Resolutions-good idea or not so much?

    The beginning of the new year brings on thoughts of resolutions. The feeling seems to be that with the new year, a new start in life is a good thing.
   Almost like going to confession or observing Lent, many people resolve to give something up they enjoy or begin doing an activity they have been putting off.
   Quitting smoking, losing wight and beginning an exercise program rank near the top of the list people annually mention as resolutions.
   Without a firm commitment, dedication to making a positive change, or a realistic view of what it is you wish to accomplish, you're probably already doomed to fail.
   Gyms are probably full of well intentioned people who sign up with hopes of losing weight and getting in better shape.
   By the time February rolls around the ones that remain will be the same people that have been there well before the new year with the exception of a few hardy souls that stick it out.
   One other factor that can account for success is to surround yourself with people who think similarly to you.
   If you are going to get back to physical activity get in a gym with qualified trainers. Forget treating the gym experience as a way to pick up a new date
   You're there for ulterior motives, namely to improve you health, change lifestyle, and live better allowing you to do more things than you once were.
   Remember, you don't have to wait for New Year's day to make positive changes in your life. Once you decide to make a change commit to it, stay positive and surround yourself with like-thinking people.
   The results will speak for themselves.

Plenty of snow means lots of skiing.

   There's plenty of opportunity both locally and up north to please the cross country ski crowd. Thanks to all the snow we've received and the cold temperatures that have been with us, it looks like it may be staying around for sometime.
   If you are new to Nordic or cross country skiing take some well worn advice and try before you buy. Locally, at Independence Oaks County Park or Kensington Metropark, ski equipment can be rented.
   At Independence Oaks on Saturdays through mid February, ski lessons will be available. If you head north, take advantage of the many "package deals" offered, especially around the Gaylord area.
   These packages include lodging, usually a couple of meals and all the skiing you can cram in for a couple of days.
   You can get in touch with the various outfitters and resorts offering these programs at www.mywintertrails.com. Constant, up-to-date weather and ski conditions are also on this site.
   We may as well face the fact that winter is here and will be with us for the net several months. Don't hibernate. Get outside and enjoy what nature has to offer.
   Cross country skiing and ski walking are great activities to help stay in shape, improve your mood and help you enjoy winter even a little bit.
 

Slow skiers enjoy outdoors more

   Bob Frye, owner of Cross Country Ski Headquarters in Roscommon is an outspoken advocate for cross country skiing.
   It seems natural because after all, that's Frye's business. But it's more than business with Frye. He speaks from the heart and is enthusiastic about the sport whether talking to newcomers or seasoned veterans.
   I had a conversation with him recently and happened to mention that I didn't know how to ski properly. That at best I didn't ski but shuffled and was very slow, bringing up the rear most of the time.
   "You shouldn't worry about being slow," Frye began. "You'll get more out of being outdoors, seeing the scenery and the experience than someone who is flying," he said.
   His point or points are well taken. Don't be concerned with being the best skier on the trails. And forget about speed. This isn't a race or a contest. Enjoy the moment.
   I have in the past couple of years. First, I learned how to dress properly, using layers instead of one heavy garment.
   Next, I took a lesson. That helped me use my poles more efficiently, learn to turn, slow down, stop, and negotiate hills usually without falling.
   Once you get some of the basics under your belt, you feel more comfortable on the trails, and that translates to more enjoyment.
   Learn more about cross country skiing locally at Huron-Clinton Metroparks (810) 227-2757, Independence Oaks (248) 625-0877, or Cross Country Ski Headquarters, (800) 832-2663.

Christmas-still rushing?

   Now that Christmas is over the after-the-holidays sales begin. Returns for the wrong size or color received as gifts will be another high priority chore bringing that many more people to malls and retailers.
   I would expect shoppers to be out in numbers returning, exchanging or cashing in. So much for the crowds and all the rush.
   Personally, I received a lot more than I gave. Isn't that the way it usually goes? But if you're one who donated time, merchandise or money to a worthwhile charity or person needing a hand, your giving will bring you more than you'll ever know.
   It won't be in the form of nicely wrapped gifts or the newest in gadgets. No, it will be more personal like inner satisfaction and peace, and knowing you did something, however small it may seem, for someone in need.
   That's a great feeling to have and one to be experienced not only at Christmas but throughout the year.
   A pro athlete interviewed recently said that on awakening each day he tries to think about something positive he can do during the day for a stranger, always with the thought of making life a little easier.
   Whether he reaches that goal or not isn't important. The importance comes from the mere fact of thinking of others and trying to do something in a positive way for them.
   That can't help but make it a better day.

The night before the night before!

   I'm writing this Sunday evening in order to have it ready to go by tomorrow, Christmas Eve. Time could become scarce around home with a lot of last minute chores to get out of the way.
   We have come up with our own traditions for Christmas over the yeas.  Even though three of our four children live out of the country, we still maintain them.
   Christmas Eve day I try to help my wife in the kitchen with the menial things like chopping and keeping ahead with dish washing.
   She's a great cook and pretty particular about how things are done. That's why she prefers doing it by herself.
   She'll make the best cheese ball in the world-actually several as she gives some away- great meatballs,  
and a couple of dips.
   Usually we are in church for the 11p.m. service. We like to go then because of the carolling and the way the church looks decorated, with just candle light.
    Returning home, we have our snacks then it's time for Santa to come. Finally, we are off to bed. These days we can sleep in with no little ones to wake us up early.
   Christmas day is a leisure time beginning with homemade breakfast pie, homemade coffee cake and lots of flavored coffee.
   When grandson Josh arrives, it's time to see what Santa left. Later, we'll have a traditional dinner to put a final touch to a wonderful day.
   Even though our small grandchildren aren't here, we maintain the same traditions. Should they come for Christmas, not much would change other than getting up earlier.
   With all the changes in our present day and time, it's nice to form traditions within families that last. Even our kids take some of ours and some of their own to start their own traditions.
   Whatever your preference, be sure and include all of the family. It's a great time of the year for everyone to be close.

Relieve shoulder pain with Rotator Reliever

   A little over a year ago I had surgery to fix a badly torn rotator cuff. There wasn't much left to fix so surgery didn't work. Rather, it left me in pain most of the time and limited use of my right arm.
   Aggressive physical therapy helped get some range of motion back. In the meantime I had 4 more surgeries; 3 to clean out the infection that came about right after the initial surgery, then a fourth to clean scar tissue out and manually manipulate my shoulder.
   This operation seemed to help by giving me back some range. However, that was short lived. And the pain was still there. The next step would be a reverse shoulder replacement.
   Since I haven't had a lot of success with surgeries having suffered infections with the last three I decided to live with what I have.
   A few months ago I was introduced to Mike Carroll, M.D. Carroll has a family practice in Traverse City and is himself a person who has had shoulder pain and limited use.
   He's come up with a program that involves simple, light exercises that take about 5 minutes a day. The program is based on twirling a wighted ball through 4 different positions. The balls are numbered 1-4 so you can't go wrong.
   Each ball is twirled thirty five times in one direction, then thirty five in the opposite. Repeat this for 10 days then move up to he next ball until all have been used. The entire exercise plan takes 45 days.
   I'm at day sixteen and am beginning to notice differences. I don't have near the pain except if I reach a certain way and that is even getting better. And I think the muscles are beginning to get stronger.
   That's all according to the programs design to concentrate and work on the muscles around the shoulder joint.
   If you experience shoulder pain to the extent I have which hasn't allowed me to shoot a bow or my shotgun, then visit www.rotatoreliever.com for more information or call Mike Carroll at (231) 392-6705.

Do we need automatic guns?

   The question a lot of people are asking since the school shootings in Newton, Connecticut is why are automatic guns-particularly long guns-legal in this country?
   The military and police are about the only groups that would have a need for them. I(This is pursuant to conversations I have heard.) I agree.
   Hunters need a bolt action or pump to shoot game. One good friend, Tom Lounsberry who resides on a farm in the thumb area often hunts with a single shot shotgun. He can empty a spent round a reload quicker than many can rack another round in the the gun's clip.
   But the other side of the argument is if autos or semi autos are deemed illegal, that's just one step in outlawing all guns. Give them an inch and they'll take a yard is the conclusion of gun rights advocates.
   The NRA, always a proponent of about any firearm that comes down the road has been silent on this issue since the shootings occurred.
   They plan to hold a news conference December 21 to announce their position. In the past those announcements have always brought with them, frustration and anger on both the right to bear arms side as well as the opposition.
   It's time to fish or cut bait as the saying goes. I don't think we can have it both ways. They are either legal or not.
   Many stores are pulling them off shelves and gun racks. Some are refusing to sell them anymore. Indeed, these next few days and weeks are going to be telling regarding the second amendment and gun owners rights.