P90X, We Brought it, and Finished!

Howdy Folks! Well the Christmas season is upon us. I love this time of year. I actually adore this time of year. It is the absolute best time of the whole year. Many of my favorite memories come from this time of year. Those memories are filled with family and friends, traditions, and the spirit of Christmas. I hope you all have a great holiday season. I'll give you all an update on how things go for us come Christmas.
As for this post, it is to report on a major accomplishment for Jody and I. Some of you know that we've been doing the work out program P90X. We really wanted to get into shape, and thought this might be a good way, and a lot of fun. Well, when they say it's extreme, they mean it. It was one of the hardest programs I've done. By sticking to this program, you are supposed to transform your body into a well oiled machine in 90 days. The program was great and did hold up its end of the bargain. I've never been in this kind of shape in my life. My vertical jump increased by 21 inches. I went from being able to do 3 wide grip pull ups to doing 6-7. My cardio has improved greatly, I can do 2 times the push ups (35), and curls (45). Now, you're supposed to take day 1 and day 90 pictures to show your progress. We did do this, but I am a little shy about showing them, so sorry. you'll have to do with this picture of the Mexican Luchador, it's a close representation. just kidding.
I actually gained a lot of knowledge doing this program. I didn't achieve all of my goals with it. I was hoping to really put on some mass and size, however I just ended up getting very lean and toned. This was because of my diet habits. I learned that your diet is the most important part of the whole project. I wasn't taking in enough calories. According to the estimations in the booklet, i was taking in enough, but those are estimations that are supposed to be changed for people when you understand your own circumstances. I happen to have an overactive metabolism, so I should have been taking in close to 3000 calories, but was only doing 2100-2400 every day.I did love the healthy eating though. I can definitely notice the difference, that the healthy intake has caused. I have more energy, I have yet to get sick, when everyone else around me has been sick, and I feel more alert. One of my biggest vices before this program was pop. I used to drink a Dr. Pepper at least once a day. I haven't touched a drop of pop in 90 days, and I don't feel like I'm missing out. I thought I would struggle with the temptation a lot more. Anyhow, I would recommend this program to anyone looking to get in shape. It is a very hard program, so make sure you research it and make sure you can make the minimum requirements before committing to it. It requires a lot of will power and determination, and believe me, Jody and I were tested some days. All in all though, it's worth it. I'm amazed, as I now have muscles, I never had before, and I feel great. I'm going to take the required couple of weeks off to recover, but then I think I'm going to tackle it again, but increase my diet. I want to thank my wonderful wife for doing this crazy project with me though, it was hard, but a ton of fun. Jody, you look great! Keep posted and maybe one day I'll get brave enough to show you our results pictures.

Could this be the Year?

I don't want to jump to conclusions folks, because there is a big risk of jinxing your team, But could this be the year my beloved Flames make a run at the cup?

This last week was one of the best weeks I can remember in recent history for Flames hockey. It all began with a hard fought home victory against a troublesome Phoenix team. The Flames were able to stick to their game plan, and grind out a 2-1 win over the Coyotes at home. That was a huge monkey off their backs, as they have uncharacteristically struggled at the Saddledome this year.

Next it was off to embark on the longest road trip of this season. First stop, Detroit, and the always dangerous Red Wings. This was set to be a battle of epic proportions. The banged up Red Wings pestered Kipper all night long, but he stood on his head earning a 3-0 shutout, his 32 of his career.

The following night we ended up in Columbus to play the Blue Jackets, with Curtis McElhinney (the back up) in net. It started out really shaky with the Blue Jackets taking a 3-1 lead into the 3rd period. However with 8:29 left in the game the Flames found their stride and scored 2 goals in a 1:28 to tie the game! Then, with overtime solving nothing, we went to the always exciting shootout. After 4 rounds Jamie Lundmark skated in hot and sure, and scored for the winner! Jody and I could barely contain ourselves. It was one of the most exciting games I've seen in a while.

Finally on Monday we were down in Nashville to face the Predators. This game wasn't even close. Calgary played a tight, smash mouth defensive game and walked away with yet another shutout in a 5-0 victory. It was Kippers 33rd for his career.

On top of all this the Flames have had outstanding coaching by Brent Sutter, a wall of a goalie in Mikka Kipprusoff, contributions from all 4 lines, and the consummate leadership of our heart and soul captain Jarome Iginla. As a side note, Jarome was just awarded the player of the month honours by the league for an outstanding November, where he collected 20 points in 14 games (13 goals, 7 assists).

Why am I so excited about this year? Because we appear to have so much depth in the team. On a night where Jarome isn't scoring we have others who step up and do. We are beginning to tighten up more defensively and are playing smarter in our zones. The biggest reason however, is our goaltender. The Kipper is playing Vezina Trophy hockey right now, and is capable of stealing games for us when offensively, we may not be sharp. (The Vezina trophy is awarded to the leagues top goaltender every year)

This team I believe is earning it's stripes. They're learning to play consistent hockey, something that has been missing the last few years. Another shocking stat is our road record. We are the best team on the road right now in the league with a 9-1-2 record. For those of you who may be wondering why that is impressive, it's because those road games are the toughest points to earn, when you are playing in a hostile environment, after being on a plane the night before. This team is looking tough, and mean, and that gives me confidence.

I know it's early, but I'm really wondering. Could this be the year we go for the Cup?

Tiger Update..

And just when I've gone off defending Tiger and the amount of scrutiny he's come under, I end up with a little bit of egg on my face. Tiger today, posted on his website that he is sorry to his family and friends for some infidelity issues. Yesterday a woman, no the one first accused; came forward claiming to have had a relationship with Tiger. apparently, this one has some merit to it.
I don't want to get into gossip, and tabloid issues. I'll simply just say that it's very sad and disappointing. I looked at Tiger as one of the rare athletes that didn't bow under the pressures of being a public figure. Like he said, nobody is perfect, but is it so wrong to be a little faithful now a days?

My Mother Always Taught Me to Mind My Own Business

Ladies and Gents, I have a real problem. Anyone who knows me, knows I am a major fan of Tiger Woods. not just because of what he does on the golf course, but because of who he is, and what he does off the course. I am fascinated by the attributes that comprise, what I feel; is the greatest competitor in sports. I also respect how he has been able to keep himself out of the eye of public scrutiny his whole life. unfortunately that seems to have changed this week.

As many of you know, Tiger was involved in a MINOR traffic accident last Thursday at 2:25 a.m. , in front of his Florida estate. The report from the police stated that in the act of backing out of his driveway, Mr. Woods hit a fire hydrant, and then a tree. The force of the impact was minor enough that airbags didn't deploy, but forceful enough to give him some cuts and bruises. Police arrived on the scene, found Mr. Woods lying on the grass being attended to by his wife. He was treated at the scene and taken to hospital. There he was admitted treated, and released in good condition. Alcohol was not a factor. Charges are pending upon completion of the investigation. These folks, are the facts up to this point. Again, I emphasize the word FACTS.

Now for the rest of the story. When media reports (term used loosely) first broke, they said Tiger had been involved in a major accident near his home, and was taken to hospital in serious condition. There were reports that he wasn't conscious, that he was seen bleeding profusely from the neck. Later, once the hospital released their statement of his good condition; the media began to speculate what had happened. This is where my big problem starts. If any of you don't want to hear my rant and rave about the media, you should log off now. You've been warned.

I can't stand how the media has become more and more tabloid driven, than fact driven. Now a days we are bombarded by the latest scandal, rumor, and speculation. The media no longer reports on news, they search out and dig up trash, looking for drama, disfunctionality, and scandal. There are morons out there chasing celebrities, and public figures with a little hand held video cameras, asking them about the latest scandal and calling it news! As I've mentioned before, Journalism, is a dying, if not already dead; art. I don't think there is a single true Journalist left out there. They are all glorified tabloid jockey's. And now they've turned their eyes on Tiger.

Rumors and speculation have run rampant since this incident was first reported. It has gone from mild, to malicious, to outright vindictive. I believe the media has a grudge against Tiger, because he has managed to stay so private. Every time they try to delve in to his personal life he shuts the door, so now they are out for blood, and this is a possible way to get it. The rumors have been that Tiger was having an affair, that his wife, was angry and chased him out of the house with a golf club, smashing the windows of his SUV. They say he is refusing to speak to State Troopers because he's trying to hide the fact that he was drunk. They're also reporting that perhaps he was sneaking off in the middle of the night to meet up with his mistress. This morning I read on the front page of the Post "Has Tiger's image become tainted? Will this deter current and future sponsors from allowing him to represent their brands?" I've also heard from some "reporters" in the sports media, that his silence is only creating more controversy, and doing him more damage. Folks, This is all a ploy to try and get the Tiger out of it's cave so to speak. This is an example of the type of sensationalism, that honestly, is destructive and evil to society.

Here are the facts I've learned through research. I'll post the links as well, so you can see them for yourself if you'd like. 1. Alcohol was NOT a factor. 2. He is not having an affair, as stated by the supposed mistress. (see http://blogs.golf.com/presstent/2009/12/rachel-uchitel-denies-affair-with-tiger-woods.html) 3.He is not required to speak to the state troopers, for a minor accident like this. All that is required is a driver's licence and his registration. ( see http://blogs.golf.com/presstent/2009/11/police-deny-media-reports-of-woods-investigation.html) 4. Tiger Woods owes us nothing more than the statement he posted on his website. Which I think is a fair explanation. (http://web.tigerwoods.com/news/article/200911297726222/news/)

This has been fairly embarrassing for the worlds top ranked golfer. It was a mistake made by a human being. I think he is handling it the right way by keeping it all in house. If there was nothing criminal happening, than what business of it is ours. He doesn't have to explain himself to anyone, as to why he was pulling out of his driveway in the early morning. He doesn't need to defend himself to anyone. It really bothers me how nowadays everybody thinks they are entitled to know everything about everyone. I don't owe it to anyone to reveal what goes on in my private life. That's my business, and nobody else's. Some of you may say "Well that's the price of being in the public eye." I hate that statement. Yes, being in the public eye opens you up to more scrutiny, but it doesn't mean you are required to air the family laundry.

I for one hope, and know that if Tiger stays quiet long enough, this will all go away. Right now the media is trying to dig really hard for a story, and I think its a testament to the pathetic lives they lead as well as all of us who drink up the dribble they put out there. We all have issues in our lives we have to deal with, so let's focus on that, rather than trying to distract ourselves with someone else's. If your interested in a good article about this, go to http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/columns/story?columnist=wojciechowski_gene&id=4700875&sportCat=golf