Wednesday, March 10, 2010
I'm Back...then I'm Gone
I also am making it a catch up day on the blog for me.
It's been a while, and I know I need to catch up on my writing. The past two-three weeks has been crazy. Sarah got healthy again, but then we had to make an emergency trip to Memphis, work is very busy right now and I feel like I am taking on the hours of our good friend who is an accountant. Along with all of that I also have the "part time" job with P90X-it's about 10 hours a week. With all of that the blog has fallen lower and lower on the priority scale. And coming up I will be headed to Guatemala City, Guatemala for 9 days on a mission trip with our college leaders. I have no idea how or if I will be able to update you with everything that we will be doing there. I will try though.
Measure Me Monday
I missed two Mondays now. Last week we were driving to Memphis, TN to be with Sarah's family as they mourned the loss of Sarah's grandmother. It was a great trip, and it had an added bonus of also meeting our new nephew Michael Cameron, or Baby Mikey for short.
For the workout it was great too. I used a guest pass at the Germantown Athletic Club. Nice facility with great work out equipment. My diet was off-it is real hard for me when I travel-but kept up the exercise. So, I did do the Measure Me Monday routine this past Monday and I had zero weight change but lost an inch and a half. Nothing spectacular, but considering the week as a whole it is not surprising. I have a new found motivation and will install it after my trip next week. Looking forward to continuing the weight loss and lifestyle changes that have come from this P90X revolution.
Bro Time
My brother came into town this weekend while Sarah went down to be with her friends for a bridal shower weekend extravaganza. I was really excited for Sarah, who hardly ever gets to see her friends or take time for herself. She had a such a great time with some of her favorite people on the planet.
I loved having my brother in town. It was fun for him to hang with the kids, and the kids loved having their Uncle Blake in town. I did feel like an old man who is a fuddy duddy. At night we just hung out at the house, but that comes with the territory I guess. Hopefully I did not bore him too much and he will come back to see us soon.
Good to catch you up a bit and hopefully I will get this back into gear.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Ben Rector
So today is a quick review of a new album I purchased recently.
Into the Morning by Ben Rector
Monday, February 22, 2010
Measure Me Monday (M3)
In good Monday fashion I will update you on how I am measuring!
It's Measure Me Monday:
Inches lost this past week-2 inches
Total Inches Lost- 33 inches
Weight Lost this past week-5 lbs
Total weight Loss-29 lbs (remember I gained 2 lbs last week, so a net of 3 lbs lost on the total)
I will say it was more encouraging to see a weight loss instead of weight gain. I will admit that I do not know where it came from though. I feel this past week was up and down when it came to food. But either way the results stand for themself.
God Bless and if you are thinking you want to start loosing weight-I would encourage you to take the dive and focus on living a healthier lifestyle.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
She Back Everyone! She is Back!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Blogging is tough
I had a great conversation the other day with a friend who just had their first child. It was awesome to share how life is going, and where our faith is deeply intersecting with every aspect of our lives right now. As a father, husband, son, employee, and friend I am finding my faith in Jesus Christ to be the best thing going. I know that there are so many people who believe me to be naive and ignorant to the rest of our world's religions and to be hypocritical, but I am finding that as each day goes by where my weakness/tiredness/overwhelmingness grows and grows-Jesus gets bigger and bigger. I am seeing Matthew 5 make sense. It is not how I would have picked this journey or lesson to be revealed but it is how my God is leading me.
Check out the Sermon on the Mount and be reminded at how much a counter-culture faith in Jesus Christ truly is in our current day. Sit and listen to the words and really open yourself up for examination. I know that it will give you something to think about at least, and maybe change your life.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Measure Me Monday (M3)
It is Monday and I will update you on my workout/health pursuit, but want to shine a little light on why I have been away. I was in Dallas last week and though I could've just updated with short mobile blogs, I thought I would give you more insight later this week. When I returned home I found my wife to still be sick. She has really been battling this virus. We are praying that it is just a virus. The doctors have used scary words and have said there is potential for it to be really bad, but right now we pray it is just a virus.
It has really put her out of commission and I have been able to help out a little bit around the house and with the kids, but what we all know is that this does not work without Sarah. She holds this family together and I have really not been myself because she can't be herself.
We are both just tired. Plain and simple worn out. Work is tough right now and with the home not any better we are just asking for a breather, or in P90X terms-a water break.
So please if you pray, pray for Sarah. Pray that God would heal her body and give her peace and joy for what she is dealing with today. Pray that I can love her well through this and that our kids can survive Daddy being in charge.
For my update: Measure Me Monday.
I have lost another 4 and a half inches (a total of 31inches!), but have gained 2 pounds (I have still lost 24 total lbs since Jan). I am a bit confused. I want nothing more than to write that I have lost more weight and inches, but it is not the case. The guys I workout with think that this second half-we are now past the mid-way point-will really make a difference.
I did learn last week that finding time and a place to workout while traveling is really tough. I was reminded that I am so thankful for the two guys working out with me-I need them to push myself and to stay committed.
There it is. Probably my weakest M3 but I have a deep resolve to work harder and push myself through the next 17-20 lbs and reach a weight I have not reached in almost 8 years.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Monday, February 8, 2010
Measure Me Monday (M3)
Today is the day I thought would come...I have zero lbs lost this week. Can you believe it? I can't. It has been by far the hardest week, in both diet and exercise. Cutting out sugars and throwing up during a P90X session. I have faced nothing like this past week.
I did measure my body and lost 5 more inches! (really 4.75, but who's gonna get mad@me?) Also, I dropped from a 38 pant to 34! Which is really what I have been waiting for this whole time-to see some practical application to this weight loss.
So, let's recap...Zero weight loss this week for a total weight loss of 26 lbs and another 4.75 inches, or as I like to think 5, bringing my total loss to 26.5 inches since January 4th. And to top it off I have dropped down from squeezing painfully into 38 inch waist pants to a good fit 34 inch waist. I know I did not loose body weight, but I know something happened that was good. So my spirits are still high and I am still motivated to keep trekking on in this challenge to get healthy!
Also, because my wardrobe has to change I went shopping...in my closet! I have kept clothes that did not fit hoping for this day. And it came. It is like my wardrobe doubled on Saturday. There are clothes I can wear that I haven't been able to squeeze in for a year, and some that I am on the verge of getting into-and that motivates me more!
We also are going to sell/giveaway coats and clothes that we are not going to wear anymore, and the pile is almost overwhelming our living room. For me, an organizer, it is just as freeing to get stuff out of my house and to know that I am using what I need. It is also good to know that others can benefit from my clothes that I have no need for today. Sidenote: if I get my big clothes out now, I will have no big clothes to get back into!
I hope this finds you well, and I am so thankful for everyone that is keeping up with the journey.
PS-sorry I did not blog last night. I went to bed at 10pm! Sarah has a fever from a virus and we are just tired right now. I will now have to make up two blogs so far...it will be done!
Saturday, February 6, 2010
The iPad
Friday, February 5, 2010
iPad
Teaser for tomorrow. I have spend the last hour and a half pushing it to the limit! Even threw up mid workout-sorry for the squeamish, but we really "left it on the field" tonight. Tomorrow I will have more time to lay down my reasons for the iPad-other than my complete devotion to everything Jobs.
Chad
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Kids, Man They Say Funny Stuff
Harper: "Mommy, Cash wants to read the pony book." (Which happens to be Harper's favorite book.)
Sarah: "Really Harper, how do you know that he wants to read the Pony book?"
Harper's: "He said he wanted to read it. He told me that."
Sarah: "Really, Cash told you that."
Harper: "Yep, he told me with his eyes."
That's my girl.
Have great day.
iPad coming soon...
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
What a Day!
We have our three kids and I am in awe of the whole creation/birth thing. As a male the whole pregnancy and birth mind blowing. I know I would not go through all of that! Especially after watching it with my own eyes!
I am thankful for our kids, and I know that my life would be far less with out them. I am excited for our friends and the beginning they have with their new baby girl. I know they will be tired, frustrated, in awe, and thankful almost everyday. I also know them, and that they will experience our Father's love in a whole new way, and that I know they are not even a bit ready for-it still knocks me down.
I do not know the legal name yet, nor the baby "stats," just excited for them as they are probably trying to catch their breath, and maybe get that little bit of first night as parents sleep-some of the best sleep they will ever have!
God Bless
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
One Long Day
Just got home for the evening at 11:00 p.m. I am tired and am looking to be back at it around 6:45 a.m. Thanks for understanding. I am looking forward to the iPad blog this week, maybe tomorrow?
Monday, February 1, 2010
Measure Me Monday (M3)
I am really starting to like my Mondays. I wake up a little nervous, because I feel like I am doing well and making progress throughout the week, but do not want to see bad or no results. But mostly I am excited.
Today I woke up tired and exhausted from the great weekend with Charles Francis Shirley---I know it should be the name of some kind of character name for a sitcom. It is always encouraging to have people visit us! So Come On!
We had a great time and even got a Yoga X video in together with Derrick.
I want to say that I am actually surprised by my results. I really did not see this coming, and this past week will probably go down as my best ever.
My measurements were similar to two weeks ago. I have lost 4 and a quarter inches, making it a total of 21.75 inches.
My weight loss is a surprising 9 lbs. brining my four week total to 26 lbs!
It is great. I cannot fit into any smaller clothes yet (just means I was SQEEEZZZINNG into my pants) but most of you knew that by looking at me. I am looking forward to getting into a smaller pant size and getting to wear a few different shirts I have put away, but right now I am just excited to be making progress every week.
For those of you out there looking to loose weight. I encourage you to find a partner. For me that has been the recipe for success. Derrick and Aleks have been my motivation when I was tired or worn out. They also are working just as hard, and it is fun to see their results as well.
If you have started your own Measure Me Monday, or have a success story please post a comment.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Perform
This Week:
Measure Me Monday and the iPad!
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
Charles Francis Shirley
Just got done with Cardio X in the P90X workout. I feel great and am getting excited to move onto Insanity--props to DMaddox!
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Lazy Thursday
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
What's Up Wednesday?
I am not the avid meat eater like my previous pastor. He would bow his chest and get proud and excited when someone brought up any red meat. It was almost one of those "manlyisms." I really enjoy a good rare to medium rare steak. I like good chicken, but otherwise will leave most chicken dishes. And though I like seafood my wife's aversion to it has left me not eating much the past 7 years. And so I sit back and have to take in the bombardment of information and personal stories about lowering or removing meat from my diet.
I ordered this book called the China Study, by Joel Fuhran M.D. because our pediatric dentist and I got into this great discussion about how the information really impacted his families' lives. He is a fit man anyway, but about two years ago implemented this new diet and has seen his health increase dramatically, as well as some residual weight loss. I am waiting for it to come--maybe give you a review of it.
It is weird to me how this information has really hit me this week. I feel Sarah and I are doing a great job of transitioning our family into watching our sugar intake and making sure we are focusing our diet towards a healthier place. I am hoping that this will educate me more and maybe even guide us further into health and an example for others. Because my past 9-10 years I have wandered from health and not really paid much attention to what I am doing to my physical self, and of course over the past 3 and a half weeks I am seeing that as I focus on my physical health it really affects my emotional, spiritual, and relational health.
***For those of you who know me best, I really wanted to blog about the iPad. I am so excited and if any of the readers out there want to get me a gift to support this blog-that's the gift! I will let you know how I feel in the coming days. I am just too excited to really give you a good handle on what I think.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Parenting 101
So today I realized that we may have some parenting knowledge. You know, you will go on doing something, gain experience/knowledge, and at some point be called upon to use it. Then you realize-"I actually know what I am talking about!"
Well in the world of parenting you never really feel like you know what you are doing. You make decisions on the spot and react to life as it comes. And for us, most of the time, you second guess what you are implementing or asking your kids to expect as normal.
Today some close friends who just had a beautiful baby recently wrote us and asked for some help. And as we read their email it was like reliving those same feelings and emotions. Confused, lying in the bed hearing our first born cry, and asking each other, "Are we bad parents?" I do not really wonder if every parent has asked that. I, at this point, assume that they all have.
But the beautiful, and reassuring thing was that we immediately knew how we would respond. And to me that is Parenting 101.
In life there are equations, linear thoughts, and rational explanations to outcomes, but that is not the parenting world. Knowing you are good parents is when Mom and Dad respond with a unified front to a problem. How you get to the response is usually not unified. It will take discussion, thinking ahead, questioning, discussion, comments on each others parents, heated discussion, throwing your hands in the air, more discussion, and coming together with a plan/response. We are a unified front.
I know that no matter how it turns out that I have my wife to support me, and vice versa. So often the kids seem to pit parent against parent. When they are babies it is not intentional. You are actually fighting different family experiences and upbringing. As the kids get older, they actually do pit you against each other.
I remember asking my mom for something when I was younger and not getting the response I wanted, so then I would go to the softie of the family and ask the same question. I was not prepared for what would happen next. My dad asked, "What did your mother say?" I said, "She said no." Then he responded in an amazing way, "If your mom said no, then it is no."
In my house, the parents were united. There will never be a day when I can pit my mom against my dad. We have been through some rough stuff and even when it was at its worst, I knew that if it came down to it, they would still be there for each other.
It is my hope that my three kids know us to be those same types of parents. There is no way my wife and I will agree on most things-I think that is the beauty of love and marriage. But when we have to work together, make a decision, and follow through with consistency, there is no stopping us.
So, there it is. Parenting 101. The marital relationship is key to parenting. It may sound obvious, but it is true. It does not matter if you feed your baby every time it cries, or if you let your baby cry itself to sleep. It does not matter if you let your kids eat candy or teach them to chant "Sugar is Bad, Sugar is Bad!" What matters is the oneness that supports the two married people called Mommy and Daddy.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Measure Me Monday (M3)
I will say I find myself using Measure Me Mondays as motivation throughout the week. On Saturday night Sarah and I ordered out our favorite chinese food and had a blizzard from Dairy Queen. It was the biggest splurge I have had this whole month, and I thought in the back of my mind-"this tastes good and I will enjoy it, but I want to make sure and keep Measure Me Mondays exciting." Today is exciting. I have a big goal to loose a specific number of pounds by December 31st and I am on my way to reaching it.
Mondays are exciting now!
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Tongue Wrassle
In Young Life we love to bring humor into places where normally it would not exist. An example would be leading kids in a game. Most of our youth interact with adults at events in a regular way. If the event calls for a game or participation from the audience, the emcee or host will ask for volunteers and guide them through the details of the game and then let them loose.
In Young Life we try to raise the bar by adding something that knocks you on your heels. At our Young Life Clubs we have volunteer leaders that plan and execute the whole night. These are also the people who are spending countless hours in relationship with kids in their community. So when we have a game we want kids to play we usually add some spice. One of these leaders will create a character, dress up, and perform the aforementioned tasks but in the role of this new person. It is just fun.
Tonight I got to play a role, be a character, have fun. I will give you an insight.
In ten minutes I used my creativity to fill in holes of a typical structure. I cam up with Ricky Tassle.
Ricky Tassle: I'm Ricky Tassle. I'm short, I'm sweet, and I love to tongue wrassle! OOOOOUUUUUWWWWWEEEEE(hick accent required)
That is my introduction. I go on to talk about where I am from and how this small town developed in me the ability to speak with authority on Love.
It was fun. I think the leaders liked it. And no matter what, I did something most people never get a chance to do-have a blast at my job and thank God for it!
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Friday, January 22, 2010
Its about You
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Forgive Me
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Tired Tuesday
Peace
Monday, January 18, 2010
Measure Me Monday (M3)
I had a blast this weekend. I am so thankful my parents drove in and had a wild weekend watching our kids, while Sarah and I got to take 20 something college students into the Colorado Rockies to build community, plan, prepare, and step deeper into our relationship with Christ. It was a blast!
It is also "Measure Me Monday." I was expecting bad numbers again, because of my bad eating for two days with no P90X on Saturday. I was pleasantly surprised again. I lost 4 and a quarter inches off my body and lost 6 pounds. Yes, that is right, 6 pounds. Totaling 11 and a quarter inches and 11 pounds in two weeks. I just have to keep it up. I will need encouragement when the numbers are not so big but I am taking these numbers into tomorrow and pursuing a healthier life with my family and friends!
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Friday, January 15, 2010
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Commitment
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Looking Ahead
I am in the midst of planning a leadership retreat for our Young Life leaders this weekend. I am calling it Destination Unknown. We have planned a great weekend, but have not told our leaders where we are going. I think it will be a great weekend. Maybe the Best Weekend of My Life.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
One Year and Done
What a year.
It has been up and down with press, press, press and then a See Ya.
I know that if my dream job came calling I would take it too. So my criticism is not too deep. But as a spouse of a Volunteer fan and so by default I become a Volunteer fan I have to say, "Ouch."
Now like the title of this blog, there is always another side. It could be greener without Kiffin, and that would be the story.
It is how Tennessee will recoup and hire a guy that will put them in the spotlight with wins and restore Tennessee football to a national powerhouse.
You have to think Nick Saban is smiling tonight, and Mark Richt feels better about next year.
So the SEC looses a big named coach to the Pac-10, got to love it.
And really what does it matter? Not too much. Not much at all.
Monday, January 11, 2010
The Biggest Looser
Sunday, January 10, 2010
20 years later it is probably one of the most endeared television programs while being quite socially begign. I think it is quite a feet in today's culture to be something that can be successful over a long period of time. Even my daughter Harper calls it "her show.". So I tip my hat, the one I got for Christmas, to the Simpsons. Way to go. 20 years down 20 more to go.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
It's Another Day in Paradise
Today is my sweet wife's birthday. I am told that the day she was born was much like the record low temperatures we are experiencing now. And when Big Bill and Sweet Nancy brought their little bundle of joy home for the first time...the pipes in their house had burst because they froze while they were away. What a way to start out life on earth. Some would say she started out with Green Luck-there's a song for that phrase.
I digress.
But twenty something years later I find myself enjoying everyday with Sarah. I know I take her for granted. It is kind of easy to...she is the best. She is so patient, understanding, caring and supportive. I know that I could never return to her half of the love she gives to me.
Today is the annual celebration of her entry into the world, and I am glad I get a front row seat everyday. I get to see up close and personal the most beautiful and lovely woman that has ever walked the earth.
I love you Sarah and am so thankful for your life.
Happy Birthday!
Friday, January 8, 2010
Thursday, January 7, 2010
One Day at a Time
And now a blog.
Trying to be a man that can be committed to decisions I make, I am writing this blog.
I am still laugh thinking about Modern Family. I was reminded by my wife in the comment section about the part that got me laughing hardest. Phil, "I could've used it for something small, like not having to clean the garage or a week at circus camp." Now I have never been to circus camp, but I cannot believe that is a small thing.
I title this one day at a time, because I forget that to get somewhere you have to take small steps and focus each moment towards where you want to go. With fitness I want to be in a position where I can just complete one P90X video without having to stop to breath. But at day 5 I cannot really expect to be performing at day 90, but I want to. I would like to be proficient at writing a blog, or at least be able to focus my ideas towards one topic. And without much effort or time committed to this endeavor I cannot be frustrated as I search my mind for ideas, but I do. Family and Work. They are both the best/hardest things we will all do in our lifetime and it is so easy to loose focus on each. While it is the small moments in life that really make everything amazing, like when I get home my middle child Reese just wanting me to hold her. I should stop wanting her to be able to speak English proficiently, and just enjoy her toddler babble while she really is speaking with her heart-but I do.
I do not know, maybe this rant is because it is stinking cold outside. Right now the thermostat reads, 1 degree with wind chill at -15 and the low tonite going to -9 with -20 wind chills!
But probably it is because in life we seem to look ahead, and not notice what is right in front of us. We want to graduate without the experience of learning. And we want success without the effort it takes to truly enjoy the word success.
Either way that was my day.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Laugh Out Loud Funny!
PS-you can watch it online anytime here@ hulu.com/modern-family or even at abc.go.com/shows/modern-family
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
What the...?
Monday, January 4, 2010
Feel the Burn-or Sharp Pain in Your Neck
I feel fine now...but about an hour and a half ago, I was wondering what I committed myself to do.
It is day one of 90 into the at home workout series P90X. I am sure you have heard of it, but if you haven't...there is this 50 year old dude named Tony Horton who has developed the newest and biggest selling home workout routine.
My first thought was we need to check his birth records, like most South American pitchers in the League, because he is just in shape. It is encouraging to see a middle aged man can look like that, but what do you have to do to get there? Gasp, vomit, sweat, defibrilation, and then a water break-Repeat. That's what.
In an effort to see my children get married, and be able to enjoy their children I am starting to focus on living a life of intentionality. I do this, work on my weaknesses, and then it usually fades. But my hope is that 90 days of fitting something into my schedule will create some healthy, life giving habits.
Not only am I cutting calories and trying to eat a nutrient dense diet, but I have added this intense workout.
You start out with a warm up and inside you are thinking, "man I think this will be okay, I don't think I will embarrass myself in front of my new friend." And then it starts. I had awoke this morning to a twinge on the right side of my neck-no big deal-and right off the bat I pull the left side of my neck. There is no mistaking this pain, I still feel my heartbeat on the back of my neck-but it is just a war wound. Then it is 47 minutes of exercising. Stretches, push-up, funny looking push-ups and this thing called a Superman Banana (teehee).
All in all I am excited. On two fronts. I am doing this with a new friend Derek Richards, and I am excited to get to know him better and develop a friendship. And the other is to see my overall health increase.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Today has been a great day. Get to sleep in until 7:30, walk outside to fresh snow on the ground, visit a great church with good friends, find out we will not be having four kids in four years! (deep sigh of relief), and watched week 17 of NFL football.
For me there is a point of contention: Playoff rematches
Today there were three games that will be replayed in week one of the playoffs. For me that is a bit mundane but there is hope that maybe a few of these teams that played were holding back for next week.
All in all an outstanding day. Tomorrow is the beginning of the new year with the start of P90X!