Patrick O'Connell

Fringe Benefits

One of the benefits of my flexible work-schedule is to get outside and exercise, even when I don't want to do it.

Take today for instance. I was tired and stressed. The last thing I wanted to do was to go for a run. But my friend Josh called and even though I hesitated, he talked me into it. We met Tommy at his house and we went out and did a four mile run.

I've been running with Tommy and Josh on a regular basis as they train for a 1/2 marathon. This has been really cool. I find the time spend an opportunity to refresh and renew. I really look forward to this little mid-day break.

In my former life, my schedule would have never permitted me to just get up and go for a run. Another blessing about being here in KC with Restore.

Hurt!

I am really disappointed. I agreed to play basketball yesterday at the YMCA and within five minutes of the start I pulled a high-hamstring in my left leg.

I was at the YMCA with Tommy and Josh and Bill and we had only played a few minutes when I felt it. My left hamstring tightened so fast and it was so painful that I literally fell to the ground. I laid there trying to stretch it out. The other guys were only too willing to give me a hard time! After a few minutes the pain dissipated and I felt fine. So I got back into the game. But a few minutes later the pain was back, more intense this time. My pals called the game on my account!

I am disappointed because I consider myself to be in great shape and had run 4 miles before the game without trouble. I suppose it simply comes down to the fact that I am getting older and my body is more vulnerable to injury.

No basketball for me for awhile.

Going Green...Tea That Is

Because of our spending fast, I am desperately trying to reduce the amount of coffee--Starbucks in particular--that I drink. I am switching to green tea. This is nothing against Starbucks by the way. They have a strong commitment to corporate responsibility regarding the environment and fair labor and their coffee rocks. But being a regular of theirs is taking a toll on my wallet and to a lesser degree my health.

Example of a health concern: one day last month I drank so much Starbucks that I was shaking from all of the caffeine. I didn't sleep well when I finally did make it to bed and then I was wakened by a really sour stomach.

The real reason for reducing my consumption is that my wife and I combined estimate we spend 6-8 dollars a day on the stuff. I am good for 2-3 Grandes a day at the office ($6) and if she even stops for one while she's shuffling the kids around that's another $2.

I LOVE Starbucks and so for me to even contemplate giving it up is HUGE. I love everything about Starbucks.

Here, I made a list:

1. I love the taste: dark, warm, (sometimes a bit bitter) like a stormy October evening. (Terrible simile I admit.)
2. I adore the friendly barristas (sp?) in their black caps and green aprons who ALWAYS smile at me when I step up to order my Joe.
3. I groove to the the swanky music that I can reach out and purchase right along with my coffee.
4. The aroma! Is there any better aroma then that of freshly roasted beans?
5. The witty quote on the side of the recycled paper cup.
6. Sitting down with friends and talking at one of the tables.

Instead, I am going to drink lots of Green Tea. It has far less caffeine and a plethora of antioxidants. It's also much cheaper than coffee. I've been drinking loads of it since the first of the month and I feel better. I've saved quite a bit of money since I no longer fork out 2 bucks for a Grande sized cup.

I'd be interested to know if any of you are aware of other benefits of Green Tea or could suggest a good brand to buy? I am all about brand loyalty.