TracyPerlman.com

Let the training begin! I’ve got about 13 weeks until the...

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 16:58:10 -0600

Let the training begin! I’ve got about 13 weeks until the Minneapolis Half Marathon! Yikes! That means it’s time to get my butt in gear. I found a few different training charts online and have decided this is what I’m going to do. It’s based on Hal Higdon’s schedule.

I think it’s do-able. It’ll be hard, but it seems to move slowly, so I’ll be able to keep up. The weather is starting to get really nice, so I’m hoping to start going outside for the 3-4 mile runs. It’s 3 miles around Lake Calhoun, so I’ll use that for my shorter runs.

After being in pain all of last week and limping through Thursday, I’m feeling 100% better. (*Note to self, don’t get a deep tissue massage on Tuesday, spend Wednesday with your trainer doing lunges and Thursday morning with your physical therapist working on strengthening exercises, it’ll leave you in a lot of pain.)

I was able to run today virtually pain-free. It’ll make starting my new schedule much easier. Yay! Grab your shoes! Here we go!!

It's a horribly sad day.

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:18:00 -0600

I just received horribly sad news. My friend and co-worker, Darcy Pohland died unexpectedly in her sleep last night. It doesn’t even seem real. I can’t wrap my head around it. I also can’t stop crying.

I can say, without a bit of hesitation I would not be who I am, or where I am without Darcy.

I’ve known Darcy since I was in high school. She took a chance on a kid she had met through e-mail. A teacher told me Darcy was an old student of hers and that if I wanted to know more about working in TV, I should contact her. So I sent an e-mail. We continued to e-mail back and forth for about a year. Then in 2003, Darcy agreed to volunteer her time and mentor me my senior year. She was the first one who encouraged me to do what I’m doing now.

I knew nothing about TV. I spent almost every day with her. Going to WCCO was by far my favorite part of the day. I dreamed of working here, calling Darcy a coworker. Little did I know that dream would become a reality in a few years.

Darcy helped me get my first internship, which led to my second one, and that eventually led to the job I have now. Despite all the talks we’ve had throughout the years, I’m not sure she really knew how much I admired her. Darcy was my true first journalism teacher, but along the way Darcy taught me much more than about life.

Darcy was an eternal optimist. One summer in college, Darcy broke her neck after diving into a swimming pool. Regardless of losing the ability to use her legs and having minimal ability in her arms, Darcy never complained about it. She never let using a wheelchair stop her from doing anything. Rain, snow, sandy riverbanks, nothing was out of the question for Darcy. She couldn’t say no… and you couldn’t say no to her.

She was always happy. Always. Darcy had a light around her, she’d whiz by on her wheelchair say hi, and you’d smile. Her laugh was infectious, her smile beamed. In fact, I don’t remember her ever complaining about having a bad day. It’s a lesson we all should learn.

Going to work today is going to be terribly hard. Darcy was a rock and source of knowledge in the newsroom. She was a tried and true Vikings and Gopher fan. I will always remember her strength, passion, optimism and wit. I’m so thankful a few weeks ago I was able to tell her how much her friendship has meant to me throughout the years. It won’t ever replace the hole in my heart because she’s no longer with us.

I’ll be eternally grateful for Darcy’s guidance and friendship all these years. She’s been such an inspiration and I will miss her so very, very much.

You can read more about Darcy here.

100 days. That’s how long I have until I lace up my shoes...

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 23:49:49 -0600

100 days.

That’s how long I have until I lace up my shoes and remind myself I want to run 13.1 miles. I still don’t know why I thought running a half marathon was a good idea. I’ve been training for three months and can only run a mile before I have to stop and slow down to a fast walk.

It’s starting to hit me. 13 miles is a long distance. I’m getting pretty scared, actually. I’m hoping to not pass out and die during the half marathon. I also hope my calf and hip are feeling better so I can actually do it. The good news is Team Ortho is sponsoring the half marathon, so if I have to, I can walk and not get penalized. I really appreciate that.

Training has been a long and slow process, but I think I will eventually be a runner. I’m already seeing results. I want to run a 5k without stopping by the time April rolls around. That’s 3 miles, or once around Lake Calhoun for those of you living in the Twin Cities.

But first things first: I have to run the Get Lucky 7k. Oh, and I have to stop signing up for races.

Let me start by saying I am a Royals fan. For 6 years I lived in...

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 01:08:00 -0600

Let me start by saying I am a Royals fan. For 6 years I lived in or close to Kansas City and went to too many Royals games to count. Slugerrr and I have a close and special relationship.

With that said - TMZ says it best: “MLB Mascot Accused of Gruesom Weiner Attack .”

Apparently at a game last September, Slugerrr climbed atop the 3rd base (away team) dugout and tossed out hot dogs. This isn’t unusual. In fact, I often sat above that dugout and caught and ate many of those free dogs.

A man says Slugerrr threw out a hot dog and hit him in the eye.

As a result, he’s suffered a detached retina and developed cataracts. He’s suing the Royals for more than $25,000 for negligence and battery.

Uh, dude, you’re at a baseball game. If you didn’t notice a huge fake 7-foot lion tossing hot dogs into the cheering crowd around you, you were either too drunk or too dumb to be in the stands.

Does it suck you were knocked in the face with a flying piece of meat? Yes. Though, I can only imagine how bruised your ego must be, if your eye is that damaged.

I feel bad for Sluggerrr. He didn’t intentionally or maliciously throw a hot dog in this guy’s face. Hell, maybe he thought he looked hungry. Sluggerrr is there to entertain us and give out free food between innings.

Furthermore, If you go to a baseball game, the back of your ticket will say something to the extent of ‘be advised, if you get hit with a bat or ball we’re not responsible.’

I know it’s not the same, but I think it should be.

For those who actually know me, you know I’m obsessed with four things: 1. The Minnesota...

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 02:53:00 -0600

For those who actually know me, you know I’m obsessed with four things:

1. The Minnesota Twins

2. The Backstreet Boys

3. Anything that’s pink or shiny

4. Michael Buble.

Today, I’m focusing on #4.

I stumbled upon my extensive Michael Buble collection tonight. I don’t know what it is about his voice, it’s so… um, what’s the word? Oh yes, PERFECT.

It’s like a blanket… soft, warm, silky and fuzzy. You just want to wrap yourself up in his music and burrow deeper into it. Or like warm chocolate cake, it’s so fresh, creamy and rich, you just want more. I don’t know what it is about his music, but it makes me so happy. No matter the song, my mind goes to late summer or early fall in St. Paul. The air is crisp and warm, there aren’t pesky bugs or anything to distract you. More specifically, it’s night on an outdoor patio, with a bonfire pit and glass of red wine.

Ahh, bliss.

I’ve seen Michael Buble in concert twice. The first time was in 2003 at the Pantages Theater in Minneapolis. He was a nobody then, but I had his CD and drove my friends crazy listening to it. There couldn’t have been more than 200 people at the show, my brother and I were definitely the youngest in the crowd. About half way through the show someone took a picture and the flash went off. Michael stopped the show and hopped off the stage to take a real picture with them. It was great. He shared stories, interacted with the audience and looked so happy on stage.

A year or two later I saw him at Orchestra Hall. It was a bigger show. He was a bigger name. He tried to interact with the audience, but it’s hard when you’re performing to a couple hundred people. The passion was still there though.

I still love his music as much as I ever have. It still sounds full and happy and classic. His tour is coming back through the Twin Cities this spring. He’ll be playing the Xcel Center to a couple thousand people. As much as I’d love to see his show, I don’t know if I’d enjoy it as much as I know I could. Not after the intimate experience I had a few years ago.

That’s the problem with good music. You find it and embrace it. Then it catches on and all of a sudden everyone loves it. Don’t get me wrong, it’s great to be among the first, to say you’ve been there the whole time, but you lose that special connection.

Luckily I can still enjoy his music without seeing his concert. Listening to his music tonight, I feel calm and happy. It’s like an instant happy spot you can take on the go.

And that’s exactly what I intend to do. Take my iPod and listen to his music this summer on a patio in St. Paul.

Don’t you love watching half court shots? Wanna see 4 in a...

Sun, 21 Feb 2010 23:06:00 -0600

Don’t you love watching half court shots? Wanna see 4 in a row? Spontaneous and UNEDITED?

The Kansas Jayhawks start shooting (and sinking) half-court shots during a recent practice. The first one was made by Minneapolis’ own Cole Aldrich.

Rock Chalk baby!

Catching Up

Sun, 21 Feb 2010 22:45:38 -0600

Oh my gosh, has it really been two weeks since I’ve blogged? Wow, where has time gone?

So here’s what’s been going on:

Twinsfest

I didn’t think I could step back in there. I’m talking about the Metrodome. We had too many memories. Too many times it lifted me up, then broke my heart. I saw the best and saddest games this past season at the Dome. #163 was amazing. Walking home that night, I felt like I was flying. I was also there for the final game against the Yankees. I saw that game with my friend Peter. We sat there for a good 15 minutes after the final pitch, just staring at the field. Like the ghosts of Kirby Puckett and the other Twins greats were going to walk out onto the field and demand a re-do.

I made it back into the Dome. I couldn’t help but think “Thank God!” when I saw the teflon sky. I can’t wait to sit outside, breathe fresh air, wear sunglasses (or a sweatshirt) and watch baseball on real grass. After feeling as though I was vindicated and upgraded, I enjoyed a Dome Dog. My dad got to meet one of his favorite pitchers Bert Blyleven, I said hi to my old buddy Jim “Mudcat” Grant and met my favorite Twins legend, Tony Oliva.

My collection of autographed baseballs is starting to get a little obnoxious. I’ll have to find somewhere else to start putting them.

I also decided to fulfill a life-long goal of becoming a Twins season ticket holder. I purchased a partial-season (just 20 games) in the upper deck along the 3rd base side. I can see the field just fine, I can see downtown and I’m right in the sun. I can’t wait!

Running

I hurt my leg again. I’ve been trying to run 3-4 days a week, and I’m doing really well at staying on track. Two weeks ago I ran a mile without stopping. Then two days later I ran a mile and a half. Now my calf hurts. I’ve been trying to rehab it and not let it get too irritated. So far, it’s been a slow and painful recovery. It’s also been frustrating because the more I want to push myself, the more hurt I get.

In the mean time, I’ve signed up for another race. I’m doing the Get Lucky 7k on March 20th. It’s 4.3 miles and it’s outside. The race is through Team Ortho, so I can walk it if needed. I’m hoping to run the first mile, walk/run the second and third, then run the fourth to finish.

Heather says I’m doing too many races and I’m cut off now. I like the races. They give me something to work towards. If my calf doesn’t feel better, I won’t be doing this race though. We’ll just have to see how it goes.

Etc…

I’ve also been thinking about putting together a cookbook. Nothing crazy. In fact, it’d be quite simple. My favorite recipes all put into one place. I want to take pictures of some of the dishes, organize them into a clean, simple format, then get it bound and printed. It’ll make a great gift. Who knows? Maybe I’ll sell a few copies and donate the money somewhere. It’ll be a great side project.

You're Invited...

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 10:44:00 -0600

Looking to have rockin’ good time on Valentine’s Day… but don’t have a sweetie? No worries!! You should check out the TweetCrawl (round 2). Yup, we’ll be meeting up again this Sunday!

Not sure what a TweetCrawl is? Don’t feel bad, it’s simple. A TweetCrawl is essentially an opportunity to socialize, drink and not leave home. Throw your feet up, have a drink, take a picture and tweet it. Just don’t forget the #tweetcrawl hashtag! Then follow the trending to jump in on the conversation. Warning: things got a little crazy last time!

Every once in a while, we’ll all meet up. That’s what we’re doing on Sunday. It’s a great way to meet fellow Tweet-heads and network with some really cool people in the Twin Cities.

Here’s your opportunity to join in on the fun. We’re meeting at Loring Kitchen from 6 - 9:30 pm this Sunday (Feb 14th). There’ll be drink specials ($3 taps among other things). You can RSVP right here. And, duh, invite your friends!!

So I’m no model… by anyone’s standards....

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 01:49:00 -0600

So I’m no model… by anyone’s standards. However, today I sure felt like one.

My amazing and talented friend/coworker Erica took my picture for a work thing. Ok, here’s a hint: it’s for our new website: The Wire.

None the less, these are some of our favorite pictures we took today. They’re awfully pretty if I do say so myself.

I’m not fishing for compliments and trying to toot my own horn. I’m simply sharing something I’m proud of… and that’s the great work Erica did.

I ran 1.5 miles! I ran 1.5 miles!! I, Tracy Perlman, ran 1.5 miles before slowing down. And I only...

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:44:36 -0600

I ran 1.5 miles! I ran 1.5 miles!!

I, Tracy Perlman, ran 1.5 miles before slowing down.

And I only slowed down to tie my shoe… then had trouble getting back into the groove.

That’s all I have to say.

(*does happy dance*)

U Can't Touch This!

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 19:14:00 -0600

I have some encouraging news this week. I ran an entire mile before slowing down. Yay! Finally. I’m seeing real improvements in my running. I felt good, I think I can push myself to run another quarter to half mile next week.

I solicited advice from some of my friends who are runners. They said when they hit a wall like I did last week, they tell themselves to “shut up and run,” and try focusing on other things. So I did, and it worked. That and a little MC Hammer on my iPod, too!

I thought it was hardest to get going again once I’d slow down. Today was also the first day I felt my weight on my knees and ankles. It wasn’t painful like a strain or pull, but a strong pressure. That will go away as I start to lose weight.

There’s a new 7k in March I’d like to participate in. It’s the Get Lucky Run 7k by Team Ortho. That’s the group I’m doing the other races through. A 7k is 4.3 miles. That’s a scary distance, then again I have to run 13 miles for the half marathons. It’s March 20th, so I think I’m going to wait to sign up. I first want to make sure the weather is good. No more running outside in cold, crappy weather!! However, I’m going to keep running/training like I’m running it. If not, I’ll find a 5k to do in April.

Coolest rings ever! They’re handcrafted interlocking LEGO...

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 12:18:59 -0600

Coolest rings ever!

They’re handcrafted interlocking LEGO inspired rings designed by RubyGirl. You can buy them on ETSY.

(Thanks to @jojeda for posting on Twitter)

MUSIC!

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 11:58:21 -0600

I have the best friends! I recently said I had hit a wall and needed some new workout music. I got TONS of suggestions.

So instead of keeping the awesome list to myself… I thought I’d share the list with you.

Here they are, in no particular order:

Rage Against the Machine
KISS - Detroit Rock City
Thrice - Beggers album
Rihanna - SOS, Disturbia, Pon de Replay, Run this town, Hard & If it’s Lovin’ that You Want
Madcon - Beggin
John Waite - Change
Cascada - Every Time We Touch
Zapp & Roger - I Can Make You Dance
Timbaland f/Justin Timberlake - Carry Out
Notorious BIG - Hypnotize & Juicy
Madcon - Beggin’ & Liar
Walter Meego - Forever
Stereophonics - Superman
Bruce Springsteen - Radio Nowhere
Nickleback - Burn it to the Ground
Lincoln Park
Matt and Kim - Daylight

Other new songs I discovered/have yet to get sick of:

Prince
311 - Down, Don’t Stay Home, Beautiful Disaster, All Mixed Up & Come Original
Lady GaGa - Summerboy, Telephone, Boys Boys Boys,
U2 - Get on your Boots
Britney Spears
Christina Aguliera
New Kids on the Block
Beastie Boys - Interalactic
B52’s - Love Shack
Baby Bash - Cyclone
No Doubt - Tragic Kingdon album
Pat Benetar - Hit Me with your Best Shot
Janet Jackson - Feedback
Black Eyed Peas

On the Road (Treadmill) Again.

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 22:44:00 -0600

OK, I’ve picked myself up off the floor. I wiped away my tears. Took a deep breath, put on my running shoes and walked my butt into a gym. I forgot how scary and intimidating joining a gym can be. Everyone looks so fit and healthy. Maybe in a few weeks I’ll look like them. Ha!

As my second day on the treadmill, I forgot how good it feels to run. I did run at a slower pace, but it helped me run more comfortably for a longer time. I’m disappointed in myself for not running longer. I definitely should have ran more than I did. I ran to one song and would walk to the next. I wasn’t sore. I wasn’t exhausted. I also wasn’t eager to run another few minutes.

I have to get over this mental block. When I started running, I could barely go 30 seconds without huffing and puffing. Now I can run 5 minutes. That’s a big deal for me. I somehow keep telling myself I can’t run longer than 5 minutes.

I think it’ll get easier to run as I lose weight. Think about it, when you carry a heavy bag of groceries, you walk slower. Why? Because it’s extra weight holding you down. It’s no different for me. I’ll be able to move faster when I have less to carry

This is my weekly goal: I want to run longer than 5 minutes.

I’ve hit a wall. Burnt out. I will throw myself on the floor and pound my fists on the ground...

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 10:41:48 -0600

I’ve hit a wall. Burnt out. I will throw myself on the floor and pound my fists on the ground because I don’t want to do it. I’m talking about running.

It was fun. It was exciting. Then it got painful. Now I’m lazy.

I’ve ran twice since the Polar Dash. That’s no good. I have three half marathons and a duathalon this year (June, July, August & October). I’m seriously regretting that decision. But it will feel good when I get the Team Ortho medallion. It will feel better crossing the finishing line.

I’ve been sick this week, so I’m hoping to start training again this weekend. Saturday should be good. By then my sore throat and earache should be gone. I think I’m all caught up on sleep now too (thank you Extra Strength Tylenol PM).

The number one thing that helps me run is music. I’ve been looking for new songs and need your help. Any suggestions? I’m sick of Britney, Christina and all other 90’s pop songs.

Metrodome vs Superdome

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 03:02:00 -0600

By coincidence, I met my dad for lunch today across the street from the dome. He works right next to it, so it works out. As we finished up, two of my coworkers walked in to get people’s reaction/thoughs to the Metrodome. Their story was about the difference between the Metrodome and the Superdome in New Orleans. Both are domes, both are loud, but theirs is new and shiny. Our sucks.

My dad was interviewed sort of by default. There weren’t many people in the restaurant. He was a good sport. We had no idea what they were going to ask, so I think he did a good job.

Here’s a link to watch the story.

Oh, and the New Orleans reporter, Juan, is really cool (despite his prediction the Saints will win). We hung out with him tonight at (where else) Gluek’s.

4 days, 5 shows & 1 tired girl.

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 02:27:00 -0600

This past week has been a busy one. I don’t know why, but I decided to see a band almost every night last week.

Wednesday I went to Gluek’s to see Root City. It’s sort of become a staple in my week for a few reasons. Most importantly, Root City is a great band. They’re local and have a totally unique sound. They’re sorta R&B, sorta Southern Rock, sorta funk, sorta blues, sorta jam band. I don’t really know how to categorize them, but what they have works and they’re great. They have a guitar, bass, keyboard, drums, saxophone, sometimes trumpet and beatboxer (And he’s not like the kid in your Senior year English class that would beat box, Heatbox is phenomenal. He’ll loop his own vocal beats to create a complete one-person band. In fact, watching his performances online doesn’t even showcase him fairly. He’s a must-see live act).

Gluek’s (pronounced Glick’s) is usually filled with regulars and people looking to have a good time. Gluek’s, in a few words, is a dive in the middle of Downtown. Most people sit around the bar or are up dancing in front of the band. You can wear a dress, or you can wear jeans and a sweatshirt. No one cares. Cover is $5 and the band plays from 9:30 until 1.

Thursday: I went to a TweetUp (Twitter meet up) at Nye’s in Northeast. After listening to a few people ~~sing~~ ~~screech~~ fumble through live piano karaoke, I suggested we head to Mayslack’s to hear The House Band. Yup, the band is called House Band. This band has three guitars (one might be a bass, I can’t remember), a keyboard and drum. The thing that’s cool about this band is each of the musicians in the band have a different style, and each will take a turn at being the lead. Every time the song changes, the style and groove does too. Me likey.

Mayslack’s is another dive. There’s no cover there on Thursdays. It was pretty casual: wear jeans and a t-shirt you’ll fit in fine. The employees shirts say they have good meat (as in hamburgers). I had the fries, they were delish. The band will start jamming at 9:30ish.

Friday: I jetted out of work and headed to The Fine Line. I went to see 8 Switch. But I got there late and only heard two songs. I was bummed. The songs I did hear were good though. They play dance music, the band is big enough that they can cover a range of generes and styles. I like that 8 Switch has a female singer and horns section. You don’t hear a lot of horns and saxophones in local bands (or any bands these days) adds a lot and really fills out the music.

I like seeing shows at The Fine Line. The stage is huge, the lighting is great, the acoustics are solid. It’s also smaller, so the shows are more intimate, you can get very close to the stage. Oh, and the bartenders have a heavy hand with the liquor bottles. One thing that does bug me is the ATM is broken. So be sure to bring cash, or you’ll have to walk to an ATM. Annoying. 8 Switch plays a lot of private shows, so it’s hard to catch them in concert. A lot of the band members are in other bands around town too, which makes public gigs hard to coordinate. Cover at the Fine Line varies depending on the show.

Saturday: I was a music stalker. A friend called and said Root City was playing at Crave in St. Louis Park. Usually there’s a different band playing on Saturday nights. I ended up going with my parents for a drink and dessert. My coworker Carly also met up with us. There’s no cover at Crave, but because it’s a restaurant, you can’t have a spot at the bar or a table without ordering food or drink. The food is really great, I like their sushi too. The band plays in the bar and it’s an “up close and personal” performance. I was sort of bummed that the whole Root City ensemble wasn’t there, but there’s no way they all could have fit in the small performance space and they would have overpowered the entire bar. The band was literally crammed in the front corner of the restaurant. I’d suggest finding a spot near the restaurant side of the bar, that way the band isn’t too loud and quite literally, in your face. Parking is a little tough, however there is a ramp that’s not attached. Valet parking is only $3, so in my opinion, in the winter it’s worth the generous tip and paying $5.

After listening to Root City for a bit, Carly and I went to the Fine Line. Another coworker of ours has a band and they were headlining that night. Six Shot Love is a Blues/Rock band. They play a mix of covers and original songs. Cole has a gritty voice which sounded great at the Fine Line. I’ve only seen him play at Blarney’s at the University of Minnesota (and it’s more of a bar than live music venue).

Now that it’s said and done, I’m tired, but I think it was worth it. I like seeing live music. I get to dance a little, I get to unwind and I get to hear new music. All three are things I like. Going out on Wednesdays may not make sense to most people, but for me, it’s perfect. It’s half way through the week and gives me something to look forward to Monday & Tuesday. Then Wednesday I get to see the band, enjoy myself and boom! It’s Thursday - the week is practically over.

I got to write a package yesterday. It was a sad one. A school bus driving back from a game crashed...

Sat, 16 Jan 2010 13:28:49 -0600

I got to write a package yesterday. It was a sad one. A school bus driving back from a game crashed head on into a car. The roads were slick and likely to blame for the accident. Everyone on the bus will be okay, just bumps and bruises. Unfortunately, the mother in the car died. Her husband and three-year-old child survived.

I didn’t do the interviews for this story, infact I didn’t even leave the building. Two of my coworkers did the story earlier in the day. Heather was in Renville, where the accident happened. Paula, a senior producer, interviewed the family here in the Twin Cities. I used their information, video and interviews and wrote the story. Reg voiced it. Then our photographerTony edited it (given we didn’t have much video to work with, he make it turn out so much better than I visioned).

It’s been a long time since I’ve written a package. I love doing it. I hope someday to field produce because I like the challenge of writing longer stories and really telling people’s stories and giving good information.I prefer writing happier stories, but unfortunately, that’s not always possible. Hopefully I’ll get the chance to do more of this in the future.

Here’s a link to see it.

The Mayo Clinic Diet

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:33:34 -0600

Tonight my station did a story about a new diet program. It’s the first time the Mayo Clinic has created an official diet. There is a “Mayo Diet” that’s been out there for a while, but it’s not from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester.

The world-class hospital broke down dieting into two parts: “Lose it” and “Live it.” They’re easy steps. The doctors break them down to make everything understandable. There are pictures and examples. The book is colorful and not overwhelming for all the information in it.

These are the tips from the Lose It section:

1) Eat a healthy breakfast.
2) Eat at least four servings of veggies and three servings of fruits each day.
3) Eat whole grains.
4) Eat healthy fats.
5) Exercise at least 30 minutes a day.

I know, they’re simple. They’re things you’ve heard before. However, the diet has more to it than just that.

For instance, you can’t eat sugar, unless it’s naturally found in fruit. No restaurants unless it fits in your meal plans. And here’s the doozie that opened my eyes: you can only watch as much TV as you’re working out. Which means if you want to watch a whole episode of NCIS, you have to work out for 60 minutes.

The book’s creators say by following their plan, you can lose 6 to 10 pounds in two weeks. The diet is strict, but doable. It’s more of a lifestyle change than a diet (which is nothing new in terms of diets). However, unlike other diets, this book is created by world class doctors. There’s no gimmick. There’s no buying bars or shakes. You don’t even have to buy measuring cups.

I’m not necessairly going to do this diet, but I am going to implement some of its techniques. I think they’ll help me reach my goals of being healthier this year.

Here’s the story we did on the news.

Feeshorama

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 01:26:00 -0600

Ice Feeshorama 2010 was a blast. First, Lake Mille Lacs is big and beautiful (that’s what she said). In fact, we had great weather, which made it so much better than I imagined.

Being the newbie, I didn’t know what to wear. I wanted to be warm enough and tried multiple clothing combos. I finally settled on (among other things) a pink sweater, gray vest, white hat and white boots. I also had pink sunglasses, so I looked like Ice Fishing Barbie. I don’t care, I think I looked cute, I was warm and, comon, the nickname is funny.

As we approached the lake, everyone kept asking if I’d freak out by driving on the ice. I didn’t really care, I mean, it’s 18 inches thick and there are dozens of other cars and ice houses. If it weren’t safe, they wouldn’t have been out there.

Once we all took out our food and liquor (and there was a lot of liquor) we headed back outside and played a little in the snow. After a while, Joe helped me bait a hook and explained the basics of ice fishing. I did get a chance to snowmobile too.

Joe cooked up some yummy bacon-wrapped shrimp and venesin. It was delicious.

Then, after the sunset, a few of us got in the car and drove back to the cities. The rest stayed.

I’ll post pics in a few days.