netflix

A little over 3 three weeks ago, I bought my first road bike.  After much deliberation, I decided upon Giant's TCR model.  I have noticeably gained weight since my move to Tennessee and if the last time you saw me was 2005, the year I graduated, then I've reeeally gained weight.

The year I graduated college I was under 180 lbs.  Now, I hover between 205 and 210 pounds.  Folks, that's at least 25 lbs. of heaviness that I'm carrying around Franklin that shouldn't really be there.  I attribute my weight gain to three causes: my metabolism slowing down, my cancellation of a gym membership, and my acquisition of a high-def tv and a Netflix account.   When I'm not sitting at my office I'm sitting at home; hence the reason for my new hobby, cycling.  Most people can't tell I'm heavier than I used to be…

Anyway, ever since I started riding, I've lost weight and inches around my waist.  Normally I would run the weight off, but I used to be a runner and while I think it's great, I think it puts a lot of stress on your feet, knees, and lower back.  Not so with cycling.  It is low-impact and easy to break into.  If you are looking for a new hobby and great way to meet people then I would encourage you to head to your local bike shop, get fitted for a bike, and make the jump.

I read a book by Tom Friedman, called "The World is Flat," a little over a year ago.  I also recently watched a Discovery Channel documentary Friedman hosted on a similar subject of outsourcing.  Both were really interesting and I highly recommend you read/see both.

Last week I ran across this lecture by Tom from the Pop!Tech conference.  During the lecture, he presents some very compelling reasons on why the US (and the world for that matter) should become less reliant on oil.  In other words, he's calling for us to "go green."  Now I've never been a sucker for Democratic hype I saw Inconvenient Truth and thought it was a total load; on the other hand, I can't help but side with Friedman on this.  He gives great arguments on why things should change and how the future will look if we don't… 

I guess the biggest problem that I have with going green or as Friedman calls it, being "geopolitically conscious," is that it's not cost effective.  Sure I'd love to drive a hybrid car and help out the environment, but they are too dang expensive!  Even with the tax write-off…

So here are a list of things I've found that you can do to help out the environment AND save money:

1.  Buy carbon fluorescent light bulbs.  Froogle
2.  Wash your clothes in cold water.
3.  Replace your air filter.
4.  Keep your tires properly inflated.