San Diego: Mount Woodson hiking trail

Hikers are greeted by a great view of Lake Poway at the beginning of the Mount Woodson trail.

We are blessed in San Diego at the moment.  It's supposed to be winter time, and here it is with 75 degree temperatures and lots of sunshine.  I really feel guilty seeing the snowstorms and cold temperatures around the rest of the country.

National Cut Your Energy Costs Day

Today is a random day for a National day, but it is National Cut Your Energy Costs Day.  With winter in full swing, and everyone focusing on creating a greener Earth, here are some tips from the Federal government on how to save on your energy costs:  Save Energy Costs

I also found a site detailing a number of types of weatherstripping to help insulate your home from the cold grips of the winter wind:  Weatherstripping for Home Insulation

Are there any tips you have that can help people save some money this winter?  I recommend layering up even if you are indoors.  It might be a little uncomfortable to move around in, but you will be warmer, and you will not have to rely on the heater as much.  A simple space heater may do the job if you don't need your entire home warm, but check the energy usage of the heater as they vary from make to make.  Stay warm! 

NFL playoff games were amazing

Yes this is normally a fitness blog, but sports games are sort of related right?  =)  This past weekend's games for the NFL playoffs were amazing.  The outcomes were the total opposite of what I was expecting.  An 8-8 team with a very green QB facing off against a former Super Bowl winner?  Not to mention another team on a 3 game skid and their 3rd string quarterback also winning (congratulations to the Texans).  Atlanta's only points coming from a safety is something that was shocking too. 

It was definitely an exciting weekend, and of all the surprises that occurred, the Denver win was the most surprising.  John Elway may have had that memorable game with, "The Drive," but Tim Tebow made history with, "The Play."  The first overtime game with the new rules, and it ended on the very first play of extended time.  It stunned the Pittsburgh Steelers, and it stunned the crowd at the sports bar I was at.  It was as if time stood still for a second because nobody said anything.  Then came all the cheering from the Broncos fans.  Tebow might not be the ideal quarterback, but he led his team to victory when it counted most.  They face a tough game against New England, and it will be interesting to see if Tebow can overcome the troubles he had against them one month earlier.

The Giants looked like a completely different team too against the Falcons.  Their defense kept Matt Ryan from being productive, and if they continue to play as this did against the Falcons, Green Bay might be in for a good match. 

This coming weekend will be another great weekend of football, but I don't think it will be quite as memorable as this past one was. 

Happy New Year!

Happy new year!  With a new year comes new resolutions, and the first one on the list is to hike at least 3 new trails this year.  The second is to get my weight back down to 180 lbs. 

What are your resolutions?  Good luck and let's make the most of this year! 

Neat tricks you can do with your own body

Found this interesting blog over at LifeHacker.  It has some interesting things posted, like how to control your pupil size or to stop a brain freeze.  All handy little things anyone can do. 

Read more from this link:  10 Tricks to control your body

Getting into the Groove (slowly)

Coming back from a vacation after a long string of business trips, I feel refreshed and energized to deal with the grinds of work again.  However, while on vacation and those trips, my exercise levels did drop considerably.  I did my best to train when I could, but in the 3 1/2 weeks I was away from the gym, my weight went up nearly 1.7 pounds, from 190.3 to 192.  Yikes! 

It's Life! Hike the Rainbow

Living in southern California has its pluses like the abundant sunshine, nearby beaches, and plenty of hiking trails.  Hiking is one great way to see different parts of the county, and to take in nature's beauty.  I came across an article which describes one of the trails in the northeastern part of San Diego.  Rainbow Canyon is east of the apple and wine town, Julian, CA.  As always, plan ahead and take plenty of fluids and a healthy snack.  The buddy system is definitely the way to go.  Happy hiking! 

Here's the article:  Rainbow Canyon.