Ok, since nothing else in my exercise/weight loss regimen is helping me get rid of these final few pounds of absolutely stubborn fat, I’m going to try eating 5-6 small meals per day instead of the three meals I currently eat. Many experts believe this is a better approach to eating because it will keep your metabolism working longer, will keep your blood sugar levels steady, and will reduce feelings of hunger.

I think I’ll start by simply dividing up the meals I currently eat into separate components. For example, my breakfast is usually a bowl of healthy cereal, a slice of buttered toast, and a small yogurt. I can turn that into two “meals” by eating the cereal first, and then the toast and yogurt later. I’m also going to keep protein bars and protein powders on hand for between meal snacking, and reduce my intake of junk food. I’ll also have to monitor my calories to make sure I don’t go overboard with the 5 meals.

It will probably take me a little while to get used to eating smaller portions like this, but I’ve got to try something!

I am in need of a new computer, as my current one is now six years old — which is absolutely ancient in tech time. I was browsing through Buy.com on my daily rounds when I saw this Gateway 20″ Touchscreen Desktop Computer that looks absolutely amazing! I’m not interested in it for the specs so much as for the touchscreen (though the specs do seem pretty good).

I’m used to seeing touchscreens on cell phones and iPods, but have never seen something like this for a desktop computer. I think it looks way cool! This is definitely cutting-edge stuff as far as home computers go, right? The only other touchscreen of this magnitude that I’ve ever seen is on NCIS: Los Angeles, but that kind of thing is expected for a TV show.

Anyway, this desktop does come with things like 4GB memory, Intel Dual-Core processor (2.1 GHz), 320GB hard drive, built-in webcam and microphone, DVD-RW drive, and remote control, so it can do everything I need from a home computer. And Buy.com has refurbished models on sale for $589.99 after a special $20 coupon is automatically applied. That’s an awesome price for a machine with all these features!

I don’t know how much I’d actually use a touchscreen when there’s a keyboard sitting right in front of me, but I’d still like to give this Gateway Desktop a try! Ok, now who wants to buy it for me??

So I’m having some trouble with clogged pores — still. I swear, it’s always one thing or another with my face, usually acne related. I was just looking back at some pictures from about 10 years ago and I can’t believe how smooth and unlined my face was. I think I’ve seriously messed up my skin from using so many different harsh products on it nearly every single day, because I look at least 5 years older than my actual age. Sigh.

I’m thinking about giving the harsh treatments a break for a while and going with a steam regimen instead. This should help with unclogging pores and getting rid of blackheads, which would be a major step in the right direction. Plus, steam can help my skin get smooth and soft. That’s definitely something else I need right now. So I’m going to but the Differin and Clindamycin away for a while and just let steam power work its magic.

Now here’s a very cool product that I don’t actually need for anything, but want just because I know could have tons of fun with it! It’s a wireless security camera from D-Link that can be used to monitor a home or office. Because it’s wireless, you can pretty much set it up wherever you want, and then tune in and watch the streaming video over the Internet. The camera is plug & play, so it should be ready to go in no time. And you can mount it on a wall or use the base to stand it up on a flat surface.

Obviously, this D-Link SecuriCam has value as a nanny cam or as a legitimate security device, so people needing a webcam for either of those reasons should definitely look into buying this. But as I said, I just want it for fun. For example, I’d point the camera by my dogs to see what they do when we leave the house (do they really just keep on sleeping?). Or I could set it up in my son’s room to make sure he’s doing his homework while I’m in the kitchen cooking dinner (monitoring on my netbook). I could probably come up with a hundred other uses for this thing too!

I wouldn’t go out of my way to spend a ton of money on something like this, but the D-Link SecuriCam is on sale at Buy.com for $89.99 and comes with an additional $20 mail-in rebate, making the final price a very affordable $69.99. Maybe I’ll buy it, use it for a while and have my fun, then pass it on to someone who really needs it!

The Hawks blew another big lead yesterday in losing to the Washington Capitals 4-3 in overtime. Even though the team got a point out of the contest, they should have been able to close the deal, particularly since the Caps were without the services of Alex Ovechkin.

In the past two weekends, the Blackhawks have led Detroit 2-0 after 1, the Flyers 2-1 with just over 2 minutes left to go in regulation, and the Caps 3-0 after 2. The results? Detroit won 5-4 in regulation, the Flyers won 3-2 in regulation, and the Caps won 4-3 in overtime. WTF???

I know teams can’t win every game, but the Hawks have looked downright awful in the past month or so. Fortunately, their record doesn’t reflect how badly they’ve played. But it shows in the standings, where Vancouver and Phoenix are now within striking distance of that second seed in the Western Conference. At the rate the team is playing now, I’d lay better odds on mesothelioma life expectancy after long-term exposure to asbestos than on the Blackhawks “life expectancy” in the playoffs. If the playoffs started today, Chicago would get bounced in the first round.

One thing these recent losses prove is that the Hawks don’t merely have a goaltending problem. Nearly every aspect of their game is suffering: defense, puck control, power play, offense, coaching. It’s getting out of hand.

Let’s hope they turn it around heading into April and the postseason.

I know that we’re supposed to have an emergency preparedness kit in our home and vehicles just in case something happens, but for some reason I never get around to building one. I know they can be bought ready-made, but that seems like a waste of money. Surely I can purchase the same items piece-by-piece for a lower price.

At any rate, the heavy rains and loss of power in places like New Jersey this weekend reminded me to get on the ball with the emergency kit. So I started shopping around and saw this First Alert Storm Light over at Buy.com. This looks like a great piece of equipment for my kit!

The First Alert Storm Light is a multi-purpose flashlight that also comes with a built-in AM/FM radio, LCD clock, and digital alarm with snooze function. The light has a sturdy handle, as well as a wide base, so I can either carry it, hang it from a hook, or set it on a table or shelf to provide illumination. Also, the radio will help keep me informed of the latest goings on with rescue crews and such should my power go out.

The light is on sale right now for $13.99, which is a very good price. I might as well go ahead and purchase three of them (one for the house, and one for each of our vehicles) so we can at least have something in the way of an emergency kit. Who knows, maybe this purchase will spur me on to buy other necessary supplies (like bottled water and canned goods) as well!

What a terrible way to lose! The Blackhawks gave up 2 goals in the last 2:04 of regulation time to the Philadelphia Flyers, and got skunked out of at least a point in the process. It really looked like Chicago was going to pull out a gritty win, their first in Philadelphia in 13 years, but it wasn’t to be. Two defensive breakdowns in the final two minutes cost them the game. Usually, I’m quick to point out goalie Cristobal Huet’s flaws, but those goals weren’t on him. Both were odd-man rushes that he really couldn’t do anything about.

In the grand scheme of things, losing this game to the Flyers doesn’t matter much. But it does continue a pattern for the Hawks of giving up leads. They need to tighten up on defense if they want to make any kind of splash in the playoffs.

Time to forget about this game. The Hawks come right back and play the Caps in what might be a Stanley Cup Finals preview.

(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)