Most Recent Stories & Articles for June 2006
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A Quick Update
- Posted On: 6/23/2006
My legs HURT!. My hamstrings are killing me after lower-body lifting on Wednesday and running cardio on Thursday. I decided to up my cardio time to include a 10-minute warm-up at an intensity of 5 (out of 10) to allow my legs to better cope with the run after Wed's workout. I also decided to up the intensity of my run by speeding up my intensity levels 6-10. Well, the run felt great and finishing level 10 at a 7 minute/mile pace was great progress. But, I completely failed to respect my knowledge of controlled progression through workout intensity, frequency, and duration. Since I increased both intensity and duration drastically, I'm feeling the results today and I HURT! I'll have to do a good, looooooonnng walk followed by a lengthy stretching session tonight to help my muscles recover. Every time I stretch my legs out straight it feels like a painful stretch... definately over-worked myself. Ah well, at least I don't have a permanent injury from my stupidity.
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WinFX Renamed to .NET 3.0
- Posted On: 6/14/2006
IN MY OPINION (and only mine until I hear otherwise)...
I am simply enraged at the speed of these major releases. I mean, it was always a challenge for big business to move at a speed necessary to outpace their competition, especially the new, little, creative challengers. But, Microsoft's "moving and shaking" lately has been causing earthquakes in my world and having to learn and re-learn 3 major releases in the 5-year span (my real experience from actual corporate adoption of these technologies) is greuling. I appreciate the raises and promotions I'm getting for staying ahead of the curve on all these things, but jeezus! The major versions 2 and 3 are back-to-back here (more marketing than anything, but what are they trying to prove with a big "3"?)
*Note: I have great respect for both the .NET technology advances and the developers making it happen, but pushing the envelope may end up giving customers the impression of a pushy salesman with his foot in the door selling overpriced .NET vacuum cleaners when a good, ol' fashioned PHP vacuum will get the job done for a fraction of the cost (recognizing the you might have a little more basic maintenance and repair). Yes, I've read all about the cost estimates of project maintenance vs. project design and development and I still question the pace we're running at. Sometimes il' stupendo gets a little too full of himself and the understudy has his day.
**I also realize that the 3.0 version doesn't "seem" to have many fundamental changes to the core. But, I'll judge that when I read the books on it. In the beginning, they marketed 2.0 the same way and look at THOSE changes! We can't believe the advertising... I HAVE read a little about WinFX and WCF and they are BIG. Exciting, but intimidating, especially for those programmers who have barely felt the temperature of the .NET rapids with their toes.
After everything is said and done, MS is still paying my bills, so I'll keep wearing my .NET badge on top of my italian suit and keep a fresh PHP badge in my blue jeans pocket.
Some .NET 3.0 Links:
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Regular Readers (if any)
- Posted On: 6/8/2006
If any of you are regular readers of my blog (yes, wishful thinking), I would like to apologize for the extremely biased posts toward Body-for-LIFE, Music Man, and the new job. Obviously, these 3 are taking up all of my time right now. I am working as the understudy for the lead character, Professor Harold Hill, as well as my role in the quartet as Jacey. Greg (the lead) had to leave this week for family matters, so I have been at 3-hour rehearsals every night. 5 AM - 10:30 PM is a HUGE change for me, but my body is coping really well thanks to the exercise and nutrition program.
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Feeling Great!
- Posted On: 6/7/2006
Oh yeah! Got up right at 5:00 AM this morning and got my 20-minute cardio run in at the gym along with my abdominal workout and about 30 minutes of stretching. My legs hurt so bad from yesterday; from my lower butt down through my hamstrings. I started using the creatine I've had stored in my pantry for a couple of years, which I'll have to take a serving of 5x/day for 5 days (the "loading" phase) and then down to 1-2x/day. Has 5 egg whites mixed with lean turkey and some Cream of Wheat first thing this morning. Took my multi-vitamin and papaya enzyme after eating. I had a protein shake (EAS Whey 100%) after my workout and, of course, more creatine. Plan to eat chicken breast and black beans or a turkey sandwich for lunch along with a ultra-green salad and some light dressing. Then another shake in the afternoon and more chicken and turkey in the evening. I'll probably sneak in a pure protein bar in there to keep things interesting, especially since I'm not getting much fat in my diet.
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5:00 AM, Soooooo tired...
- Posted On: 6/6/2006
I thought I had set my alarm for 5:00 AM, but it was still set at 6. Fortunately, I woke up this morning at 5:24 AM. I ran through my routine this morning as if I would be arriving at work at 8:00 AM. I made some breakfast (5 egg whites and a single palm-sized pancake) and during what would be my 45min alotted "drive time" (I'm still working from home for AGI until Friday) I did some reading. Drove to the community center and worked out my legs in the gym, stretched, and showered. I was ready by 7:50 AM to walk to my cubicle. ... when I have one. Hit the grocery store on the way home for some milk and 2 pounds of sliced turkey. Admit it! You like those small details about my day. ;)
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Getting Started
- Posted On: 6/5/2006
Well, today is the 1st day in my Body-for-LIFE competition and I already started by failing. Since I will be starting my new position with Blue Cross / Blue Shield of Arizona next Monday, I thought that I could get the "beginner's soreness" out of my muscles the week before. So, I wrote out my plans in detail and set my alarm clock for 5 AM (only an hour before what I've been getting up at). This morning, I awoke at 7:24 AM!!! NOT GOOD! I wouldn't have even had time to drive into work on time at 8 this morning... good thing I started this week and work from home. I'll be working out at lunch to make up for the missed morning, but I was really looking forward to starting my day with the competition.
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The Music Man
- Posted On: 6/2/2006
Starlight Community Theatre
Anthem, Arizona
Yes, I am back at it again. Having had a small taste of success in Lend Me a Tenor, I tried out for Music Man and received the role of Jacey, the high tenor of the barbershop quartet. I will also be doubling in the opening song with the "Traveling Salesmen" and I will be the understudy for the lead Prof. Harold Hill. Yes, of course, I was a little dissappointed when I didn't get the lead. But, in such a large production for a community theatre (which is only their 2nd adult production), cast members are one big puzzle where different pieces can go in different places. "If we put him there, where do we put him?" I am happy with my part, especially since I will be singing with some of the best male singers in the ProMusica choir (Tyler - plays Ewart, Harry - plays Oliver, and Craig (the bass) - plays Olin). Although I have never sung barbershop (the auditions were tough as hell), I'll certainly be able to say I did after this play; yet another notch under my singing repertoire. ;)
