An Update

With less than a month before school (4 weeks and one day to be exact) and a few days since I last blogged, it is yet another time for an update. So sit back and relax, you now have a date with me. Please, bring strawberries and marshmallow creme :)

4 weeks to go on the job. This coming week is going to be my biggest yet. Matter fact, it should be bigger than all my previous weeks combined. Needless to say, I am very excited and optimistic for a change.

I have decided to take up poetry again. I used to do it back in the day and won awards for it, but since then, a decade has elapsed. Needless to say, I am a bit rusty. I have done two poems so far. However, the first one was not appreciated and misunderstood to say the least...If y'all are super lucky, I may post some of them. I am no Maya Angelou or Robert Frost by any stretch, so no need for you poets out there to have a stroke over structure and whatnot. Just appreciate the compilation of feelings, thoughts, and energy that has been put into each one.

I am feeling really good lately and have scaled back on some things that just aren't as important to me anymore. The next few weeks are gonna be hella busy and will surely impact the rest of my life. Man, I haven't been this excited since...last summer.

I bought a Cassette Adapter for my car so now I can play my iPod as I am driving to work or whatever. Woot!

Tomorrow will mark the conclusion of my fourth week of weight training. Halfway through! And yes, I am almost getting tired of eating peanut butter and apricot sandwiches every day, but in life, you gotta do what u gotta do.

Still don't know where I will be living on campus, but at least I got an email from them the other day with apologies for not letting me know what the hold up was...About time. Optimistic? Hmm, not so much. 50-50 that I will get my top choice if I had to estimate.

I went back to visit my old highschool that I graduated from two years ago. It is wonderful when some of the teachers want you to come back and book speaking engagements for their class--and be paid for it. I am glad that I wield that sort of influence in that school; and I plan to utilize it to the maximum and affect change.

We have Sirius Music television channels that I just noticed after having the service for um...two years? Damn, I am slow.

I can barely contain the excitement I have for the upcoming seasons of the Atlanta Hawks and Atlanta Falcons.

Atlanta Braves who? Don't utter such blasphemy. And ANYONE who feels they will make the playoffs this year should get their head examined to make sure a brain is indeed there.

Luck, Coincidence, or God?

We all have those times when something happens to us or someone else and you say,"Damn, they are lucky" or "What a coincidence!" Take a good minute or two to grab a pen and paper and write down (or think about) all the things that come to mind that you felt were good luck or coincidences that happened to you. I'm serious. Go. Grab. The. Pen and Paper. Now!

When you are finished, read on...

Now that you either completely ignored my challenged like a dumbass or actually followed through with it, I will use myself as an example. So, look at your list and put your pen down.

1. The first time I ever ran out of gas (I've done it twice), I was driving with my younger sis in the car. After I passed the traffic light, I ran right out of gas. But fortunately a gas station was only a few yards away and I was able to coast right in there just as I ran out. After that gas station, there are no more in sight for about 10 miles or so. The weather could not have been any better.

2. The second time I ran out of gas I was on my way to work. I was going to park my car there and carpool to a conference. But I ran out of gas within 1/2 mile of the office. Luckily, it was so early in the morning that my parents, who both work in the same city, were able to bring the big gas can (because the nearby gas stations only had the one gal cans which wasn't enough to get my car moving) and put enough in my car to get it to work. I finished just in time to make it to the conference in time. Had my parents not been working that day or my assistant managers not been available (like today), I would have had to wait over 30 minutes--which would have been too late. Again, the weather could not have been any nicer.

3. I used to have asthma as a kid. Not bad enough to be hospitalized, but bad enough to have a breathing machine and an inhaler. Got to some points where I couldn't breathe. I was never hospitalized for it, not only that, but I no longer have asthma.

4. I have NEVER broken a bone in my body...And I have played baseball since I was 5 (pitched too) and have stayed physically active ever since with other sports and games too.

5. I was born weeks premature. Came very close to dying. But thankfully I gained the weight and my doctors took great care of me.

6. Although I have been driving for some 4 years now, I haven't been in one accident. Furthermore, I haven't been in any accidents my entire life while as a passenger with my parents.

7. Doctors said one time that I almost had what they termed "Walking Pneumonia" which would have killed me.

8. As I was driving to work one day on a two lane highway, the car driving alongside of me in the right lane started coming over in my lane as if to move into my lane. Maybe he didn't see me because I was in the blind spot (or just didn't turn his head). Now, I had no place to go and was going about 60+ mph. But I just so happened to be observant and look up and instantaneously mash on my horn to keep the guy off me.

9. One day on the fishing lake, I nearly drowned. With no one in sight, I approached the water just to get a closer look. However, there are rubber coated long wires that run along the ground the length of the dirt. And I tripped over them and started to lose my balance and tip over into the water to most assuredly drown (didn't know how to swim). But I felt this presence that pushed me back upright and kept me from falling over. I turned around quickly to see if it was indeed my Dad or someone else, but no one was around. It was quite an experience.

10. I was able to apply to my first choice school (Emory) and only applied to Georgetown University as my safety school after my Dad said, "Don't put all your eggs in one basket"--and get into both.

OH, and...

My Dad contracted cardiovascular disease AND pneumonia at the same time in 2003. He went straight to Intensive Care and never once occupied a regular hospital room. His blood pressure went through the roof and nearly died as a result of it (His pressure was routinely 180/120 many times and even approached 200/140 or so). The doctors told him we wouldn't make it past the year. Here it is 2006, he is off the medication, still alive, and has had no further problems whatsoever. As a matter of fact, the only thing about his blood pressure he "worries" about is that sometimes it gets a tad low, but is always around the normal 120/80 range. It is as if he never even went to the hospital.

I'm sure if you made the list like I asked, you would be amazed at some of the stuff that came to mind. But tell me, did you write down on that list that you woke up this morning? That you are able to actually utilize your eyes to read this blog? That you know where your next meal is coming? Or hell, that you were born? You know, the miracle of life? Yeah, that. When anything and everything could go wrong, there you are. Alive! See, with things like what happened to me and my Dad, I utterly refuse to believe that it was just "luck" or "coincidence." Something out there is looking out for me, and that thing I call God. Sure, you may not agree with me and that's okay. But when you take a hard, honest look at the list you made, maybe you too will be able to step outside the box and logically see that there has to be something that supersedes mere coincidence and luck.

Ah yes, things have changed...

You know how sometimes you get a good feeling about something? Like it is finally different from what you have been used to? Like this time it's different? But ah, things have changed. Life is unpredictable, and people are sometimes even more so.

The interest I have had for some things has waned. Sadly and surprisingly, I did not see this coming. I no longer look forward to some things like I used to, like I wanted to, like I longed to do. Feelings are quick to change, slow to normalize, and hard to erase. Ever since the semester ended, it has been a roller coaster of emotions. People come in your life, some brighten your day, some rain on your parade, and yet others you don't want to hear from ever again. Some get you excited, some make you frustrated, and others just make you scratch your head. You get a job and the added plethora of emotions, sacrifice, and opportunity comes with it.

Oh yes...Things have changed.

I have begun to question some things in my life. Thoughts about some people, my job, and other things dear (or somewhat dear) to me. And although I have been quite the analytical person, some things still inevitably boggle my mind and surprise me. Like how some people become so hypersensitive about their own ideals and perceptions that they are unable to see the greater good or innocuous nature of what has been said or done. It makes you no longer want to fool around with him or her...Or at least do anything that can elicit that sort of overanalysis from the other party. Some people, I have recently noticed, are way too high-strung, and way too serious about some things. They need to relax and chill. This seriousness and inability to appreciate levity turns people off...Not everything you perceive is untruth, cockiness, bad attitude, lack of humor, lack of romance, or whatever. You need to be able to separate the joking around from the reality. We don't care if you don't like "it" (whatever "it" is), just appreciate our attempt to brighten your day. Is that too much to ask? People tend to take things for granted and fail to appreciate the little things in life. That's fine, if you want people to stop doing those things for you.

People used to say I was too serious. HA! I didn't used to have a sense of humor a few years back. Yes, it is true. I was the shy, quiet as hell black kid that barely spoke--and everybody knew it. But now, ha...You wouldn't even know I was that quiet kid of yesteryear. Some say I run my mouth too much. LOL, that's okay. Rather that than the quiet guy that wouldn't talk to anyone. But people must understand, what you may perceive and what is reality can be two different things. For instance, when I don't know you, I will barely speak to you. But don't judge a book by its cover too soon now. Once I get to know you, I can run my mouth about any and everything.

So in life, don't let your miscalculations cost you. It may not be something you can afford.

A Discussion on Civil Rights

Barely 40 years ago the Civil Rights Movement took America by storm. Unfortunately, some fellow black people act as if we are in the same environment as we were 40 years ago. Last semester in my African American Studies class, I wrote on this very issue. Following is a section of that paper. And this is where I begin...

Thankfully, with the civil rights movement of the 1960s, black immigrants and black people today have opportunities to acquire the higher-paying jobs and don't have to settle for the menial low-paying jobs the first generation immigrants had little choice in accepting. No longer is racial discrimination and racism as overt as it was then. However, the civil rights movement that emerged after the first generation of black immigrants was somewhat of a double-edged sword. It undeniably increased the opportunities available to Blacks, but it inadvertently increased the very thing that has been at the center of the struggle within the black community - a rabid form of racial consciousness. *End of paper*

One of the most untrue things I hear from some fellow black people that irritates me beyond words is, "The white man is keeping us down!" Hold on...What?! Sure, some of that still exists. For me to deny that would be ignorance of the highest level. But it surely isn't to the degree it once was. The "white man" isn't keeping you down, YOU are keeping you down. Disagree? Let's name a few people...

Jackie Robinson, Oprah, Michael Jordan, Michael Vick, Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Jackson, Barry Bonds (despite his other stuff), Johnny Cochran, LL Cool J...

Success is a choice, not a privilege. With success comes sacrifice, and with sacrifice comes challenges, and with challenges comes opportunity. These people did not use the excuse, "The White Man is keeping me down." Why aren't more of us clinging to this newfound cornucopia of opportunities that have been presented to us just waiting to be taken advantage of? Your inability to rise above your challenges will keep you from having to sacrifice something that will help lead to success. It is a simple formula. Michael Jordan did not let his being cut from the highschool Varsity basketball team stop him. He overcame the challenge and sacrificed the time to develop and hone his basketball skills--which led him to succeed and become one of the greatest basketball players of all time.

Success is a choice. Will you make the best of your opportunities and strive for success or will you make excuses that prevent you from attaining it? I'm sure people like Oprah and Johnny Cochran certainly didn't.

An Update...

With approximately 6 weeks left of freedom before school, I decided an update on what has been going on in my life (not that you care--but don't worry, you will probably read it anyway because you love me so much) was in order...

1) I found out that $15 dollars worth of gas at current prices isn't enough to fill up my Impala 1/3 of the way full. Damnit, not even 5 years ago gas was 79 cents a gallon. 79 cents! That would be great, but nooo, I have to travel at my job when gas prices are 3 1/2 times that price...

2) Although I applied for on-campus housing over a month ago, I still have no room assignment. Um, wtf mate?

3) Some people unfortunately think that when you set something up for someone to meet you and hang out, and then you don't call back when you are supposed to, that it somehow will blow over well with me.

4) The movie "Annapolis" turned out to be such a piece of crap. Good thing I didn't pay money to see it. On the other hand, "Carlito's Way" turned out to be surprisingly good. Yes, I was one of those who thought P Diddy (or whatever the hell he calls himself now) would ruin it.

5) Having to drive 35 miles to work every Wednesday gets old kinda fast.

6) My definition of "love" has changed over the past few weeks.

7) My Dad and I have this knack for talking for hours about the new and upcoming Atlanta Hawks team and the beasts that will be the Atlanta Falcons.

8) I am tired of those idiots who think the Braves will make a comeback. Um, they have ZERO pitching whatsoever. Get that through your head...

9) Has realized that some people are way too hypersensitive and lack emotional fortitude.

10) Has completed two weeks of my strength/weight training program. Ha, motivation is still going strong. And with 1/4 of it done, I am soo looking forward to beginning Phase 2 of the program and seeing noticeable results within 3 weeks or so.

11) The weight is increasing. Woot, my metabolism is a biatch! I guess that is what being active in sports all your life since the age of 5 will do to you. After many more peanut butter and apricot spread sandwiches (they are actually quite tasty) each day for the remaining 6 weeks, my goal should be hit. But seriously, I will not be able to look at another piece of bread in my life after this summer is over.

12) Is sorta ready to go back to school. Some certain uncertainties and uncertain certainties await me. This summer is shaping up just like it did last summer in some respects...

13) Is finally getting a credit card! I was used to just carrying the cash I needed on hand. Woot, gogo plastic!

14) I cannot walk into the local WalMart or Food Depot without me seeing someone I know. But ha, not complaining too much here :)

15) I can't seem to get a hold of some of my important clients for my job! Does anyone ever pick up their cell phone anymore?

16) Barry Bonds who?

Be Uplifted!

Although I am a Christian man, I do not like many gospel songs. I have a very selective taste for them. But when I am going through something, there are always two people I can depend on: my dad and God. However, sometimes you don't wan to go that route. You need an alternative method to initiate your long-awaited and much-needed catharsis. For some it is a drink of alcohol, others it is smoking, and yet others lash out in violence. For those, like myself, who prefer the less destructive courses of action, I like to grab my iPod and turn on some really uplifting gospel songs. These include:

I Need You Now - Smokie Norful
Everything's Gonna Be Alright - Al Green
Imagine Me - Kirk Franklin
We Fall Down - Donnie McClurkin
Lookin For You - Kirk Franklin
Thank You - Kirk Franklin
God Has Not Forgot - Tonex

"I Need You Now" by Smokie Norful is extremely powerful stuff. I remember times when I would just listen to it in my room away from noise and everything and just sit there and get into the song. Soon, a powerful chill would fill my body and I'd even begin to cry with joy and a longing for help and direction (especially to God). The slower tempo of the song amplifies this feeling. I'd suggest that song to anyone who is going through something.

"Everything's Gonna Be Alright" is in my Top 10. When I got this song, I was shocked that it was a gospel song. I had no idea at the time that Al Green used to do gospel songs. Heck, he even was a preacher for a time too. But I am so glad I stumbled upon it because it is one of the best songs out there about being a Christian and standing your ground--because it is not easy. It is quite encouraging.

"Imagine Me" is a new song I have been listening to. I saw the video on BET Late and was like wow. It is on my Top 50 list. Whether it is problems in the home or on the job or with a man, this song will speak to you.

"We Fall Down" is a nice song that I would hear over and over in a movie (which I coincidentally cannot think of right now). Yeah, I think it was a movie...But anyway, although Donnie McClurkin may have a funny voice, this song is another powerful one. It is a slower song, but is has a rhythmic flow to it. It's message is a clear and central one that everyone can identify with: We all fall down, but our strength lies in being able to get back up again. The repeating lyric is, "For a saint is just a sinner who fell down...and got up." We all sin, but the Lord is waiting for us to look to Him so he can help us back up again.

"Looking For You" is of Kirk Franklin's signature Hip Hop gospel style (just like his song "Stomp"). Its is very upbeat and fast. I saw it too on BET Late and had to get it. When we go through something, we usually look for something. Some outlet that will help us cope and heal. This song speaks just to that.

"Thank You" is also of the Hip Hop style. Very upbeat. It is more about recognizing the blessing that we all have. Just being alive at this very moment is a blessing. So we all have a testimony to tell. It, like "Looking For You," is in my Top 50.

And finally, "God Has Not Forgot" is an older song by a guy named Tonex. He has a wonderfully commanding voice that belts out the religious lyrics quite beautifully. It reminds us that no matter how bad things may get, God has not forgotten about you.

With these seven songs, you can't help but feel a wonderful sense of calm and peace. No matter what you go through...you may call out in anguish "I Need You Now!" or "Is Everything Gonna Be Alright?"or "Lord, where are you? I've been Looking For You." Just remember that he is always around and that your being able to live right now is a blessing because tomorrow or even the very next moment is promised to no one. Not everyone is as fortunate as you to be able to be a sports star, a great businessperson, to have great vision, to be a track star, or whatever gift or talent you may possess. Just say "Thank You" and remember that "God Has Not Forgot."

Playing hard to get can make it hard to win...

So I was having a conversation with a female friend of mine yesterday and she wondered what I thought about women playing hard to get (we have discussions like this on a regular basis). Me, being someone who very much enjoys discussing things of this nature, shall now address the issue at hand...

First off, I agree that most guys welcome a challenge in a female. There seems to be this drive to conquer the unconquerable and vanquish the invincible. Much satisfaction is drawn from attaining something that was hard to achieve in the first place. However, due to the way some females just naturally act, and with others sheer ignorance and immaturity, some girls like to interpret that "drive" in an unhealthy, extreme, and self-defeating way.

For instance, say a guy likes you (with "you" being female). Now, you like this guy too or are at least interested, but you want to play hard to get. Now, let us break this down...One of two things will happen. He either a)Notices your playing hard to get and is turned on by it or b)he is turned off by it because he knows he likes you and your playing hard to get is adverse to trying to cement things and is giving off signs that you are not interested. Wait. Stop. He likes you and you like him. Why on earth would you gamble that he pick a) and not b) when the latter is just as much a course of action and reaction as the former? Why complicate something that is not complicated? Why try to break something that is already fixed?

Sure, some guys are turned on by the "hard to get" little game. Yeah, they want what they seemingly can't have--and that is a thrill to them. Yet others get turned off by that and associate that "hard to get" with disdain and a sense that the female is difficult, does not know what she wants, immature, and is not as interested--which can easily and quickly lead that guy to look elsewhere.

So what are my two cents on the issue? I can't stand women who play hard to get. You either want someone and go after it, or you don't. Don't make something harder when it is unnecessary. And don't complain if he does not fall for your game--I certainly would not. Playing hard to get is a sign that you are willing to complicate something that already can't afford complications. It is a sign of immaturity and an unwillingness to be straightforward without the bull. Get your act together, grow up, and leave the foolish games behind. All you are doing is increasing the chances of someone you like end up leaving you for someone else. And if you were genuinely interested in the guy in the first place, I doubt that you would want him to do just that. That would be defeating the purpose now wouldn't it?

A new chapter has begun...

As I sat intently in church today, with my fresh cut, chiseled sideburns, a suit that accentuated everything about me, and tons of swagger, the preacher thunderously, emotionally, and ever-so-eloquently belted out words that have stuck in my mind to this very moment. This message was not so much a command but a truth: A new chapter has begun. He began to expound on this wonderful anecdote by claiming you don't have to be stuck in the chapter you are in. It is your choice to stay or move on. To pass Go and collect $200 or stay in Jail and continue rolling the die--just hoping that what you used to do will all of a sudden grant you that opportunity to get out. But he said one more poignant thing: "There are many definitions of insanity, and one of them is to keep doing the same thing while expecting different results." And this is where my story begins...

On our way home from what was undeniably a spirit-filled church service, and after being distracted by some 50-odd year old black woman in Churchs' Chicken who was wearing a see-through black dress-like thingy with a visible thong underneath that made me eruhh...really question what was going through her mind at the time (although I'm sure it has something to do with attention, maybe just maybe-but 50-ish?! All I know is that I don't want to see that), my Dad said what turned out to be one of the most interesting truths on the way home:

"Caution is necessary in fishing and waiting on the Lord, but other times, when it is unnecessary, it tends to cause people to miss out."

If you expand that quote out, you get something that means not unlike the following...

Necessary caution is beneficial, but unnecessary caution is detrimental and destructive.

As I look back at my life, I am hard pressed to find occasions where I didn't go after what I wanted. Sure, I made the effort, but if it did not flow like I wanted it to, it was not due to any lack of action or caution on my part. On the other hand, I can quote many times where people-especially a certain sex-were so concerned with being cautious that they let golden opportunities pass them up. Will they get those chances again, certainly not. And what is worse then looking back and saying, "If only I had" or "I shoulda," "I coulda," or "I woulda." Which just so happens to remind me of Brian McKnight's ballad which is titled "Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda." Good stuff, really.

Why must people feel a sense of complacency with so little regard for urgency? That things will always be the same? That the status quo is the way to go? Or that things will be like they want them to be for as long as they want them to be? For instance, that girl is single now, but if you don't step up, she could very well be taken tomorrow by someone who was bold enough to approach her. Sure, he may like you now, but tomorrow he could be gone to some girl who expressed interest in him who refused to play the overly cautious role and take a chance.

But isn't that what life is all about? Taking a chance? Tell me, who knows what tomorrow will bring you? Oh, you say, "I have work tomorrow and I will be there on time." Sure? What if you God forbid, you got into a car accident? Or a severe thunderstorm sprang up with torrential rains that forced you off the road and set you back half an hour? Would you be going to work on time then? You may say, "I will be at my friend's house. I have planned this for over a week now." Sure about that? What if you get a surprise phone call from that employer saying he wants to see you for a second interview for the job you have wanted. Just so happens he wants you to come in at the time you were supposed to meet your friend. Would you be going to your friend's house then? What I am getting at is simple: in life, things happen. Unexpected things do occur. Yes, the worst case scenario does rear its ugly head at times. And yes, the things with a remote possibility do occur. You can't afford to play the cautious role all the time. You can't live in the past and expect the same ol' tried-ass result. Waiting for days and weeks to see if that girl is really into you will end up screwing you over when all it takes is just a few seconds to see if she would like to grab something to eat with you. Simple. Done.

The slow and steady may win the race, but the cautious and guarded shall miss out on shortcuts and opportunities and will surely lose in the marathon that is the fleeting and precious gift we call life.

It is time to begin a new chapter. Are you ready to be bold enough to turn the page and welcome what lies ahead?

Love at First Sight...I can't believe my eyes!

I was watching one of my favorite shows on the Game Show Network called "Greed" the other day, and something about it shocked me beyond belief. As I sat in my comfortable chair glued to the tube with my Dad standing only a couple feet away from me in the kitchen with his attention channeled away from the tele, I watched and heard what my mind could not believe. As with every episode, a team of 5 players is chosen out of 7 to form a team that will answer questions asked by Chuck Woolery. But to narrow that team to five, he asks a random open-ended question in which the seven hopefuls must get closest to the answer to make it on the team. They are usually questions like "How many homemade meals does the average American eat in a year?" or "What percentage of American families commemorate Christmas?" But the question Chuck asked on this particular episode was particularly intriguing. He asked...

"What percentage of American married couples believed in love at first sight?"

Think about it. *Jeopardy music gently strokes your attention* What answer did you come up with? 30%? 50%? Careful! Don't wager too much...

Would you be surprised if the correct answer was 78%? O_O That is unfuckinbelievable! Let's talk about this little theory called "love at first sight."


For the answer to be 78% makes me realize two things: 1)78% of people have no idea what love really is and 2)less than one quarter of married couples have an IQ above that of the chair I am sitting in.

You did not just say that...I surely did. And I am about to tell you why.

But first, let's take a walk together along the sandy beach, the wind blowing through my half-afro and sculptured sideburns, water shimmering with an ever-clearer crystal blue hue, and the sun shining ever so slightly as it sets in the west. You feel that? (Stop daydreaming, you are on no alleged beach...) No? Sure? It's called ignorance. Love at first sight is one of the most ridiculous, convoluted, self-defeating, and self-contradictory theories out there. So you see someone for the first time, know next to nothing about him or her, and say "OMG, I just knew from the feelings that came over me that it was love at first sight." Oh please, you really should stop drinking. You cannot possibly love someone that you barely even know. Those feelings you had? It was lust. As Ludacris sings in his song, "It was lust at first sight." Anyone who does not understand that needs to go grab their dictionary, look up the word "lust," immediately close the dictionary, and knock yourself out cold with it. When you come to, maybe then you will understand what I mean.

Love takes time to grow and manifest itself. Intimate knowledge and time together is necessary in the development of the thing we call love. Anything short of it is lust. Period. Just because he/she has everything you look for physically does not mean it is love.

Lust comes first, love either never comes or comes much later.

And please, for the love of all things good, do not be so quick to say you love someone - you most likely (although obviously there are exceptions) lust after them, which is completely normal.

Oh, and my answer to Chuck's question offered above: 33%. I gave American couples the benefit of the doubt by choosing what I thought was high. Obviously, I need not be so generous...

The Joy of...Exercising?

This summer I promised myself I would get back in athletic shape and change my body image a little. So I settled on Strength Training. But as you know, the hardest thing to maintain is motivation when you exercise because you may start off well for the first week or so, but then you may quit because you aren't seeing the results you covet so quickly. Any good professional trainer will tell you that you won't see noticeable results til about the 6th week--give or take a week or two. But the emphasis during weight training is on working your muscles to the point where you cannot continue with the exercise. In other words, maxing out and exhausting the muscles. This forces them to grow and adapt to the resistance (weight) and grow stronger to be able to support that weight easier. And since my job requires me to be out a lot, I devised a simple, short, and sweet regimen that I can do at home with my own dumbbells. So if all goes well, I will see the results I am looking for before I arrive back on campus (in 8 weeks)...

I started Sunday, July 2nd

Group 1: Every other Day - Upper Body Exercises
Stretching for 5 minutes
1 set of 8 Tricep Curls (Upper Arms)
1 set of 8 Dumbbell Flyes (Chest)
1 set of 8 Bicep Curls (Upper Arms)
1 set of 8 Wrist Curls (Forearms/Lower Arms)
Takes about 20 minutes.

Group 2: Every other Day that is NOT for Group 1 - Mainly Lower Body Exercises
Stretching for 5 minutes
1 set of 50 Plie Squats (Thighs and Lower legs)
1 set of 50 Ab Rollers (Abdominals)
1 set of 50 Pushups (Chest and Arms)
1 set of 50 Inclined Calf Raises (Lower legs)
Takes about 15-20 mintues.

The first two weeks are for getting my body used to the exercises and adapting to them. I don't want to spend three weeks in this phase because growth and development of the muscles is slower when it is just one set. After those two weeks, my body will be quite comfortable with the weights and be stronger. Therefore I will hopefully be able to move into my second phase which will be tacking on another set for each exercise. So instead of doing 1 set of 8 Bicep Curls, I will be doing 2 sets of 8 (16 in all). I am hoping I will be strong enough to get to that point in two weeks, but it may be unrealistic. How my body grows and develops this week and next dictates if I will be spending an extra third week in the first phase. If I faithfully adhere to the regimen, I should do just fine. Ha, excited how it turns out in 8 weeks!

Updates coming soon...