Human Spirit - Always looking for a way (transcribed)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgYZ32_5iOQ

http://www.lesbrown.com/

Les Brown
One of the things that we know about life

  is that it is always changing. 

Sometimes you’re up,

  sometimes you’re down.

Sometimes things go real well, 

  and sometimes they don’t. 

Sometimes you’re happy, 

  and sometimes you’re sad. 

Now that's that thing called... life. 

And when we begin to understand and know that, accepting that reality, that... 

that we will never ever have things just on an even keel all the time. 

That you are going to have some ups and you’re going to have some downs.

But during those down moments, 

  that's where the growth takes place… 

  that's where the work is. 

Anybody can feel good when they have their health, their bills are paid. 

Anybody can be positive then, 

  anybody can have a larger vision then, 

  anybody can have faith under those kinds of circumstances. 

See... but the real challenge... 

The real challenge of growth, 

  mentally, emotionally, spiritually, 

  comes when you get knocked down.

It takes courage to act. 

Part of being hungry when you have been defeated. 

It takes courage...

  to start over again. 

The power... to hold on in spite of everything, 

  the power to endure. 

This is the winners' quality. 

This is an opportunity for you to grow. 

You’ve got to be so relentless, 

regardless of what comes down the path, 

that you are always looking for a way to get over, 

Always looking for a way... that you can break through. 

Always looking for a way... that you can win.

Always looking for a way... that you can strike a telling blow. 

Decide that you are going to push yourself.

Most people won’t do that. 

Most people give up on themselves easily. 

You know the human spirit is powerful? 

There is nothing as powerful, 

it's hard to kill the human spirit. 

You have got to be willing to go against the tide, 

you’ve got to be willing to harness your will, and say 

“In spite of this, I’m in control here, 

I’m coming back, 

and I’ll be stronger 

and better because of it.”

Men's Haircuts 2016

http://www.lifehack.org/362653/top-mens-hairstyles-2016?ref=tp&n=1

These articles are actually somewhat interesting for me to read to understand other options. I probably won't change but still good to know.

I will easily admit that I am not one that is hyper-focused on fashion. Going to the barber is a place where I am still a bit uncomfortable. I just go with the numbered guard for clippers, then just tell them to trim the top. Basically, letting the barber to interpret however they want.

Skiing vs Snowboarding (IMO)

I've skied up to high school, snowboarded since until last weekend. I returned back to skiing and was a lot of fun.

I enjoyed that I no longer had to unstrap before getting on the lift then restrap after the lift. I liked that I had more control on the speed especially with a group that had a lot of diversity in skill-levels. When I was on my own, I was able to squeeze in more runs. I don't have to worry about being stuck on flat paths. I had poles to help balance.

One thing I dislike about skis are the boots. Also, I thought it was a little more tiring to ski. Snowboarding could be a little more relaxing. Otherwise, there is little else that I preferred in snowboarding than skiing except for maybe a cool/skill factor.

If you are deciding between the two, my recommendation depends on your tolerance of fear. I think it is faster to pick up skiing if you more averse to fear of falling. If you are ok with taking more risks, snowboarding may be easier. The reason is that most people afraid of falling will naturally lower their center of gravity. This is not very detrimental to skiing but makes it much harder to learn snowboarding. To add to the fear, there will be at times when you'll be snowboarding with your back down the slope. Some people feel more uncomfortable not be able to see everything.

Another factor is flexibility. You will need some flexibility to continuously unstrap and restrap your snowboard. So, you will need to be able to bend over and reach your ankles with slightly bent knees. You'll also need some agility to slide with one foot like a skateboard.

Exercise 20160109

Well, I am basically where I started last year. I was doing well prior to the end of year break...... then just gained it all back. At least my tummy was very happy... my feet, not so much... probably not for the rest of my body either. On the bright side, I am a tad slimmer so hopefully I can shed these pounds a little faster and continue where I was a couple weeks ago.

I found the google fit app which is fun to play with. I averaged about 8000 steps per day. The steps are super erratic where I have a lot of days less than 1000 (mostly because I do not carry my phone with me most of the time) and a bunch over 14000.

Now that I am in the habit of going to the gym, I am now focusing to be more efficient with my workouts. My first step is to do a 15 minute exercise at an increased heart-rate. I hope this will improve my speed which in turn should also help my endurance indirectly. Hopefully, I can reach my goal of 10k this year (set from last year).

In the last couple months, I have also added some free weight training. Still not sure what to do there yet but it is a nice break from the treadmill. I think I've gained some weight from it, but I think my muscles are getting more tone. My only measure is just my clothes... so either I'm toning or my clothes are stretching :D

In the last month, I have also started to making smoothies. This I really enjoy because I sometimes waste some fruits because it ripened too much, especially bananas. I also go through my berries faster. I can also now freeze my fruits. So overall, a great addition to my diet.

Good luck to 2016!