looking for the fountain of youth?

Tonight on NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams, the news was, yet again, about the power of exercising. There was a study done over a span of 24 years on runners, and they found that people who run live an average of 16 years longer than those who don't before getting sick with disease or neurological problems. Sixteen years! Prominent researchers again heralded exercise as the fountain of youth.

I get it. I know how important it is to exercise, and I actually enjoy doing it, but yet I struggle to fit it in. Over summer vacation I made it to the gym pretty often, but with working all day and then racing to pick Bree up from daycare, coming home, dinner, spending time with my husband, etc., exercise falls away. But I know how good I feel after I do it. I am a healthier, and HAPPIER person when I exercise.

So I have to figure out a way.

I am posting a poll on this so please vote, and I would love your comments!

Poll Results - How many states have you been to?

With our trip to Oregon, I added another state to my list, making my total 21. Unlike my husband, I do not count airport layovers! I have to actually visit a state - walk around, see some sights, etc., to count it in my list.

The results were:

1-5 states: 2 votes or 28%
5-10 states: 0
10-15 states: 2 votes or 28%
15-20 states: 0
20-25 states: 2 votes or 28%
more than half of the nation: 1 vote or 14%

I was disappointed that there weren't many votes on this one. Maybe other people don't keep count? Oh wait - maybe there are only six people reading this blog! I wonder who the well-traveled person is who has been to more than half of the nation, and which states that person is missing? I have never been to the southeast part of our country, and would love to see Florida, Virginia, or Tennessee. Is there a state you haven't seen and would really like to visit?

Poll: Do you like roller coasters?

The very first roller coaster I ever rode was called the Wildcat. It was one of the old wooden ones at Elitch's. I was only in about the sixth grade and I cried. I got on it again, and rode that Wildcat for the entire rest of my time at the park that day and into the night, eventually loving it. I've always considered myself a person who enjoys roller coasters. My mom and I rode the Steel Eel at Sea World a few years ago - and that one scared me! They are just getting more and more intense.

A friend e-mailed me some pictures of one at Cedarpoint in Ohio. I do like roller coasters, but I don't think I'll be trying this one!!

Poll Results: Where would you go?

On this poll I listed 5 travel spots which I have not yet visited, but would perhaps like to someday. I went ahead and voted, and my vote was to see the pyramids in Egypt. I am a little scared to make that trip because of all of the political unrest you hear about there - but perhaps it is overdone. I would love to talk to someone who has been there! The pyramids are certainly fascinating and it would be surreal to actually see them in person.

It is probably more likely that I will make it to Peru and Macchu Picchu someday. Dan and I talk about making this trip often. Paris - of course who wouldn't want to see Paris? Another famous landmark and I hear the food is excellent, but everyone I know of who has been tell me the Parisians ARE rude! Lying on a beach in Tahiti sounds so exotic and tropical. I added Antarctica and the penguins for Dan - he has been to all seven continents and always says that is his favorite place to visit. Getting there is a feat - it is so remote! I'm not sure I'll actually make it there - the boat ride down is horrendous and boats don't like me. You can fly, but the cost is astronomical.

Poll Results:

To Egypt to visit the pyramids - 55%

To Peru to see Macchu Picchu - 11%

To Paris to see the Eiffel Tower - 11%

To Antarctica to see the penguins - 0%

To Tahiti to lounge on the beach - 22%