Posted by Phil on March 16, 2009 – 3:10 pm
Though it took several months beyond my 40th birthday, I finally saw 180 on the scale. In the course of 18 months I’ve dropped a solid 20 pounds. What started as my 35 Day No Caffeine Experiment led to a series of lifestyle changes which had a long-term affect in taking-off the belly fat. The truth is that it’s hard to get started but the momentum has led to an ever easier series of decisions for what I ingest in my body. Fundamentally the move away from the 20 year habit of drinking coffee (which has been permanent) has led to a revision in how I see food and energy.
I used to feed on caffeine and sugar to boost my energy. The truth is that it was a counterfeit version of energy, short-lived and fleeting at best. By diverting from the quick fixes I’ve noticed a long-term vitality that comes from more exercise, good food and letting my body naturally float through the variance in levels of energy through the day as opposed to the quick fixes. I no long move through the day on artificial highs of caffeine and white sugar. Don’t get me wrong, I still drink tea many mornings sweetened with honey. I eat a piece of chocolate now and again as well. What I don’t do is to depend substances to buoy me up.
Posted by Phil on March 8, 2009 – 9:08 pm
What started as a scooter, grew to riding an old 500cc Honda Shadow motorcycle which has gone to full bloom now in a shiny 2002 Honda Shadow ACE 750cc bike. Through a pretty intensive educational process I am learning how to ride safely, how to maintenance a bike and learning about myself along the way.
One thing I’ve learned afresh about myself is the ability to intensely focus on things to the point of pushing aside other pursuits. During these last several months my posts to thoughtsparks.net has dropped out as I’ve been consumed with fixing-up bikes, scanning Craigslist, riding the bike and just wrapping myself around the process. Now on the backside of the initial learning curve I can say that I am well pleased with the end result.
So what has the process been? First there was the scooter and helmet purchase in October. In November the scooter was sold and the old Honda 500 was purchased. Then commenced the extended repairs of the bike along with taking the Motorcycle Safety course in January. February, in between trips to San Diego and Chicago was riding and fixing, riding and fixing. March looks the most promising with the sale of the ‘83 Shadow and now the purchase of the ‘02 750cc.
What’s next? Riding and more riding. Now that I have a truly road worthy bike it’s off to the Texas Hill Country in the Spring for some adventures and taking in the beautiful Spring scenery.
