A Healthier Me - Day 147

Missed my workout yesterday so I did it today...

Today's Workout:

30 minutes of cardio on the elliptical
4 sets of 10 on the chest fly for my chest (75 lbs)
4 sets of 10 on the curl arm for my biceps (45 lbs)
4 sets of 10 working on my back (75 lbs)
4 sets of 10 for shoulders (45 lbs)
4 sets of 10 on the front leg press (45 lbs)

Only worked out four days out of the week.. but not bad.. don't think I've done a full five days since before Christmas.. but at least I'm still working out on day 147.

Misconceptions of Being Gay

:: Getting on my Soapbox:::

• Gay = being a woman...

First let me say that this blog is not anti-woman.. I love the fairer sex and many of my closest friends are of the female sort. But it's so frustrating when people hear that you are gay and automatically assume you to be feminine or like female things. Just because I like guys doesn't mean I'm female and like female things. I don't like dressing up in woman's clothing, I don't wear make up, my mind doesn't think like a female. I'm a dude all the way I just happen to be attracted to dudes. Now there are gay men out there who do act effeminate or like to wear woman clothing and such and there is nothing wrong that but that's such a small part of the gay community. 

• Stereotypes

My friends say.. "Oh you guys are good with interior design", yes our house is nicely decorated but it's not because we are gay. Another favorite of mine is"Oh you guys are always nice dressers".. no.. no we are not. Just like in the straight world there are various versions of gay people.. we're not all the same... just because you are gay doesn't mean you inherit these "stereotypical" gay genes. 

•  Attracted to all Men...

I don't understand why most straight guys think that all gay men are after them. Sorry to disappoint you but just because I'm a gay man it doesn't mean I'm going to jump on anything with a penis. Just like in the straight world us gay men are attracted to what we like.

• Attracted to Children

This really drives me crazy but for some reason people (mostly religious) have associated being gay with being a pedophile. Are straight people attracted to children.. no.. so why would gay people be attracted to young boys?? I just don't get it...

• Choosing to be Gay

This misconception is the worse, why would I choose to be gay and have half the world hate me, a quarter tolerate me and quarter accept me? Why would I choose to not have my civil liberates, not be able to marry, not be able to donate blood (you know us gays are all infected with HIV), I can't visit my partner in the hospital or say my final goodbye if he's near death, in most states gay couples can't adopt children.  Yeah I want to live in a world where I can't hold my partners hand or give him a quick kiss in public and not be stared at or made fun of.. or worse.  Yeah I choose this lifestyle.. I woke up one day and thought "hey I like penis", think I'm going to be gay. It truly is scary that people think that's how it actually happens.

Secular Humanism

I've recently have come to to learn about Secular Humanism and agree with many of it's points. I'm not into labeling myself as this or that but I must admit if one would ask I'd say I am a Secular Humanist. If you don't know what it is here is a quick synopsis.  

Secular Humanism is a term which has come into use in the last thirty years to describe a world view with the following elements and principles:

• A conviction that dogmas, ideologies and traditions, whether religious, political or social, must be weighed and tested by each individual and not simply accepted on faith.
• Commitment to the use of critical reason, factual evidence, and scientific methods of inquiry, rather than faith and mysticism, in seeking solutions to human problems and answers to important human questions.
• A primary concern with fulfillment, growth, and creativity for both the individual and humankind in general.
• A constant search for objective truth, with the understanding that new knowledge and experience constantly alter our imperfect perception of it.
• A concern for this life and a commitment to making it meaningful through better understanding of ourselves, our history, our intellectual and artistic achievements, and the outlooks of those who differ from us.
• A search for viable individual, social and political principles of ethical conduct, judging them on their ability to enhance human well-being and individual responsibility.
• A conviction that with reason, an open marketplace of ideas, good will, and tolerance, progress can be made in building a better world for ourselves and our children.

Secular humanism, then, is a philosophy and world view which centers upon human concerns and employs rational and scientific methods to address the wide range of issues important to us all. While secular humanism is at odds with faith-based religious systems on many issues, it is dedicated to the fulfillment of the individual and humankind in general. To accomplish this end, secular humanism encourages a commitment to a set of principles which promote the development of tolerance and compassion and an understanding of the methods of science, critical analysis, and philosophical reflection.

A Healthier Me - Day 145

So I didn't workout yesterday and was able to get to bed at a decent time so I could get up at 6am and get my workout done before I head into work.. I still haven't decided if I like working out early in the morning or late at night. 

Today's Workout:

30 minutes of cardio on the elliptical
4 sets of 10 on the free weight (110 lbs)

Didn't go as long as I normally do on the elliptical so I did some free weights to make up for it.. at least it does in my head. When will this workout thing get easier??? Never I suspect.

V - Season 2 Premiere

Watched the premiere of season 2 of the re-imagined sci fi series V. I was a huge fan of the original miniseries/TV series back in the 80's and enjoyed the first season of this new series. The first half of season one had it's ups and downs but the last three or four episodes really ramped up the action and excitement, so much so that I've been looking forward to the premiere of season 2.

I have to say it didn't disappoint.. the story picks up 4 days after the finale of season 1 and in the first 10 minutes you get an OMG moment when Anna uses her tail and kills one of her captains, but before she does she rips off his face (human skin) and exposes the reptilian face.. AWESOME. Again in the first 10 minutes you get a pretty good look at half human/ half alien baby that was born last season and you find out it's a she.

The remaining hour is filled with one revelation after another.. Anna killing her remaining offspring, Joshua is back but they wiped of his memory, Erica questioning that the V's may have done something to Tyler when she was pregnant. chad Decker wanting to join the resistance but I'm not sure he's on the up and up. Introducing a new character (scientist) and seeing a skeleton of a V that was found on Earth 50 years ago... so may answers in one episode it was fantastic... and the tension continues grows and grows as the story ramps up for what is sure to be a wild ride.

But the one scene that had me jump for joy and scream out YES!!!! was the introduction of Anna's mother Dianna down in the bowls of the ship..  It's done as this big reveal, as she slowly gets out of some sort of cocoon chair and is in darkness until she moves forward into the light and it's revealed to be Jane Badler (the original Diana and Queen V from the 80's series). It was a totally AWESOME moment for those of use you watched the original and LOVED, LOVED, LOVED Diana.

I so can't wait to see where this series goes..

A Healthier Me - Day 143

Today's Workout:

30 minutes of cardio on the elliptical
4 sets of 10 on the chest fly for my chest (75 lbs)
4 sets of 10 on the curl arm for my biceps (45 lbs)
4 sets of 10 working on my back (75 lbs)
4 sets of 10 for shoulders (45 lbs)
4 sets of 10 on the front leg press (45 lbs)

Tired... going to bed.. night all.

A Healthier Me - Day 142

Since there was snow all over and it was freezing this morning I opted to workout tonight after work. It's still freezing outside but less snow so I guess that was a good plan.

Since it's Monday I weight myself this morning 206

Today's Workout:

45 minutes of cardio on the elliptical

Only lasted 45 minutes out there.. I was so cold, I struggled the entire time. I also gained a pound a half from last week..  Not starting this year off too well. :(

Dinner with Friends

This has become an annual event for us. Every year our friends John and Moises invite us over for a "12 days of Christmas" dinner. it's always the same group of close friends, John, Moises, Tom, Ervin and Bruce. Moise always makes the best dinners.. everytime I go over there I try something new.. one year it was duck and this year it was Figgy Pudding. Always a fun experience.. good food and great company... Thanks Guys

Snow Again!!!!

After my last video it started coming down.. so of course I had to do another video.

Snow!!!!

Well when we moved up here they told us that it snowed very rarely out here.. I mean our house is about 2800 feet above sea level so it's not out of the realm of possiblities.. but it snowed last January for a day but only lasted that day.. and early this morning it's snowed on and off but didn't stick.. but now it's snow harder and it's sticking to the ground.. did a quick video