MY WEIRD LITTLE MIND: Highway to Hell

WARNING! 

In the blog post I'm writing about death. Not blood or any of that, just my thoughts of growing old and dying with honour. If you do not wish to read about this, I suggest you exit and pop back another day.

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About here I'm probably imagining that you're wondering why I'm talking about death. Well, me and some friends of mine started talking about dying of old age plus I read an article in a Norwegian newspaper (Dagbladet) about the life expectancy in Norway. That's basically it really. The death of a young person is the most tragic thing in the world and I do not envy anyone this tragic event. That's not what I'm on about here. What I'm on about is growing old after having lived a great life and dying of old age.

According to the statistics a Norwegian man born between 1991 and 1995 will, in average, live until he's 74,4 years old. (Haha, if you're born in 1990, jokes). I plan on living my life to the full and at least reach 70. So I've got loads of years ahead of me and talking about death seems like the oddest thing ever.

I remember when my great-grandmother was hospitalized. At the time I was 8 years old. She was in a bad state and had tubes and wires hooked up to her. I was asked if I wanted to go and see her, but I said no. I think I didn't want to see her like that, so fragile, so vulnerable. Today I kinda regret not going I think, but what's done is done. Anyhoodle, she had explicitly said that she did not want to be kept alive by machines when that time came, she wanted to die in peace. That's a wish I respect. My great-grandmother kept it going to the very end. I remember visiting her in her apartment in Oslo and making the most amazing chocolate cakes with green peppermint icing. That's what I remember. The laughter, the smells and the experiences. I remember I wasn't crying in the church, even though everyone around me was. I started crying when I saw my grandmother cry outside as the coffin was taken away.

Dying with honour is something I think is really important and something that every single person has the right to. Over the past couple of years I've heard of several cases in the papers were senior citizens in nursing homes/retirement homes in Norway have been told when they could shower, use the toilet, go for a walk and when to go to bed, or sometimes worse, being denied it. I think that's bloody outrageous! How awful! These citizens deserve so much better.
That's why I'm planning on not going to a retirement home, unless conditions improve dramatically. I really can't imagining "living" a life where I can't wipe my own behind after I've been to the toilet or not remembering my kids when they come visit me. Or walking off in the middle of the day and heading into town not knowing who or where I am. To me that's not living. To me that's not honour.

When you loose the ability to do those basic things and have to be in care, that's when life ends in my opinion. This may sound harsh and you might even hate me for saying this, but think about it. Would you like having a nurse wipe your behind and shower you at specific times of the day? (Having said that, the staff working with senior citizens are doing an amazing job and I applaud you for that! So please don't take this as criticism towards you.) I don't care if I can get 5 more years, if the price I have to pay is my freedom and my mind. I'd rather die 75 and sound at mind than 80 after 5 years in care and dementia...

That's why when the day comes that the doctor asks for my driving license, gives me a walking chair, sends me off to a retirement home and my memory is slipping, I plan on letting it all go. I'd rather my future children and grand children remember the strong me. There's no shame in wanting to die when you've reached the end of the line. To die with your honour intact.

My funeral is going to be a blast. In Western cultures and societies, it’s common that funerals are a time for mourning of the loved one that’s been lost. A funeral is normally the last time people come together to mourn and honour the person. Is often custom to wear black clothing to show one is mourning. For many African countries this is a time for celebrations, where dancing and singing is key. I read online that this is very common in many funerals in Ghana for example. When a death in the family happens, they come together to sing, dance, eat and drink and instead of wearing black, they show up wearing the most colourful clothes and finest jewellery. Apparently these funerals can often last long into the night. Ghanaians see funerals as a time to celebrate the life the person has live, not as a time to mourn.

I like that thought. So I hereby pledge my wishes for when I die at the age of 74,4:
- Black clothing is forbidden! (except for underwear and socks)
- Those that plan on speaking, have to tell at least one amazing joke!
- I want AC/DCs "Highway to Hell" to be played, yup that's right.

When people die of old age, after having lived a long and exciting life, I think it's important to celebrate that person, not just stand there and sob. Of course I cry at funerals, but I also try to treasure the time I had with those people.

Okay, that was probably the most morbid thing I've ever written on my blog, but it's just something that popped into my head.

Today's song you've probably already guessed.

Today's song: AC/DC - Highway to Hell

FITNESS 3: Gear and gadgets

Having the right gear is absolute key when you're working out. And doesn't have to cost a fortune... except for the shoes. Those are worth investing in.

I bought mine in XXL (Norwegian sports store) just over a week ago, amazing! Nike Zoom structure they're called. Good stability and support and especially designed for those that need extra medial support like me, but at the same time need/want extra cushioning and light weight. I bought them for 1399 NOK / £148 / $231 in Norway, but if you don't live in Norway you can get them LOADS cheaper. On Footlocker.com they got them for $99 (597NOK / £63). The reason for the redicioulous overpricing in Norway is due to our import, VAT and tax system. But I needed new shoes and couldn't wait until I was back in the UK.

Clothing

I've got a series of polyester t-shirts which are great for getting all the body sweat out and about. Then one good pair of shorts and a pair of running tights. I bought those tight when I was in St. Maxim (near St. Tropez France) in 2008! And they're still going strong. Same with one of the t-shirts. So if you come across the brand Kalenji, don't walk past it, buy it.

I need to get some more t-shirts when I get back to the UK, can't be arsed to buy 'em here.  Because all I got is 3 t-shirts and one of them is too small now. Bloody washing machine's been shrinking it into Barbie size.

Next thing on my list is a couple of polyester boxers, cause cotton ain't cutting it anymore. Right, if you're a bloke you can relate to this and if you're a girl I apologize. You've been out running for example or lifting some weights in the gym. You're sweaty all over the place and is it one thing that's not nice it's a pair of sweaty cotton boxers either going high up or clinging to your sack like a pair of hungry puppies. And sometimes after you've finished and sit down, it feels like the Abominable Snowman has paid you a visit. So thought I'd just give it a go and see if it's any better.

Also getting a jacket and maybe a long sleeve top.

Shopping list:

Craft Men's Active Run Tee - £14 x 2 = £28

Mens 2 PAIR PACK More Mile cushioned LONDON running sock - £6.99

Craft Men's Pro Cool Boxers £23.96 x 2 = £47.92

Ronhill Men's Advance Windlite Jacket - £33.62

Ronhill Men's Advanced Long Sleeve Crew - £14.99

Total - £131.52

And you should also get a armband or similar for your phone (or mp3 player). They cost next to nothing on eBay from China.

Add the shoes (US price) and a pair of shorts...

Slazenger Woven Shorts - £4.00

Nike Zoom Structure - $99/£63

Smartphone armband (multiple phones) - £2.89

... and you get a total of £201.41

I know it sounds like a lot, but most of the stuff I've got has lasted me for several years. So look at it as an investment.

Gadgets & apps

For my workout I use several apps and some gear to make the most of it.

   

Workout trainer is a smartphone app which helps you find workout programs. They've got thousands of different program for all parts of the body. And it's so easy to use. It comes in a free version and a pro version. Basically the pro version gives you a real persons voice as audio coach plus access to more programs. I've been using the free version and works great for me. The reason why I use this is for example instead of using pen and paper to make a list of the exercises I'm doing, I can have picture, audio data and more. It also doubles as a social network, allowing strangers to connect. I've created four programs myself.

Endomondo Sports tracker is an absolute life saver! This is because it help me keep track of my progress and also gives me detailed performance data with its GPS feature. For example it measures you speed at specific points, also how steep that hill was. It also acts as an audio coach during your workout, giving you your lap time, distance and more.

You can also, with the PRO version, beat yourself and compete with others. You can set it to involve any type of sport, not just cycling or running. Same as with the Workout Trainer, it doubles as a social network, but can also easily be connected with Facebook. 

I use this every time I go running/cycling and also for interval training, both strength and cardio.

AND MUSIC!!! I can't go running without music! I need those beats drumming through my head. It's also proven that music can increase your performance with 15%. That's why I always got a ton of playlists on my phone.

All of this stuff, the clothes, the shoes and the apps, is only there to help you preform better. And I personally feel I preform better with them. To me, it's important to able to use technology to make life a tiny bit easier, but it shouldn't control my life. So I say give it a go!

And one more thing. I'm really not trying to sound like a know-it-all-goodie-goodie here. And I know I'm no expert on this, but I'm just typing what I've learned and what I like. Cheers!

Next time I'll show you my new program which is gonna run from next week until.... ehhhh.... a while. And I'd love your feedback please :D

These are two of my favourite artists!! Fireflies and Call Me Maybe are two great hits!

Check it out!

Today's song: Owl City & Carly Rae Jepsen - Good time

FITNESS 2: Food & supplements

Food
I can't stand complex diets, that requires a Mensa diploma to remember and understand... What's the point? I've got some simple rules I follow which are simple and makes me feel good.

* Eat all the time - Try to eat six times a day, every 2-3 hours. We're not talking full meals here every two hours, but enough to keep your metabolism up. Point is to not become hungry.

My typical meals when working:
06:30 breakfast - Two-three slices of dark bread with ham and liver patè
09:00 snack - a banana
11:00 lunch - three slices of bread
13:00 snack - 1/3 of a broccoli
16:00 dinner - whatever mama cooks up, which in 95% of the cases is healthy
20:00 supper - fruit and low-fat yoghurt

* Protein is my BFF - Chicken, milk, nuts (unsalted), lean meat, eggs, fish, peas, green vegetables and dark bread are key. Also a protein shake after each workout.

* Find a healthy craving - Find something healthy that helps you keep your crawings down. I found out that broccoli is mine. I swear, since I started this I've been eating at least half a broccoli a day. I love it raw! I know, kinda weird, but so good.

* Skip the junk food

* Have a cheat day a week - Sticking to a diet is hard. And I've tried one before. The problem was that if I slipped, I slipped properly. We're talking crisps, beer or junk food. Having a cheat day a week, where you can have a burger or a nice pizza, makes a diet much easier.

Dark bread, chicken, red meat (remove the fat), fish, potatoes, wholemeal rice, cous cous, wholemeal pasta,  tomatoes, cucumber, lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, onions, squash, aubergine, peppers and much more. Even though you're eating healthy, doesn't mean you can enjoy yourself.

My supplements
In addition to a healthy diet, I take performance enhancers and protein shakes.

After each workout I have a whey protein shake, the favourite being mint chocolate! I also take supplements to increase the body's natural fat burning ability and to increase the muscle build up. The stuff I'm on now I bought from a good Norwegian online store, Gymgrossisten, but I've tried to find the products I use on more international sites for you guys. My examples are from PhD supplements, which is my favourite brand for whey protein. Another brand I've tried and some of my mates use is Maximuscle.

Whey protein - http://www.phd-supplements.com/store/p/10/1/PharmaWhey.html
Lean degree caps - http://www.phd-supplements.com/store/p/6/1/LeanDegree.html
BCAA caps - http://www.phd-supplements.com/store/p/38/1/BCAA.html or http://www.maximuscle.com/bcaas
CLA caps - http://www.phd-supplements.com/store/p/48/1/CLA.html or http://www.maximuscle.com/cla1000

Remember, these are just examples. It's important that you read the description and find out what works for you. Also, keep in mind that all that are SUPPLEMENTS not REPLACEMENTS! They do not replace any meal what so ever! They don't do the job for you, they just help you ensure that the hard workout YOU do is noticed by the body.

Stay tuned! I'll talk about what gadgets & gear that make my life a lot easier. What can I say? I'm a sucker for tech stuff. I'll also show how my week 6 ++ program looks like.

This song is now officially stuck in my head. I hear it all the time on the radio here, like it!

Today's song: Tacabro - Tacata

FITNESS: My workout plans

This is going to be a series of blogposts, covering my workout plans, food, supplements, gear & gadgets and motivation. So stay tuned!

The first rule: Forget about the number on the scale! (your weight) If you wish to loose fat and gain muscles and to become lean, your weight shouldn't be any concern. The reason for this is that muscle weigh more than fat.

Me the other day after a workout. Just felt like taking a picture really.

What does count, is how YOU feel, how YOU preform and how YOU feel you look. What I do from time to time, even though I know I shouldn't, is to compare myself with others. Everyone does it. Especially if you go to a gym. You can't help but look at others and often feel envy. Yeah sometimes it sucks, I know. That some people can just look at a gym and eat fast food and still be fit and look good, while you work out 3 times a week. But here's some comforting news; when those people hit their 50-60s they'll most likely get larger, fat clogged up in their arteries, muscle deterioration and general body fatigue. It's a bit mean to think that, but hey? What's the world without the devil on your left shoulder?

My goal
I want to get lean and increase my muscle mass. Not massive, but defined. I want to loose belly fat and get a six pack. And also improve my cardio. Simple as that really. Take a look at Zac Efron, now that's a great body! Lean, nice muscles, six pack, but still not Arnold Schwarzenegger massive.That's my goal. And yeah, I know it will take time, but I will get there.

Define your goal early. Having a goal it helps me push that little bit extra and gives me something to aim for. Also I feel writing a blog, posting stuff on social medias and other apps helps to motivate me. Could be something so simple as someone pressing LIKE on my photos/statuses of workout stuff.

My workout plan
I try to follow this as closely as possible, but sometimes I've had to cut it short because of work. All these sessions take about 1 hour, maybe a bit more. From next week I'll change my plan, which I will tell you more about later.

Abs workout - Day 1 and 3

Week 1 - 2

Run 4 km. At every km you stop and do a muscle session:

- 20 diamond sit ups
- 10 right oblique sit ups
- 10 left oblique sit ups
- 10 hip lifts
- 20 leg lifts

Week 3

Run 5 km. At every km you stop and do a muscle session:

- 20 diamond sit ups

- 10 sit ups whilst right leg raised and left leg bent behind it
- 10 sit ups whilst left leg raised and right leg bent behind it
- 10 hip lifts
- 20 leg lifts
- 10 wide push ups

Week 4 - 5

Run 6 km. At every km you stop and do a muscle session:


- 20 diamond sit ups

- 10 sit ups whilst right leg raised and left leg bent behind it
- 10 sit ups whilst left leg raised and right leg bent behind it
- 10 hip lifts
- 20 leg lifts
- 10 wide push ups
- 10 frog legs
- 10 wide push ups (if you're up for it)

Stretch out! You should be at 70-80% max pulse when running.

Dumbbell workout - Day 2

You keep the same exercises, but increase the weights. I try to up mine every 1-2 week.. So taking notes of what you do the first time is a good idea. It should be so heavy that doing one extra tricep kickback is impossible. You can access the program on you Apple or Android phone here: http://www.skimble.com/workouts/375051 I'm going to tell you more about the apps and gadgets I use later.


- Start with a 20 min cardio warm up. Cycling or running. About 70% of maximum pulse.

Dumbbells
- 12 dumbbell squats
- 12 dumbbell lunges right leg first
- 12 dumbbell lunges left leg first
- 12 dumbbell chest press
- 25 sec rest
- 12 dumbbell bent over rows
- 10 tricep kickbacks
- 10 right tricep extensions
- UP YOUR WEIGHT FOR BICEPS
- 10 right bicep curls
- 10 left bicep curls
- 25 sec rest

- 10 right bicep curls
- 10 left bicep curls
- 12 dumbbell lateral shoulder raises
- 12 overhead press
- 25 sec rest

Abs part - this part you do TWICE
- 30 sec plank
- 20 crunches
- 10 right oblique crunches
- 10 left oblique crunches
- 20 bicycle crunches
- 12 Russian twists (with or without a ball, you choose)
- 20 leg lifts
- 15 hip lifts / floor bridge

Stretch out
- Cobra (20 sec)
- Child's pose (20 sec)
- Shoulder stretches, alternate arms after 20 sec
- Chest stretches, alternate arms after 20 sec
- Tricep stretches, alternate arms after 20 sec
- Quad stretches, alternate legs after 20 sec
- Hamstring stretches, alternate legs after 20 sec
- Right side stretch (20 sec)
- Left side stretch (20 sec)

Shake it out!

Fitting it all in
Try to make it work for you. Also try to make sure that you have a meal straight after your workout to get all the benefits of your workout! Sometimes I can't workout that day, but I try my best to make it up the following day. Now I work full time, normally 5-6 days a week, so shuffling about is sometimes necessary.

Take the stairs, suddenly do 10 push ups at work or bounce around. Move your body every day. Don't just sit on your arse when you're not working out.

Motivation
What keeps me motivated is the progress I've been making so far. I've lost about 5 cm / 2 inches of fat at my waist during the last 3-4 weeks. I feel that I get more energy from working out. It also helps to keep me healthy.

Also I'd like to feel more confident about my body. It's not like I hide it away and shove it in a closet (haha, got it?), but I don't LOVE playing football topless on the beach for example. When it comes to my body, I'm satisfied with everything except my abs, chest and arms. I'll be the first to admit that if I had a six pack I'd probably go running shirtless down at the beach. Why? To show off, haha! I wouldn't to it every time, but I can just imagine that it would brighten your day having people whistle after you when you run past.

STAY TUNED! Pop by tomorrow and I'll tell you about what I eat and the supplements I take to maximize the workouts I do.

Have a nice Wednesday night with some Latino rhythms!

Today's song:  Shakira - Addicted to you

A FIREMAN MAYBE?

I've written about this several times, but the question never seems to get old. A question asked ever since you could walk. Normally magician, fireman, policeman or astronaut are the kings of the career wishlist for many boys when growing up.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

When I ask that to anyone else, I normally do so in present tense. I don't go ...when you were growing up, because we're still growing. We always change, we always grow. The prospect of leaving university in just one year from now is kind of terrifying. Think about it. For the last 16 years I've been in full time education. A new era of my life is about to begin.

So what do I want to be? Well I love gadgets and media. TV, film and music are key elements of my life. I also LOVE moving about at work and could not handle a office job. One of the many things I got from my mother, is the urge to work with people. I love being around people, so office work at home is no option for me. As some of you may know, one of the things I actually thought of doing in my life was Child Protection Service worker. Working with children. I love kids, I do.

I have got an idea of my dream job. I would love to get to work for Travel Channel as a camera operator. Traveling the world, meeting new people and cultures and trying all kinds of different food. That's my dream. I think my urge to travel and get as far away as possible comes from the film "Eurotrip". That was the first DVD I bought for my own money when I was 12. Ever since then I've been signing/humming "Scotty doesn't know that Fiona..." once in a while.

Basically I'e boiled my future down to a few elements:

- Ability to express myself
- Organizing
- People
- Active

That's the four elements I'm looking for in my future. Stress is also something I enjoy from time to time, but not everyday. Makes you feel alive and shows yourself what you're capable of.

Where would this be? That's another thing. I'm a bit torn between at least two different places, Norway and UK. I do love Norway and I'm proud to say I'm Norwegian, but I'm.... I donno.... bored being in the same place I guess. And besides, the film industry or drama productions for TV, in Norway is very small, simply because we're only 5 million people.

In the last 6-8 months or so, the idea that's been stuck in my head is trying to get a job for BBC Wales in Cardiff. A large number of BBCs drama productions are based in Cardiff now, not London. That's also a reason I'm trying to pick up some Welsh. If I could learn Welsh, at least some basics, it might be to my advantage. So far I can present myself, greetings and count to 10, haha! Hopefully I'll get better.

But I am being a realist. Getting a job in the BBC will be really hard and IF by a stroke of divine touch I get in, I would have to start as the assistant of the assistant. I'll also try to apply for jobs with other production companies to. The only thing is that the recession has hit the UK, which has made the job market unstable as hell. In Norway the recession never came and any Norwegian telling you otherwise are completely bonkers...

And besides I like it in Swansea. 

The scary side. What's holding me back is family and friends in Norway. I often feel a guilt for leaving my sisters for example. And I do miss my parents, not living under their roof, but having them near me. And my friends of course.

My auntie told me something in April which has stuck with me "Why should you move back? You're young. Explore the world". That's what she did. After working as an Au pair in UK, she lived several years in America with my uncle. One of my nephews were born there. They've lived in Norway now for like 12-13 years, but MIGHT be moving to the States again for a few years. They survived.

But then again, true friends and family stay with you forever wherever you are. And so far they have. I've got some amazing friends in Norway which I speak to very often when in the UK. And I speak to my family often too. Skype calls are a wonderful thing! Should I then hold back my dreams because of the scary side? I think one should take family and friends into the account, but not let them make the decision for you. True friends and family stay with you where ever you go. Just remember to call home once in a while.

What will become of me? Who knows? Maybe I'll wake up one day and decide to become a... nose spray tester! Point is that even though I kinda hate it, the lack of a secure path and future that is, it's a part of growing up I guess.

So cheers to uncertainty!

Anine Stang is a great Norwegian artist. I filmed her during the Pride Days in the capitol a few weeks back. She was absolutely amazing live and what mooooooves! She had a pre-premiere on her new song which I believe is set to be released very soon.

Today's song: Anine Stang - Dominoes

PRIDE DAYS 2012

All the videos I did for Oslo Pride 2012 is now up. Not the greatest, I know that, but they did the trick. I had an absolute blast during pride days. I met some amazing people and made some new friends which I'll hopefully see soon. Pride days is about being proud, about showing off and about feeling comfortable in your own skin. And show the world that we're here and you can't hide us under a carpet, not even a rainbow one.

Anyhoodle, here's all the films:



And of course, today's song was easy. I know the LGBT society is trying really hard to get rid of the typical stereotypes. Like that gays are only into make-up, glitter, glam and pink or that lesbian all dress as tomboys in checkered shirts. That's not true. But one stereotype we can't get rid off is Eurovision, so I think "most" just embraced it. I personally am not a great fan of the music, but I watch it to get a laugh. This song was played a ton of times EVERYWHERE during Pride.

So, Euphoria....