Cooling off Period for New Years' Resolution
I think we should be treated much like gun buyers, who are required to wait a period of time while our credentials are being checked before we can buy a gun. I wonder if a two week cooling off period shouldn't be required for those of us who want to jump right in and act on our annual New Years' resolutions. One reason for this cooling off period can be found in my experience. I have a basement full of ab-machines, treadmills, bicycles, thighreducers, dumbbells, barbells, step machines, rubber straps for weightlifting, to say nothing of the dozens of DVD featuring butt-busters, thigh- busters, ab-busters, Cher exercises, and even Richard Simmons's Dancing with the Oldies.I use most of these items, not for weight loss, but for book-ends, paperweights, and other, non-physical purposes. I've signed up for a number of diffrerent health clubs, but I've rarely lasted more than a month or two. I'm still required to pay their due for the balance of the year. And worse, I have a guilty conscience for the rest of the year because I don't go.I believe that I don't need an expensive machine in order to exercise. I also believe that while watching "desperate Housewives," one can get down on the floor and do some sit ups, or lunges. Misery loves company, so why not invite your spouse and children to exercise with you.I've also found that if you give the responsibility of timing the exercise to the younger children in your family, they will never let go, nagging you until you've finished, and not allowing you to cheat on the repetitions.Mango and Black Bean Dipmakes three cups2 cups cooked black beans, drained and washed1 ripe mango, peeled and cut into small pieces1 small red onion, chopped finely1 red bell pepper, chopped finely1 cup chopped cilantro4 tablespoons olive oil3 tablespoons lemon juice1 teaspoon ground cuminsalt to taste-Heat the olive oil in a heavy saucepan. Saute the onions in the oil for couple of minutes.-Add the red bell pepper and the cilantro and continue to cook for couple of minutes.-Add beans, mango and seasoning. Stir and cook over low heat for 5 minutes.-Remove from the heat and puree. Adjust seasoning and serve.