Blog, Blog, Blog

Yeah, yeah....
Its been a while. Business is crazy busy (good); and I'm about to head out to Arizona (yes again) to do some cycling, work, etc. I've also started two new blogs to track some thoughts I have and want to keep:

www.4urbs.com (which is a site on urban musings and development);
www.bwelling.com (which is a site on being well and increasing your awareness of health).

Subscribe to those (RSS feeds) to keep current on my thoughts. Or just stay here for the random notions that make it to muddled muses. You will either be amused or bemused. Cheers.

Creative Kitchen

Tonight I cooked in communion with some of my dearest friends. It has been nearly 10 months since my creativity spawned in the kitchen as the skill lay dormant. Ah, the feel of the knife in my hand, fresh herbs crushed by my fingers and the blend of complex and layered flavors complemented and amplified by a great wine.

Food is an experience and I find that the richness of its flavors and the complexity of the tastes also stimulates a parallel complexity in conversation. This is why I always pursue good food as it seems to stimulate the senses and awaken the soul to go places it wouldn't otherwise go.

Eat well but especially with good people. Explore your creativity experientially as it awakens more than just your palate.

Seth is Brilliant

Seth Godin is a brilliant business writer. His latest entry was as follow:

A workaholic lives on fear. It's fear that drives him to show up all the time. The best defense, apparently, is a good attendance record.A new class of jobs (and workers) is creating a different sort of worker, though. This is the person who works out of passion and curiosity, not fear.

But I don't think he takes it far enough to what is beyond curiosity; to what incredible value rests within the next generation of workers. I think its a worker or partner that can separate themselves from work and the thoughts of work. A person who can listen to the true self and not go into automatic autopilotness (my new word - like it?) of the things or tasks that are largely comprising modern life. Much of that automatic response is also fear; fear of having to make a decision, to think and therefore be held accountable; fear that is really controlled by past or future and not about being present in the current moment.

Divine

Was today not divine? Seattle got a full day of sun today after nearly 6 or so weeks of mostly rainy with a few scattered hours of "partly sunny." Well...I ate it up; every ounce of the energetic rays. I did yoga in my sun room. I did a 3 hour bike ride. I went on a 2 hour walk around greenlake. I even took a nap with the sun hitting my face.

Glorious. Divine. Life giving! Tomorrow it changes. I tell you that dark days give the appreciation for a sunny one; or a symbolic need to long embrace the sun... just like sorrow helps you understand the blessing of joy. I've grown to dislike permanently sunny climates because you are numb to nice days; just like I believe a life without sorrow doesn't have joy.

I'm wacko

ok, I'm again in one of my experimental food stages. I just scanned my fridge and noted the following contents:

Umboshi plum paste
Hijiki seaweed
Adzuki bean miso (wow this stuff kicks booty)
Manuka honey (active)
GT's kombucha (trilogy flavor my favorite)
Raw sesame tahini (makes a mean dressing)
Berberre (an ethiopian spice mixture I made for rub on Salmon)
Sicilian green olives
Ancho chili jam
Amarone grape must (basically wine scum)
Rainbow swiss chard
Cooked Quinoa
Coconut water
Marinated Octopus (from Spain - oops need to shop local)
Oh...and a spicy V8

Oils

I've had this conversation with about 3 of my friends in the past week. So I post my knowledge here.

A) BALANCE OMEGAS - You NEED more Omega 3's because so many people get way too much Omega 6's (in olive, soy, canola, etc.). What???? We get too much Olive Oil? Yeah, worse yet...if you have these oils out of wack in your system, it triggers an immune system response (heat/inflammation). Yes...too much Omega 6 can cause an inflammation in the joints, heart, organs, etc. So how do you get Omega 3's. Well, I could tell you flax or salmon...but most of us can't each that much flax without causing major constipation OR choose to each that much Salmon every day twice a day. So supplement. The best source I've found is omega pure. Its potent and avoids issues with mercury or other chemicals you might ingest with too much fish.

B) USE COCONUT OIL! - Vegetable oils have antioxidants (because they are vegetables!). However, when these oils are heated...those nifty little antioxidants, oxidize. So? Yeah...oxidize is not good. What happens to metal when it oxidizes? It denatures and chemically changes. My friends NEVER, EVER heat/cook/fry with vegetable oils. If you must cook or heat with an oil, only use Coconut Oil as it is the most stable fat that will never denature in the body. Although it is a saturated fat, it is stable and health promoting. Other saturated fats (meats, etc) are less stable when put in the body. Coconut Oil is awesome for your skin and has been show to increase metabolism. Farmers actually gave Coconut Oil to their cows to fatten them up and had to change the Oil when the cows were running around loosing weight; they gave them Soy Oil and they fattened right up. Do get the virgin organic coconut oil at your healthfood store (I really like the Nutiva Brand and do note that it is solid at room temperature and acts like butter - and taste like butter with a little Himalayan rock salt - yum)

Yoga New Year

I just spent 5 amazing days in the Sonoma valley (actually above the valley) attending a yoga and meditation retreat with Clayton Horton and 13 other amazing people. We had some great moments. These are all sacred contractual people for me (we have an agreement). Well, I wanted to share a breakfast recipe with my yoga friends and blog readers:

QUEEN WA YUM YUM
(as named by Nate)
Energizing Protein Breakfast that is perfect for the commuter:

Quinoa
Dried Fruits (my fav: figs, currants, mango) - chop small 'cause they get BIG
Nuts (raw - roasted is less nutritious favs: pecans, pumpkin, almonds)
Cinnamon (to taste but I use liberally)
Other Spices (energizing: favs ginger, nutmeg)
Vanilla (not alcohol extract - fresh from beans is best)
OPTIONAL - flax if you need more fiber and omega
MILK - fav is Almond Milk (soy is overused)_

DIRECTIONS:
Fill till soaked then add more 8 hours later to make sure it has plenty to drink. Soak for 18-24 hours (keep about a week in fridge - milk will look a little funny after 2-3 days if over soaked but still very good). Server hot or cold!

Biofuels?

So we are consuming SO much energy creating these fuels based on crops (call it corn, soy, etc.). I'm not convinced this is good. Why?

Think about this....
For the ONE time you fill your tank with Biodiesel...
You could have fed yourself the equivalent quantity of food for an ENTIRE YEAR!

Think about this...
Our government subsidizes oil - probably near a buck a gallon (think of the price difference between here and Canada), BUT the feds place a tariff (tax) on "greener" biofuels coming from brazil sugar cane at 50 cents a gallon, rendering it ineffective.

What's more....
SO many farmers are turning their crops to biofuels creating shortages in food supplies and driving up food pricing.

Further....
this economic pressure is forcing other lands to cut down existing established crops to plan cheap, gmo, fast growing crops for biofuel.

The sun is our answer. Follow the sun.

Lead or Get Out of the Way!

Have you watched what is happening in Bali? Of course not...because our media doesn't care. Well, read the BBC's pages and you'll see that there is a global environmental UN conference happening...maybe more meaningful than Kyoto because the USA isn't going to get away without doing something. US reps were using some lame excuse about the developing country regs not being tough enough (sure they aren't) and suggested they were not going to sign. Suddenly boos rang out from the delegation when the rep from New Guinea said..."you either lead or get out of the way!" Amen!

So...
I'm not sure if most of you know...BUT, Atlanta Georgia is running out of water. In fact, its now predicted that over 5 millions residents of this southeast region will be OUT OF WATER by FEBRUARY. No kids, I didn't say in 10 years or even 10 months....because most of us put those things out of our mind....I said 60 DAYS! So, how do you fix it? Some have suggested trucking in water. Hmmm. That would be economical? Talk about a carbon foot print that would exacerbate the new weather paradigm we currently feel. Do you recall the exodus from New Orleans? Can you imagine a bigger one? Can you say U-HAUL?

So how did this happen? Well....
Those Southeasterners love those big green lawns; they love their six toilet homes; they love their pools (and they aren't alone). Largely they have built sprawling development without any consideration for resources AND there is no consciousness in the population to do anything different. Further, the local political structure has known of the issues and stuck their head in the sand because they would appear "unpopular." Lead, or get out of the way!

Now what?
Well, just like in California and in Arizona this is going to be a fight for water rights to the rivers flowing south (think Mono Lake and Colorado River). Let's see...what is south of Georgia....hmmmm. FLORIDA!!!! Yes, let's steal the water from Florida, they aren't growing, they don't have water issues (in fact Georgia is now trying to secure more than its 16% share of this water).

My friends...
Water is now worth its weight in gold. So here is my real estate investment strategies for gaining extraordinary value in light of shrinking natural resources.

1. Live in an area with plentiful fresh running water (as close to the source) sorry Arizona.
2. If living in multi-level housing (hi-rise) - long term the ground floors are going to be worth more a) because water pressure can't push to upper levels AND b) the costs to run elevators via electricity will be too expensive thus stairs will become the predominate use (ok - extreme, but think about it);
3. Live in an area that still produces agriculture; access to local food is going to be critical as trucking costs increase and "clean" foods become more difficult to harvest. Have space for your own garden;
4. Make sure you have a bike and know how to ride it well, you'll be using it (and should be using it) more often.

Conclusion: Pacific Northwest is a pretty darn good place to be in light of the issues. We have hydro power, we much water (heck it falls from the sky) and there is good agriculture still produced around us.

Intuition

Intuition. Do you know what it is, how you (or someone else) use it? Webster's first definition is... "direct perception of truth, fact, etc., independent of any reasoning process; immediate apprehension."

I was recently told by an "intuitive," which Webster's has no definition for the nouns sense of this word (intuitive), BUT others define intuitive as someone who specializes in perceiving information concerning the individual energetically....any how this intuitive told me I have an deep feeling intuition that is very evolved. You know what? I totally can feel it!

Did you know that during the Tsunami in 2004 that not a single animal died yet over 45,000 people perished? Animal parks where trees were uprooted drowned by nearly 20 feet of water, animals were later found roaming as if they "knew" or shall I say perceived a reason to go to higher ground. A sixth sense?

During the Oklahoma bombing a mother who lost two children and her mother said that she had a "feeling" over and over again that she should get out of the building, leave, gather her children and head home. She ignored this "feeling."

My friends, pay attention to your feelings or intuition. They are there and they are a message. What is making me write this now??? Well, I "feel" a need to awaken all others to the notion that intuition is the loving voice of God operating in your heart. Listen to it! Moreover...as we evolve and mature spiritually, emotionally, physically, etc...we become self-regulating rather than are we controlled by those forces outside of us (others, work, stress, etc.).

Listen to your inner loving voice!
Mine says I feel strong and fast and light as a feather on my bike!
Oh...it says a few other things too.

Another Test

Some of you know...that every 3 months I see my doc. I get a test that would cause most to wince and run (no sprint) the other way. BUT after nearly 4 years (and yes, that would be TWELVE tests), I'm SO STRONG, HEALTHY. I've been using my new intuitive powers (okay call it software) to focus all healing/health/wellness. Basically I sit there visualizing then FEELING healthy, happy, dancing DNA. It works.

To that end, I'm working on a new resort/experience where people can heal their emotional soul through a series of modalities. I think its a little head of its time....but it will be a killer app.

If what I just wrote makes absolutely no sense....bookmark my text then read it in a couple of years.

SF Auto Show

I spent the weekend in SF. It was a cool upper 50's but no where near the snowy early winter weather Seattle had this weekend.

Well, while in SF I attended my first auto show ever. What was fascinating was the way the auto companies are marketing cars and the types of people that were drawn to particular cars. Clearly the auto shows had to promote less cleavage and more brains as the runway model women representing the cars were now covered head to toe in pinstripe suits, cuff links, etc; just tight enough to get the male consumer's interest, but tasteful enough to make a gesture to the female who actually makes 85% (or something close to it) of the financial decisions for the household. Thank GOD.

What's hot this year?
Hmmmm. Nothing.
Every car company was hyping fuel efficiency but had NO product to show for it. In fact VW left its TDI (diesel model) at home. Mercedes had a diesel that held the design left to inspire grandma (including the ruffled leather upholstery). American auto makers? Big, still big, dumb cars. Mini Cooper????....well they are going backwards as they now make a stupid looking extended cab that can work as a great car for a funeral parlor serving diminutive expirees.

Oh well....
The international bike show rocked.
You get the picture.

Thanksgiving

What I'm thankful for everyday:
1. the abilities of my body;
2. my consciousness;
3. my dearest friends;
4. my abilities to make new friends;
5. my confidence;
6. my ability to confront fear;
7. my willingness to accept whatever happens as divine;

What I'm thankful for today (on thanksgiving);
1. being in Tucson with friends;
2. a deep winter tan;
3. the availability of mt lemmon and my bicycle;
4. the 2 hour thanksgiving yoga class at 10am;
5. the availability of good, wholesome food;
6. the availability of laughter and cheer;
7. technology to express gratitude to others that are not in AZ with me (email/phone);

Vitamin D

Some interesting facts I've recently discovered:
1. Heart disease is no longer the #1 killer of Americans; Cancer is winning as of this year;
2. The NIH says that 85% of all Cancers have emotional causes;
3. Insufficient Vitamin D is linked to 18 different types of Cancers;
4. UVB ray exposure (just 15 minutes a day in the Sun) provides your daily need of Vitamin D;
5. A person living in Boston or Seattle goes outside for the entire daylight hours in winter (November through February) does not get a single ray of UVB (no Vitamin D);
6. A 2.5 hour plane ride to Tucson to ride my bike in the sun makes me happy (positive emotions) and lots, tons of Sun (mega UVB)!!!

Did I mention I'm in Tucson getting lots, lots of Vitamin D? The last FOUR (4) days have been in the low 80's and not a single cloud in the sky. Yessssssssssssss! Oh...and I love my bike again.

Uhmerhicans

I'm not someone who is overly political, sadly I focused more on financial markets and maybe have been a little apathetic (except for a few issues) the past couple of years. On my way to the airport today I was listening to NPR in the cab. There was a quote from our dear Mr. President....and it was something like this..."My friends....Americans are addicted to oil."

Whaaaaaaaat???
Really??????? Holy Cow!!!!! How did this happen? I demand to know!


The picture is real, and so are we. He also said in 2001 (and I quote), " In terms of the CO2 issue... we will not do anything that harms our economy. Because, first things first, are the people who live in America."

What first for me? Realizing that CO2 and our economy ARE connected and I'm not going to be so selfish as to say that my consumption comes first at the expense of the world. MY ELEMENT 6 MANIFESTO:

1. Eat locally; no Chilean peaches in December. I will plant my yard with foods I eat.
2. Reduce; i will never take a shopping bag from the store unless I bring one.
3. Lower my food chain; select foods that are less intensive to bring to me and my market (no meats).
4. Keep thermostat at 55 and wear a sweater (until my teeth chatter).
5. Bike everywhere and anywhere (use scooter more often);
   

30 days off the bike

Wow, its been a long time since I blogged. Maybe because I'm taking 30 days off my bike that I've not had things joggin' my mind, burning to be blogged. 30 days off the bike?!!?!! Yeah, I had a long racing season, an agro bike trip in Italia and plans for a strong and successful 2008 race season. So, I've been doing a ton of Yoga (sometime 2x per day), running (did a 10 mile trail run last sunday and thinking about the Seattle half marathon) and keeping busy (lots of work this past month). So...for 30 days, I'm off the bike. My 30 days ends in Tucson, AZ on November 16th, when my butt will once again feel my saddle up Mt Lemmon. Can't wait.

Ultra Longevity

I discovered that Dr. Mark Liponis was discussing his new book at Town Hall last night (all the way from Lenox, MA). I gathered a few friends to view the Corporate Medical Director of Canyon Ranch (and dear friend of mine) where he talked about what accelerates aging, disease and the loss of health (he is really quite brilliant). WOW. His new book focuses on organizing (not boosting) the immune system to be in harmony with ourselves. Basically the immune system (white blood cells) contain quite an arsenal to attack disease, germs, stress, etc. This arsenal, if unleashed on our bodies (rather than infections, etc) when we don't engage in socialization/love (stress), poor breathing (stress), over eating (stress), not enough sleep (stress)...this system attacks us (leading to cancer, diabetes, etc.). This book is so ahead of its time....I highly recommend his new book as his last book (Ultra Prevention) was one of the most simplistic, yet comprehensive books on wellness and health I have EVER read (and I've read many). Buy it here!

Invoke a Prayer

Carolyn Myss is a medical intuitive and an expert on energy medicine and she is brilliant. Dr. Sahni at Canyon Ranch sent me her 9 CD series on Energy Anatomy by Myss. I listened to the entire work on my plane ride home from Italy and it really caused me to change my thinking in life. One intentional prayer that Carolyn posted on her website (to say each morning) was the following...and I provide it here as a prayer for two very special friends (one here in Seattle and another in Toronto) that have close family members dealing with cancer:

I am committed to feeling a bond with each person I meet, to respecting my own integrity and honor, to living within the energy of love and compassion and returning to that energy when I don't feel it, to making wise and blessed choices with my will, to maintaining perceptions of wisdom and non-judgment, to release the need to know why things happen as they do, and not to project expectations over how I want this day to be and how I want others to be. And finally, my last prayer, 'to trust the Divine'. And with that I bless my day with gratitude and love.

Jet Laggard

So I came home last night, after just a half glass of wine, long day and and having managed to function on just 3-4 hours of sleep for the last 3 nights.

I was so tired, I opted to just rest my limbs on my bed for a second before I motivated to get into my jammies and brush my teeth. Well, I woke at 8am by the vibration of my cell phone that was under my bum, still fully clothed and with a black cat on my chest. I think someone could have done odd things to me last night and I would have never known.

Well...I hope I'm finally in this time zone.

YouTube Preview

Here is a preview of the video for this years trip; I had to do something with my insomnia!