Being 40-something isn't old

Facing 40 (2013)

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

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Twenty years ago I thought 30 was old. Then I turned 30 and my thoughts quickly changed. In fact for me turning 30 was much harder than turning 40. I spent my 20s establishing my career and my family. When 30 was looming I still had a lot I wanted to accomplish. Because I hadn't reached those goals I viewed myself as a failure. 

Right before my 31st birthday, I made a big move in my career. We uprooted our family which had been planted in Indiana and headed to southern Illinois. On paper, the move was lateral, but I quickly started to climb the ladder at WSIL-TV and became the morning co-anchor. About a year after that our daughter was born. By then I was nearly 33 and felt accomplished. So by the time 40 rolled around, I had no worries.

Eyes on the prize

Now that I'm in my mid-40s, I have my eyes on new prizes. Building the blog, podcast and my presence on social media are all on my new to-do list. Some days I feel like time is slipping away and I'm never going to reach the top of the mountain. Then I'm reminded of others who were well into middle age before they made their impact. Here are some of the inspiring examples I found.

Col. Harland Sanders

We all know KFC and Colonel Sanders. Like many people, I assumed the Colonel had been a long time fixture in the fast food wars. I was wrong. He was 65 years old when his blend of 11 herbs and spices made him a household name. Sanders actually used his social security checks to franchise Kentucky Fried Chicken. 

Grandma Moses in action

Grandma Moses was even older. She became one of the best-known folk artists of all-time and didn't even start painting until age 78. Sam Walton didn't open his first Walmart until he was 44 (the age I just turned last week).

Self-high five for DDP's first world title win
Courtesy: WWE

And finally a wrestling connection to all this. "Diamond" Dallas Page's in-ring career didn't start until age 36. He won his first world championship at 43. He's now one of the most loved and respected figures in the world of sports entertainment.

While I know we're all going to die one day, I also know being middle aged doesn't mean giving up. Too often people hit a point in life and think it's too late or lack the motivation to keep climbing. I just have to work harder to prove myself. I'm patient, I'm hungry and I'm determined.

Hall of Fame self-high 5

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

Listen to the podcast

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Diamond Dallas Page is the next inductee announced for the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2017. The timing seems perfect as I just finished watching the documentary The Resurrection of Jake The Snake Roberts. I believe Page is the reason both Jake and Scott Hall are still alive today. I had a lot of respect for DDP before the film, but that respect has boomed.

DDP w/ Curt Hennig & Diamond Doll
Courtesy: WWE

I remember DDP in his early days as a manager in the AWA. I always wondered why he wasn’t a wrestler. He certainly had the look and could talk on the mic. Then in WCW he managed Hall as the Diamond Studd and eventually put his manager duties to the side and stepped through the ropes to wrestle.

Regular readers of this know I am a wrestling fan, but always sided with WWE during the Monday Night Wars, however, the night Page appeared to be joining the nWo and instead gave Hall a Diamond Cutter after putting on the t-shirt was one of my favorite moments of the angle. That move alone helped propel DDP to another level.

DDP won the WCW World Title
Courtesy: WWE

He wrestled briefly with WWE after the buyout of WCW in 2001. Personally, I don’t think WWE creative utilized the former champion to his maximum potential, but he shined none-the-less. I was happy to see him make spot appearances in the Royal Rumble and other events. I knew it would be a matter of time before he’d finally get the call for the Hall of Fame.

Page’s work outside the ring also deserves recognition. He could easily be the Warrior Award winner at some point too. Not only did he save Jake and Scott, he’s working with Vader now as he fights for his life. Other wrestlers have benefited from the DDP Yoga plan and countless “regular” people have had success too. I myself have used and enjoyed DDP Yoga. Congrats DDP, this is a well-deserved honor.

Old School is Still Cool

Some of the Legends & Hall of Famers on Old School Raw
Photo Courtesy: WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

Regular readers of this blog know I love it when the WWE brings back Legends for the Old School edition of Raw.  The January 6, 2014 show left me wanting more. I know that I complain about the part timers coming in and taking opportunities from the men and women on the current roster, but I view that much differently from these themed Raw and SmackDown! shows.

I felt like for the first time in a while, the WWE had a little more diversity with the Legends and Hall of Famers.  The usual suspects like Roddy Piper, Sgt. Slaughter, and Booker T were on hand.  But it was nice seeing Bob Backlund (I know he's been around more lately), DDP, and Jake "The Snake" Roberts back on the show.  I don't think Roberts has been on Raw since Randy Orton was doing the Legend Killer gimmick and preparing for the Undertaker at Wrestlemania 21, nearly a decade ago.  I could be wrong about that, and if I am, I apologize.

Jake "The Snake" Returns
Photo Courtesy: WWE

I get up quite early in the morning, so I finish Raw on Tuesday afternoon, but I usually know what's going to happen as co-workers discuss the show or I see something on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.  That's what happened with Jake "The Snake" being a part of the main event.  I saw a picture of him on social media as I was scrolling through my feeds as part of my morning ritual.  Even though the cat, or in this case, snake was let out of the bag, I still got goosebumps when I heard Roberts' theme music hit and he came to the ring to save CM Punk and the New Age Outlaws from the Shield.

Jake's appearance has fueled speculation over whether he'll be in the 2014 Royal Rumble.  This is an idea I've endorsed since he first started talking about it on social media last year.  Jake has really turned his life around and looked great when he was on Raw.  I would love for him to get that shot at the Rumble and more importantly, I want to see him inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame this year during Wrestlemania Weekend.  It seems to make sense doing it now, because of his connection to Mid South Wrestling back in the day, which ran in New Orleans (site of Wrestlemania 30).

Diamond Dallas Page has done amazing work with Jake and Scott Hall for that matter.  I thought it was great seeing DDP as a part of Old School Raw too, but I don't feel like I've missed him as I see him on my DDP Yoga workouts.  The one thing I noticed about Raw when they called the Legends out was some of the Hall of Famers had a lower third chyron that read "WWE Legend" instead of Hall of Famer.  I know that was the case for Nikolai Volkoff and Ron Simmons.  Also noted, there were no lady legends (or should I say Divas?) on the show, but they did mention Mae Young is sick and I know Trish Stratus recently had a baby.

Too Cool & Rikishi
Photo Courtesy: WWE

As I mentioned, I'm glad they had some of the Legends from the 80's, 90's, and now 00's.  It was a nice mix.  But I have a wish list of guys and gals I'd like to see used on future Old School shows, and I wonder if they'll ever include any WCW or AWA exclusives.  Personally, I'd like to see the Midnight Express on a show.  Also, the Ultimate Warrior, One Man Gang, and Missy Hyatt are on my list.  What about you?  Who would you like to see make a one night comeback?

Facing 40 (Minus 1): Positive Change

By Chad Smart
@chadsmart on Twitter

I’ve been struggling with this blog for the past few days. I’ll get to the reasons why in a few paragraphs. First, a quick recap of why we there are non-wrestling related blogs on my123cents. 

(In best TV announcer voice) Previously on my123cents, Kevin started a series called “Facing 40” where he reflected on his mortality as he closes in on the big 4-0 in March. His initial purpose was to talk about healthy lifestyle changes he was making in his life. After reading his blogs, I realized I should probably follow his lead and make some changes of my own.

The first step I wanted to make was to seriously commit to working out more and trying to shed some excess weight. Through a conversation with a co-worker, I ended up ordering DDP Yoga DVDs.  When I ordered the DVDs, I hoped they would help get my body in shape. What I didn’t expect was for DDP YOGA to be the catalyst for a potential complete life changing experience.

While I was waiting on the DVDs to arrive, I started searching YouTube for videos of other people using DDP Yoga to see how high I should set my expectations for success. What I ended up finding were two YouTube users chronicling not only their weight loss, but also other ways they were making their life meaningful and helping to give back to their communities.

The first was a guy named Ben who runs this website.  For every pound lost, Ben is donating a pound of food to a local food bank.  Check out his website and his video blogs to learn more. What’s better than helping others while helping yourself?

DDP Yoga

The other person is a guy who goes by the YouTube handle of Slimtronic5k.  Looking at his video uploads; I noticed they were either labeled, DDPYoga or TheNext40Days.  At first I only watched the Yoga videos as I was interested in seeing if the Yoga was working. Finally curiosity got the better of me and checked out the Next40Days videos. What I found was something that cut straight to the heart and weighed heavy on me to make real changes to my life this year.

In simplest form, the Next 40 Days is a program where for 40 days you set a goal or make a sacrifice. After the 40 days are up, you move on to a new goal or sacrifice. You can find out more about Slim and his wife’s 40 Days at their website, The Next 40 Days.

After finding that website and watching the videos, I decided to try and come up with my own goals for the rest of the year.  I think I’ve got some good ideas, but I’m still struggling to fill out two of the 40-day slots on the schedule for the rest of this year. Even though I’m still trying to think of something to put into those slots, I still wanted to get this blog out for two reasons. 

The first is the hope that by spreading the word it will inspire someone else to make a positive change. As I look around and look at society as a whole, I can’t help but think we would all be better served by more positivity and less negativity in the world. The second reason is accountability. By putting this out into the world, I’m making a pledge which people can call me out on if I fail to stick with these plans.

Here is what I have listed right now.

Jan 31-March 11 - DDP YOGA: Starting off simple. Commit 40 days to the program that started this snowball effect of change. In addition to working out, also trying to abstain from fast food and eat healthy.

At Wrestlemania weekend with the Headbangers
Photo courtesy: My 1-2-3 Cents

March 12 - April 21 – MORE SOCIABLE: I am not a people person by any stretch of the imagination. Working in a field where networking and socializing are keys to future employment, I really need to work on my social skills. This 40-day period also coincides with the weeklong trip to New Jersey/New York for Wrestlemania 29. With over 50,000 people converging on the area for the week, there should be plenty of opportunities for social interaction.

April 22 - May 31 – WRITING: February 22 marks my sixth year of being in Los Angeles. In that time I have yet to do any writing. While I never set out to be a professional writer (and if you’ve read enough of my blogs that fact should be pretty obvious) I would like to accomplish either writing a film or television script.

June 1 - July 10 – TRY TO LEARN SPANISH: I would really like to be multi-lingual and feel the first step is learning a language that I hear on a daily basis.

July 11 - August 19 –NO TV: I don’t watch a lot of television anyway. However, cutting out TV will hopefully allow more time to read the books I bought two years ago when Boarders went of business or continue writing or learning a foreign language.

August 20 - Sept. 28: TBA

Sept. 29 - Nov. 7: TBA

Nov. 8 - Dec 18.  - CHARITY WORK: Figure putting this one at the end of the year would make sense due to the holidays. If I’m in Los Angeles for Thanksgiving, I’d like to volunteer at a soup kitchen for Thanksgiving dinner. Then with Christmas, sure there will be numerous opportunities for other charitable work.

I am open to any suggestions for the two unclaimed spots. One of the ideas was the Acts of Kindness that Slim and Laura have listed on their schedule. I may work this in, but I also think this is something I could be doing in life anyway. We’ll see what happens. If I make it to August and still haven’t thought of anything, besides being really bad at thinking of positive changes, I’ll probably add some really basic and simple ideas.

I don’t know if this has had any affect on you as you read it. But if you’ve been thinking your life could use a change, or want to try and have a positive effect on your community, I encourage you to either give this plan a shot or come up with something on your own.

This might hurt, it's not safe

But I know that I've gotta make a change

I don't care if I break

At least I'll be feeling something

‘Cause just okay is not enough

Help me fight through the nothingness of life

I don't wanna go through the motions

I don't wanna go one more day

Without Your all consuming passion inside of me

                  “The Motions”-Matthew West

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Getting Fit: DDP Yoga

DDP Yoga
ddpyoga.com

By Chad Smart

@chadsmart & @my123cents on Twitter

Kevin has written a few blogs about trying to alter his lifestyle and become more fit as he approaches 40 in the next couple of months. While I still have a year to go before hitting the milestone, I myself have been saying I need to change up my habits and lead a healthier lifestyle. The big question was how did I want to implement this change and could I stick with it.

Last August, a friend gave me the P90X workout. I started doing the daily workouts and had a good routine going for about two weeks. Then my chaotic lifestyle kicked in again and I was having trouble finding time to squeeze in a workout just one day a week.  Needless to say I stopped even trying to convince myself I was going to be able to achieve the goals I had set for myself and went back to living my normal life.

As the end of the year drew near, I started thinking about new year resolutions and with Kevin doing his “Facing 40” series, I found a motivation to stop making excuses and follow through with getting into shape. After all, I can’t have Kevin showing me up in New Jersey for Geek Week. He’s the married one with kids. I’m supposed to be the cool one. Right?

Initially I had planned on going back to P90X. I knew the workouts and they were something I could do at home on my own schedule. The problem quickly arose where instead of staying home at night as I planned, I was once again finding myself going out with friends to movies or special events and not getting home until 11:00 at the earliest. Doing an hour-long high impact workout at that time just wouldn’t work. I thought maybe I could get up an hour earlier every day and do the workout at 5:30. However, because I am usually awake every half hour starting around 2am, I could never motivate my body to get out of bed at 5:30. Two weeks into the new year and I had only done one work out. It was looking like my lack of focus and determination would come back to sabotage me once again.

One day while talking about my lack of workouts with a co-worker, he mentioned he had just gotten the DDP Yoga DVDs and was going to give them a try. I knew former wrestler “Diamond” Dallas Page had come up with a yoga routine, but I had never actually looked into finding out what it entailed. Doing a quick YouTube search, I found the video of Arthur Boorman, a former paratrooper who went from not being able to walk without assistance to 

being able to run.  

I was intrigued to know if DDP Yoga was really that good or if Arthur’s story was the exception to the rule. After watching some other videos and reading blogs from people trying DDP Yoga, I decided to order the DVDs and give it a try.

One of the aspects I was most intrigued with is DDP Yoga is a No Impact workout. I was born without the upper part of my right hipbone. As a result, my right leg is about 1.5cm shorter than my left. It also means I have less range of motion in my right hip and have occasional hip pains. One of the issues I found with the P90X workouts was the amount of lunges would usually cause my hip to flare up in pain. I have been advised by my doctor in the past to do normal activities and if I experienced pain to stop. Basically I need to not take it too easy because I need to strengthen the hip as much as possible. Getting back to the DDP Yoga program, I was curious to see if I’d be able to perform the yoga positions with my hip not having full range of motion and if the moves would produce pain.

I borrowed my co-workers DVD and went through the Diamond Dozen, which are the 12 basic positions/moves, used in the workouts. There was only one move that I couldn’t do as well as I had hope. With a confidence that I would be able to do the workouts, I went ahead and order all three DVDs, bought a heart monitor and then waited for my package to arrive.

The DVDs arrived on Tuesday and it was time to take the first step to living 90% as DDP says. I started off with a refresher of the Diamond Dozen before moving onto the Energy workout.  For about the first half of the program I questioned if this would really work as I didn’t feel like I was working out. By the end of the workout though, I had worked up a sweat and could feel my body asking was going on, as it wasn’t used to being this active. This morning I woke up and did the Wake Up mini-workout. 

In addition to being No Impact, the workouts appear to be 20-30 minutes long, which will hopefully be easier to accommodate my schedule, though I have done well the past two weeks of not being as crazy busy. Plus, technically the DDP Yoga system is scheduled for every other day though as DDP mentions, you can customize the workouts depending to fit your schedule.

It’s only been one day, but given the relative ease of the workouts, the fact I’m putting this out for the world to see so I’ll have some accountability as I don’t want to look like a quitter, and my personal competition with Kevin, I can see myself sticking with it and hopefully I’ll get the results I’m aiming to achieve. The hardest part will be changing my eating habits. As a confirmed bachelor who is used to fast food and take out, actually buying groceries and cooking meals could take some time to become a normal occurrence.

My goal is to provide updates every 30 days. If I have success with this, hopefully it’ll help someone else who is trying to lead a healthier life. For more information on DDP Yoga, click here.  If you have success stories of your own or are trying to get in shape/live healthier yourself and want to share your progress, let us know on the My123Cents Facebook page or Twitter. 

Update:  Kevin has started the program too:

Christmas Wish List: Jake "The Snake" Roberts

We met Jake the Snake a WrestleReunion 2012
Courtesy: My 1-2-3 Cents

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents

The intent of my Christmas Wish blogs is to highlight the things I hope for wrestlers in the coming months.  Some of them are written to fit into current storylines, but they are all sincere.  Today's submission is a more serious one.

As many fans know Jake "The Snake" Roberts has struggled with addiction for years.  It's been documented through storylines during his days in the WWE as well as in the film Beyond the Mat.  Recently, former WCW champion "Diamond" Dallas Page has come to Jake's aid, trying to help the ring legend stay sober.  It's part of a project called Accountability Crib.  I don't know a whole lot about it, but I truly hope that it works out for the best for Jake the Snake.

DDP & Jake the Snake
Accountability Crib
Photo Courtesy: Steve Yu

That's really my wish for Jake, and anyone else who is struggling with addiction.  I used to be of the mindset that it was the problem of the addict.  That they didn't want to get better.  However, I don't place all the blame there.  I know that people who are addicted have a real illness.  I understand that in some cases, people who develop a disease like cancer or diabetes, can take steps to prevent the illness, it's the same sort of thing with addiction.  But when critics make fun of or solely blame the addict for being stupid and not quitting the destructive behavior, it annoys me.

I don't know if Jake will stay sober this time, but I applaud him for trying again and putting his struggles out there for all to see.  I also want to commend DDP for helping a fellow wrestler who has been in need for so many years.  This may perhaps be springboard for something much bigger.

Get well Jake.  This is one fan who hasn't abandoned hope and thinks you have the strength to put your personal demons to rest once and for all.

It's Slater Time

Heath Slater finishes off Doink the Clown
Photo by WWE.com

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter

I have to admit, Heath Slater has grown on me in recent weeks.  I wasn't a real big fan of his during NXT, although I wasn't completely against him.  Then when the Nexus angle was born and died and morphed into the Corre, I put Heath among my least favorites.

Now as the Legends' whipping boy, I'm impressed.  I can't put my finger on why.  Even with Vader and Sid and Diamond Dallas Page and Cyndi Lauper and Roddy Piper and Wendi Richter all making him look like a chump, he's not as annoying as I once found him.  Is it the way a former tag team champion (but does that really mean anything anymore) should be treated?  Probably not, but let's face it, this is wrestling and not everyone is going to be in the main event and not everyone is going to be a champion (or at least they shouldn't be).

The segments are brief, they're good comedy relief to help with the pacing of the show, and who doesn't like to see a legend return from time to time?  I was a bit surprised that Slater pinned Doink on the most recent Raw.  Does anyone know who was the clown?  I'm not sure that it was Matt Bourne (no relation to Evan) this time around.  Also, one quick correction from what Michael Cole said about Doink.  He claimed the clown wrestled at Wrestlemanias 9 and 17.  This is true, but he was also on the Wrestlemania X card, teaming with Dink and losing to Bam Bam Bigelow and Luna Vachon.

Vader Time!!!!
Photo by WWE.com

I assume these returns and beatings will continue until Raw's 1,000th episode later this month.  Let it run its course and maybe by the time it's over, Slater will be more over with the fans and this will result in some kind of a push.  I think this could have been a good position for a heel Zack Ryder to have been in.  He peaked too soon, Broski.

Which WWE Legend would you like to see come out next?  Weigh in here or on our Facebook page.