Friday, November 16, 2012

Computer Calm



Some of us spend a lot of time in front of our computer screens and up to some point, staring at it can affect us.

My photography teacher Jo Avila told us that it's better to set the desktop background to grey in order for our eyes to adjust to the color. I did that for the longest time, even at work. But then, I have to admit, it got boring, and cluttered at the same time with all the icons littering the screen. So I decided, time to put some images back on it! Before I knew it, it became a habit of mine to change desktop backgrounds every month depending on what I want my mood to be, or the season, or just because I saw another beautiful wallpaper. Most of the time I want it to calm me so I always choose minimalist photos of landscapes. With a simple swipe to the lower right corner, my windows give way revealing my wallpaper. I look at it for a couple of seconds then back to work.

Try it! Don't underestimate what your eyes see every time because it can act like a subliminal message. :)

ps: yeah yeah, I need to recalibrate.

Friday, November 9, 2012

Health in Progress

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Progress leads to result and I'm happy to report that I'm definitely getting there. I just had my follow-up checkup last Thursday and the results of my medical tests show that I've improved. Albeit it's still considerably high based on what normal levels should be, it's relatively better from my first exam. Before my blood cholesterol was at a two digits percentage higher than normal now it's down to 2%. I think if I would have been more serious on the first two months, I would have closed the gap and lowered it below the margin of acceptable levels. The next check-up will be in three months and I'm sure I'll be back to normal by then. Looks like my exercise and diet paid off and nothing motivates me than seeing progress and knowing that my goal can be achieved! Now I have three locations where you can easily find me, either I'll be in the office, or in my house, or the gym.

Other than helping myself out of this condition, my other goal is getting my strength and stamina up so that I can finally complete Insanity. Yes, that goal is still in the table and I'm not giving up on that! 3 months of pure body workout with only Sundays for rest, insane right? I remember when I first tried it, I died. Good thing I came back to life for a chance to try it again, but this time I'm preparing for it. So far, jumping on an exercise of that level is like jumping from 1 to 100 on my part so guys be warned. I'm so out of shape that time hence my disappointment but now I'm coming back to conquer those DVDs!

Now about my my condition, it's not like I have myself entirely to blame (although technically I should be) but it runs in our family. My doctor was telling me that at this day of age, people having this condition are getting younger and younger so it doesn't apply anymore that only old people get this. Before it was just 50 and above, when he was training he said it dropped to nearly 30 and now it's below 30. I'm sure if people on my age group gets tested, there will be a significant number that will test positive for high cholesterol. Blame the fast food and our current lifestyle. I'm sure you guys are doing a lot better than me but I know you guys know someone who might be a candidate and it might seem invasive to them but at least give them some advise. And if you care about them, don't let them say YOLO.

OK, so 3 months of work to go so that I can reach my 'baseline' and then from there, I'll lift off!

Have a healthy weekend guys!