Thanks, Bob.

Motivation:

"The spirit, the will to win, and the will to excel are the things that endure. These qualities are so much more important than the events that occur."~Vince Lombardi

Diary:

b: bagel and peanut butter (Men's Group)
s: protien bar
l: homeade chili, xs, vitamins
s: celery and peanut butter
d: pretzels, beer, pizza (band practice night at AHon.com's home)
g: none today - too many meetings and my whole day was off. I didn't feel good about it, but that was the reality of the day.


Notes:

This week has been a real difficult one, from water in the kitchen, to a sinus that is filled up like a balloon, and then the other night finding out my mother's brother passed away... This has been a real trial.

Lately, people named "Bob" have been a positive influence. It is interesting that this happened all at the same time.

The name of the serviceman who came to look at the water softener was named Bob. He actually was part of the initial crew that installed the water softeners into the townhomes when they were built in the 1970's. He knew details that I didn't even think to ask, and was a good resource. He was also very friendly and I felt that it was a positive experience. I have a feeling we will cross paths again, who knows when.

A good friend from Wednesday Men's Group is named Bob. He is a dear soul who is always looking out for the best for me. He has encouraged me to make a health check up, and this morning said "So, when are you going?" When I told him I hadn't called to make an appointment, he said, "So, you will let me know on Sunday when your appointment is schedule for?" He is funny. I appreciate it.

The band that I have played with in the past has decided to play for "Bob Dylan" tribute night, next Tuesday at a local bar. I was asked if I wanted to play the accordian, using it's higher reeds as a replacement for Dylan's harmonica solo lines. At practice, I was having problems holding the squeeze-box in place, and finally reallized that it was falling off my shoulders. After some thought, I reallized that I could move the straps 2 holes up, and it fit much better. I then noticed how I was able to have the instrument closer to my body. It was easier to see everything and play the instrument. I had a lot of fun! In the past, some band practices were just not so fun, mostly becuase I was honestly too big for my instrument. Now, where that pouch used to be, in that space I can place the accordian, which is the way it is supposed to work. I am planning on singing "What was it you wanted" and "Everything is Broken" both from the Bob Dylan album - "Oh Mercy".

As I was listening to this album in the car on the way to practice, I remembered how I got this tape. In high-school, Bob A. was in my class, but I was not impressed by him, and honestly, I treated him poorly. He was treated poorly by other kids in my class as well. I am not happy about this, but high-school life is hard for almost everyone, so I don't obsess too much about this. One of the things though, he gave me this tape for a gift one year. I think this was from a secret santa - type arrangement, but it might have been for another reason... Anyway, he gave me this tape of Bob Dylan music. At the time, I was totally uninterested in Bob Dylan, and not sure why. (I didn't really know anything about Bob Dylan, other than he appeared to me to be sloppy looking and voice sounded 'twangy'.)

Fast forward years later, and I am in college. While at home on a school break, I find a Bob Dylan tape, still unwrapped, in with my high-school things that I am organizing for my mother. I remember that this was from "Bobby A" and start to listen to it. Little did I know that this would be one of my favorite albums of all time. I have listened to this tape over and over and over again. It is great for road trips, and has melancholy tunes that are soothing and inspriational lyrics that make me want to get to it. If you would have told me in high-school that I would ever be a part of a "Bob Dylan" night at a bar in Minneapolis, I would have laughed you out of town. Today, I can't think of anything better for me to do with my time.
Thank goodness we evolve from high-school cro-magnan men, to sophisticated debonaire bachelor studs.

Thanks to all the positive Bob's in my life.


Just in case you have been bored with your meals...

11 New Mealtime Muscle Boosters
Because you just can't eat another boneless, skinless chicken breast with brown rice
By: Phillip Rhodes

Shrimp
Three ounces--about 12 large shrimp--has almost 18 grams (g) of protein.

Oysters, clams, mussels
Three ounces of oysters will net you 11 g of protein, while the same amount of clams or mussels has nearly double that.

Quinoa
That's "keen-wah." Think of this South American grain as rice with a turbocharger. It has more protein than any other grain (22 g per cup). You can find it at health-food stores and many upscale grocery stores.

Couscous
Pasta is not the only energy food. Couscous is easy to cook--all you need is water, a microwave, and about 2 minutes.

Sloppy Joes
Beef has a higher creatine content than any other food. Try making it with Manwich Original Sauce.

Baked beans
A half cup serves up 6 g each of protein and filling dietary fiber. Avoid extra saturated fat by choosing vegetarian baked beans.

Portobello mushrooms
They're a great way to serve stuff. Just fill the cap with some diced chicken, pour in tomato sauce, and bake it for 10 minutes. 1.5 g fiber and 2 g protein.

Prunes
Okay. Laugh. But they have high levels of antioxidants, and damaging oxidative stress is often a result of heavy exercise. So eat up, and help your body recover faster.

"Fried" chicken
Dip the breast in a beaten egg and roll it in a mixture of crushed cornflakes, salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.


more later,

Chazz