HAVEN'T BEEN SLEEPING WELL, VIRGINIA LOSES AGAIN

I don't know what my problem is but I haven't slept very well since I had my kidney stone problem earlier in the month.  I just seem to toss and turn all night and only sleep for about 2 hours at a time and i feel like I need to take a nap during the day as well but I cant because I am at work.  I just hope I get back in a good sleep cycle soon.  The Iowa Stat Cyclones beat the Virginia Cavaliers on the hardwood last night 78-65, I watched the first 10 minutes of the game and the Cavs couldn't buy a basket if they had too.  They Cavs need to get there offensive touch back soon or it is going to be a very long ACC season.  The VCU Rams picked up another win last night beating New Hampshire 78-65, the Rams may be the 2nd best team in the sate behind Richmond.  The UCONN womans basketball teams winning streak is over at 90 games because the Stanford Cardinal upset the Huskies last night 71-59, I wouldn't count the Huskies out from coming back and winning the National Championship.  The CH girls basketball team lost last night Collegiate 48-36, both the CH boys and girls return district play on Tuesday night.  If I get off at a reasonable hour today I think I may head down to the OBX for few days.  MICKEY

Restaurant menus
Have you ever seen anyone wash off a menu? Probably not. A recent study in the Journal of Medical Virology reported that cold and flu viruses can survive for 18 hours on hard surfaces. If it's a popular restaurant, hundreds of people could be handling the menus--and passing their germs on to you. Never let a menu touch your plate or silverware, and wash your hands after you place your order.

VIRGINIA AT HOME TONIGHT, VCU WINS

The Virginia Cavaliers basketball team will be back at home tonight against the Iowa State Cyclones, the Cavs will need to play a whole lot better than they did against Seattle if they want to have any shot at winning tonights game.  The VCU Rams beat the Wofford Terriers last night 75-66 at the Seigel Center, it was very close game for the most part before the Rams extended there lead at the end of the game.  The Rams will face New Hampshire tonight at home as well.  The Colonial Heights girls basketball team lost a tough won last night falling to Thomas Jefferson 44-40.  Mom & Dad both got new I phones yesterday and in the next few days Andrew is going to come over and help them learn how to operate the phone, I can help them with this phone since I don't have a clue about them and I not going to pay the money to get one.  I wish Spring would hurry up and get here. MICKEY

Hit the sink
Scrub your hands with soap and water as often as you can. “Cold bugs don’t become strongly rooted on your skin, which means soap and water will literally wash them away,” says William Schaffner, M.D., chairman of preventive medicine at Vanderbilt School of Medicine in Nashville. Seriously, you can’t soap up too often, so get in the habit now—otherwise it’s inevitable that you’ll touch your nose or eyes with germ-laden hands.

A mistake proves that someone stopped talking long enough to do something. ~Phoenix Flame

A QUICK FOOTBALL CONTEST UPDATE

The Chief continues to lead our college football pick-em contest by 1 game over Les while Keith had narrowed the gap to the top to 4 games, it looks like things could get very interesting at the top over the next few days.  The VCU basketball team returns to action tonight against the Wofford Terriers at the STU, the Rams will be trying to rebound from there heartbreaking loss UAB in there last game.  The Colonial Heights girls basketball team improved to 6-1 on the season last night beating Lee-Davis 43-36, they will play again tonight in the Clover  Hill Tournament.  In the NFL last night the Minnesota Vikings shocked the Philadelphia Eagles 24-14 Philadelphia, I don't think many people saw this coming.  Have a good day.  MICKEY

Save money
Save money by making healthy lifestyle changes. Walk or ride your bike to work, or explore carpooling. (That means more money in your pocket and less air pollution.)


Cut back on gym membership costs by exercising at home. Many fitness programs on videogame systems like Nintendo's Wii and Microsoft's Xbox Kinect can get you sweating.


Take stock of what you have in the fridge and make a grocery list. Aimless supermarket shopping can lead to poor choices for your diet and wallet.

The best helping hand that you will ever receive is the one at the end of your own arm. ~Fred Dehner

PARTICIPATION HAS BEEN WEAK

The participation here on Mickey's Place the last month or two has been very weak to say the least, has everybody forgot there passwords.  I guess Facebook has taken over where people find out whats going on.  I guess I am going to have reevaluate whether or not it is feasible to continue with Mickey's Place.  It appears the number of people who visit on a regular basis has really dropped off, I may have to reopen it to everybody in the world to be able to make comments instead of just the people who were invited.  Scott appears to be working for the government this week, he is off the entire week just like Keith.  MICKEY

Stay in touch
Feel like old friends (or family) have fallen by the wayside? It's good for your health to reconnect with them. Research suggests people with strong social ties live longer than those who don't.


In fact, a lack of social bonds can damage your health as much as alcohol abuse and smoking, and even more than obesity and lack of exercise, a 2010 study in the journal PLoS Medicine suggests.


In a technology-fixated era, it's never been easier to stay in touch—or rejuvenate your relationship—with friends and family, so fire up Facebook and follow up with in-person visits.

Focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it. ~Greg Anderson

PACKERS STAY ALIVE FOR PLAYOFF SPOT, REDSKINS WIN

The Green Bay Packers kept there hope for making this years NFL playoffs alive yesterday beating the New York Giants 45-17 yesterday in Green Bay, I though the Packers could beat the Giants but I didn't thinlk they would beat them that bad.  The Packers beat every team in the NFL Easy except the Washington Redskins.  Speaking of the Redskins the Skins pulled out 20-17 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in OT yesterday, the Skins jumped out to quick lead on the Jaguars but had to win it in OT.  The Packers can make the playoffs with a win over the Bears next week, however there some scenario where they could be left out even with a win but even the NFL website a whole lot of things would have to happen for that to occur.  We ended up with about 6.5 inches of snow here in the Heights, down at the beach it looks like Kill Devil Hills got about 3 inches of the white stuff.  Well I am off to work and I am hoping that I will stay in the office today.  MICKEY

Go With the Flow, Running Tip
On a trail, follow the travel pattern, typically posted near the trailhead or parking area. If none exists and the trail is shared with cyclists, go with the traffic flow.

“Happiness is a by product of an effort to make someone else happy.” ~ Gretta Brooker Palmer

WE GOT SOME SNOW

Well we did finally see a White Christmas in Colonial Heights yesterday as it started snowing pretty good about 3pm and the ground was covered by 5pm.  It looks like we are going to miss the most of the heavy snow though  here in the Heights, it looks like we may have about 3 inches on the ground while areas just to our East look like they may pick up about 10 inches.  It is still snowing very lightly here in CH this morning and we may pick up another inch or so but the storm is a little further out sea to get the heavy stuff.  The weather people really had all kinds of trouble predicting this storm.  Well Christmas has now officially come and gone and I ate way to much the last 2 or 3 days thats for sure.  Today in the NFL the Packers will be at home against the Giants and Redskins will be on the road at Jacksonville, for some reason yesterday I thought the Skins were at but they in Florida.  Also last night in the NFL the Cardinals beat the Cowboys.  I have posted the photos Al took at the Keith's house yesterday at the following link http://public.fotki.com/bp2/family_photos/christmas-day-2010/.  WELL I HOPE EVERYBODY HAD A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS.  MICKEY

Helps reduce stroke severity.
A study by the Bispebjerg University Hospital in Copenhagen following first-time stroke patients found that “people who exercised the most prior to their stroke were two and a half times more likely to have a milder stroke compared to those who exercised the least,” reports WebMD. Another positive tip? Even activities like “light housework, a walk outside and lawn care” count.


A good conscience is a continual Christmas. -Benjamin Franklin

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Well I want to with everybody a very MERRY CHRISTMAS.  Well we had our annual Christmas Eve Dinner last night here at the house and I have to say the place was packed, I think we had the biggest crowd we may have ever had.  We had so much food here I believe could have feed another 15-20.  If you want to see the photos of last night bash they can be found at this link http://public.fotki.com/bp2/family_photos/christmas-eve-2010/ .  I have to say it looked like more than a few people may have ate a bit to much.  Speaking of eating to much I will probably do that again today going to Keith's a little later this morning and then Auntie's house later today, I guess I am going to have to run twice on the treadmill today.  Well it appears that the on again off again snow is now back on again, the National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for this evening through Sunday evening with the potential of up to 6 inches of snow.  The weather folks have a very tough time predicting this storm thats for sure, I believe I may have been able to flip a coin on this one and had a better shot at predicting how much snow that we are going to get.  There may be some light at the end of the tunnel with highs in the mid 50's predicted for the end of the week.  

Prevents muscle loss.
As we get older, not only do our bodies build muscle less efficiently, but the muscle we already have breaks down more quickly, according to a study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. This makes regular exercise an integral part of healthy aging. “Exercise not only helps us maintain our muscle mass, it can increase it," says Crews. "This ultimately keeps our metabolism high, gives us strength and endurance to complete tasks of everyday life, and helps prevent falls, which can be a life-changing experience for older adults.”

ITS CHRISTMAS EVE

Well it's Christmas Eve and in about 12 hours from now over 30 people will be here at he house for our annual Christmas Eve Dinner, needless to say it is going to be a very busy day around here.  Well I went to the Dr. yesterday and the kidney stone that I had a couple of weeks ago is gone but I have two little spots in my kidney which he thinks are small stones which he he thinks I should be able to pass.  Also he wants me to come back in 6 weeks for an ultra sound.  I felt like a government worker today when my boss gave everybody the day off but then I found out most government workers are off until January 3,4,or 5, must be good to be a government worker.  Well our weekend snow looks like it is going to be a bust now, it looks like we may only just get a little light snow out of the system, a far cry form the foot they were calling for earlier in the week.  HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS.  MICKEY

The Importance of Sleep
If you want to lose weight, try to make sleep a priority. A survey of 772 college students suggests those who slept less than seven hours a night had a significantly higher Body Mass Index (BMI) than those who slept more than seven hours. This association was strongest among the female students.


Another sleep-related study with healthy adults suggests sleep deprivation is associated with increased hunger and the potential to overeat. Without doubt, sleep is helpful for a successful weight management program.

Remember, if Christmas isn't found in your heart, you won't find it under a tree."
~ Charlotte Carpenter.

COLONIALS WINS, VIRGINIA LOSES

The Colonial Heights Colonials boys basketball team picked up its 2nd victory of the season last night beating Manchester 80-61 in the Lee-Davis Tournament, the Colonials will now be off until after Christmas.  The Virginia basketball team was upset last night by the Seattle Redhawks, I have to say there is no reason for the Cavs to be losing to this team.  Well I will be heading back to the Urologist today for a checkup from my kidney stone, it has been 2 weeks since they did on the procedure on me.  I have pretty much been pain free from my kidney for about a week now which is a very good thing.  It still looks like we are going to get some snow this weekend but all the weather people seem to still be in disagreement on just much we are going to get.  MICKEY

A Daily Dose of Chocolate
Many athletes who want to lose weight restrict chocolate, thinking it's fattening. In a weight reduction study, overweight women enjoyed a daily dark chocolate snack as a part of their “discretionary calories” in a reduced-calorie diet. They lost the same amount of weight as the comparison group who ate no chocolate. The researchers concluded a daily dose of dark chocolate does not interfere with weight reduction and may reduce cravings for sweets.

I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody.
- Bill Cosby

VIRGINIA BACK IN ACTION TONIGHT, VCU FALLS

The Virginia Cavaliers basketball team will be back in action tonight at home against the Seattle Redhawks, the Redhawks are 4-10 on the season so the Cavaliers should win this game.  The VCU Rams blew a 12 point lead last night in the final 5 minutes of the game and fell to the UAB Blazers 68-65.  In high school basketball action last night the Colonials fell to the Lee-Davis Confederates 66-60, the Colonials will play again tonight in the Lee- Davis Tournament.  Well it looks like we are going to get some snow this weekend but there is still a pretty big question when it's going to arrive and how much we are going to get, they are still trying to figure out the track of this storm.  Well I headed back to the dentist and he said the reason he had to cancel my appointment last week is that he threw his back out pulling the tooth of a patient in front of me, if that was the case why didn't they just tell me that and it would have been a whole lot easier for me to understand.  Well I am off to work.  MICKEY

Calorie Consumption and Weight Loss
Most dieters believe the less they eat, the more body fat they will lose. Not always true. A study compared obese people who were given 1,200-calorie (for women) and 1,600-calorie (for men) reducing diets. A comparison group was given diets with about 1,750 calories (women) and 2,100 calories ( men). Both groups lost the same amount of weight-even though the one group ate about 500 more calories each day. Conclusion: Why suffer needless deprivation when you can achieve weight loss success with a higher calorie level?

Slow down and enjoy life. It's not only the scenery you miss by going too fast --- you also miss the sense of where you are going and why. - Eddie Cantor

FIRST DAY OF WINTER, VIRGINIA WINS

Well I know it's hard to believe with all the cold weather that we have been having but today is the actually the first day of Winter, I have to say Mother Nature sure could have fooled me.  The Virginia basketball team held on for a 50-49 win over Norfolk State last night at the JPJ, the Cavs won the game with a tip in the final 10 seconds of the game.  Tonight the VCU Rams have big game on the road at UAB, a win tonight on the road against the Blazers could go a long way in helping the Rams receive an at large bid if needed in NCAA Tournament.  The Colonial Heights boys basketball team will be in action tonight against Lee-Davis in the Lee-Davis Tip Off Tournament.  It is looking more and more likely that we are going to get some snow this weekend, however the timing of the snow is still a bit in question on whether it will be on Christmas Day or Christmas Night or even possibly Sunday.  Well I will be heading back to the dentist today hopefully he can get me on his schedule, it doesn't seem to matter whether you have an appointment or not.  MICKEY

Schedule Your Exercise
Your schedule will be very hectic this holiday season. Schedule your workouts just as you would any other appointment. It's ok if you can't make it to class, but make sure that you get some activity in at least three days per week.

The lure of the distant and the difficult is deceptive. The great opportunity is where you are. -John Burroughs

A SHORT WORK WEEK, PACKERS & SKINS LOSE

Well I am going to feel like I work for the government this week because we are off on Friday, last year we worked Christmas Eve so I am very glad to have the day off this year.  I have a busy week as well having to go to the dentist on Tuesday and the Urologist on Thursday.  The Green Bay Packers lost to the New England Patriots last night 31-27, the Pack put up a good fight but that wasn't good enough to get the win.  It looks like the Packers will need a miracle to get in the playoffs this year.  The Redskins also lost yesterday to Dallas 33-30, if the Skins would have played the first half of the game like the played the 2nd half they would have won the game.  The Virginia Cavaliers return to the hardwood tonight at home against Norfolk State.  Just quick not on the extended forecast there is the potential for a snowstorm on Christmas Day, I really can do without anymore snow right now.  MICKEY

Drink up! Like planet Earth, our bodies are comprised of 60-70% water. Our body needs water to help us metabolize and digest the food we eat. Dehydration leads to fatigue so try to consume about 64 fluid oz. daily. You may need more fluid if you are physically active. Tired of the same old plain water? Spruce it up with some lemon, orange, lime slices, or basil for a flavor boost! Choose filtered water for your health.

Most of us can read the writing on the wall; we just assume it's addressed to someone else. ~Ivern Ball

VCU HOLDS ON FOR A WIN, TOUGH GAMES FOR THE PACKERS & REDSKINS

The VCU Rams jumped out to a big lead on Tulane and had to hold on for dear life in the 2nd half of the game and came away with a 70-67 over the Green Wave. The Rams are now 7-3 on the season will face UAB on the road Tuesday. The Green Bay Packers will be on the road tonight in New England to face the Patriots without there starting QB Aaron Rodgers so I am not giving them much of a shot to win tonight and with Brady picking apart the Packer defense I have a feeling that is going to be very lopsided game. Meanwhile the Washington Redskins will be on the road at Dallas today to face the Cowboys with Rex Grossman starting at QB for the benched Donovan McNabb, I have pretty bad feeling that Skins are going to get pounded today. Well just think next week at this time Christmas will be over and we will be getting ready to bring in the New Year. MICKEY

Beauty rest is best: Chronic sleep deprivation can induce aging, lack of concentration, and fatigue. Getting enough sleep is essential to maintain healthy hormone function, digestion, and metabolism. Your body replenishes and repairs itself during REM, the deepest cycle of sleep. For most adults 7-9 hours of restorative sleep will help your body function its best. A study from the University of Chicago examined the effect of sleep deprivation and its effect on hormones and metabolism. The subjects who received less than 8 hours of sleep had increased cortisol levels, altered thyroid function, and impaired glucose tolerance. The thyroid hormones affect metabolism while elevated cortisol levels contribute to rapid aging.

Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves. Carl Jung

VIRGINIA WINS, STORM FIZZLES OUT

The Virginia Cavaliers basketball team picked up another big win last night at the JPJ knocking off Oregon 63-48. The Cavs brake the game open in the 2nd half with some very good shooting, next up for the Cavs are the Norfolk State Spartans on Monday night at the JPJ. Well it looks like the Winter Storm that was suppose to hit our area tonight and tomorrow has pretty much fizzled out, there is chance that we make get some flurries but that looks lie it is about it. Well I finally got everybody's picks for the bowls and I have sent out the master-sheet, by the way there are three bowl games today. Scottie suffered his first loss of the season last night down in Georgia, the tournament he is in continues today in Georgia. Business down at Wal-Mart was really picking up this morning, there were allot of new faces wondering the store this morning at 5:45am not just the usual characters. With it being the lat weekend before Christmas I don't think I will be caught in the area of the mall today thats for sure. MICKEY

Always remain positive. If you do have a "bad" day, don't worry or stress about it. Just get back on track the next day.

Maybe this can be the year your New Year's resolution doesn't include dropping those extra holiday pounds.

Circumstances do not make the man, they reveal him to himself. -James Allen

STORM DOESN'T LIVE UP TO EXPECTATIONS

Well I have to say yesterdays Winter Storm doesn't live up to it's expectations, we only got about a mere inch of snow here in Colonial Heights where they were calling for a least 3-5 inches. It doesn't bother my that we didn't get that much but there is chance we will get some more snow tomorrow night. The Virginia Cavalier basketball team returns to action tonight at home against the Oregon Ducks, this will be the first of 7 straight home games for the Cavs. Mozart appeared to really like the snow yesterday and I have enclosed a photo of him with snow on his face. Well I am going to warm the car up and head to work. MICKEY

Try to stay consistent with your workout routine. Don't fall prey to the excuse that you'll get back on track after New Years Day or when the weather warms up again. You may need to modify your program for the busy holidays. Do what you can, but keep it up, trying new fitness activities and cross training to keep things fresh and fun. Seek out a professional to help you with your program if you need motivation.

Personality has the power to open many doors, but character must keep them open. -Unknown

WINTER STORM WARNING, I MAY HAVE TO CHANGE DENTIST

Well the City of Colonial Heights and most of the area is under a Winter Storm Warning today with anywhere from 4-6 inches of snow expected before changing to sleet and freezing rain before it ends tonight. All of the schools in the area have closed for the day even though it has not started snowing yet. I use to like snow but as I have grown older I really don't like it all. Well I took of from work about 30 minutes early yesterday to go to the dentist only to have him cancel my appointment after I had been there for about 3o minutes saying a surgery he was doing was running a little longer than expected and wanted me to reschedule. Needless to say after suffering from a kidney stone the last week this didn't go over to well. I could understand if was really busy but there was only 1 other person in the office and in my opinion this was unacceptable. I am going to think about for a couple of days before deciding whether I am going back or not. My kidney stone was bothering me quite a bit yesterday and I am in pretty moderated pain this morning as well, it sure hasn't been a good week, I think I may have got 3 hours sleep last night. Well I have everybody's picks for the bowl games except Andrew and I have given him until 8pm tonight or he will be disqualified from the contest, I m tired of having to wait for him every week to send his picks in. I sure hope I start to feel better soon, MICKEY

Eat more, weigh less: Skipping meals sets your body into starvation mode. As a result, your body will hold onto every calorie longer while decreasing your metabolic rate dramatically. To reverse this process, you must eat food if you want to burn it up. As a general rule of thumb, try not to go more than 3.5 or 4 hours without a meal or snack. In this vein, try five smaller meals a day instead of three bigger ones and see if this doesn’t boost your metabolism! Include protein and fiber in your meals because your body uses more energy trying to digest both. A whole food supplement can satisfy your hunger cravings and help you get your daily serving of nutrients. High performance is a combination of unique healing herbs, exotic seeds and wholesome grains that improves your digestion and boosts your energy level.

Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does. William James

2-4 MORE INCHES OF SNOW, COLONIALS FALL

Well all the weather gurus are now calling for anywhere from 2-4 inches of snow here tomorrow and there is a pretty good chance of more snow on Saturday night and just think weather doesn't officially start until next week. Well I have to head back to the dentist today to get a couple of fillings, I might have to take a pain pill just to be on the safe side before I go. I only had about 2-3 hours of pain from my kidney stone yesterday but the pain that I did have was pretty severe. It was a tough night for both the Colonials girls and boys basketball teams last night the girls team fell to Prince George at home 42-34 while the boys team fell 75-64 at Prince George. Well all the picks are due in for the bowls by tonight and I have to say the return have been pretty slow coming in, this is why I may have to pull the plug on the contest. MICKEY

Eat slowly. It takes about 20 minutes for the stomach to register a "full" sensation and signal the brain that it's had enough. Slow down and listen to your body.

A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step. -Lao Tzu

I AM GOING TO LET MY HAIR GROW OUT, MORE SNOW?

Well since it is going to be cold all this week I have decided to let my hair grow out at least to Sunday if not longer, I have not cut it in since last Sunday because I am trying to keep my head a little warmer. It looks like we are going to have a couple of more chances of snow this week which I could do without, it looks like we will get a little more snow on Thursday and the there is another chance of the white stuff on Saturday night as well. I felt pretty goo about half the day yesterday at work before my side started hurting pretty a bad few times later in the day, I did have to take 1 pain pill before the pain subsided a bit. Well I have to warm my car up a bit before heading to work. MICKEY

Don't stand by the food at the party. You will be less likely to partake in unconscious snacking all night if you do instead move, mingle and socialize with friends.

Argue for your limitations, and sure enough, they're yours. Richard Bach

A SURPRISE DUSTING, PACKERS & REDSKINS LOSE

Well I woke up this morning to a surprise dusting of snow and I have to say I didn't hear any of the weatherman calling for it yesterday so where did it come from. It is going to be very cold all week and there a couple of chances of snow during the week. Well the Green Bay Packers played just terrible yesterday losing to the Lions 7-3 and losing the QB to a concussion as well, I have to say this not a playoff team. The Redskins found another way to lose yesterday, there kickers missed 2 field goals from less than 30 yards and then the holder dropped the snap on th game tying extra point. Well I finally got my appetite back yesterday and had very good lunch at Outback, it was the fist good meal that I have had since Wednesday. I am still having some side pain from time to time but I am going to head to work this morning but I am just going to be on light duty for the next few days, no lifting period. Well I have to go get the snow off my car and head to work. MICKEY

Beans, Yuck
It’s hard to imagine a more perfect food than beans. One cooked cupful can provide as much as 17 g fiber. They're also loaded with protein and dozens of key nutrients, including a few most women fall short on—calcium, potassium, and magnesium. Studies tie beans to a reduced risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and breast and colon cancers.

The latest dietary guidelines recommend consuming at least 3 cups of beans a week—3 times the measly 1 cup we usually get. Keep your cupboards stocked with all kinds: black, white, kidney, fat-free refried, etc. Use them in salads, stuffed baked potatoes, and veggie chili or pureed for sandwich spreads.

RICHMOND BEATS VCU, SCOTTIE STILL UNDEFEATED

The VCU Rams got off to a bad start last night and never were able to recover as the Richmond Spiders beat the Rams 72-60 in a game that wasn't as close as the final score indicated. In college football action yesterday Navy continued there winning ways over Army beating them 31-17, I cant remember the last time Army neat them. In the NFL today the Packers will be in Detroit to play the Lions and the Redskins will be at home against Tampa Bay. The only team playing for a state championship in football from the Central Region Hermitage lost to Battlefield 26-7. Down in Georgia yesterday Scottie picked up 4 more wins to improve 23-0 on the season. My kidney stone continues to bother me at times, I will go for hours without pain and then all of sudden I will have some pretty sharp pains for a few hours before the pain subsides for a while. I sure will be glad when this ordeal is over with. MICKEY

You just worked out.
We are conditioned to feed ourselves after exercising. And, after a particularly strenuous exercise session like a spinning class or interval-training workout, we tend to feel ravenous. But that doesn't mean your body needs extra calories. "It means your body needs a specific kind of nourishment," says Marissa Lippert, RD, a nutrition consultant and dietitian in New York City. Opt for roasted chicken or other lean meats (protein will replenish your muscles) and brown rice or other whole grains (complex carbohydrates take a while to break down) to help your body recover faster and fend off hunger longer.

In 1925, the first motel — the Motel Inn — opened in San Luis Obispo, Calif.

Well I am not hurting as bad as I did on Wednesday or Thursday but I have to say I am pretty sore, right now it feels like I got huge cramp on the left side of my torso and it just won't go away. It is about to drive me crazy that I have not been able to exercise the last 3 days and I to say today isn't looking good for exercise either. Since I haven't been able to run I have put on about 5 pounds and the bad ting about that is haven't eaten that much and I have put that muck weight on. It was 8 years ago today that Pa Pa passed away, it doesn't seem like it has been that long. Down in Georgia last night Scottie picked up 5 more wins last night to improve to 19-0 on the season, he had four pins last night and will wrestle 4 more times today. The CH boys basketball team fell on the road last night to Dinwiddie 85-67. The Colonial Heights Colonials swim team will make there debut today against Hanover and Maggie Walker Governors School. The VCU Rams will be on the road tonight against the Richmond Spiders in the battle for the city championship. Also today in college football action Navy will face Army and I am predicting an Army upset today. MICKEY

Not enough time has passed since you finished your meal.

You've just eaten lunch only to wonder: "Why am I still hungry?" Before you assume you didn't eat enough, consider that maybe you ate too quickly. "Appetite hormones need time to tell your brain you're full," explains Sandon. To prevent post-meal hunger pangs, keep these pointers in mind: Eat slowly, putting down your fork between bites; choose flavorful and satisfying foods; and include a combination of fat, protein and carbohydrates in every meal. If you're still hungry, try sucking on a mint to ward off your cravings.

I AM FEELING BETTER BUT STILL SORE

I have to say I am feeling a whole lot better better this morning but I am still very sore. I had a kidney stone that was 6mm in size and they used a treatment called Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy to try to break the size of the stone down. For those of you don't read my FB page they gave me this shirt for my troubles. Also Fellow blogger Keith has been in Arizona working for the government all week and none of us even new it, must be doing some undercover work for the government. I guess he will be coming home today. The Colonial Heights girls basketball team picked up another win last night beating Dinwiddie 60-55, the boys team will travel to Dinwiddie tonight. It was another very slow day on the blog yesterday there were only 18 visitors all day. MICKEY

Do Puzzles
Amazingly, you'll knock a decade off your cognitive age.
In a University of Alabama study of nearly 3,000 older men and women, those who participated in 10 60-to 75-minute sessions of brain-boosting exercise sharpened their mental abilities so much that their brains performed like those of people more than 10 years younger.

Tip: Start small—whip out a booklet of basic puzzles when you're riding to work on the train or waiting in a long checkout line. As your skills improve, graduate to more challenging brainteasers.

History admires the wise, but elevates the brave. -Edmund Morris

I AM IN ALLOT OF PAIN

Well I pretty much have been in allot of pain since about 7am yesterday, it is a good thing I had some hydrocodone here at the house for the pain or don't think I could have made it through the night. I think I have a kidney stone and I have an appointment this morning at 8:30am at Virginia Urology where I am hoping that they can do something for me. Scott called last night and gave me update on how Scottie has been doing so far this year with wrestling, after last nights 4 wins Scottie is now 14-0 for the year with another match scheduled for Friday night. The VCU Rams held on last night to beat VMI 86-80 last night, I have to say it was a much closer game than I thought it would be. If you like cold weather than the weather forecast is is for you, it looks like next week is going to be colder than this week. I am already ready for Spring & Summer. MICKEY

Brush and Floss
Oral health is clearly linked to brain health, according to a team of British psychiatrists and dentists.
After studying thousands of subjects ages 20 to 59, they found that gingivitis and periodontal disease were associated with worse cognitive function throughout adult life—not just in later years.

Tip: Follow your dentist's advice—floss daily and brush your teeth for 2 minutes at least once a day.

Curiosity will conquer fear even more than bravery will. -James Stephens

VIRGINIA WINS

Well I have to say that it wasn't pretty but the Virginia Cavaliers came away with a win none the the less last night with 54-44 win over Radford, there is now way this game should have been this close. The VCU Rams will be home tonight against the VMI Keydets tonight, I am sure that there will be allot of scoring in this game for sure. The Colonial Heights girls basketball team beat Hopewell last night while the boys team lost at Hopewell, the boys team will be at home tonight against St. Christopher's. Well after going to the dentist yesterday I have to go back next week to get 2 fillings and he still wants to take my wisdom teeth out as well, I just hate going to the dentist. Well I understand Santa did very cold last night at parade. MICKEY

EXERCISE
A team from the University of Illinois' Beckman Institute recently reviewed dozens of past studies and found that aerobic exercise boosts not only speed and sharpness of thought but also the volume of brain tissue. As little as 50 minutes of brisk walking 3 times a week was found to have this brain-expanding effect.

Tip: For an added boost, walk in the park: University of Michigan researchers found that volunteers whose course took them through a tree-filled setting performed 20% better on memory and attention tests than those who walked downtown.

Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work. Thomas A. Edison

I WOULD HAD TO HAVE TO BE SANTA CLAUS TONIGHT

Well I have say that I would hate to have to be Santa Claus in the Christmas Parade as cold as it is going to be tonight here in Colonial Heights. I hope that this fellow blogger has his long johns on tonight or he might be very cold Santa. Well I have to back to the dentist today for my 6 month check up and I am sure that they are going to find something wrong with my teeth, since my other dentist retired every time I go to my new one they seem to always want to do some work on me. The Virginia basketball team will be back in action tonight against Radford. The Colonial Heights girls and boys basketball teams will both be in action tonight against Hopewell, the girls team will be at home while boys team will be at Hopewell. The football bow picks have been sent out and I need them back by next wed Dec 7th. MICKEY

SEARCH THE INTERNET
When you search the Internet, you engage key centers in your brain that control decision-making and complex reasoning.

And these few clicks may be more mentally stimulating than reading, say UCLA scientists. Their studies found that Internet searching uses neural circuitry that's not activated during reading--but only in people with prior Internet experience. MRI results showed almost 3 times more brain activity in regular Internet searchers than in first-timers, suggesting that repeated Googling can be a great way to build cognitive strength over time.

Tip: Spend around 20 minutes a few days a week searching topics you've always wanted to learn more about—regardless of how seemingly frivolous: Whether you're researching a celebrity's latest pratfalls or musical harmony, the benefits to your brain are the same.

VIRGINIA UPSET VIRGINIA TECH, GREEN BAY WINS

The Virginia Cavaliers basketball team upset Virginia Tech last night 57-54 in Blacksburg, the Cavs actually led by 16 at one point but had to hold on for the victory. With the win the Cavs improve to 5-3 on the season will face Radford tomorrow night before facing Oregon on Friday night. The Green Bay Packers picked up another win yesterday beating the 49ers 34-16, the Packers remain 1 game behind the Bears in the NFC Central. Meanwhile the Redskins looked like they didn't want to be in New York at all yesterday, the Giants simply pounded the Skins 31-7, the Redskins where never in the game from the opening kickoff. Well I went a played basketball last night against my better judgement last night and I have to say I am already paying for it this morning, I am hurting all over and I know I haven't played yet either, I was terrible. I will sending out final picks of the season tonight the BOWL GAMES and I will need them back by Wednesday Dec 15, the games start on Dec 18. MICKEY

You're thirsty or dehydrated.
The symptoms of dehydration (sleepiness, low energy) closely mimic those of being overly hungry, which may lead you to think you need food to increase your energy level, explains Sandon. When you're thirsty, your mouth becomes dry, a symptom that eating will temporarily relieve, notes Sandon. She suggests drinking a tall glass of water or cup of herbal tea before eating and waiting for your body's hunger signals to adjust (about 10 minutes). "Doing so could save hundreds of calories."

VIRGINIA TECH WINS ACC CHAMPIONSHIP, DINWIDDIE FALLS

The Virginia Tech Hokies won the ACC Championship last night beating the Florida State Seminoles 44-33 in Charlotte and by doing so will be heading to the Orange Bowl where the like face either Stanford or UCONN. In high school football action yesterday Dinwiddie lost a tough won to Phoebus 21-13, the Generals were leading the game lat in in the 3rd quarter 13-0. The other team from the Central Region Hermitage advanced to the Championship game beating Bayside 42-27 and will play for title next Saturday in Charlottesville against Battlefield. In college basketball action yesterday the VCU Rams beat William & Mary 59-55, today Virginia will be in Blacksburg to face Virginia Tech in the ACC opener for both teams. In the NFL today the Redskins have another tough game when they travel to New York to face the Giants and the Packers are at home against the 49ers. In high school basketball action last night the CH girls team improved to 3-0 with 64-45 win over Trinity. We did get a little snow last night but it was barely a dusting, mostly on cars and rooftops. MICKEY

You didn't get enough sleep last night

Lack of rest stimulates two faux hunger triggers: energy deficiency, to which our natural reaction is to nourish our bodies, and appetite hormone confusion. "When our bodies are drained, levels of leptin—a hormone produced by our fat cells that controls our appetite—decrease, while levels of gherlin—a hormone produced by our stomach that stimulates our appetite—increase," explains American Dietetic Association spokeswoman Karen Ansel, RD. That's two hormones working against you. "Getting eight hours of sleep a night is the easiest thing you can do to prevent overeating." If you do fall short on zzz's, be sure to load up on nourishing, naturally energizing foods—such as fresh fruit, complex carbohydrates and lean proteins—throughout the day to help your body feel satisfied.

PRESENTS WRAPPED

Well I wrapped all the Christmas presents that I have last night and they are now ready to go under the Christmas Tree and I Mozart doesn't mess with them. I still have a few items that I need to get and then I my shopping will be done. Well the high school football playoffs resume today with a pair Central Region teams in action. Dinwiddie will be at home against Phoebus while Hermitage will travel down to Virginia Beach to face Bayside. In the FCS playoffs William & Mary will be at home facing Georgia Southern. The Colonial Heights boys basketball team lost last night to Waslingham Academy 75-54 they will face ARGS tonight, the CH girls team will face Trinity tonight. They are calling for some light snow showers tonight here in the Heights but there isn't suppose to any accumulation, all I know is it is cold enough to snow thats for sure. The VCU Rams will play there first CAA game of the year at home today against William & Mary and I am sure Lee will be there. Also yesterday on the blog we had a visitor from Hong Kong. Try to stay warm, MICKEY

Lean Beef
Lean beef is one of the best-absorbed sources of iron there is. (Too-little iron can cause anemia.) Adding as little as 1 ounce of beef per day can make a big difference in the body’s ability to absorb iron from other sources, says Mary J. Kretsch, PhD, a researcher at the USDA-ARS Western Human Nutrition Research Center in Davis, CA. Beef also packs plenty of zinc (even minor deficiencies may impair memory) and B vitamins, which help your body turn food into energy.

If you can, splurge on grass-fed. Compared with grain-fed beef, it has twice the concentration of vitamin E, a powerful brain-boosting antioxidant. It’s also high in omega-3 fatty acids. Because this type of beef tends to be lower in overall fat, it can be tough—so marinate it, and use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.

The customer doesn't expect everything will go right all the time; the big test is what you do when things go wrong. Sir Colin Marshall

NOT MUCH SLEEP LAST NIGHT

I think I got about three hours sleep last night, I woke up at about 1am with a terrible upset stomach which lasted about 2 hours and then I couldn't get back to sleep. My stomach is feeling better this morning but it still isn't just quite right, I think I got some type of food poisoning. The Colonial Heights girls basketball team improved to 2-0 last night with 54-30 win over Pope John Paul, they will play Trinity tomorrow. The Colonial Heights boys team will play Walsingham Academy tonight in the Trinity Tournament. Todays high of 45 is going to be the warmest day of our next 5 days, after today the high are going to be in the low 40's and just think winter hasn't officially started yet. MICKEY

Eggs
Egg yolks are home to tons of essential but hard-to-get nutrients, including choline, which is linked to lower rates of breast cancer (one yolk supplies 25% of your daily need) and antioxidants that may help prevent macular degeneration and cataracts. Though many of us have shunned whole eggs because of their link to heart disease risk, there’s actually substantial evidence that for most of us, eggs are not harmful but healthy.

People with heart disease should limit egg yolks to two a week, but the rest of us can have one whole egg daily; research shows it won’t raise your risk of heart attack or stroke. Make omelets with one whole egg and two whites, and watch cholesterol at other meals.

VCU FALLS IN OT

The VCU Rams lost last night on the road at South Florida 60-59 to the Bulls, the Rams will open up CAA play on Saturday at home agasinst William & Mary. I went out to watch the Colonial Heights boys basketball team open up there season on the road last night at Matoaca, unfortunately the Colonials lost to Warriors 69-50. The CH girls team beat Matoaca at home last night 55-40, both the CH boys and girls teams will next play in the Trinity Tournament. I am still waiting for a couple of more picks to come in for this weeks contest, 1 of the individuals whose picks that I am waiting on may not be invited back next year if he doesn't get his act together. MICKEY

"Remember, there's no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end." ~Soctt Adams

1985 - The highest-rated Monday Night Football telecast was seen this night on ABC-TV. The Miami Dolphins beat the Chicago Bears, 38-24. The Miami win snapped the Bears’ 12-game winning streak.

I CANT BELIEVE THAT IS DECEMBER ALREADY

I cant believe that is already December 1 and that Christmas is just 24 days away an I still haven't finished my Christmas shopping yet. We are getting some pretty bumpy weather here in the Heights this morning, there is a Tornado Watch until 9am and we are also under a sever thunderstorm warning. The Colonial Heights boys and girls basketball teams will both open up there seasons tonight against Matoaca, the girls team will be at home while the boys team will travel over to Matoaca. Yesterday on the blog was the slowest day since October 21, there were only 18 visitors to the blog yesterday. My right hip continues to bother me, it doesn't hurt all the time but when it does its pretty sharp. The bad thing is I have no idea how I hurt it, I just guess I am getting old. MICKEY

Stand up straighter
For an instant mood lift, watch your posture. When Ohio State University researchers asked study participants to rate their skills related to job opportunities, they found that those who completed the task with proper posture were more secure in their abilities than those who were slumped over. "People feel confident when they're sitting upright, and they can attribute that confidence to their present thoughts," says study author and psychologist Richard E. Petty, PhD.

"Keep your fears to yourself but share your courage with others." ~Robert Louis Stevenson