Hard to believe summer is 'over'

I put over in quotes because when the sun is out and its in the 80s it still feels very much like summer. But football starts this weekend (go buffs!), the fall harvest will soon start showing up at the farmers market, and before we know it the year will be over. But that can wait - today let's be thankful for what we have! Especially those amazing looking heirloom tomatoes over there...

Taking the Corazonas Cholesterol Challenge

Since I am part of the sales organization, I felt it was important that I beleive in what I sell so I set out to see for myself how this product works. So after starting with the company in January '08, I added Corazonas chips to my daily food regiment; an ounce late morning and another ounce late afternoon . Based on the research from Brandies University, it is important to consume the chips with a meal. Adding the chips was about the only thing that I did different since I already try to watch what I eat and excercise regularly. To my amazement, I was able to lower my LDL cholesterol from 182 in 2007 to 131 in 2008. Was it 100% attributable to the chips? This is hard to say, but it was the one thing that I changed that I can attribute my success of lowering my cholesterol.

I am anxious to be part of the upcoming Corazonas Challenge to see where my cholesterol is since my last test in March. I am hoping that I have been able to maintain my lower choleserol level and possibly drop it a bit more. I will make sure that I will update the blog as I am going to add a bit better eating and a more stringent work out plan to see if I can get my LDL cholesterol under 100 points.

A perfect night at Red Rocks

I had to share this view we had on the most perfect night for a concert. Red Rocks is a magical place inn any case but tonight was exceptional! If you haven't checked out My Morning Jacket you don't know what you're misssing! Black Keys played an awesome opening set too.

New Byrne/Eno album

Listening to the new David Byrne/Brian Eno album today; nice to hear both of these guys still at the top of their game. It's only available on the website below; you can also stream it live off our blog by hitting 'play' below. Enjoy!

Read the Rolling Stone Review

http://www.everythingthathappens.com/

Incredible Summer

In my never-ending quest to live life to it's fullest, and to continue my New Year's resolution to go away for one weekend every month, I have had a very full Summer!!!! I also need to add to my country count so I can reach my goal of visiting 50 countries by the age of 50!

I started off a little early with a trip on Memorial Day weekend to hike Macchu Picchu in Peru (country number 46). What an incredible experience.....the hike was invigorating, the views were as spiritual as they were spectacular, the people were among the nicest in the world, and I can't wait to go back & see more of this gorgeous country!!!!

And you can also see that Corazonas chips are becoming a local favorite in Peru as well, well at least pictures seem to indicate this!!!!

I returned to have knee surgery the very next day to replace my torn ACL ligament from my ski trip in March. I went from being in probably the best shape in years, to crutches, ice packs, physical therapy and painkillers!!!! Even though the doctors warned me it was a 9-12 month recovery, my brain still does not accept how slow the recovery has been. I have not done any true cardio for 12 weeks now, and just this week I started back on my elliptical machine.....and I feel every step!!!! I have regained about 90% of my flexibility, but have a long way to go to regain my strength. I guess I need to keep up with the physical therapy a bit longer!!!!

In July, I met Cecily, my niece & god daughter in Rome, where she had been studying this summer. I had promised her a few years back that if she studied in Europe, I would meet her & take her around Italy for a week, and I made good on that promise!!! Debbie, her mother (and my sister-in-law) traveled with me and loved her first trip to Italy as well. We visited the major sights in Rome & Florence, as well as Assisi and San Marino (country number 47). We rented a car and drove all over so we saw some beautiful countryside as well! And of course, we supported the Italian economy and shopped a bit.

I will especially cherish this trip - who knows when I will ever get to enjoy a trip like this with my family again. I also hope Cecily has inherited my passion for travel!!!!

Climb Every Mountain.....

I guess you could say I have the bug....just 2 weeks after climbing my first 14'er (and really, my first mountain of any real significance) I summited Hauge's Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park on Saturday with my friends Steve and Marty (l to r in the group photo). Don't be fooled by the mid-13K elevation - this is no 'walk in the park' (well, techically I guess it is) as it is ~15 miles round trip and a punishing 5,000 feet of vertical (up, and then down again!). The physical exercise, the fresh air, the mind-boggling natural beauty, and especially the reward of reaching the summit make all the aches and pains I'm feeling today well worth it. The last 1000 feet or so of the ascent was a lot more work (and a little hairier) than we'd expected; but I'll never forget pulling myself over the edge and onto the top of the mountain - what a feeling!

Five Foods that Lower LDL

Besides eating Corazonas daily :), did you know there are foods that you can easily incorporate into your every day routine that also lower your LDL cholesterol?

Here's our top 5:

1. Oatmeal - try steel-cut oats for a heartier breakfast


2. Red grapefruit - just one daily!


3. Almonds - a handful is all you need


4. Omega-3 fatty acids - salmon and ground flax seed are great sources


5. Olive oil - extra virgin is best; use it in place of butter on veggies

Snack to Your Heart's Content!