What's My Starting Point
So I made it through the weekend unscathed, which is always a good thing. I walked into NYC on Saturday afternoon, and managed to walk back out with no less of a limp later in the evening, which considering how I left Manhattan two weeks, rocks. I managed to not eat like crap too much over the weekend, which is always where I seem to lose ground, so I'm happy for that accomplishment.
I've been mulling over the goal I've set for myself over the weekend, and the onyl thing that I can't seem to decide upon is my starting point. Unfortunately when I first started dieting my starting point number ended in a 4, which is a pain. I like things to end in 0 or 5, I'm just anal like that. If my iTunes library contains an amount of songs that doesn't end in 0 or 5, it irks me. But I think in this case, since I'm looking to lose an even 50, to make an even 100, I'll use the 4, which means according to the scale this morning, I'm on my way, as opposing to be in the plus already! I guess I'll have to use Friday the official weigh in day each week. But, other than those little decisions, I think I'm good to go.
I've been hitting the elliptical every day since last Wednesday, and every day I'm hitting it harder. Sunday I increased my total time on it by a third, going from an easy half hour to a very brutal 45 minutes. But its all good and all for the sake of getting healthy, and getting a guitar! And just in case anyone was wondering, I have the perfect playlist for hardcore aerobic activity, for either 30 or 45 minutes in duration. I'll map out the 45 minute one as thats what I'll be working with going forward. And it should come as no surprise that every song is by Pearl Jam. I mean, come on, you should know me by now, right?
1 - Life Wasted off of Pearl Jam - The song has a killer opening riff and just an insane amount of energy. It works perfectly for getting started right out of the gate. With lyrics like "I've faced it, a life wasted, I'm never going back again," it really keeps you motivated.
2 - State of Love and Trust off of the Soundtrack to Singles (Cameron Crowe movie from the early 90's, set in Seattle, great soundtrack) - Just a rocking tune. Lyrics include "And I listen, yeah, for the voice inside my head nothin', I'll do this one myself," because honestly, who's going to do it for you if you don't do it yourself. You know, that old saying.
3 - Save You off of Riot Act - Another straight ahead rocker. The song is all about helping someone beat addiction, so I guess its applicable here, just not for drug addiction, just addicted to being lazy. As the lyrics say "Let's pick up your will,... it's grown fat and lazy."
4 - Whipping off of Vitalogy - Lets just say, they're all rocking high tempo songs on this list, because no one wants to workout to Nothingman. I think the song is really about people who are against abortion, and being against those people. Confusing, I know, but then again, you've heard Eddie Vedder sing, its not the easiest to comprehend sometimes. Lyrics include, "Oh, don't get behind, I can't fall back."
5 - Severed Hand off of Pearl Jam - Their new album starts off with four rocking tracks, and I've used three in this playlist. This tune is about psychotropic drugs, but it just rocks, hence its inclusion. Lyrics go, ""Got some kicks, wanna take a ride?" I said, "Yeh,..." "Take your pick, leave yourself behind." I Said, "Yeh,..." - and those yeh's are really intense, so it gets you going.
6 - Breakerfall off of Binaural - No clue, as the lyrics have absolutely nothing to do with anything mentioned previously. The song just rocks.
7 - Alive off of Ten - OK, this one is a no brainer. Half way through, you feel like giving up, and possibly dying, until you hear, "Oh I, oh, I'm still alive," really, enough said. Perfect second wind song. And the guitar solo kicks off at almost exactly the halfway mark of your 45 minutes.
8 - Do The Evolution off of Yield - Because its evolution baby, evolution of your entire mindset. Evolution of you. OK, I'm going to stop babbling now, as I'm starting to make less and less sense.
9 - Hail Hail off of No Code - Again, no real reason as its a sort fo rocking love tune, "All hail the lucky ones, I refer to those in love," but its good to get you going, or keep you going, as you're ready to cough up your lungs at this point.
10 - Down off of Lost Dogs (An album of B-sides and rarities) - Another song about kicking drugs, "Oh rise. You can't be neutral on a moving train. One day... the symptoms fade. Think I'll throw these pills away. And if hope could grow from dirt like me. It can be done." Interpret amongst yourselves.
11 - World Wide Suicide off of Pearl Jam - Very ant-Bush anti-war tune, and it just rocks, perfect for the final stretch, and lastly
12 - Rearviewmirror off of Vs. - Is there any surprise with this one? I mean, really, come on? Don't you know me? This song is just the perfect fuck you to anyone and anything that is holding you back, including yourself. And it rocks, enough said
So there you have it. Download and enjoy. Trust me, it works!
First report on Friday, and I think I made a decision on the guitar I will by myself, at least for now. I know it'll definitely be a Gibson Les Paul of some kind, I'm thinking a Custom Shop '57 Goldtop Reissue Historic. Now thats a mouthful!