Laura Bailey

1) What’s up with Shamu’s cousin, Tilikum, killing his trainer at Sea World?

2) Didn’t those people see the movie Orca? (That whale hunted the man down who killed his wife and unborn child)

3) And why did a news reporter ask if they should euthanize the whale?

4)How about they put the news reporter in captivity for 10 years and see how uncouth  he acts?

5)What are we suppose to watch when the Olympics goes off tonight? (I’m starting my countdown to London 2012)

6) Do you think one of the fitness competitors at the Arnold should include the USA Bobsledder Steve Holcomb’s “Hokie Dance” in her routine? (For those who don’t know it, it goes with the ol skool Humpty Dance song. Pure comedy)

7) Can someone please help me understand the logic behind people wanting to lose some weight BEFORE going to the gym?

8 Isn’t that an Oxymoron?

9)Do those all in one detergent/fabric softener/dryer sheets REALLY work? (I think they are trying to dup us).

10)Since they have “school of choice” in certain states so kids can attend the school they desire, don’t you think they should have “license plate of choice” so we wouldn’t have to have such ugly plates on our cars? (Some states have really boring plates)

11) How do people accidently kill animals in the dryer? (I’ve heard of so many cases where this has happened)

12)Don’t they look in there before they start it?

13)How about the new skool “Clash of the Titans? (That movie looks like it is going to be awesome).

14)How many of you saw the original? (Classic! I always wanted the invisible helmet).

15)Who is going to win the men’s bodybuilding at the Arnold this year?

16)What is something funny that happened to you….or someone else this week?

17)If you were a superhero what would your name be?

18)Is it wrong for guys to wear the ol skool Wilt Chamberlin Daisy Duke basketball shorts when working out? (I don’t care how fine you are that is just not right!)

19)An earthquake, tsunami, and extreme snow storms all in one day? (If I don’t blog next week it’s because I have locked myself up in a church and am fervently praying).

20)Out of respect for those involved in the devastation in Chile I actually have a 20^th question this week. Can you please take a few seconds to pray for them?

Regardless of your religious beliefs, most people have at least heard of the word LENT.  Some people choose to observe it and some don’t.  Some are very serious about it, and others simply “give up” something just because others around them are doing it. I thought this would be a great opportunity to share the meaning of LENT, that way if you do choose to participate, you will at least know WHY you and doing it and its true purpose.

The word Lent comes from the Anglo Saxon word for spring, which is derived from a verb meaning to lengthen. Lent comes in the spring when days are noticeably longer. The Western church has observed fasting, prayer, and penitence in this annual season of Lent since the first century after Christ. It has not always been forty days long, but in recent times has been so in light of the example of Moses and Elijah, and to commemorate the forty days of prayer and fasting that Jesus spent in the wilderness.

The first day of Lent is called Ash Wednesday for the custom of sprinkling ashes on the heads of penitents on the first day of Lent in token of repentance of sin. There are six Sundays in Lent, and they are not considered a part of Lent, because in the Western church, Sunday is always a feast day. The forty week days following Ash Wednesday constitute Lent.

The last two weeks of Lent specifically commemorate the Passion of Jesus, on His experience following the Last supper. The last week of Lent is called Holly Week and it includes: Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday. Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem when the people strewed palms in his way. Maundy Thursday commemorates the event of the Last Supper. Good Friday, originally known as God’s Friday, commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus. And Easter commemorates Jesus’ Resurrection.

Lent is a season of spiritual growth; progressive spiritual growth and renewal. It is a time when we purposely separate ourselves from worldly matters and practice to focus on the things of God, praying read the Word, and hear His voice.

The bottom line is that it is about sacrificing the time spent engaging in something desirable. During Lent, that time should be spent meditating on God’s Word, growing, and getting closer to Him. Whether you are a believer or nor or choose to observe it or not observe it, I at least hope you now understand its purpose and meaning.    

1) Why do producers make movies such as Star Wars and Star Trek in reverse order?

2)Don’t they know it confuses people?

3)Was Tiger Woods’ press conference really necessary? (C’mon people give him a break…he messed up…he’s  human)

4)Did you know research shows the sperm of obese men are not able to travel as effectively as that of healthy men? (More reason for the gents to get in that gym.)

5)Is it really that difficult to put down the lid of a toilet seat?

6)Why does the person behind you in the grocery store line always have to put that silly divider down after your groceries even if you only have ONE item?

7)Has anyone really accidentally paid for the person’s groceries behind them?

8 Was the movie “Valentine’s Day” as good as the trailer made it out to be?

9)Did anyone see Tuesday’s episode of Oprah  about mother’s who victimized their own children?

10)Was I the only one who had to walk away from the TV because some of those crimes were so heinous?

11) Why does everyone with a VW Bug have that doggone flower next to the steering wheel?

12)Why is California talking about charging a “clean up” tax for people who are at fault in car accidents?

13)See what Governor Schwarzenegger did? Maybe he should have just stayed in bodybuilding!

14)Does anyone remember the movies The Last Unicorn or The Dark Crystal?

15)Have any men switched to using Dove products since they came out with their new men’s line?

16)Why do unhealthy people think that the only things fit people eat are chicken, oatmeal, and eggs?

17)Isn’t that kind of like us assuming they only eat pizza, ice cream, cookies….oops and salads?

18)Is it uncool for people to still be using Walkmens?

19)How about portable CD players?

20)What do you think?

Most people have a stopping point when it comes to “letting themselves go.” Maybe it is  reaching a certain size, breathing hard after picking up your child, feeling light headed after taking the stairs at work, or not being able to fit comfortably in to a chair or a certain outfit. When we reach that point, we say, “ENOUGH!” and decide to take action and reclaim our health. For others it is more of a struggle. Either  they have not hit that point yet or have hit it time  and time again with little success. If you’d like, please feel free to share with others the turning point in your life that made you take charge of your health. I’ve had several that I can recall. Usually people gain the “freshman 15” when attending college, but I gained the “fresh out of college 15 or 20”. That was one of my “enough” moments. It also occurred again when I went to the store and had to buy a size 12 pair of pants when I swear the week prior I was a size 6. Other moments (and yes I’ve had many) were when my belly stuck out further than my butt and when I saw a backroll in the mirror after getting out of the shower…LOL!  So how about you…….

1)Yea!!! Am I the only one who is excited b/c the Olympics are FINALLY here?

2)How about they just start having them every year? (2 years is too long to wait).

3)Maybe they could have the Mid-Winter, Winter, Spring, and Summer Olympics?

4)Should they consider adding events like beer pong and drunken racing to the Spring Olympics? (Wouldn’t be too hard to find qualified athletes).

5)How sad was the death of the 21-year old Georgian Luge athlete? (So tragic. Prayers go out to that country & his family.)

6)Do you think countries with only 1 athlete competing (Bermuda, Ghana, Hong Kong, Jamaica, etc) feel just a little bit of pressure to medal at the games?

7)How cool is that that Iran is having their first female winter Olympic competitor ever? (Go girl!)

8 What in the heck is the Biathalon event?

9)And what 2 events does it include?

10)How come the guy carrying the flag for the U.S. was from that great state of Michigan? (Hoo-rah!)

11) Could Nelly furtado’s blue dress have been any tighter? (She wore it well though.)

12)How cool were the whales that really looked like they were swimming and spouting water during the opening ceremonies?

13)Who was the little girl with the glasses sitting behind the Canadian Prime Minister during the opening ceremonies who forgot to do her hair?

14)Did all those funky/hip hop Canadian River Dancers have their shoes micro phoned? (that’s a whole lot of mics.)

15)And did you see the sparks/fireworks that came of out the backs of their shoes? (Pretty flippin cool.)

16)Wasn’t that a helluva projection and LED screen they used for all those graphics?

17)Didn’t that little boy flying through the air in his jeans remind you of a new skool Peter Pan?

18)Weren’t those freestyle skiers in red way cool?

19)Do you think Canada put their $30 million to host the opening ceremonies to just as good of use as China did with its $300 million for the ’08 summer ceremonies? (I think so.)

20)What do you think?

Sound off! We are spreading cupid’s love early around here. What is the best and worst Valentine’s Day gift you have ever received? I will start. I am a super simple girl. My favorite gift was Stevie Wonders Greatest Hits 4-disc boxed set. OMG! Hours of the best road music ever! I was so hurt when someone broke in to my car and stole it. The worst was when I got roses, chocolates, and jewelry. Nice, but too commercialized for me. Not my style.

I am working on some projects and would love your input. In your opinion, what are some of the biggest misconceptions people have regarding living healthy lifestyles? This is a very open ended topic ranging anywhere from working out, nutrition, life changes, image, perception, and anything in between. Or maybe it might be best to ask what were some of your misconceptions, if you had any. All thoughts and comments are welcomed. Blatant honesty will be respected. Thanks in advance.

I saw some great recipes on Oprah last week about Superbowl party foods, so I made my own healthy version of a couple last night. They were Deeeeelish, so I thought I’d share.

Taco Bean Dip & Fingerling Potato Skins

This makes great finger food or individual servings.

Brown 1.2lbs of extra lean ground turkey, add 1 cup chopped and sautéed mushrooms and onions. Add 2 large diced tomatoes and ¼ chopped cilantro. Add Low sodium taco seasoning and half of a squeezed lime and let simmer until desired consistency. Mix 1 can fat free or regular refried beans with ¼ cup chopped onions, half of small lime, and chopped cilantro.

Cut fingerlings potatoes in half and bake on cookie sheet at 350 for 15 minutes. Remove and let cool. Scoop out inside of potato. Place skins back on cookie sheet and coat with butter flavored cooking spray, and any other desired seasonings. Place back in oven at 350 for about 15 minutes or until crisp.

Serving size: Mix 4oz taco mix with ¼ cup beans. Serve with 2 oz potato skins. (Optional toppings low-fat shredded cheese, black olives, green onions, shredded lettuce, low-fat sour cream). Use potato skins to scoop turkey/bean mix.

Nutrition:  approximately 275 calories, 22g carbs, 4 g fiber, 1 g sugar, 26 g protein.

1) What’s up with the woman who is auctioning off her virginity online?

2)And how about the woman who is making an online video pleas for a husband so she can get medical insurance? (apparently she has a rare illness and needs treatment)

3)Did Hershal Walker not have anything better to do with himself but to start MMS fighting?

4)Did he forget that he is in his late 40s?

 5)He has Dissociative Identify Disorder (formerly multiple personality disorder) Do you think it is one of his other personalities encouraging him to fight?

6)Did anyone see Carnie Wilson on Dr. Oz looking clueless about why she keeps gaining weight…..after she had bariatric surgery years ago? (Heres some advice: push away from the table and go exercise!)  

7) What’s up with all these parents who put their kids on leashes?

8 Isnt that kind of inhumane?

9) Haa! And what’s up with the Australian news reporter (Dave) who was seen viewing partially  nude pics on email while the news was on air live? (google save dave and check it out)

10) Did the country’s unemployment rate really drop? (OMG!)

11) Who is going to win he superbowl?

12) Who dat?

13) Why did they get The Who for the halftime show? (Janet and Justin messed it up for everyone.)

14)Did you see the greatest Superbowl commercials special that was on Wed? Hilarious!

15)Who is going to have the best commercial this year?

16) Do you think Toyota should shell out $2 million and run a Superbowl ad for damage control?

 17) Is Ed Hochuli going to officiate the Superbowl this year?

18) And how about his guns?

19) Are you ready for some football?       

20)What do you think?

I am remiss to say that a great majority of the medical field disgusts me. I learned last week that an acquaintance, who is only 23-years old, was medically approved for Lap Band Surgery when she did not even meet the minimum criteria. But it gets better. Not only was she approved by the “medical spa facility” for the treatment, they even falsified 6 months worth of nutrition and exercise for her in order to get the approval. But it gets better. Additionally, she participated in 1 phone consultation with a nutritionist who lives over 2 hours away prior to the procedure and has not spoken to her since. But it gets better. The 23-year old’s pre-operative psych evaluation included a “yes/no” questionnaire she was able to complete on her own and include or omit whatever information she felt necessary. Additionally, she was not made to attend any pre or post operative support groups. But it gets better. The girl currently has no clue what she is suppose to be eating, nor is she getting adequate amounts of nutrients through supplementation. She has very low energy, but has lost approximately 11lbs in a month which has motivated her to consider going to the gym to workout. But it gets better. The cost of the procedure was 100 percent covered by her insurance. She didn’t even have to pay a freakin’ co-pay! Can someone PLEASE tell me where the hell we are going wrong?!?!? 

Obviously the “medical spa” pushed her paperwork through and falsified information so they could get paid through the patient’s insurance. When healthy people have to pay for preventative health care maintenance and irresponsible people don’t have to pay a dime for cosmetic procedures you know the world is screwed. Maybe you’re thinking, so what! Why should I care? Here’s my response: What you do with your life and health is ultimately your business, but when the misuse of your health and medical insurance causes MY premiums to increase, it becomes MY business. This is truly sad and sick. There needs to be a better method of accountability b/w medical practices and insurance companies and people need to take full responsibility for their own health or lack thereof! There are too many people who genuinely need procedures covered by their insurance, yet it goes unapproved, and then people come along for procedures such as this and it is cleared without blinking an eye. So disheartening. That’s my soapbox for the day. Your thoughts?????