Congratulations John and Tiffani,

I'm just glad to know that I helped out by voting for you.

Blessings and Happy New Year.

Andy
 

Why, oh why, can't I ever vote for the winner? Ah well, you're a winner as far as I'm concerned! Congratulations.

Bob
 

Great job John! And thanks for your email newsletters. They are very helpful with my portfolio. And now for 2009, I see where you plan on being possibly the "buffest" investor as well. You're wise to invest in your health. CONSIDER ADDING INDOOR CYCLE SPINNING TO YOUR GYM WORKOUTS.
Five years ago, after passing the half century mark, I decided to "get in shape". After returning from a ski trip, I knew I had to do something, so I started modestly by riding my bike around the neighborhood and lifting barbells in my basement along with some minor diet changes. This produced some results and led to riding around through the surrounding communities and lifting heavier weights. I also started reading more about effective strategies for transformation.
By the end of year 2, I had outgrown the existing bike and got one more commensurate with my smokin body. I continued to train and further refined my diet. "Body for life" by Bill Phillips educated me on the truths of getting back to what should be "normal".
Year 3 was my first Blue Ridge Parkway bike ride to benefit the Children's Miracle Network (CMN) and I covered 287 miles in four days over steep mountains. I was exhausted but also encouraged. I continued refining my diet and workouts.
Year 4 involved me joining the local L. A. Fitness club. I simply progressed beyond what my home gym could do for me. This also put me together with others on the good path. "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another" Proverbs. I continued to gain strength and I started attending "indoor cycle spinning" classes.
I consider myself a road cyclist first, but spinning is like a lab where you can really focus on specific training goals without having to worry about traffic and terrain. I enjoyed and prospered in it so well, that I became a teacher of this discipline after 3 months. Not for much monetary gain (modest pay and free gym membership), but for fun and fitness. I have been a Realtor for 21 years which pays the bills. My second Blue Ridge Parkway ride netted 335 miles in 3 1/2 days without being as cooked like the first one.
Year 5 got me more involved with local bike clubs and fitness "nuts". A small rudder can change the direction of a huge ship. I was begining to advance to higher plateaus than I ever thought possible. Though never obese, my body was, shall we say plump! I was begining to approach 200 on a 5'10" frame. I now weigh in the low 150's with low blood pressure and great blood chemistry stats. This was my high school weight with a 30" waist.
My most recent Blue Ridge Parkway ride would have been the best ever had it not been for equipment problems and the difficulty in finding parts in the middle of nowhere, so I was only able to cover 175 miles in two days of riding, but these miles covered some of the steepest climbs and were satisfying anyway you slice it!
And I now realize that my new life style is for life. Working out is not merely a routine to endure to gain something else. It is life itself. Sloths don't understand this. I invest about 10 hours per week in the gym and on the road. Most people spend twice the time watching TV and eating crap while doing so.
What's next? I am considering ironman triathalons and have been gearing up for running and swimming. In addition to fairly good dietary habits, I have been adding fuel to the fire with vitamin and mineral supplements. Nothing too crazy, just reasonable additions to fill in the inevitable gaps in what I eat.
The other thing that is happening is the reaction of those around me. Friends and family have taken notice and many of them are in the gym and adopting a healthier lifestyle. So, my friend, I hope all of this encourages you in your quest. Feel free to contact me with your comments and/or questions. royholman@bellsouth.net