Pot Belly to flat belly!

6:00am

“Dude! You’ve got a paunch!”

Rudely woken up from my peaceful slumber, I look across to my roommate who’s all geared up in his track suit.

“Great observation Sherlock,” I whimper as I pull the sheets closer to get back to sleep.

“Dude! All you need to do is join me on a run for half an hour every day and you’ll get rid of all that flab.”

“From tomorrow bro, tomorrow. You carry on!”

“Never leave for tomorrow what you can begin today,” he says, misquoting Benjamin Franklin before slamming the door on the way out. Thank goodness he left before I threw my pillow on him!

When I was finally up, I followed my usual routine of stretching in front of my mirror. And lo! Mr. Philosopher was right! I had a big belly. It used to be smaller though. But now I look like I've swallowed a football!

All that uncontrolled eating over the past few weeks...

Add to that, laziness with a capital L...

Well, as you know, it’s definitely easier to get a pot belly, than lose it. It not only spoils your posture and looks, but is bad for health as well. If you already have a paunch, then daily exercise and dietary controls should be your goals!

Let’s start with the simplest form of exercise: the morning run. My roomie is right. Running triggers our metabolism early in the morning, making sure our body burns calories all through the day at a quick pace. And obviously reduction in calories is equal to faster weight loss. Brisk walking, jogging, swimming and similar cardio and aerobic exercises go a long way in taking care of flabs.

Anaerobic exercises are also what flat and fit abs will need. Exercises like crunches and sit ups take care of the lower abdominal area. But it is recommended by experts to go for a full body work out to strengthen your muscles. This in-turn helps burn more calories, ultimately reducing belly fat.

Nope, I didn’t forget about managing food habits. Yes, you must say no to all that junk food and potato chips. Get back to the basics by keeping a balanced diet. Stress is a common reason for eating lots of unhealthy, weight inducing foods. The hormone cortisol is what kick starts these uncontrollable cravings during times of stress. This hormone causes fat to seep into the abdomen.  Chill out with some yoga, meditation and good sleep to get rid of such stressful situations.

Eating right and a healthy lifestyle can definitely tackle the problem before it even begins. And, don’t worry, I’m starting my routine from tomo..er..I mean today, yes! 

recording link

https://soundcloud.com/alen-joseph/mighty-to-save

A small recording while on the tour bus with The Good Fight band (Dec. 2012) :)

Video Diary: There's always something good from the bad...

The scene is set in a bedroom. The pure white walls compliment the dark blue curtains. On the wall is a picture of a boy with a cricket bat. Next to it, a big poster of Sachin Tendulkar. The head of the bed draped in Mickey Mouse sheets is near one of the grilled windows which are open. There sits a boy, the same one in the picture, about the age of 10 sitting near the bed’s head, with his hand upon his chin gazing disappointedly out the window. The shadow of the curtain falls upon his face. We can hear children playing loudly outside. Our protagonist seems sad that he can’t play with those children. That’s when we notice his foot. His right foot from the knee is just a single metal rod, with a shoe attached underneath....

We see one of his longing eyes begin to shed a tear which he doesn’t bother to wipe away. He sits there in despair, lost in his world of sadness still looking out the window.

Enters his mother, with a tender hearted face, holding a glass of milk. She sees the boy looking out the window and crying and immediately wipes his tears away. After patting him on the head and giving him a hug, she hands him the glass of milk. He slowly but obediently drinks it. After handing the glass back, he looks up to his mom and asks, “Won’t I ever be able to play like them again, Ma?”

She looks at his face and gives him a reassuring smile. “Yes, you will son...you will...very soon. And not like them, but better than them! All you need is to believe you can do it, and practice hard,” she replies. The room suddenly becomes warmer and the shadows on the boys face make way for rays of sunshine, which not just illuminate his face but the whole room as such brightens up. Helping him up, holding him by his hand, she leads him out of the room, closing the door. And lo, at the corner of the door lie his bat and a ball, unused for some time...And on the door, an adidas poster with the words, ‘impossible is nothing’ is stuck in bold letters.....

link of my article that got published on merinews

hey readers..here is the link of my article that got published on merinews.com..also there is the linnk of my photographs as well...The artcile was an inspiration of an earlier blog post (looking back...)
Artcile:http://www.merinews.com/article/quiet-time-can-mark-an-end-to-sleepless-nights/15868106.shtml
Photos:http://photos.merinews.com/morePhotos.do?sub=OtherPhotosByCJ&cj=joelmj90@gmail.com

Watch this space for more stuff..plan to write a mystery story next... :D

That Phone Call...........

I saw her number on the phone this Saturday.Part of my resolution of keeping in touch with friends old and new, I thought I’d make the call. I didn’t know if she changed her number cause it’s been more than a year since I heard from her.
Speaking of her, well, she was one of those very likeable, attractive girls. We were classmates in that coaching class long ago. But we hit it off quickly and became real great friends.After those days I dunno what caused me to lose touch for such a long time.Was it college or new friends? Dunno... boy, what was I thinking, not keeping contact for so long? Damn me!

Conjuring up these thoughts in mind I took a deep breath and pressed the call button.Does she still remember me? Those funny moments we had together and the awkward ones when our eyes met...... Well,ok yeah I did have a thing for her.She did for me too, I could see then I think.But we weren’t sure what to make of it then. But anyway, it starts to ring.
Her dialer tone is one of my favorite tunes.”Cool, she has the same musical taste,” I thought.
She picks up after a lot of rings.

She: Hello?
Me: Hello, Jessica? Jessy? This is me Robby.We went for creative arts coaching classes together some time ago. Remember me?

Eerie silence on the line for a few seconds.....

Me: Hello? Are you there?

She: (Sniff)Yes. Um, Robby this is a bad time, I’m sorry. It’s a pleasant surprise to hear from you after so long.....(Sniff) (Panting)

Me: Oh, sorry were you in the middle of something? I’m sorry,I know it’s been a long time since I called.Didn’t even know if this was still your number. Great to hear you again.When can I call you back?

Jessy: U’m...Robby Robby, no listen..I’ll maybe call you back ok? (more sniffs and heavy panting )

Me: Ok, sure Jessy! Please do...you sound different and in some kind of hurry.Just wanted to reignite the friendship with some old memories and know how far we’ve moved on...I’ll wait for your call.
(Crying heard over the phone)

Jessy! Jessy! Are you all right? Why are you crying? What happened?

Jessy: (Sniff) Robby..um...I’m sorry, (a couple more sniffs)..I don’t think I’ll ever be able to call you again!

Me: What? Hey, I said i’m sorry Jessy.Honest! I should’ve called you much earlier.I apologize. I really am sorry, please don’t cry!

Jessy:Hey, it’s not about you.I mean I was disappointed when you didn’t call for so long. But it’s not that. I’m not.....feeling so good right now....
Me: Are you sure? What happened? Come on tell me. You used to share everything with me! Maybe I can help. Are you sick? It kills me to hear you cry!
(Around 30 seconds of some wailing and sniffing later)
J: What can you do? It’s all my fault! I’m sick of life already! I’m gonna end it! You know what? I’m talking from the edge of the terrace of our hostel. I can see the pavement a long way below. I’m going to be a pile of bones for those street dogs to lick tomorrow...I’ll be in the papers. That’ll make a few people happy!

Me: WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT??????????????!!!! Are you serious?

J: Have you known me to lie?

(Ya it’s true...this gal was one of a kind..she wouldn’t lie no matter what. And if she set her mind on something, she was known to do it without fail.One reason i really admired her for and all the more reason for me to panic!)

Me: JESSY! JESSY! ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND!!!!!!????? GET DOWN NOW!!!! Get away from there now! There’s no problem we can’t solve.Listen to me and get away from there and talk to me now! You heard that? Get back to your room or some place safe! Now!

(Silence....)

Me: Hello! Jessy, listen to me please! I beg you, don’t do it. Get away now!

(Silence...)
( I really wished I could pull her away from where she was right now)

J: (Sniffle) Yeah I guess it wouldn’t hurt to tell you before I go.

Me: You’re not going anywhere! You heard that? Are you away from the edge now? Please tell me you are!

J:Yeah I am now.

Me: Ok, good. Now calm down, sit somewhere and tell me everything that has happened. Slowly.

J:Well it all started last year after you left coaching.Since you never wanted to call me after you went to your new university (I bit my tongue)...I thought fine,I should move on too. But it wasn’t as easy. I was pretty lonely you know. Other school friends were just like you. Never called or SMSed at least.All busy with their new lives and campuses. Anyway, when I got to my college I also made new friends.Or rather I thought they were friends. You know Robby, they just wanted to use me, all they wanted was my notes, my money, my contacts, my everything. Nobody wanted me! The person I am. They wouldn’t call me for fun trips or tours. They wouldn’t want to talk to me. I was always categorized. I was always lonely. (Sobs a little)
Well amidst all this is when Bryan happened.

Me: Bryan?

J: Yeah. He was someone different or so I thought. Well to cut a long story short....he used me too! I was betrayed, used and just uncared for.And yeah, you might ask where my parents were during all this? Oh yeah, haven’t heard from dad in months. Mom occasionally calls when she gets “time” away from her “work.” They divorced 6 months ago.

Me: .....Oh man! Thats terrible! (Geez, this gals suffered a lot!)

(Well she went on to tell me more..all heart-rending tales.It went on for more than 20 minutes. I was sure my phone balance was nearing single figures...)

J: Well yeah, thats what i’ve been through. And so when I felt all hope was lost I thought, I’ll finish it all. It’s not like anyone cares anyway....

Me: Jess..listen I understand what you’ve been through and i’m shocked to bits. I’ve always known you to be a fun chatter box, making everyone’s gloomy day bright. You always had that postivity in you. Why did it ever cross your mind that you were useless? Why did it ever cross your mind that no one cares for u? How could you even think of jumping off a building? Why didn’t you think about me? (Whoops!!!!)
J: You didn’t call me or give me your number you moron!! How was i supposed to think you cared?
Me: Er....um...See Jess, life has its ups and downs.(yeah, I know, i couldn’t come up with anything better than this common line!) Just finishing it won’t settle things. Only you lose.You’ve still got a long life to live.Don’t think you don’t have anybody who cares. You’ve got me if thats any consolation.
(And thats when I said it, i dunno which movie I got this from, but it just came outta my mouth...)
“You’ll always have me, baybee!”
(After a few tense seconds....l hear her laughing. “Good sign!” I thought. I guess the cheesy line worked! Yipee yay!!)
J: Dude! Thats so cheesy! And funny! (laughs)....But thank you that does make me feel better. Loads better!
(Thank goodness! I heaved a sigh of relief. Yipee yay!)
Me: Ok Jess, looks like my balance is dying out. I’ll call you tomorrow....ok?
J: Sure bud( Bud? She still thinks I’m buddies? Didn’t she get the hint?).....
I....(BEEP)
( Balance got over. I couldn’t hear the last line.I banged my hand against the wall. Ouch!)
Sent her a message through my friends phone asking her to sleep.Wishing her good night.
And slowly after a little introspection over the events that just happened. I fell asleep on my bed too.
I woke up the next day and found her message from yesterday:
yes, i will sleep sweetheart. Thanks for everything!
Whoo hoo! She called me sweet heart! Can you believe it! Well yeah, ok i know you’re laughing....But come on its not everyday a girl you like calls you something like ‘Sweetheart’..however cheesy that sounds!

Well I recharged my phone with the last 50 rupee note I had for the week. Never expected yesterdays balance to finish just like that.I’m penniless now. Called her later in the afternoon.No one picked up. Called her in the evening...again...no response. Later in the night I got a call from her phone.....
Someone said something like fell down the stairs....or slipped...or jumped..I couldn’t listen..my head was spinning.....

Whether she jumped, or slipped nobody knows...She died instantly. A painful way too....She's gone......

Was I able to stop her from dying? No...Was I able to bring a ray of sunshine back into her life? I’ll never know.......
All I know is that my sweetheart went to sleep that night........

Looking back.........

"Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy."-Proverbs 14:10

I read the above Bible verse a few days ago,and I think it was on the very same day that I spent a little quality time by myself in one of my favourite secluded areas of my university, EFLU.Prior to this I had a nice little walk around our little campus seeing its numerous sights:The Girls Hostel(now,now,it's not what you think!),Sagars, the half constructed buildings,the dogs running around with the cute lil' puppies not far behind,the lush green lawns,the acad block and so on.This little walking in circles ended at my favourite spot on the first floor.All through this time i had my MP4 plugged to my ear with some of my favourite songs,shutting out all external cacophonical interference.

If you ask why I had this evening of solitude,well I guess it was one of those days when I was having a real rough and restless day with noting working out(which is common as I usually don't have things working out for me).My friends were all too busy doing their work,so there was no one available to hang out with... but anyway,it was one of those days where I really wanted to spend some time by myself, thinking...doing kinda like a little....introspection.....

Life has been given a lot of definitions and quotes have been made by various people,the one's I like the most, I end up puttin' 'em up as my FB status updates.I wonder how they came up with such beautifully thought out stuff.Anyway,dropping all that, I need to come back to the lil' tryst with my ego...

Like I was saying I spent time looking at the people go by,the office workers rushing to go back home after a long day,our dean carrying her heavy bag to her car, random guys and girls chatting up in different nooks and corners and thought about certain questions like: What am i doing with my life? Was I right or wrong? Why am i such a lazy bugger? Why is there so much pressure? Why do emotions play tricks on me? why is today such a bad day? Why am I terrified? and much more....

I spent about an hour looking for answers...the restless day got even more restless...and some really emo songs didn't help either....anger and disappointment welled up inside me, I almost cried...
Well these questions do swarm over my mind very often....according to my friends i'm a very emo guy,to which I agree to an extent....just the way I am sometimes...I hope to get stronger in that sense as I grow and experience more of the world....

One by one I took myself on a flashback, a rewinding of all I did that day,that week,that month...the then I went back to my childhood days,the days I cherish the most,being cared and protected by my parents and two sisters who always advised me,corrected me and told me what to do....the times of fun i had in school etc....thinking about all this and more suddenly brought a warm feeling and gradually a smile on my face and lo,there comes a very cheerful song on my MP4!
I started grinning from ear to ear, I had got what I wanted! A little cheer among all this monotonic sadness....I walked back,with the bluish-purple sky above me looking as pretty as ever above me,to my theatre of dreams(my room) keeping that smile upon my face.

God has been so good.He's brought me thus far,given me opportunities,and blessed me beyond measure.But sometimes I wonder why he left me with so many questions to answer.I didn't get many answered that day,but I learnt some lessons.Sometimes it is a good idea to sit or have a walk by yourself and introspect.Sometimes, you'll learn many of life's secrets while you're at it. I Learnt one that day after a while.(well it isn't such a big great secret but anyway, I gotta end this post,so here goes....)

Problems are here to stay.It's up to you to stay cribbing or smiling it away and taking it one at a time.Doing a little introspection once in a while can probably make a little difference if not a big one.

Sorry for this being not such a great post and being a little preachy and boring,but I've had quite a bad and restless day.....might need to get back to my favourite spot on the first floor...leaving this post with my favorite quote by Ashley Smith:

“Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams.”
PS-Hope to write a better post next time.... :)

My Life as of now!

Dad screaming in my ear...Stomach grumbling with hunger...Assignments to do...Birthday treat...Bad grades...Broke...Sleepy during the lecture...Appreciation from the prof...'She' hardly notices me...Clothes to wash...A bad cold...Mom moaning that I forgot her......Fooled....Pickle...Bread omelette...'She' smiles at me...Basketball...Jogging...Limbs aching...Irritating roomie...Horrible mess food...Fever...Classes....Bandh...Classes...Weekend...Exams...Argument...Ice cream date...Restlessness...Phasing out...No balance..Puppies....The whole place is in smoke...Can't breathe...Expectations from everywhere...pressure building...Crappy film...Nice Chat...I make up with 'her'...Free advice...Prayer...Bossed around...Walking...Poetry....untimely wit...Lazy..unlucky always....No morning paper....friends....No network...Lost...Stammering...Crying...Joking...Football...Confusion...'She' ditches me for another guy...Money in my account...Good grades...Stupid teacher...Music...Sister calls up...gift.....people boozing and doping....Shopping....New chic....Butterflies in the stomach...Decisions....Chinese food...Spanish.... Senti...Great movie...Presentation...Laughed at...Screw up...Work...Home...Hurt...Is she the one?...Fighting off demons....Church...Clumsiness......I love her or do I........Emo songs...Push ups...Thin....Debts.......>.........>.......

Well this could go on,but I stop here for now.This journey called life goes on....