Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Turkey's cannot fly

As I'm packing for the weekend trip I think to myself, man what do we need all this stuff for, It seems like such a phenomenal waste to pack so much for a 5 day trip. But, I think this comes from of a life of trying to Be Prepared. I somehow think I need to have a solution for every event possible under the sun. this can be draining at times, I just don't have the don't worry about it, it will work out mentality. It feels like a burden sometimes.

I think this mentality might be a part of my fear of starting down the long road to a healthy weight. I need to solve the problem now, and this is so overwhelming I cannot start the trip. I need to pack everything today I might need over the next 8 months or it will fail.

I know this isn't true, but I'm really struggling to make time and start consistent progress. Hopefully this weekend I will take some hikes and get my head clear of all the garbage at work and just think about my health. This means mentally, spiritually and physically. I have a lot to prepare for over the next 8 months, and I need some harmony to get there.

I just need to find my tune.

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Morning Walk

My cousin has terminal cancer, and she has been more than positive throughout her experience. Her attitude is a model for most people in their own lives. She was so excited recently that her son engaged his girlfriend, it was good news for the whole family. Last night I received the worst call, my cousins' husband had a sudden massive heart attack and died. It left me heartbroken for all of them

I have had my own battle with the "why me's" in life, and I know there is no real answer to that questions, but I have to ask, why them? Neither my cousin, or her husband have been bad people in life. Actually they have been the opposite. I simply cannot imagine what they are going through right now. Their son is young and happily engaged, mom is bravely battling cancer, and now their rock is gone.

This has caused me to first pray for them, that they may find their way through this time. And, I have also refocused on my health. I have recently posted about a race for next year I have signed up for, but really done nothing to prepare yet. Well, last night was a wake up call. My cousin that died is less than 20 years older than me, and was very young to go. This morning, I strapped on my boots, and got outside for a walk. It's a meager start, but I have 8 months. As I was made very aware last night, 8 months is more than many get. Take each day and try to improve yourself, and impact someone else's life. Just one person. We never know when it will be our time to leave, so it's best we be our best self and love others everyday.

My walk this morning was full of sadness for my family, and re-commitment to myself. My thoughts and prayers today are for Chuck.

Monday, November 15, 2010

There will be a quizz on Tuezzday

Full of different emotions for tomorrow morning.

Looking for my inner Warrior...

I am in a real health funk, and have been in for a year I think. They are really hard to see yourself when they start, but boy am I in it now. I weigh as much as I did when I started on here, which includes almost a 50 lb. weight loss the right way. Now I'm hovering around 270 lb mark again and I can't stand it.

There's a whole host of reasons for my current situation, but I don't want to dwell on the negative. I take ownership of my current well being.

For a month now a friend of mine has been talking about a race called the Warrior Dash. I didn't know much about it and did a little research online. The Warrior dash is around a 5k race with all kinds of fun looking obstacles & mud along the way. It looks like just the kind of event I would love. Sadly, I ignored the emails since I just didn't feel like my current day self could prepare for or survive this event. This was an embarrassing time for me. Just a year ago I was 50 lbs lighter and could have kicked this events butt. Now I feel like a quitter.

Over the weekend my buddy again copied me on an email that he was signing up. I instantly said I wouldn't in an email reply...but this was killing me. I was angry at myself for giving up. A day later, I just signed up! Wow!

I now have 8 months to prepare and don't know where to start but I am excited for the first time in a long time. My wife supports me and I know I can do it.

The one thing I know is I will need a lot of support to turn myself around, and I'll look to Spark People to gain momentum as I track my progress.

I'm not sure what I've gotten in to here, but here goes!

http://www.warriordash.com/register2011_ohio.php

Monday, September 27, 2010

Memorial

My son was born February 14, 2010, and did not survive. He was only 17 weeks old when we went into labor, and it would have taken a miracle. We were not granted the miracle we wanted. The lord walks this path with us, I just do not understand where the path is taking us.

This is on my mind today since I had to call the funeral home to schedule the baby memorial. The memorial is a group event for parents like us that lost their child during birth or had late term miscarriages. This really puts a period at the end of the sentence for me. Now that I know the date of this service, all my old feelings of loss and sadness have returned.

I still know I cannot ask the "why's", that is a path with no light or end. I am still angry this happened and sad at the thought my boy would be two months old right now.

This has tested, not broken, my faith. Through this all I am grateful for God, my family and friends. Most importantly I am glad I have my wife Jenny. I admire her strength through this, and am not sure I could have made it without her. I'm sure she thinks I helped her through this, when in fact God helped us help each other through this. We would not make it through this time with just the two of us. Our partner in marriage is Jesus, and He is carrying us when we need it, and helping us carry each other. And maybe, my son is sitting on my shoulder when I need him, saying "Don't worry Daddy, I love you both, and I'm OK."

I sure hope he is there with angel's wings looking out for us both today.

Wednesday, September 08, 2010

Should I use this for more than random reviews & posts?

I may give this a try, blogging opinions and experiences once a week.

Monday, June 21, 2010

My Review of M.H.Bertucci Titanium Nylon Watch

Originally submitted at REI

This analog watch is sleek enough to wear indoors and rugged enough to use outdoors.


Simple, light and classic.

By Mark M. from Cleveland, OH on 6/21/2010

 

4out of 5

Gift: No

Pros: Stylish, Comfortable

Best Uses: Travel, Daily Use, Work

Describe Yourself: Athletic, Practical

I normally lean towards watches that have gadgets and features, so this purchase is a bit of a diversion. I love the light feel, and classic look. The watch band is nice, but I'll probably replace it with a "The band" type strap eventually anyway. The one piece design, with no pins, is perfect for strap type watches.

(legalese)