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Ten Reasons Why Your Workout May Not Be Working Out!

If you’re like me, you pride yourself on being physically active. But there comes a time when we just have to admit that our efforts may not be producing the desired effect.

Fitness Guru?

Are you kidding? I’m just like you. But recently, I’ve become aware of some interesting trends. Let’s see how many of these you recognize:

  1. Chocolate peanut butter cups are not the ideal snack. Creamy and yummy, for sure, but they won’t help you attain that perfect physique. Unless you’re going for the round look.
  2. In-between meal snacks are not the calorie-burning workout you imagined. True, you must walk to the kitchen (walking is a great way to burn calories). Then, open the refrigerator (thank goodness for strong biceps). You’re engaging jaw muscles as you chew. But there is no “kitchen set-up” at the gym for those of us who enjoy this form of exercise. If there was, I’m certain membership would skyrocket.
  3. It’s far better to zip it (your mouth) than rip it (open a bag of potato chips). And if you must give in to that bag of chips, don’t dip it. That’s where all the calories are. Sour cream dips are especially troublesome. Delicious, but troublesome.
  4. The mirror can be your friend. But you have to face it. And then, you have to look into it. I’m not a fan. Personally, I think mirrors should be covered when we’re nude. Just like in a Jewish house of shiva. Please, show some respect!
  5. Carbs are best eaten when you’re lonely. Or with friends. Or when thinking about challenging family members. In short, carbs are the perfect food group.
  6. Ice cream should never be consumed on an empty stomach. It always tastes better after you’ve overeaten. I think it’s the extra cream in the recipe.
  7. That pain in your abs isn’t from crunches. It’s more likely gas from that spicy Mexican meal you’re still digesting from the previous night. Ole!
  8. Grocery shopping is not a contact sport. Carts are not weapons. Beware the senior who rams your butt. No, they are not sorry. And yes, you did deserve it.
  9. If you must run, make sure you’re being chased. There’s little point in breaking a speed record unless your life is at risk.
  10. Stretching and yoga are terrific if your name is Gumby. Not so much if your name is Brad. Holding your body in an unnatural pose can only result in painful muscle pulls. Ask your chiropractor. Better yet, ask mine.

And Now for A Little Something Extra!

I’m excited that Boca by Moonlight has been so well-received. If you haven’t had a chance to check out the novel, please take a look at the book trailer. And then go ahead and download the free excerpt. The novel will be a 2022 Jewish Book Council selection. And it has won 1st Place in Adult Fiction from the Arizona Chapter of the National Federation of Press Women. Exciting stuff!

What Do Your Art Choices Say About You?

The other day, I was sitting at my desk contemplating the wall scenery. That’s what you do when you’re stumped, hoping some brilliant plot point emerges so that you can finish up the new novel you’ve been working on for months. As I looked about, it occurred to me that artwork can reveal a lot about your personality. I suppose that makes sense. After all, I chose all the pieces in my office. But, had I considered what others might think when they looked at my walls? Did I realize that I was revealing a great deal about myself to the astute viewer? And more importantly, was I in touch with the meaning of those pieces and how they reflected my mindset?

Calling Dr. Freud

So let’s see. I have a collection of silent movie posters. Colorful and bold even though all those pictures were shot in black and white. Hmm. Am I someone who is fighting his own nature? A guy who is shy but able to evoke an outgoing personality when pressed? And am I struggling to find my voice much like those silent films? Maybe.

Little Mouse

I love Stuart Dunkel’s whimsical pieces. Especially when a mouse (our kindly hero) sneaks donuts and candy. I think that imagery is clear. The little guy always wins in the end. Yes, he does! At least on my wall.

Joan & Clark

Another corner of the room displays an MGM poster from Strange Cargo, a 1940 film starring Joan Crawford and Clark Gable. It’s an odd jungle movie about escaped prisoners, survival, with a strong nod to the importance of God in our lives. I know. That doesn’t sound like Joan’s typical fair. No glamour. No shoulder pads. Nonetheless, Gable still wants to wallop her—the big gorilla (but he never does; that would be crossing the line). It’s a romantic adventure in the least romantic of settings. And a damn good film. I’ve watched it a few times. Each time, I see something new. Like that faith-based God message. A real surprise for a Crawford/Gable film.

Collage

Behind the sofa, there’s a large oil of mixed media. I’m not sure what this piece says about me. Perhaps, I’m complicated. Another interpretation: I’m really messed up.

Oh, the Games We Play

So the next time you visit someone’s home, glance about and try to determine what the artwork is communicating about your host. I think it might be an interesting exercise. If it’s an Elvis painted on velvet, well, you know you’re in the company of people with excellent taste. I particularly like the one that glows in the dark!

Now It’s Your Turn

So, take a few moments and share with me how your favorite piece of artwork reflects your personality. Just comment below. I can’t wait to see the response.

 

Betrayed by a Fortune Cookie

pexels photo 76093 e1482515362114 - Betrayed by a Fortune CookieLast Saturday, we had lunch at a local Chinese restaurant in my home town of Phoenix.

Being born and raised in New York City, and after living in San Francisco for ten years, I find there tends to be a difference in style between the two Coasts when it comes to preparation. Luckily in Phoenix, you can find Chinese food that caters to either palate.

East Coast Chinese tends to be very Americanized – chow mein, egg foo young, heavy sauces, crispy noodles, sweet and sour everything. West Coast tends to be lighter with lots of seafood options and gentle flavors. East Coast reminds me of my childhood – West Coast – my once insurmountable Mill Valley mortgage.

But both Coasts share one thing in common. The check always arrives with a Fortune Cookie.

Though once disputed by the Hong Kong Noodle Company in Los Angeles, the Courts found in 1983 that the fortune cookie was an early invention of a San Francisco bakery. Should you journey to San Francisco, you can see the cookies being made at the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory – part of a walking tour which includes Chinatown.

So there we were at China Chili (East Coast style) in Phoenix. The meal all but consumed and along comes the check. We both reached for our fortune cookies. Jeff, read his aloud. Typical fortune about a bright future. I opened mine and stared at the slip of paper – “Faith answered. No one was there.”

I’ve heard of a bad meal but not a bad fortune cookie. I almost insisted on a do-over as I watched Jeff fall apart with laughter.

Now I realize a writer needs more than faith to be successful, but somewhere in the recesses of my brain, I’d hoped faith in future success would be an advantage.

Next time, I think I’ll ask for the almond cookie.

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