Consequence

So it's been a while since a last post. That would be partly due to laziness on my part and... well yeah pretty much laziness. Sometimes the words come out as smooth as buttuh and other times it's more like the contents of the toilet this morning. Very loose and scattered.

Now on to more important subjects like what I want the world to hear from me today.  Actually, first, I'd like to tell a story. One Saturday night it was decided by a young college student and his girlfriend that they would order in for dinner. A nice Thai place with a vegetarian friendly menu was found close by. Being the ballsy idiot that the boy was, he decided to order the basil vegetable fried rice Very Spicy, which in terms of this restaurant was one less than the maximum spiciness level. Little did this boy know is that the owners of the restaurant decided to cast a spell on him. The effects of the spell he would learn of from the giant flames that burst from his asshole during his countless frequents to the lavatory.

K, great story, now back to real life, not that I know much about it. I think what I want to talk about is consequence. As tired as this sounds, I think it really makes sense. With every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. With every ingestion of heavily spiced food, there is a excretion of hell. Or maybe something like, "if you can't stand the heat, don't eat Thai food." Whatever your idiom, just remember that shit happens. 

Happy sharting,
Vin

Sometimes...

Sometimes, knowing when to back down is hard. Backing down is even harder. Never giving up is a quality that many of us would like to possess: a type of dedication and strength that could overcome even the toughest diversity. Unfortunately, it's not enough. I can safely say that I hate giving up. I don't like backing down. One more rep, one more set, one more workout... no excuses. There's no such things as sickness or fatigue in my book. If it has to be done, you better count on the fact that I'm going do it.

I'm strict on others and I'm even stricter on myself. If I can't be disciplined, what makes me qualified to tell others how to lift or better yet, how to live their lives? If I can't live up to my promise of posting at least once a day here, why do I deserve to have a blog? What makes my opinion matter? Sometimes, I wish people had the same mindset as me, but they don't, and I have to realize that. I have to realize that I can't change anyone but myself.

Sometimes, people will tell you that things "aren't worth it" and that you should just "forget it." Sometimes, they're right. Sometimes... they're not. I guess it all depends on how stubborn you are. For me, it reaches ridiculous levels and I go over-the-top with punishments and restrictions. Whether or not they're justified, it makes me feel better and that's just downright selfish. We all have to strive to keep others' thoughts in mind. We have to help others before we can help ourselves.

Sometimes, change isn't easy. In fact, most of the time, it's not. We have to keep in mind that change is necessary, but we also have to ask ourselves whether it's detrimental or beneficial. If the motives behind a goal are justified, we're clear to proceed. If not, then it's back to the drawing board. Changing a mindset often has to happen first before we can work on tangible items. For me, that's not being stubborn and learning to keep others in mind. For you, well, fill in the blank: _________________.

Always,

-Rob

Music Make You Lose Control

Ever get that to that breaking point where all you want to do is just throw on those headphones and let the mp3 do all the thinking for you? Or how about this: ever listened to a song and then get pumped for whatever it is that you have to do next? Music for some reason, dictates my emotions. I probably go through way too many throughout a day to call myself a guy, but as soon as I get my iPod going, I'm in a good mood and ready for whatever's next.

It's weird that something like music can make me happy. It's pleasing, generally agreeable, is ready for action whenever I want some, and I all have to do is push a button to turn it on. I guess it really isn't that surprising. This post doesn't really have a moral lesson or anything, but it's just something to ponder. For a class, I was required to take a self assessment exercise. At one point, I was asked what gives me energy. The first thing that came to mind was music. Of course, friends and family were on the list, but it was interesting that something so intangible has had such deep impact on my penis. Yes, it was necessary. We can't get too carried away with philosophical ideas and the like. People can't achieve great bodies, and have great minds. So next time you turn on your ipod, don't bother thinking. Enjoy your self prescribed intoxication.

Peace,

Vin

Self-Reflection

Anger, frustration, fury, depression...

These are only some of the emotions controlling my life, not only at this very moment, but for a tremendously long time. Right now, I'm absolutely furious, pissed off. Although punching walls might take away some of the steam, the majority of me wants to take a fucking bite out of the plaster. 

Am I to blame for the way I feel right now? Do I even have the right to be mad, or annoyed, or even complain? Who gives a shit what I'm experiencing or what it's like to be in my shoes? I'm such a loser that I can't even wait for a phone call before possibly ruining a potential relationship. Frankly, I don't give a shit whether that's a plausible or quality problem. I blow things way out of proportion all the time. It's an illness that I'm all but willing to admit. This is even coming right after that inspirational blog about thinking lightly and not letting your own thoughts consume you. Well, I warned you that I'm a filthy hypocrite. I, myself, am the LEAST likely to heed my own advice.

Can I change? Can I stop be such a goddamn pussy and speak up for myself? Can I take the initiative, man up, and take responsibility for my actions? The future seems bleak and at this very moment, I can't help but be pessimistic. I mentioned in the very beginning: health and fitness aren't only about exercising and eating right. Mental health is as important, if not more so. It makes no sense... I should be happy, right? I'm at my lowest weight so far, I like the way I look in the mirror, and I haven't had the urge to binge-eat. Wrong. Dead fucking wrong. This is ridiculous. I feel like shit. 

Then again, is THIS ridiculous or am I BEING ridiculous?

Look up,

- Rob

Quick Fix

One slip up wouldn't hurt... I just got my ass kicked on that last exam. I just need to get my mind off of life right now. I deserve it. I won't do it after today no matter what. I'll eat my way out of this depression and then I'll get right back on track. It’s easy. It’s a quick fix to my quick fix…Thoughts like those are what put me in the “fix” I’m in right now (heheh…).

There are a couple of directions I can go from here. I can say, “Hey you’re right, this is just one of those ‘bumps’ in your road to victory, just get it over with and move on.” Or I can say, “Hey you! Little kittens die every time you bring out your little kitten (heheh…).” Honestly, I had every intention of going with the latter, since it’s the mantra I currently follow (53 days and counting :D), but why?

People have tried teaching me lessons before and it never changed a thing. Why should it for whoever bothers reading this? It won’t. Learn yourself. Satisfy that quick fix; you’ll learn some day what it means to take the road less traveled.

Happy fixing,

Vin

An aside: Stay tuned for more features like: Sounds for your ear's content, more posts for your heart's content, and pictures of us for your.. well we know what you want. ;)

Careless or care less?

A lot of life's problems, though seemingly complicated, tend to have the simplest solutions. Often times, the questions we ask can even be potentially more important than the answers. If I could give one piece of advice to my former self or even my present self, it would be: stop caring so much.

You know, they say that curiosity killed the cat. Those words are a bit more personal for me. In fact, my version of the metaphor would probably be a lot more gruesome. I imagine blood and animal parts everywhere... a sort of serial killer's paradise. Anyway, now that I've scared off any potential readers, let's get to where this blog post is trying to go.

Strangely enough, the past few days have been going very well for me. My confidence is up, my weight is down, and my hands aren't in my pants (well, they are now, but that's beside the point). Looking back, I think I can safely say that I owe it to just not giving a rat's ass. Over-analyzing is like a hobby for me or more accurately, I've made it into a career. Sometimes, however, it's better to stop and NOT think. Thinking too much can harm you both physically and mentally. Caring too much should qualify as an illness, but, sadly, there would be no cure. 

I know I'm getting a bit philosophical here and, frankly, my head is starting to ache (that's probably last night's margaritas still talking). What I'm trying to get at is this sort of split-second decision making. As humans, we're born with an amazing ability to distinguish and make choices rapidly. Most of the time, we're pretty damn good at it too. Today's society is making us think more and more, and that's not necessarily a good thing. Body image issues, social anxiety, relationship problems... these can all stem from analyzing something to death. Take it from me and stop giving a shit.

That being said, I think it's important not to get carried away. Everything in moderation, right? (I wish I could abide by my own words, but I'm a filthy hypocrite.) Don't become insensitive or cold to others just to better yourself. Thinking is something that should be done at all times, but sensibly and with good reason. Next time you catch yourself excessively pondering, ponder this:

I could care less... but is it making me careless?

-Rob 

You Don't Look Like You Work Out..

We've all had that moment. A seemingly innocent conversation with an acquaintance turns deadly with just a few words. I wanna say, "Of course I don't douchebag, that's why I work out." And sometimes I do. Other times a non confrontational "Meh" along with a shoulder shrug is what ends up coming out. In either case, the words cycle through my head for the rest of the next couple of days, slowly manifesting itself into a giant pots and pans robot, waiting for the time when the reincarnation of my past life's true love appears before me... K I'll stop. 

Most people who say things like "you don't look like you work out" or "You really lost five pounds?" tend to be people that don't work out themselves. Anyone who put in the effort towards bettering his/herself would know that it ain't easy. But having haters isn't all bad, because in the end they're probably right. They're just saying out loud what they're thinking in their head and getting defensive won't make you look any better. Only a week or so ago, I had someone use those same words on me. A few days later this blog was born. So before you void your bowels in front of the woman you just realized you don't want to be with (k, that's the last one), try doing something better. Good things will come.

Peace,

Vin 

Balls to the Wall

I want to talk about two things today: judgment and satisfaction.

First of all, I can't speak for everyone but... I have this innate urge to judge everyone at first glance, whether it by appearance, attitude, or just the look on their face. Since I got back from winter break, I've been working on it really hard. Second chances don't come out of me easily (especially when I'm constipated) but I've been giving out third even fourth chances lately. However, recently, I've been struggling again and I can't figure out why. Could it be because I'm a psychology major and the field is governed by interpreting at first glance? Or am I just cynical when I perform poorly in the gym, academically, or in bed? (You wish you even had a chance to demonstrate ANY sexual ability, Rob.) Nevertheless, it's something that's been on my mind for a while now. While I can't point out the exact reasoning, I can definitely be a hypocrite and tell you not to be judgmental of people. Next time you see that fat guy at your gym, don't sneer. Just smile, and give him a pat on the back.

NOW, onto a happier topic... no, not Krispy Kremes... let's talk about satisfaction. Yes, I'm aware that doughnuts are the root of a variety of culinary satisfactions, but this is a health and fitness blog, so I'm going to insist that if you must eat a fried delight... be sure to add some protein powder to it. Seriously, though, after having quite a disastrous binge-filled Valentine's weekend, I'm happy to report my weight is a stable 196.1. Although this means I only lost a lb in a week, the point is: I didn't gain weight. I like that feeling, the satisfaction of a decent weigh-in or the end of a tough workout. Benny Benassi was onto something... Anywho, hopefully, anyone else attaining their goals this week succeeds and carries on to brighter, more physically-fit future.

Yours truly,

- Rob

Don't Look Back

Once upon a time there was a little brown boy who did absolutely nothing with his life. The poor sap got older and older and took notice of his lack of effort. Thoughts like, "Why didn't I just join that basketball camp in the 3rd grade?" and "If I had only told her I liked her.." passed through his mind from time to time. And what did he have to gain from such thinking? WEIGHT. What did he lose? NOT WEIGHT. If there is anything that should be learned from the prospect of our future success, is that we tend to enjoy laughing at male genitalia. Living with regrets also sucks. Don't do it.

Once you've hit the ground running you're probably going to stumble over a few cheeseburgers, some naughty websites, or whatever it was that tickled your pickle. What's important is to learn something from it and move on. Since wisdom can only be learned not taught; let yourself make a few mistakes and do some wisdoming. I don't claim to be an expert, but I do know what it's like to dwell. I also know that if I hadn't made the mistakes I did, I wouldn't have the determination I have now. Taken out of context from the words of a certain Mr. Mathers, "You're too old, let go, it's over."

Until next post,
Vin

Regarding New Beginnings

Have you ever noticed how many people tend to use the phrase, "Starting tomorrow," "Tomorrow is going to be the next day of the rest of my life," or something equally foreshadowing? Why do people insist that change is something that has to happen in the future? There's absolutely no reason for it not to happen at this very instant.

Sure, I'm a victim of these frequent "beginnings" or "restarts." You eat too much over the weekend or get drunk and molest a few children.... You feel bad about it and declare "Starting tomorrow no more overeating" or "On Monday, I'm giving up pedophilia... for good this time!" I also feel like these statements act as excuses. Frequently, during binge-eating episodes, I go through a certain thought process: Well, I might as well eat as much as I possibly can today, because starting tomorrow, I'm dieting HARD. Why do I do things like that? It's absolutely ridiculous. As humans, we should constantly be striving for change every moment of our lives.

Although I'm talking about this right now, just recently (this Monday, ironically), I vowed to a "triple threat" challenge. 1. No binge-eating. 2. No visiting of a certain life-consuming forum. 3. No masturbation. You might be wondering: Rob, what the hell do these three things have in common and why do I now know more about your sexual habits than I ever wanted to?

The first point in the plan is obvious. I want to lose weight and there's no way I can do it if I constantly eat like a walrus. The second and third points have to do with my social life, or lack thereof. Hopefully, this will motivate me to actually make contact with the opposite gender rather than just taking up-skirt pictures from the nearest sewer cover.

Nevertheless, the point here is that we shouldn't be planning change, but actually changing. Words are meaningless unless you back up your talk with action. How many of you have failed your New Year's resolutions already? Think about it. Your porn addiction isn't going to go away by itself. Whatever your goals are, start them NOW, rather than later. You'll be glad you did.

-Rob.

Word Can't Express..

On my walk through winter Alaska back from a run, I thought to myself how I would word this first post of mine. Unlike Rob, I just can't seem to grasp the nuances that distinguish a good writer from me. How does one squeeze in sarcasm, metaphor, irony and penis between all those tightly packed words?

But alas, the thought of working to make myself better tires and depresses me. On to more interesting topics like the amount of sweat and other delicious bodily juices caked onto my armpits and testicles.

Speaking of testicles, today's workout consisted of a 5 minute warmup run on a treadmill, a 5 minute stretching, and 20 minutes of narrow escapes from collapsing lungs. What's funny is that just this past fall I had partaken in a half marathon and actually finished it alive. This may be my first time to run since then, but I guess this is what this blog is about. To actually get up off our asses and do something worth doing.

That and cake batter protein shakes. Mmm. cake batter..

Peace,
Vin

Mmm... Cake Batter...

As I sit here in the undergraduate library, I think to myself: boy, I sure am hungry. Actually, it's more like: Christ, I'm starving! I'd love to go back to my dorm room and make myself a nice protein shake. I get moist just thinking about that prospect.

That got me thinking about protein powder. Although I don't have any scientific evidence to back this up, I'm pretty sure it's safe to say that most avid weightlifters are taking some sort of added protein supplement. Even though I'm curious as to what everyone uses and how they do so, I don't have the time nor patience to listen to that sort of tomfoolery.

Nevertheless, I thought I'd share what kind of powder I'm currently ingesting and maybe offer a short review as well. Back in the day, when my only concern was cash, I used EAS purchased from the local Sam's Club for about 29.95/5-lb bag. Not only was the taste absolutely horrendous, but it mixed poorly and made me want to rip my tongue from the inside of my mouth and throw it against the hard pavement.

Ever since December, however, I was introduced to the glory that is Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey. This stuff is orgasmic, to say the least. I started with the double chocolate flavor and fell in love instantly. Unfortunately, I ran out midway through last week... but found something equally as succulent if not more so.


Same brand, same protein intake, whole new party-in-my-mouth sensation. I'm not sure if selling protein powder this delicious is legal. It's as if they're marketing liquid sugar cookies. After a workout, I have two scoops of this with about 8oz. of skim milk and I nearly ejaculate all over the floor. Yeah, it's that good.

I'd recommend this to anyone looking to supplement their diet with a little extra protein. The taste is phenomenal, it mixes well, and the price is pretty good too. I got a 5-lb container for about 38 bucks at fitrx.com with free shipping. Awesome. 5/5

Cheers,
- Rob.

V-Day Thoughts

Discipline.

I'm always amazed at how vast amounts of emotion, meaning, and importance can be translated into one word. Language is astounding. How can something so small, so insignificant be so hard to attain? How can one, 10-letter word take years to understand and accomplish?

When one thinks of the words "diet" and "exercise," discipline is not unrelated. Whether it's putting down that last beer or saying "no thanks" to that extra slice of pizza, discipline is something universally associated with achieving both a better body and a better lifestyle.

On an somewhat unrelated note, Happy Valentine's Day... or as I like to call it: Singles' Awareness Day. I'm discussing discipline today because, well, frankly, I have none. Although I've struggled with binge eating for a majority of my lifetime, recently it's been under control. Ah, yes, but then the female species comes along and rips my heart out from underneath my developing pecs. "Let's just be friends," she said. "Let's just gain 5 lbs. in two days," I replied. Like a walrus, I gorged my way through an inconceivable amount of food, and here I am on February 14th, feeling sorry for myself and being set back at least a week.

How did this happen? I ponder to myself. Who do I blame for this? My mind starts racing. Well, clearly, it's that girls fault for rejecting me so suddenly. Or is it society's fault for giving us such high standards for romance and physical appearance? No, no, it's definitely the food's fault for being so goddamn delicious.

Nope. It's my fault.

I let this happen. The emotional burden was too hard to bear, so I buckled. Food became my crutch and I leaned on it until my girth broke the support. In other words, I "racka da discripine."

South Park references aside... I've come to realize that discipline is an absolute necessity in our lives. Not just when it comes to diet and exercise, but also when it comes to our social lives, our academic lives, and even the most mundane day-to-day events.

In the words of a anonymously courageous wolf:
"Suffer the pain of discipline or suffer the pain of regret."

Happy Valentines Day,
-Rob.

Oh, hello. I didn't see you there.

-Hello and Welcome!

Our names are Rob and Vin. We are two college students on a mission of sexual proportions. From this day forward, we dedicate our free time (whatever little that may be) to eating right, lifting heavy shit, and bettering ourselves.

This blog is for the sole purpose of self-improvement, mainly health and fitness. Join us on our journey in becoming Greek gods, both figuratively... and literally. Not only will there be posts regarding our strength gains and weight loss, but there will be a myriad of other goodies. Reviews, tips, advice, hotlinks to porno sites... it's all here for you.

We're dropping to our knees and lifting from the ground.

-Robvin Hood.