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Health

On Habits and the People Around You

I’m now almost 3 months into my workout/diet changes.  Generally, I’ll start flagging a bit in the willpower area around now, but this time around things seem to be going a bit better.  I think a large portion of that comes from the affect of people around me and I wanted to call that out.  I think keeping the company of individuals that also participate or at least acknowledge and support what you’re trying to do is pretty key to staying on task.  It reminds me of one article that took a lot of flak for back in the day Obesity is Contagious.  While the tagline is pretty inflammatory, I think the basic idea makes sense and can be applied to a more constructive end.  The more people around you that can help motiviate/keep you honest the more likely you are to stay on track for whatever your goal is.  I think it applies to workouts, diets, saving money…pretty much anything.  It’s why there are clubs and interest groups.

I have the benefit that many of my coworkers subscribe to some sort of diet that includes cutting out processed foods, low carbs, etc.  We even recently created an internal mailling list to share ideas/tips/whatever.  Aside from that we have a lot of people who also have some sort of workout routine like Crossfit/P90X/Insanity.  I even had a coworker start doing the same workout program after sharing my thoughts about it.  I think having a partner is also pretty key.  You’re less likely to ditch a workout when you know someone else expects you there.  It also keeps both parties motivated to stick with it and for some it adds that extra push of friendly competition.

Now I’m not saying to ditch people who don’t agree with your changes, but I do think it’s a good idea to inform your friends of what you’re doing and to share your experiences, triumphs, and setbacks.  The more they’re receptive to what you’re trying to accomplish the more likely you’ll be able to reach your goals.  This is the power of those around you and it goes a long way into turning your goals into habits in your lifestyle.

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On Old Dog Etiquette

I subscribe to The Bark Magazine.  It’s a Berkeley based bimonthly magazine that covers well…dog culture for dog lovers I guess.  This month’s magazine was a tribute to senior dogs.  I was looking through and read one of the stories about senior dogs that struck a chord with me and thought I’d share.

For those that know me, you know that I’ve “owned” Dopey for the past 5 years and that she’s an old dog, but not just a normal senior as she’s also disabled.  I put owned in quotes because she’s not really my dog, but I still feel that she’s my daughter.  I’ve seen her go from always runnign full speed across soccer fields, to dragging her feet, to running in a wheelchair, to stuck bouncing around in her bed.  The article put into words something that I could never quite put my finger on.  I’ll just put an excerpt for those that are ADD, but thankfully the full story is available to read on their website now.  I know better than most that she’s old, but the article puts a dog lovers heart into words so well.

From Be Gentle: I know my dog is old

The last years and months we share with our geriatric dogs are among the most bittersweet times in dog lovers’ lives. We know, from the moment we choose these guys as puppies or meet their limpid stares at the animal shelter, that our hearts will be torn apart some day. What makes it so much worse is that the older they get, the sweeter they get, and when they reach absolute critical sweetness—you simply cannot love them any more than you already do—they grow completely exhausted and die.

The end may sound a bit harsh, but it’s reality.  I know Dopey will eventually leave and I’m sure I will be crushed.

Dopey_bunnyDopey_beachDopey_wheelchairDopey_lap

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Tiger Mother? Mom…You were right (mostly)

I’m sure many of you have heard of Amy Chua…no?  What about the online Wall Street Journal article “Why Chinese Mothers Are Superior”?  Now maybe that rings a bell or piqued your interest.  The piece is an excerpt from her new book, “Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother” and it’s pretty controversial regarding her opinions on child rearing.  I can see why people are getting all riled up as raising children (I have no experience) is a touchy subject and everyone’s experience will be different.  Mostly, no one likes to be told you’re raising your kid wrong.

That being said I read the article last week, heard the NPR interview this morning, and thought that maybe everyone should just chill out a bit.  Sure in the WSJ piece she sounded pretty rough, but parts of the article did strike chords that resonated with my own experience growing up.  I don’t know why Asian parents love string instruments so much (I played violin primarily).  In the NPR interview one of the callers mentioned he was locked in the bathroom until he could get his times tables in Chinese right.  Me too!  Except I was in the backyard (it was during the day).  Anyways I digress, hearing all the criticism heaped on Amy Chua just made me think of my parents (especially my mom), and how I wouldn’t think it fair to judge how they raised me (even though I judged them at the time…”I’ll never do that to my kids”…classic).  And while I can say that I’m glad I won some battles with them, I wish I had lost some of the others.  Overall, I look back and am amazed by how they raised the 3 of us the way they did with what they had.  

So to my parents: Thanks for all you’ve done.  I think you did a pretty good job if I don’t say so myself =Þ  You guys always said I’d understand when I was older, and you were right (mostly).

Mom, I know you’re on the Facebook now and can see my status and as such will probably probe into this page.  So here’s a special thanks to you for believing in me and pushing me to always be at my best.  One more note Mom, Vibrams can be used for running so stop worrying.