Thursday, July 31, 2008

Cholesteroni

Years ago, back when I was a fattard (thats a slow fat person), the doc said my cholesterol was so bad that if I didn't lower it he'd put me on medication. Back then it was like 250 or 260 or something, which basically meant that it was surprising I didn't have a heart attack on the way to the shower in the morning.

Of course now I am a much healthier (and happier) person. My cholesterol has been at good levels for many years now, but now my cholesterol is at an all time optimal level.

my total: 170
- less than 200 = desirable
- 200-239 = borderline-highrisk
- > 240 = lose the remote, fatty

my tri: 65
- less than 150 mg/dL = normal
- 150–199 = borderline-high
- 200-499=high
- greater than 500 = holy crap, put down the damn cheeseburger!

my hdl: 69
- greater than 60 = rock on baby
- less than 40/50 [male/female] = lay off the fast food chunky butt

my ldl: 97 (< 100 = optimal, 100-129=normal, 130-159= borderline, > 160=high, > 190=you bleed crisco)

Fo mo info like dis: American Heart Association.

Friday, July 25, 2008

New Stuff on the Home Front

On the home front:


I’m planning on trying some triathlon events, although I really would prefer to try some adventure racing instead.  First I’m going to start with a tiny little super sprint triathlon, where the distances are very short.  First I have to wait for my ankle to get healed though, but the swimming part will be the only tough leg for me so I can train for that even with the injury (for those who don’t know, I took a bad sprain playing volleyball about 5 weeks ago).  I’m also planning on my first half marathon in November.  I need to get to work training for this one ASAP if I am going to make it.  I’m sure that I’m out of shape since I haven’t done any running in the last 5 weeks.  For now swimming and mountain biking will be the bulk of my exercise.  Got any good advice for me?


I have recently enjoyed live performances of Iris Dement, The Bowerbirds, and Tom Petty.  I love live music!  We also went to see Dave Attell, who was absolutely freakin’ hilarious!  I went to all of these with someone I met recently, and I’m having a blast spending time with her.


My friends keep making fun of me because I have it in my head that I want to buy a 2009 Toyota Prius.  I don’t think the Prius body style is as lame as they say, but for all that mpg I don’t really care either.  Right now I drive a 2002 F-150 gas guzzler, which has its uses of course…but also has its hefty gas price tag.  Maybe I’ll keep it too and just park it most of the time.  Maybe whatever gas money I save on a new hybrid I can throw into buying a boat!  Thats not exactly a step in the carbon-neutral direction, huh?  Everytime I drive over the lakes around the area I am so completely jealous of those people I see riding their waverunners, skiing, wakeboarding, etc.  I want to get out there, but a ski boat is a big chunk of money to drop.  Is it worth it?


Its almost time to go white water rafting!  Can't wait for that!  :P  Then I want to learn how to do some river kayaking.

Monday, July 21, 2008

Iris Dement, The Bowerbirds

A few weekends ago I went to see a couple shows with Lauren.

One was Iris Dement, who thought it would be a good idea to wear a country picnic tablecloth dress. You know, those checkerboard ones? Nice. Between songs she talked like she was stoned out of her gourd and about to pass out, but she sang beautifully. Favorite quote (said in a total stoner voice): "my fingers are sticking to the keys...". I took some video on cell phone, but they are so tiny they aren't worth uploading. The guy that opened for her was so boring that I forgot his name. I did recognize him as soon as we walked in though - he is the guitarist for John Prine. For somebody who has been entertaining for so long, he really needs to work on his stage presence and his conversation between songs. Good voice, but some of the songs he played were a little too silly for my taste. Lots of old people at this show. Every once in a while I would nudge Lauren and say "hey look, there are some young people ", pointing at some people without gray hair. Here's a clip of my favorite Iris song, which is actually a duet with John Prine. If you know my taste in music, you can probably already guess that its a bit out there.

We also went to see The Bowerbirds at Duke Gardens. These people were really good. The lead singer reminded me a bit of Damien Rice. Their instruments were unique too - of course the rhythm guitar, but also an auto harp, an accordion, and a big bass drum. I wish the girl in the group had done more singing, her voice was really nice too. Lots of hippies at this show. Once I nudged Lauren and said, "hey look, an old person". It stormed during this show, and we sat on the grass in the rain and got soaked!

Awesome weekend

I wanted to share this past weekend, it was so much fun. It started Thursday night - Lauren and I sat on a blanket in the grass at Koka Booth Amphitheater with some sandwiches and a bottle of wine, watching "Twilight Zone: The Movie". Turns out the movie was not so hot, but it was still a great time. We definitely had a great Thursday night. :)

Friday night a group of us went to see Dave Attell at Charlie Goodnight's. I'm pretty sure that this was the best show I've seen at Goodnight's, and I've been to a lot of them. To sum it up, every single time I took a sip of my drink I was concerned about whether or not I'd be able to swallow it before he made me laugh again! If you get a chance to see this guy live, I'd definitely recommend it.

Saturday morning I woke up bright and early. I did not want to leave the comfy bed I was in, but bbq demanded it. I smoked 4 pork shoulders and also made 4 racks of babyback ribs, baked beans, and slaw. Lauren brought fruit and jalapeno cornbread, Blake brought macaroons, James brought cupcakes, and everybody else brought a boatload of beer. Despite the fact that weather forecasters in NC are hopeless in the summertime, I was worried about the threat of rain all day. Checkout this picture of my ghettofied back patio, protecting the smoker and grills from rain. Turns out the last 30 minutes or so had pouring rain, and probably wouldn't have effected the cooking anyway!

Sunday, after spending the morning cleaning up after my shockingly well behaved friends, it was time for a little adventure. Mountain biking on some insane trails on the backside of Lake Crabtree park, followed by Kayaking with Tom. I thought it would be a little tougher than it was, but it could still be a good upper body workout if I wanted it to be. We had so much fun that both of us have threatened to buy our own kayaks. I'll have to make more room in the garage!

I haven't seen "Dark Knight" yet, but I can't wait to. Apparently it is playing at the IMAX, so I'm hoping to catch it there!