Progress of a novice

Well I have been away from the game now for about a year. Even back then I wasnt too serious. It's different now. I have been studying aging alot and specifically how the brain ages in my classes. I am convinced that a mind that is challenged by daily calculations and other activities will function well into old age. Things such as crossword puzzles or even brushing your teeth with the opposite hane than your used to is helpful. Chess is going to be my main "dumb-bell" in this life long endeavor. In this blog I plan to post (hopefully weekly) my progress online, OTB, and how I think it is helping my brain. I will post wins, loses and other noteworthy experiences. So here we go...