The Walden Reading Group

The Walden Reading group is now in Week II - finishing up reading Chapter One (Economy) and moving into Chapter Two (Where I Lived, and What I Lived For). The discussion of the work has begun with thoughts about Thoreau's sense of humor (particularly puns and paradoxes) to illustrate his points and what sort of persona Thoreau creates in writing from a first person perspective. It's a great group for discussion and illumination of this literature classic.

Join us if you'd like at http://waldenreadinggroup.wordpress.com/

Washington DC - November 1st to 7th

David and I are visiting the Washington DC Area for a week - (November 1 through 7) - what things in the DC area do you consider 'must see' - and we're also looking for out of the way treats that you might recommend. Are their car trips worth taking? any particular bus tours or special programs?

We're book into both Congress and the White House our 2nd day in town - but other than that - we're open books and are excited to be in DC for our vacation.

How To Get Your Ass To The Gym: 10 Tips!

(from http://www.daveywaveyfitness.com silly site name - AWESOME website)

Having a gym membership isn’t the same thing as using it. Gym memberships aren’t cheap – but even the desire to get your money’s worth doesn’t work for everyone. Many people struggle with actually getting their ass to the gym.

So here are 10 of my tips:

1. Evaluate your typical week and identify (or create) time slots wherein you can spend some time at the gym. Ideally, these time slots correspond to when you have the greatest amount of energy.
2. Schedule it. Take out your calendar or planner or blackberry and actually schedule gym time into it. Treat it like a meeting that you can not miss.
3. Remind yourself why you are working out. Remind yourself that you deserve a happier, healthier life – and that going to the gym is one step in getting there. You can even make the reminder or affirmation part of your morning phrase.
4. Pack your bag the night before. If you workout in the morning, pack your bag the night before. Put your sneakers next to the door. Pack your lunch and stick it in the fridge. When you wake up, all you need to do is grab your stuff and go!
5. View exercise as an investment. You are investing in a healthier future – it is not an expense of time.
6. Make an appointment to meet a friend at the gym. If you skip, you’re cheating yourself and your friend.
7. Remind yourself that you don’t have time to not exercise. Skipping the gym could set you up for increased likelihood of debilitating diseases. The opportunity cost of skipping the gym is very high.
8. Know how good you will feel when your workout is complete. Don’t you love that feeling after you workout? Let that anticipated feeling drive you.
9. Offer your trip to the gym as a gift for your body. Your body wants to move. Honor your body by getting your ass to the gym.
10. Routinize it. Make it a habit – part of your routine. I hold exercise and brushing my teeth in the same regard. I don’t think twice about either.

Do you have trouble getting to the gym? Tell me about it in the comments below…

Bob's Kitchen (my cooking show) now syndicated on LJ!

Bob's Kitchen is now offered in LJ syndicated feed....

http://syndicated.livejournal.com/bobskitchen/