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I'm not doing as well on watching my diet as I'd like, and I'm still sore from today's workout. But I washed my sheets and soaked in the tub, and now I will sleep the sleep of the clean. So life could be worse.
A Day Off Well Spent
Feb. 16th, 2009 11:18 pmDespite a morning spent feeling pointlessly indecisive, today was pretty good. I got some necessary things done, had a good workout (did five chinups in a row, a new personal best), and treated Patti to a celebratory (finished with grad school apps) dinner at EVOO (fantastic, fine dining with friends must be my favorite hobby, and it was great to get back to it after my last attempt (Harvest at Harvard Square) turned out to be a disappointment). Tomorrow it's back to work refreshed.
Back to the Journaling
Jan. 12th, 2009 08:57 pmSaturday: Worked out (can deadlift 135 lbs. now, so progress), killed time with DJ and Ginneh (we ended up going to see a late show of The Day the Earth Stood Still which was just what one would expect; we had the theater to ourselves so we MST3Ked the whole thing).
Sunday: Had breakfast with Ames, who I met at Diesel on Tuesday, wandered around town and read, went to Sunday Night Film Club (saw Doubt, which I didn't really enjoy despite some superb acting).
Work lately: Started on a sizable project, which is draining, but actually might be significant for some of our customers when finished.
Currently: Hanging around the SIPB office.
Sunday: Had breakfast with Ames, who I met at Diesel on Tuesday, wandered around town and read, went to Sunday Night Film Club (saw Doubt, which I didn't really enjoy despite some superb acting).
Work lately: Started on a sizable project, which is draining, but actually might be significant for some of our customers when finished.
Currently: Hanging around the SIPB office.
Little Setbacks
Nov. 19th, 2008 04:43 pmI found it necessary to bring a toothbrush and toothpaste to work, which is a bit embarrassing (presumably because it belies any assertion that work and I were only in a casual relationship), but it beats that "dirty mouth" feeling.
My cell phone is on the fritz, so I ordered a replacement. Unfortunately, my current model is no longer available, and the only non-flip-phones available are expensive higher-end models. I went with a slightly more expensive model than the rock-bottom bargains so that I'd have an external LCD, I don't want to have to open my phone just to see the time.
Exercise continues apace. I can do chin-ups now, I've upped the speed on my sprint intervals. I need to keep focusing on my diet, though.
I had a bad headache last night, but I took some medicine, put in some earplugs, went to sleep early, and had the best night's sleep for some time. Woke up feeling great.
Two more days before vacation. I'm so looking forward to vacation.
(Also, the DOW closed below 8000.)
My cell phone is on the fritz, so I ordered a replacement. Unfortunately, my current model is no longer available, and the only non-flip-phones available are expensive higher-end models. I went with a slightly more expensive model than the rock-bottom bargains so that I'd have an external LCD, I don't want to have to open my phone just to see the time.
Exercise continues apace. I can do chin-ups now, I've upped the speed on my sprint intervals. I need to keep focusing on my diet, though.
I had a bad headache last night, but I took some medicine, put in some earplugs, went to sleep early, and had the best night's sleep for some time. Woke up feeling great.
Two more days before vacation. I'm so looking forward to vacation.
(Also, the DOW closed below 8000.)
Quality Meta-Encouragement
Oct. 22nd, 2008 01:40 amMonday was the end of my first program with FitnessTogether. I signed on for another four months, but only once a week this time. I plan to get a membership at Fitcorp (a more conventional gym near my office) and start designing my own strength training workouts, with the weekly sessions at FitnessTogether providing guidance and monitoring my progress.
FitTest results from end of first program (last test was on 9/26, almost a month ago): ( The Numbers )
I also managed to get huge blisters on both of my feet on Monday running on the treadmill, which is really bizarre because I didn't deviate significantly from my standard routine. My feet are slowly healing, but ow.
I went to Fitcorp after work today and got in a pretty good workout despite having to take it easy on my feet. Then I felt like going back to work for some reason, so I went back to my office. I didn't get back to work right away, as I was (pleasantly) interrupted by a phone call from a friend, but when I did I put in a few more very productive hours. Maybe I should give up on waking up early and start working late more often. I'm so much more focused after sunset.
Work is going well again. I just finished a horribly frustrating bug, came out of that one more knowledgeable, but I'm glad to be dealing with something a little more straightforward this time. I blazed through a first attempt at code changes for my new bug and finished the first of the new series of regression tests before I left work today.
FitTest results from end of first program (last test was on 9/26, almost a month ago): ( The Numbers )
I also managed to get huge blisters on both of my feet on Monday running on the treadmill, which is really bizarre because I didn't deviate significantly from my standard routine. My feet are slowly healing, but ow.
I went to Fitcorp after work today and got in a pretty good workout despite having to take it easy on my feet. Then I felt like going back to work for some reason, so I went back to my office. I didn't get back to work right away, as I was (pleasantly) interrupted by a phone call from a friend, but when I did I put in a few more very productive hours. Maybe I should give up on waking up early and start working late more often. I'm so much more focused after sunset.
Work is going well again. I just finished a horribly frustrating bug, came out of that one more knowledgeable, but I'm glad to be dealing with something a little more straightforward this time. I blazed through a first attempt at code changes for my new bug and finished the first of the new series of regression tests before I left work today.
Fitness Test Three
Oct. 2nd, 2008 10:57 pmI just realized I have updated FitTest results in my backpack from last Friday. My previous test was on 8/15, about a month-and-a-half previous.
Weight: 188 lbs. (-7 lbs.)
BMI: 30.3 (-1.2, still in the "obese" range but just barely)
Measurements continue to be encouraging. Lost another 3 inches off the waist and another 2 off the hips. A bit less on the neck and arm, a bit more on the shoulder and thigh.
Fitness Scores
Overall: 29 -> 37
(1-100, 50 is average, higher is better, compared to other males my age)
Bodyfat (3-Pinch Measure): 20 -> 21 (22.6% -> 22.1%) (steady progress)
Bodyfat (Impedance Measure): 10 -> 13 (26.8% -> 24.7%) (steady progress)
Resting Heart Rate: 28 -> 72 (74 BPM -> 62 BPM) (good!)
Active Heart Rate: 26 -> 8 (117 BPM -> 134 BPM) (strange result...)
60-Second Situps: 40 -> 60 (34 reps -> 40 reps) (good!)
Maximum Pushups: 10 -> 25 (11 reps -> 17 reps) (great form, slow improvement)
Sit-Reach Flexion: 72 -> 65 (19.25 in. -> 18.25 in.) (slight decline, as expected)
Weight: 188 lbs. (-7 lbs.)
BMI: 30.3 (-1.2, still in the "obese" range but just barely)
Measurements continue to be encouraging. Lost another 3 inches off the waist and another 2 off the hips. A bit less on the neck and arm, a bit more on the shoulder and thigh.
Fitness Scores
Overall: 29 -> 37
(1-100, 50 is average, higher is better, compared to other males my age)
Bodyfat (3-Pinch Measure): 20 -> 21 (22.6% -> 22.1%) (steady progress)
Bodyfat (Impedance Measure): 10 -> 13 (26.8% -> 24.7%) (steady progress)
Resting Heart Rate: 28 -> 72 (74 BPM -> 62 BPM) (good!)
Active Heart Rate: 26 -> 8 (117 BPM -> 134 BPM) (strange result...)
60-Second Situps: 40 -> 60 (34 reps -> 40 reps) (good!)
Maximum Pushups: 10 -> 25 (11 reps -> 17 reps) (great form, slow improvement)
Sit-Reach Flexion: 72 -> 65 (19.25 in. -> 18.25 in.) (slight decline, as expected)
Delicious Steak Makes Life Good
Sep. 15th, 2008 10:14 pmLife is going well. I had steak for lunch on Sunday (seasoned with annatto, long pepper, rosemary, salt, and a bit of Worcestershire sauce) and again for dinner today (seasoned with cubeb pepper, basil, thyme, and sea salt). Steak is good, simple (just season and pan-sear it), and quick (since I like it rare), and clearly the best part of getting more protein into my diet.
That aside: Training is getting into the details of the code now, still working on chinups (not quite there), saw Burn After Reading (an extremely funny, sometimes shocking, dark comedy) with Boston Sunday Night Film Club.
That aside: Training is getting into the details of the code now, still working on chinups (not quite there), saw Burn After Reading (an extremely funny, sometimes shocking, dark comedy) with Boston Sunday Night Film Club.
Links: Politics, Games, and Art Edition
Sep. 12th, 2008 05:42 pmLot of good stuff from the past few weeks!
Political talk and commentary:
- Olbermann rants about 9/11(TM), as the Republicans spin it.
- O'Reilly defends Obama... what? The Daily Show team talks to Republican convention-goers about small-town values.
- John McCain slams Obama for... protecting children from child molesters? Of course, this is good for McCain.
- Obama discusses McCain's lobbyists.
- The Daily Show parody's John McCain's biography film, noting how his policy positions have totally reversed since 2000 (some as late as 2006). They also go over his acceptance speech.
- Joe Biden tears into John McCain, go Joe!
- Samantha Bee of The Daily Show talks to RNC atendees about Bristol Palin's... what's that word again?
- Questions that the media should ask Sarah Palin, as contrasted with what they probably will ask.
- Ron Paul endorses the third-party candidates, ALL OF THEM. Bob Barr asks Paul to be his running mate, with Root agreeing to step aside. I do hope he'll accept, that would be tremendously entertaining.
- Here's a paradoic (and hilarious) expose on GameStop's horrible business practices. And here I'd thought they were just garden-variety bad. I plan to avoid them in the future.
- SPORE has awful DRM, and apparently the gameplay is lackluster, too. I was interested in this one back during its development, but now I think I'll take a pass. The game accumulated a ton of negative reviews on Amazon from disgruntled fans (over 2000, most very negative, before Amazon deleted them all (update: they're claiming that was a technical glitch and have restored the reviews)).
- Meanwhile, there is some good news. Good Old Games is selling old classics via download, with no DRM, downloadable extras, and $6-10 price tags. They've just opened for their private beta test. Their EULA is still the usual (when is a sale not a sale?), but it's still progress. If you're looking to get your game fix now, Abandonia has freeware and abandonware games (copyrights fallen into the public domain by virtue of companies gone belly-up, mostly) available for download. I downloaded Ascendancy, since I really liked that game back in the day.
- Here's a video segment about a painter born without eyes.
- And here's a short photo-essay about a painter (set of painters?) with dissociative identity disorder.
- One on Shovelglove, an intersting DIY exercise technique.
- For technical-minded folks, here's an article on the history of the User-Agent string (and why Google Chrome is Mozilla, but in fact it's AppleWebKit, which is like Gecko (except not), but really it's just Chrome, which is pretty much Safari).
- Here's an essay on one employee's experience in the Rent-to-Own business.
- United's stock (briefly) tanked recently, after an old story about their bankruptcy was accidentally republished. danah boyd (she of the insufficient capital letters) took the opportunity to share another United Airlines horror story. Considering that my last airline horror story was also United, perhaps this is a good indication that they're another business to avoid.
Updated Numbers
Aug. 15th, 2008 12:51 amUpdated fitness test scores, as of last week:
Weight: 195 lbs. (unchanged)
BMI: 31.5 (unchanged)
Measurements indicate some improvement, lost some on waist, hips, thighs, gained on shoulder, bicep, forearm. Lifting strength gains continue.
Fitness Scores
Overall: 21 -> 29
(1-100, 50 is average, higher is better, compared to other males my age)
Bodyfat (3-Pinch Measure): 20 (22.6%) (previous measure was done incorrectly)
Bodyfat (Impedance Measure): 10 (26% -> 26.8%) (no significant change)
Resting Heart Rate: 28 (74 BPM) (unchanged)
Active Heart Rate: 5 -> 26 (143 BPM -> 117 BPM) (promising)
60-Second Situps: 12 -> 40 (25 reps -> 34 reps) (also a good sign)
Maximum Pushups: 10 (10 reps -> 11 reps) (no significant change, but my form is better)
Sit-Reach Flexion: 55 -> 72 (17.5 in. -> 19.25 in.) (good, my form was imperfect, though, so this may be a bit higher than accurate)
Weight: 195 lbs. (unchanged)
BMI: 31.5 (unchanged)
Measurements indicate some improvement, lost some on waist, hips, thighs, gained on shoulder, bicep, forearm. Lifting strength gains continue.
Fitness Scores
Overall: 21 -> 29
(1-100, 50 is average, higher is better, compared to other males my age)
Bodyfat (3-Pinch Measure): 20 (22.6%) (previous measure was done incorrectly)
Bodyfat (Impedance Measure): 10 (26% -> 26.8%) (no significant change)
Resting Heart Rate: 28 (74 BPM) (unchanged)
Active Heart Rate: 5 -> 26 (143 BPM -> 117 BPM) (promising)
60-Second Situps: 12 -> 40 (25 reps -> 34 reps) (also a good sign)
Maximum Pushups: 10 (10 reps -> 11 reps) (no significant change, but my form is better)
Sit-Reach Flexion: 55 -> 72 (17.5 in. -> 19.25 in.) (good, my form was imperfect, though, so this may be a bit higher than accurate)
I have a pain in my shoulder as of this morning. I hope it heals quickly; while it's not intense, it's that sort of specific, persistent pain that is very annoying.
I started adding running / jogging / power walking to my training today. I did incline intervals on the treadmill this morning (starting easy, 3 mph; 2 min. at 3 degrees, 1 min at 15 degrees (max incline) for half an hour), and I jogged on and off on the way home. My running endurance is still awful, but just good enough that I have hope of improving it. The new shoes don't perfectly shield my flat feet from pain, but they're a huge step up from any previous pair.
I started adding running / jogging / power walking to my training today. I did incline intervals on the treadmill this morning (starting easy, 3 mph; 2 min. at 3 degrees, 1 min at 15 degrees (max incline) for half an hour), and I jogged on and off on the way home. My running endurance is still awful, but just good enough that I have hope of improving it. The new shoes don't perfectly shield my flat feet from pain, but they're a huge step up from any previous pair.
Saturday Sunshine, Sunday Rain
Aug. 10th, 2008 04:58 pmI got new shoes yesterday (Brooks running shoes, to be specific). I've been wanting to improve my lifting form and add a bit of running (at least some jogging intervals and treadmill incline intervals) to my workout routine, so I needed new shoes, as my old ones were basically falling apart. On the recommendation of some marathon-running coworkers, I went to Marathon Sports. Having been there, I second their recommendation, it's the place to go for those who want to do more with their shoes than sit and walk. They do a proper fitting based on how you stand / walk / run and what you want to do, not just the length and width of your feet.
There was also a sale of overstock books for $2 each in Harvard Square. Not that I need more books, but I can't resist.
I had a surprising moment of parenting win at the bus station near Harvard Square. A passing mom was dealing with a frustrated toddler, the kid was on the verge of throwing a tantrum because she'd wanted to climb in the stroller by herself and wasn't able to adequately communicate that desire, and I diffused the situation with a focused expression and a few carefully chosen words. (On a somewhat related note: While I'm not surprised that children, no matter how young, love their small measures of independence, I'm surprised that kids that young understand sentences with reflexive pronouns.)
Today has been a quiet day, though. I've been fighting a bit of a stomach bug and feeling blue. I was going to go to Sunday Night Film Club, but it started pouring so I decided to stick closer to home. It's been raining a lot lately.
There was also a sale of overstock books for $2 each in Harvard Square. Not that I need more books, but I can't resist.
I had a surprising moment of parenting win at the bus station near Harvard Square. A passing mom was dealing with a frustrated toddler, the kid was on the verge of throwing a tantrum because she'd wanted to climb in the stroller by herself and wasn't able to adequately communicate that desire, and I diffused the situation with a focused expression and a few carefully chosen words. (On a somewhat related note: While I'm not surprised that children, no matter how young, love their small measures of independence, I'm surprised that kids that young understand sentences with reflexive pronouns.)
Today has been a quiet day, though. I've been fighting a bit of a stomach bug and feeling blue. I was going to go to Sunday Night Film Club, but it started pouring so I decided to stick closer to home. It's been raining a lot lately.
The Fitness Blues
Aug. 4th, 2008 10:40 pmRetook the fitness test today, with somewhat disappointing results. Weight is steady, body-fat percentage is also unchanged according to impedance measurement, although changes in my physical dimensions indicate some improvement. Resting heart rate is unchanged, unfortunately. Exerted heart rate is down, though, which means my cardiovascular endurance is up. Strength and endurance are up moderately. Numbers to follow.
Adjustments to make: Watch my diet more carefully (I'm going all out and keeping a journal now, which is a pain but hopefully effective), and add more protein. I've been spending too much money lately, too, so I'm killing two birds with one stone by rediscovering the joy of canned tuna fish.
One option: Add one can of tuna in water to bowl (drain first), break egg over it, season to taste (I used garlic, basil, and pepper tonight, which worked well), heat in microwave until egg is sufficiently cooked, add yogurt if too dry or too hot, eat. Quick and delicious. Presumably scallions or celery could be added after heating to increase flavor and vegetable content.
(I've also discovered that lowfat yogurt is a perfectly acceptable replacement for mayonnaise in tuna salad, a welcome discovery since I don't like mayo.)
Need more fresh vegetables, too, preferably ones I can eat raw. Got home after grocery store close tonight, so that will have to wait.
Adjustments to make: Watch my diet more carefully (I'm going all out and keeping a journal now, which is a pain but hopefully effective), and add more protein. I've been spending too much money lately, too, so I'm killing two birds with one stone by rediscovering the joy of canned tuna fish.
One option: Add one can of tuna in water to bowl (drain first), break egg over it, season to taste (I used garlic, basil, and pepper tonight, which worked well), heat in microwave until egg is sufficiently cooked, add yogurt if too dry or too hot, eat. Quick and delicious. Presumably scallions or celery could be added after heating to increase flavor and vegetable content.
(I've also discovered that lowfat yogurt is a perfectly acceptable replacement for mayonnaise in tuna salad, a welcome discovery since I don't like mayo.)
Need more fresh vegetables, too, preferably ones I can eat raw. Got home after grocery store close tonight, so that will have to wait.
Not So Eventful
Jul. 10th, 2008 12:23 amI've been watching my diet this week and exercising a lot. My weight is fluctuating heavily (sometimes up and down several pounds in less than a day), so it's hard to tell if that's trending downward or not. My strength and endurance are gradually improving, though.
I'm still trying to meet new people. I'm going to a movie with someone who suddenly acquired a boyfriend after we first exchanged emails but before we had to chance to meet. It's like a first date where I come pre-rejected.
It's my birthday.
I'm still trying to meet new people. I'm going to a movie with someone who suddenly acquired a boyfriend after we first exchanged emails but before we had to chance to meet. It's like a first date where I come pre-rejected.
It's my birthday.
The Damage Report
Jun. 20th, 2008 09:10 pmResults of my fitness evaluation from last Saturday:
Weight: 195 lbs.
BMI: 31.5
Fitness Scores
(1-100, 50 is average, higher is better, compared to other males my age)
Bodyfat (3-Pinch Measure): 30 (19.6%)
Bodyfat (Impedance Measure): 10 (26.0%)
Resting Heart Rate: 28 (74 BPM)
Active Heart Rate: 5 (143 BPM)
60-Second Situps: 12 (25 reps)
Maximum Pushups: 10 (10 reps)
Sit-Reach Flexion: 55 (17.5 in.)
So, not a good situation. My strength and bodyfat percentage were as bad as expected, although I was a bit surprised that my cardiovascular health is that dismal. At least my flexibility is all right, so I don't have to fix that before I can do a proper workout.
My first week of physical training has gone well. My hamstrings and lower back were sore early in the week, but they've recovered well. I'm getting in regular cardio workouts along with my strength training sessions, and I'm up to burning calories at a speed I find satisfactory (a little over 600 kCal/hr).
Weight: 195 lbs.
BMI: 31.5
Fitness Scores
(1-100, 50 is average, higher is better, compared to other males my age)
Bodyfat (3-Pinch Measure): 30 (19.6%)
Bodyfat (Impedance Measure): 10 (26.0%)
Resting Heart Rate: 28 (74 BPM)
Active Heart Rate: 5 (143 BPM)
60-Second Situps: 12 (25 reps)
Maximum Pushups: 10 (10 reps)
Sit-Reach Flexion: 55 (17.5 in.)
So, not a good situation. My strength and bodyfat percentage were as bad as expected, although I was a bit surprised that my cardiovascular health is that dismal. At least my flexibility is all right, so I don't have to fix that before I can do a proper workout.
My first week of physical training has gone well. My hamstrings and lower back were sore early in the week, but they've recovered well. I'm getting in regular cardio workouts along with my strength training sessions, and I'm up to burning calories at a speed I find satisfactory (a little over 600 kCal/hr).
Freshman 15 Plus Interest
Jun. 14th, 2008 11:57 pmThe last semester has been bad for my health. My weight skyrocketed: I'm over 190 lbs. now, and my BMI and body fat percentage both peg me at slightly into the "obese" range. My cardiovascular fitness is also unhealthily low.
I've enrolled in a personal trainer program, so hopefully more regular workouts, the weekly yoga class I'm taking at my office, and a closer eye on my diet will be enough to get me into better shape.
I've enrolled in a personal trainer program, so hopefully more regular workouts, the weekly yoga class I'm taking at my office, and a closer eye on my diet will be enough to get me into better shape.
