Monty's First Snow

Monty Monster had his first taste of snow this week. I wasn't sure how he would handle it considering I just shaved him bald. I like to keep the hair nice and short. He looks handsome and clean. I'm not a big fan of scraggly dogs. That's beside the point. Anyway, I took a video of his first snow experience. I apologize for the poor quality and size, but all I had was my phone. I get a FLIP for Christmas for occasions like this, and I forget it...what an ass! I must also put up a disclaimer. Towards the end of the video Monty takes a poo, and I kept recording because dogs look funny when they poop. If it offends you, I don't care. Just push stop! Love you all! Hope you enjoyed the snow. Bring on the HEAT!

FYI, there was no person or dog outside. He was barking at the snow that was falling.

Peace Out,

BIG j

Music Monday

It's here again, so put on your listening ears. This week's Music Monday pick is a special request. Miguel has been patiently waiting for a Vampire Weekend post, so Miguel, today is your day.

I have chosen the song, "Cousins," from their new album Contra. If this is your first Vampire Weekend experience and you are thoroughly enjoying them, then I recommend listening to their first CD. It is GREAT FUN. I'm not saying their second isn't great because it's REALLY good, but the first one trumps it. So, here it is....ENJOY!

Peace Out,

DJ Jazzy Jess

I love Commercials!

As I was writing my original blog, this commercial came on. I got goosebumps, so I have to share it with y'all. It's a good one. I'm also including my current favorite commercial...the travelocity gnome. I have seen it over a dozen times and laugh out loud every single time. The commercial I am posting is an old one because I can't find the skiing gnome, but they're basically the same. I also love the little song he hums...it's pretty catchy. Oh and check out his cheeto face. Love it! Enjoy. Laugh a little. Cry a little!

Peace Out,

J-Tastic

Giving back

Another season of Lent is upon us. This year I have decided to volunteer my time for the next 40 days and hopefully forever after that. It is something I have always wanted to do, but for some reason kept putting it off. Not anymore. I'm taking ACTION.

I have always wanted to volunteer with an organization involving dogs. However, I don't think my heart could take it. I have a soft spot in my heart those four legged guys way too much to see them without a home. I'd end up leaving the shelter in tears everyday or with a new puppy or 5. So, I decided to go with my second choice...the homeless folks. I will be volunteering with the Foundation for the Homeless. I've always had an odd fascination with homeless people. I really want to talk to them and pick their brains. I know they have some pretty amazing, crazy, heartfelt stories. I'm looking forward to this opportunity, so be on the look out for some awesome video blogs. Hopefully I can get some great interviews.

Peace Out,

BIG J

Music Monday

I have a special Music Monday for y'all. I would like to dedicate this blog to Melisa Ann who is turning the BIG 27 today! This song is near and dear to our hearts. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MELISA! I love you and Enjoy!

Peace Out,

DJ Jazzy Jess

50 Benefits of Physical Training (26-50)

Melisa decided to do blog a list of 50 benefits of physical training. Since she has been so busy with her new business venture, Anytime Fitness, her brain is a little fried, so she asked for my assistance...I kid. Anyway, she asked if I would like to help her come up with 25 benefits. I said hell yeah. So, together we have come up with 50 reasons to be fit. Since great minds think alike, there may be duplicates. That just means those are the IMPORTANT benefits.

I am providing benefits 26-50. For 1-25 check out her blog, "For What It's Worth"

26. You will be more productive in your personal life and work place

27. Exercise can be a long term money saver. The less you spend on medication and doctor visits, the more money to buy things.

28. You will develop happier and healthier relationships

29. In return, you will have a happy and healthy family (childhood obesity is out of control)

30. More confidence- physically and mentally

31. You'll be an inspiration to those admiring what you do

32. You'll never settle; always striving to be better

33. A decrease in stress

34. Longer life. When you turn 100 your birthday can be celebrated on the Today Show's Smuckers Birthdays

35. Being able to do pull-ups at 40 sounds pretty awesome

36. Improved immune system

37. Better sleep habits

38. Exercise can be a good distraction from the everyday hustle and bustle of life

39. Improved flexibility and balance (no broken hips when you're 100)

40. Exercise always makes a bad day better

41. It can reduce the risk of osteoporosis

42. You'll develop a good support system from your workout class/group

43. Reduce the risk of cancer

44. You'll be able to outrun an attacker.

45. You'll never have to worry about buying 2 plane tickets for just yourself. Plane tickets aren't cheap.

46. Regular bowl movements.

47. Happier work environment. Healthier life style=less sick days=happy boss and co-workers

48. More enjoyable and active vacations (skiing, hiking, surfing, diving,etc)

49. Better respect for food because you'll know what your body needs and how much work you're going to do burn off that delicious cupcake. You'll think twice about what you stick in your mouth!

50. You'll be a better mom, dad, friend, wife, husband, sister, brother and the list goes on and on.

There you have it, 50 Benefits of Physical Training. Get off your butt and MOVE!

Peace Out,

J-Tastic

2010 "Must Read"

Instead of a "Must have," I'm posting a "Must read." The Art of Racing In The Rain by Garth Stein is one of the greatest books I have ever read, and i've read some pretty awesome books. The book is written from a dogs point of view. Enzo is the dog of an up and coming race car driver and has an interesting outlook on life. Enzo has a theory that when dogs pass on, they return as humans in their next life. With this in mind, Enzo is determined to learn everything he can from his owner, so that he can become the best human that he can be when that time comes.

I'm not a very emotional person, but the tears were rolling by the end of the first chapter. I knew right away this was going to be a very touching book. It was that moment and these two sentences that sealed the deal for me.

"Such a simple concept, yet so true: that which we manifest is before us; we are the creators of our own destiny. Be it through intention or ignorance, our success and our failures have been brought on by none other than ourselves."

I highly recommend this book to everyone. Even if you are not a dog person or into race car driving, I promise this book will have an impact on you. FYI, I hate race car driving.

Here is the link to a summary of The Art Of Racing In The Rain.

Peace Out,

J-Dawg

Music Monday

It's that time again! It's another dreary, rainy day. However, I am taking todays music choice in a different direction. I'm going upbeat. The way I look at it is I can be pissy about the weather, but I did that ALL last week. Since there is nothing I can do to change the weather, I might as well accept it. I just keep reminding myself that if we didn't have rainy days, we wouldn't be able appreciate the sunny days.

My pick this week is, Alicia Keys "Wait Til You See My Smile." Listen and enjoy!

Peace Out,

DJ Jazzy Jess

Paleo Friendly Super Bowl

I am 5 weeks into my paleo diet (i hate the word diet)....my paleo food plan. I was not about to ruin it over the Super Bowl. Here is what my paleo friendly Super Bowl meal consisted of, guacamole with pico and celery (good chip and dip replacement), Paleo chili with paleo simple bread, and Paleo fudge balls for dessert. It was delicious and healthy! Go ME!

Peace Out,

J-Dawg

I want to join the Circus

We just bought our tickets for Cirque du Soleil- Alegria. They are coming to Austin in February. If you have not seen a show, then you MUST. They are absolutely amazing. It's like nothing you've seen before. It really makes me want to join the circus. Well, not just any circus but cirque du soleil circus. I have posted a link the Alegria promo video. When the site pops-up, you have to click on the video that says view trailer. Enjoy and be AMAZED!

Alegria promo video

Peace Out,

ME

Be Inspired

A couple of days ago Jeremy Thiel, founder of Crossfit Central, recently posted this video on his blog. I had fallen asleep around 8:30, on the couch watching TV (a regular occurrence for me). I woke about 45 min later and remembered I still had to check some client food logs. I figured while I was on the computer (still half asleep), I'd check to see if anyone posted new blogs. That is when I saw this video on Jeremy's blog. By the end of the video, I was ready to jump off the couch and workout. I am continuously inspired by the coaches at Crossfit Central. Thanks for encouraging me to be better than I am.

Peace Out,

BIG J

Music Monday

Today I had to pick a song that fits the weather. I have two favorite rainy day artist: Dashboard Confessional and Joshua Radin. I chose "Get Me Right" by Dashboard. The song is off their new album and is my new favorite Dashboard Confessional song. I'm posting the lyrics with this one as well because they are what makes the song so GREAT!

I made my slow way home
Limping on broken bones
Out of the thickest pine
Across the county lines
On to your wooden stairs
I know you can repair
I know you've seen the light
I know you'll get me right

Right
Right
Right

I own a sinners heart
I know the rain falls hard
I know the currency
I know the things you'll need
I hope he hears my prayers
I see you cut your hair
I know the saving type
I know you'll get me right

Right
Right
Right

But, Jesus I've fallen
I don't mind the rain if
I meet my maker
I'll meet my maker clean

But, Jesus the truth is
I've struggled so hard to believe
I'll meet my maker
I'll need my maker

To cure me of my doubting blood
And drain me of the sins I love
And take from me my disbelief
I know it should come easily
But it remains inside of me
It battles and devours me
It cuddles up the side of me
And whispers it convinces me I'm

Right
Right
Right
Right
Right
Right
Right
Right
Right
Right
Right

Peace Out,

BIG J