Sunday, April 30, 2006

April 30, 2006

Tomorrow is the birthday of the "blogito"!

We had a great performance last night at the Raza Unida May Day fundraising concert. We'll have to get focused on outreach for next year. But everyone has actually been working on organizing so its cool.

Left the running for the weekend. I'm trying to focus on sleeping. If I'm up early and energetic, I will run tomorrow.

Tomorrow is May Day, why the hell are you at work on Workers' Day?

KEEP LIFTING AND RUNNING!!!

Friday, April 28, 2006

4/28/06

OK, had two Chili Dogs (favorite food), fries and soda. Feeling buzzed. I think the sugar and stuff is too much. Maybe its time to give it up altogether!

Did go running this morning, gonna take tomorrow off and run on Sunday, and of course May Day! May Day is the birthday for this blogito, so that will be part of my celebration.

* * *
I almost cried today. My kids (son, daughter, and one nephew) were recognized today for their acitivism in the community. The speaker, Demetria Martinez, was awesome. Hit on some great things.

It reminded me that even with all of their issues. I'm lucky to be around such great young people. I remembered how proud I am of them, their wonderful minds and the positive actions they commit to.

They are performing at the Raza Unida fundraiser tomorrow at 7pm, at the Lobo Theater in Albuquerque. Maybe I'll be able to post some pictures.

Awesome!

KEEP LIFTING, KEEP RUNNING!!!

Thursday, April 27, 2006

4/27/06

"There is no passion to be found in playing small - in settling for a life that is less than what you are capable of living."


Nelson Mandela

That quote came to me in an email this morning. I did go running this morning for 30 minutes it was good.

My short term goal is to get to 166 by May 19th, with a body fat of less than 23%. That would be progress. I'm at 169.0 today with clothing. My bodyfat weigh in are in my drawers so, I'm guessing I would weigh around 167 clothes free. So actually my goal should be to be under 165 by the 19th. I'm going for the pound a week as a realistic goal. If I can keep that up, I should be at about 145-150 early enough to see if that is enough for a six-pack. If I can keep a pound a week going consistently until my 40th birthday, I should only have about 10-13 pounds of fat on my whole body! Wouldn't THAT be cool!

I talked with my kids and nephew last night. Told them that I hope they use their talents to the fullest and that I'm here for them when they need me.

KEEP LIFTING & RUNNING!!!

Wednesday, April 26, 2006

Rags to Riches an Illusion

So much for get rich quick!

Quien es Tonto?

The Lone Ranger And Tonto

The Lone Ranger and Tonto went camping in the desert. After they got their tent all set up, both men fell sound asleep.

Some hours later, Tonto wakes the Lone Ranger and says, "Kemo Sabe, look towards sky, what you see?" The Lone Ranger replies, "I see millions of stars."

"What that tell you?" asked Tonto.

The Lone Ranger ponders for a minute then says, "Astronomically speaking, it tells me there are millions of galaxies and potentially billions of planets.

Astrologically, it tells me that Saturn is in Leo.

Time wise, it appears to be approximately a quarter past three in the morning.
Theologically, the Lord is all-powerful and we are small and insignificant. Meteorologically, it seems we will have a beautiful day tomorrow. What's it tell you, Tonto?"

"You dumber than buffalo dung. Someone stole the tent."

Walking Workouts

Here's something for those people interested in Walking Workouts.

How Can One Create a Walking Workout?

4/26/06

Jogged for 15 minutes today. I had two Carne Adovada burritos, fries and root beer last night for dinner. I now realize that the days of that being my "diet" are over! The discomfort of eating that way isn't worth it. I'm also up a little weight this morning.

Deep fried foods, pizza, and soda are pretty much gonna have to be out of my diet from now on. Not that I can't indulge every once in awhile, but its definately not worth the cost in feeling sluggish and tapa'o.

Sleeping better will help also. Again if it wasn't for working out, I'd probably be an emotional wreck - right now I'm just kind of an emotional fender bender!

I used to think that I didn't have enough time for working out. I now realize that I don't have enough to NOT workout!!! I'll keep writing about that as a theme. I know so many people who have harsh health problems and a lot of it relates to stress and not taking care of themselves.

* * *
Anyway, had a nice family talk last night. I let the kids know that they aren't living the life I wanted for them. I was hoping to be the last substance abuser and hoped that I had broken that cycle. But it is a lot harder being a kid now a days, and I have to give them that.

Even though I sometimes "feel" like a failure, I'm much more conscious about my success in life and that those around me notice that I'm a good guy all around. Becky, Smacking, MR and others are great at the positive reinforcement. But most importantly I'm figuring out how to quit beating MYSELF up. I guess I'm an emotional "penitente."

Oh, congratulations to MR for getting back into the workout routine!
And congratulations to SkinnyGirl on her new bathing suit.

KEEP LIFTING & KEEP RUNNING!!!

Tuesday, April 25, 2006

4/25/06

The post from yesterday didn't go through!

I ran on both Saturday and Sunday! I skipped yesterday, and I ran today. My shoulder still feels weird sometimes so I'm gonna skip lifting until it feels better.

So I'll repeat what didn't post yesterday. I'm in the most challenging period of my life as far as I can remember.

At least running helps me with the stress! LOL!!

KEEP LIFTING!!!

Monday, April 24, 2006

4/24/06

Hey There!

Went running over the weekend. I have company over and we stayed up late talking and so I didn't run this morning. I may go tonight or just wait until tomorrow morning.

I have to say that things are the most challenging right now for as long as I can recall. I'm not totally overwhelmed, but I'm definately stretched in all kinds of directions.

My weight is maintaining, so my goal will be to lose 2-5 pounds before May 19th.

Mentally, I'm pretty good these days.

Planted some beans in the back, tyring to get ground healthy.

May Day is coming up! Get your red and black clothing washed and ready!

KEEP LIFTING & RUNNING!!!

Thursday, April 20, 2006

4:20 - 06

Today is "4-20" - marijuano day for those who may not know. I'm hoping the kids out there will be careful and stay out of trouble!

I skipped running this morning because my leg and shoulder are really feeling bad today. Yesterday was tough on my left side for some reason. So I'll use today as my rest day. It's probably OK not to workout 7 days a week.

Anyway an ever loyal reader named "Machi" sent in this link for an article on the Best President since Bill Clinton! This is an article that should be shared with everyone.

And what exactly is the Dub smoking?
"Worries about the nuclear standoff have helped drive oil prices to record highs, with Brent crude trading above $74 a barrel on Thursday after a steep drop in U.S. gasoline stocks." Iran Scoffs at US Threats. And I thought Ronnie Raygun was gonna get us killed.

* * *
MAY DAY Is the birthday of this blogito. This year will be the 120th Anniversary of this wonderful day that started the campaign for an 8 hour day. Now may be the time to step it up to a 6 hour day, family leave, 4 day work week, true living wages (as opposed to "minimum wages"), full health care, increased vactaion time, etc. Maybe the 125th Anniversary of May Day we'll be on our way to some real changes!

KEEP LIFTING!!!

Wednesday, April 19, 2006

4/19/06 News

People Staying Alive Longer; hey maybe this blogito is making a difference!?!

Ok, maybe not THAT much - LOL!!!

Some Fear Immigration Protest Backlash; the history of this country is that many worker rights came from May Day work stoppages. Unfortunately people are now worried about "looking bad." I for one, support a one day economic shut down! There, I said it. The lesson students learn from missing one day of school will be that they are part of something larger, something more powerful than the pieces of paper which tell them they know something.

But hey, that's what this is all about. Learning and figuring out things on our own.

On the other hand, Oil Prices Above $72 a Barrel! That can't be good for the average Ford Explorer, or any other, driver!

4/19/06

Had a good leg workout this morning. Was feeling a little tired, so I stopped a couple of sets short on my squats.

* * *
My son and nephew did a run through of a presentation they are working on titled "Working with Youth - By Youth". It's an excellent presentation. I'm very pleased and proud and hope they get to do it for lots of adults.

* * *
Overall, things seem good today. Had rehearsal last night. Its funny, the bass player was saying last week, "there is no wrong way" to arrange a song, but I brought in an arrangement that someone else did, and he was correcting me. I was too tired to argue. It still sounds good, just funny.

KEEP LIFTING!!!

Tuesday, April 18, 2006

4/18/16b

OK. I was talking with someone about the last post. And they said, I didn't even know all of that stuff about you, but I like you because you are a great guy.

Guess, I better just start sucking it up!

4/18/06

ANNOUNCEMENT:
Next meeting for the Albuquerque May Day Events: Thursday, April 20th at 5:00 PM at El CENTRO de Igualdad y Derechos-- 1701 Broadway SE (southwest corner of Broadway and Southern- south of Cesar Chavez- past "La Esperanza" store. We are attached to the church on the corner).

Tentatively there is a plan for a rally at 3pm then a march at 5 to
another rally point. Hopefully things will be finalized by Thursday.

* * *
I'm sore from my bench workout. I did 3 miles in 30 minutes this morning! Wow, I really am in better shape than I thought! Boy it was dark and chilly at 5:30 this morning. LOL! I can feel that I worked my lungs.

I checked my weight at work and I'm at 169.2. Not bad. I'll start checking it again. My next bodyfat check-in will be May 19th.

* * *
So my son decided to take off with the one working vehicle and get high. Luckily I was able to guess where he was at and brought him home. I didn't yell, I just got him home and told him he obviously screwed up. That he shouldn't ask me to drive anymore, but I'd let him know when he could drive. I also told him that I'd figure out his grounding later, but to assume he was grounded.

My sister was stressing on my nephew for some stuff too. Man, what a week.

So I'm balancing kids, marriage, work, music, organizing and working out. It seems that I should be more wiped out. But it seems that I get these good spots in my mood, then have crashes. I think things will be alright in the long-run, just rough for now.

* * *
I was talking with my best friend yesterday. There was a point where I've been wondering why anyone likes, or respects, me and all of that crap. Suddenly it came to me about my best friend from how we talk. While I see that my parents left me, that my family ostracized me for being "spoiled" by my grandparents, that I went to 5 high schools, got "divorced" from the Navy, was strung out, etc... My friend, and some others of you reading this blogito, sees me as someone who has overcome problems with school, drugs, broken family, violence, etc.

That's a huge difference. One that I'm trying to internalize as my son, daughter, nieces and nephews go through issues. Things will probably be alright.

KEEP LIFTING!!!

Monday, April 17, 2006

OK, Maybe SOME Children Left Behind

And I don't mean the rapture type of "left behind" though that may be possible because of all the heathens procreating! LOL!

Schools Not Reporting All Student Test Scores

4/17/06

Transformation of the Week

4/17/06 I Feel Chingon!

OK, that's quoting Dr. Loco's version of "I Feel Good" (really called "I Got You") by James Brown.

Thanks to MR, SkinnyGirl, Smacking, VT, my family, and my office for the great support on my run...

After dealing with some heavy @ss feelings the last few days - OK, maybe longer than that. It was great to feel good. I made the run, 24 miles. It took 7 hours, but I was running the whole time I was moving! After leaving early and getting to the bottom of Tomé hill before hearing from my water crew, I felt that I had learned that "I came into the world alone, I'm going out alone" - still not the funnest lesson. But after some time to sit with the fact of making, and making it alone I realized that what I need is really within me.

I think I'll be calmer about the kids, but still trying to nudge them in directions that I think are good. I can kinda tell people care about me. Just look at the awesome messages left on the last posting as an example.

So I went psychologically into hell for a bit last week, and I came out a little singed, but I think also a little stronger. I'm realizing lots of things. And it must be good because my wife told me last night that my eyes look happier. I think that's probably true!

Talked on the phone with my bestest friend for a long time after the run. I had vented lots of harsh crap earlier and was glad to have a chance to go more positive. I don't think I've made the 10 days on the Mental Diet, but I'm doing really well overall.

* * *
I got up at 5am and worked out this morning. I'm going to try and workout in the mornings again and leave the evening time opened up. Hopefully for more family stuff.

I'm obviously in much better shape than I give myself credit for. I'm gonna focus on losing fat until I can start to see the six pac. I'll still lift 3 times a week, but the weight and reps will be more moderate. I'm just tyring to maintain what muscle I got until I'm a little skinnier.

Smacking's, and other people's, prodding about my being too tough on myself has started to sink in. My wife is really smart about me too, and I need to remind her of that. Overall, I'm happy as f*ck today, and that's awesome!

* * *
Thought for today
"American Herb Kirk ran 800 meters in 6 minutes, 3 seconds at the age of 95 years old. At 90 years old Buell Crane (American), threw discus 67 feet, 6 inches, and the hammer 55 ft, 8 inches. Look at Jack La Lane 94 years old. All these are examples of great spirit."
From bodybuilding.com

KEEP LIFTING AND RUNNING!!!

Thursday, April 13, 2006

Healthy Warrior

I have some great friends!

One of them called me after reading the "blogito" and said his prayers would be with me tomorrow as he walks to Santuario, and I run to the bottom of Tomé hill.

So there's definately some big pain running through my veins these days. But homie reminded me that I'm a Warrior. That I continue even when I don't want to. That I survive, that I take care of others. And that as I continue to take care of myself I'll figure out other things.

Having survived a tough upbringing - "broken" family; substance abuse; missing tons of school (I went to 5 high schools, one twice!); lots of violence and death around; funky relationships, and all of that good stuff - I know I'll get through the "Dark at the End of the Tunnel" (Oingo Boingo reference).

Part of tomorrow for me is completing something difficult. For myself and for those around me. Not to prove to them, but to myself. Homie said, I don't need to prove anything to anyone, I've already proven enough.

So if you're reading this, I may be running for you. But mostly I'm running for myself. To find the strength to make a real commitment to make myself happy.

It's also my Jefito's birthday tomorrow (DEP).

Songs usually say things I think and feel - actually I just express myself that way better.

"Por tu amor que tanto quiero y tanto extraño... Si te dicen que me vieron muy borracho, orgullosamente diles que es por tí."

"...Everyone I know goes away in the end...My sweetest friend, what have I become?"

"Did you trade your wishes for ghosts...How, how I wish you were here..."

"...If you don't understand him, and he don't die young, he'll probably just ride away...They're never home, and they're always alone, even with someone they love..."

"Yo se bien que estoy afuera...Tambien me dijo un arriero que no hay que llegar primero, pero hay que saber llegar"

"Will I live tomorrow, I just don't know. But I know I don't live today..."

The tunnels have mostly been shorter than they appear. As down as this post may sound to some, I know I'll come out the other end much stronger than I am now. My inner Warrior has always stepped up when I really needed him.

KEEP LIFTING, KEEP RUNNING

4/13/06

OK, getting psyched for tomorrow's 24 miles. Running for my kids - nieces and nephews included. I'm realizing that I'm a really good guy. But I have some issues. Mostly around feeling that I have to choose between making myself happy and making others happy. Tough crap. I've tried some things to make myself happy, but it pushes other peoples' buttons and that just f*cks it up for me.

The best thing I can think of is to be by myself. At least I'll get some of that tomorrow. I'm also running for my key relationships, and for a friend who got laid off. I'm going to try and remember things I'm greatful for as well as the problems. I'll try and spend some miles on the strengths the kids have as well.

The bands I play with are funny. One group played on Sunday, and this killer bass player jumped in and rocked, and the group was b*tchin' about him throwing them off, it was actually funny! Then the other group, all Chicanos, was giving me grief for supporting immigrant rights. I asked them if they ever picked fruit, and of course none of them have. I told them, "your fat ass wouldn't eat if it wasn't for Mexicans." They kept going on, it was like the stereotypical conversation with your average "white" people.

KEEP LIFTING!!!

Wednesday, April 12, 2006

May Day 06 Planning - Albuquerque

There will be a planning meeting for International Workers' Day (May 1st/"May Day") events Thursday the 13th at 6:00 at El CENTRO de Igualdad y Derechos, 1701 Broadway SE (Southwest corner of Southern and Broadway south of Cesar Chavez--- past "La Esperanza" store). If you can't make it, but would like to be part of the planning, please call Rachel Lazar at 246-1627 or feel free to send somone in your place.

We are hoping that students will be there to coordinate and organize together.

Some of us are hoping to connect the actions in support of Immigrant Rights to other worker issues such as a living wage, shorter work weeks, health coverage, longer paid vacation time, etc... That would hopefully create a broader worker solidarity. Issues of indigenous people are also key to the whole "immigration" discussion, and anti-Indigenous/anti-Mexican/Latino sentiment.

4/12/06

Hectic days!

Working on lots of stuff. May Day, A Quinceañera that I recruited help for, but they haven't been put to work, a concert, recording, and kid problems. My son seems to be having a really bad time time right now. He feels like he's doing stuff to make everyone else happy.

Unfortunately, I can relate. He stopped me in my tracks with that statement. Damn!

Anyway, I'm not working out this week. The 24 mile jog on Friday will be enough!

KEEP LIFTING!

Tuesday, April 11, 2006

4/11/06

My Son's birthday was awesome! He was part of the uncounted students who walked out of Highland High School. The news reported that NO students walked out of that school. The school worked very hard to give students an alternative to walking out, but also had lots of security out to keep the students in.

Students walked out of Highland, Sandia, Rio Grande, West Mesa, Albuquerque, RFK charter school, and probably others. It was awesome.


There will be more pictures posted throughout the week. Hopefully some posted on NMINDYMEDIA too, but not yet.

* * *
I did a little over 14 miles over the weekend. Most of them in my crappy shoes, so I'm pretty banged up. I'm taking a week off of weights. I'm going to go to a twice a week full-body workout and focus more on losing fat through running - especially now with the good shoes!

I still want to keep some muscle going, but gonna put it second for awhile.

* * *
I'm going to work on helping out with all of the busy stuff going on from now until my daughter's birthday in May. 6 weeks of intense stuff!

* * *
MAY DAY! A day for workers' rights. There's been a call for a Day Without an Immigrant. I hope that we get to a day without workers! This is a good time to remember that May Day was initiated in great part by immigrant workers. And our 8 hour workday, 5 day workweek, and other such benefits came from fighting in the streets for them. So along with immigrant rights, we can also talk about real living wages ($12-16/hour for Albuquerque), a 30 hour work week, better health coverage, and longer vacations to name a few things.

KEEP LIFTING and KEEP RUNNING!

Monday, April 10, 2006

4/10/06

It's my son's 16th birthday. AND it is also the day of action for immigrant rights.

There will be some demonstrations and walkouts in Albuquerque. It's exciting and a little scary. There is the expectation of police over-reaction, but I hope it will be calm. There's no need for anything like that, but it is always good to be prepared.

* * *
I ran over 14 miles this weekend. I went to a shoe store with a friend to get me better shoes, because my legs and lower back were killing me. She ended up buying the shoes for me!

I did a good back workout and will be going lighter this week to be prepared for the 24 mile jog on Friday!

KEEP LIFTING AND KEEP FIGHTING!!!

Wednesday, April 05, 2006

On Being "NICE"

I just wrote a letter to some APS School Board members because I've heard rumors that Prinicples are threatening to expel students if they walk out in support of immigrant rights.

The email address is boarded@aps.edu if you want to share similar sentiments.

Also, I heard last night that more anti-immigrant calls have gone into the US Senate than pro-immigrant. So if you haven't called yet, please call your Senator and tell 'em to support workers' rights, vote FOR the McCain amendment.

Here's a poem/song that someone sent on a list and I'm posting it here because I know it would be appreciated by some!

It isn't nice to block the doorway
by Malvina Reynolds

It isn't nice to block the doorway
It isn't nice to go to jail
There are nicer ways to do it
But the nice ways always fail
It isn't nice, it isn't nice
You told us once, you told us twice
But if that is Freedom's price
We don't mind.

It isn't nice to carry banners
Or to sit in on the floor
Or to shout our cry of Freedom
At the hotel and the store
It isn't nice, it isn't nice
You told us once, you told us twice
But if that is Freedom's price
We don't mind.

We have tried negotiations
And the three-man picket line,
Mr. Charlie didn't see us
And he might as well be blind.
Now our new ways aren't nice
When we deal with men of ice,
But if that is Freedom's price
We don't mind.

How about those years of lynchings
And the shot in Evers' back?
Did you say it wasn't proper
Did you stand out on the track?
You were quiet just like mice
Now you say we aren't nice
But if that is Freedom's price
We don't mind.

4/5/6

What a cool date!

Here's another BillyBoydFan quote:
"The price of hating other human beings is loving oneself less."
- Eldridge Cleaver

I'm going to purchase some good shoes for my run to Tomé from the South Valley.

My kids are working hard on the immigrant rights issues. It makes me proud. How cool is that, my kids are turning around from some tough issues, they are participating in important political issues, they are almost all working in some form, and then the recording stuff is coming soon! I'm smiling ear to ear! or like my Dad used to say "coast to coast" smile.

I do my leg workout today and have a co-counseling session. Next week I start having Weds. rehearsals again.

KEEP LIFTING!!!

Tuesday, April 04, 2006

Authentic Happiness?

Took this online survey at the Authentic Happiness website.

I took the strengths survey and here's my top 5
Bravery and Valor
Kindness and Generosity
Curiosity and Interest
Gratitude
Humor and Playfullness

Great Quote and good Workout

"Keep on going, and the chances are that you will stumble on something, perhaps when you are least expecting it. I never heard of anyone ever stumbling on something sitting down."

Charles F. Kettering

* * *
Had a good bench workout last night around 9:30pm. We all went to a meeting about the immigration situation.

Looks like the kids are going to participate in a walkout on April 10th and maybe also on May Day.

What a fun time to be a parent!!!

KEEP LIFTING

Monday, April 03, 2006

Monday 4/3

Here's a cool quote from Reneegetsfit

"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

I'm definately relating to that right now.

I only got to hang with Smacking one day. Wish we coulda hung out more, but I just didn't get things organized ahead of time.

Still, it was the longest we've spent together since college. And it was very cool. We ate twice, took my car to the shop, and watched a movie. The movie and dinner included my wife which was very cool too!

Listening to Alanis Morrisette's "Your House" - trippy song.

Anyway, I'm still psyched about the kids getting this recording gig. It's local and informal, but still good. They are resisting the idea of listening to the guy from the studio. One of my nephews is talking about "we should do what we want." I tell them, sure, you figure out how to pay for it. When its someone else's dime you deal with them more flexibly. I told my son to look at it like George Clinton: Parliament was the more pop music group and Funkadelic was more experimental and free.

We'll see how it goes.

KEEP LIFTING!!!

Sunday, April 02, 2006

Happy Happy Joy Joy

Mezcla Experience - my kids band performed for Herman Jr. from AltaVista Records. He wants to put them on a CD by the end of MAY!!!!

How freakin' cool is that. I'm happy as f*ck!!!

Oh, yeah, I ran 5 and a half hours this weekend, but right now I'm happier about the band. Even went and had my ritual celebration meal - Der Wienershnitzel - yes I know this is health blog, but what the hell! My kids are recording artists!!!!

So its my two kids, my nephew - who is basically my kid, I feed him enough! my other nephew who is a rapper, and maybe another niece who sings.

It's all very cool. And my sis is watching to learn how the hell I do this blog chingadera.

Bueno, there's lots of meetings tomorrow, so I'll have to figure out when to workout.

KEEP LIFTING CABRONES!!!

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