Selena's Musings About Life

Is Plasma Over?

2009-09-03T17:09:00.000-07:00

Do you own plasma tvs at your house? You see a few years ago it was all about LCD versus Plasma, but now I think that most people buy LCD or LED TVs and not the plasma. Do you agree? I did a Google search on this and I found a lot of supporting views on it. Isn't that funny how a technology from a few years ago has gone away?

(Mental) Health Checkup

2009-09-03T17:00:00.000-07:00

You go for a check up to the doctor and dentist every year, right? Well why not get a mental health check up regularly too? It is not hard to do and you should not be afraid of it. Just make an appointment with a therapist, social worker, or psychologist and talk things out a bit. I think it will be easy and it might be beneficial.

How to Find a Local Dentist

2009-09-03T16:58:00.000-07:00

How to find a local dentist. Its a problem many people have. Think about it -- there aren't national or regional chains out there like department stores. And you just want to go to any plain old dentist -- you want a good one. And if you're looking for more than just a checkup, perhaps a whitening or veneers, then you need to find more than a Plano cosmetic dentist (get it?). This is where services like Google Maps comes in. You can searching your local areas for all sorts of things like dentists and doctors.

Stretching and Woking Out

2009-09-03T16:52:00.000-07:00

Do you love to work out? Yes? Great, but do you love to stretch. Look, no one really likes to stretch, but it is very important when it comes to personal fitness and strength. Stretching warms up your muscles and allows you to work out longer, better, and thus get better results. Stretching at the end allows you to recover faster and get more results out of your work out. Think about it!

Take What You Love and Make $$

2009-08-14T16:06:00.000-07:00

Here's one of the best tips I have for life -- take the thing you love to do or make and make a career out of it! Why have a boring job when you could actually do what you love and get paid for it. The Internet has opened up an entire new era of ability to make money and start a career without a lot of overhead. From websites and online auctions to ecommerce fulfillment and pre-packaged websites, there are so many tools available for you to start a site to sell your wares or services!

How Much to Train?

2009-08-14T15:56:00.000-07:00

How much should you train if you are going to compete in a road race? Well the experts say you should be training 2-3 times the distance of the run weekly. That means if you are preparing for a 5k (3.1 mile) race, you should be running between 6 1/2 and 10 miles a week total. That could be 3 x 2 miles, 2 x 2 miles + 1 x 4 miles, or 2 x 4 miles. This prepares your body to handle the distance and gives you a good chance of improving your personal best time.

Its More About Diet

2009-08-12T20:00:00.000-07:00

I read an article today in the latest copy of Time magazine that opened by eyes. Its all about the myths of working out when it comes to losing weight. The article states that what you eat (your diet) is a lot more important than how much you work out at the gym when it comes to losing weight. Actually the article states that working out might make you feel you can eat more and sorta act like anti diet pills. You feel you can "treat" yourself to donuts after a run even though the donuts contain 10 times as much calories as you burned when working out!

5k Time!

2009-08-12T19:58:00.000-07:00

Its the end of summer and that means its time for 5k road races! No seriously, the weather is cooling down and now is the best time of the year for 5k road races. You can find some on every weekend of the season by checking out websites like this one for Georgia. I love racing, even though I usually walk a good portion of the race. Its all about getting out there and having fun!

Down Economy? Rebuild Your Resume!

2009-08-05T04:30:00.000-07:00

With the U.S. economy (and the rest of the world's) down in the doldrums of recession, now is the best time to rebuilt your resume and prepare yourself for a better job during the upcoming recovery. One of the best ways to do that is to further your education. Whether it be a bachelors degree or a masters, more education have been proven time and time again to directly equate to greater lifetime career earnings. Its that simple -- learn more and you earn more! Plus, you'll probably like your job even better when you have more education (better job equates to a more enjoyable job). Check out the Online masters degree from Gonzaga University. Yes, Gonzaga University is offering online education! They are top ranked (number 3 in the West) by the experts at US News and World Report. They have also been rated as the best value in private university education by the renowned Kiplingers Personal Finance journal. Visit their website and learn just how easy it is to get started on your future. Why trust Gonzaga? Its clear -- they are a well respected, fully accredited, world renowned institution of higher education and they want YOU to get a better career!

Read for Free

2009-07-08T19:20:00.001-07:00

Go to your local library and rekindle your love affair with it. I love the library. Its not because I'm a book-a-holic. No, that's my husband. I love the library because its a fun place to go with the family, there are magazines and videos, and computers too. The kids love to go there and pick out new books. Its just a nice place to visit and its all paid for by our tax dollars. Why not enjoy it!

Buy Used Vehicles!

2009-07-08T19:15:00.002-07:00

If you want to save money -- I'm talking about serious money here -- $100,000 or more over your lifetime, follow this simple idea: Buy used cars instead o new ones! Whether it be a new car, truck, SUV or even rv, buying a 3 year old model means you will save 30%-60% off the retail price. The vehicle will still have 7 years of life left on them and you will pay it off that much quicker than you would a new vehicle. Do it!

My Morning Joe

2009-07-08T19:15:00.001-07:00

As in "Cup-of-Joe"... I must have my coffee in the morning. Its more than the caffeine, its the whole routine of it. Making the coffee, smelling it, cooling it, sipping it -- its the sort of routine that gets your morning off on the right foot and start your day with a calm. I look forward to my morning coffee from the moment I settle in at night to the first sip the of the morning!

Lighting and Mood

2009-06-25T21:57:00.000-07:00

It shouldn't be overlooked how lighting can affect your mood. Just think about a gray day or a dimly lit room. It can be all very melancholy. But sometimes a dimly lit room is a relaxer -- just think about a lit candle flickering in the evening. Now that's peaceful. I also think about how the lighting in your room affects how you wake up in the morning. Its always nice to wake up in the daylight and this can be tough if you have to work early. I sometimes think about buying one of those "sunrise" machines which gradually increase the light in your room as the alarm time nears.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs

2009-06-25T21:54:00.000-07:00

I just got the new Yeah Yeah Yeahs album called Its Blitz! and I can't stop listening to it! It starts off really rocking and then it starts to mellow out towards the end. The first 5 tracks are really energetic and are great to listen to at the gym. I love a good workout CD and this new one from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs is just great! Check it out or if you have already, let me know what you think.

Outdoors Living

2009-06-25T21:52:00.000-07:00

Want peace and relaxation? How about spending some time outside? I know the weather is really hot right now, but there are still some evenings when the weather is bearable. How about a nice breeze? All you need is a cool drink, outdoor chairs and a friend to chill out with. It can be therapy in your backyard. And as the fall comes closer, the weather will eventually get better and bring those amazing cool evenings.

How Many iPods?

2009-06-25T21:51:00.000-07:00

How many iPods have you owned in your life? Do you own more than one right now and do you use them all? For me, I've owned a total of two iPods so far. An iPod Mini and an iPod Shuffle. I currently only use the Shuffle, but I would seriously consider getting a second one. Why? So I can make sure I am never without one! One for the gym-bag and one for the bedroom.

Is Diet and Exercise Enough?

2009-06-11T17:26:00.000-07:00

When trying to lose weight, is diet and exercise enough to shed the pounds and get in shape? Well yes, it is, but it takes a long time to see results. That's why many people also combine diet pills to the mix to shed weight. Is it safe? Well taken in moderation, it is, but don't let the best diet pills fool you -- you can't start slacking on the gym and the nutrition. You need to keep all three up to see lasting results.

Where's the NEW Rihanna?

2009-06-11T17:22:00.000-07:00

I think its about time for Rihanna to release a new album, don't you? With her last album, Good Girl Gone Bad being release over two years ago on June 5, 2007 in the U.S., its about darn good time for her to get back in the studio and release another album. Is she having trouble matching her last musical success?

How is Your Back Yard?

2009-06-11T17:18:00.000-07:00

Sun? Shade? Trees? Dirt? How about a deck? Well I simply love spending the summer evening outdoors. The weather is cool, especially if there is a breeze, and as long as I can have a citronella burning to scare off bugs, I've in heaven. Take a look at these great gazebos -- would they be perfect to have one in your own backyard. Keep the bugs at bay and have a great summer time! Enjoy the summer before its over!

Gym +Tanning = Love?

2009-06-11T17:02:00.000-07:00

Love for my local gym! I love it how my local gym has a tanning salon and nutrition center on site. For a low price I can work up a sweat, shower clean at the gym, and then take a 10 minute tan. Its like a mini-vacation when I go to the gym because its all about me and I can get some things accomplished. Doesn't that sound like fun?

Baby Season?

2009-06-11T17:00:00.000-07:00

Is it baby season already? OK, there is no real "baby season" -- its just feels that way since a lot of my friends seem to be pregnant right now. I just attended a baby shower last week for a friend at the gym and I will be hosting a baby shower next months for my friend. I am on the look for good deals on baby shower invitations and decorations. I'll keep an eye our for good deals on birth announcements too -- just to help out! Baby season is here -- have fun.

The Peachtree Roadrace

2009-06-11T16:58:00.000-07:00

My husband got his 2009 Peachtree Road race number in the mail today. He will be joining over 50,000 people on the morning of the 4th of July in a few weeks to run the annual event. And me? Well I like sticking to 5k races -- and I will enjoy the morning watching the race with a friend from the sidelines, maybe sipping a tea or coffee.

Disposable or Cloth

2009-06-11T16:56:00.000-07:00

What type of diapers do you feel are the best for the environment? Is it disposable diapers or cloth diapers. Well traditional thought is that the cloth diaper is re-usable and does not contribute to landfill, but think about it -- you will use a lot of water washing those dirty diapers over and over again. That's waste in water and electricity too. What are your thoughts on this topic of debate? What about disposable diapers made from recycled or eco-friendly materials?

Race Season is Here!

2009-06-11T16:54:00.000-07:00

Road race season is here in full force. You can most likely find a road race 5k or 10k to participate in every weekend around town. This Saturday I'm running a 5k with my husband. It should be a lot of fun and its also for charity. Of course a small donation is required as entry fee but you do get a cool t-shirt to remember the race by. Running is fun but road races are that much more fun! Check it out, either as a running, a walker or a spectator.

Stay Awake with B12

2009-05-11T19:43:00.000-07:00

Forget taking over the counter medicine or supplements like ephedrine to stay awake on the weekends or when you have to work late. Here's a cheaper and easier way -- take vitamin B12 supplements! The pills are cheap, natural and safe. A dose of 10,000% your daily recommended allowance will give you a natural perk and keep you focused for hours! Just don't take it too often or its effectiveness will be reduced.

Drink Up The Good Stuff

2009-04-19T13:36:00.001-07:00

Stay out of Debt

2009-04-19T13:34:00.000-07:00

What do you call the definition of insanity? Well the classic definition is "doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting different results". To me in the modern sense that means abusing your credit cards, getting yourself in debt, going through debt consolidation and then doing it all over again as soon as you are debt free. Dumb huh? Think about it -- learn from your mistakes!

Save Money and Get Smarter!

2009-04-19T13:33:00.000-07:00

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

2009-04-19T13:31:00.000-07:00

Don't sweat the small stuff in life. Do you have a home? Are you safe in it? Is it clean? Then that's all you really need to care about. Forget about upgrading your counter tops, redoing your bathroom to get cool new bathroom faucet appliances, and the such -- just forget about it. It's cosmetic, its trivial and it really doesn't matter in life. Just try to focus on the big picture and that means your friends, family and relationships.

Bye Bye Weather Channel

2009-04-19T13:30:00.000-07:00

I love Weather.com and I'm not afraid to say it (and they are not paying me to say that!) Weather.com is just a great website to visit. No, I'm not one of those people who are in love with the Weather Channel. I just like being able to find out the current weather conditions. Whenever I want to plan my day, I check out weather.com first. Its so easy and it can help you plan the perfect day without surprises.

Why Iron?

2009-04-19T13:27:00.000-07:00

Look, I'm frugal but there's one place which I draw the line -- ironing. It makes no sense to me to spend time ironing your own clothes when you can just spend a few dollars and get the clothes professionally pressed. No more ironing dress shirts, tuxedo shirt, skirts, suits -- let the pros handle it and give back to the local economy. It just makes sense! (Unless you really can't afford it).

All Unhappiness

2009-04-19T13:26:00.000-07:00

All unhappiness is caused by thinking about the past or the future. One of the most profound things I realized this year was that thinking negatively about the past is really, really useless. I mean, there is nothing, nada, zero you can change about it. Sure learning from the past is important, but regret and pain from it does absolutely nothing except cause hurt and suffering. Think about it.

Diet Pills - How, When, Why

2009-04-19T13:24:00.000-07:00

How do diet pills work? Do any work? I think the ones which claim to burn fat off your body are crazy because there is no science to back it up. But those diet pills which act as an appetite suppressant can really actually help you eat less which therefore helps you lose more weight. Less calories you intake, the less there is to burn off or that gets absorbed and turned into fat. Think about it.

Love to Read? Well if not, here's a start

2009-04-19T13:23:00.000-07:00

What does every gym need? A whole bunch of magazine subscriptions! No, I'm really serious. Having new magazines to look at while cycling, using the elliptical, and treadmill is a God-send. It's almost cheating because it makes working out actually fun. Throw on your iPod, and you have yourself a weight loss party!

Lucky Kids?

2009-04-19T13:21:00.002-07:00

Do kids these days have it any better than we did 15 years ago in high school? I'm talking about health and beauty products. Adolescence is a pain, especially with bad skin, so what I want to know is if treatment for acne has improved over the past decade or not. Is it still the same or is has there really been a change in technology and medical science to make life better for teens?

Empty Gym Syndrome

2009-04-19T13:21:00.001-07:00

I bet if you went to your gym in the first 2 weeks of January, the place was probably packed! So many new faces, old faces you haven't seen before, and some of the same of regulars -- packed the whole gym. And now? At the end of January? Ahhh, not so much. Am I right? The gym is no longer crowded and only the true die hards (like you and me) are left.

Do Beauty Products Work?

2009-04-19T12:37:00.000-07:00

Think about the progress in the last 40 years on beauty products. I mean the twenty-somethings of the 1960's are now the 60 and 70 year olds today. They look old, right? DO you think that someone who is twenty-something now will look any better in 40 years from now? Do you think the advances in eye cream, moisturizers, and face scrubs will actually make younger looking 60 years olds when compared to people today of that age?

Get Back to the Gym

2009-04-18T15:45:00.000-07:00

I must confess, I haven't been to the gym in a few days week. In fact, I missed 4 days in a row last week. What's this all about? Well I'm a little under the weather. Being sick is no fun and its certainly no fun to work out when you don't feel well. You don't have the energy you normally have and the exercise just ends up tiring yourself out more. Take it from me -- wait until you are well and you will get better sooner.

Do You Have a Life Plan?

2009-03-31T18:19:00.000-07:00

A life plan is a road map of where you are now and where you want to go. Starting is the easy part. Just write down where you are right now (work, family, love, money, fulfillment). Then decide where you want to go. Want to increase your education? Want to get a handle on your money situation? From your starting point, draw lines for each of the aspects of your life you want to focus on. Along the lines, write down milestones in order to get to where you want to be.

What is a Fast?

2009-03-31T18:17:00.000-07:00

There are so many different ways out there to help you lose weight. There are cleanses like Colonix, diet pills, and then there are more old fashioned ways like the fast. A fast is where you limit what you consume, typically avoiding solid foods and only drinking tea or water. A fast short term has been linked to losing excess fat and cleansing your system from toxins. It has been practiced for centuries. Have you ever tried a fast for weight loss? How about one for religion reasons? Let me know.

I Heart Tight Arms

2009-03-31T18:16:00.000-07:00

Want toned muscles? How about chiseled arms? Well the secret is not really a secret at all. When you work out with light weights and perform the action many, many times that's called high reps. High reps (high repetitions) repeatedly contract and extend your muscles thus toning them. If you do enough reps over many months, your muscles with get more definition. This is opposed to doing high weight for low reps. When you do high weight for low reps, you work on pumping your muscles, making them bigger instead.

Cover Yourself Up!

2009-03-31T18:13:00.000-07:00

When I say cover yourself up, I mean with insurance. You need to make sure you are covered with enough insurance in case of tragedy. But lets say you are caught without it? Then what? Well you can still qualify for social security disability. If you get injured, then companies out there like Allsup can get you the disability benefits you deserve. Insurance is there to help you in the worst of time. If you find yourself there, you need to make sure you know what to do next.

Podcasts and You

2009-03-31T18:12:00.000-07:00

If you don't listen to your favorite radio programs as podcasts, then you are missing out! Podcasts are usually free of charge and are available for many radio programs and stations. Don't want to miss the morning show of your local station? Download it in the evening and listen to it at the gym. The best part is that using iTunes you can automatically subscribe to these casts and always have them available to listen to.

Comfort at Home

2009-03-31T18:10:00.000-07:00

What do people do in a recession like this? Seek comfort. That means different things to different people, but the goal is the same: to feel safe and sound. Whether this means cooking a good home made meal and eating with family, or it means redecorating your bedroom with new sheets and bed frames to make a home oasis, its all about being comfortable and taking your mind off the stresses of the world. How are you finding comfort at home in this economy?

Addiction Begins Here

2009-03-14T21:58:00.001-07:00

Here is a list of warning signs for addiction problems. It applies for drug and alcohol addiction mainly, but they also can be used for identifying other signs of

Inability to have fun without XYZ.
Making bad financial decisions in order to get XYZ (selling stuff)
Withdrawal from family or friends, often in lieu of new "friends"
Having to do XYZ first thing in the morning to get your day started
Talking about XYZ all the time
Mood swings (mainly anger outbursts) when confronted about XYZ
Physical appearance and grooming go down hill

A New Pet

2009-03-14T21:35:00.000-07:00

I already have two cats so I'm not looking for a new pet anytime soon. But if you are considering one (say, a cat) then you need to take into consideration all the things you'll need to buy and pay for annually. For instance, cat supplies means food, litter, brushes, toys, and more toys. You'll also have to pay for annual checkup and shots to keep the cat healthy. Aside from this, cats are pretty low maintenance. What do you think?

The New iPod Shuffle

2009-03-14T21:34:00.000-07:00

I like using my iPod Shuffle's shuffle feature (duh), but you'd be surprised how many people don't use it. Its a shift in usage that many people don't like. The iconic iPod let users have full control over their music while playing. From play lists to menus, the iPod created a certain "way" people listened to portable music. Now Apple has the shuffle which acts differently -- you can only listen to the music in the order in which it was loaded or you can randomly shuffle through it. Come on people -- embrace the Shuffle.

Make Sure You Know!

2009-03-14T21:31:00.002-07:00

Make sure you know what your children watch -- I'm talking about DVDs, TV shows, and movies. I'm not saying you can only let your kids watch Christian videos -- no, just recall that rating systems are there for a reason. Kids under 6 should not watch anything other than "G" rated shows. Don't you agree? Why would you let your kid watch a PG-13 movie when they are not 13 or 10? Keep it real.

Do You Own a Bike?

2009-03-14T21:31:00.001-07:00

Is you city Bike Friendly? Well unless you live in Portland Oregon, the answer is probably No. Well let's start smaller -- is you neighborhood bike friendly? Maybe. If you live in a subdivision, its probably safe to own a bike and ride it for fitness and fun. What are you waiting for? You can buy a bicycle at Wal-Mart for under $150 -- just do it!

Physiological Footwear

2009-02-26T18:42:00.000-08:00

"Physiological Footwear" -- that's the slogan behind the hot show brand MBT shoes. These shoes are marketed as being the "anti-shoe". Its unique design supposedly burns calories when you walk. They also make your leg and foot muscles stronger! Have you tried these shoes yet? I want to give it a try. Tell me if its a good deal or not.

Oh Gym, Where Art Thou?

2009-02-26T18:40:00.000-08:00

I must confess, I haven't been to the gym in a week. What's this all about? Well I'm a little under the weather. Being sick is no fun and its certainly no fun to work out when you don't feel well. You don't have the energy you normally have and the exercise just ends up tiring yourself out more. Take it from me -- wait until you are well and you will get better sooner.

My New Fossil Watch

2009-02-24T20:13:00.002-08:00

I got a new watch and it is really cool. It is a Fossil watch which crystal bezel and three chronograph windows. Here is a picture of it I found on kenmarwatches.com.

I only have one regret... I paid too much for it! I should have bought it online at a store which sells Fossil watches for shockingly low prices. I found such a site -- kenmarwatches.com -- and it is amazing. They have like every watch known to humans listed on their site. You can browse with ease, narrow your search, and find the perfect watch for you. I found out that I could have had my watch from them and I would have gotten a free Fossil Calendar as a gift! You can't beat free gifts! That's just one of the reasons to buy you next watch from Kenmar Watches. Kenmar has been doing this online for over a decade. They stand behind every order and sale with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Customer service is only a phone call or email away. Be sure to sign up for their newsletter to get special updates and offers send directly to your index. They even have a price match guaranty which means you always get the lowest price on new watches.

Good Morning Joe

2009-02-24T20:13:00.001-08:00

Taking Good Digital Photos

2009-02-19T19:35:00.000-08:00

I love taking photos with my digital camera. Why? Well its easy -- I can take dozens and dozens different shots and pick the best one. Why try to wait for the perfect pose? Just pop in the micro sd card, and start snapping away. I guarantee you -- when you go back to your computer and check out your hundreds of shots, you will find a least a few gems in there. Its so easy and fun. You really feel like a success when you get those awesome shots!

Even if its Just for the Internet Access

2009-02-08T15:20:00.000-08:00

Its Pruning Weather

2009-02-08T15:18:00.000-08:00

If you live in the Southern United States like me (Atlanta!), then you need to know its almost about time to get out in the yard and start your pruning. Get your lawn and garden ready for spring with some pruning, moving, and fertilization. Plant some new Leyland Cyprus trees or Mulberry trees and get ready for a best time of the year. If you wait too long then you will miss out on the best growing time of the year -- the Spring!

The Internet is My Personal Weather-Guy

2009-02-08T15:14:00.001-08:00

Run, Run, Run

2009-02-08T15:03:00.000-08:00

Its nearing the end of winter and that means that 5k and 10k runs will start popping up around the city you live in. So are you ready? Well if not, now is the time to get into shape and prepared. Why participate? Are you kidding? How about your health -- it could get a big boost. Also you get to get and spend time with other people. That's not good enough? Well usually these races also have lots of promotional product t-shirts and other items available for free from vendors.

Free Your Mind -- The Past Doesn't Matter

2009-02-08T15:02:00.000-08:00

One of the most profound things I realized this year was that thinking negatively about the past is really, really useless. I mean, there is nothing, nada, zero you can change about it. Sure learning from the past is important, but regret and pain from it does absolutely nothing except cause hurt and suffering. Think about it.

I Love FB

2009-02-01T19:19:00.000-08:00

I am really getting into this Facebook thing. I mean, I am reconnecting with people from my past and keeping current with my friends now. Its a great networking site and I love it more every day. Right now I just uploaded a series of photos of me wearing my different pairs of glasses... oh fun!

Love to Read... at the Gym

2009-02-01T19:18:00.001-08:00

The Alterantive to GB

2009-02-01T19:02:00.000-08:00

Gastric bypass surgery is no walk in the walk. It can be very dangerous. That's why there has been an alternative procedure developed. Lapband surgery is where a restriction band is placed around the top of the opening of your stomach, which makes a small pouch and slows entry of food. This can help you lose weight without cutting our your stomach. Checkout the website of Dr. Richard Collier, a lapband conroe, Houston, and Kingwood, Texas areas. With 31 years of experience, you can have a high level of confidence with Dr. Collier. Have you heard about Lapband surgery before? Let em know what you think.

I Just Got a Wiiiiii!

2009-02-01T19:01:00.001-08:00

I just got a Nintendo Wii today and I am already hooked on Wii Sports Bowling. What's the first game I'll buy? You all know I love music. What I don't love so much are video games. But I think that could all change thanks to the Nintendo Wii's new music game. Its not like Guitar Hero or such -- instead its all about having fun and experimenting with music. I think I might buy it!

Who's Moving?

2009-01-29T20:48:00.000-08:00

Have you seen any moving trucks on the road lately? Probably not. So who is moving in this current economic environment? Here are my ideas on this subject of home sales and moving:

Job Relocations (paid to move)
New Baby (had to move -- old house too small and it was planned)
First Time Home Buyers (saved and saved and now picking up great deals)

Can you think of any other situations?

How's Your Gym Looking?

2009-01-29T20:46:00.001-08:00

Your Gym's Experts

2009-01-20T19:33:00.000-08:00

Congrats for going to the gym so much this year, so far. I mean that seriously -- unless you are not going to the gym, then I meant it satirically. When you go to the gym, depend on the staff to help answer your questions and get the inside scoop on diet pill choices, protein shakes, energy drinks, and pre- and post-workout meals. They should have a relatively good idea about this stuff and can lead you int he right direction. Think about it and then do it!

Start Your Day With Joe

2009-01-20T19:32:00.000-08:00

Get Healthy The Proper Way

2009-01-20T19:30:00.000-08:00

Look, I'm not knocking diet pills or new special diets. I'm only saying that without working out and improving your diet, you will not actually improve your health. You really are what you eat -- you need to make sure your are eating a well balanced diet and getting more active in your life. Its all about lifestyle and improving the way you live every day of your life. Do the one and the rest will follow.

Pump Up The Jam, Pump it Up!

2009-01-20T19:29:00.000-08:00

Want to pump up your workout? Aerobics can be a great part of your workout program. When you are used to running or lifting weights, adding an aerobics class to your schedule could really help you increase your weight loss and improve your stamina. I'm looking to add a few new classes at my gym. I'll let you know.

Get Serious About Your Blog

2009-01-20T19:27:00.000-08:00

I think I should make this one of my New Years resolutions -- get more serious about my blog. I mean, I get visitors here and there, but I should really focus on driving traffic so I can make more friends and share my ideas with more and more people. There is a whole new level of analysis and improvement I could do from conversion rate optimization to search engine marketing. What services or techniques do you use for improving your online sites? I'd love to hear from you.

Shake Up Your Music and Your Workout

2009-01-20T19:26:00.000-08:00

You know I love music and I love my iPod, but I'm getting kinda worried that Apple is losing its touch. I mean the new iPod Nano is kinda boring. Its curved... so what? Where is the crazy innovation? Well, OK, it does have one cool feature -- the new nano has an accelerometer. When you give it a shake, the iPod shuffles your music.

When the Cure Hurts You

2009-01-20T19:23:00.002-08:00

I've watched enough medical shows on cable television to see how sometimes the medical treatment you get may actually make things worse or cause other problems. Whether it be the wrong medicine or a shoulder pain pump which causes more damage than good, its just a fact of life that sometimes doctors make mistakes. I think its a just a fact of life. If doctors are treating thousands of people a year, in thousands of hospitals in each state, mistakes will happen.

Music to Come

2009-01-20T19:23:00.001-08:00

Here's what I think about the future of music. One day we won't have to load our MP3 players up before hitting the town. Instead they will connect to the Internet, like through WiFi, and stream music on demand. I mean, there is no difference to having the music file on your iPod than it is to have it on the Internet. As long as you can listen to it, who cares? I think this is the future! The question left to be answered is when exactly this will become a reality.

Do You Blue Tooth?

2009-01-20T19:20:00.000-08:00

Do you use a Bluetooth headset for your cell phone? I haven't actually done it yet -- I'm not on my phone enough to really justify carrying it around. How much do you have to use your phone to justify using it? Do you use a Bluetooth headset on every call or just in special situations? Let me know how you use this techonology.

Gas Goes High Again... Driving Down

2009-01-20T19:19:00.000-08:00

People living in Atlanta (my town)have been found to be the most price sensitive when it comes to driving patterns. According to INRIX, a traffic technology company, Atlanta came in first out of 100 metro areas surveyed on the correlation between traffic congestion and gas prices. This doesn't surprise me -- we saw such a huge increase in the price of gas in the past 6 months (and now drop back to low prices), traffic and driving habits were certainly changed. I know mine were.

IPod? Now What?

2009-01-06T16:36:00.000-08:00

Did you get an iPod for Christmas or Hanukkah and now wondering what to do with it? Play music on it! Ah, that's the problem -- you don't like any of your old music! Well its easy -- buy some Apple gift cards or register your credit card with iTunes and start buying some new music. I would recommend buying music one song at a time instead of buying whole CDs because you will end up with more hits and less duds. CDs are so passe -- buy your music 99 cents at a time and make your music last longer.

Dont' Overdo It in 2009

2008-12-27T22:24:00.001-08:00

Ready for fitness in 2009? One bad thing that can happen to you if you work out too much is an over-use injury. This is not an injury like a sprained ankle or broken finger -- no, its when you over stress a muscle, tendon, or bone and it becomes painful to use. The only cure is to rest -- but this could mean missing out on gym time. The best cure is not a cure at all, but prevention in the first place. Don't overstress your body and you will be able to workout all year!

Go Ahead, Get Creative!

2008-12-27T22:21:00.000-08:00

If you are planning a wedding, you should just go ahead and plan the best one of your possibly dream of. Let all your creative juices flow and come up with some truly inspirational ideas. I'm talking about handmade wedding invitations and amazing flower centerpieces. What great places do you look to on the Internet for ideas? Get inspired and share your inspiration here.

Computers and The Internet are For.... Weather

2008-12-27T22:20:00.000-08:00

Great Gifts -- Did You Get One?

2008-12-27T22:18:00.001-08:00

Did you get a great gift for the holidays? I did -- I got a new watch and it is great. What did you get? A new iPod? Or how about a Sony Vaio? Of course the best gift of all is good health for you and your family. Hopefully all of you have that -- I wish you nothing but luck and success for the new year. Now, what about those gifts?!

You Can't Control the Past

2008-12-27T22:17:00.000-08:00

Vacation Home in Vegas?

2008-12-16T20:53:00.000-08:00

OK, its a little crazy, but wouldn't it be fun to have a vacation home in las vegas nv? Why would I come up with this idea? Well Las Vegas, I'm told, is an amazing city to visit. You could go there a dozen times and never see the same thing twice. Couple this fact with the downturn in the local housing market, and you've got a situation where a vacation home could be had for cheap. When you think about how Las Vegas real estate could rebound over the next decade, you have a situation where your vacation home could pay for itself in a decade!

The Library is Your Friend

2008-12-16T20:50:00.000-08:00

I love the library. Its not because I'm a book-a-holic. No, that's my husband. I love the library because its a fun place to go with the family, there are magazines and videos, and computers too. The kids love to go there and pick out new books. Its just a nice place to visit and its all paid for by our tax dollars. Why not enjoy it!

Job Fairs and Success

2008-11-30T16:21:00.002-08:00

Are you looking for a new job? I mean, if your current job is not secure (re: bad economy), then you probably should be looking for a new career. Check out your local newspaper for classified ads on local job fairs. The worst case scenario is you spend a few hours of your life and walk out with only free promotional items. On the other side, the best case is that you find a new job! Good luck.

PT on the QT at the GYM

2008-11-30T16:21:00.001-08:00

Do you know why I love going to the gym? Sure the fitness is great, but its also about the personal time I get to spend. The kids are safe in daycare, the husband is at work, and I get to spend 1 hour alone in the gym. Just me, myself, and I. Thinking, reading, working hard -- its really quite a therapeutic experience. Think about it.

2009 Resolutions

2008-11-30T16:11:00.000-08:00

What will be at the top of your New Years resolutions list for 2009? Well nows the time to start thinking about it. Will it be to lose weight (my hint: hit the gym and stay off the Fenphedra)? Or will it be to eat better? Whatever it is the4 trick to sticking with it is to start off slow, with a lessor goal and then ramp it up over time. That could mean going to the gym one a week in January and February and then ramping it up to 3 times a week when you hit June. This is the secret to reaching your goals -- be realistic!

Wii Music

2008-11-28T10:26:00.000-08:00

You all know I love music. What I don't love so much are video games. But I think that could all change thanks to the Nintendo Wii's new music game. Its not like Guitar Hero or such -- instead its all about having fun and experimenting with music. I think I might buy it!

What Will You Do?

2008-11-15T14:59:00.000-08:00

What will you do when your metabolism catches up to your age, meaning it slows down and you start gaining weight when you haven't changed your eating habits? Well you could go looking for the best diet pill out there and consume it, but a more casual approach would be to ... change your eating habits! You may have been able to eat 4 donuts without gaining a pound when you were 25, but now at 35 you need to cut back!

Watch out for the Holidays!

2008-11-15T14:51:00.000-08:00

Its a proven fact that the holidays are the worst time of year for your mental health. Mental health is just one part of a healthy life but an important one. As you enter the holiday season, along with its stressful family reunions, potential loneliness, and money worries, take care to make sure you stay on top of your emotions and mental state.

Holiday at the Magic Kingdon

2008-11-15T14:49:00.000-08:00

I think when the kids are a little older, we will consider taking a few Disney vacations. One special one I was thinking about is to attend during Christmas time to see their winter holiday special. The whole park is Christmas / Holiday decorated (even if there is no snow) and the characters are all dressed up. There are parades and shows and lots of holiday fun. Have you ever been to Disney World during the holidays?

Atlantans and Gas Prices

2008-11-05T19:04:00.001-08:00

Pain in the @#$%

2008-11-05T19:01:00.000-08:00

No not "Pain in the (Butt)" -- I'm talking about foot pain. You don't really think about how valuable your feet are until you get an injury or problem with your foot like Plantar Fasciitis or a broken toe. Every step becomes painful and laborious. If your feet don't hurt at the moment, take a minute and appreciate your good fortune. Pain-free feet are happy feet and you shouldn't take these things for granted.

Live in the Present

2008-11-05T19:00:00.000-08:00

Get Your Money Right

2008-11-05T18:56:00.000-08:00

Wait till I get my money right... who said that? Never mind -- but its true. Getting your money (or finances) in order is a major priority in this sort of economy. One way to start is to reduce your credit card debt. Paying off your balances is a good idea but you need a solid plan. I like using balance transfers to move your debt to the lowest possible interest rate while paying down your debt. This saves you interest charges and reduces the amount of time needed to kill your balance!

Music in the Future

2008-11-05T18:55:00.000-08:00

I think one day we won't have to load our MP3 players up before hitting the town. Instead they will connect to the Internet, like through WiFi, and stream music on demand. I mean, there is no difference to having the music file on your iPod than it is to have it on the Internet. As long as you can listen to it, who cares? I think this is the future! The question left to be answered is when exactly this will become a reality.

Holiday Shopping

2008-11-05T18:19:00.000-08:00

Are you ready for the holiday shopping season? I'm not, but I'm getting to that point. I'm making my gift list and checking it twice -- figuring out what to get everyone in my family. I don't know where I'll do my shopping but a good guess would be the Internet. The Internet it one of the best place to buy virtually anything from wholesale electronics to customized gifts. Sure the mall is still fun to visit, but the best deals I feel are found on the net.

Good Mental Health

2008-10-24T05:00:00.001-07:00

Your mental health is key to a good life. I think everyone should visit a therapist or social worker at least once a year for a checkup. Novel idea, right? I mean you visit the medical doctor once a year for a checkup, why not an annual mental health checkup too?

Putting on a Halloween Show

2008-10-24T04:56:00.000-07:00

We are having a Halloween Party this year. Its the perfect year since Halloween lands on a Friday this go around. That means you can keep the kids (and adults) up late without worrying about School and Work. We are having a haunted house in our basement for our party goers. We've got the place decked out in extreme decor with industrial clamps holding up flying witches, zombies, and drop cloths. Drop cloths? Yeah, we suspend them from the open 2x4s in the ceiling and create the rooms of the haunted house with them.

Bad News -- Overuse Injuries

2008-10-24T04:55:00.001-07:00

One bad thing that can happen to you if you work out too much is an over-use injury. This is not an injury like a sprained ankle or broken finger -- no, its when you over stress a muscle, tendon, or bone and it becomes painful to use. The only cure is to rest -- but this could mean missing out on gym time. The best cure is not a cure at all, but prevention in the first place. Don't overstress your body and you will be able to workout all year!

Long Lines and Big Rewards?

2008-10-24T04:53:00.000-07:00

What will you stand in line for the day after Thanksgiving this year? For me, probably nothing -- OK, I take that back. Maybe I would stand in line for hours for a great deal on a Nintendo DS. I remember the hot item last year was the notebook computer. Many stores had them for sale at $299 for a nice system. Maybe you can find one online for that price now and avoid the hassle of lining up at 2 a.m. in the morning.