Life Stories: May 2006 Archives
So my cheap elliptical machine finally broke after about a year of constant use, and I couldn't find a replacement in the same price range so I started looking at alternatives. Wal-Mart had a few options, but the low-end machines were all at least $300, and since I enjoyed my now-broken $120 machine perfectly well I didn't really want to spend almost three times as much on a replacement. So my wife suggested that we try the Tony Little Gazelle Edge Fitness System, yes the one from the Geico commercial.
I was skeptical, but since the machine was less than $100 I figured that we might as well give it a shot; Jessica knew she liked it, having used one in the past. It didn't take long to set up, and I did a 20 minute workout on Monday and then a 30 minute workout on Tuesday morning. I didn't feel very winded after either workout, so I'm not sure if the machine is really going to push me in the long-term, but when I woke up this (Wednesday) morning I could barely move. Every muscle and tendon in my body hurts. The machine is doing something right, probably due to the incredibly wide range of motion and the fact that the left and right pedal/handle assemblies aren't connected to each other like they would be on an elliptical machine, so your body has to do all the synchronization and balancing on its own.
I haven't felt this sore and tired in a long time, so I'm going to give the machine a few more weeks before I decide whether or not I want to buy a more expensive elliptical. As of now, I can safely say that Tony Little kicked my butt.
So I'm here in Tennessee with my wife visiting her mom and I'm totally exhausted from the trip and the busy afternoon we've had touring the Southern middle of the state. The flight was nice, and the countryside is absolutely gorgeous. I feel very relaxed and at peace, which is nice, and I've come up with some great ideas for a new book I'm going to start fleshing out. I'm looking forward to a few days of rest, so don't expect much more here than a few pictures when I have a chance to upload them.
If you were like me you spent the last four years pondering President Bush's call in his January, 2002, State of the Union address for Americans to dedicate time to volunteer service. When would an official government organization be established to apportion praise and honor, finally rendering volunteer service worthwhile? Well that time has come, and I just received a solid gold President's Volunteer Service Award pin to prove it!
It's about time I get some recognition and admiration for all those thankless years of humble, tireless service. Now that I'm a Colonel in the USA Freedom Corps, the tables have turned.
Well, I'm now officially a victim of credit card fraud. Apparently someone decided to buy $2000 NBA playoff tickets using my (now cancelled) Citibank card. Fortunately the Citibank people responded quickly and I've got a new credit card on the way and will not be liable for the charges. Yet another reason why credit cards are better than debit cards or cash.
