not make one more blog posting without showing him some love and appreciation. He is never aware of how much he refuels my drive to be successful. I think he possesses an apt of spider sense and knows when I need a kind word, or an aspect of motivation. He is a humble giant, and having the opportunity to meet him, and converse with him has been such a blessing in my life. So Phil, please never think your influence in my life is not appreciated. Thank you.
Finally, I have to give some major recognition to Luke Avina. He has been a great source of knowledge, information, support, and motivation. He is a dying breed of what it means to pay it forward. He is always willing to help people out, offer advice and suggestions, but he knows and understands the fine line of not offering unsolicited knowledge versus helping out when asked. Thank you Luke for always being there when I needed you.
One more finally, I have to thank Cody Allen ( though he may never see this ). Thank you for always believing in me and having my back.
2012-03-15
Discovering your inner beauty.
As of recent, my family and I have been afforded the opportunity to enjoy an odd winter with warmer weather. Because of this, we decided to take an impromptu family trip out into the desert and go looking for geodes at a nearby geode bed.
We got to discover old historic locations of western Utah that we had never seen before, and when we finally arrived at the location of the Geode beds, what we came upon to me appeared to be that of the remnants of an old rock quarry. To say the least, I was a bit shocked at what we came upon. However, I decided that I needed to look on the bright side and make the best out of the opportunity. I was away from the house, I was away from work, I was spending quality time with my family, and we were all getting to experience something new together.
We got our buckets, our digging utensils and we got to work. Digging for geodes isn't really all that difficult. However, if you want some of the nicer, more ornate geodes, you have to really work for them. Not only are you digging through compacted sand, but compacted rocks, trying to figure out which rocks are just rocks, and which ones will have a geode in them. But you are also having to try and find different colored geodes aside from the ones you have previously dug up over and over again.
Once, we dug up the rocks that we thought were geodes, and had our buckets full, we then took the rocks home. Then we washed off the residual dirt that they were encrusted in, and then got to hammering them w/ a flat head screwdriver to break them open. That is where the true beauty of these geodes came forth. Each one had a different coloring on the inside. Each one possessed a different marking, and each one, in it's own unique way contained it's own beauty. That is where the reward from all the arduous work came from. To see the true beauty of what was inside of that dirt encrusted, hardened outer shell rock.
So, how does this all apply to what I normally talk about... weight lifting, dieting, goals, etc etc? Well it's rather quite simple if you think about it. All of us have some kind of outer, hardened shell. In order to see the true beauty that not only do we find for ourselves that we possess on the inside, but for others to see as well, we must work hard to get to that point. Much like the digging, and the cleaning, and the hammering away the facade of the rock was the work, so too must we work to chisel away the hardened exterior, and work to bring out the inner beauty to show to everyone. With dieting, we must break the exterior of our old eating habits, and lack of exercise. Whether we want to get into shape, or be healthier, or just be able to do more than we currently are, we must work for it.
It is my opinion, that in this experience of digging for geodes, it was very symbolic of the work that myself, and others before me and after me have experienced and will experience. Through all the hard work, the determination of getting to the geode, and then scraping away the rusty, dirty exterior; then was the true beauty able to come forth. When it comes to dieting and fitness, no reward is paid off by taking the easy road. It's hard work, it will continue to be hard work, and only then when we get to the core, will we finally be rewarded with the end result.
It is my belief that we each possess an inner beauty that is just waiting to be shown to our friends, our family, and the rest of the world. It may not be in physical form, but regardless, we each have something to show and give to another to make our beauty resonate loudly into another person's life. What matters individually, is just how much hard work are we willing to exert to find it.
We got to discover old historic locations of western Utah that we had never seen before, and when we finally arrived at the location of the Geode beds, what we came upon to me appeared to be that of the remnants of an old rock quarry. To say the least, I was a bit shocked at what we came upon. However, I decided that I needed to look on the bright side and make the best out of the opportunity. I was away from the house, I was away from work, I was spending quality time with my family, and we were all getting to experience something new together.
We got our buckets, our digging utensils and we got to work. Digging for geodes isn't really all that difficult. However, if you want some of the nicer, more ornate geodes, you have to really work for them. Not only are you digging through compacted sand, but compacted rocks, trying to figure out which rocks are just rocks, and which ones will have a geode in them. But you are also having to try and find different colored geodes aside from the ones you have previously dug up over and over again.
Once, we dug up the rocks that we thought were geodes, and had our buckets full, we then took the rocks home. Then we washed off the residual dirt that they were encrusted in, and then got to hammering them w/ a flat head screwdriver to break them open. That is where the true beauty of these geodes came forth. Each one had a different coloring on the inside. Each one possessed a different marking, and each one, in it's own unique way contained it's own beauty. That is where the reward from all the arduous work came from. To see the true beauty of what was inside of that dirt encrusted, hardened outer shell rock.
So, how does this all apply to what I normally talk about... weight lifting, dieting, goals, etc etc? Well it's rather quite simple if you think about it. All of us have some kind of outer, hardened shell. In order to see the true beauty that not only do we find for ourselves that we possess on the inside, but for others to see as well, we must work hard to get to that point. Much like the digging, and the cleaning, and the hammering away the facade of the rock was the work, so too must we work to chisel away the hardened exterior, and work to bring out the inner beauty to show to everyone. With dieting, we must break the exterior of our old eating habits, and lack of exercise. Whether we want to get into shape, or be healthier, or just be able to do more than we currently are, we must work for it.
It is my opinion, that in this experience of digging for geodes, it was very symbolic of the work that myself, and others before me and after me have experienced and will experience. Through all the hard work, the determination of getting to the geode, and then scraping away the rusty, dirty exterior; then was the true beauty able to come forth. When it comes to dieting and fitness, no reward is paid off by taking the easy road. It's hard work, it will continue to be hard work, and only then when we get to the core, will we finally be rewarded with the end result.
It is my belief that we each possess an inner beauty that is just waiting to be shown to our friends, our family, and the rest of the world. It may not be in physical form, but regardless, we each have something to show and give to another to make our beauty resonate loudly into another person's life. What matters individually, is just how much hard work are we willing to exert to find it.
2012-02-18
2012--Pay it forward.
So here we are, a new year, and I finally decided to get to writing a blog. Not because I haven't wanted to, but honestly, because I've just been that busy.
As many of you know, I participated in a video contest back in January for Nutrex. I truly do appreciate each and everyone of y'all that took a moment out of your day to vote for my video. It was a great expierence, and I have already come to the decision to do another video later this year. I have some training to do for my next video, as for what I have planned is going to be something truly incredible at my level.
So, what has the past few months been like for Shane. Well, I have been surrounding myself with some great people and organizations that I am excited about. I am still a fanatic about Nutrex, and that will not change. But I have recently been getting to know the people at Savage Sports Performance, and FatGripz. Though I haven't started to use any of the products from Savage Sports, their knowledge and training expertise is un-matched. They are extremely helpful and professional. The people at FatGripz are just simply amazing. I have been using their product in my training for the past few months, and the product is just an absolute gem. It is one of those products that actually delivers what it promises to. They even back it up with a 60 day guarantee.
I've also gotten to know a wonderful individual more and more recently in the past few months. His training, his knowledge, and his professionalism is un-paralleled. His name is Chris Pluhacek and he goes by the moniker of Iron Spartan. He is a sponsored athlete at Nutrex, and is just simply amazing. Check him out at his facebook page. He has helped take me a new level in my training, and has pushed me to a level I never thought or dreamed to ever try for. So to him, I owe a debt of gratitude.
However, the bottom line still remains: Without the support and strength of my loving wife and dear friends, I still would not be where I am at today, and where I am heading to this year. 2012 is going to be a major milestone for me, and I don't want to hype it up much too early in the year. I would rather save it as a surprise.
So, how does this all apply to the overall scheme of the title headline? Simply put, if you get an opportunity to surround yourself with people who make you want to be better, to push yourself harder than you thought you could do, make sure you not only thank them, but try and pay it forward. Show the same kind of love, and help someone else out. We can't succeed in life on our own, and it is only respectful to show credit and appreciation to whom it is due. Not only will it make us feel good for acknowledging those that have helped us, but it makes those we acknowledge feel good for receiving the recognition. Knowing that your help and time invested into someone is appreciated makes us be more willing to help someone later on down the road in life.
As many of you know, I participated in a video contest back in January for Nutrex. I truly do appreciate each and everyone of y'all that took a moment out of your day to vote for my video. It was a great expierence, and I have already come to the decision to do another video later this year. I have some training to do for my next video, as for what I have planned is going to be something truly incredible at my level.
So, what has the past few months been like for Shane. Well, I have been surrounding myself with some great people and organizations that I am excited about. I am still a fanatic about Nutrex, and that will not change. But I have recently been getting to know the people at Savage Sports Performance, and FatGripz. Though I haven't started to use any of the products from Savage Sports, their knowledge and training expertise is un-matched. They are extremely helpful and professional. The people at FatGripz are just simply amazing. I have been using their product in my training for the past few months, and the product is just an absolute gem. It is one of those products that actually delivers what it promises to. They even back it up with a 60 day guarantee.
I've also gotten to know a wonderful individual more and more recently in the past few months. His training, his knowledge, and his professionalism is un-paralleled. His name is Chris Pluhacek and he goes by the moniker of Iron Spartan. He is a sponsored athlete at Nutrex, and is just simply amazing. Check him out at his facebook page. He has helped take me a new level in my training, and has pushed me to a level I never thought or dreamed to ever try for. So to him, I owe a debt of gratitude.
However, the bottom line still remains: Without the support and strength of my loving wife and dear friends, I still would not be where I am at today, and where I am heading to this year. 2012 is going to be a major milestone for me, and I don't want to hype it up much too early in the year. I would rather save it as a surprise.
So, how does this all apply to the overall scheme of the title headline? Simply put, if you get an opportunity to surround yourself with people who make you want to be better, to push yourself harder than you thought you could do, make sure you not only thank them, but try and pay it forward. Show the same kind of love, and help someone else out. We can't succeed in life on our own, and it is only respectful to show credit and appreciation to whom it is due. Not only will it make us feel good for acknowledging those that have helped us, but it makes those we acknowledge feel good for receiving the recognition. Knowing that your help and time invested into someone is appreciated makes us be more willing to help someone later on down the road in life.
2011-12-25
This is my opinion, and you won't change me
Ok... I'm a grown man. I am a father of 3 wonderful, beautiful girls. I have a very lovely and supportive wife, who takes me for my best and worst days. She has learned ( though her path has been painful ) to take me for all my quirks. Especially when I get on a rant about any subject. I have great acquaintances, and some very wonderful close and dear friends.
This year has been a year marked with highlights, some successes, some failures, and I have had the most wonderful opportunity to meet some very humanitarian type people and invite them into my heart as I hold them very close and dear to my life. I can only pray that this upcoming next year will be filled with opportunities to get to know some more people and really appreciate their value and worth in my life. NOW.. having said all of that, I shall proceed onto my rant...
How damn emotionally lazy have we become as a society of adults that when one person extends a sense of well being and cheer to reply with " Same to you "? Same to you? Same to me? SCREW THAT! Folks, to me, that is the equivalent of a man extending his hand out in friendship and another man just looking at him as though he were a leper. Where I come from, if a man extends his hand out in kindness or friendship, you had best shake that hand back. If you don't, you are insulting the man and might as well just spit in his face ( to which, you'd most likely end up getting into a tussle and one person is gonna get a few scrapes and bruises from it ).
I'm sorry, but if I tell a person " Merry Christmas " I mean it. Especially to those that know how cynical I am or have been of most holidays. I expect a damn " Merry Christmas to you as well " back. If you don't mean it, then tell me to go fuck off. I don't care. I'd much rather have that told to me, than " Same to you " or " Same to you and your family "...
That brings me to another point. Why is it now, that when we extend a greeting of well wishing around these holidays ( I'm speaking of the time frame from Thanksgiving to New Year's ) and we use words like " Merry Christmas " some people look at you as though you just told them you just raped their favorite stuffed toy or cat. I'm sorry, deal with it. We are in America, and in America, though as understanding we may try to be of other cultures, we still celebrate Christmas. This country was founded on people wanting to be free from religious persecution and prosecution. Christmas has the word Christ in it, and Christ is the center of Christianity ( which ever form you so choose to pick... Mormonism, Southern Baptist, Pentecostal, etc etc ).
I have spent Christmas in other parts of this wonderful country, and they have other holidays that coincide with it. For example, in Detroit, Michigan they also celebrate Kwanzaa. I don't know much about the holiday, why it is in existence, but while I was there, we had to be aware of it and respect it. I can tell you, that it is a mostly African American celebration. Cool. Great, I never noticed a huge difference surrounding Christmas with the influence of Kwanzaa.
So tell me this... because the United States of America is a country sworn and dedicated to give people the freedoms that our fore fathers fought for with their lives and spilt their blood to give us, to ensure we could pray to the Gods of our Faith free from persecution, we should be required to say Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas, just to be politically correct? Why? You come to America from what ever country... to be what? Ultimately American right? So, you ultimately receive a driver's license or some form of identification issued to you by a representative entity of the United States Government correct? Correct. You enjoy the freedoms of getting to choose your career field or job, or where you want and can afford to live. These are all freedoms that we the people of this country get to enjoy. But yet, somehow I am expected to be weary of other people's feelings and emotions when it comes Christmas? SCREW THAT! I will not appease the masses and say Happy Holidays when what I truly mean is MERRY CHRISTMAS! I can guarantee that if any of us that are Anglo Saxon went to a different country of a different race and they celebrated a holiday that we didn't like or that we didn't understand or that was against our ethnic heritage, that said country wouldn't care. They'd look at us as the outsider and we should expect to be treated as such.
Society today as a whole, a whole folks, not individually, has become the great divide and eternal Grinch of the Christmas spirit. People just accept and fall into a slump of acceptance when it comes to being concerned about a person's feelings when it comes to certain holidays. You never hear anybody saying " Oh, we can't say Happy Valentine's Day anymore because Valentine's Day's mascot is a little fat kid running around in a toga, and wouldn't you know it, there is a little fat kid running around in a toga who has taken offense to it, so now we must call it " Happy I heart you day " "... What's next? Halloween. I can just see it now. " Folks.. we can't say Happy Halloween anymore, because there was dead spirit who got all offended because he didn't get enough candy ( or SOME other ridiculous buffalo chip excuse ).. so now, we are going to call it Happy Orange Gourd Day "
Do I sound like I am going too far? Perhaps so, however, sit back and look folks. This is where it's going to. Oh dear god, don't even get me started on Happy New Year.. Nope, soon, if we allow it, we will no longer be able to say that either. We will have to say Happy 12 MONTHS, or Happy 52 weeks, or Happy 26 payche... wait, can't say that right now, for some, the economy is so bad, they can't really say that they will get 26 pay checks in the next 12 months.. my bad. OOPS.
Anyways, my point being... if someone says Merry Christmas to you, say it back. Even if you don't mean it. Be a civil adult and muster up the nuts to just say it. Get over it. You expect me to respect your wishes and beliefs, well dammit, respect mine.
Merry Christmas everybody.... I love each and everyone of you. I mean that, in all sincerity.
This year has been a year marked with highlights, some successes, some failures, and I have had the most wonderful opportunity to meet some very humanitarian type people and invite them into my heart as I hold them very close and dear to my life. I can only pray that this upcoming next year will be filled with opportunities to get to know some more people and really appreciate their value and worth in my life. NOW.. having said all of that, I shall proceed onto my rant...
How damn emotionally lazy have we become as a society of adults that when one person extends a sense of well being and cheer to reply with " Same to you "? Same to you? Same to me? SCREW THAT! Folks, to me, that is the equivalent of a man extending his hand out in friendship and another man just looking at him as though he were a leper. Where I come from, if a man extends his hand out in kindness or friendship, you had best shake that hand back. If you don't, you are insulting the man and might as well just spit in his face ( to which, you'd most likely end up getting into a tussle and one person is gonna get a few scrapes and bruises from it ).
I'm sorry, but if I tell a person " Merry Christmas " I mean it. Especially to those that know how cynical I am or have been of most holidays. I expect a damn " Merry Christmas to you as well " back. If you don't mean it, then tell me to go fuck off. I don't care. I'd much rather have that told to me, than " Same to you " or " Same to you and your family "...
That brings me to another point. Why is it now, that when we extend a greeting of well wishing around these holidays ( I'm speaking of the time frame from Thanksgiving to New Year's ) and we use words like " Merry Christmas " some people look at you as though you just told them you just raped their favorite stuffed toy or cat. I'm sorry, deal with it. We are in America, and in America, though as understanding we may try to be of other cultures, we still celebrate Christmas. This country was founded on people wanting to be free from religious persecution and prosecution. Christmas has the word Christ in it, and Christ is the center of Christianity ( which ever form you so choose to pick... Mormonism, Southern Baptist, Pentecostal, etc etc ).
I have spent Christmas in other parts of this wonderful country, and they have other holidays that coincide with it. For example, in Detroit, Michigan they also celebrate Kwanzaa. I don't know much about the holiday, why it is in existence, but while I was there, we had to be aware of it and respect it. I can tell you, that it is a mostly African American celebration. Cool. Great, I never noticed a huge difference surrounding Christmas with the influence of Kwanzaa.
So tell me this... because the United States of America is a country sworn and dedicated to give people the freedoms that our fore fathers fought for with their lives and spilt their blood to give us, to ensure we could pray to the Gods of our Faith free from persecution, we should be required to say Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas, just to be politically correct? Why? You come to America from what ever country... to be what? Ultimately American right? So, you ultimately receive a driver's license or some form of identification issued to you by a representative entity of the United States Government correct? Correct. You enjoy the freedoms of getting to choose your career field or job, or where you want and can afford to live. These are all freedoms that we the people of this country get to enjoy. But yet, somehow I am expected to be weary of other people's feelings and emotions when it comes Christmas? SCREW THAT! I will not appease the masses and say Happy Holidays when what I truly mean is MERRY CHRISTMAS! I can guarantee that if any of us that are Anglo Saxon went to a different country of a different race and they celebrated a holiday that we didn't like or that we didn't understand or that was against our ethnic heritage, that said country wouldn't care. They'd look at us as the outsider and we should expect to be treated as such.
Society today as a whole, a whole folks, not individually, has become the great divide and eternal Grinch of the Christmas spirit. People just accept and fall into a slump of acceptance when it comes to being concerned about a person's feelings when it comes to certain holidays. You never hear anybody saying " Oh, we can't say Happy Valentine's Day anymore because Valentine's Day's mascot is a little fat kid running around in a toga, and wouldn't you know it, there is a little fat kid running around in a toga who has taken offense to it, so now we must call it " Happy I heart you day " "... What's next? Halloween. I can just see it now. " Folks.. we can't say Happy Halloween anymore, because there was dead spirit who got all offended because he didn't get enough candy ( or SOME other ridiculous buffalo chip excuse ).. so now, we are going to call it Happy Orange Gourd Day "
Do I sound like I am going too far? Perhaps so, however, sit back and look folks. This is where it's going to. Oh dear god, don't even get me started on Happy New Year.. Nope, soon, if we allow it, we will no longer be able to say that either. We will have to say Happy 12 MONTHS, or Happy 52 weeks, or Happy 26 payche... wait, can't say that right now, for some, the economy is so bad, they can't really say that they will get 26 pay checks in the next 12 months.. my bad. OOPS.
Anyways, my point being... if someone says Merry Christmas to you, say it back. Even if you don't mean it. Be a civil adult and muster up the nuts to just say it. Get over it. You expect me to respect your wishes and beliefs, well dammit, respect mine.
Merry Christmas everybody.... I love each and everyone of you. I mean that, in all sincerity.
2011-09-28
My Exploding Mind!!!!!
**** DISCLAIMER DISCLAIMER DISCLAIMER**** ( This entry is not directed to ANYONE in particular, AND furthermore, the writer is making no claims of perfection or free from guile with regards to the statements made within this subject blog )
Many people will come and go into our lives. A few, however, will remain. Those that remain are our choice primarily, and their choice secondly. This is a 2 part equation. A give and take. Reason A: Because we CHOOSE to keep these individuals in our lives at a level higher than just a mere acquaintance. Reason B: Something about us has caused these individuals to want to keep us in their lives.
The rest of the people, come and go like a passerby in the grocery store, or at the hair salon, or at your local restaurant. We may notice them for awhile, then POOF, they are out of our sights, and thus, eventually, out of our minds.
However, those that we keep in our lives; those that are more to us than a mere stranger passing us by, will all have their unique intricacies. We choose to keep them in our lives, amist any or ALL of their problems. This is the basis of this post. And so, I will keep this latter statement as a focal point of the rest of this entry.
So then, why is it, people will become our friends, close or not, and then get upset or change the level of friendship because they don't like the way you truly are? I think a lot of people use the term " friend " loosely because either A) they are not comfortable with calling someone an acquaintance, or B) they don't want to seem or appear demeaning by only calling someone an acquaintance. Would this occur if being a friend is to accept a person for who they truly are? To me it is.
To me, a friend is someone you can tell your biggest problems to, and they will not judge you. They will listen to you when you need it the most, and they will help you out at a moments notice. Also, they know that you will reciprocate the same towards them when they call upon you, and that you will do so lovingly and without question of what you will gain from helping them out.
When we choose to keep certain individuals in our lives, it could be for several reasons. We like the way they dress, the way they make us feel, they way the interact with us, they are funny, they are smart, they are, as we used to say in the late 80's-early 90's, " cool " ( haha, who remembers using that word as a term of endearment to people we hung out with? ), they may have the same religious, economic, or political affirmations that we have; and so on and so on. The list truly can be endless.
Lets take the religious reason as an example of thought, but not the only reason of explanation. Lets presume you enjoy the company of Suzy Homemaker because she goes to the same church you go to faithfully, every week. Now, all of the sudden, for whatever reason Suzy decides to stop going to church. Does your friendship with Suzy change now because she no longer goes to church faithfully, or do you look past that aspect and continue to visit with her and her family, or have them over for supper/games/etc etc because your friendship is based deeper than a once a week meeting?
What is bothering me, and is the general idea of this blog is that people now-a-days are getting to the point that they would have stopped being a friend to Suzy because she stopped going to church. Why? Because she no longer shares in the same ideas that you possess? So, then, was she truly ever a FRIEND, or was she just an acquaintance?
We have all had a person in our live that we called a friend. Then for whatever reason, we have had to regrettably stop the consistency of that friendship ( ie jobs require people to move, marriages, high school is over, college is over, etc etc ). Yet, we truly find out how deeply these people are our friends when you can get back together after 6 months, 1 year, 10 years of separation from a particular person and pick everything back up as if they were only gone away from your life for only 2 days. To me, that is true definition of a friend.
I know I am not perfect. I try to be, and I have my weaknesses, and I am publicly admitting that. However, I try my hardest to be the friend to those that I choose to keep in my life that I have spoken about in the previous paragraphs. I'm not seeking out for an applause, I'm trying to explain where I am coming from as well. So that, you the reader can call me out on it if I am failing.
A true friend can do that. They can call you out when you are making mistakes and you, as a good friend to them, should have the moral fortitude to be able to look back and see if what they are saying is true or not. Yet, would it be " calling out " as we all understand that phrase to be, or would be a checking in on someone to see if everything is alright with them? Perhaps they are going through a rough patch in their life, and so the situation is causing them to be unhappy/rude/ignorant/etc etc.
A true friend will not lie to you to make themselves feel better about themselves. However, isn't it the point of having a true friend to have a person in your life that will except you for who you are? What further annoys me is when you have someone who claims to be your friend, they take you for all your good and all your bad, and then change the friendship because they don't like your bad later on down the road.
I know I have a lot of acquaintances in my life, and I have very few friends. The friends that I do have in my life have been called that and held to that level of respect by my own doing. If they choose to not reciprocate that level of respect towards me, then I personally down grade their status to acquaintance, as it were.
Why is it people will hold to a higher standard when it comes to being their friend, or to even have us in their life, and we meet their " criteria " to be considered a friend, but yet they don't hold themselves to the exact same standards towards us, that they expect us to be towards them? To me, that is hypocritical.
As I sat and pondered the points that I wanted to make in this post, and trying to get my feelings out on this subject ( to which, I apologize to you reader if it seems as though I have whooped a dead horse repeatedly by now ); I was trying to think of an analogy that could be used to kind of bring it all into light and perspective. Perhaps people don't see how they treat others, because, lets be honest, it's hard to see the forest through the trees. One example that I came up with in my head was the following:
Lets pretend for argument's sake that you met an individual that was upright, walked, always wore pants, even in the hottest of hot days in the summer, always wore tennis shoes, and seemed like an upstanding individual. You get to know this individual after months and months and a bond is forged. A friendship is formed. Months go by, this individual and yourself have gotten the families together for a BBQ, or gone out to eat, whatever the case may be. Then after almost a year of building a friendship and bond, this individual comes over and is wearing shorts, and you notice that they have prosthetic legs or them new metal ones that are being used by current war veterans.
It is safe to presume that there will be a feeling of betrayal and mistrust now because this individual has never once spoken of their prosthetic legs until now. So now what happens? On one side of the coin, it could be presumed that their will now be judgments made toward this person, not wanting to hang out around them because you may be weird-ed out by this new discovery of information, so on and so on. But lets look at it from the individuals side as well. Why didn't they tell you before hand? Perhaps its because they didn't want to be treated like a cripple, or judged incorrectly, or even have had an issue be made because they have prosthetic legs. Now, what they have been trying for so long to avoid happens. Does the friendship and bond change? It very well could. Should it based on this new discovery of the individual? ABSOLUTELY NOT! You didn't learn to love and appreciate this individual because of their legs, or lack there of; but you learned to love them because of who they are. This is what I'm talking about folks. There was obviously a relationship built on the basis of who the person is, not what the person has or doesn't have extremity wise.
In closing out this blog segment, I wish to add in as a reminder, that I am in no way claiming to be perfect. I have my faults, just as everyone else does. As a friend, I do honestly attempt and try my best to be the friend towards others as I would want to have in my life. The golden rule if you will. I wish to publicly thank my wife, without whom I would never understand truly what it means to have a best friend or good friend. She has tried tirelessly to keep me in line, but I like to color outside the lines from time to time. She seems to somehow keep being able to erase my coloring outside the line mistakes and rears me back in. She truly is a wonderful woman and I love her very much.
To all my friends, I truly do love each and everyone of you, and I have made the mental choice to have you as a part of my life for each intricacy that makes you YOU. Please be good to each other, and respect one another.
Many people will come and go into our lives. A few, however, will remain. Those that remain are our choice primarily, and their choice secondly. This is a 2 part equation. A give and take. Reason A: Because we CHOOSE to keep these individuals in our lives at a level higher than just a mere acquaintance. Reason B: Something about us has caused these individuals to want to keep us in their lives.
The rest of the people, come and go like a passerby in the grocery store, or at the hair salon, or at your local restaurant. We may notice them for awhile, then POOF, they are out of our sights, and thus, eventually, out of our minds.
However, those that we keep in our lives; those that are more to us than a mere stranger passing us by, will all have their unique intricacies. We choose to keep them in our lives, amist any or ALL of their problems. This is the basis of this post. And so, I will keep this latter statement as a focal point of the rest of this entry.
So then, why is it, people will become our friends, close or not, and then get upset or change the level of friendship because they don't like the way you truly are? I think a lot of people use the term " friend " loosely because either A) they are not comfortable with calling someone an acquaintance, or B) they don't want to seem or appear demeaning by only calling someone an acquaintance. Would this occur if being a friend is to accept a person for who they truly are? To me it is.
To me, a friend is someone you can tell your biggest problems to, and they will not judge you. They will listen to you when you need it the most, and they will help you out at a moments notice. Also, they know that you will reciprocate the same towards them when they call upon you, and that you will do so lovingly and without question of what you will gain from helping them out.
When we choose to keep certain individuals in our lives, it could be for several reasons. We like the way they dress, the way they make us feel, they way the interact with us, they are funny, they are smart, they are, as we used to say in the late 80's-early 90's, " cool " ( haha, who remembers using that word as a term of endearment to people we hung out with? ), they may have the same religious, economic, or political affirmations that we have; and so on and so on. The list truly can be endless.
Lets take the religious reason as an example of thought, but not the only reason of explanation. Lets presume you enjoy the company of Suzy Homemaker because she goes to the same church you go to faithfully, every week. Now, all of the sudden, for whatever reason Suzy decides to stop going to church. Does your friendship with Suzy change now because she no longer goes to church faithfully, or do you look past that aspect and continue to visit with her and her family, or have them over for supper/games/etc etc because your friendship is based deeper than a once a week meeting?
What is bothering me, and is the general idea of this blog is that people now-a-days are getting to the point that they would have stopped being a friend to Suzy because she stopped going to church. Why? Because she no longer shares in the same ideas that you possess? So, then, was she truly ever a FRIEND, or was she just an acquaintance?
We have all had a person in our live that we called a friend. Then for whatever reason, we have had to regrettably stop the consistency of that friendship ( ie jobs require people to move, marriages, high school is over, college is over, etc etc ). Yet, we truly find out how deeply these people are our friends when you can get back together after 6 months, 1 year, 10 years of separation from a particular person and pick everything back up as if they were only gone away from your life for only 2 days. To me, that is true definition of a friend.
I know I am not perfect. I try to be, and I have my weaknesses, and I am publicly admitting that. However, I try my hardest to be the friend to those that I choose to keep in my life that I have spoken about in the previous paragraphs. I'm not seeking out for an applause, I'm trying to explain where I am coming from as well. So that, you the reader can call me out on it if I am failing.
A true friend can do that. They can call you out when you are making mistakes and you, as a good friend to them, should have the moral fortitude to be able to look back and see if what they are saying is true or not. Yet, would it be " calling out " as we all understand that phrase to be, or would be a checking in on someone to see if everything is alright with them? Perhaps they are going through a rough patch in their life, and so the situation is causing them to be unhappy/rude/ignorant/etc etc.
A true friend will not lie to you to make themselves feel better about themselves. However, isn't it the point of having a true friend to have a person in your life that will except you for who you are? What further annoys me is when you have someone who claims to be your friend, they take you for all your good and all your bad, and then change the friendship because they don't like your bad later on down the road.
I know I have a lot of acquaintances in my life, and I have very few friends. The friends that I do have in my life have been called that and held to that level of respect by my own doing. If they choose to not reciprocate that level of respect towards me, then I personally down grade their status to acquaintance, as it were.
Why is it people will hold to a higher standard when it comes to being their friend, or to even have us in their life, and we meet their " criteria " to be considered a friend, but yet they don't hold themselves to the exact same standards towards us, that they expect us to be towards them? To me, that is hypocritical.
As I sat and pondered the points that I wanted to make in this post, and trying to get my feelings out on this subject ( to which, I apologize to you reader if it seems as though I have whooped a dead horse repeatedly by now ); I was trying to think of an analogy that could be used to kind of bring it all into light and perspective. Perhaps people don't see how they treat others, because, lets be honest, it's hard to see the forest through the trees. One example that I came up with in my head was the following:
Lets pretend for argument's sake that you met an individual that was upright, walked, always wore pants, even in the hottest of hot days in the summer, always wore tennis shoes, and seemed like an upstanding individual. You get to know this individual after months and months and a bond is forged. A friendship is formed. Months go by, this individual and yourself have gotten the families together for a BBQ, or gone out to eat, whatever the case may be. Then after almost a year of building a friendship and bond, this individual comes over and is wearing shorts, and you notice that they have prosthetic legs or them new metal ones that are being used by current war veterans.
It is safe to presume that there will be a feeling of betrayal and mistrust now because this individual has never once spoken of their prosthetic legs until now. So now what happens? On one side of the coin, it could be presumed that their will now be judgments made toward this person, not wanting to hang out around them because you may be weird-ed out by this new discovery of information, so on and so on. But lets look at it from the individuals side as well. Why didn't they tell you before hand? Perhaps its because they didn't want to be treated like a cripple, or judged incorrectly, or even have had an issue be made because they have prosthetic legs. Now, what they have been trying for so long to avoid happens. Does the friendship and bond change? It very well could. Should it based on this new discovery of the individual? ABSOLUTELY NOT! You didn't learn to love and appreciate this individual because of their legs, or lack there of; but you learned to love them because of who they are. This is what I'm talking about folks. There was obviously a relationship built on the basis of who the person is, not what the person has or doesn't have extremity wise.
In closing out this blog segment, I wish to add in as a reminder, that I am in no way claiming to be perfect. I have my faults, just as everyone else does. As a friend, I do honestly attempt and try my best to be the friend towards others as I would want to have in my life. The golden rule if you will. I wish to publicly thank my wife, without whom I would never understand truly what it means to have a best friend or good friend. She has tried tirelessly to keep me in line, but I like to color outside the lines from time to time. She seems to somehow keep being able to erase my coloring outside the line mistakes and rears me back in. She truly is a wonderful woman and I love her very much.
To all my friends, I truly do love each and everyone of you, and I have made the mental choice to have you as a part of my life for each intricacy that makes you YOU. Please be good to each other, and respect one another.
2011-08-24
Lets call this the amazing hatred for Nutrition..
Over the course of the years, technology and the information super highway has become not only a tool to allow laziness ( IE you can order a pizza now online and have it delivered to your house, and never have to once get up and make a phone call, you can do your grocery shopping on line and have it delivered to your house and never once have to get up and actually drive to the store to get what you need ); but it has also become a tool to hold certain corporations liable for information. Well, I wouldn't say that the internet has done this solely. This has been a conglomoration of multiple facets ( IE congress, picky people, etc etc ).
What I am getting at with this last thought directly is that fast food restaurants are now required to post nutritional facts on their food. This is a good thing, I think. I like to know how many calories their hamburgers and cheeseburgers are giving me every time I USED to eat them. This is the reason for this blog entry. It will be the on ramp to the freeway of hatred for Nutrition.
With the information super highway so rampant now a days, and with the immense growth of social media web pages, you can post anything from " OMG, I just woke up " to " OMG, I can't believe I just did what I did last night, I hope I didn't get her pregnant " or to " I'm sorry for your loss, our prayers are with your family ". More so, we can even enjoy pages that we support. Either for the current military situations that the world is facing, to Nutritional organizations, to religious sects, or even to those companies that you drive up to, talk to a large screen with a buffet of pictures that will allow us to ingest some interestingly tasting processed food the world has ever known.
Amazingly, these fast food establishments are populating " likes "/fans in the millions. Yes folks, Millions.. .that starts off with a single digit number followed by 6 zeros. However, nutritional fan pages are generating from mid 30 thousand to 300 thousand fans. ARE YOU FREAKIN SERIOUS? And people wonder why America, and people world wide are so obese. C'mon people! Don't get me wrong, I used to love the smell and taste of the greasy double cheeseburger from McDonalds and the side order of french fries with a Salt Lick and a large Dr. Pepper to wash it all down with. But seriously, we as Americans are glorifying these companies to continue with their world wide influence to keep people over weight.
Its like a person who is very dear to me, and that I take the liberty of calling friend told me just recently " ... merely because it's easier for people to run through the drive through then go to the gym. Plus, ever notice how hard it is to find healthy food on the run? " I couldn't agree with my friend more. I have been guilty of stopping in the occasional fatty, greasy joint and indulging in the taste of wholesome badness, but its how much we go there and consume these foods that is the bad thing.
Ok, so lets get re-centered on the topic of this post. I guess I am just amazed at how much Americans, and I'm sure people world wide will show their appreciation and love for companies that are ultimately bad for our health, and how little people show love for companies, whose sole purpose, is to make us a leaner, healthier, in shape people, one continent at a time. Granted, living has become a more hustle bustle commodity, especially now with the economy the way it is. We are getting up earlier, driving further, and working longer than our parents and grandparents ever did. Also, single income families have become a luxury now a days. I am sure that there are families out there that have both parents working, and possibly working 2-3 jobs each just to make ends meet, and that is not including those households where it is a single income family, or even a single parent household. I would dare say that in those circumstance, the multiple jobs would be even more likely to occur versus a dual income family.
Having said that, a household that is surviving on the ideological reaction of multiple incomes from multiple employers has a negative consequence on dinner time for the household. So, what happens? We as a people go to a fast food eatery and get our breakfast, lunch, dinner, mid night snack, soda refill, whatever from there and continue on with the hustle and bustle. I know, because I lived that way as a child. So, now we have forgone the home made meals. A meal that is going to be extremely healthier for us.
Folks, I'm not saying that each and every one of you need to go out there to your favorite social media website, and click on " like " for every body building, muscle pumping, running fanatic page out there. That may not be your thing, and that is cool if it isn't. However, what I am saying is just be mindful to the supporting of companies that are out there with the sole intention of not giving us a healthy meal.
As always, be good to each other, and to yourself. Love your neighbors and friends as you would want them to love you. On a closing note, If I can blame fast food joints for me being fat, then I can blame taking supplements for having engorged veins and other things LOL!!!
What I am getting at with this last thought directly is that fast food restaurants are now required to post nutritional facts on their food. This is a good thing, I think. I like to know how many calories their hamburgers and cheeseburgers are giving me every time I USED to eat them. This is the reason for this blog entry. It will be the on ramp to the freeway of hatred for Nutrition.
With the information super highway so rampant now a days, and with the immense growth of social media web pages, you can post anything from " OMG, I just woke up " to " OMG, I can't believe I just did what I did last night, I hope I didn't get her pregnant " or to " I'm sorry for your loss, our prayers are with your family ". More so, we can even enjoy pages that we support. Either for the current military situations that the world is facing, to Nutritional organizations, to religious sects, or even to those companies that you drive up to, talk to a large screen with a buffet of pictures that will allow us to ingest some interestingly tasting processed food the world has ever known.
Amazingly, these fast food establishments are populating " likes "/fans in the millions. Yes folks, Millions.. .that starts off with a single digit number followed by 6 zeros. However, nutritional fan pages are generating from mid 30 thousand to 300 thousand fans. ARE YOU FREAKIN SERIOUS? And people wonder why America, and people world wide are so obese. C'mon people! Don't get me wrong, I used to love the smell and taste of the greasy double cheeseburger from McDonalds and the side order of french fries with a Salt Lick and a large Dr. Pepper to wash it all down with. But seriously, we as Americans are glorifying these companies to continue with their world wide influence to keep people over weight.
Its like a person who is very dear to me, and that I take the liberty of calling friend told me just recently " ... merely because it's easier for people to run through the drive through then go to the gym. Plus, ever notice how hard it is to find healthy food on the run? " I couldn't agree with my friend more. I have been guilty of stopping in the occasional fatty, greasy joint and indulging in the taste of wholesome badness, but its how much we go there and consume these foods that is the bad thing.
Ok, so lets get re-centered on the topic of this post. I guess I am just amazed at how much Americans, and I'm sure people world wide will show their appreciation and love for companies that are ultimately bad for our health, and how little people show love for companies, whose sole purpose, is to make us a leaner, healthier, in shape people, one continent at a time. Granted, living has become a more hustle bustle commodity, especially now with the economy the way it is. We are getting up earlier, driving further, and working longer than our parents and grandparents ever did. Also, single income families have become a luxury now a days. I am sure that there are families out there that have both parents working, and possibly working 2-3 jobs each just to make ends meet, and that is not including those households where it is a single income family, or even a single parent household. I would dare say that in those circumstance, the multiple jobs would be even more likely to occur versus a dual income family.
Having said that, a household that is surviving on the ideological reaction of multiple incomes from multiple employers has a negative consequence on dinner time for the household. So, what happens? We as a people go to a fast food eatery and get our breakfast, lunch, dinner, mid night snack, soda refill, whatever from there and continue on with the hustle and bustle. I know, because I lived that way as a child. So, now we have forgone the home made meals. A meal that is going to be extremely healthier for us.
Folks, I'm not saying that each and every one of you need to go out there to your favorite social media website, and click on " like " for every body building, muscle pumping, running fanatic page out there. That may not be your thing, and that is cool if it isn't. However, what I am saying is just be mindful to the supporting of companies that are out there with the sole intention of not giving us a healthy meal.
As always, be good to each other, and to yourself. Love your neighbors and friends as you would want them to love you. On a closing note, If I can blame fast food joints for me being fat, then I can blame taking supplements for having engorged veins and other things LOL!!!
2011-05-28
Planning to Fail vs. Planning to Win
" When planning for a year, plant corn. When planning for a decade, plant trees. When planning for life, train and educate people. " -Chinese proverb
" Plans are only good intentions unless they immediately degenerate into hard work " - Peter F Drucker.
As I was resting between reps the other day in the gym, a thought came to my mind about what I was going to write about for my next blog post. I had been giving a lot of thought about what was going to be the next subject I was going to write about. What I came up with is thus: Most people who go to the gym, regardless of what kind of training day it is going to be for them, go with a plan. They plan out what routines they are going to do, they plan what cardio activity they are going to do, and they even plan what muscle group they are going to work out and train.. My rhetorical question is: why? It's so that they have some form of guidance and outline for their time in the gym. It's so that they can see achievements and progress from their efforts. It is structured. Sound about right? Rarely, do people just go to the gym, being unstructured, and come out with a sense of completion or accomplishment. Going to the gym with a haphazard mind set is ineffective and quite honestly a waste of time. Those that go to the gym just to go to the gym, are usually the ones who are sitting there holding the barbell or dumbbells down in the rack or on the bench press. I'm rather certain that the dumbbells or barbells don't require your help keeping it in place, it's holding itself there just fine. Gravity keeps it from floating away, I promise.
This is also true when it comes to our diet. When we place ourselves on a strict diet, we plan our meals. We plan how many times we are going to eat each day, and we plan on what we are going to eat. We count carbs, fats, calories ( hint: this is a subconscious act of planning ). Very rarely do we just look into the refrigerator and say " Oh, that looks good, I'll have that! " and grab whatever is readily available. When that occurs, we have a good chance at grabbing something that could throw our diets off, even if it is just a simple meal. We even plan how much water we are going to drink, or what sports energy drink we are going to buy for post work out purposes.
So, having dived into planning and it's purpose when it comes to the gym/diet/exercise, would this be the same mind set for becoming unhealthy and obese? Meaning, do we plan to become unhealthy and obese/overweight? Intentionally or unintentionally. Some people may have viable reasons to discredit the previous question, but lets break it down and think about it for a few moments. Some viable rationales would be: Medical conditions prevent said individual from doing strenuous exercises. ( i.e. limited mobility, severe medical conditions, etc, etc ). Said individual has family history of obesity and therefore are doomed to being overweight. ( I really hate this excuse. How many times have we seen people or know people that may come from a family which every member is obese, except for that one sibling who is as skinny as a rail?) How about these arguments: " I don't have time to get to the gym. I work full time, a parent of 3 kids, I have to take care of the house, running kids from here to there, meetings, functions, etc, etc". Are they reasonable? Yes. Excusable? In my opinion, No, with the exception of course to those with the greatest of severity with regards to medical conditions. Meaning, if someone is a paraplegic or a quadriplegic, I am not expecting them to be able to run on a treadmill, nor do I expect a wheelchair bound person to be able to bench press. Lets use common sence here. I'm not completely heartless.
What I am getting at here is, if we make plans to succeed in the gym, with our diet, and exercise; is the same then said that we make plans to get unhealthy and obese? Coming from being obese most of my life, I can never recall ever saying to myself " I think I am going to spend the next 6 weeks consuming thousands and thousands of calories and carbohydrates, and not do one bit of exercise" or " I am going to gain weight on purpose ". We don't make plans to become unhealthy and obese or even just a tad over weight. It just happens. I never once sat down and wrote out goals to get as heavy as I did. Quite the opposite really, but back then I lacked the motivation and desire to get my ass into the gym. But why do we then allow ourselves to get so out of shape? Who knows, it just happens. Perhaps social influence? Lack of support from immediate family, lack of energy, lack of desire, lack of caring, lack of time? These are all basic fundamental building blocks and reasons as to why we turn unhealthy. The only two instances that I can think of where people intentionally ( the planning ) gain weight are sumo wrestlers and actors/actresses for a role in an upcoming film.
So, I return to the headline of this post. If we plan to win ( going to the gym, maintaining our diet and exercise ) then do we plan to fail ( unhealthy life style, unhealthy diet )? We could then put the old adage to test. If we fail to plan, we plan to fail. Would that be true? I truly believe so.
It is well known that getting into shape and maintaining a strict diet is a lot of work, and getting out of shape is just easy and really doesn't require much to accomplish. Getting out shape really doesn't require much planning on our behalf. It actually comes rather naturally. To use another timeless adage of " Your body is a temple... " here, why would we be willing to destroy what is supposed to be the most beautiful thing to ourselves? Would you intentionally allow the inside of your house go to rot and waste, or do you actually spend time cleaning, mopping, vacuuming, dusting it to make it look good? Sounds like planning to me.
What ever the case may be folks, and no matter how far you want to boil it down to the most minuscule of excuses ( save of course extreme medical ) as to why we can't exercise and or diet, the fact is, I truly do believe we must all plan to win. I'm not saying that we all must be gym rats and be able to curl 75 lb dumbells. I don't know of too many people who are willing to be either 35 lbs over weight to a hundred plus pounds overweight and not think about how unhappy they are. Obesity causes a lot of medical issues. High blood pressure, which can lead to heart attack. Poor blood circulation. Your heart having to work harder. Soreness is extremities. Danger and soreness on weight bearing joints. Lack if self esteem ( for some, not all ). I know, I had many of these things. I hurt every day. I was sore, and I was unhappy.
So the next time you make a plan; for whatever it is, think to yourself if you have made a plan to better your health and your life. If not for yourself, do it ( if needed ) for your family and loved ones. I am certain that many of you may know of someone who had health issues related to obesity and passed away because of those conditions. How did it make you feel when that happened? Did you then or do you now still feel a void because they are gone? Now, would you like to give someone else that feeling of emptiness because you are gone, or would you like to do whatever you possibly can to at your level of control to stick around and pester your family and friends for a long time? I know I had to make a change, and I did. I feel so much better for doing so. I made plans to win, and I also planned to stop failing. I subconsciously made plans to fail for year and years, and now I like to make plans to win.
I know each and everyone of you can do it, and you each possess the mental capability to get your mind on it and do it, if it is needed.
" Plans are only good intentions unless they immediately degenerate into hard work " - Peter F Drucker.
As I was resting between reps the other day in the gym, a thought came to my mind about what I was going to write about for my next blog post. I had been giving a lot of thought about what was going to be the next subject I was going to write about. What I came up with is thus: Most people who go to the gym, regardless of what kind of training day it is going to be for them, go with a plan. They plan out what routines they are going to do, they plan what cardio activity they are going to do, and they even plan what muscle group they are going to work out and train.. My rhetorical question is: why? It's so that they have some form of guidance and outline for their time in the gym. It's so that they can see achievements and progress from their efforts. It is structured. Sound about right? Rarely, do people just go to the gym, being unstructured, and come out with a sense of completion or accomplishment. Going to the gym with a haphazard mind set is ineffective and quite honestly a waste of time. Those that go to the gym just to go to the gym, are usually the ones who are sitting there holding the barbell or dumbbells down in the rack or on the bench press. I'm rather certain that the dumbbells or barbells don't require your help keeping it in place, it's holding itself there just fine. Gravity keeps it from floating away, I promise.
This is also true when it comes to our diet. When we place ourselves on a strict diet, we plan our meals. We plan how many times we are going to eat each day, and we plan on what we are going to eat. We count carbs, fats, calories ( hint: this is a subconscious act of planning ). Very rarely do we just look into the refrigerator and say " Oh, that looks good, I'll have that! " and grab whatever is readily available. When that occurs, we have a good chance at grabbing something that could throw our diets off, even if it is just a simple meal. We even plan how much water we are going to drink, or what sports energy drink we are going to buy for post work out purposes.
So, having dived into planning and it's purpose when it comes to the gym/diet/exercise, would this be the same mind set for becoming unhealthy and obese? Meaning, do we plan to become unhealthy and obese/overweight? Intentionally or unintentionally. Some people may have viable reasons to discredit the previous question, but lets break it down and think about it for a few moments. Some viable rationales would be: Medical conditions prevent said individual from doing strenuous exercises. ( i.e. limited mobility, severe medical conditions, etc, etc ). Said individual has family history of obesity and therefore are doomed to being overweight. ( I really hate this excuse. How many times have we seen people or know people that may come from a family which every member is obese, except for that one sibling who is as skinny as a rail?) How about these arguments: " I don't have time to get to the gym. I work full time, a parent of 3 kids, I have to take care of the house, running kids from here to there, meetings, functions, etc, etc". Are they reasonable? Yes. Excusable? In my opinion, No, with the exception of course to those with the greatest of severity with regards to medical conditions. Meaning, if someone is a paraplegic or a quadriplegic, I am not expecting them to be able to run on a treadmill, nor do I expect a wheelchair bound person to be able to bench press. Lets use common sence here. I'm not completely heartless.
What I am getting at here is, if we make plans to succeed in the gym, with our diet, and exercise; is the same then said that we make plans to get unhealthy and obese? Coming from being obese most of my life, I can never recall ever saying to myself " I think I am going to spend the next 6 weeks consuming thousands and thousands of calories and carbohydrates, and not do one bit of exercise" or " I am going to gain weight on purpose ". We don't make plans to become unhealthy and obese or even just a tad over weight. It just happens. I never once sat down and wrote out goals to get as heavy as I did. Quite the opposite really, but back then I lacked the motivation and desire to get my ass into the gym. But why do we then allow ourselves to get so out of shape? Who knows, it just happens. Perhaps social influence? Lack of support from immediate family, lack of energy, lack of desire, lack of caring, lack of time? These are all basic fundamental building blocks and reasons as to why we turn unhealthy. The only two instances that I can think of where people intentionally ( the planning ) gain weight are sumo wrestlers and actors/actresses for a role in an upcoming film.
So, I return to the headline of this post. If we plan to win ( going to the gym, maintaining our diet and exercise ) then do we plan to fail ( unhealthy life style, unhealthy diet )? We could then put the old adage to test. If we fail to plan, we plan to fail. Would that be true? I truly believe so.
It is well known that getting into shape and maintaining a strict diet is a lot of work, and getting out of shape is just easy and really doesn't require much to accomplish. Getting out shape really doesn't require much planning on our behalf. It actually comes rather naturally. To use another timeless adage of " Your body is a temple... " here, why would we be willing to destroy what is supposed to be the most beautiful thing to ourselves? Would you intentionally allow the inside of your house go to rot and waste, or do you actually spend time cleaning, mopping, vacuuming, dusting it to make it look good? Sounds like planning to me.
What ever the case may be folks, and no matter how far you want to boil it down to the most minuscule of excuses ( save of course extreme medical ) as to why we can't exercise and or diet, the fact is, I truly do believe we must all plan to win. I'm not saying that we all must be gym rats and be able to curl 75 lb dumbells. I don't know of too many people who are willing to be either 35 lbs over weight to a hundred plus pounds overweight and not think about how unhappy they are. Obesity causes a lot of medical issues. High blood pressure, which can lead to heart attack. Poor blood circulation. Your heart having to work harder. Soreness is extremities. Danger and soreness on weight bearing joints. Lack if self esteem ( for some, not all ). I know, I had many of these things. I hurt every day. I was sore, and I was unhappy.
So the next time you make a plan; for whatever it is, think to yourself if you have made a plan to better your health and your life. If not for yourself, do it ( if needed ) for your family and loved ones. I am certain that many of you may know of someone who had health issues related to obesity and passed away because of those conditions. How did it make you feel when that happened? Did you then or do you now still feel a void because they are gone? Now, would you like to give someone else that feeling of emptiness because you are gone, or would you like to do whatever you possibly can to at your level of control to stick around and pester your family and friends for a long time? I know I had to make a change, and I did. I feel so much better for doing so. I made plans to win, and I also planned to stop failing. I subconsciously made plans to fail for year and years, and now I like to make plans to win.
I know each and everyone of you can do it, and you each possess the mental capability to get your mind on it and do it, if it is needed.
2011-05-15
We need to get paid!
I know its been a few days since I have made a post, actually, I'm about a week behind, and for that I am sorry.
Now, onto the topic at hand that I have been pondering over the past several days. The word of the week is Consistency. It is a word that serves as a staple in all of our lives. It allows you to get a pay check ( you constantly go to work ); it allows you to get places ( constantly going to the gas station to put gas in your vehicle ), and it allows people to either depend on or not rely on you. If you are constantly reliable, people will know that they can depend on you to do what you say you are going to do. If you are constantly letting people down, well guess what? They will not come to you and rely on you to get done what they need.
The same goes with everything else in life. Whether it be you have a new commitment to yourself to lose weight, to become a better spouse, a better friend, or to stop a vice such as smoking. We all must be constantly striving to be consistent in our efforts. It's not a once a week trial. It's not a once a month trial. It is a day by day trial and effort.
I know to some of my readers/followers, I may be sounding redundant, but that is alright. Again folks, this is what I believe, and it's not gospel or pure truth. Besides, isn't that the point of a blog? To write down your ideas and hope that others have a desire to read them for whatever reason? ( insert playful laugh here )
Now, how does this all apply towards what I normally talk about? In order to lose weight, or to maintain weight, or to even shed just a few unwanted pounds, we must be consistent with our efforts to achieve what we are seeking. We must be consistent AND constant about going to the gym. We must be consistent AND constant about watching and maintaining our diet, and we must be willing to be constant about exercise in order to achieve our goals. It's that simple folks. I know, I know... it sounds easier than it really is. We all get frustrated when we continuously put forth the efforts, but fail to see results. I liken that to our jobs. How many times in the work force have you put your best effort forward to get recognized as a contender for that upcoming promotion at work, just to see it slip by and be given to someone else who is more often times than not, undeserving of that said promotion. Do we just up and quit our job because we didn't get it when we felt we deserved it? No, we go back to work the next day putting our nose to the grind stone. Why? Because we need to get paid. Well, the same goes for our fitness goals. Think of it as each goal you reach like a promotion at work. If we get it, we feel great about ourselves and it makes us want to work harder. But if we don't get it, we just can't give up. We have to get paid! The check we receive from the gym is obtaining the goals we have set forth for ourselves. Is it starting to click now?
I know, I know... " But Shane, you had Gastric Bypass surgery.... you lost a lot of your weight by cheating, and not doing it the hard way ". True, that statement can be made, but what you may or may not realize dear reader is that I had to first lose from 350-360 lbs down to 298 lbs just to be ready for the surgery. Then, yes, I did have my surgery., and yes I did lose an enormous amount of weight. But, I've also had to work over peaks in my weight loss, and I've also had to struggle to maintain where I am at now in my weight just to prevent it from bouncing back up to where I once was, and I have set goals to even lose a few more pounds, and tighten and tone some of the residual excess skin due to the dramatic decrease in weight in such a short period of time. But, I will still get paid ladies and gentlemen... because I am constant and consistent about getting my ass in the gym.
So goes for each of you my friends. I know that you can get paid, and be paid well. For those of you who have come to me for advice, or suggestions, or with just general questions, I hear it in your voices that you are ready to get paid. You deserve it and I know that each of you individually have a check ready to be cashed out in full. So.... GO GET PAID.
I hold each and everyone of you in high regard as a dear friend, and I wish all of you nothing but great success. Remember, when times are hard, and you don't think you have anyone to lean towards for support or guidance, or just a general outreach to bitch and gripe to; you are sadly mistaken. I will listen, and I will offer advice, and I will be supportive. Because I want to see each of you obtain your goals and pay yourselves in huge dividends!
Be good to each other folks, and most importantly.... be good to yourselves.
Now, onto the topic at hand that I have been pondering over the past several days. The word of the week is Consistency. It is a word that serves as a staple in all of our lives. It allows you to get a pay check ( you constantly go to work ); it allows you to get places ( constantly going to the gas station to put gas in your vehicle ), and it allows people to either depend on or not rely on you. If you are constantly reliable, people will know that they can depend on you to do what you say you are going to do. If you are constantly letting people down, well guess what? They will not come to you and rely on you to get done what they need.
The same goes with everything else in life. Whether it be you have a new commitment to yourself to lose weight, to become a better spouse, a better friend, or to stop a vice such as smoking. We all must be constantly striving to be consistent in our efforts. It's not a once a week trial. It's not a once a month trial. It is a day by day trial and effort.
I know to some of my readers/followers, I may be sounding redundant, but that is alright. Again folks, this is what I believe, and it's not gospel or pure truth. Besides, isn't that the point of a blog? To write down your ideas and hope that others have a desire to read them for whatever reason? ( insert playful laugh here )
Now, how does this all apply towards what I normally talk about? In order to lose weight, or to maintain weight, or to even shed just a few unwanted pounds, we must be consistent with our efforts to achieve what we are seeking. We must be consistent AND constant about going to the gym. We must be consistent AND constant about watching and maintaining our diet, and we must be willing to be constant about exercise in order to achieve our goals. It's that simple folks. I know, I know... it sounds easier than it really is. We all get frustrated when we continuously put forth the efforts, but fail to see results. I liken that to our jobs. How many times in the work force have you put your best effort forward to get recognized as a contender for that upcoming promotion at work, just to see it slip by and be given to someone else who is more often times than not, undeserving of that said promotion. Do we just up and quit our job because we didn't get it when we felt we deserved it? No, we go back to work the next day putting our nose to the grind stone. Why? Because we need to get paid. Well, the same goes for our fitness goals. Think of it as each goal you reach like a promotion at work. If we get it, we feel great about ourselves and it makes us want to work harder. But if we don't get it, we just can't give up. We have to get paid! The check we receive from the gym is obtaining the goals we have set forth for ourselves. Is it starting to click now?
I know, I know... " But Shane, you had Gastric Bypass surgery.... you lost a lot of your weight by cheating, and not doing it the hard way ". True, that statement can be made, but what you may or may not realize dear reader is that I had to first lose from 350-360 lbs down to 298 lbs just to be ready for the surgery. Then, yes, I did have my surgery., and yes I did lose an enormous amount of weight. But, I've also had to work over peaks in my weight loss, and I've also had to struggle to maintain where I am at now in my weight just to prevent it from bouncing back up to where I once was, and I have set goals to even lose a few more pounds, and tighten and tone some of the residual excess skin due to the dramatic decrease in weight in such a short period of time. But, I will still get paid ladies and gentlemen... because I am constant and consistent about getting my ass in the gym.
So goes for each of you my friends. I know that you can get paid, and be paid well. For those of you who have come to me for advice, or suggestions, or with just general questions, I hear it in your voices that you are ready to get paid. You deserve it and I know that each of you individually have a check ready to be cashed out in full. So.... GO GET PAID.
I hold each and everyone of you in high regard as a dear friend, and I wish all of you nothing but great success. Remember, when times are hard, and you don't think you have anyone to lean towards for support or guidance, or just a general outreach to bitch and gripe to; you are sadly mistaken. I will listen, and I will offer advice, and I will be supportive. Because I want to see each of you obtain your goals and pay yourselves in huge dividends!
Be good to each other folks, and most importantly.... be good to yourselves.
2011-04-22
Week Ending 24 Apr 2011
Well, to end this week, I’d like to start off by saying Happy Easter to each and everyone of you. As my wife and I were out and about the other day, I was absolutely amazed at the commercialization of this holiday now, and I’d dare say that it is right up there along with Christmas and Thanksgiving. For those of us that claim any form of Christianized belief, it is to celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. However, the holiday has turned into a day of spending it with family looking for that mysterious rabbit who poops out eggs all over the lawn filled with sweets and coin to make the children happy.
I have nothing against the celebration of Easter, but what I have an issue with is how commercialized it has become. We voluntarily decide to force feed a visit to the dentist eventually to our children, thus dipping into our back pockets even more, and making our children dislike us for making them go to the dentist to take care of that cavity or two that we helped them acquire.
Now, onto my thoughts of the week. With all that has been going on in the world lately, there has been 2 constants that I have found to be tested, tried, and still true. They are the love and support of my immediate family and friends for my daily journeys in my new life, and Nutrex Research. I will attend to the second subject in just a moment. My endearing wife has been tortured on a daily basis by standing by and watching me climb on the scale to see if I have gained or lost any significant amounts of weight. I think that is just about the only thing I’ve become OCD about since my surgery. Well, that and getting my ass into the gym. The poor lady has had to conform her previous life into my new one so as to not have to tax herself with the task of having to make multiple meals. Instead, she just incorporates what I can have into things that she will eat. For instance, she used to shirk at the thought of ground turkey over ground beef. Now, she loves the ground turkey much more than the ground beef.
My friends have been supportive in that they see the changes that I don’t and compliment them quite frequently. Now, they could just be blowing smoke up my ass and trying to make me feel better, but quite honestly, I don’t keep friends like that. I try and surround myself around people who would be brutally honest with me than to keep those around who would lie to me just to prevent me from getting discouraged. Having friends like that help me want to do better each week so that they can see for themselves that I am not wasting their compliments and so that they can know that their personal reinforcements are doing me well.
Now, as for Nutrex Research. A few members of this worldwide organization stick out to me more than the rest. Not to say that they are more important, but their influence(s) are just on a grander scale to me, and me alone. Zack “ King “ Khan, Dave, and Nathalia Melo are the main ones. These three individuals are like a pack of wolves on a weak and dying 3 legged cat. The legged cat is all the obesity and out of shape's in the world. Zack has been such a powerful influence to his followers and fans this past year, that you can definitely tell that he is not working towards a full recovery for himself only, but also for his entire fan base. I think that if I lived in England, I would save up my weight loss in pounds ( not only what I lost, but the pound is the monetary system in England ) just to have the blessed opportunity to get some personal training with him. I think that having a 30 min training session with him would be absolute and priceless. All the suggestions and help that any one person could take away from that would reap that individual with a lifelong of encouragement. So do you Zack, I say thank you to you for your efforts, and I pray that God may bless you with a healthy recovery mate.
Dave @ Nutrex is the leader and admin individual for Nutrex’s fan page on Facebook. He is on that thing Mon-Fri trying to give away free promotional items to its fan base just to give them encouragement to get their asses into the gym and do better for themselves. Yes folks, I said free and give away. If I could have multiple personalities, I would try and get everything I could from him for free. But then again, it does no good if it just sits on the shelf. The products actually have to be used to what their purpose is for. He is the leader of over 15,000 fans and he gives them, or at the least, the devout followers, inspiration and guidance. He is an extremely supportive individual, and I’ve never seen him boast or brag about himself and his accomplishments. Perhaps, we the followers are his accomplishments. But from what I’ve gathered about him from various things he has said, he is a gym rat too. To Dave I say: You sir put the man in Gentleman amongst your peers and followers. I know that you have blessed so many lives, to include mine, with your generosity and I pray that you will be blessed for your efforts and never ending work.
Nathalia is an IFBB Pro Bikini competitor and Fitness Model, and let me tell ya, she has the figure for it. She is inspiring to her fans and to the public. She is constantly doing meet n greets on behalf of Nutrex and handling out samples of their products so that others too may get on the healthy band wagon. She is also a competitor. She was ranked #5 in the top 10 most beautiful women for 2011 by FLEX magazine. I, myself, think that she was robbed by that ranking, but that is just my personal opinion. However, I don’t think I’m alone in this opinion, but obviously my opinion didn’t count in this decision. Such a sad day.
These three individuals, along with a whole team of others, are out there determined to kill the beast of obesity to those that want to kill it. They are the arrowhead that adorns the arrow of health and fitness, and let me tell you folks, that arrow is flying straight and true.
In closing, I want to add that though we all have our issues to face on a daily fight, we each still have something that makes us want to get out of bed daily as well. Whatever that may be, find it, harness it, and use it against the rest of the people who want to beat you down and keep you down in the pits of misery along with them. That is a place losers live, and none of you are losers in my book. If you think you are, come talk to me, and I’ll help get that mentality out of you. Rise and shine above the rest and be recognized amoungst your friends and peers.
2011-04-14
It's ok to make mistakes, I give you the permission to do so
We all make mistakes in our life. Some are excusable by others, and some mistakes just can not be forgiven or forgotten. We have all experienced these mistakes in our adult lives, either on making the mistakes and looking for forgiveness or have been asked to be the one to do the forgiving. What matters the most is how we handle these mistakes and I am not the first person to lecture or tell anyone how they should act and react when these incidences occur.
This has been a subject on my mind for the past week and I myself am not even sure how to handle my involvement in this topic. Some things were said by a close family member of mine that I would never have imagined to have been said or done, but nonetheless it was done, and very hurtful. Other things occured that I need not go into detail here, but that angered me and quite frankly bothered me.
The old Shane would have taken to immediate anger and yelling, but instead I worked diligently to maintain self control so as not to escalate the situation further. I did however take my issues of anger and frustration, and hurt out in the gym even more so this past week than any other week thus far. While I was in the gym, I came across a few things that have stuck out in my mind with great severity.
I decided to push myself as hard as I could physically muster while solo lifting. What I mean by that is that I did not go as hard as I would like to, but with not having a spotter, I am not willing to put my health at risk just to obtain a number in pounds. I was able to obtain my goal of being able to bench my body weight by end of august this year. I actually exceeded my body weight, but none the less, the point is, that I did it. I put up 185 lbs. This was monumentous for me.
I have been able to maintain a 13 minute mile n half run and working more specifically on my pushups now. I can easily do the 19 that I need to do for a test, but my goal is to get to 50. Its a nice round number I think LOL.
I came up with the notion that the month of May will be geared towards high cardio, low weight training. The weight training that I do work on will be what I like to call a 90/10 split... 90% reps, 10% weight.
I am still taking the T-UP from Nutrex and haven't seen any negative side effects. That makes me very happy
What I would like to leave you the reader with is this: Enjoy life to its fullest. If it is not fulfilling, find out what you need in it and make it happen. Don't forget the small things in your life that make you want to wake up everyday. And love everyone. It is an important thing that we have control over in our lives.
This has been a subject on my mind for the past week and I myself am not even sure how to handle my involvement in this topic. Some things were said by a close family member of mine that I would never have imagined to have been said or done, but nonetheless it was done, and very hurtful. Other things occured that I need not go into detail here, but that angered me and quite frankly bothered me.
The old Shane would have taken to immediate anger and yelling, but instead I worked diligently to maintain self control so as not to escalate the situation further. I did however take my issues of anger and frustration, and hurt out in the gym even more so this past week than any other week thus far. While I was in the gym, I came across a few things that have stuck out in my mind with great severity.
I decided to push myself as hard as I could physically muster while solo lifting. What I mean by that is that I did not go as hard as I would like to, but with not having a spotter, I am not willing to put my health at risk just to obtain a number in pounds. I was able to obtain my goal of being able to bench my body weight by end of august this year. I actually exceeded my body weight, but none the less, the point is, that I did it. I put up 185 lbs. This was monumentous for me.
I have been able to maintain a 13 minute mile n half run and working more specifically on my pushups now. I can easily do the 19 that I need to do for a test, but my goal is to get to 50. Its a nice round number I think LOL.
I came up with the notion that the month of May will be geared towards high cardio, low weight training. The weight training that I do work on will be what I like to call a 90/10 split... 90% reps, 10% weight.
I am still taking the T-UP from Nutrex and haven't seen any negative side effects. That makes me very happy
What I would like to leave you the reader with is this: Enjoy life to its fullest. If it is not fulfilling, find out what you need in it and make it happen. Don't forget the small things in your life that make you want to wake up everyday. And love everyone. It is an important thing that we have control over in our lives.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)