Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Get Healthy Bloghop, Fast and Furious 6 Review, Ninja News, Wednesday Movie Quote, and How to be Happy!

Today is the Get Healthy Bloghop!

But first…


Ninja News

Special thanks to Gina Goa at Modern World who posted about me for the 3-UP Bloghop!

The Special Edition of The Woven Tale Press is now available. Put together by Sandra Taylor, and out of thousands of posts submitted from this year's A-Z Challenge, twenty-six made their way into this "summary" of what the challenge is all about. It features several of my blogger buddies, including Chuck at Apocalypse Now, Tangent Shell, LG Keltner, Father Dragon Al, Marcy at Maine Words, and Steven Symes. Congratulations, guys!

Shelly Arkon, Norma Beishir, and William Kendall have a created a group on Facebook, Authors for Oklahoma. They’re looking for fellow authors to donate a book, either virtual or paper, to be raffled off or have a donation made to The American Red Cross, and/or make a money donation. The Facebook page is HERE Contact Shelly if you can donate a book!

Nancy LaRonda Johnson started a Tuesday’s Journal Past Blast, which involves posting an old journal or blog entry. She’s opened it up for others to join, so check it out.

Fran notified me of this UK site – Bloggers For Charity, “Wargames Bloggers joining forces to put on a Charity Demo Game at Triples 2014.” They support the charities Men Matter and Help for Heroes, so whether or not you’re a gamer, check it out.

And don’t forget the Insecure Writer’s Support Group is next Wednesday, June 5! My awesome co-hosts will be Sheena-kay Graham, Suzanne Furness, and Laura Eno.


How to be Happy

Rebecca Bradley tagged me with the How to be Happy in 5 Easy Steps Meme.

I may or may not be doing this right, but these are my five steps to being happy:

Love the Lord with all my heart.
Love my wife with all my heart.
Give to others at every opportunity.
Take care of the temple, which includes my church, my home, and my body.
Give thanks in all things.

Think that about covers it!

Passing this on to Lee at Tossing it Out (because I think he’s probably ready for a happy post), Robyn at Life by Chocolate (she could also use a happy post), Mary at Play Off the Page, Hildie McQueen, and Kathe at It’s a Snap!

Wednesday Movie Quote

This week - apocalyptic films. (Before, during, or after.)

Mine comes from Zombieland:

Tallahassee: “My mama always told me someday I’d be good at something. Who’d a guessed that something’d be zombie-killing?”
Columbus: “Probably nobody.”

Next week – dragon movies!

Movie Review

Fast and Furious 6
Dom and the gang are back for one more gig.
While not quite as good as the fifth one, this film still delivers where it matters. The plot is simple (leave your brain at the door) – Hobbs (Johnson) entices Dom (Diesel) and Brian (Walker) to reassemble their crew to take down the commander of a large organization in exchange for full pardons and the chance to reunite with Dom’s girlfriend, Letty (Rodriguez.)
It’s all about the action, and watching Dom’s team race through London is awesome. The last thirty minutes really elevate the film to a new level with sequences involving a tank and an airplane. Kids, don’t try those stunts at home.
When the credits begin, stay in your seat – there will be a Fast and Furious 7. (And what an awesome villain they’ll face!)
Testosterone level – high.
Brain power – low.
Fun factor – full throttle!

Get Healthy Bloghop

Hosted by Stephen Tremp, L. Diane Wolfe, Michael Di Gesu, and myself!

Offer your best tips and plans to get healthy.

Mine is short and simple, and it’s the best thing you can do for your body.

Drink more water.

We’re supposed to get sixty-four ounces of water a day. While some of that can come from other liquids, water is still best. Most people don’t drink nearly enough water though.

Most of the time when we think we are hungry, we are actually thirsty. Rather than grabbing some chips, drink a bottle of water. (If you’re still hungry fifteen minutes later, then eat.) Water is also filling, so you’ll eat less.

Thirst is a poor indicator of when we need liquid. By the time you’re thirsty, you are already dehydrated. Drinking water often prevents this.

Other benefits – helps balance our body fluids, contributes to healthy skin, energizes muscles, and benefits the kidneys and other organs and body functions.

Only downside is more trips to the bathroom, but that’s exercise, right?

Visit others participating in the bloghop for more healthy tips!


Ready to help some charities? What are your steps to being happy? Got a good apocalyptic movie quote? And what are your tips for getting healthy?

169 comments:

Trisha said...

Excellent advice on water! And as for drinking when we "think" we're hungry, I need to do this more. Actually, I know that most of the time when I snack on stuff I am not hungry but in the mood to eat. ;)

I do drink a lot of water, and recently I learned that your pee isn't MEANT to be yellow, but clear, if you're drinking enough. So anyone with yellow pee needs to drink more water!

Kyra Lennon said...

Genius idea for a bloghop! I'm not sure how I missed this one!

Unknown said...

Drinking more water is a great tip! It's amazing how we can misinterpret the cry for water as a cry for hunger. I drink almost a gallon a day and I do make a lot of trips to the little girls room. Thinking about it as exercise makes me feel better.

I love the order of your How to Be Happy List! You got your priorities straight :)

Suzanne Furness said...

Your 5 things to make you happy fits well with the healthy bloghop today as being happy certainly boasts the health! You're right though most of us don't drink enough water, although I do drink herbal teas which I believe is pretty good too.

Looking forward to IWSG next week!

L.G. Keltner said...

I carry a water bottle with me all the time. Water is definitely crucial to good health.

Shah Wharton said...

I suffer awful headaches and although some are tension headaches, I know many are from dehydration. I bottle of water often calms the pain right down. It's my body saying, "Hey, idiot. Drink water or die!" I forget this basic need is beyond important, but my body doesn't. The irritating thing is, I dislike it. And I rarely feel thirst. Grr! Great tips Alex. X

Shah

http://bit.ly/13Y93DV

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

Alex, I'm still beaming from your love, support and the badge. Thanks so much for adding another honor, with the Be Happy Meme tag. I was going to remove myself from the bloghop listing, given the circumstances, but it turned out to be the perfect time to do a post on the subject.

Your tip about water is so relevant. I need to take your advice and drink more water. Thanks.

Hugs to you,
xoRobyn

Anonymous said...

Congrats to those featured in the press book. Love the Get Healthy bloghop. I only drink water except for the coffee with breakfast. yes I do see more of the bathroom but as you sat even that is exercise.

Yvonne.

The Angry Lurker said...

Nice one Alex for mentioning Bloggers for Charity!

Rachna Chhabria said...

Excellent advice about drinking more water. I drink lots of water throughout the day. I also try to avoid colas as water works better in quenching one's thirst and keeping our bodies well hydrated and has no calories :)

Sheena-kay Graham said...

Great health tip Alex, water is essential to our survival. Glad you enjoyed Fast 6. Yes I'm ready for my close up as co-host for IWSG! *Grins* Nancy's Journal Blast is awesome. Best of luck to Shelley with donations. The Woven Tale Press summary of the A-Z was great. Love your happy ways Alex and enjoy your day. Oh and congrats on getting your 3 ups.

Laura Clipson said...

This is a great tip, and one that most people tend to forget. I'm guilty of not drinking enough water; I get most of my liquid intake from tea. I tend to think that's ok, though, since I don't drink fizzy drinks or high sugar drinks.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Alex .. water is the essential and fresh air .. being happy too - lots of exercise in laughing ...

Excellent how everyone is coming up with different ideas .. cheers Hilary

Tasha Duncan-Drake said...

I'm pretty sure I don't drink enough water *eyes cup of tea*. Maybe time for a glass from the tap :)
Tasha's Thinkings

Unknown said...

Good tip, I drink about 2 litres of water a day. That's about 8 glasses.

Mark Koopmans said...

I mix my 64 ounces with fresh, ground coffee (and sometimes with hops and yeast, too:)

But the water ahead of a snack is a great idea :)

J.L. Murphey said...

I love Rebecca's steps and live them everyday.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I love my water!! And those trips are good otherwise my writing keeps me in my seat too long! ;)

FF6 sounds like fun. I don't expect anything more than what you described in your review from a movie like that. Sometimes I like not having to think! ;)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Trisha, you are correct! It should be clear.

Jenn, thank you.

Suzanne, mental and physical health are linked.

Shah, your body is harsh with you!

Robyn, I'm glad you posted today!

Fran, you're welcome.

Rachna, I drink a cola maybe once a month.

Sheena-kay, thanks again for co-hosting!

Laura, it's certainly better.

Carolyn, that's good!

Unknown said...

Great tip! And so much great news.

I saw F6 and actually thought it took things to a whole new level of awesome. My review is coming Friday.

S.P. Bowers said...

Excellent tip, and one that's easy to forget. I used to drink a pitcher of water each day. I've gotten out of the habit. Thanks for the reminder.

Annalisa Crawford said...

Great happy tips - they obviously work for you!

And drinking water is very good advice. I get really bad headaches when I'm dehydrated. And very grumpy :-)

shelly said...

Sir Poops and Hair Ball gave their tips on being healthy and staying happy, too.

And thank you, Alex, for informing everyone on all kinds of good stuff.

Hugs and chocolate,
Shelly

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

I don't drink soft drinks often, but sometimes will go too long without water, too. Something I'm working on! I always have a glass of water nearby...it's just a matter of drinking it. :)

Natalie Aguirre said...

Great tip. I always need to drink more water. I'm going to remember to drink before I eat.

Elise Fallson said...

Good advice Alex. Drinking water is definitely important to a healthy body. FF6 looks like a fun movie to rent. (:

Sandra Ulbrich Almazan said...

Lots of good stuff today! I'll have to check out that Authors for OK group.

Drinking water is a good tip, though I also drink lots of green tea, which is supposed to be good for you. Both have 0 points in the Weight Watchers program, so why drink your points?

Speaking of water, I need to hydrate and get on the treadmill...

writing and living by Richard P Hughes said...

My tip for getting/staying healthy: go to the dentist at least once a year.

Unknown said...

I loved Zombieland! Such a fun movie! I must say I'm even more curious about Fast and Furious 6 now.

Also congrats to those guys who're trying to help Red Cross, it's such a great, inspiring initiative, just like your Get Healthy Bloghop!

Louise said...

Great minds thinking alike! I posted about the importance of drinking water, too.

Love your steps for happiness. So simple - and so central to everything we are.

Ian Anderson said...

Drinking water is so simple, yet difficult! I try to slam 20-30oz right when I get up, that puts me on track first thing.

Laura Pauling said...

Great comments on How to be Happy. I'd say that's my list too. And yes, drink water. Thankfully, whenever I'm out I'm drinking water. :)

Marta Szemik said...

I definitely don't drink enough water. Thank you for hosting this blog hop:)

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Water is not my favorite thing, so we buy flavored water for me. I just don't like the lack of taste!

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

I can definitely feel the difference in my body - and mind! - when I don't drink enough water. I usually drink it "straight" but I've also added to it from time to time - lemons, lime, cucumber. :)

mshatch said...

Thank you for the mention, Alex, I was so honored to have been chosen! And boy you hit my trouble spot with your mention of water. I am a bad water drinker because I don't like it! I know, who doesn't like water, right? I have actually been making an effort to drink more lately but it isn't easy!

Unknown said...

So well um, I just don't know...
That being said, I think water is a great thing... I have lots when I can and I am not sure why it's hard to drink the amount a day.

Fast 6, I think the story took a great turn in the 5th and it will be killer for movies to come. Heck maybe like Star Trek... we will have Fast/Furies.. conventions.

Where do we get this book, I see might art was used for the cover... Cool...

Summer Ross said...

I can't wait to see Fast and furious 6!

Suzanne said...

Hi, water and walking for me - and avoiding all the naughty but nice things but other half buys!
Suzanne @ Suzannes Tribe

Juliana Haygert said...

Love your answers to the Happy in 5 Easy Steps Meme.

My brother is a huge fan of the Fast and Furious franchise. I haven't watched the 5th movie yet, so I'll probably watch it soon, so I can watch the 6th ;)

Stephen Tremp said...

Drink more water. Simple, yet effective! I make it a point to sip water all day long. I make sure to sip it at meals rather than Coke or other sugary drinks too.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Lynda, leave your brain at the door and enjoy.

Melissa, that ending sure did!

Sandra, zero points is good.

Louise, awesome! And thanks.

Marcy, you're welcome. Try flavoring your water.

Jeremy, they go for as long as the leads hold out with that series!

Charity Bradford said...

Amen on the water! I've always preferred water, but sometimes you just get too busy. Now I keep my water bottle with me all the time. It's a 25 oz one and my goal is to drink 3 of them a day.

Donna K. Weaver said...

Yeah, water is so much more important than people realize. Hubby really wants to see F&F 6. I'll come to keep him company.

Pat Hatt said...

Really enjoyed FF6 too, just shut off the brain.

And yeah water is a big one, that is all I drink what so ever. But another thing to add to it, avoid that fluoride crap whenever you can, nothing but a poison.

Rhonda Albom said...

Love your 5 tips to be happy. Also, drinking more water - great advice and I love the logic of more bathroom is more exercise.

Rhonda @Laugh-Quotes.com

baygirl32 said...

water is my #1 to all my clients - if you're dehydrated it wreaks havock on your system

Sarah Ahiers said...

I'm a HUGE water drinker. It's pretty much all i drink (though in the summer i may have some iced tea. And on game nights, i may drink a pepsi. BUT THAT IS ALL)

Tyrean Martinson said...

Great advice on water! And steps for happiness for me- Love God, Love my husband, love my daughters, love others, and have an attitude of gratitude.
Ready for those charities!

Jennifer Lane said...

Thanks for the healthy bloghop, Alex! I try to have my water bottle with me at work but other times I'm probably not getting enough water. Good tip!

Carol Kilgore said...

I like your happy steps :)
And totally agree about the water.

Charles Gramlich said...

Lana and I have been making good progress in improving our diet and getting a bit more exercise this last few weeks.

Anonymous said...

Great tip Alex! Water is very important for a healthy body.

Michael Di Gesu said...

Congrats to the A-Zers chosen... how AWESOME.

I used to drink tons of water .. Like Mark, I add it to coffee. LOL. Over the summer months I tend to drink a lot more.

Distilled water is really good for you, it flushes out the impurities without adding any chemicals from the processing of most bottled waters. As I always say, read the labels. You may be shocked at what you are eating and drinking....

Thanks for hosting with me Alex...

Melissa said...

Great advice.

My hiatus is almost over. I'm easing back in with a recipe post today, and I'll be back 100% next week. ;)

Anonymous said...

Drink water, hands down. Flush those toxins out of your system every chance you get. Thanks for the info about Nancy's blog hop. 3 Up has been so much fun. This was a really neat hop. Five great things to be happy about and five wonderful bloggers you're sharing them with...Fast and Furious sounds like a really fun movie. Think hubby and I will have to check it out.

Brinda said...

I KNOW rhis about water, yet I still resist. Why? I don't like the tase unless it's after I've been exercising. I recently started putting Dasani drops in my water. I like that lot and need to carry those in my purse.

The Happy Whisk said...

That's quite a jammed packed post of goodies, Alex. Enjoy your blogfest and boogie boogie.

Ella said...

I'm a water gal! No water boy jokes, please, lol!

Great post and off to talk healthy and post happy to those in need!

Thanks for sharing so much!!!

Happy about another FF movie~ I can't wait to see it~ Good review honest! No cops in the corn this weekend-all is well ;D

Julie Dao said...

Great post - sounds like you've got the keys to happiness! And that is timely advice about staying hydrated. I have a big Nalgene bottle that I keep by my desk, so I get my 64 ounces in every day (and more if I exercise!).

Heather M. Gardner said...

Hope you had a nice weekend, Alex! I got to see the new Star Trek. I really liked it. Khan was impressive.

More water is a great suggestion. Especially when taking some medications or big coffee drinkers, like myself. They can dehydrate you as well.

I'll have to think about the quote. Brain still fuzzy. :)

Heather

Jo said...

Fluids are good, I don't drink a whole lot of water, 2-3 cups a day, I do drink a lot of decaf coffee every day. Enjoyed this bloghop

JO ON FOOD, MY TRAVELS AND A SCENT OF CHOCOLATE

Unknown said...

I love your five goals-- or happies. I would have to say the top mine too.

Good reminder to drink water-- I try to always keep a cup or thermos of tea on my desk so I sip throughout the day. But I could do better at it.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Juliana, seeing the fifth one first is a good idea.

Pat, and they add it to our drinking water - scary.

Sarah, good for you.

Tyrean, awesome!

Michael, that's why I check the labels of the water bottles I buy.

Brinda, flavor it if that's what it takes.

Heather, glad you enjoyed it.

Julie, awesome and thanks.

Hart Johnson said...

HA! I love Zombieland. And I totally intended to sign up for that get healthy blogfest, but it's for the better I didn't--I would have forgotten entirely. Too much going on! My trick would be 'build in movement'--make your everyday life have some exercise in it...

Laura Eno said...

More trips to the bathroom is an upside. ;) It means your body is being flushed out.
Drinking water is the most important thing you can do and most people aren't aware of how little they actually drink.

Morgan said...

Oh Alex---if everyone were to have your perspective, the world would be a better place! (Or we'd all be Alex clones, which would be cool...)

Love the Health blog hop. Wonderful idea! And spot on with the water. :-)

Cherie Colyer said...

Great advice! My hubby is very big on drinking plenty of water and he's always reminding me to do the same. Thanks for hosting the hop!

Jack said...

There is a lot going on!

Nice tips on keeping happy, I think mine would be along the same lines...except for the second as I'm not married.

I am excited for the dragon movie quote, I like dragon movies.

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

Drink more water! Everyone needs to remember that because most of us don't get enough. Great advice!

Thanks for co-hosting the blog hop.

Mary Montague Sikes

Intangible Hearts said...

Love drinking Crystal Geyser all day and I'm donating two books to Authors for Oklahoma!

SK Anthony said...

Great new idea from Nancy. I also enjoyed reading Rebecca's 5 Step Meme on how to be happy, and laughed at having to leave the brain at the door when watching FF6 :D

Fantastic tip, Alex. This is one of the simplest things we can do and because it's so easy we often forget :-/

Cherie Reich said...

Great advice about drinking more water. I know I don't drink enough of it (or other drinks too). It's especially important during the hotter weather to keep hydrated. :)

Al Diaz said...

I often forget to drink water. Now doing better. I saw Star Trek last week, now waiting for a chance to watch Fast and Furious. Nice five happy list. Very nice indeed. :) My quote would be from Armageddon.
"Have you ever heard of Evel Knievel?"
"No. I never saw Star Wars."

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

Furious 6 was great, but I have to say the runway near the end sure seemed long.

Karen Jones Gowen said...

I love your how to be happy points. It's making me think what mine are. And I'm enjoying the Get Healthy blog posts today, although I didn't sign up I like reading what everyone does to get healthy. Very motivating!

Steven said...

I guess I was picked for the publication based on weirdness (or uniqueness, if you prefer). And now I'm going to have to rent the past two F&F movies to play catch-up!

Robyn Campbell said...

Super cool bloghop, Alex!

I drink lots of that good ol' NC well water. Mmmm good! But we can all use the reminder to drink more.

Love your how to be happy steps, Alex. I totally agree with them. I would add one. Prayerfully enter each day and you'll always stay close to God that way.

Love your movie quote, pal. *waving and smiling*

D.G. Hudson said...

I'm a fan of drinking water all day long, Alex. It's the best way to keep the skin young, and helps keep us alert as well. During exercise is another time I have to have water nearby.

I'm sure my water drinking habit came from my childhood days in the south.

ilima said...

Fast and Furious 7? Wow. I've been trying to drink more water...I can never get enough living in the high desert.

Leigh Covington said...

Looking forward to seeing Fast & the Furious, purely for entertainment value only :)

Carrie-Anne said...

I've been dehydrated once, and it wasn't fun. The Negev Desert is really hot in the summertime, and I probably wasn't drinking enough water. Going to two different health clinics in a foreign country isn't a fun way to spend a day of your vacation!

Jennie Bennett said...

I just read another post about water and I couldn't agree more, so good for you and 0 calories :)

Bevimus said...

Wait a boil it all down, Alex! Puts my verbose post to shame!

Thanks for sharing your happy tips- lovely in their simplicity.

And as always, thanks for the news round-up. This is my primary source to learn about new blog hops, book releases and author news. I have no bloody idea how to keep up with it all, but i'm glad you do!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Hart, you're in the middle of a tour - no worries!

Laura, good point.

Morgan, or scary, one of the two! Thanks, that made me laugh.

Jack, that is cool.

Desert, awesome!

Al, that is a funny quote!!!

Karen, thanks!

Seven, congratulations.

Robyn, Amen!

Leigh, not for any of the male leads?

Carrie-Anne, it's not.

Beverly, thanks - I try to stay informed.

Hildie McQueen said...

I'm baaaack did you miss me? Wow so much stuff going on, I have to re-read it to get the information into my pea brain. Love the idea of writers for OK and the blog hop is different, so I'm thinking I'll do that one. Thanks Alex

Johanna Garth said...

I have a yoga instructor who tells us to drink water whenever we feel hunger and wait ten minutes to see if those feelings go away before eating. So often they do.

Yolanda Renée said...

I'm on the water diet for sure! It rocks -- is inexpensive, gives the body so much, and helps clear out the bad!

One habit I will never change!

Now to work on all the others! :)

Susan Oloier said...

There's a Fast and the Furious 6??? I've not seen any of them, but I remember when I taught third grade many years ago, the boys in my class were quite taken with the first one. Where has time gone?
I'm off to drink some water now--my beverage of choice!

Nancy Thompson said...

Thanks for heads up on the Oklahoma fundraiser. It's an easy way to help the cause & I'm all in. I did the happy meme today, as well. I was a bit confused as to what I was supposed to do. I agree on the water thing. I get horrible muscle spasms if I'm the least bit dehydrated. I think I drink must drink 2 gallons a day to keep them at bay.

Lydia Kang said...

From someone who tends to be on the dehydrated side all the time, this is good advice!

Mark Means said...

I'm a huge advocate of water. We've been, pretty much, sugary-drink free at our house for the better part of three months and don't miss it a bit.

Water is the way to go and, yes, getting up to go the bathroom IS exercise :)

I never was a F&F fan, but I have to admit the trailer to this one looked pretty decent. Of course, I still need to see Star Trek first :)

~Sia McKye~ said...

LOL! Yes, that counts as exercise. You'll find that those trips are more frequent when you increase your water intake in the beginning. Once your body becomes accustomed to it you will find you don't make as trips. Excellent point on hunger versus thirst.

Your points to be happy--spot on, Alex. If one does #1 on the list, the rest fall nicely into place.

Sia McKye OVER COFFEE

Andrew Leon said...

I drink more water than anyone I know, although, lately, it's sometimes tea.

To respond to your comment in a place you'll see it:
Yes, I believe Pi found his faith, but he did it by doing what his father said, choosing to believe in something even if that something isn't the truth. The story has to come back around to that otherwise there's no point to it.

Unknown said...

Water? Don't you have something that will drain my bank account and help me lose thirty pounds in a week? (LOL)

Anonymous said...

I love water, and I always drink lots. I always take a bottle with me if I'm going out for a while too.

And Fast and Furious 6 sounds pretty good. I'm definitely a fan. Can't quite believe there will be a F&F7 though!!

Unknown said...

Aw. Your how to be happy segment was really nice, Alex. Thank you for the important reminders.

Also, love the Zombieland quote! Are you getting excited for the series? I'm a bit nervous since it will be a different cast.

Michelle Wallace said...

This was directed at me! The one thing I NEVER do is drink water (besides tea/coffee)... now I'm feeling guilty!
Congrats to all the A to Z'ers who secured a place in The Woven Tale Press!

Writer In Transit

Shell Flower said...

Thanks for the shout out about the Anthology. An excellent birthday present. And I LOVE that quote from Zombieland. Such a great movie. I have to admit I haven't seen anything past Too Fast Too Furious, but you make me want to watch those movies. Great tip on the water, too. I don't mind walking to the bathroom a lot, especially at work, just to get out of my cell, I mean cube :)

Sus said...

You always host the best blog hops!

I'm drinking my water today - I'm up to 40 oz so far!

I quit drinking soda a few months ago (hardest thing I've ever done) so water and tea are about the only liquids I take in. So far, so good!

Birgit said...

Post Apocalyptic movies-there are so many...I am trying to think of films that make us and the earth look great and Star Trek is it-I love Star Trek and their message. I gues thinking healthy-Stay positive even when life sucks-that will pass. Exercise the mind-so many people use GPS and cell phones and no one can remember the phone #'s now or how to use a map never mind adding up some #'s in one's head. I know water is abig one but...I hate water...I know, I know. I tried to drink more and end up bloated and I can hear the water in my stomachroll around like being on some beach. I say Stop eating all the fast food crap, potato chips etc... Anyone ever see Super Size me-Amazing film...Now I am off to the loo as I did drink some water-blecchhh:)

Nicki Elson said...

So, I was just sitting here thinking I ought to have some water, but didn't feel like getting it, but then I read your very direct "Drink more water" and popped up immediately and got some - I swear! mmmm, water....

Tara Tyler said...

i totally need more hydration! great tip!
and f&f6, my boys love those movies!
have a great wednesday!

Optimistic Existentialist said...

I may see the FF6 but i am not sure yet. But I DID finally see Star Trek 1 AND 2 and I am now a Star Trek fanatic :)

Unknown said...

Good tip with the water; I often have a drink whenever I feel a pang of hunger as a stopcheck to make sure it's not just thirst.

The Fast Furious movies aren't my cup of tea; not nearly enough wizards :)

Author A.O. Peart said...

I just read about Get Healthy Bloghop on Nancy Thompson's blog! Great idea :-) I have my water glass right next to me here, and I always have a water bottle on my nightstand and in my car. Same with my kids and hubby. We are big water-drinkers :-)

Great idea with the Special Edition of The Woven Tale Press. I will definitely check this out.

VikLit said...

I didn't know this healthy bloghop was happening but what a GREAT idea and a good tip! *takes a sip of water*

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Hildie, glad you are back!

Susan, the first one was over ten years ago - whoa!

Nancy, that might even beat me for water consumption.

Sia, thank you!

Andrew, but what happened to him was the truth. His faith was all over the map in the beginning, but through all that, he found his focus.

Melanie, funny!

Stacey, they feature the villain at the end!

Emilyann, thanks. The series has me worried...

Michelle, drink more water!!

Shell, you're welcome, and skip F&F 3.

Sus, good for you!

Birgit, haven't seen it, but I'm already convinced fast food is evil.

Optimistic - awesome!!!

Jamie, that made me laugh.

Anonymous said...

Great tip, Alex. And, just an FYI, if you don't like water, try sparkling water and pretend it's a vodka tonic.

Leovi said...

Interesting wonderful summary of A-Z on The Tale Woven Press...!

Sherry Ellis said...

I like your advice on how to be happy! I'll go check out those charity things.

Andrew Leon said...

The truth doesn't make it more than a metaphor. God is the Tiger that came into him and kept him alive. Once he landed, the Tiger left him without saying goodbye. So, as he put it, he was the Tiger and the Tiger was with him. So, yeah, it was "the truth," but it wasn't what actually happened.

But, then, we could go back and forth about it all day, which is probably why the author wrote it the way he did and why it's called "deep."

Nas said...

Great advice and post. The water tip is sound.

All the best!

Nas

M Pax said...

Since moving to the dessert, I had to get better at drinking water.

Glad you liked Fast & Furious.

mooderino said...

The trailer for FF6 does look good. Not sure I'll be able to resist...

mood

Rebecca Green Gasper said...

Aah..yes! Drink more water- so very important and something I always forget to do. :) Love you ways to be happy, too!

J.L. Campbell said...

Good tips for staying healthy and for being happy!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Vik, now you can benefit from it!

Andrew, I never got that Richard Parker was a tiger. Sometimes, a tiger is just a tiger.

Brian Miller said...

nice...water is not only essential but it will def flush you out as well...when i went soda to water...i lost a good bit of weight...go figure huh? smiles....and that seems about what i would expect for the Fast&Furious...will be catching it at the dollar theatre...

Ruth said...

I drink tons of water. I started a few years ago to help lose weight. I don't get headaches like I used to and I also don't get heartburn like I did. It's great.

Unknown said...

Water is good. Looking forward to IWSG next week. My oldest daughter is a huge Fast & Furious fan.

And just have to say, you're one of the best blogging buddies in the world. You're almost always my #1 commenter. :)

Helena said...

My main tip for getting healthy -- exercise. The older I get, the more I need to stretch and do some kind of workout pretty much every day or I feel kinda stiff.

And yes, Alex, you give to others at every opportunity. Thank you.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Thanks for hosting the get healthy blogfest. It's fun. I drink a lot of liquids each day.

randi lee said...

Loved Gina's Ups for you, Alex, and it's all true! Thanks for the FF6 review as well. I've been thinking of checking this one out, but when you get to number 6 in a franchise...it sometimes gets a little stale. Looks like I have another movie to add to the list, though!

klahanie said...

Arggghhhhh! Another blog hop! Okay, that's better. I'm okay now.

I'm happy most of the time. A healthy diet, balanced exercise and utilising positive resources is all conducive to our mental and physical well being.

Fast and Furious Six is the number one movie in the UK.

So many links, Alex. My mind boggles on your site. Be well and smile, my friend :)

Gary

DMS said...

Drinking more water has been a goal of mine for the last year. I start each day drinking one cup of water before I allow myself my coffee. Once I started this habit I realized it was an easy way to get one glass of water down before the day had really begun. :)
~Jess

Deniz Bevan said...

This is a fun blogfest!
I find keeping bottled water at my desk at work helps me remember to drink... Otherwise I tend to forget until I'm reaaaally thirsty.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Brian, leave your brain at the door...

Candilynn, thanks! Just fast on the draw.

Helena, thanks - I try.

Randi Lee, this series is in full stride right now!

Gary, most of the movie takes place in London, so that doesn't surprise me.

Jess, whatever it takes!

Christine Rains said...

Lots of great news today! Drinking water is one thing I do right for myself. I rarely drink anything other than water. A good tip to staving off a craving is to brush your teeth. Nothing tastes good with toothpaste in your mouth!

Chuck said...

I was very excited to be featured in the Woven Tale Press edition of the A-Z. Too cool...and lots of other great posts in there.

I like the Fast and Furious movies for the three reasons listed...just a fun, tense escape for an hour and a half.

Water for sure is top priority...good filtered water.

My favorite apocalyptic movie quote is from Apocalypse Now when Robert Duval utters those immortal words. "I love the smell of napalm in the morning".

Anonymous said...

I need to see Fast 3-5 lol. I saw most of Tokyo Drift but missed the end.

I need to up my water intake.

Mel Chesley said...

How do I get happy? Positive thinking! And getting healthy? I'm a juicer. Raw foods or "outside aisle" food for me. It's worked! Great post, Alex, as always. :D

Unknown said...

I drink so much water during the day that, well ... I don't need to say any more than that. haha

Susan Kane said...

Blog hopping is exhausting!

Drinking more water should seem to be common sense, but not enough people do this. Me, for example!

Lisa Regan said...

I so need to drink more water!!! I am definitely going to try the drinking water and waiting 15 minutes to see if I'm still hungry! What a great tip!

Anonymous said...

I've been drinking more water and less soda.

I'll be ready for IWSG.

A Beer for the Shower said...

Oh, Fast and the Furious 6. I dog on it, but I'll probably rent it on DVD, shut off my brain, and enjoy it. At least I admit it.

Also, as a lifelong health freak my advice is this: still enjoy yourself. If you pledge to never again eat chocolate, or bacon, or ice cream, or anything else you love, you're gonna fall off the wagon and quick. Save those for treats to reward yourself, and eat them in small doses. Give yourself something to look forward to, rather than thinking of every meal as something you dread.

Unknown said...

Aww, I love your 5 things and I bet your wife does too. :-)

John Wiswell said...

I need to finish FF6.

Oh man, which dragon movies? Are we going to discuss Sean Connery and how the CG of Dragonheart holds up surprisingly well?

Anonymous said...

That's something I tell my hubby to do all the time... drink more water... a great tip:)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Chuck, those words are indeed immortal!

Debra, skip number three and start with number four.

Julia, extra exercise, right?

Lisa, hope it helps.

Brandon and Bryan, exactly. Free days are cool.

Lexa, thanks.

John, whatever dragon movie quote you'd like!

T. Powell Coltrin said...

I love your common sense ways to live happy. Sometimes we try things out of reach to make us happy when all we really need are those things closest to us.


I drink lots of water. Love it.

Julie Musil said...

LOVE your happiness tips. Yes, that covers it for sure.

And your health tip...I totally agree. I may not do all things right when it comes to health (I like chocolate and Jolly Ranchers a bit too much), but when it comes to water, I get my daily fill and then some.

Unknown said...

Ninja Captain Alex's army rocks, as always! Yeah, water is the very essence of life. However (Trisha), there really is nothing wrong with your urine being yellowish; you should be bothered when it's dark red or something like that.
I like the 3-up idea. I'd love to think that majority of people I know sincerely have up to 3 ups to attribute to me.
And for fast and furious, what are the women gonna do with all that testosterone?

Patricia Stoltey said...

You're so right about dehydration. By the time you feel really thirsty, your body is already suffering.

David T List said...

I dig your 5 steps. I'd add 'make use of your creativity daily' to that list. This quote is from a movie whose title is somewhat apocalyptic: "I love the smell of napalm in the morning." (is that cheating?)
I agree with the water drinkage. I definitely don't drink enough. Also I've been getting back into daily vitamins. I honestly don't know how beneficial those are, though!

Unknown said...

I'm very codependent and a lemming at heart so I don't know how I feel about the idea of a "Get Healthy" blog-hop. Crap. Now I'm going to have to think healthy thoughts. Guess I'll go have a glass of water.
(Red wine is healthy, right?)
~Just Jill

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Teresa, thanks!

Julie, your Jolly Ranchers and my Hot Tamales...

Peter, that is a problem! And hopefully the women just enjoy.

David, classic line, and some vitamins are better than none.

Jill, actually it is!

Suze said...

'The plot is simple (leave your brain at the door)'

:D

Alex, I've been racking my brains on a topic for June's IWSG and I'm just comin' up empty. I don't want to beg off the group entirely again but I did want to let you know it's possible I might not post for it this month. I will keep trying to come up with something between now and then, though.

Have a great weekend, friend.

Laura S. said...

I love exercise! I've always been active since I was a kid, and though I no longer do organized sports now (just for fun!) I make sure to exercise 5 or 6 days a week. I have an elliptical and I often read while I'm on that. I use weights and I have a couple exercise DVDs I like; Cindy Whitmarsh is my favorite. I see good results pretty quick when I do her workouts!

My husband and I eat pretty well, too. I make sure we have fruit and/or vegetables with each meal. We have the NutriBullet, which is awesome. I love making a healthy veggie/fruit drink for breakfast after my workouts!

But I never ever say no to chocolate!! :)

Happy reading and writing! from Laura Marcella @ Wavy Lines

Elizabeth Seckman said...

Excellent ways to stay happy!!

Congrats to Al (I have a special affinity for the dragon) and all the other bloggers!

I use your reviews (and Livia's) as the basis for my movie picks...finally saw "Momento"...good movie.

Unknown said...

Great tip for getting healthy. I FINALLY (after forever) got my husband to stop buying juice and soda at the store. If it isn't in the house, nobody can drink it and it's just empty calories. I'm a water girl all the way.

Chancelet said...

Love your happy list - definite ways to keep joy in your life. And water is so very important.

Thanks for posting about the Journal hop. I appreciate that. Writer’s Mark

Rachel Schieffelbein said...

Love your list of five things to be happy. :) And drinking more water is great advice, too. I always feel better when I remember to do that.

Arlee Bird said...

Wait a minute! Are you saying my posts aren't happy?

Let me go get some water to drink while I think on this.

I'll get to that happy post toward the end of June.

Lee
A Faraway View
An A to Z Co-host blog

Cassie Mae said...

I'd probably just echo your 5 things to be happy :)

Only, I don't have a wife.

The Words Crafter said...

Water also helps those of us with allergies and sinus issues. Great advice! Grats on the 3 UP and wow, lots of news.

Your 5 easy steps are great!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Suze, post something encouraging then!

Laura, I will have to look up the NutriBullet - never heard of it.

Elizabeth, glad you finally saw it!

Karen?tamera - good for you!

Nancy, you're welcome.

Lee, thought you could use something 'light.'

Cassie, that would be weird if you did...

Thanks, Words!

Kelly Polark said...

I love your How to Be Happy tips, Alex!!!

I do drink water during the day, but I do need to increase it. My weakness is Coca Cola. I only drink it 3-4 times a week, but I crave it!

SC Author said...

I thought you would post something about push-ups and crazy workouts and I was like *NO* but then you said drink water! And I was so happy! Because exercise = not my thing (although I'm underweight, actually, high metabolism or something. But it might catch up to me sometime *knocks on wood*). So water, here I come!

Charlie N. Holmberg said...

Amen to water, and amen to your happy list. ;)

Nicole said...

Awesome "How to be Happy" list. That's good living! :)

Kathe W. said...

Love How to be Happy!!
My 6 are:
Tell my loved ones I love them every day
Smile at Strangers
Say thank you to the grocery clerk
Pet my kity
Grow my food
and Read

VR Barkowski said...

Great advice. Water rules! It's my favorite beverage by far. I never touch coffee or soft drinks, although I do drink Pellegrino on occasion—when I can afford it. :)

VR Barkowski

mshatch said...

man am I late to this party or what?! Trivia:
1. Chicha ( I actually did a research paper in college on the demise of the Incan Empire)
2. Mexico
3. Joshua Tree (not sure about this one)
4.?
5.?

and Shelly's book looks fabulous!

Unknown said...

We must be on the same wave length today. Just this morning, as I was enjoying my first cup of coffee, my very first book popped into my head. Just like that. I thought, interesting that most people's first book never see the light of day. My middle grade story is one of them. Your post gives me new hope for the story. Just maybe... Funny how my morning thoughts coordinated with your IWSG post.

Thanks for being such a wonderful, supportive host, Alex. You and this group have changed my writing life completely. :)

Julie Dao said...

Thanks for hosting this blogfest, Alex, and for always being so encouraging and upbeat. I agree that a manuscript just might shine if polished just right!

Unknown said...

Dear Alex,

Thanks for your comment on my 'Get Healthy' post about my son's interests in Taeqwando. I wanted to have more photos from a walk around where we live, but student-teaching has taking a lot of my time.

(You can always tell how tired I am by the number of typos and spelling mistakes left in the text, which I have now corrected. I wrote for example 'sitter' which is Swedish for 'sit', instead of 'sitting'!)

You are right about drinking just clean fresh water! Good to have along when taking a walk or jogging. I learned something from your post that I did not know, that being thirsty means that you are already dehydrated. I'm going to drink more water!

I am also late with my iwsg-post. I am planning to post something short today, anyway, and try to go around to other blogs, but I need to write a paper for the university as soon as possible, so it may take some extra time.

Sorry I am so late. Please don't remove my name from the iwsg-list.

Many thanks,

Anna
of

'Anna's Adornments' or the new name of my blog:

'Adornments for Dreams'


Anna's 'Get Healthy'

Jai Joshi said...

I like your five steps to being happy. Nice.

Jai