Changes and OMG I agree with Paul Ryan

I agree with Paul Ryan on some things. That's right. I found myself reading The Weekly Standard and agreeing with Paul Ryan and his dreamy blue eyes. (please see The Slate Political Gabfest for the dreamy blue eye comment) Here is the video that prompted my Paul Ryan thoughts. "That is where we are right now. This is the most predictable economic crisis we’ve ever had in the history of our country. And yet, we have a President who is unwilling to lead. We have too many politicians who are worried about the next election and not worried about the next generation."

Also found this great article on integrity to juxtapose a post on politics.

1.  You live without regret because you make decisions based on what you know to be right.
   
2. You lead by example by acting with honesty.
   
3. You develop the power to make accurate observations and can recognize truth in others more easily.
   
4. You live with a free conscience and a clear mind uncluttered by a need to keep straight stories. 
5. You have the strength to handle and cope with rejection or criticism because you know your intentions were pure and honorable.
   
6. You are able to minimize personality conflicts because you act out of assertion instead of aggression.
   
7. You are able to live and love freely since you have nothing to hide and hide nothing.
   
8. You are easily able to accept responsibility for mistakes when they happen and move forward with confidence.
   
9. You learn that truth has no agenda and develop a reputation as a person that treats others fairly.

Dating, Radiohead and Open Windows

Hello blog friends from a beautiful weekend in Indiana.

The weather is amazing this weekend. I got a quick 3.5 mile walk in yesterday partially around a lake and partially through a part of town I haven't been through yet. It was nice. A friend of mine is training for the Susan Komen 3-Day in Chicago, so I hope to get some walks in with her. This morning, she was at my place bright and early (6:30 a.m. folks). We did a beautiful 7 miles. Northwest Indiana has some really nice outdoor resources that I lacked in East Central Illinois. I am into that.  My next move will have to be a good blend of both cultural opportunities and outdoor activities. West coast here I come. Please give me a job :).
  I am also halfway through Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred. The scale is not budging but I can tell a huge difference in my muscle tone and way my clothes fit. 15 days has made a huge difference. I would prefer a more muscles to being skinny. I am really hoping this will help with my health issues. The insulin issues are starting to feel a bit more under control these days.


A note on dating, I thought I might try it again recently. It has been 2 years since I have dated anyone and roughly 4-5 years since I have been in a relationship. The experience last week was nice but I think I am going to hold off a bit longer. I want a clearer plan for my next year without complicating it with someone else.  I am totally good with that and am in no hurry. Although I might get a cat friend for the cat. He seems lonely when I am away. 

I have been listening to Radiohead's Hail to the Thief quite regularly for the last several months. I love it. I still think OK Computer is their best work but for me this is one of my favorites. I actually don't own Kid A and have heard I need to get it. Thoughts on that? Also been listening a lot of The Black Keys Brothers. Also will accept all music suggestions as I feel as if I am in a rut at the moment.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend. 

Follow up article to color food dyes in the NY Times

A decent follow up to the food dye debate. Another example of how we let aesthetics trump health and environmental impact. Way to go guys! Now I have to go drink my purple Mt. Dew.

Colorless Food? We Blanch

The Next Couple Months

Today was beautiful. Yesterday was one of those days that happen rarely. I got tons of things done and was able to relax as well. I got all my chores done, car washed and vacuumed, a 5 mile bike ride in, grilled with friends and watched basketball. I crashed like a kid when I got home. Today I overslept, tot caught up on the internet and NY Times Tech Talk podcast, worked out and went on a 3.5 miles walk. It was a nice day. I am starting to get ready for the 5K in May.  At least now I have an idea of how fast I can walk it. I would like to speed it up a bit. After this, I will work on being able to actually run one.

The next couple months are going to be insane. Where will I find the perfect combination of time, money and energy? Oh I believe it can be done. Basically I have decided to live on the adult healthy low GI diet version of the college kid ramen diet. What exactly is that you say? Basically clearing out my freezer and cabinets of food before doing any major shopping. This involves getting creative with the food I have and keeping my carbs in check. So maybe eggs and black beans for breakfast instead of waffles because I need to get rid of the can of black beans etc..

So budgeting is a huge concern of mine and I am getting there. Also working out again. My body is starting to understand the motions a bit more and not hurt as much. Getting sick for that month more or less took tons out of me. If I am going to squeeze everything in, I will need to have a bit more energy. 

So basically I just want to pay off bills and go on trips. I dated someone who was like that once and I really didn't get it at the time. Now I understand the power of the vacation. There is something about getting out of the cubicle that is awe inspiring.

Right now I am simply enjoying the warmer weather and coming down from a relaxing weekend. Spring please be here to stay.