The Chronic Consumer

Now that I’m going on longer runs and logging more miles each week, I have to start paying close attention to proper hydration. I can’t really see myself carrying anything as unwieldy as a water bottle in my hands while running, so I started looking at hydration belts. This FuelBelt Helium 4 product seemed to get some pretty good reviews from serious runners, so I’m going to check it out at some point. The only drawback is that it costs around $40, which I think is pretty steep. Then again, if I settle for something cheaper, I might end up with shoddy performance (such as the belt not fitting properly or whatever). Anyway, I’m adding this to my wish list for now and will hopefully be able to get it soon!

I try to stick with my fitness regimen as best I can, but I have to admit that in the winter it gets a bit difficult. I absolutely hate the cold weather, and will use that as an excuse to not go to the gym for my weightlifting sessions. I’m not trying to bulk up like the guys that live on protein shakes and hgh; I just want to keep my arms and legs toned and firm. Still, this requires at least one visit to the gym per week to work out with all the different weight machines.

Anyway, since I’m so easily put off my schedule in winter, I was thinking that perhaps I should look into buying some home gym equipment. If I had my own weightlifting equipment around here, then I wouldn’t be able to make any more excuses. If I can find some cheap stuff on Craigslist, I might do it!

I’ve been thinking a little bit about what I want for Christmas this year, but can’t really decide on a big present to get. There are a bunch of random DVDs and books that I want, and of course AMC movie theater gift cards are always welcome. Aside from those things, I’m not really sure. I love electronics and gadgets, so I plan on doing some browsing for Cyber Monday today, but again, I don’t have any specific products targeted as of yet. Actually, I could use a navigation system for my car, so that might be something to look for. I would also like to get a new refrigerator, but that hardly qualifies as a Christmas gift, right? Hmm… decisions, decisions.

I’ve been walking and running for exercise for the past two years, but have been getting nagging little injuries from doing so. For example, I frequently experience soreness in my knees, and I’ve had both an ankle problem and a foot problem that sidelined me for a couple weeks each. I think I need to change up my routine a bit by adding a low-impact, high-cardio exercise to my regimen, which is why I’m thinking about buying a mountain bike. We have a nice long trail pretty close to the house, so I’d easily be able to fit in some decent rides of 20 miles or more. The only problem is getting the bike.

Why is this a problem? Because of the price, for one thing. I have seen some bikes that cost $10,000!!! Can you believe that?! Obviously that’s something only a pro would consider, but still… Even some of the entry-level models for beginners cost more than $1,000. And there are so many different options to choose from. I know nothing about bikes, so I have no idea which features are critical and which I can live without. Who knew buying a bicycle these days would require as much research as buying a car??? Wow. I’m obviously going to have to spend more time on this one….

I was jogging today and somehow stumbled over an uneven part of the sidewalk. I didn’t fall down, but my ipod nano got dislodged from my pocket and crashed to the ground. Fortunately, it was in a hard plastic case. The case did its job and protected my device, but it got cracked in the process. So this weekend I need to go out and get another case. Kind of a hassle, but much better (and cheaper) than having to get a new iPod!

One of the things I really want to do in my home is upgrade the furniture. We have such cheap, old furniture that our house looks more like a college student residence than something for grownups with full-time incomes.

I was looking at some contemporary furniture today, and absolutely fell in love with this wall shelf. Isn’t it amazing? I love how much storage space their is, and I love the asymmetrical spacing throughout. I really need to get something like this — but of course upgrading furniture takes a ton of money. We really can’t afford to do that right now, so I guess I’ll have to keep waiting. I’ll add this shelf to my Wish List and look at it longingly every now and then!

I am think I am finally ready to switch to laminate flooring. Seriously, I am so sick of having to vacuum every day, and of course things aren’t easy when the dogs make a mess. I keep imagining how much simpler my life will become if we install Pergo flooring throughout the house. Then maybe I can get a Roomba too and never have to worry about cleanup again!

This is a change we’ve been mulling over for some time now. We have a home improvement fund that we add to whenever we can. It’s a bit depleted now because we just changed the bathrooms, but as soon as there’s enough for laminate flooring, I’m going to order it!

I make no secret of the fact that I have to nap every day in order to be able to function properly. I excuse it by pointing out that I go to bed very late and get up very early, so taking a nap just gets me to eight hours of sleep per day.

Anyway, I’m now thinking of adding a large roller shade to the large window in the master bedroom to help block out the sunlight. The curtains do a decent job, but I think a roller shade would help a lot and allow me to catch my afternoon snooze in almost complete darkness.

Plus, roller shades just look nice and will perfectly complement the decor I already have!