Kaity Tong
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8:36PM | September 29, 2009 | comments: 15

Running on Empty

Well, here I go again. I’m thinking about buying a treadmill. Again. I’ve owned 3 of them in my lifetime, along with an exercise bike or two. You guessed it. Every one of those machines turned into clothing racks within weeks. And yet, here I am going onto various websites, checking out yet another treadmill. As if this time it’s going to be different. This time I am really going to use it. For exercise. Not bras and belts. Right.

The reason is the same every time. I go through this phase where I join a gym, get a personal trainer, and actually show up at the place a couple of times a week. Then, for some reason or other (my back hurts, I don’t have time this week, blah blah) I stop.

Then enters the phase where I am right now. Carrying my gym bag with me everywhere I go. Everywhere but the gym. I’m trying to fool myself into thinking I have every intention of going. I actually get to the door, then veer off in the direction of a nearby store or restaurant. I’m embarrassing myself.

And of course, I’ve already blogged about how much I love exercise tapes. Another phase. I own about 50 of them…from Jane Fonda to Callanetics….and I have watched every one from beginning to end. Dressed in my gym clothes in front of the tv,with a bowl of something yummy. “Ooh that looks HARD! I bet I could do THAT, if I wanted to…..etc.”

So what has possessed me that I am again contemplating a treadmill in the middle of my bedroom? Do I really think this time I am going to use it? How deluded am I? Every other machine I’ve ever bought, I gave away to a thrift shop or a friend, with hardly any mileage on it.

Okay. There really is no more point to this blog. I’m exhausted. I need to lie down.


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Comments: 15

Posted by kc at September 29, 2009 9:46 PM

Or, to save money (I know you are rich, but it is wise to save a few bucks in this economy), try running around the blocks from your home instead to exercise.
And to let you feel better about this, many people are cutting gym membership now to save. No point to pay something or someone when you can do it yourself for free under a tide budget.
And instead of a exercise bike, get a real bike to ride around places. You get to exercise, and get to see different places and different people, also free wind to cool you off, not to mention the excitement of it.
I know people tend to get lazy when it comes to exercise, but I think riding a bike is the most fun and easy exercise to do. Many people in Manhattan use bikes as a practical mean of transportation, you know.

Posted by carrie at September 29, 2009 10:19 PM

I agree with kc, skip the treadmill.

Walks in Central Park is so much better
for one's outlook and the fresh air is
better than being inside on a machine.

People on treadmills are gerbil wannabes; although
I concede you'd make a cute gerbil.

All this exercise craze can get out of hand.
Some people over do it, then suffer later with
knee or hip replacements.

Posted by kman at September 29, 2009 10:27 PM

The way you look I thought you were already consistently working out in a gym or treadmill.
btw, great black leather jacket tonight. ;-)

Posted by chuck at September 29, 2009 11:59 PM

Kaity, I can't believe that you think you need to exercise more! You look so good just the way you are!

I've an observation, you seem less political than Jim. I'm still waiting for his blog on the trots, does he put a cork in it and continue on with the newscast?

Posted by Bart at September 30, 2009 3:24 PM

I'm impressed that you have a big enough apartment to own a treadmill (or 3)! It's a good thing that you're as petite as you are, and don't take up much space ;-)

Posted by LT COL Felix Polz, US ARMY (Ret) at October 1, 2009 2:12 AM

Dear Mrs. Tong,

RE: TOP SECRET ULTRASONIC "DAZZLER" DEVICE

It is urgent that you and the press know that the "Dazzler" can induce feelings in older people that are normally only felt by teenagers during the height of puberty.

KGB sold this device to CIA in 1999.

Somehow (through KARL ROVE?), this device got into the hands of NYPD Vice and vice squads across America.

The Dazzler is also used by so-called sonogram medical clinics run by Neocons and right-wing churches to prevent young girls from having abortions (mind sabotage by inducing "love" for the fetus).

The Dazzler is probably the most powerful EMOTION INDUCER ever invented. The only defense is knowing that it exists and how it works. A will of steel and a super-strong character also come in handy.

As a life-long student of neuroscience and co-author with Dr. John R. Ozehosky of PSYCHOLOGY: A GRADUATE REVIEW (New York: ARCO Publishing Co., 1978, now out-of-print), I know from the direct experience of my perceptual sensorium and published medical research that a 64 year-old retired US Army colonel like me CANNOT feel like a randy teen experiencing the hormonal heights of puberty.

Yet, like so many governors, congressmen, teachers and other victims of this device, I too HAVE felt exactly like that! In my case, however, my knowledge of recent neuroscience research and my military experience saved me.

As a tough old soldier, I had an immediate flash that my mind and my life was UNDER ATTACK. From there, my normal strength of character kicked in and I was able to walk away in every case from these attacks by corrupt cops, probably paid off by Karl Rove's "Destabilize America" (my term) organization.

The possibility that all these "philanderers" like Governor Spitzer, might in fact be innocent would infuriate the radical feminists. As usual, the extreme Left helps the extreme Right.

This was a total SHOCK to me then as it is probably a total SHOCK to you now as you read this.

You are welcome to contact me for the historical, medical, neuroanatomical, and neurohormonal details. I can also supply all the neuroscience references you can handle.

Sincerely,

Felix Polz
LTC, US ARMY (Ret)
drachenfeuer@comcast.net

Posted by LT COL Felix Polz, US ARMY (Ret) at October 1, 2009 2:12 AM

Dear Mrs. Tong,

RE: TOP SECRET ULTRASONIC "DAZZLER" DEVICE

It is urgent that you and the press know that the "Dazzler" can induce feelings in older people that are normally only felt by teenagers during the height of puberty.

KGB sold this device to CIA in 1999.

Somehow (through KARL ROVE?), this device got into the hands of NYPD Vice and vice squads across America.

The Dazzler is also used by so-called sonogram medical clinics run by Neocons and right-wing churches to prevent young girls from having abortions (mind sabotage by inducing "love" for the fetus).

The Dazzler is probably the most powerful EMOTION INDUCER ever invented. The only defense is knowing that it exists and how it works. A will of steel and a super-strong character also come in handy.

As a life-long student of neuroscience and co-author with Dr. John R. Ozehosky of PSYCHOLOGY: A GRADUATE REVIEW (New York: ARCO Publishing Co., 1978, now out-of-print), I know from the direct experience of my perceptual sensorium and published medical research that a 64 year-old retired US Army colonel like me CANNOT feel like a randy teen experiencing the hormonal heights of puberty.

Yet, like so many governors, congressmen, teachers and other victims of this device, I too HAVE felt exactly like that! In my case, however, my knowledge of recent neuroscience research and my military experience saved me.

As a tough old soldier, I had an immediate flash that my mind and my life was UNDER ATTACK. From there, my normal strength of character kicked in and I was able to walk away in every case from these attacks by corrupt cops, probably paid off by Karl Rove's "Destabilize America" (my term) organization.

The possibility that all these "philanderers" like Governor Spitzer, might in fact be innocent would infuriate the radical feminists. As usual, the extreme Left helps the extreme Right.

This was a total SHOCK to me then as it is probably a total SHOCK to you now as you read this.

You are welcome to contact me for the historical, medical, neuroanatomical, and neurohormonal details. I can also supply all the neuroscience references you can handle.

Sincerely,

Felix Polz
LTC, US ARMY (Ret)
drachenfeuer@comcast.net

Posted by Lee at October 1, 2009 10:16 AM

Hi Kaity,

I have a treadmill, my second one and you know what I do with it - my CD's sit on it, and I try to organize them on there. Yeah, I get a lot of exercise on that contraption.

I am not good at any organized exercise. The flow of walking is my best best, but I had an accident recently, so I am not walking now.

Anyway, I can't believe how much I walked when I was younger, and I can't believe how skinny I was when I was younger. Just going thru a yoyo chubby stage right now. Oh Well.....

lol, Lee

Posted by diedonce at October 1, 2009 10:48 PM

Kaity,
The treadmill in the bedroom is a bad idea. You can get plenty of exercise in the bed, if you desire; and the machine is not staring at you if and when you say no! Next Spring; plan a walk to work schedule. Prepare during this winter of getting your endurance up to the several miles it would take.
Good Luck.
Love,
Diedonce

Posted by H. Le at October 2, 2009 4:24 PM

Hi Kaity,

I agree with some posters here that outdoors excersises are best at keeping you doing it consistently, barring bad weather. I have a treadmill, a bike and an elliptical trainer facing a large-screen TV in the basement, but I always look forward to a bike ride, a jog or a walk outside since I am blessed to have a park a few steps away from my house. The outdoors keeps my mind from the boredome of counting calories burned or minutes spent on the machines.

I guess I only want to go to gym if I have a training partner, or if I can get there within less than 5 minutes.

Best,

H. Le

Posted by Lee at October 3, 2009 3:34 AM

Off topic regarding Mr. G,

Mr. G seems like a nice guy, and I like the way he does the weather. He seems very relaxed and comfortable in his job. The only thing I think, is that his suits don't fit him the way they should. They are too tight. Maybe that is just my perception. He could also use some help, picking out a nicer suit that would make him look a heck of a lot better. I don't think he has a blog, so maybe you could pass this tip on to him.

Thanks a lot Kaity, hope you don't think I am too nervy, but I know Mr. G could look great with the right clothes. Don't they have a person at the station that helps the newspeople dress correctly?

Lee

Posted by Susan at October 4, 2009 4:18 PM

Hi Kaity--

As loyal fans, we were so excited to hear you say that you were going to make an appearance at the Atlantic Antic. My daughter and I walked the entire length of the fair twice and did not see you! So disappopinted! Where were you?

By now I suppose we all saw footage of you & Mr. G at the Antic. You looked great. I'm not saying Mr. G did not, but you'll understand if I notice you more. You certainly don't need a treadmill.

Hope you don't mind, but again I'm doing what I can to try to get someone from my favorite TV news show to add a charity event I do to the many you attend.

This charity event recently won the distinction of "best non-profit event" at the 8th Annual ISES New York Metro Chapter Big Apple Awards. This MS fundraiser is not free, but if you attend, my drawings will be.

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=146615494422&ref=mf

Yeah, I'm the guy who hated the Filet O Fish ads. MAYBE you remember that. I still watch you & your pals every night. I keep hoping you or Mr. G or Jim or some such cool person would come w/a camera to one of the events I do. My digital caricature work is like nothing you've ever seen & is a LOT of fun to check out.

I know you're all busy & understand if you can't make it this time. Hope you don't mind if I keep sending invitations to future events as well.

Posted by Kaity at October 8, 2009 11:51 AM

Hey, everyone! Love your heartfelt comments and advice. Have so much fun reading them. Keep them coming!

G and I WERE at the ATlantic Antics, Susan! So sorry we missed you and your daughter. Here's a personal 'shoutout' to both of you! Did you have fun?

And Dale, of course I remember you and your objection to the filet o fish commercial! Send me the particulars of your event and if it's possible, we would love to be a part of such a worthy cause. That's what PIX is all about!

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