Exercise Schmexercise

Song Lyric of the Day:

I wanna get physical / Let’s get into physical / Let me hear your body talk, your body talk

Olivia Newton-John / “Physical”

11:37AM.
I’m so sore right now. Cardio kicked my butt. Crunches kicked my butt. Leg lifts kicked my butt. So why am I putting myself through this? Because, as I mentioned a few posts back, Rich and I are determined to not let ourselves fatten up over the winter. After a shaky start this week, I’m getting back on track and into the swing of things once again. Now I just need to stick with it.

Right now, I’m all proud of myself for actually doing my exercises. Check with me in a few hours, though, and see how happy I am once the pain’s kicked in.

11:49AM.
Speaking of health issues, I advise everyone to tune into ABC News‘ month-long series, “Quit to Live,” about the dangers of smoking; November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. The latest statistics show that 19% of women and 24% of men smoke–50 million Americans total. One quarter of high school students are hooked before graduating.

Per ABC News’ report, nicotine is such a fast-acting drug that it reaches the brain only seven seconds after it is inhaled–faster than marijuana, cocaine, and heroin. Each burning cigarette also releases 4000 chemicals, including 60 known carcinogens and substances found in arsenic, nail polish remover, rat poison, and DDT. How scary is that?

Smoking is the primary cause of lung cancer, killing 160,000 Americans each year–the equivalent of one jumbo jet crashing every single day.

It seems like Rich and I know a disproportionately large number of smokers, family members included. So I’d like to encourage them to try to quit. We’d really like for them to be around for the long haul.

Thanks to ABC News for the statistics I cited in this post. I’m impressed they are doing this, not in the least because of their anchor, Peter Jennings’, lung cancer-caused death in August. And that is truly the primary motivation for his colleagues to be presenting this month-long special report–to honor his legacy. Mr. Jennings touched many peoples’ lives, several of whom wrote to ABC News following his death to say they were more motivated than ever to quit smoking. Here’s hoping some more people follow suit.

9:38PM.
I had lunch at The Chop House with Jonathan and Curry. You know, in keeping with trying to live healthier and all. After a fun, laughter-filled lunch we said our goodbyes and I headed off to do some errands. I ended up meeting Tamara at the mall where she had to exchange something and I had to pick up Rich’s repaired ring from Kay Jewelers. We headed to Mom’s movie theater to see “Waiting…,” starring one of Tamara’s future husbands, Ryan Reynolds. I’m sorry to say that even the charismatic Mr. Reynolds could not salvage this movie; the script was so unbelievably awful, we used our code phrase (“This movie sucks.”) 15 minutes in and left. Keep in mind we walked out on a free movie. Telling, isn’t it?

We then went to David’s Bridal to check out the bridesmaid dresses Vanessa picked out for us to wear at her March wedding. I’m thrilled to report that it turned out to not only be a dress I can wear again for other formal events, but that it is a strapless dress that I will actually not have to glue/tape/staple to keep up. Miracle of miracles, I know. That made me very, very happy. Of course, now I want to spend a day at the store with Tamara just trying on wedding dresses, which is always fun. Unless you’re Carrie Bradshaw, that is.

What made me happier was when Rich called to tell me some positive news about a potential job opportunity for me. Keep your fingers crossed for me! If I get this job, I’ll be in one of my happy places.

Now I’ll probably go burn some shows to DVD. Jonathan actually asked for me to burn “Prison Break” to DVD for him, so I’ll probably start there. Especially since he’s going to come check out yet another plumbing problem Rich and I noticed. Leaky water heater, anyone?

10:14PM.
I just read that FX cancelled “Over There.” I can’t say I’m surprised; I know I couldn’t bring myself to watch it–I don’t think I could’ve handled a weekly “Black Hawk Down.” Per FX president, John Landgraf (via Ask Ausiello): “I’m deeply proud of Over There, which was beautifully produced, acted, written and directed. The series was arguably the most critically acclaimed new television show of the year, a fact that made the decision not to renew it all the more difficult. That decision was motivated entirely by Over There’s ratings performance and our belief that the numbers were reflective of what the show is about, rather than its quality or entertainment value. While we are passionately committed to fostering great television, we are an advertiser-supported network and the size of our audience is vital to our bottom line.” My condolences to Vanessa and the show’s other fans.

11:06PM.
Sweeeet. Rich said if I clean out the guest room closet, he’ll watch the first episode of “Prison Break.” Project for tomorrow!

2 Comments

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2 Responses to Exercise Schmexercise

  1. Curry

    I must try to TIVO the ABC thing. My favorite uncle is in the hospital for advanced lung cancer yet his daughter is still smoking. Most of my residents smoke and most of them have either COPD or emphesyma. We are trying to wean them off,but I think it is probably a lost cause. Most of my extended family has had some form of cancer so this issue hits close to home.

  2. Rich

    I also said that as a result of my watching and your cleaning of the closet, if i don’t LIKE prison break, you have to stop watching it.

    The ball is in your court, oh tattoo slobberer…

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