More thoughts on Renaissance Man Project / What I Learned Today..

Motivation:

"Success is the proper utilization of failure."
~unknown

Diary:
New results are in - and recorded on the sidebar. I have lost 25 pounds since Jan 1, and am feeling pretty good. I am sleeping better - not waking in the middle of the night - and overall am starting to see the shape of my body changing.

I am only 9lbs away from my first goal, so I should be able to do it in the next few weeks. Then I will get to reward myself, and set the next goal.

Picture of the day is my grocery shopping from yesterday. It is random, I know, but I have been trying to incorporate more media into my blog. More on this later.

Right now, I am up early as I have been thinking about all of the things on my to-do list that didn't get done yesterday. I am also watching outside to see if the snow-plow person is going to arrive soon. It snowed here all night, and there is a pretty good cover of snow over everything. I would like to be able to get out for church today, and the association where I live does hire a person to clear the snow from the roads and the public parking areas. It actually looks very nice outside right now. The snow has fallen and it is clear and white. Ready fr a group of snow angels...

My band had a show last night in Wisconsin, but with the forecasted snow-storm, I ditched the show. I feel kind of bad about it, as I may have let my band-mates down, however I have been sick this last week (bad sinus, sore throat and runny nose) and am just now getting over it. Because of this illness, I haven't had time at night to get the things done that I need to (general stuff - laundry, dishes, etc) and so on Saturday I was faced with a long long list of things to do - just to get to the real things that I wanted to do. I also didn't want to get stuck in a snowstorm - not that I am scared of doing this, just not right now. I have too much stuff on my list to get down to spend a night battling snowy roads.

So I feel a little guilty about the band thing - I would like to devote more time to learning the songs and practicing my skills - but right now it isn't working in my schedule. Perhaps, in the spirit of the Renaissance Man Project, I will add a category called "Fine Art" and make a point to hone my music skills at least once per week - in some form.

Notes:

I have a few 5K dates to inform you of. Here are the two that I am planning 0n entering:

• Sept 29th, Northfield, MN - St. Olaf College 5K walk/run
• Nov 23, Eau Claire MN - 5K Turkey Trot Walk/Run
  

I can't wait to get these 5Ks over with. I am curious to see how this works, and can overcome this major milestone in my development. Once this is done, I am planning on changing this blog a little, maybe adding the title "What I Learned Today" to better describe The Renaissance Man Project. I am planning to put together a podcast on this for sometime in the 2nd quarter of 2007, with some interviews of other people who have thought and acted upon concepts of what it means to be a Renaissance Man. I leave this thought here for now, as there is much more to say, but little time to say it without boring everyone.

Speaking of boring - let's review my list for this week.

#Diet#
I have been eating right and often. I have been drinking my water and using my supplements. For those who are interested, let me review the types of things I have every day.

• Omega EFAs - Essential Fatty Acids that come from fish - helps with body in many ways, including supporting normal healthy cell function, normal blood triglycerides and healthy blood flow, maintain joint mobility and promote normal brain function and concentration. I take one for every meal.
  
• Carb Blocker - to help control calorie absorption from sugar and carbohydrate-rich foods. I take one for every meal
  
• Daily Multivitamin - natural food based vitamins and minerals. I take one every day.
  
• Antioxidant - to help fight free radicals generated by smoke, pollution, and exercise. I take one a day (although it recommends 2, I haven't quite gotten there yet.)
  
• Stress Reducer - rhodiola rosea. I use this just before my vigorous workouts and on energy-filled days. I can tell a difference in my workouts if I take one.
• I have recently purchased a Siberian Gingko Biloba extract to try on days that I need a little help to keep going. I am planning on using this in situations where I feel I need a boost, similar to downing a Mountain Dew, for the caffeine or sugar high, but I think this will do a better job of keeping mental sharpness, without the crash that occurs with the caffeinated sodas..
• Along with my 3 meals, consisting of 1 protien, 2 vegetable, 1 fruit, 1 starch - specific starches, such as:
• Ak-mak Cracker
• Kavli
  
• Wasa
• 40 calorie bread
• All-Bran Cereal
• Kashi Go-Lean Cereal
• Brown Rice
• Sweet Potato
• that is about it...
  
• ... I also get (actually they are mandatory - I must eat them) two snacks per day. I have things like 'soy protein pretzels' and 'soy protein tomato soup mix' and 'soy protein vegetarian sloppy-joe mix'. My favorite so far of the choices I have is the bbq crunch stuff. I also can have protein bars, but I currently don't have any. I may get some later, after I have used the other items..
• My favorite new thing on this diet is that I have to drink lots of water - 80 oz a day - and I can put stuff in it. They have this energy drink that includes a lot of vitamins, and tastes like lime. I personally like the flavor of my old energy drinks better. Specifically Root Beer and Cranberry flavors, but these are ok. When I get to a certain point, I am going to switch back to my old favorites. One of the things both of these energy drinks have is lots of Vitamin B (3, 5, 6, 12) and this tends to help stabilize my mood, my overall energy level and helps battle my depression. That is a good thing. Another thing that helps stabilize my mood level is Alison Krauss - that was a random fact.

What I will be doing this week: I am putting a "before and after picturebook together" that will track my weight loss. Some of the pictures on the blog are included, but some others are in here as well. I will use this sometime, but more keep it as a motivation for myself.

#Exercise#
I have been working out on an elliptical machine at the basement at work. The office allows workers to use the workout room in the lower level, and they have a shower and locker area, so I can workout at noon, and be back to work in no time - without having to leave the building. If I am feeling down or lacking in energy, I take an upper - see my notes about stress reducers and energy above - and get at it.

I am starting to feel my 'second wind' and can feel the workout taking affect. This feeling hits me about 24 minutes into the workout, and lasts for about 15 minutes or so.

For the next week, I am planning on putting together the list of 5K training sites in the twin cities, and will put up a poll so that you can help vote for which site to use.

#Fine Art#
I mentioned earlier that I missed the SJM7 concert, partly due to the snowstorm, partly due to my cold/flu residue, and partly from just being tired and not wanting to leave the house.
I did purchase an accordion file to organize all of my music files, so I am at least getting organized. I also got a bunch of plastic sleeves and a couple binders , and alphabetically organized my sheet music, to help prevent me stumbling around clumsily during rehearsal, trying to find the songs. I hope this type of prep helps me - and just to let you know - it is this type of anal geeky prep-work that I think is a crucial part of being a Renaissance Man. I feel like Mr Monk (USA network character) when I am doing these things, but perhaps he is a Renaissance Man - minus the obsessive compulsive disorder.

#Geek#
Not sure how detailed to go into this section - this week has been a pretty "Nerdy" week, as I received a copy of Windows Vista, and am setting this up on my test machine. I am finding that my test machine has some issues, though, so I am unsure how far I will get.
What I have done:

• Installed Windows Vista on test machine
• Updated the ChazzVader Blog
• Added RSS Feeds
• Added email subscription
• Added media (images/video)
• Added link to podcast
• Added scripts for tracking
• Added Snap (hover over any link to preview the link it is going to)
  
• Downloaded some geeky podcasts for my iPod that speak to technology, electronic/computer gadgets, blogging and podcasting.
  
• Found a bunch of RSS feeds, websites, and user groups that deal with technology, gadgets, computers, blogging and podcasting.
• Found this article from TechRepublic that shows how to build a Vista-ready computer (and a sweet monitor) for people on a budget. Since I don't need all of the parts, I might even be able to spend less.
• Learned how to use Audacity to create my podcast
• Learned how to use FeedBurner
• Found two cool Mozilla Firefox add-ons. Sage and Foxmarks are becoming very valuable extensions for me. Now that I am used to it's interface and set the options the way I like them, I am using Firefox as my default browser. I used to use Microsoft IE all of the time, but made this change and I am pretty happy with it. (although I still do use IE for some sites, and to download MS Office Templates.)
  

So here are the items left on my geek list. If you would like more information on any of these items, please let me know:

• On Vita test machine:
• Install Sun J2EE Runtime environment - http://java.sun.com/javase/
• PHP 4.2.x or above - http://www.php.net
• MySQL 3.23.x or above - http://www.mysql.com
• Apache 1.13.19 or above - http://www.apache.org

I realize that this seems pretty weird - installing a Microsoft OS, but then installing all of these open-source third party add-ons. Why don't I stick with Microsoft products, like SQL Server and IIS? Well two reasons.

1. I got a free version of Vista through the consulting work that I do, and I need to learn more about this product, so the best way for me to do it is install and use it. If I had enough time and computers, I would possibly think about installing Linux and removing the Microsoft factor altogether. I am recently very interested in learning more about open source or 'free' software. (although I know I am late to the party.)
2. I want to install some other web applications like Joomla or Alfresco for testing a new way to blog or share information. Stay tuned on this later. When I am ready I will publicize the new site that I will create to demonstrate my testing

• In time, I am planning on learning Dreamweaver and create Flash on my test site.
  
• Also, I am planning on learning more about the following and testing them on my test site
• Moveable Type,
  
• Plone,
  
• WordPress,
• PodPress,
  
• Amaya,
  
• Nvu,
  
• PowerGramo,
  
• PublicSquare,
  
• Skype,
  
• Textpattern, and or
  
• Thingamablog
  

• I am also looking at updating parts to my test machine to make it faster/better
• I am also considering (at a very initial level) Mac OS and getting a Macintosh Powerbook.
• I am also looking at a digital audio recorder from Sony or Olympus. I need to research which kind I should get to assist me in making remote snippets for the future podcasts. I have some other resources and reviews with podcast mics and recording equipment I need to read and use.

There is more stuff in the Geek list, but this is enough for right now.

#Money#
I got my first paycheck at the new job, so I am happily planning on getting started on my new budget and debt reduction plans. That is about all I have to say about this topic for now.

#Personal#
I have been thinking about how nice it is to wake up in an organized bedroom. Clothes put away and hung up make my mornings 100% easier, and a kitchen with dishes put away cuts the time it takes to make a meal. This sounds like elementary-school thinking, but let me tell you, when it is 6:00am and I am groggily reaching for shirt to put on or an egg for breakfast, or just walking around without stumbling and stepping on something...... priceless.

I recently was told that my mind is like an Etch-a-Sketch - and I easily lose track of what I was doing, as if someone shook my head and I lost all my lines. While this may seem mean, it was stated in a very loving way, and after some thinking, I understand what he meant. I am an ENTP after all, and an Aquarius. The combination of those two factors makes me a scatterbrain. This is part of the reason I am a list-maker, and also a Technical Writer. If it is written down, then my brain doesn't HAVE to remember every minute detail, just where the lists are.

Using this knowledge, I will be looking into something called "Mind-Mapping". More information is at the Freemind site. I am going to see if I can use this to help me with my geek projects as well as at work, writing software manuals. Sometimes when I am testing software installs or configuration, things are just happening all at once, and you have to remember to do like 12 things in order for the application to work right. When brainstorming the documentation preparation, it may be good to just write down all of the things you have to do, and then organize them into steps and form patterns. With these patterns, a documentation flow can appear, and give guidance for how to organize sections, chapters, and books. It is a sometimes painful task, but is important for your audience (readers) to understand not only what they are doing, but in what order, and easily find information that may be relevant.

Now that I have taken a step back and read this blog entry, maybe this mind-mapping will help the preparation and production of the blog itself. I will try to play with the Freemind concepts for the next blog and podcast prep


#Trips and Dates#
here are the upcoming date items

• April 13-15, Raquetball Tournament, Grand Island, NE
  
• May 13-16, STC Conference, Minneapolis, Minnesota
  
• June 29-July 1, Twins Baseball Trip to Detroit, MI
• Sept 29th, 5K walk/run, Northfield, MN
  

#Work#
I have been learning quite a bit at work. I have been learning about Content Management Systems, how they work and what they do. I have also started using Adobe FrameMaker and am continuing to learn this tool. I would like to master this product. I am also learning the Stellent Content Server and Universal Records Management tool. It is pretty cool, and I am excited to learn.


Listen to my podcast without the iPod:




COMMENT! Let me give you a subject, and leave a comment below to answer. Question: What is your view of 'The Renaissance Man"? What types of things does he do, and how does he treat others? Do you have a definition?

It has started to snow again, and I am ready to get outside and romp.

more later,

Chazz

Life - version 1.0

Motivation:

"There isn't a person anywhere that isn't capable of doing more than he thinks he can."

~Henry Ford

Diary:
I did pretty well over the last two weeks - I ate what was on my list (1 protien, 2 vegetable, 1 fruit and 1 starch for each meal) and I feel pretty good. I did workout once this last week, but that was pretty good, considering the other things that were interrrupting my week.

My current stats are on the right sidebar. I lost 6.96 pounds in the last 2 weeks, which is right on target (lose 3 pounds per week for my goal.)

You may have noticed that I have "overwhelmed" my blog with all of my RSS feeds that I like to read. I may prune this down over time, but for right now, I am using this for testing. Also, I have added a Podcast - see the link on the right sidebar - and I need to mention the music in the podcast is by Great Uncle Helmer, and you can find out more about this group at either: Kaptain Karl site or Memphis Evans site.

I am also working on a new picture for the Chazz Vader profile that is animated so you can better see the changes. a Before and After picture sort of thing - except I don't have an "after" picture yet.

Also, I am working on placing a Poll on my site. The items on the first few polls will be "Where should Chazz Vader walk?" I will offer a few choices of walking venues, and I will walk them (with mp3 player and comfy shoes) on the weekend. Those you are interested are invited to walk with Chazz, although this may be THE MOST BORING thing to do on the planet, as I do not like to talk or converse during my walks. I listen to my music and think about all my 'stuff' and 'things' while walking. That being said, you are still invited to walk.

Notes:

I have been thinking alot lately about how to live better, in general. I have been focusing on how to eat better and be healthier physically, but that is only part of the puzzle. While travelling to a family event in another state, I was listening to a set of podcasts that spoke to concepts of productivity and organization skills. This topic was interesting to me, as I can get very anal about lists and charts and keeping track of things, and organizing things in different ways and with different views. One of the podcasts offered the following advice: Put Post-It note blocks in every room of the house, in case you need to make notes (for example, a block in the bathroom to jot down "Buy Toilet Paper" and put it on the mirror where you will see it in the morning). I am not ready to get this extreme, but I do have my PDA, and use it often for little reminders like this. I do have a "Grocery List" item in my PDA and use this for things that I need to replenish often. I also put lists of new workout songs I would like to add to my mp3, new recipies that I would like to try, etc.

Recently, I heard a podcast talking about "Life - version 1.0". As a member of the software application development community, version 1.0 is usually (thanks Microsoft) a proof of concept that gets the job done in a crude way. It works, but doesn't have all of the bells and whistles and may not always do exactly what you thought it would. After feedback, tweaking, and rework, versions 1.1, 1.2, 2.0, 2.6, etc, etc.... these next versions have more features, work better in certain situations, and aren't as 'buggy'.

The podcast indicated that our efforts in improving our lives can be like this. New innovations in our skills and way of life can be difficult, but it may be easier if we think of it as a "version 1.0". What does this mean? Well, if you desire to be a great artist, you could try to make a great work of art. Chances are, it won't be the Mona Lisa, but I would have to ask "Why are you trying to make the Mona Lisa?" Why not start with "Mona Lisa version 1.0?" It doesn't matter how 'bad' you think the ending picture is, becuase the intent of 'version 1.0' is to have flaws, and is used to learn what not to do, or what to improve for the next version. If you see simple small things to add or change, you may make a new picture quickly that is a little better - this would be version 1.1 . You may find 5 other small things to change = version 1.6. After version 1.6 you may reallize an entirely new major concept or get some additional training that revolutionizes the way you paint. Try the Mona Lisa again - voila - Version 2.0.

So let's put this into practice. I am not happy with the way I organize my task list, and seem to procrastinate too much for the things that MUST get done.

I have been using a Weekly Planning List to help do this (a PARETO sheet) and this has helped, but at a version 1.0 level. I have been tweaking this list format and template, but still feel I am around version 1.9 of this particular method. I am going to add a new method to my madness, which is categorizing my 'to do tasks' in certain groupings. I got this idea from reading a website of my friend who is a father and musician.

I have a few categories of things that need to get done, for example:

#Diet#
Here are things that will help me lose weight, such as my Grocery List, Testing Spice Mixes, Finding "Bachelor" Recipies, Getting a Raquetball partner, etc

#Geek#
This category is currently the biggest list I have. This contains technology-related stuff that I want to do. Gadgets I want to try, tools I want to use (just to say I have used them), and reading things to keep me up to date with the computer electronic world. Examples on my list are everything from A+ certification, using some Dreamweaver & Flash sample on a website, researching Kodak EasyShare cameras and Olympus/Sony digital recorders, to catching up on RSS feeds and setting up a website on Apache on a Windows Vista machine...

I might need a version 1.0 project for many of these 'geek' category items.

#Money#
Anything Money related, such as working my debt reduction plan, keeping my budget together, spending some of my christmas gift credit cards

#Personal#
stuff that doesn't fit another category usually falls into personal. Everything from "camera and film developed". "review Gift list", "new smoke alarm, "spackle above stairway". Just my personal to-do list.

#Trips#
Technically the title is misleading. It should say "Important Dates", because some of the items on this task list are not actually involving going anywhere, but involve not being at home for some specific amount of time. However, currently the big items on this list are Summer Baseball Trip, Trip to see my Goddaughter, Trip to Las Vegas for a computer electronics show, but also items on here include my Volunteer Weekend for men's ministry and the 5K Walk/Run that I AM DOING this year. (There actually may be two or three of these before the year is over.)

#Work#
Work task items - stuff I need to do for my boss. Pretty explanitory.

So, with this primer, I may delve into subjects related to organizing life - version 1.0 in later blogs. I am planning on interviewing people about their 'life - version 1.0" personal projects
and how they are coming along.. that might be interesting for a series of podcasts.

COMMENT! Let me give you a subject, and leave a comment below to answer. Question: How do you fill the silverware compartment in the dishwasher. Do you intentially mix the forks, spoons, knives, or do you have one compartment with 'just forks', 'spoons only', etc.? Which way do you believe gets the dishes cleaner? Is there a 'right way' to do this? Please let me know your thoughts.

more later,

Chazz

Tag! Yer it!

I didn't realize that my fascination with RSS Feeds would cause me to spend so much time on this blog. I have been way to obsessed with this.

You can see that I have updated the template and added some RSS stuff. More may come in the future, but I am playing around.

Something to post today. I was called out by my friend Scott to write a journal entry with six random facts about yourself. Then pick six of your friends list and tag them – no tag-backs! These rules should be included in your entry.

1. I have a rare genetic metabolic disorder which affects an individual's ability to properly digest the sugar galactose. Lactose in food (such as dairy products) is broken down by the body into glucose and galactose. Normally, galactose is then converted into glucose by the enzyme. This is called galactosemia. For this reason, I don't drink milk, eat ice cream and read ingredient lists regularly.

2. The significant car wreck that Scott refers to on his blog was unfortunately as a passenger in my sister's car. Unfortunate for me, I was driving. Did I mention, this was my sister's car? I think you get the idea. (Good story here - perhaps for a future blog.)

3. I had no cavities in my mouth until 18 years of age. I did have chipped teeth before this age, and time has caught up with me, as I have had several root canal operations since. (again, another good story, I might write about my chipped tooth later as well. Remind me...)

4. This year I have fixed my toilet all by myself, and fix my electrical problem (no lights in bathroom) all by myself.

5. I was in attendance when Cal Ripken Jr completed his 3000 hit. I have a baseball card that commemorates this event.

6. I know how to play the Tuba, Trombone, Piano, and Accordion. I am trying to learn to play the guitar.


TAG to these people:

Dave M.
Dave E.
Dave A.
Dave B.
Amanda W.
Andy H.
Mary R.



more later,

Chazz

See you next weekend..

I will be travelling this weekend, so no post.

As an "Information Developer" (my new title at work), I have been working on publishing and information communication concepts. The latest idea is RSS Feeds. My blog is now RSS capable, which means you can be updated in your RSS Reader when new posts become available.

If you use Firefox, you will see the Subscribe button at the end of the URL. Clicking on this will let you add the RSS Feed to your bookmark or toolbar. Otherwise, you can:

Subscribe to Chazz Vader - FAT 2 FIVEK

Tell me if you think this is helpful.

Next up - podcasting.... It may take a while to get there, but it might happen in 2007..

more later

Chazz

"You are eating well" - anonymous woman in line at SuperTarget

Motivation:

"Never stand begging for what you have the power to earn."
~Miguel de Cervantes

Diary:

Note that the Diary section is changing somewhat due to the weekly post instead of a daily post.
I am going to try and remember my weekly meal highlights and workouts. Here is my first try:

Meals: I am currently eating meals as follows:

Breakfast = 1 egg and 1 fruit, and choice of cereal + milk OR slice of low-calorie whole grain toast + smart balance butter.

Lunch = 1 Protien, 2 Vegetables, 1 Fruit, 1 Starch. (For example a salad with 2 cups of green vegetables, 2 hard boiled eggs, an apple and a slice of low-calorie whole grain bread.)

Dinner = 1 Protien, 2 Vegetables, 1 Fruit, 1 Starch. Same as above.

I also am taking vitamins and supplements to help with weight loss and energy upkeep. I am drinking 80 oz of water a day (usually somewhere between 80 and 100 oz) I use Morton Lite Salt for my salt and splenda packets for sugar, when needed.

I am starting to look at spices and using spices in my meals. I am starting to cook my meals regularly and have a nice cookbook that deals with making single meals for a single person.


So, let's look at this last week - I will highlight a couple of meals. For example:
Curried Catfish Madras = Fish (Catfish) + Green Onions + Tomato + Apple. This is baked together with some curry and other herbs/spices. I crumbed an ak-mak cracker on the top, and this made a pretty good meal. I felt pretty glad about how the veggies and the apple mixed well together.
Stuffed Pepper = Ground Turkey + Green Onions + Green Pepper + Tomato. Again, a baked item, mix the ingredients with spices of choice and put into a green pepper, then bake. I also crumbled a slice of whole-grain bread into the mix before baking. It turned out like a meatloaf inside the pepper. It was yummy.

I also worked out twice this week - 30 minutes on the elliptical machine. I also swept the snow at church on Wednesday (15 minutes) and other odd jobs - made a point to walk more - park farther away from work and shopping.

I have calculated the new stats (as of Feb 04) on the right sidebar.

Notes:

For those of you who don't yet know, I did get a new job this year. I was unemployed during January, after funding ended for my 2006 job. I am going to be working for Stellent, Inc, in Eden Prairie, MN. I started working on Monday, and I am pleased so-far, but I feel like I am a little behind in my learning curve. Things are changing at this company, and I am trying to stay up to speed.

Thanks for the nice birthday cards and greetings. I appreciate all of the messages and pictures.
I had fun this week looking through the collection of "Cooking Light" magazines that my sister left for me. I have had them in a bag for many months, and decided to look through them for recipie ideas for single meals, or as I like to call them - "self-made bachelor meals".

I found a few that I liked, including some salads that require only a few ingredients.

At SuperTarget, I used up the last of my Target Gift Card, and purchased fruits and veggies (berries, bean sprouts, grapes, apples, cucumber, jalepeno peppers, pablano pepper, whole grain bread, soy milk, shrimp) I also purchased some spices to use in my cooking. -Curry, Garam Masala, Chinese 5-Spice, and something called "Apple Spice", containing Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Clove and other baking spices. I hope to use this on baked fruit for a healthy dessert. As I type, I am opening and sniffing the spices I bought. The Apple Spice smells divine, and the Chinese 5-spice smells exactly as the description on the back indicates: A fragrant, warm-sweet flavor. I am a big fan of Curry, as I have been in India, Nepal and China, and enjoy the classic southern India flavor. The Garam Masala is a curry blend, but does not contain turmeric and is a warmer, deeper flavor. (It is hard to explain "warm" as a flavor, but if Curry is described as "Bright", then I guess "Warm" is an ok word to use.)

While in line, a woman behind me exclaimed "You are really eating well... healthy, I mean." I guess I am, but found it funny that someone would proclaim that out loud. No hotdogs, donughts, soda, packaged chips, etc. I guess everything I bought, excpet for the bread and soy milk, was raw, natural, real food.

I indicated to her that I was just trying to figure out how to use spices. She indicated I should go to "Penzeys" http://www.penzeys.com/cgi-bin/penzeys/penzeyscatalog.html. Penzeys speciallizes in spices and they have a store in St. Paul. The lady indicated that they will help you decide what to use and they have a lot of pre-made spice mixes that they have specially made. This is the 2nd time Penzeys was recommended to me. The key for me is to find spice mixes that don't have SALT or SUGAR added. I will add Morton Lite Salt as directed.

TIme to make lunch - I am going to use some of my new spices!

more later...

Chazz