On Habits

I'm learning that habits, good or bad, are pretty powerful things. They're so powerful in fact, I've recently come to admit that some of mine have involved behaviors I didn't even enjoy, but simply felt compelled to repeat regardless of knowing I'd just feel like crap in the end. From oversleeping to letting people regularly waste my time, my actions and interactions weren't benefiting me at all, and I only felt regret and anger with myself for allowing them to continue. Problem was, however, I didn't know how to make myself stop.

I spent a lot of time and energy trying to find the big cause... that subconscious, psychological need now manifesting itself as said habits, but you know what? I finally just woke up and realized they were all just simple practiced actions, and like all animals, I'd been trained.

I did some reading up on habits then and learned they take about two weeks to form, which, when looking at it from another perspective, includes breaking a habit as well. For example, if you want to break your habit of oversleeping in the morning, you just make a new habit of waking up early (my mom invited me to call her at whatever o'clock, as she wanted to wake up earlier too). After the new habit is established, give it another two weeks to reinforce and cement. From there on out, as long as you don't create any new habits over top of the one you've just created, you're set.

Do you know how simple my life got as a result of this??

By breaking it down into a two-week interval instead of looking at it as this overwhelming force upon my life, change has become much easier to manage. Now I can wake up earlier in order to have more time in the day, I can tell people who interrupt me that I'm busy and invite them to come back later, I can catch up on email on Sunday nights, and read a chapter of my book du jour everyday. Whatever it is I want to do or undo is entirely DOABLE if I just take it two weeks at a time.

And well, I can certainly do that.

Here's Your Sign

HOW cute is this little guy!? Yeah I couldn't resist, he was right there close to the fence and I had to get off my bike and pet him.

So apparently there was a sign, I've since been told after just about sending myself to Jesus in the middle of my Amish country ride this past Sunday. A sign was supposed to be posted... didn't I see the sign for God's sake??

Not the nice big orange WARNING placard mind you, nor the one that said -- whilst enveloped in flashing lights -- something to the effect of "high voltage" or "keep away". No no, didn't I see the little white disintegrating warning label pasted on the fence?

Uhh, yeah the answer is no. I'm afraid I saw no such ...sign.

Now being that I grew up in the city, I, of course, had no idea farm fences were "hot-wired", e.g. coursing with electricity to keep the farm animals away from them. In fact, for the last three years I've ridden my bike past all manner of cattle and horses and such all the while thinking, wow, just that little bit of wire keeps them in there huh? They're so well-behaved... Guh. Well, for the rest of you oh-so naive, city reared but born again country boys and girls like me out there, here's your PSA in big capital letters: Why no, NO IT DOESN'T.

So, what can we learn from my shocking little story here, hmm? How about this: no matter how cute the baby beasts of burden may be, take my advice and don't stick your arm through the wires unless you categorically spanked your opponents at the game of Operation as a kid, because oh yes my friends, the actual zap when you touch the sides really does buzz like that.

Evotri's Contest #3 Hits Inside Tri Magazine!

Oh, well how cool is this!? The new June issue of Inside Triathlon Magazine (the May issue is pictured here) will be running an article on Team Evotri! The issue hits the stands next week, and will include all the details for our third contest this season. Be sure to check it out, as well as the bonus article currently featured on their web site!

We really hit the jackpot with the two newest team members, Tri-Cajun and TriSaraTops, which makes this third contest all the more exciting. Check out the articles for all the details on how to become our next addition!

Our Lady of Propane

They say never talk about religion or politics in mixed company, but I figure I've broken several sacred bloggy rules already, so what the hell. Have a seat.

Hilary Clinton is making me insane. She's here in town again, this time cruising to the gas pumps with sheet metal workers touting the woes of having to choose between feeding their kids and driving to work. Please. Yes, gas is ridiculous here now, pushing about $4.00 a gallon, but in Europe they're paying something like $9.00 a gallon! To talk in Depression-eque Roosevelt speak in an attempt to make everyone feel like she's Hillary H. Christ here to save our eternal consumer souls is appalling.

What's worse is the plan she and McCain are carrying underarm as they try to gallop in on their proverbial white horses - suspending the gas tax for the summer. Did they not take high school math and econ like I did? Seriously, this grandiose gesture of theirs is going to save the typical American family on average a whopping $32 over the course of the three months.

Not only that, but slashing the tax so abruptly and then putting it right back is only going to cause a temporary spike in the demand for gas - e.g. - more profits for the oil companies, not less. These companies were never going to see that tax in the first place, as it's meant for the highway trust fund (which supports road and bridge maintenance), so what do the refineries care?? Especially under McCain who has no intention of making anyone pay back the $9 billion the fund would be out. Ugh. Talk about your Robin Hood in reverse.

Hillary does plan to hike the tax on oil companies' profits in order to reimburse the fund, but you know what, this doesn't fix anything even if she does manage to get it through all those good ol' boys on Capital Hill. Plainly, this is a quick fix fight that doesn't need to happen. Supply, demand, lifting taxes, imposing taxes, none of this speaks to the core problem that we simply need to switch to renewable energy instead of depending on foreign oil or drilling for more. There are so many imperative reasons for this, the least of which is the skyrocketing price of filling up the H2 for the week.

Until we address the cause, we only postpone the cure. Though hey, being sick in this country does seem to turn quite a profit for the powers that be, but oh man is that another post...

THROUGH TH3 WALL: A New Era

I've been thinking for a few days now about how to best describe the way my year seems to be going – how I've had this personal struggle between going with the flow and fighting myself to fit everything in all at once – and I think it's really just time to pick a side already.

It's clear things have been different since Ironman, and even though I've proven I can do it all - by God, tell me I can't, and damn if I don't - I must admit when attempting to do so I don't think I do any of it as well as I could in the end. It's expensive both physically and mentally to keep the kind of pace necessary to cram everything I want to do and be into a day, not to mention the added stress of not only trying to get it all done, but get it all done well.

For the past few years I've tried to keep things spinning, which as I mentioned is definitely possible, but I've come to accept it's much more difficult, not to mention unnecessary, to try to do it all at the same time. I've found insisting on the latter only produces acceptable results at best across the board, and even then not for very long. So what's the point exactly, especially when there's a much more economical way to spend my life?

Since Ironman I've learned beyond the shadow of a doubt my time is best spent focusing on one thing at a time. For example, I try to go all out during the holidays. Everyone comes to our house for Thanksgiving Dinner and for Christmas, and I like to make special things and fancy homemade presents. Shortly thereafter there's Laura's birthday and swimming lessons, and then Michael's birthday and soccer, and around May all the family related special events seem to slow down.

Now I certainly can get the 10 hours worth of base training in and pick out my races and scramble to make it all work from December to April, but why scramble? Why not wait until May when said things slow down, and then let triathlon fill some of the extra space and time my life finally has for it? I don't know why I've tried to force it all for so long. No doubt this is an old lesson for some and likely an outrageous suggestion for others, but know I'm not suggesting completely turning off training. I'm all for staying fit and being healthy as a lifestyle, but at some point there has to be a decision made about what is top priority, which of course, is different for everyone.

For me, from November to April the priority regarding training is simply staying fit and being healthy, it's not to build my base per se, or work on my speed, or do anything obsessively the way I used to believe I should. The fact of the matter is I just need to admit I have too much else going on during these months to add it to the mix.

Fortunately, I've managed to keep things in perspective for the most part this year by not allowing triathlon to steamroll over the rest of my life as it has in the past, and it seems the only thing left to do is to stop feeling even remotely guilty about it. The holidays were a hit, I've cheered louder and consoled better at swimming and soccer, and I've made one hell of a Jedi Master of Ceremonies. Everything has been better since I've stopped spreading myself so thinly, and I can only imagine the trend will continue this summer for tri season. At the very least I'm sure looking forward to finding out.

The Party Recap!

(Right: The training remote pinata and light saber stick James made for the third Jedi trial. Click to enlarge the coolness.)

All right, without further ado I present the recap of the Jedi Knight Training Academy Trials, a.k.a. Michael's 6th birthday party.

The day started out incredibly frigid as young Padawans Laura and Michael used the force at their respective soccer games to score, prevent scoring, and keep warm. Laura's team won their game and Michael's team lost, but afterwards there was only one thing on the minds of the children, getting back in the warm car to head for home and ready themselves for the Jedi proving grounds.

Soon little Padawan friends started arriving, and the trials began. After they lined up from shortest to tallest, they were called down one by one to practice honing the Force, e.g. keeping the ova-orb on the spoon as they crossed a beam over hot lava. Older Padawan helped younger Padawan by lending their Force focus, as you'll note here in the picture.

The younger sister of one of the Padawan tries her skills at the first Jedi Knight trial.

Then it was onto the speed and reflex trial, Carbonite Freeze Tag (an idea I saw on another blog during my research). The instant each Padawan was tagged he or she had to freeze like Han Solo trapped in Carbonite, and when Laura was it everyone moaned because they knew they were so gonna get caught, ha!

Michael, Laura, and some of the other Padawan showing off their focused, frozen in carbonite poses.

The final trial was practicing the Force with the Jedi training remote pinata and light saber that James made. Each Padawan had three lasers to field (e.g. three hits), and ironically that was the perfect number because on the last kid's turn it finally broke and dumped out all the toys and candy.

Michael getting in a good few whacks, well on his way to becoming a Jedi Knight.

When all the trials were completed, everyone came inside and had Millennium Falcon cake, TIE Fighter cookies, ice cream and lemonade, and then gathered around Michael as he opened his presents.

Coveted Star Wars Transformers. Could there BE a better marriage of toys for Michael??

The closing ceremonies included an awards presentation where each newly minted Jedi was given their Jedi Academy Certificate of Completion, which James made and had signed by Yoda, of course. They were further honored with a goody bag full of the candy/toys they'd collected from the pinata, a Star Wars figurine, and their very own bubble sword light saber. To celebrate their accomplishments, they all returned to the back yard to spar with each other ... and to blow really big bubbles.

Thus concluded the Jedi Training Academy Trials, and we look forward to what's in store for next year!

Welcome to the Family

Wow what a busy weekend! Lots to report, but before we get to all that I'd like to introduce you to the newest members of our family: Skipper (left) and Wicket.

Laura has been wanting a puppy in a major way, so we decided to get the responsibility ball rolling with a guinea pig. Sunday (which, yes, was my birthday. Thank you to everyone who called, especially all the way from AUSTRAILIA, and sent notes!) I suggested we go to the pet store to finally pick one out. Well, they had two in the habitat up for adoption, and how can you separate brothers, you know? Not to mention they were the same age as some of the younger guinea pigs for sale, and at $5.00 each plus a 40% discount on the accessories, it was just meant to be.

Skipper is Laura's, and of course Wicket is Michael's. They're both pretty friendly and make the most adorable cooey/squeaky noises. Unfortunately, I discovered I'm way allergic to them both, but I don't care. How can you not pet these little dudes?

So, welcome to the family guys. I'm sure there will be lots of adventures we'll be sharing with everyone throughout the summer.

More on the rest of the weekend in a bit!

Jedi Training Academy

Man I found these "lightsabers" at the Family Dollar store yesterday for a buck each! They came in a bunch of different colors and are filled with bubbles. The huge wand inside catches the light in the sun and makes it actually seem to glow, too perfect!

OK, tomorrow is the big day and I'm psyched. This birthday party is going to go down in history as the coolest birthday party ever had by a 6-year-old. Prepare yourselves.

First, Millennium Falcon status report: last night I made the cakes that will tonight become the ship, I also made the centers of the TIE Fighter cookies and will finish those up this evening too. All must be done tonight because tomorrow at 8:15 AM Laura has a soccer game, at 10:00 AM Michael has a soccer game, and at 2:30 PM several would-be Jedi Knights will be at my door ready to prove themselves worthy.

They will use the force to balance an egg in a spoon while crossing a beam over hot lava (a red tablecloth). They will even use the lightsaber stick James made last night to spar with the training remote pinata he's also making, and ultimately, they will be awarded a goodie bag with their Jedi Knight certificates and their very own lightsaber for the closing ceremonies. How impossibly cool does all that sound?

Holy cow I think I'm more excited than even Michael. Happy Friday guys, pics to come!

What It Takes

The question I'm asked the most, usually enthusiastically in the hopes of learning something, and occasionally accompanying the suggestion I don't deserve what I have, is "how?" How did I get here, or how do I pull it all off? And ironically, I have the same answer for all those asking.

First and foremost I know buying into the belief that there is only one way to succeed is just like never even trying to succeed at all; thinking one must first be wildly beautiful, rich, brilliant, or athletically gifted is just an excuse to avoiding having to find another way, as in woe is me. Bah.

I know to be successful one simply needs the guts to first be an original at something, and I say an original because success is only real success if we own it. If Jethro copies Aristotle's math test, that "A" isn't his "A" and never will be. He may get the sticker and pass the class, but his incompetence will eventually out him.

I know beyond originality one then needs some good old-fashioned trial and error along with an especially stubborn, flame-retardant will. And I know the latter is monumentally important above all else because throughout history it's proven far easier to criticize from the warm wrap of the crowd than it ever has been to stand out there in the elements, alone, having nothing but an idea and the audacity to believe in oneself.

I know I have and will never compromise my convictions in order to silence nay-sayers, as I've found it far more satisfying to simply prove them wrong.

And finally I know success is not this Holy Grail, lost in time if it ever existed at all. It's our birthmark. Each of us is born a success already. We are the product of that one little swimmer out of the countless; the one that much stronger who dared to endure that much more, so clearly every one of us already has what it takes. The only trick is in finding where our talents lie, then in having the courage to grab them up by their shirts and demand they take us somewhere. That is how I've come to have, be and do everything I've ever had, been and done, and I gotta say, I'm pretty happy with the path so far.

Registration for WIBA: 2008 is Open!

Well after much planning, registration for the third annual Wisconsin Brick Adventure is now open! The event is still totally free, and will consist of free clinics, cool sponsor surprises, and semi-supported brick workouts on the Ironman Wisconsin course from June 27-29.

Workouts will be planned by the cream of the crop coaching crew at Vision Quest Coaching, specifically on hand will be the one and only Coach Dan. He's coached everyone from Olympians to little old me, so you'll be in good hands no matter your ability level. All workouts at all pace levels will be led by veteran Ironman Wisconsin athletes as well, so if you've ever been curious about the IMWI course, now is a great time to come and check it out.

You don't need to be signed up to race Ironman Wisconsin to participate by the way, it's just a fun weekend of pushing all conceivable physical limits alongside old and new friends. Once again this year there will be three bike groups to accommodate all ability levels, and once again the culminating post-ride dinner will no doubt be the highlight of the weekend. I'm sure war stories from the course, and perhaps even an adult beverage or two will be shared, as the WIBA survivors take over an unsuspecting downtown Madison pub that celebratory Saturday night.

Registration closes June 25, so sure to check out the tentative weekend itinerary and register ASAP at WisconsinBrickAdventure.com!

Green Day

As you may or may not know, today is Earth Day, and while the task of tending to the environment can seem kind of daunting and overwhelming, there are several little things we all can do to pitch in. Some of the following suggestions require a little more effort than others, but in the end are really worth it. Please take a look, and then visit a few of my favorite sites below for more cool tips!

1. Unplug small appliances and stereos when they're not in use, or use a smart power strip. Believe it or not they still use electricity even when they're off!

2. Use compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs instead of incandescent bulbs, they use 75 percent less energy.

3. Buy organic dairy and food when possible to avoid consuming growth hormones and other additives, and also to increase the demand for hormone/additive free products. Also, consider planting a garden and/or buying from local farmers if there are some in your area.

4. Wash clothes in cold or warm instead of hot water when possible, it's not so much the temperature of the water that cleans the clothes as the agitation of the water. Also, as with the dishwasher, wait to wash until you have a full load.

5. Turn off computers off when you leave for the day. Turn lights off when you leave a room for an extended period of time.

6. Water lawns just before dawn instead of mid-day. The warmer temps in the afternoon will only be cause for quicker evaporation.

7. Recycle. Recycle. Recycle. And buy recycled products when possible.

8. Don't buy bottled water. Most bottles are made from petroleum, and only an average of 20% are ever recycled. Instead, get a filter for your tap, or a pitcher with a filter.

9. When it's warm out, set the thermostat to 85 degrees when you leave for the day, in cool weather, set it to 55.

10. Carpool, walk, bike, or take public transportation when possible.

All right, that's a great start! I also love the following sites if you're interested in checking them out. They're full of tons of great tips on how we can help preserve the environment in easy, everyday ways:

The Green Guide

The Daily Green

We

Happy Birthday!

Hard to believe it's already been 6 years, but wow, it has. Tonight we'll have the family party for Michael (his main party will be Saturday), who is all excited because he gets to pick out dinner. He'll of course also get the royal balloon and surprise treatment after school, as is birthday tradition.

Happy six years to my Transformer loving, super speed room cleaning, math whiz, smirky-faced when he's in trouble, cuddly and sweet-hearted, Jedi in training, Michael!

An Earthquake? Here??

Yeah, we totally had an earthquake here this morning. No kidding, an earthquake! It was about 5:30 a.m. and everything just started shaking a little bit. I thought, man that's some wind... or wait, am I awake?

It originated from Salem, Illinois and they could feel it - according to the news - all the way up in Southern Michigan. Apparently we live on a fault line here too, WHO knew?

The quake registered a magnitude of 5.4, and I guess for the next few weeks we're at risk for after shocks. Nothing at all was damaged, fortunately, but Laura was little freaked out. It was kind of spooky really, just all of a sudden things shaking and rumbling like that.

On the funny side though, Michael slept through the whole thing. When I woke him up for school I asked him if he felt the earthquake, to which he jumped up excitedly and said, "We had an earthquake!? Is the street all broken up!??" Before I could answer he raced down the stairs to see the utterly disappointing, non-cracked to the core of the earth pavement just beyond our driveway. He then spent the better part of the morning asking when the next one would be. Ha.

Happy Friday, everyone :)

Presenting: The Muse and Model...

Well as I've found my muse and my model, we have now officially entered phase one of cake project: Millennium Falcon. Behold said model below, and DO check out the website in the picture for more about the unbelievably talented woman who made it. She's a freakin' artist.


I'll likely make a Suzy Q cake (dark chocolate with cream filling), and why yes, will even make it so it's at least moderately healthy. And I know, I know, I can hear all the nay-sayers out there now, but you see, in my life I've learned that indeed anything is possible, even a Millennium Falcon Suzy Q cake that's nutritious AND actually tastes good too. As with any ambition here folks, remember, just because it hasn't been done yet doesn't mean it can't be ;)

All right, well I also found some way cool hexagon-shaped cookie cutters for the, ahem, TIE, Fighters' wings, and will likely make those out of rolled natural sugar cookies. I'll see how Xylitol works here with some practice rounds first to make sure they'll hold together. I'm sure they'll be fine, but if not I'll just have to use another natural sugar. The middle will likely be an oatmeal raisin ball cookie, oooh, probably a no bake version with peanut butter. Yeah that'll work!

OK I'm getting pretty psyched now. Cooking rocks. Recipes to come... if I can pull it all off ;)

Star Wars for the Big "6"

The Millenium Falcon ship from Star Wars.

Well, Michael is officially obsessed with Star Wars now. The Transformers still rate and all, but have moved into a distant second behind good old Hans, Luke, and Darth. That said, he'll be six in about a week, so it's going to be a Star Wars birthday with of course, a Millennium Falcon cake.

We'll see if I can pull it off, but the research has begun and I have a pretty good idea of how to make it all come together. I think I may even add some Tie Fighter cupcakes and some licorice laser beams scoping them out! That would rock. Oh hey! And maybe even make some Mustafar lava punch or something too, hmmm...