30-45 Minutes and You Can Completely Change Your Outlook

Some days I am overwhelmed or tired or stressed or any combination of these.  You know what I am writing about and probably experienced it yourself. I can have trouble concentrating or exerting any degree of discipline. Most of the people I know get this have different ways of handling it.

In my experience, and over many years, I tried several ways to overcome these feelings. It included eating (among the worst), watching TV, reading, listening to music, driving on an interstate, writing in either a journal or blog, meditating, resting with my eyes closed, etc. 

By far the most effective way for me to overcome the blues is exercise.  I always feel better and my outlook is far more positive after a run and/or lifting weights.  From what I have read, and this is a layman's take, exercise works like a stimulate by releasing certain chemicals that provide a mental and physical boost. As far as I can remember, exercise in some form has seldom, if ever, failed me.  That is why I was not pleased last weekend when we had ice and snow on the ground and I could not run. Since I have been in Northern Virginia, that was the first weekend I have not hit a trail.

This week I gave in and ran on a treadmill after I lifted weights. Treadmills are not my preference.  It was okay, but not as much nearly as enjoyable.  I think I miss the scenery and sounds on a trail.  The scenery on a trail can be quite beautiful and different. More memorable runs include seeing deer and stunning birds.  Once I saw a recenly discarded snake skin.  The sound of my shoes crunching on the ground or leaves just makes me smile. Other sounds are leaves on trees rustling, birds chirping, and squirrels moving in the forest. Something about hearing the pounding on the treadmill takes away for the overall experience, especially if the treadmill squeaks every few seconds.

But, for me exercise gives me more energy, makes me feel better, more relaxed, and more alert. That is what I get from running and lifting weights. 

Yes, meditating is healthy, but actually more difficult for me.  However, for 30-45 minutes, I prefer a more physical exercise.

And It Is Your Concern Because?

It is simply not your concern.

The reason for this post? I was really disturbed during the last GOP debate. It annoyed me to no end of the criticism Gov. Romney received for not releasing his tax returns. 

Think about that.  Why do we need to see a candidate's tax return or for that matter health records.  Tax returns and health care records are confidential.  And should continue to be treated as so. 

I know candidates have been releasing their tax returns for decades.  It is probably a defensive move.  But no one has ever given me a reason and I have never read in an article or column why we should have access to these confidential records.

I contend it is none of our business.  We will not learn much,if anything.  If a candidate wants to release their tax return, then do so. But we should not pressure others to follow suit. Or infer ridiculous conclusions if a candidate chooses not to.

Candidates and people work hard to earn their income and build wealth, so why do I deserve to know? Answer, I don't. Equally important, who am I to judge another individual's tax return? Answer, I am not qualified.  In case you are wondering, your answers should be the same. 

Perhaps we should look at this issue another way.  Do you know anyone who voted for or against any candidate because of their tax return?  I do not.  However, if you do, run away from that person.  That individual must not know any of the candidate's positions on issues.  Frankly, that is a weak reason to vote against someone.

This whole issue makes me think about the slippery slope concept. What will be the next request for confidential records?  And the next? And the next? We must ask why should we and the media have access to a candidate's confidential information.  Then ask when does it stop? I say today.

The Forgotten Joy of Reading a Physical Newspaper

When I was in Midland during Christmas I picked up a forgotten joy. 

First, some background.  We live in a world of increased electronic devices. You know what I mean.  We read newspapers and books on iPads and Kindles, laptops or smart phones.  It is so convenient, easy and you get far more frequent updates.  Plus, you do not get ink on your hands, unlike handling news print.

Well, every morning my parents got a Wall Street Journal and the Midland Reporter Telegram. I could go in their bedroom and log on to read the news.  But I wanted to spend time with them.  So, I read the newspapers at the breakfast table with them. Now you must know that I have not touched a printed paper in years.  My news consumption was entirely electronic. 

Much to my surprise, I missed reading an actual paper for a couple of reasons.  You remember the sound of a paper rustling when you turn the page.  Or reading an article and saying something like hey dad read this.  Then handing him that section of the paper and perhaps keep reading other sections.  Or you can watch the person reading the paper. And then ask a question or offer an insightful comment.  You cannot do that with a Kindle or iPad. 

It is just an example of sharing a simple experience.  That was fun. 

Now I am back home.  We get the Wall Street Journal at the office in paper and electronic versions.  Before Christmas I would not pick up the paper version. Now, it is the first item on my agenda, even if I scan the headlines.  Yes, I still love hearing the paper rustle when I turn a page or fold it in half. And yes, I will take part of the paper to a collegue and show them a section that might be of interest. Could I email the article? Sure, but why?

What is Happiness?

First, I do not have an answer for you. 

Second, I was thinking about this on my run today in the Manassas Battlefield Park.  Before I left I watched Gov. Perry on C-SPAN. He was at the CAFEMOM Forum. CAFEFORUM is a website (I think) designed for mothers.  Frank Luntz moderated the session. After a few minutes, Gov. Perry's wife was invited to join him on the stage.

One of the questions asked to Gov. Perry is what do you want for your children.  Gov. Perry said I want them to be happy. All parents want that, but I thought it was some what vague.

As noted earlier, I thought about that question on my run.  Here is my answer to my children:

-I cannot tell you what happiness is. In fact it is like beauty.  What I can offer you are simple observations that have helped me on the path to happiness. 

-About the only direct aspect of happiness I can offer is this:  it changes as you get older, acquire wisdom, and knowledge.

-I want you to have a strong and vibrant relationship with God. You do not ever have to be alone.  He always listens, but may not give you the answer you want to hear.  Your life will be more robust and balanced with Him in it than without Him.

-I hope you find a significant other who will appreciate your strengths and compliment your weaknesses.  This person should be kind, intelligent, and honorable.  

-I hope you find a profession that you are passionate about. One that lets you contribute in a unique way.

-I hope the bosses you work for during your life appreciate and reward you for your hard work and effort, should you actually work hard.

-Find an outdoor activity you can do regularly, like running in a park or hiking a trail. Do not wear an iPod or similar device.  Listen to the sounds, it may be kids, leafs rustling, water running in a stream, an animal moving in the park, etc.  It gives you a chance to clear your head. Think of it as active meditation.   

-Try to exercise regularly. It will do wonders for your mind and body.  Even more important, it beats most medicines or any other man made option.  Besides, sweat washes right off.

-You will sadly experience pettiness on a regular basis.  I hope you can forgive and move on. 

-I hope you have a couple of friends you can talk to and spend time with. 

-Contrary to popular culture, money does not buy happiness. However, financial security may allow you to explore more options. 

This is not an exhaustive list.  None of these may actually bring you happiness, but I think these may help make your journey easier. And always remember, your parents' love is always with you no matter how many mile separate us.

Creating and Reliving A Memory

For those of you who know my wife are very familiar with her emphasis on creating memories.  She is right. I greatly admire her understanding on why this is important.  She makes it a real priority.

I thought about that over Christmas.  And now I can offer a suggestion.  In all honesty this is more about reliving a memory than actually creating one. But, if you cook with your kids, you maybe able to create a memory.

If you read my previous post, you know my mom gave me a cooking lesson . Why is this important?  Before Christmas I did not cook.  My father gave me several easy recipes. His cook brief (it is too short to be a book) is also very humorous.

Now I do cook and I am enjoy it.  On New Years Eve I made Riz-Bi-Dfeen. It is a Lebanese dish consisting primarily of chicken, rice, onions, and chick peas.  It takes a while to cook. 

My mother suggests buying broth to add flavor. I decided to make the chicken broth from scratch. You can do this as you boil the chicken.  Just add carrots, onions and celery.

An important point, when I went home for Christmas, the Lebanese food was already cooked.  That is smart, saves time. 

Years ago I read that smell is a very powerful memory trigger.  As I made Riz-Bi-Dfeen, the chicken  was boiling and the broth was brewing I would take the lid off to see how it was.  The smell was overwhelming.  It brought back numerous memories of my Sitie (Lebanese for grandmother) and Mom cooking Arabic foods.  All of the memories were when I was a boy growing up in Midland.  For just a moment, it was like my family was in the kitchen with me.  I could recall voices and laughter.  It could have been my mother, Sitie Aunt Pegi, and sister or it could have been my Sitie teaching my future wife how to cook Lebanese cuisine.  I am not sure, but it does not matter. It sure makes me want to cook again. Yes, this is sappy.  But I suspect recalling fond memories does that to most sane people (my loyal readers included).

My mother, wife, and other people have an old cookbook titled "The Joy of Cooking." I doubt the book reminds us that the sense of smell can people relive wonderful memories.