Finally

Someone has finally developed an MP3 player that syncs music in time to your workout--in this case, the beating of your heart. I've long been of the opinion that matching up your running pace or other exercise routine with the pace of your music helps motivate you. One of my hare-brained schemes was to start a workout music consultancy with special mix tracks, complete with exhortations from the customer or Mr. T ("run, fool, run!").

Of course, the new Bodibeat does look a BIT like a horrific instrument of torture. But I'm sure it's not that bad once you insert the prongs and constrict the deathbelt around your face. Or whatever it is you're actually supposed to do.

Woe

This is the space where my Xbox normally goes. It's the second time I've had to send mine back to Microsoft since I purchased one about a year ago. This time, at least, the whole process seems to be moving much faster.

After sending me a shipping container that became useless three weeks later (thus requiring a second shipping container--oh, the waste), they upgraded me to overnight service. So instead of waiting about five weeks like last time, the whole process will hopefully take about one week.

Also, to soothe my outrage, they sent me a free camera. Now I can show my tear-streaked face to the tweens who are stomping me on Xbox Live. Video chat, anyone?

Back in Town

We just returned from three weeks of Woden-celebrating, family-visiting, cookie-eating fun and we are ready for a nap. Unfortunately, our return coincided with a major storm and we spent the past 12 hours without power. So here's to home, sweet home, and volts, sweet volts!

ps The photo was taken on a highway south of Tucson.