So, How are you doing with your New Year's resolutions??

Here it is the end of the first quarter of 2009. Do you even remember the resolutions you swore to on January 1st? The ones that said you were going to get into shape by diet and exercise. The one that said that you were going to save money and make more money. The ones that talk about relationships, vacations, spending time with family, etc., etc.

We all have them. If they aren't something we say out loud or on paper, we say to ourselves, under our breath. We know we want something more, better, happier, wealthier, healthier, more love, less fat, whatever. So why is it that we don't follow through?

For many of us, it is a matter of HOW do we do something we want. Often times we know what outcome we'd like but have no clue as to how to obtain it. Other times, we know how to obtain it but not motivated to do it. Where do you fit in?

I had many resolutions that I am working on keeping. One of them is to make more money on the internet. Another is to help as many people as I can to live healthier and longer, and to prosper themselves. And of course, to be healthier myself by losing a few pounds, bulking up a bit and be happy about it. Not an easy feat, let me tell you. Or is it?

So far this year, I am making a few dollars on the internet, I'm doing pretty well with my network company, Max International and GXL, and I found a program that is helping me to lose fat and gain muscle that I actually like and use. Not bad for the first quarter.

You can read more about Max International and GXL in this blog. What I want to talk about today is the P90X program that I'm on.

You may, or may not, have seen the late night infomercial about Beach Body programs. There are many to choose from and help people from, never lifted anything heavier than a fork, to those that have been to the gym often but not seeing results. I chose the latter. The P90X!

I was very tired of going to the gym four days a week, fighting traffic, finding (and paying for) parking, having to wait for a machine or just dealing with the people that go there. I liked the workout but wasn't motivated to actually go. Does that make sense??

I hadn't really considered "at-home workouts" before since I didn't think I had the space to workout and definitely didn't have the room for a bunch of weight equipment. But then enters the Beach Body products and P90X.

The P90X program is the hardest program that Beach Body currently has! Unless you count the P90X+ which is an even higher level of the classic. Now I THOUGHT I was in somewhat good shape, since I had gone to the gym for the last nine years. I look fair but...was slipping a bit and not getting the results I wanted from the effort I was putting in. But when I started the P90X program, I went to a different world with regards to working out. And I LOVE it!!

With their systems, you don't need a lot of room and very little equipment. I use the resistance bands, a pull-up bar in my doorway, and a mat. Those are the basics. I did get the push-up thingies and a yoga block but those aren't essential. I push back the sofa and a chair and it gives me about 8 X 8 space to do my routine. I have yet to feel like it is too small.

So I get my P90X and all excited about it thinking this was going to be fun. I was in for a big shock. These programs are HARD!! Geezzz...I didn't think I was THAT out of shape, but...I was. The great thing is that you can build up to speed rather quickly and Tony Horton encourages you the whole time.

I have to say that I have never felt so encouraged and supported in all of my workouts prior. Yes...there are a "few" things I can do but, amazingly, a lot that I am struggling with. I'm NOT a pull-up king. LOL I am getting stronger at it though. And situps??? Can you believe I was struggling doing situps? I was stunned, and a little disappointed in myself.

I'm a week into month two and NOW I CAN do situps, in fact more than a few. I'm getting into the routine and loving the constant changes from resistance to cardio, to Kenpo (kick boxing), and yoga, to polymetrics (jumping). In each session you go from warm up to cool down. Then on alternate days, we get to do Abs Ripper X!!! OH BOY!!! OUCH!! But the results? I'm feeling very optimistic about my progress.

You can't beat the community on Beach Body. There are people who you can chat with that are doing the same routine, and/or you can talk with the people at the company that created the program and ask for their assistance. I even had to call the company a couple of times for a questions and, I must say, have been treated with the most respect and professionalism I have ever experienced with any other company. THAT impressed me even more about Beach Body.

If one of your resolutions was to shape up, slim down, get into the best shape that you can be by becoming a Beach Body member. Hey! I'll even be your coach! As a coach, I promise to be there for you whenever you need support, questions, or just an ear to talk to. In return I ask that you put yourself out there and do the best you can in your routines, never give up and if you're wavering to contact me! That's not too difficult now, is it??

Here is a spot about the P90X Program that I'm on!!



Pretty impressive, huh???

Now, take a look at this next video. It shows all of the products that Beach Body currently has. I'll bet you see something that YOU'LL love and will work!!



Now the question is. What's stopping YOU from getting into the best shape of YOUR LIFE???? Goto: www.CoachP90X.com for more information and to see MY before pictures (don't laugh too much). I'm still a work in progress but new pictures will be coming soon.

So if you haven't started that New Year's resolution to be in better shape this year, now you have a new opportunity. One you'll never regret. Join me at Beach Body and let's get the body that we deserve!!

Are you with me?? I hope so!!

Here's to YOUR health!

Do we trust each other??

What is it about people and trusting others? Is it because we've been burned too many times? Is it just the mentality that something THAT good just can't be true?? Or is it more inner thoughts that believe that if they hear about it, it must not be for them. Kind of like the saying "I wouldn't join a club that allowed me to be a member."

Is this sad, or what??

Truth is that there are so many opportunities all around us, every moment, that could benefit us in so many ways. Do we take advantage of them? Hell no! Most of the time, we're not even listening, nor believing that it is something you could do! I'm trying to figure out why that is.

Take Network Marketing, Multi-Level, Direct Sales, or whatever you want to call it. The fact is, whether we're with a company or not, EVERY DAY we are marketing someone else!! Did you realize that? Did you hear me?? Are you saying this isn't true??? Let's test this out.

Did you eat out today? Where? What did you have? Did you like it? How was the service? Would you go back? Have you gone back? DID YOU TELL ANYONE ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE???? Probably! Well then...you just did marketing! Easy, huh?

Now the question is this. Did that restaurant give YOU anything for your recommendation? No? Huh! What about for the recommendation that your friends made? Still nothing? Wow! And you really talked them up. Don't you think you deserve something??? A free Coke? Something? Don't count on it.

Think about the other things that you have blabbed to all of your friends. The movie you saw last week, the bakery down the street, the new store that just opened, the cute guy that works in the mailroom. All of that is marketing!!

The fact that you used a product and can't help telling about it, is proof that Network Marketing, or Direct Sales, works. All you have to do is recommend a product that you already are enjoying to the people you think would enjoy it too. The only difference is, YOU GET PAID TO DO IT!!

How easy is that??? Seriously? Very!!

So why haven't you gotten involved with a Direct Sales company? Thought it was too hard? Didn't like the weekly meetings? Didn't like chasing your friends/family??

Me either!!

Then my income started to slip and I was looking for something to help. I started researching and found all kinds of companies all claiming to the best. With many Network Companies out there, how do you find one that fits YOU?? By looking at their products and the people that run the company and their backgrounds.

If you look at their product line (no matter how small or large) and honestly feel you would buy these products and use them. Then that's a good start. Then look at the people that are heading the company. Find out what their motivation is, what their background is, why they came to this company, what they did with the past company. Remember! These become YOUR partners and you will want partner that you could associate with and be proud to have as friends and co-workers. Right??

DON'T LOOK AT THE COMPENSATION PLAN!! It will ALWAYS confuse you. And don't let anyone tell you how rich you will be within a few weeks! That just DOESN'T happen. Truth is you could very well become very wealthy, but...not without a little effort on your part. It is still easy effort but effort, none-the-less.

I believe it is the products that sells more than the possibility of being wealthy. If the product sucks...I can't sell it and therefore won't make any money. If the product is GREAT, it will be easy for me to "tell" people (note I didn't say sell), because I, myself, am getting the results I was looking for and feel they are looking for those results as well.

I got into Max International for a number of reasons, however...it was GXL that was the main reason. When I heard Dr. Keller's passion for his patients and how he is truly trying to help humanity, I was sold! I knew I had to get on GXL myself.

It wasn't long before I shared the thoughts with friends who also saw what I saw, and we all went on GXL about the same time. Within a short period, we were comparing notes on a regular basis and finding out how incredible GXL really is! My customers and friends quickly became my associates since they were telling everyone they knew how good they felt.

Other people were commenting to them how different they seem and what energy they had. That is all it took. So now my associates are getting associates for themselves, and so on, and so on, and so on. And you know what??? We're all naturally making commissions! It made sense for them to make the money for their marketing the product. Right?

Yep! Commissions that started off rather slowly are now starting to build. Instead of waiting for that free Coke at the restaurant that I suggested, I am getting checks every week. Pretty cool, huh?

I am still growing my team and would love to invite you onto it. I want you to try GXL for yourself. Get a box for each person in your household (and your parents), who are over the age of 20! See for yourself what GXL does for you. THEN decide if you like it well enough to tell other people about it. If you do, my team is waiting for you with all of the support, training, and celebration that you need.

Click on the link below and go to my website. It explains more what GXL is and how it affects your body. Be sure and listen to the audio interview with Dr. Keller. You'll hear what I heard and feel the passion that I now share.

If you choose another company, that's fine too. I hope you love their products and use them frequently. I do feel, however, that EVERYONE could benefit from GXL so consider adding GXL to your regiment and see what good it does you.

Write to me with any questions or comments. I'm very much looking forward to talking with you and seeing how great you are feeling on GXL.

Aloha and we'll see you soon.

Stop the AGING Clock!!

I want to get off the clock for aging. Don't you?? I mean who likes seeing new wrinkles in the morning or this little ache or pain, or this or that. Haven't we ALL heard old folks talk about how crappy they feel and how bad they look?

I DON'T WANT TO BE ONE OF THOSE OLD PEOPLE!!!

I decided years ago that I wasn't going to grow old gracefully. Geezzz...I'm kicking and screaming the whole way. I refuse to act my age and proud of the fact that I WILL skip down the street if I feel like it, or laugh in great delight at something funny, or ride the roller coaster, etc., etc.

I still wear Abercrombie and not one person has looked at me funny or commented that I'm too old. I work out, eat fair, and just am. I have always believed that aging is in the mind. Well guys...it ain't in mine.

Of course there are things you must do to keep the clock from speeding a head. I have done so much research on the subject of health and "beauty" that professors call ME for input. LOL (not really, but...) I have looked at, and taken, so many supplements in my life. Some to help my workouts have more impact, some for recovery. Moisturizers, vitamins, anti-oxidants, soaps, scrubs, masks, and on and on and $$ and $$ and $$ and $$.

Did/Do they work. Maybe! I look damn good for my age and no one places me less than 10 years younger than I am. So I must be doing something right. Of course some of it could be good genes, but even they need help and support.

Recently I found out about GXL from Max International. At first I thought...yeah, yeah. Another one. Then when I read the site that Harold (Thank you Harold!!) had sent me, I realized that this maybe something truly worth looking into. And the research began!! Again!!

GXL helps the body to make its OWN Glutathione. What's that you say?? And who cares??

Glutathione is the bodies BEST anti-oxidant and helps keep all of the "ash, or waste" out of the cells and allows the cell to reproduce without deterioration. Glutathione is also one of those proteins that we lose more each year so the body doesn't have a steady supply on its own. That is important. The reason we age is that the cells being reproduced are filled with waste so the cell isn't very strong and lacks purity. This impurity is what causes degeneration that shows up in multitudes of ways. From wrinkles to kidney failure, heart disease, liver dis-function, etc., etc., etc. All of those things we think about in aging.

Well...Dr. Keller (you MUST read his bio on the website) created a Glutathione Accelerator, GXL. He developed a compound that instructs and assist, each cell in your body to produce its own GXL!! Isn't' that great?? Hmmm...you may not understand these implications, but you will once you go to the website and discover for yourself.

After Dr. Keller proved on his patients, how effective his development was, he recognized that this is something that should be shared with the world. He got in touch with Steven Scott, who is a marketing genus, and not a person on the planet hasn't heard about one product or another that he was behind. Steven recognized the same thing as Dr. Keller about getting GXL to the masses, and developed the strongest team on the planet and Max International was born!! The rest is history (to be seen on the website).

So if you, like every other baby boomer, is looking for a way to stop the clock on aging, and/or start to reverse some problems like arthritis, mental fog, inflammation (which could be in your heart, liver, lungs, joints, muscle, brain, etc.), faster recovery from working out, better sleeping and more alert when you're awake, you have GOT to look in the GXL and Max International a little more.

I have been approached by many companies along my many years, and have been involved with a few. BUT...I have never felt so passionate about a product and company as I do about GXL and Max International. The fact that this company is so young and the sales are going through the roof is proof that people are seeking GXL and the opportunity to change their health and lives for the better.

Join them, and me, for an amazing experience with GXL. Go to the website below and get back to me. I would be happy to answer the question I know, and/or hook you into my remarkable support team who has a deep well of knowledge. I love those guys!!

Stay young with GXL and live YOUR life to the Max...Max International!

Click here for more information on GXL and Max International.

Live Life to the MAX!

Aloha!

Kombucha Tea!

What is about the word Kombucha that makes you want to smile?? Is it the sound that it makes? Like a big splash, or just the fact that is sounds soooo...foreign? Whatever it is, you have probably heard about it at one time or another.

There are literally thousands of websites on the net with probably millions of comments on this strange culture. Yes...it is a culture and not a mushroom which it had been named for soo long. It is also NOT a fungus, which a mushroom is.

The Kombucha culture looks like a beige or white rubbery pancake. It's often called a 'scoby' which stands for ' symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts.

Kombucha is a living health drink made by fermenting tea and sugar with the kombucha culture. As the Kombucha culture digests the sugar it produces a range of organic acids like glucuronic acid, gluconic acid, lactic acid, acetic acid, butyric acid, malic acid and usnic acid; vitamins, particularly B vitamins and vitamin C; as well as amino acids, enzymes. And of course there are all the benefits of the probiotic microorganisms themselves. The Kombucha culture is a biochemical powerhouse in your kitchen.

The result can taste like something between sparkling apple cider and champagne, depending on what kind of tea you use. It's not what you'd imagine fermented tea to taste like.

You might wonder if fermenting tea with yeasts would produce an alcoholic beverage. It's a good question. The yeasts do produce alcohol but the bacteria in the culture turn the alcohol to organic acids. Only minute quantities of alcohol, typically 1% by volume remains in the kombucha brew.

With every brew you make the kombucha forms a new layer or scoby on the surface of the liquid. These can be left to thicken the scoby or can be divided, giving you spare cultures that you can store in some sweet tea in the fridge in case something should happen to your active culture. Or you might want to pass on spare Kombucha cultures to friends or use a new scoby to start another batch of kombucha.

The origins of Kombucha have become lost in the mists of time. It is thought to have originated in the Far East, probably China, and has been consumed there for at least two thousand years. The first recorded use of kombucha comes from China in 221 BC during the Tsin Dynasty. It was known as "The Tea of Immortality".

It has been used in Eastern Europe, Russia and Japan for several centuries. It's from Japan in 415 AD that the name kombucha is said to have come. A Korean physician called Kombu or Kambu treated the Emperor Inyko with the tea and it took his name, "Kombu" and "cha" meaning tea. Russia has a long tradition of using a healing drink called "Tea Kvass" made from a "Japanese Mushroom".

From Russia it spread to Prussia, Poland, Germany and Denmark but it seems to have died out during World War Two. After the war Dr Rudolph Skelnar created renewed interest in kombucha in Germany when he used it in his practice to treat cancer patients, metabolic disorders, high blood pressure and diabetes.

Well guys...I've started my second HUGE batch using what is called "The Continuous Brew Method" using the crock part of a bottle water dispenser. So far it is very cool and easy to use.

I love the flavor and drink more than I need to, I'm sure. There are no real limits as to how much you can drink, however it is recommended to start off slowly with 4oz twice a day and see how your body reacts.

Many people have different reactions to the tea. Some have stomach disorders due to the fact the the Kombucha tea is known for the detoxing effect and many people are so toxic that the body can't rid itself quick enough when given the right tools.

Other people, like myself, seem to feel a more even energy (which is on the higher side) with no anxiety or jitters. I sleep better and do feel a better sense of well being. At least that's how I remember it from when I use to drink lots of it over 10 years ago.

I'm just starting to get back into it and it has only been a few days but...I am beginning to feel something so... I'll keep you posted.

If you're interested in more information, check out the links to the right. Once you start reading, you'll find it hard to stop.

If you're in Oahu and want a SCOBY of your own to start making it, let me know. I have "babies" already.

Let me know your experiences with Kombucha and we'll share recipes.

Aloha for now.




References
The Ubiquitous Co-Enzyme UDPGlucuronic Acid Detoxifying Agent in Kombucha Tea? By Norbert Hoffmann.
The History and Spread of Kombucha By James Roche.
Kombucha Tea for Your Health and Healing.
The Fascination of Kombucha by Günther W. Frank

Mind Movie

Have you ever really sat down and put together your life as you would like it to be?? I would venture to say you haven't as most people don't think to do it or just let the dice roll as to what happens to them.

Recently, I found out about MindMovies.com. When I read the concept I was truly intrigued.

I have seen The Secret, read sooo many books, taken classes, seminars, and done affirmation, etc., but they never really hit the mark. I think I am the type of person that needs to "See" my life rather than just speak or write about it.

MindMovies gave me that opportunity and I have spent almost a week putting together my life as I want it. I had to come up with statements that are who I am, what I want, and what I can offer. Find pictures that reflect those affirmations, and music that gives it all the right feeling. It really does make you THINK about what you actually want, not to mention fun to go out and find the pictures that SHOW it.

As a gay man, there are very few "role model" expereinces out there for us to really relate to. Especially growing up. Many of us had the wrong vision of what it is like to be gay in a straight world that "hates" us. Needless to say that some of us have in out minds that we are somewhat "undeserving" of success, love, marrage, and happiness.

We know on an intellectual basis that this isn't the case but...our minds may actually think differently and guide our lives in the directions that may have been suggested to us at a very early age and/or through out our lives.

This was my opportunity to change my thoughts. From this very moment on...the universe WILL give me what I show in this movie.

I get excited when I watch this, which I do often throughout the day, and I can feel the energy coming up into me that will actually produce the results. I think about my movie sometimes while I'm driving, or doing something else which makes me realize I am creating MEMORIES of the life that I want and making it reality.

I have never felt so empowered. I am very excited about this and hope that you will support my life as I see it.

Take a look and my video and let me know what you think.

Thanks for your support and you too can make your own Mind Movie by going to MindMovies.com.

Here's to us all getting the life we want!!

Make your OWN MindMove by clicking here:


I entered the contest and expect to WIN $5,000!!!

See you soon!

Worms to the rescue!!

Well maybe not the rescue but...worm are a great way to save our sewers and landfills. Read on.

In Los Angeles, I was very involved with recycling and composting and the works. Here in Hawaii...I live in a condo so less space to do a lot of the stuff that I feel is important to do. Like recycling.

It isn't as easy to recycle here on the 27th floor of a high-rise. We have trash shoots that go into big dumpsters but, if you want to separate glass, cans, etc., you have to a) store the container somewhere in this small space, and b) go down to the special trash area and put it there. I know...doesn't sound difficult but when you have limited space a couple of extra trash bins under the sink gets to be too much. I'm trying though and will continue to succeed in my efforts.

Now on to worms. This is kind of insane when you really think about it that I just started a Can-O-Worms system. It's insane since I just stated how limited my space is and it did just give me an idea that I'll mention in a few.

Worms are great "pets." The Can-O-Worm system is one of the easiest most productive and complete setup that takes up so little space. I have included a link to their site to give you even more information.

Basically worms can eat anything (other than meat) that you would put down your garbage disposal or trimmings from corn on the cob, the ends of carrots, celery, and other veggies. They love that stuff. Hence you're not throwing into the sewer system or the land fills but giving it to these grateful and prolific creatures whose whole existence is to eat and poop.

Yes...that's all these wiggling critters do. Eat and poop. Which is a great thing? Their POOP is filled with all kinds of nutrients that can put into you garden, houseplants, or given to the complex of your condo and have them spread it around the foliage of the property. The stuff is great as it fertilizes without ever burning the plants and is so natural that the plants just fall in love with it. And it all started with garbage.

Now worm composting is much different than garden composting. These worms only like to live in an enclosed area and are not the same as the earth worms that you see on the sidewalk after the rain. Those are earth movers and eat microbes or something in the actual dirt and don't produce a lot of poop.

For worm composting, there are a few varieties of worms. Different worms on the mainland than here on the island where they had to be imported, since the islands don't have ANY worms.

Outside composting uses heat that is generated by the waste, to create a breakdown of the cells and produces rich compost from grass clippings, and other trimmings.

So having a Can-O-Worms is something that not only helps the planet as a whole, but can help your indoor and outdoor plants/gardens. I even use some of the run-off (which is liquid that has gone through the poop) to put into my hydroponics. I just have to make sure the PH is good.

Check out more information in my links and see if having these great new "pets" wouldn't be an asset to you and your family. By the way...kids are amazed at how worms work and...I'll bet there could be a lesson in there that would get your kids to eat more veggies.

Let me know your comments and suggestions for future articles.

Until next time.

OH, I forgot. In writing this article, I thought about where to put my can/bottle recycling container. I have a little space next to my worm bin on my lanai. See?? When you put your mind to something, an answer comes.

Good luck and do keep me informed as to YOUR progress.

Wheatgrass - Grow your own.

Wheatgrass has been stated as the natural cure-all, having miraculous results in curing just about everything. Personally, I find it fascinating and am doing more investigation.

I've taken a few shots of WGJ in my time but recognize that not taking it on a regular consistent schedule may not have any effects at all. So I've decided to grow it myself and see a) how difficult it is, b) will I actually take it if it were readily available, and c) does it work.

Obviously, if you've read this blog before, I am into hydroponics. Yes...I have a few houseplants that have soil but they are the ones I have problems with as well. My hydroponic tomatoes are doing exceptionally well and I do believe I am going to be making lots of friends by offering tomatoes to everyone I see in the near future.

I'm even considering a "grow closet" so that I can control the lighting as well as the rest of the environment. Right now my tomatoes are on my lanai and I don't think they get enough sun to really pop, but we'll see.

Sorry...I digress.

Wheatgrass can be grown in soil OR in seed trays just like sprouts. According to the Book by Steve Meyerowits, Wheatgrass-Nature's Finest Medicine, that the hydroponically grown sprouts will be sweeter BUT, possibly, with less nutrients since they aren't getting micro-nutrients from the soil. However, he does go on to state that you can use hydroponic fertilizer to replace what the roots would, otherwise, be seeking.

OK...so I started a tray in my sprouter the other day. They quickly sprouted and are now three days old and about 2" high. They have been living in the dark until today so not very green at all. The sprouts look very healthy and, of course, I couldn't help but taste one. It was down right good. Sweet but a good sweet. One of the things I don't like about wheatgrass juice is that, to me, it is soooo sweet that it kinda makes me gag. I know you get use to it but...you know what I mean.

These sprouts, so far, are yummy!

I'm trying to figure out the best way to get the juice. I don't have a wheatgrass juicer. In Steve's book, he mentions that you can just chew a handful, but you need like three handfuls a day. It would be kind like chewing tobacco or something. Not a good preference.

I have a Vitamix and wonder why I couldn't get the juice (plus the extra fiber) by just throwing a clump into my protein drink. Has anyone reading this done that?? I'm gonna give it a shot.

If this become easy and I like the results, I am going to look at expanding my sprouting capabilities. I ran across this great sprouter and, from what I can tell, this offers the whole package for automated, and accurate, sprouting abilities. there is a link on this page. Check it out and let me know what you think. Also I welcome comments from those that have used this sprouter.

I would also like feedback from you, the reader. Have you used wheatgrass? Do you use it regularly? Have you grown your own? If so...what procedure did you use? What has been your overall experience with wheatgrass?

Coming up in the next post. PH levels and how it effects your body. Is our acidic body eating us alive?? Let's find out, next time.