Ben Rector

Hey All,

So today is a quick review of a new album I purchased recently.

Into the Morning by Ben Rector

I just wanted you to all know that I really enjoy this guy's music.  He leans towards a more poppy feel, and of course if I am honest that's the way I swing too.  Check it out on iTunes.

Measure Me Monday (M3)

Well, I am back.  Back to Blogging and back at living life with my, now, healthy wife!

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.

She Back Everyone! She is Back!

So tonight's post will be sweet, like my wife.  She is back from hell.  She just said, "I think I am back."  She goes back tomorrow for more blood work, but because she is feeling better we think her levels will be back to normal.  If not, that's a different story.  I think I will watch a bit of HULU.com and then hit the sack.  Good Night and Thank You for Your Prayers.

Going to bed. Long day.

Blogging is tough

Here I am sitting in front of the computer trying to dig deep into my being for a topic that is interesting.  I am just wiped out and the thought of thinking is even tiring.
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.

Measure Me Monday (M3)

So I have been away for a few days-please forgive.  I am planning on jumping back head-first into this commitment.  I will spend a few days next week pouring over a few ideas I have, but this week is a hold on tight and make it through kind of venture.
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.

Still in Dallas. Busy time and having a blast with my Aunt and Uncle. Update will come on Saturday.

Late nite. Sorry no blog. I'm in Big D.

Measure Me Monday (M3)

It's Measure Me Monday!

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!

The iPad

First off,  I think I am going to be disappointed with my weight loss this week.  It is not for a lack of effort. I have done my best job at both eating and exercising this week.  On the P90X side, it has been the hardest week by far.  I actually think the lifting will cause me to gain weight.  I know, I know it will be fine.

So it is time.  I will not spend much time on this topic, but I wanted to address it.  The iPad.  I will first admit I am a big fan of all things Apple, but I do think this device will be another game changer.  It was first the iPod-that changed the way we listen to music, then the iPhone-that changed the way we use phones, and now the inappropriately named iPad.

I think the name is probably the first and blinding downfall for this device, but I was not surprised and know that I will eventually not think about an electronic hygienic device for females.    There is another downfall that I have to get past-no multitasking.  I am surprised that the OS will also be very similar to the iPhone.  I do have hopes that this will change in the future, and I do think it will, but understand that they have an already-built-in audience of 75 million iPod touch and iPhone users.  

Now to the good stuff.  I think this will change education.  To me that is the biggest obvious application to this device.  We are continually growing less and less dependent on paper, and this device will keep pushing us that direction.  College kids, high school kids, even grad students will be given one on the first day of class already preloaded with the required reading at significantly lower prices.  For all of us College grads, we understand how ridiculous it is to buy such overpriced books, only to sell them back to the store for a poor exchange rate.  Now I believe the cost will be affordable and allow students to keep books and use them years after their graduation-if they want to.  The medium will change and use video and sound to bring these dry text books to life.  Maybe allowing for all types of learners to grasp the knowledge in ways that fits them best.  

I also believe it has so many other applications- like real estate agents taking prospective buyers around town and showing homes in their cars and deciding if it is worth their time to go all across town to see it. The medical field will use this everyday.  Nurses will enter your vital signs into this and wirelessly download your info into your electronic file. Or better yet-you will place your finger print on the screen and your health insurance and personal info will pop up with your medical history in front of them so they will not have to waste everyone's time with the filling out of paperwork.  

I will use one to blog.  I will use on to email, internet, watch movies, and even do some work.  I will use one.  It is the transition into the multi touch world of technology.  And as we become more and more comfortable using one, this technology will then be adapted in other areas of life.  

I cannot wait until I can hold this in my hands and use one.  I know it will be a great day.  And remember, if you want to order me one (in support of this blog of course) you can!

iPad

I want one.  Nuf said.

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

Kids, Man They Say Funny Stuff

A conversation between Sarah and Harper.
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...

What a Day!

Today some of our dearest friends from Alabama celebrated the birth of their baby girl.  We have been praying for this little one for over 4 and a half years, while her mom and dad have been praying for her for much longer.
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

One Long Day

Today has been going...
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?

Measure Me Monday (M3)

It's Measure Me Monday!

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.