Blessed beyond measure.

31. Things you'd like to learn more about

2011-08-31T05:00:00.000-05:00

My wife. She is the one person in this life that I never want to stop learning about.

Electricity and how it works. Because of how it can kill you, I've always been scared to mess with it beyond instances where I have to deal with it.

Working on cars. I wish I knew how to change my own oil.

I wish I knew how to do "man" stuff. Just feel like I never know what to do and wish I did. Thank God though, check out YouTube for any questions on how to replace/fix stuff, as it's helped me many times already.

I actually did it...I posted 31 blogs for the 31 days of August! Now, don't plan to see any more for a long time!

30. Make a list of things you want to accomplish by the week from now until the end of the year (your gameplan)

2011-08-30T05:00:00.000-05:00

I can't plan week to week, so I'll just say what I'd like to do by the end of the year.

I'd like to replace the screens around the house.

I'd like to clean the garage.

I'd like to take at least one of my MCSA tests, if not two.

I can't plan too far in advance like Belinda can. It's not my strength. I'm someone who lives in the now, and maybe a week in advance, and that's where B comes in and takes over.

29. Complete this sentence: In a perfect world....

2011-08-29T05:00:00.000-05:00

I'd be 80lbs lighter, a great paying job, no bills, a maid to clean the house, plenty of time to spend with the kids and do whatever I wanted to do. There would be world peace, everyone would feel safe all the time. My kids would have free rides to college because of whatever they do well in whatever field they choose, and would do well and prosper in life. Belinda and I would live to a very old age, with no pains, aches, and would be in great health until the end. The kids would marry the loves of their lives, who would be great, upstanding people, and would have lots of kids to enjoy like we did. It would all just be one big happy world.

Of course, the only perfect world is Heaven, so I basically just pray God feels I did well enough to make it there.

28. Favorite topics to surf the web about (blog topics you read, google search, twitters you follow, etc)

2011-08-28T13:21:00.002-05:00

1st thing I look to when I log in, in the morning, is ESPN.com. I gotta get my daily fix of what happened the day before and overnight. Now that it's fantasy football season, I try to look at my major player's teams to see about any news that could affect them. Then I check my team of the current season (Cubs, Chiefs, or Magic).

2nd thing I look at is what's going on in the news, so I check out CNN.com. I know some people say it's too liberal or whatever, but I just love the format of the site, and read through the top stories, then down to the bottom section to browse through the Entertainment, Sports, and Tech section.

Next I go through my Google Reader feeds to see what else is new in Christian music news, Belinda's and other's blogs, tech blogs I follow, and then catch up on my favorite webcomics.

After that, I do a quick peruse through Facebook, Google+, and then love to sit through Twitter to catch up on whatever the top stories are.

27. Where would you go if you could go on a vacation with your best friends and why?

2011-08-27T15:57:00.002-05:00

I would take the guys to the original Starbucks in Pikes Place, WA, to visit the original place of our favorite hangout, then hit the mountains of the Rockies to sit on the porch and look at the mountains while just hanging out and talking.

26. Describe each child's personalities

2011-08-27T15:48:00.001-05:00

I honestly can't say it any better than my wife did on her post:

Evan-4 years old, preschooler, thinker, constantly has to sing Justin Bieber songs, more intense than the others, silly, interested in learning, imaginative, lives for Legos.

Braden-7 years old, 2nd grader, easy going, along for the ride, loves baseball, works hard in school, quiet, loves to snuggle, good sense of humor, sensitive, big heart.

Jaelyn-10 years old, 5th grader, artistic, caring of others, animal lover, sensitive, loyal to friends, beautiful, good imagination, good student, loves drama/theater, musical

Avery-13 years old, 7th grader, natural born athlete, honor student, musical, plays trumpet, well rounded, great sense of humor, makes friends easily, likes to goof around, loves video games.

25. Who have you lost contact with over the years that you wish you could reconnect with?

2011-08-27T15:45:00.001-05:00

Jeremy Wicks. He was my closest friend all through High School, and for some reason, we lost contact when we went into the military. We talk on FB, but we don't really talk, ya know? I'd love to sit and and catch up with him over some beers some time.

Really though, I still talk to all my closest friends. My boys Stan, Doug, Kris, and Nick are friends I talk to, not every day or week even, but ones that we can catch up in two seconds and laugh about whatever the topic is, or talk deeply about whatever is troubling us.

My best friend though, is B, and she's always there for me whenever I need to get away. And with Avery growing older and can watch the kids more, we can get more time together!

24. Biggest project you'd like to do that can be completed by the end of the year

2011-08-27T15:38:00.001-05:00

To clean out the garage! It's a huge mess, and even though we've been cleaning and getting rid of things slowly but surely, I wish we could just get rid of everything in there. I hate having tons of junk around the house, and every time I go out there, I get stressed.

23. Favorite thing you have done this past year

2011-08-27T15:36:00.001-05:00

My favorite thing I've done this past year was to coach my kids in basketball (Avery) and baseball (Braden). I'd give anything to be able to do but have more time and commitment from parents (Avery's team), and to just be able to help this year on Braden's select team (which I think I will be able to). It's super stressful, but also a ton of fun to just be with my kiddos.

Day 22 - What Would Be An Awesome Way to Celebrate a Milestone Birthday?

2011-08-27T15:32:00.002-05:00

Here would be my dream birthday:

Wake up just Belinda and I in a log cabin overlooking the snowy Rocky Mountains. Helicopter waiting for us to take us and the kids to an airport to jet over to Chicago for lunch at Gino's East, to have some pizza. From there we'll hop over to the afternoon Cubs game where we'll see them clinch the World Series for the first time in 100+ years. We then fly back to San Diego, so that we catch the rest of the day and can still enjoy some fun in the sun and time on the beach, with fresh pina coladas. We then fall asleep to crashing waves on the most comfortable bed ever, with a nice, cool breeze blowing on us.

21. What has been your best vacation?

2011-08-21T07:00:00.000-05:00

I don't know how I can pick just one favorite vacation?! So, I'll pick two.

My first favorite vacation was when I graduated HS and my parents let me pick where we went for vacation that year. They were expecting me to say Florida, California, or some place big like that. Where did I pick?

CHICAGO!

Yeah, that's right, Chi-town! I wanted to see my Cubs and White Sox! I got to see so much more though. The Navy Pier, the Museum District, the Planetarium, the Magnificent Mile, Nike Town (was and still am a big Nike fan), and so much more. I as able to eat at Gino's East, Lowry's Steak House, and even Michael Jordan's Restaurant. I loved getting to feel like I had control of a big situation like that, and it was awesome to get to be in my favorite cit in the world.

My other favorite vacation was when we went to Destin, FL last year. It was our first real vacation as a family! Avery was 12 years old...his first real vacation at 12 years old?! We went to Iowa year after year, since we moved down to TX, but after we went last year, we realized what we were missing...MEMORIES OF OUR OWN! I remember vacation every year, and I want our kids to have that as well. We didn't do anything crazy while in Destin, but we just had fun doing something out of the norm, doing stuff that was fun, and doing it together. After we got back, we decided we'd do vacations every other year...that way we can see family back in Iowa, and still do vacations. As the year has gone by though, and after we decided to do a staycation here and see more of the Houston area, I honestly don't know when we'll go back to Iowa next. I really miss my friends and family, but they can come see me just as much as I can go see them. So, I guess we'll see who really wants to see the Sheldons that bad! HA!

Vacations...you can't have favorites if you do go! Here's to many more memories!

20. What is a memory you have of your childhood?

2011-08-20T07:00:00.029-05:00

Going to Hawaii was probably one of the coolest things of my younger childhood. I went to Oahu with my maternal grandparents when I was 11 years old. It was amazing to see the most amazingly crystal blue ocean you could ever imagine. The most beautiful fifteen foot waves on top of it. The sea creatures below it. The coral reefs that go on for miles. The customs that the people had opened my eyes. How they eat rice with every meal. How they have the clay roof tiles. All the things that an island community would do opened my eyes for the first time, the reality of a "world beyond" Iowa and all I knew at that time. All the memories I have from that trip are still almost as vivid as if I had just came back. My first meal, the place we stayed, the places I saw, the U of Hawaii stadium and flea market outside it, North Beach, and everything else.

What I remember most is my grandma and grandpa. My grandpa is still alive, but my grandma is not. They were always super funny, but my grandma gave me one of my favorite memories ever. After a LONG day of walking around, we got back to the place we were staying and were all super tired. We took the elevator from the parking ramp below the hotel and as we were going up, we all hit the proverbial wall. We were pooped as pooped could be. It took awhile to get to the floor we were on, and we all just became quiet, as the moment hit us that we were about to be "home" and could rest. When out of the total silence, from the direction of my grandma, I heard a loud and long fart! My grandpa and I looked at each other, then looked at her, and she laughed so hard, with her eyes squinting almost shut. We all laughed the entire rest of the night, and joked about it for years after. I loved my grandma. Miss her still.

Thank you for Hawaii and our memories, grandma and grandpa.

19. How do you try to slow down time?

2011-08-20T07:00:00.000-05:00

I don't know if I could say I ever truly feel like I can slow down time when I want to. On the days I want it to go fast, it goes slow. On the days I want it to go slow, it goes fast. About the only time I can ever seem to get things to at least feel like they're slow is when I'm working out or studying (ha ha ha!). Really though, on my day off if I can get up early to watch the Today Show, Regis & Kelly, and just sit on my iPad and Twitter. Those days I try to get some coffee going, and just enjoy the news I rarely get to sit and watch, but in a format I thoroughly enjoy (aka The Today Show and R&K). Good times. Other times out of the norm that I feel I can slow down time is when we can go on vacation and sit and enjoy downtime while at the beach, or sitting around the pool, or late night at a hotel. Reading a book helps some times, but usually the time flies and it's on to the next thing. ;)

18. How do you prepare for the holidays?

2011-08-18T07:00:00.011-05:00

Realistically, I just say "Belinda, what are we doing?" HAHAHAHAHA!!!

It's true! Buuuuuut...I try to help and do stuff. I'm not a big "put stuff up and fill the house with holiday stuff" type of guy. I am a minimalist, so I prefer a Christmas tree with typical stuff, and some lights outside, but if it were up to me, that would be about it. I'm not for decorating the house for Halloween, Thanksgiving, etc. I'm more of a feeler. If it doesn't feel like the holidays outside, then it's hard to feel like doing stuff for it. Being a midwest guy, I LOVE cool weather, and nothing feels like Halloween or Thanksgiving than cool weather, turning leaves, and football in the air. Football will always be there in some form or fashion, but the leaves don't change much or at all down here, and the weather doesn't always get cool, so I have to deal with what I'm given. I didn't really answer the question, but that's about what goes through my head. I want to do whatever makes my wife happy, and so we do the decorations...we do the lights...we do all she wants to do...and we have fun! The holidays are the best time of the year, and we're all on the same page in the end. :)

17. What are you looking forward to the most about kids going back to school?

2011-08-17T07:00:00.008-05:00

I don't know if I can say anything really. It gets hectic with four kiddos all in school, so it's gonna get all kindsa crazy here in a minute. No more sleeping in. No more only having to worry about myself for the most part, most mornings. Nope. I'll have to get back into getting kids to school, getting all their lazy butts moving and up, and now a preschooler actually ready and not just "up and over to grandma's house". It's always good though, in a way, because in our house, we care about our kids and don't let any of them sluff off. They will all graduate on time, and with good grades.

I guess the only thing I am looking forward to, will be to have lunches with just B when she's not working during a Tuesday or Thursday when Evan has preschool. It'll be a nice, quiet, easy-going lunch with my boo. As you can imagine, life with four kids, while awesome, is a bit hectic, so any chance we can get alone...I'mma take it!

Here's to the 2011-2012 school year! Go Pandas and Wildcats!

16. List 10-15 things about yourself that others may not know.

2011-08-16T09:02:00.042-05:00

1. I'm actually a very shy person around people I don't know. Especially if they make no effort to open up as well.
2. I've never been happy with what I see in the mirror.
3. I hate that I'm bald, only because I don't have control of being able to grow out my hair and do something different from time to time.
4. I LOVE to try new foods. Not crazy foods just to do it, but new dishes that friends make, new foods at restaurants, etc.
5. I love to try new beers! It's like anything you really like. Once you get to taste something, and then try other styles, it's fun to see the differences and tastes.
6. I have crazy different locations for my favorite sport teams...baseball: Chicago Cubs, football college: IOWA HAWKEYES!, football pro: Kansas City Chiefs, basketball: Orlando Magic
7. I want to learn how to code an Apple iPhone/iPad app
8. I hated growing up in Polk City, IA, but now would love to live in a small farming community...as long as I had high-speed internet in my home. ;)
9. Right now, my dream job would be to either work with the Cubs, or have a successful tech-gadget blog/show where I test new devices/gadgets that come out
10. I would love to live in a nice suburb of Chicago, so we could go see Cubs games at Wrigley, even though I do admit that I like not having to deal with snow/ice down here in Houston.
11. I wish I could make enough money at my current job, so that B could be a stay at home mom, but that will never be an option, which frustrates me, but I love where I work and what I do.
12. I wish I was more creative.
13. I love and am amazed at video games even more than I did when I was younger, because of how amazing they look nowadays. I remember playing games with "dots" on the screen that represented football players. Now we have full-blown football players on the screen, with individualized traits, tattoos, and even the ability to see their breath when it's a cold game. Amazing!
14. My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving, because of the food, and because I love the name "Thanksgiving" because it's one more reason to help us remember to be thankful for everything we're blessed with.
15. I love my wife more than anything in this world, and it makes my heart hurt sometimes, because I just cannot get enough of that woman.

15. What do you think stands in the way of you achieving your goals?

2011-08-15T09:01:00.004-05:00

Me.

I couldn't just end the post there though, but that's in a nutshell, it. I stand in the way of my dreams. I dream of being in shape and looking in the mirror and being happy with what I look like. I stand in the way of getting things done around the house more often. I stand in the way of getting down and playing with the kids more. I stand in the way of not saving money to get the new MacBook Air I want. I stand in the way of getting rest, but not being slothful and getting up to do stuff that needs to be done. Stuff like working out, studying for more certifications, learning more IT skills. I stand in the way of it all. Really, isn't that the truth in all of us? We can say we don't have "x" or not enough "y" to get things done, but if we'd focus, I'm sure we'd all find the time, save the money, put the effort, etc, into whatever needs to get done.

14. Everyone is addicted to something. What are you addicted to?

2011-08-15T08:57:00.001-05:00

See previous post about gluttony! HA! Seriously though, I love to try new foods. I love to eat my favorite foods. Unfortunately, I can't just have a taste. I can't just dip the chip into the dip. I have to eat 20 bites. I have to pull up a tablespoon of that GLORIOUS Anderson-Ericson dip on my frito! So yeah, that's what I need to work on.

13. Which of the 7 deadly sins do you struggle with?

2011-08-15T08:55:00.001-05:00

I don't know how you could say you only struggle with one of them. I know I usually struggle with more than one at a time, and have struggled with them all at one point or another. My biggest, and most often "tasted" sin is gluttony, though. Sure, lust, sloth, etc, are all there, but gluttony rings the bell more often than not. And the typical gluttony of food is the winner. It's because it feels like it's the one thing I can control in this life. I can't control my wife, kids, job, etc, but controlling my happiness of eating wins every time. Of course, that's also why I'm back over 300 lbs. UGH! I'm working on it AGAIN though. Here's to hoping I can one day give up this sin and run towards the real prize of life!

12. What is a list of baby names you like now if you ever were to have any more children?

2011-08-12T15:11:00.001-05:00

I'm a guy, we don't think of these things like you women-folk do, but if I were to have a kid, I'd love to name it after something I'm passionate about, like a sports figure/team, or something tech.

I could see Kinnick or Hayden as a first name, Kirk as a middle name maybe. I follow a tech person on all my social sites and she's a programmer. She uses a language called "Ruby" and she named her newborn that. I thought that was pretty cool. Besides that, I don't know.

11. What is something you regret doing?

2011-08-12T15:07:00.006-05:00

I regret so many things in my life. I think that's pretty much everyone's thoughts though, unless you were raised with no moral compass. I wasn't raised in a Christian home, but I was raised with enough of a moral compass by my parents that I knew what I should and shouldn't do. Yet, I chose to do enough bad that I wished I would have been smarter. This is a tough one to answer for me, because I have so much I wish I could undo in my past, but my biggest regrets would be any time I've hurt my wife or kids. They're what I ultimately leave on this earth, and have been blessed to form a life with, and they're the ones that hold my heart. I hate whenever I let them down in any way. I'm not close to my dad, and I want my kids to miss me when I'm gone. I want to leave such an impact on their lives that they hurt. Hopefully that makes sense and is a good thing, not a bad thing! HA! I want to be the man my wife craves, and feels like she is missing something whenever we're apart, because that's what she is to me. So that's what I regret doing...anything that ever or will hurt them. Hopefully it's less and less as the years go by. ;)

10. What characteristics do you get from each of your parents?

2011-08-12T15:03:00.001-05:00

I grew up with three parents...my mom and dad, and my stepdad who was with and married to my mom for 18+ years, and who is my dad as well. I don't know how to accurately know what I got from my folks, but I'll try to do my best

From my mom I get my caring attitude, my desire to fix things and do what I can to make someone happy when they're down. I get my desire to be all I can for my close friends and family, and to easily make friends and make relationships with people when I desire to do so.

From my dad I got my goofy attitude, I believe. My ability to just be funny at all times. Hopefully that's a good thing...keeping things light, but I know at times it's not. My dad liked to go to the park and stuff, and I get that from him, in that I love to take my family to the local park and hang out, or go see the Buffalo at another park...saving some loot, getting out of the house, and having fun still.

From my stepdad, I got my desire for technical stuff, which landed me my profession, which I feel is a pretty big deal to me, because it's a part of my life. Also, I feel I got my desire to relax in situations and not worry about stuff until I feel I need to. There's a time to worry, and a time to remain calm until you need to worry. Jim is a laid back kind of guy, and so I get that from him as well.

That's about it...I think. Feel free to post if I'm missing something.

#9 - What is one thing you do today that you didn't think you ever would do?

2011-08-09T12:38:00.004-05:00

Father four children. I always wanted one kid, because I liked how I grew up, and while it would be so much easier to raise one vs four, I would NEVER trade my life! It's hard to be a parent to four children, but it is so worth it to see these little angels grow up, and seeing how they learn and become young men and a woman. The hard parts are coming up, I know this, but I thank God every day for my wife wanting to have four children like the household she grew up in. If tubes weren't tied, I'm sure we'd continue to keep popping 'em out, even though I don't know how we'd pay for it! HA! I LOVE MY KIDS!!!

Post 8 - What movie can you watch over and over and not get bored with?

2011-08-09T12:36:00.000-05:00

Right now it's totally been the Harry Potter series! It's crazy how much I thought it was so stupid until the last two movies came out and looked so good that I had to catch up on the series so I could see them. It was totally worth it. We're currently on the second go around of watching the series and am loving it even more because I'm catching things I totally missed the first time.

Other movies I could watch over and over are Major Payne, any Star Wars movie (yes, ANY), Losers, Titanic, and Nacho Libre just to name a few.

Post 7 - What do you secretly hope each of your children will grow up to be?

2011-08-09T12:33:00.001-05:00

First of all, I honestly don't care as long as it's something they want to do, something that they will enjoy for years to come, and is something legal! HA!

If I had to say specifically, I'd guess I'd have to go with the following:

Avery - Baseball player in the MLB. If he can't reach that, I'd love to see him as a sports physician where he could be a team's doctor, traveling with them, and livng the dream that way.

Jaelyn - I'd love to see her be a veterinarian. She wants to sing and dance, and so I could see her doing that, but I could also see her doing local theater like her grandpa Brad used to do.

Braden & Evan - it's so early for them, but for Braden I could see him being a PE teacher or something like his uncle Tanner. Evan, no clue, but he's a thinker, so I could see him being an engineer.

I just want the best for them all, and want them to be happy and not struggle.

Post 6 - If you could be a fly on the wall, who would you eavesdrop on?

2011-08-09T12:29:00.002-05:00

This is super easy. My kids. It's the biggest responsibility I've been given, and I want to know if I've been a good enough role model and teacher to them. I try to be a parent first, but a friend a close second. I don't buy into the philosophy that a child doesn't need their parent to be a friend, but I believe they need to have the stron, loving hand of a parent first. You have to guide and teach them first, leading them in the ways of Christ, and then be there for them when they fall like we all do in this life. I would love to see how my older children are around their friends when their parents are not there. I'd like to think that they're better than they are at home, or at least as good as that. All the parents say they're very well-mannered children and are always giving us compliments, but again, that's around adults. I want to see if they stay true to the morals we are trying to instill in them around others. Shining Jesus' light to them, and living by example, rather than being followers and doing the status quo.

GAH! I'm already behind! Day 5

2011-08-09T12:25:00.002-05:00

What way has God spoken directly to you?

First of all, read B's post, because this was by far the biggest and clearly evident example of when God spoke to both of us at the same time concerning such a big thing that was going on in our lives at that time. Click Me

Other times God speaks to me, He truly does it in small ways where sometimes I miss it, then remember later and a lightbulb goes off. This past weekend, I was getting really upset with how much weight I'm gaining, and how I've basically gotten back to where I was before I lost all my weight a few years ago. I'm really upset with myself, but have no one to blame. I have lost all my motivation and was basically just so mad at myself that I'd let it all get back on, and that I'd fallen back into my pit again. I know I needed to get serious about my life and this temple I've been given, but I just couldn't get going! Then on Sunday, the pastor spoke about diet and working out. He was speaking about growing in our faith by reading the word and living it, and even while I heard it that way and is something I'm really working hard on right now as well, it hit me when he was talking a man who got a new heart and what good is it for him to keep eating bad foods? Both physically and spiritually, once we come Christ, it's time to change things. If that wasn't enough, that day, on FB, I follow a "Jesus Daily" account, and it said something that really hit me. The first line of the post said "It's time to get serious about life." That sums it all up for everything. I live a good life, and enjoy almost all of it, but there are certain things I need to man up and get serious about. Jesus and living healthy have been far down on the list for too long. It's time to make a change.

Yesterday I hit the gym.

#4 - What is laying around your house that you could sell?

2011-08-04T10:38:00.000-05:00

A neighbor of ours just had a fire in her house the other day, and I can't imagine all that is ruined and will never be able to be used. The memories lost, the financial bills that will accumulate, etc. It's such a horrible thing that she and her family are going through, but I tell you what, if I could get a few things out, I would love to just start over. I don't think we have anything that we want to get rid of that could get any real money for. I was looking into stuff of mine that I could sell to buy a MacBook Air last year year, and I just don't have stuff I want to get rid of, and the stuff I do, is pretty worthless for any real money. So basically, let me get important things out of my house, make sure my family is okay, and then the rest can be gone so we can start over! :)

3. Worst chores around the house

2011-08-04T09:50:00.000-05:00

Worst chores around the house?! Are they ALL the worst?! Don't we all just want to come home and just sit and do nothing??? I guess if I had to name my worst chores, though, I'd have to say cleaning the garage. Our garage is basically a storage room, and everytime we get it cleaned up, it becomes mess shortly after. It's the worst chore out there for me!

Day 2 - say what?!

2011-08-02T20:01:00.000-05:00

If you had 15 minutes of uninterrupted time, what would you do, when would you do it, and where?

The typical answers are, a nap, read, a massage (which I'd go for), but I think I'd say that I'd do absolutely nothing...in a pitch-black room, that's soundproof. I am so A.D.D. that the smallest thing takes my attention away from what I'm trying to work on, and makes me totally space off, concentrating on that thing and forgetting what I'm doing. In this day and age, and in my fast-paced I.T. world, I'm always "connected", so I feel like I'm always "on". I'm constantly searching for new things coming down the pipe of Silicon Valley, all the new gadgets, pc's, software, etc, that I can use to implement and stay on pace with technology. It's hard being a one-man I.T. shop, because it means I have to do it all myself, and not really get to rely on too many people to help me. My Director helps a bit, but it's a lot to keep up with since the I.T. world is evolving at breakneck pace right now, with it only looking to get worse. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE what I do, and I LOVE getting to do it where I do, but with always having to feel like I need to stay abreast of every little thing going on, I never think about "hey, I should just unplug and focus on praying or meditating and having some quiet, peaceful time". I'm working on getting myself more in the Word more, because of a Christian person I follow on FB who put up a post that said "Like this post if you believe you should get into the Word before you eat Breakfast". I've always wanted to do that, and have said that I need to do it, but something in that post just hit home and I've been trying to do it each morning. I'm only "mostly" following that advice, but it's better than nothing.

So, as I said, I think I'd just like some quiet, peaceful, downtime, in a pitch-black, soundproof room.

Check me out...two posts in a row. I don't know if I did that at all last year! ;)

31 days straight...whatEVER! (Okay, we'll see)

2011-08-01T20:33:00.001-05:00

Belinda is going to try and do a blog post every day in August. I don't know how in the world she can do that, but she is challenging me to do the same. Now if you've been reading my blog for any length, you know that posting regularly, let alone 31 days in a row, is a J-O-K-E to expect from me...but it's my baby, so I'mma give it a try!

Day 1's topic..."What are you looking forward to the most for the last 4 months of this year?"

Vacation! I know it's sad since I JUST got back from vacation. I just am tired, y'all. I'm the only one who does the work I do at work, and so I feel like I can't truly get away. Belinda has others who take over for her when she goes on vacation, and she doesn't have to take her work home with her, but I don't get that luxury. I try to leave as much as I can at work, but the thing is, most of it is still there when I get back. I try to take the attitude that the work WILL always be there, and to just focus on just getting done what I can when I can, but it's not always that easy.

This past week during our 2011 "Stay"-cation, and I really enjoyed myself, but I wish I could get a few three or so days just me or just B and I and relax. Go sit at the beach, and not have to worry about our beautiful kiddos. I got one or two times to read by the pool when we were down in Galveston, and it was really nice. I have a bunch of books I'd like to read, but now I'm getting back into the whole "have to study for more certifications, and so any time I read non-certification books, I feel guilty" period. It sucks, but it is what it is. Still though, I've got a week of PTO left, and that may be used for some real fun at the end of the year, as well as some real fun things planned for next year. So, all in all, I'm looking forward to NEXT YEAR, and nothing really this year besides the normal fun stuff of being a husband and dad...spending time at the ballpark, and seeing our family get another four months older.

So, there it is...my day 1 entry, with only 30 to go. It'll be interesting to see if anyone comments or even reads these posts besides Belinda, since she and I talked about doing this whole thing, and I haven't said anything to anyone. She's my motivator...sometimes for good reason and sometimes just to get me moving. The ying to my yang!

Bill Cosby - You Bet Your Life w/ Marcia Brody

2011-03-11T10:09:00.000-06:00

When you have time, watch these videos from the old show "You Bet Your Life". There was a woman on there that was classic! Reminds me of the old "Who's on First" routine.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1NsC98xVN0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1soi77QTd8&feature=related

Prayer time

2011-02-21T15:21:00.000-06:00

My littlest boy, Evan, saying his meal-time prayer. So stinking cute!

2010-11-27T22:03:00.000-06:00

Couple quick updates to keep my recent string of blog postings going...

1) NGEN is alive! The NGEN launch went as smooth as it could have gone when we got to the actual launch time. www.NGENradio.com went online, and we went live on HD radio in the Houston area. With most of my part being the web-side/site/mobile launch, and with my part being a huge part of how the listeners will interact with the station since most people don't use HD radio yet, I was under a lot of personal stress. How many times though, do we always look back and say "Why didn't I let go and let God, since He always comes through?" Well this time was more of the same. Things were stressful, but they all came together at the right time, and none of the listeners would have known otherwise. They wouldn't have known that we didn't have an HD signal working until the morning of the launch. They wouldn't have known that we didn't have normal radio coverage in the Texas A&M area until hours before the launch. They wouldn't have known that we didn't have a final version of the website until MINUTES before the launch. Yeah, so this time it seemed God wanted to really say to us "Sit back, relax, and let me do my work." It was amazing though, as soon as we went live, and after I checked the webstream, it was like a million pound weight was off my back! It's been amazing to see this launch and I can't imagine what it will bring...which leads me to my next update...

2) I'M AN NGEN DJ!!! I approached our new Program Director, Carlos, just to say I'd love to help with any voice parts he'd need for production, and he told me that a bunch of people actually thought I'd make a great NGEN DJ! That was pretty cool to hear, and flattering as well to think people could see me in that role. Does that mean they don't think I'm a good IT guy?! UH OH?! HA! Anyway, so we sat down for an interview-ish type of meeting a few weeks back, and he said he'd love to give me a chance to see what I think, do some weekend shifts, and then meet again after. So, for a few weeks, I'm the 12p-2p guy on Saturdays, and will probably expand to longer hours providing I can do well. I'm voice-tracking my shows, which means I record them throughout the week, and then we play them during my actual show time. It's the best of both worlds for me...get to dip my toe in the DJ world and see how I do, but yet don't have to sacrifice time with the fam, since I can record my show over lunch and what-not during the week. My first show was today, and me and the fam thought it went pretty well. I don't know who all listened out there on the web, but I do know a couple people heard me and thought I sounded good for a first time.

3) Remember my previous post about me winning that national contest, where I'd be getting something in the mail? Well, it's 14 days later and I still haven't heard anything from them. They don't even know where to send whatever it is I've won, to wherever I am. Kinda dissappointed, but I know eventually they'll send me something. Oh well...it's hard to not sound like a crybaby when I'm not mad-mad, but just am anxious about knowing what I've won, when I think it could be something amazing based off things this company has done in the past. I'll update you if I ever hear anything from them, and I'll update you if I don't.

4) Had a lovely Thanksgiving. B had to work, but surprised us by getting off early, and so she got to go with us to my mom's and spend the entire time with us. This year we had a late meal around 4pm. Didn't seem too big of a deal until after, since it threw off the whole "eat big lunch, start watching football, take nap, get up, repeat" cycle the day usually entails, but it was nice to have B there when I didn't think she would be.

5) Black Friday is a day I usually work, but last year, and for the first time I've ever known, I hated working extra days like that during the holidays. So, this year I decided to try my best to keep a few days saved for the holidays, and the "BLACK FRIDAY" was one of the days I decided to take off. I have NEVER wanted to go Black Friday shopping...and I still have never found a deal that was something big enough to brave any kind of weather, but this year I decided I wanted to try and go, just so I could SEE the experience. B went with a friend late Wednesday, and was home by 12:33pm because it was nasty cold, windy, and rainy. When I got up at 4, I almost didn't go, but when I went outside there was no rain in sight, so I decided to brave the Blackness. I decided to go to a store that I might actually want to buy something just in case the deals were there, so naturally where do you think I went? You guessed it...Best Buy...my favorite store. I got to the main one around here, thinking that if there was a line, I might be able to score something because you would think they would stock more, but when I got there, the line was wrapped around the store. So I decided that if I was going to be stuck in a line there, I might as well try the other Best Buy closer to our house (even though it's much smaller), in case it had a smaller line. When I got to the other one, the line was just as bad. There was even a tent out front. I don't know if someone actually camped out, or if it was a joke, or maybe they were just using it because of the rain. Either way, the line was wrapped way around the building, so I just decided to stay in my truck, stay warm, and look at the Best Buy ad one more time to see if there was something new in the BB ad to create this wave of shoppers. I didn't see anything before, and I didnt' see anything now. When the line started to move, I stayed in my car until I figured it was getting short. As I started walking to the line, I noticed that dozens of people were arriving all the time and were heading to the line as well, and when I got there, it hadn't really gotten any smaller, but at least it was moving. When I finally got inside, I looked for the bigger deals that seemed to me to be the reason people would come, and I saw NO short supply of all of the items. I always thought that stores would have like 5-10 of the items, and you'd be stuck buying something else or nothing at all, but this Best Buy had what seemed to be 50+ of each of the the Xbox 360 deals, the Wii deals, the TV's in their ad, etc. And when I got up and close to the items, none of them impressed me. Nothing caught my attention enough to purchase that morning, so I just looked around at the people who felt the deals were too good to pass up, and I just laughed. Ever since the internet came around, and shopping online became safe, that was all I'll ever need to use until the stores decide to have better prices year round, not just on crazy, crackhead Friday. God Bless you Amazon, and your fruitful bountiful harvest of Christmas deals. Seriously, they have free shipping now, and had an amazing Black Friday like sale ALL DAY that you could do from the comfort of your lazy boy, and heated home. I came, I saw, I conquered Black Friday. One item crossed off my Bucket List.

Well, that's a few quick updates for you guys. Hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving! My fam and I put up our Christmas tree on Friday, and now we count down to the best holiday ever...the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! God Bless!

E

The big winnaaaaaaaaaaaa!

2010-11-14T19:23:00.003-06:00

I just won a NATIONAL NFL Survivor League hosted by one of my favorite websites Revision3. For those that don't know what a Survivor League is, here's a brief explanation of the rules, as posted by the Commish of the league:

   Welcome everyone to the Revision3-Appjudgment Pick'em League!

   Quick recap of the rules in case anyone is confused:

   -Each week pick 1 NFL game
   -Choose which team you think will win that game
   -Decide carefully, you can only choose each team once over the course of the season
   -If you pick correctly you move on to the next week
   -Longest streak of correct picks at the end of the season is the winner

   Good luck to all, and remember the winner will receive a special prize from Revision3 to be sent via snail mail!

So, based off the picture above, I chose the Tampa Bay Bucs, who won, and the other two finalists chose the New York Giants, who lost! Now, I don't know what I won, which could mean that they'll send me a shirt or something, but this is an awesome tech company, and so I'm "hoping" for a laptop or an iPad or something! How awesome would that be?!

I know only one person can win, so saying "I never win these types of things" would be dumb to say. Fewer than 1% win things like this, but I have come so close in many leagues, so to say I'm STOKED is an understatement! Right now, during this season of football, I've won this league, and am still alive in another Survivor League that has a cash prize for the winner, and also am doing very well in my other Fantasy Football leagues, so this could be an even more amazing season coming my way!

I'll put on here what I win, so stay tuned!

NGEN Radio is coming!

2010-11-11T22:08:00.001-06:00

In SEVEN days from now (actually six days and just under 22 hrs as of this writing), our new HD-2 station "NGEN" (pronounced EN-JEN, which means the "Now Generation"), will go live! It will be an edgier pop/rock/hip-hop station WITH YOURS TRULY AS ONE OF THE WEEKEND DJ'S!!! That aside, the creation of a second radio station (from the ground up basically...just take away needing to build radio tower sites), has been truly amazing to see the details involved. And for some reason, we decided that it would be a good idea to do everything at once...completely new studios, completely new production rooms, completely new automation system to play our music from, completely new equipment to setup, completely new server room, completely new network structure/setup, and completely new webstream setup with completely new software/hardware/input structure. Yeah, we were and are complete IDIOTS!!! We still have a few issues we're working through, but the studios seem to be all but done for the most part. The webstream has been having some major issues, but as of this morning, it seems to be okay. Still praying over it all.

Working for a major Christian radio station that is continually blessed, and believing that this is God's station that He wants to grow, I don't know how we weren't more prepared for what was to come. If you don't believe in spiritual warfare, sit down and listen. Below are a few pics and videos. The last video is the new NGEN studio. We had to broadcast out of there for over a month while we prepared the new KSBJ studio. Look at every SINGLE piece of equipment in that video. Every single piece has had some WEIRD issue during the setup process. Every...single...piece. Every.............single............piece. And again...WEIRD issues that might happen for a piece or two or so, but not the amount we had. The continual issues we had, which contributed to continual signal issues, blips/drops in our on-air presence and webstream was at a point to where the team was at the highest stress level I have ever seen. Each and every day we were nipping at each other, asking for more and more prayer, and just not seemingly getting any breaks. If that wasn't enough...a real issue happened...

A temporary IT staff member committed suicide last week.

We don't know why he did it, but that was it for us, and it put everything else into perspective. I was told that he came to Christ just days before he did it. I don't know what I believe on the matter, but it seems that most everyone on staff believes he's in Heaven now. However, again, we finally realize that we are not in a battle against working networks or machinery, but against spiritual forces that do not want us to get this radio station off the ground. A station to reach the masses that will be affected by the Father's message. We believe it will be a massively powerful weapon against the enemy, and all that has happened seems to coincide with that.

Please join us in praying for the continued renewal of the Tech teams resolve, to be still in the Father, and to seek His wisdom in these last few days. I will put more info in my Facebook/Twitter feeds as it comes closer to launch day. We plan to launch the station on November 18th, and 7:15CST at the Toby Mac/Skillet concert in Reed Arena. Myself, B and kids will be in attendence to witness the historic event as well! To hear the station, you either need to be in the College Station (Texas A&M) area with a normal radio...in the Houston area with an HD radio (89.3 "2" station)...or...WORLD WIDE, BABY...on the World Wide Web...www.NGENradio.com! I won't be on the radio the weekend of the launch, due to my normal IT duties concerning the launch taking up my time, but the following weekend, you can look for me on your FM dial, or online, during my initial groundbreaking DJ performance!

Now, enjoy a few pics and videos....

This is Don, our Chief Engineer. The man is amazing when it comes to a radio station and a studio. He just gets it, and it's amazing seeing his mind work. He's an all around great guy, and one of my closest buds down here. In the background (right) you can see Lloyd. He is our Network Engineer. I swear his brain sees numbers like the Matrix! Along with Rex, another Engineer of ours, they were the main people working on getting these studios together with me. They did most of the work, but I tried to get in there when I could, to do ANYTHING I could. The pic is the main KSBJ studio. Don is standing where the main DJ will be speaking. To his right are five monitors (the last one that Lloyd is looking at will be removed soon). The set of four will be used to view the CoHost's screen, the Telephone converstation playback software, and then the bottom screens for our music's automation system and it's various windows. The solo screen to the right will be for the DJ to go on the internet for Facebook/Twitter updates, show prep, etc.

Just another panned-back view of the main KSBJ studio.

This video was just meant to be a quick tour of the new studio, but Joey K (our mid-day DJ) was in there doing his show, and provided some ad-lib that I thought was just cooky enough to leave in, instead of redo. Joey K has a very "straight guy" approach on the air, but off-air, the guy cracks me up, and is also a good friend of mine.

This is a quick video of the new NGEN studio. Remember when watching it, that this is the studio we were using while we built the main KSBJ studio, and that EVERY piece of equipment had issues. I know it's hard to comprehend, but really, it did.

Here's the part where I say "I promise I'll post more", but you know me...I probably won't. So just enjoy this post, and keep posted to my Facebook/Twitter/NGENradio.com for updates on the new station!

It's Pumpkin Spice Latte time!

2010-10-05T06:28:00.002-05:00

Dallas, UGH!

2010-08-16T15:19:00.000-05:00

Perfection

2010-08-14T07:41:00.000-05:00

As I sit here in Mount Vernon, IA, looking out over a perfect-looking soybean field that, with the bluest of skies above me, a good coffee in hand, a perfect 70degrees with low humidity, soft grass under my bare feet, rocking my favorite Hillsong/Hillsong United songs on my headphones, and knowing my wife and kids are all sleeping peacefully...I realize life can't get any better than this! Hosanna in the HIGHEST!

Sent from my iPhone

Iowa Cubs game

2010-08-11T12:26:00.000-05:00

I'm back from the Baja!

2010-07-29T21:57:00.000-05:00

RANDOM thoughts about my trip...because you all know that's how I roll...

I arrived at around 8:15pm yesterday, and had a smooth day, with nary an issue to worry about on the way home. It was a joyous, and sad occasion. I thoroughly enjoyed being in the Tijuana/Tecate area of Baja, Mexico. I only wish I slept better through the night later in my stay, but I wouldn't have changed anything else. I had exactly what I needed, anytime I needed it. The people I was with all got along amazingly, and always had a smile on their faces. The people at the Rancho Alamo Bonito were fabulous in their organizing and planning, as well as their performing and caring. The people we served in the community were gracious hosts who did all they could for us, and there was never an issue about safety or uneasiness because of the harsh areas we visited. The trip to and back across the border was not an unpleasant ordeal. The authentic food I had in Mexico was absolutely outstanding. The weather during the day gave me full insight to the whole "it may be hot temperature-wise, but it's a dry-heat", and I have decided that I LOVE dry-heat! The poverty in the area is some of the worst you could ever imagine, but the spirit in the people is some of the highest you could ever imagine. I fully understand why immigrants want to come over to work, but stay back in Mexico. The culture is different. A good salary is EIGHT dollars a week (12.5 pesos = $1), so the average Mexican in that area survives on THIRTY-TWO(ish) dollars a MONTH! I could blow that in a meal for the fam at McD's. Puts it into perspective a little more how blessed we are doesn't it? Teen Mania was the ministry we partnered with, and their Global Expeditions team was the group on site. It has a few adults, but each site is ran by 18-22 year olds and they ran it WELL! Awesome to see some youth rocking it like that! Their band, School of Worship, is like a Hillsong United group, where they're thrown together for a trip. They were absolutely amazing! I bought their cd on pre-release and can't wait to download the five free tracks and for the rest to come out in a month! We ate PB&J everyday for lunch, and it was the perfect meal! I love PB&J and can't believe I forgot that! My lunch is already planned for tomorrow when I go back to work! San Diego is a GORGEOUS town, and I had always heard it was the perfect weather year round. I could definitely see us moving to Cali at some point if God directs us there! I hated leaving my family, but I thank my wife and children so much for allowing me to go, and thank God that my dog didn't die while I was gone.

I see how people get addicted to going on missions trips. You're working on carrying out the Great Commission. You feel like you're making an ETERNAL significance. So much so, that I want to go back to the exact region, with the exact people, doing the exact thing, except I want to DO more the next time, instead of film/documenting it. And also, another thing I would change about the trip would be to include my wife and any of my children that would be old enough to go. It killed me after seeing what I saw, that they couldn't be there to witness it. Pictures/videos/stories/etc can only do so much. We've all seen the pics and videos. Put yourselves right next to the people in the picture in real life and things change drastically for your perspective.

My spiritual batteries were totally recharged, and I prayed and thank God they are! I needed a boost. I have a yearning to get in the Word, and am excited to digest what I can, when I can! I found myself looking around at the Teen Mania staff on their off-time, not goofing around all that often, but reading their Bibles as much as they could.

I don't know what my top 5 priorities in life are right now off the top of my head, but learning Spanish is definitely in that group now. It was beautiful hearing those people speak it all day, and with it being America's 2nd language, and being this close to the border, it only makes sense to learn it as soon as I can.

That's all I have for now. I'm sure I'll ramble on, because as I said at the top...that's what I do.

What a way to end the mission trip 2!

2010-07-28T01:05:00.000-05:00

What a way to end the mission trip 2!

What a way to end the mission trip!

2010-07-28T01:04:00.000-05:00

What a way to end the mission trip!

I am blessed.

2010-07-27T09:04:00.000-05:00

I am blessed. I am blessed and here are SOME reasons why:

I have a God that can forgive me over and over and over and over and over, and can give me chance after chance after chance after chance. He is there through the good AND through the bad. He sees the REAL me like no other and loves me still.

I have the most amazing wife I could have ever asked for, and I don't know what I did to deserve her, but a day does not go by where I forget how blessed I am because of her. A wife who isn't afraid to show her strength. A wife who shows her continual support, and makes me laugh. A wife with thousands of other qualities that I can never talk enough about. I love her more and more every day, and never take for granted the time we have together.

I have four children. I have four healthy children. I have four healthy children that love me. I have four healthy children that love me and make me laugh. I have four healthy children that love me and make me laugh and that call me Dad. Oh yeah, and they know they have me wrapped around their little fingers!

I have a mother that is there for me and my family at the drop of a hat and helps us tremendously more than we could ever thank her for.

I have a job that allows me to be who I am. A job that pays me enough. A job that allows me to learn all I can, even though I don't have the time to that often. A job where I'm surrounded by Christians, and where I can go to any of them and have them pray for me. A job that sends me on missions trips.

I have a wonderful home. A home that doesn't have any issues. AC that works and keeps us cool in the hot Texas heat. A heater and a fireplace if it gets cold enough in the winter.

I have food in the fridge, food in the pantry, food in my suitcase, and food in my pockets. I have clean water to drink at home, and at work. I have clothes. I have too many clothes. I have a car that can get me from one place to another, far across town. In fact, I have two cars that can do that. I have two loving dogs that I can afford to take care, and I don't have to think about just letting them die when they get sick, because B and I make enough to care for them at least in some way. I have a phone that can be my email, my internet, my calendar, my notes, my music, and just about everything else, and it all fits in my pocket, leaving me with no reason not to be prepared for things that arise. I am able to secure a passport, and travel. I am able to take my family on a vacation. I can put garbage in the garbage can and someone will come pick it up and take it away and dispose of it properly for me. On and on and on and on and on.

I am blessed.

Reflecting before the Newsboys arrive.

2010-07-27T08:26:00.002-05:00

Today is our last real day here in Tecate, Baja California, Mexico. Tomorrow morning we head to the airport bright and early, because we don’t know how long getting across the border will take. It’s a brisk morning, and one that this boy from the Heartland can equate to a morning in the Fall back home. The temperature is around 58 degrees, which is about perfect for writing a morning blog post.
Yesterday we went around to all the new sites for the group that is here. Each site is split into two parts…one where they obviously build the house…the other is where they hold VBS for the local children. At first thought, and a long that at that, you would think the homes we are building are the big impact of us being here. Putting up the home and giving the people a strong structure to keep them safe and from the elements. A home that has working electricity, is clean, and free of graffiti. A home that may not be as big as what us Americans are accustomed to, but that has three four rooms where they can spread out and have their own little space. Yes, the home is huge that is for sure, and these people are forever changed because of it, but the real impact though, is stories these people have to live each day and joy they have. The faith they have in Jesus is what we should all aspire to reach. The joy they have while going through their trials is one I cannot imagine. The song by Hillsong called “Yahweh” says in the chorus “We look to Yahweh, Yahweh. Forever Yahweh, Yahweh. Our hope is Yahweh, Yahweh”. You see that in these people who we are coming to help. It’s a passion I see few and far between in the States. Sure, the passion may seem to be there, but when the hard times come (and they always do), where do we turn? I know personally I try to do it all myself, dealing with it all, internalizing it, instead of looking up to the Heavens and asking God to have my back. He’s there anyway, so why are we not asking him more, going to him more, praying to him more? Because we’re “too” blessed in the US. Think about that for awhile.

2010-07-26T23:30:00.000-05:00

2010-07-26T23:29:00.001-05:00

2010-07-26T23:29:00.000-05:00

2010-07-26T19:22:00.000-05:00

2010-07-26T19:17:00.000-05:00

2010-07-26T19:16:00.001-05:00

2010-07-26T19:16:00.000-05:00

2010-07-26T19:15:00.000-05:00

2010-07-26T10:01:00.000-05:00

2010-07-26T10:00:00.000-05:00

Trip around the Rancho Alamo Bonito campus

2010-07-25T20:41:00.000-05:00

Time to rise and shine!

2010-07-25T08:11:00.000-05:00

Time to rise and shine!

Day 2 thoughts and ramblings

2010-07-25T07:41:00.001-05:00

Yesterday turned into the day of filming people arrive to Rancho Alamo Bonito, and to just take in the arrival experience with the new group of missionaries. When the first bus came, the staff lined up outside the bus door and made a human tunnel for them to go through, where we clapped and high-fived them all. As each successive bus came throughout the day, the missionaries who had already arrived would join that tunnel to make it longer and longer. By the time the sixth bus had arrived, you can imagine how long the tunnel was! Besides that, it was a very leisurely day. We helped out with various registration duties for everyone, and kept busy uploading pics and video for the station website…that is, until the internet crashed at around 2pm. From then on, we had no internet, and data output grinded to a stop. Luckily, we have some Verizon wireless cards that we could use for emergencies. So, we fired one up, connected a few computers to it, one for email/status updates, and one to upload some pictures. Video would take way too long (hours vs. minutes) on these things, so we decided to hold off on that and just focus on the picture updates for now. I was able to hop on a few times and talk with Belinda, only to find out that our poor dog Sprinkles is very very sick. So on top of B having to be a single mother for five days, she and my mom have to take care of a very sick little puppy. At least they care for her and will give her what she needs. I think part of it is she misses daddy and her insides don’t know what to do. Just kidding!

This morning, with my air mattress not as full, combined with some minor-but-enough-to-wake-me back pain, woke me up just before 5am. I’m not sure if I said this in my audio post or not, but with the amount of people here and needing to take showers, if you don’t get one in at a certain time, you’re taking an ice shower basically. Now, this wouldn’t be bad if you’re coming back from working that day, where it’s been hot and you’ve sweated, but this is early AM and it’s chilly-willy right now. So, I decided to get up for a shower and pray that enough staff hadn’t gotten up yet and used the hot water. I think I used the last of it in my four minute shower because it started to get cool really soon after I started, but hey, at least I started out warm. That woke me up enough that I’m just going to stay up for the day. Figured I’d write this blog post, update some pics/video on the web, and get in some Bible reading. I started reading Acts while I’m here, since that’s basically what it’s about…getting out there and being the church…spreading God’s love.

Today we will be shooting the missionaries going through the training they will need to learn how to talk to these people, maybe some do/do not do type of things, how they will be building the homes, how they will be doing VBS for the children down here, as well as other duties that are planned for them. After that, the KSBJ staff plan to head and do site visits of where homes were built last week and where we plan to build this week. Today seems to be the first real day where we’ll be hitting the ground running fast. If breakfast was anything like yesterday, we should be good to go! They have a bunch of cereal and fruit for breakfast, and the cereal I chose yesterday was just your normal Raisin Bran with milk. While that may not sound like anything special, both the cereal and milk were sweeter than the US brand and therefore was AMAZING in flavor! The milk here is out of this world! Since we’re staying on a dairy farm and all, there has to be standards, right?! HA! Either way, I’ll cut this off for now. Hope you’re all doing well.

God bless,

E

Mexico internet hates me

2010-07-24T12:21:00.002-05:00

I keep losing connection and losing all my work. I'll keep trying, but GRRRRRR!!!

Baja Audioblog 1

2010-07-24T12:17:00.002-05:00

I had wrote a really long blog that took me about 45 minutes, but when I went to post the blog, I didn't copy it like I normally did in case issues arise, and wouldn't you know it....issues arose. It lost my post and I couldn't get it back. SO, forget the writing for now, and here is an audioblog. It's a little long, so I apologize for that, but ten minutes isn't THAT bad. Here ya go...

(I'm sorry, I'm having the world's worst time at uploading the audio, so this post might just be abandoned for now. If I end up getting the audio to work, I'll update my blog stating it. If not, I'll just delete this post at a later time.)

Baja Pics

2010-07-24T11:10:00.003-05:00

Here is a link to my Flickr with pics from the trip so far...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/10784841@N02/

2010-07-23T14:21:00.001-05:00

2010-07-23T14:21:00.000-05:00

The day before I leave

2010-07-22T07:07:00.001-05:00

This time tomorrow morning, I will be getting ready and making sure I have everything to head to the station, to get in one of the vans and head to the IAH (Bush Intercontinental Airport). I only have a few things left to pack...pants, Alieve, my iPhone charger, and if I can find a certain Flip camera and firewire cable. After that I'll just run through my checklist again to see if there's anything I can leave behind, because my suitcase is busting at the scenes, like it almost WANTS me to pay the luggage fee! Good thing I know I'll get reimbursed for that though. Carry-on luggage will consist of my laptop bag, and the digital video cams I'll be using on the trip. I think I'm good to go though, so I'm not worried. I usually never worry about this stuff anyway...just ask Belinda, as I know this part of me drives her nuts at how calm I am. I always feel that I do a good job of planning, but if I forget something, I either live without it or run up the street to a local store and get what I need. Another reason that she is the ying-to-my-yang. When she packs, we forget something 0.00001% of the time. When I pack, I usually forget something about 5% of the time. Better odds to go with her plan! HA!

I was thinking yesterday about the trip, and a few things came to mind. From what I've heard, this is the cheapest missions trip K S B J has ever done. I didn't understand what that meant until I found that since employees were staying in TENTS, that there was a huge cost not being incurred for them...LODGING! I then did research and found that most time when they would go on these sponsored missions trips, they would stay at a local hotel with the company they partnered with. The last trip they went on, they were upgraded to a 4 star hotel because of various conditions. At first when I signed up to go on this trip and found out we were staying in tents and on air mattresses I was worried, because with my bad back, and my usual nights of tossing and turning on a bed, how would I handle sleeping on an air mattress that will be flat by the time I wake up...let alone the noises and other things that I'll have to fight with to keep me from getting any sleep? I usually only get around 4 hrs of sleep a night before I start the tossing and turning from back pain. So you can see my frustration. Then, like I said, yesterday I was thinking about the trip and felt God gave me some insight. This is a REAL missions trip. I'm not going on a vacation. I'm working 14-15 hr days, documenting people going through hardships...REAL hardships...and when I go back to where I sleep, I won't be sleeping in any cushiony place with a pool....I'll basically be living closer to what these people are going through. With that, my view totally changed to one where I am even more excited about this trip, and am looking forward to relating more with these people, and seeing what God will do through us.

If you want to see the videos I'll be uploading of the missions trip, be sure to check the station's YouTube channel located at: http://www.youtube.com/893KSBJ. I'll also upload videos that I do of my own views and experiences here on my blog as long as I have the connection to the interwebz!

Okay, well, it's time to continue studying for my Net+ exam, while I enjoy a Venti Bold Blend...which today is their "Gazebo" blend. Yummmmmmy!

Getting ready to head to the mission field.

2010-07-19T15:47:00.000-05:00

This coming Friday morning, I board a plane headed to San Diego, CA, along with seven other fellow K S B J coworkers. From there we will take a bus South, across the Mexican border to the city of Tijuana. For the next five days I will be producing video of the staff working alongside the Newsboys, the local missions staff of Global Expeditions team that we partnered with, and a bunch of the station's listeners. This is the first missions trip I've ever gone on, so I'm nervous about what to expect, but I'm leaving it all in God's hands. Originally, we had tried to get Belinda to come, and were able to secure some discounted rates and what not, but then found out that there were too many of her coworkers on vacation at the time, which meant she had to stay. By no means will this be a vacation for me since I'm just doing audio/video. My days will be probably 15-16 hr days from what I've put together, so I'm sure I will sleep hard each night.

The purpose of the trip is to help spread the word about the poverty in this region of the world, and how we can all help. The area is beautiful, that's for sure, but the poverty level is some of the worst in Mexico. People living in cardboard houses, no clean water, no electricity, and daily just trying to find food to eat. As well as trying to help spread the word about how to help these people, we will also assist in building houses, running some VBS classes for local children, and just showing them the love of Jesus. I hope I can capture this well enough in video.

I also plan to record some personal video blogs if I can find enough time, and post them back here! Internet access is very limited, so I'll most likely only be able to upload video early in the morning or late at night. We'll have to see. I'll be gone from July 23rd, through the 27th, so five days. I know I'll miss Belinda and the kids terribly. Please feel free to pray as you feel led, but also please pray for safety for me, and for nothing to happen to any of us or my family while we're on the trip. From what I hear it's a pretty dangerous area of Mexico, but the group we're going with has been in the area for close to 25 years and haven't had any issues ever. Nice to know!

Below is a video the Newsboys put together late last year when they were in Baja (the area we'll be working), with footage from when they were working, as well as using clips from their new hit single "Born Again" (which I recommend you pickup from iTunes!). The video shows probably only a small taste of what I'll see. Regardless, the video is powerful, and the song is a perfect match. Enjoy...

BOOM...HERE COMES THE BOOM!!!

2010-05-14T21:19:00.000-05:00

As you all know, Avery plays on a Select League baseball team where they don't play in leagues, per se, but in Select level team tourneys. They don't have tournaments every weekend, but usually every other weekend or so. The format is that on Friday/Saturday, each team in the tournament plays a total of two games. Then, based off those two games, runs scored, runs scored against, etc, seeds are based for the tournament on Saturday. Usually we play two games on Saturday, but lately we've had a game on Friday, and then a game on Saturday. It's nice, but that means three trips to the fields we play for that tournament instead of just two. A nice thing that is means though, is less money "usually" spent on food/drinks, since we can eat before/after the game. Tonight his team played at 6:15pm, with us arriving at 5:45pm to get him warmed up, but shortly after the first inning, rain began and lightning forced the game to be suspended. As with most baseball, everyone usually waits for 20-30 minutes to see if the lightning will pass. Tonight, that wasn't the case, and the rain and lightning just got worse and worse, to where there were rivers of water along the basepaths, streams of water pouring off the field to anywhere the water could run, and lightning flying out everywhere as if it was an Independence Day firework finale. All the parents and kids were sitting on the bleachers, since there were covered, when all of a sudden lightning hit a light pole and exploded in a blinding flash of light and cracked with a loud BOOM! That was it...we all ran to the car as fast as we could...it was time to head home. We made it about 1/2 the way when I hear J screaming at me. I look back and Braden had slipped in the pools of water (and now mud) and fell on his butt. He got up and I then noticed that his shoes (flip-flops) had flew off and he was now barefoot. He was also really upset and covered in mud. Poor guy! I got him to the car, while carrying Evan. I threw open the doors, threw Evan on his car seat, got A in the car with his baseball gear/bag, got Braden in the car, and undressed him down to his undies (which were ALSO covered in mud). After driving for a while with no visibility due to the torrential downpour, I look back at Braden and he had calmed down. I told him it looked like he was going swimming when I had initially seen him in the water at the park. We laughed and the situation turned into a light one, instead of a "I'm mad and wet" one. Time will tell if the tournament will continue, be postponed, or cancelled. It's been three hours since the game started and it's still coming down...that's not a good sign.

Too bad too, since we were up 2-0 and were on a roll. :(

Today is the 12,419th day of your life.

2010-05-05T04:28:00.001-05:00

That's what the widget I have on the right side of my blog says, so it's gotta be true, right? Wow, that's a lot of days. 34 sounds so much smaller than twelve thousand, four hundred and nineteen days. But yup, today I turn 34 years old. And I'm up at 3am and frustrated from back pain due to my horribly, worthless, piece of garbage, wish I could send it to the dump, demon-possessed, waste of space bed. I hate my bed. Hate is an understatement. Let's move on though, as I don't want this post to be a big ol' rant about me and my burning hatred for my bed that doesn't give me rest.

Back to me turning another year older. Thank you God for allowing me to reach another milestone. 34 years old. Wow. Doesn't seem old to me, but that's a lot of years to be blessed with, and to be relatively healthy, I feel very fortunate and blessed. I saw a scene in some old movie where this guy got up every morning, looked in the mirror, and thanked God for being able to see another day, and thanked God for being able to see the beautiful day that was ahead of him. No matter what happened, he was glad to be able to spend one more day here on this earth. Most days, because of the revelation I had during that scene in that movie, I try to do the same thing. No matter the weather, or what is in store for me that day, I try to start out by thanking God for letting me see another day, and I thank him for the beautiful day. I think most of us take it for granted, which is possibly why this life flies by, because we don't thank the Creator, and try to soak each day in.

Belinda caught me staring at one of the kids one day, and she asked why I was so intent in my gaze, and I told her that I just wanted to soak in the moment, because they fly by so fast and I was sad. She said you can't think like that, because the kids will be grown up and out of the house before you know it. It's too hard not to though...well for those of us who love our families any way. I'm all excited for Evan to get out of diapers and everything, so we can move to the next stage in our parenting, but that's it. And so far, that is the ONLY regret I have of turning another year...one year less that I have with my children being young and needing my help. The ONLY regret.

Turning another year older isn't a bad thing to me. It's one more year of my life that I get to wake up to the greatest gift I've ever been given, in my wife Belinda. Getting to see my four gorgeous children, and having their smiles light up my soul for another 365 days. Waking up in a town far from home, which we have adopted as our second home, and knowing that God brought us here...and that I work at the best Christian radio station in the country is still something that's hard for me to fathom, and hard for me to not step back and shake my head in awe that God would have chosen "me" to work here. It's another year, and I pray it'll be no less amazing than all my previous.

What lies in store for me this year? I don't know. Belinda and I plan to run the Susan G Komen 5k in October, in memory of her cousin Kim (who's presence is still SORELY missed and the wound still fresh in our hearts). I say and would like to think that I could push myself and run the half-marathon in next year's Houston Marathon, but my running routine has been lacking lately. I want to get a Sealy Posturepedic bed, or something like it, so that I can "try" to catch up on some sleep. I'd like to get a new MacBook Pro so I can learn the Apple operating system and see what Apple users see, and possibly make an app or two for the iPhone. I'd like to also create an app for KSBJ for the Android operating system. I'd like to learn Spanish and Mandarin, but probably have to stick with Spanish for now, since it's what I'm around and what I should probably focus on. I'd like to get back on the eating right/working out train, using the P90x program B got me for my birthday, and get into the best shape of my life. I'd like to coach my children in sports again, but don't know if the time is there for me to be able to. I'd like to play in a softball league with Belinda. I'd like to go on another mini vacation with Belinda, but for a couple of days or more, because the one night in San Antonio was fun, but a joke as well, since we only had one night. I'd like to get to the final chapter of the Financial Peace University class and finish changing our lives in dealing with our finances. I'd like to learn PHP more, and build some websites. All of this sounds like a blast to me, but as usual I'll continue to build on the one thing that truly matters...spending time with my family and friends.

Thank you all for the well wishes on my birthday. Thank you God, for letting me see another beautiful day, and for letting me celebrate the day you breathed air in my lungs 34 years ago. It's been an amazing ride so far...I can't wait to see what you have in store for me!

Glory days.

2010-03-21T09:56:00.001-05:00

Sunday humor

2010-03-21T09:55:00.000-05:00

San Antonio - Home of the Riverwalk...errrrr Alamo!

2010-02-23T16:19:00.004-06:00

This past Saturday, my gift to Belinda for Valentine's Day last week, was a trip to San Antonio (sans our BEAUTIFUL AND PERFECT children). Avery and Jaelyn stayed at friend's houses, and Braden and Evan stayed at my mom's (THANK YOU MOM!). Belinda and I get to see each other for a few hours each night (sometimes), and we get to be with each other most weekends (sometimes), but you all who have children know that you don't get REAL time with your spouses.

We stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott hotel chain, because that was the hotel that I proposed to Belinda, and so it has a special meaning to us. I'm not sure if this one had an actual courtyard in it, but it was still a nice place. It was right off the famous Riverwalk as well. Since we only had one night to be away, staying directly off the Riverwalk seemed to be the best place to be, since we could do and see alot in such a SHORT amount of time. If you want to see some pics, check out Belinda's blog! The Riverwalk was definitely the highlight for me, but we also saw the Alamo (very cool imo), a carriage ride (B felt like she was a princess, and it's good that she felt that way, since she IS one to me), had amazing guacamole at Budrou's, stopped by a Coyote Ugly and felt we were too old for the club scene, then stopped at another club and felt entirely too YOUNG for that one (ha!), took a neat boat tour of part of the river that runs through the city, ate dinner at the top of the "Tower of the Americas", as well as a few other hit and miss things. It was definitely a "city within a city", down on the Riverwalk. PERFECT choice for the short stay we had, and I HIGHLY recommend it to any of you that are or will head that way some time.

I had such an amazing time with the love of my life.

I wish I could do so much more for her, because she does so much for me.

Belinda, thanks for being alongside me in this journey.

Here's to many...MANY...more adventures together!

I love you, babe!

(enjoy the pics below)

People say I'm strange, does that make me a stranger...

2010-02-23T16:08:00.002-06:00

dcTalk was and still IS my favorite Christian group of all time. When they broke up, it was the equivalent of the Beatles break-up for me. Then they started doing solo albums and they all did well in their own genre, even though not quite acheiving dcTalk fame in my eyes. Toby is still the closest to getting there, as he is only short by "that" much, but still. When Michael Tait (now lead singer of the Newsboys) started singing their old (and still top Christian song ever in my eyes) song "Jesus Freak", it gave me chills when I heard it live a couple months ago. A couple nights ago though, he did it with a surprise guest. Enjoy...

IT STARTS TONIGHT!

2010-02-08T12:15:00.002-06:00

I cannot WAIT for this!!! Toby's even coming by the station on Wednesday to say hi to the staff and drop off signed copies of his new cd!!!

Daily Devotion - Feb 2, 2010

2010-02-02T10:43:00.000-06:00

My Daily Devotion today...hope this speaks to you:

February 02, 2010
"You can be sure of this: The LORD set apart the godly for himself. The LORD will answer when I call to him." Psalm 4:3, NLT

The godly are those who are faithful and devoted to God. David knew that God would hear him when he called and would answer him. We too can be confident that God listens to our prayers and answers when we call on him. Sometimes we think that God will not hear us because we have fallen short of his high standards for holy living. But if we have trusted Christ for salvation, God has forgiven us, and he will listen to us.

When you feel as though your prayers are bouncing off the ceiling, remember that as a believer you have been set apart by God and that he loves you. He hears and answers, although his answers may not be what you expect. Look at your problems in the light of God's power instead of looking at God in the shadow of your problems.

Pants on the ground

2010-01-26T10:25:00.002-06:00

So, let me just set the record straight that I have not read enough about the healthcare reform to side one way or another, but from what I HAVE read, I do know that I "probably" would not be for it. Regarless, a funny post on Twitter from one of the people I follow, cracked me up this morning:

"For Democrats and Health Care, it's "Pants on the ground, pants on the ground..." http://bit.ly/7w0HNt"

Make sure to click the link above.

One year ago...

2010-01-21T08:25:00.003-06:00

I can't believe it's already been a year since Obama took office. Heck, sometimes it feels it's been even longer. Even though I did not vote for Obama, and even though I still feel that McCain would be a better President for this country, I still pray for and hope that Obama does an amazing job in office. So far his first year has had some up and down moments. Moments that are yet to be fully realized with positive or negative results (ie: Universal Healthcare, etc), but I hope his remaining three years get better and better for this country he is leading.

With yesterday being Inauguration Day, I found this video on CNN and thought it was a great representation of the monumental day and just how profound it was. And even a year later, after hearing part of Obama's speech, I am still moved! Definitely one of the best I've ever heard. Now if only he could get this country turned around and headed back to prosperity. Enjoy the movie...

Haiti.

2010-01-15T15:18:00.003-06:00

I am going to be honest. When the earthquake hit, I was saddened, and felt horrible for the people who went through it, lost loved ones, etc, but it just didn't affect me like it did others. It's been that way for the few days since as well.

Well, today I received an email with the following link from a friend. The pictures are graphic, but they're real. They're what people need to see. They show what really happened to the people of that small island. They didn't lose buildings...they lost people. Husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, BABIES, and more. Read the interview, look at the pictures. Pray for those people if you haven't. Donate if you can.

I am sad that for some reason it's taken me days to honestly and truly care what happened to the Haitian people. I am glad that I have finally woken up. Never again.

http://lens.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/01/15/assignment-19/

Twitter 101

2010-01-04T16:26:00.005-06:00

Ever heard of Twitter? Or maybe you have heard of Twitter, but don't know what it really is, or how to use it? Well then, click this link to view Mashable.com's Twitter 101.

In my opinion, if you are social or techie, you need to be on Twitter. If not, then don't worry. Since I'd say about 50% of you are socialites, and the other 49% are techies, then that only leaves about 1% of the world's population that shouldn't be on Twitter. Again...all in my opinion.

Need a laugh?!

2009-12-29T16:00:00.002-06:00

This is an actual conversation by our receptionist and a woman who called her today:

Alisa-------------89.3 KSBJ

Listener--------I’m needing to get some help

Alisa------------Ok, I will try to help you

Listener-------Well together maybe we can figure this out.

Alisa-----------Ok

Listener-------I am in the restroom at Starbucks and I can’t get the toilet to flush. Do you know what I should do?

Alisa-----------I’m sorry ma’am but I do not know what to tell you.

Listener------Well I am a 63 yr old lady and I just can’t get it to flush and there is toilet paper everywhere. Can’t you tell me who to call??

Alisa----------Soooooo you are in the restroom at Starbucks now??

Listener------Yes, I am here and it will just not work and I need to do something.

Alisa----------Well Ma’am I would just go out and find someone that works there and let them know that the toilet is not flushing.

Listener-----Well I guess I can do that. Thank you very much.

Alisa----------Ok thank you and God Bless.

I be certified, yo!

2009-12-18T16:22:00.002-06:00

I have finally gone ahead and gotten my CompTIA A+, IT Technician designation. I'm sure most of you have NO idea what that is or what it means. LUCKILY, CompTIA has this description on their website for you:

CompTIA A+ certification validates the latest skills needed by today's computer support professionals. It is an international, vendor-neutral certification recognized by major hardware and software vendors, distributors and resellers. CompTIA A+ ensures the right people have the right skills. While many of the essential skills are universal, there are additional skills required to support the needs of businesses.

Now you may be asking yourself..."Why would Erik get this certification? How does this help him?" The short answer, nothing really. HA! Seriously though, what this does for me is:

1. Gives me something to throw on the resume, right?! Need I say more?
2. It gets me a small increase in pay! Not much, but every little bit helps, right??? I got kids, y'all!

That's really the gist of it. What this certification tells employers is that I know hardware, software, and computer operating systems, and can troubleshoot any issues/errors that usually come with them. Nuff said.

What do I plan to do after this? To attain my CompTIA Net+ certification, which is to Network/Networking knowledge, that the A+ was to Hardware/Software knowledge. So, it tells employers that I have a good deal of knowledge about networks/networking. There are higher certifications that I will try for after I obtain my Net+, but I'll speak about those at a future date and time.

It was a tough two tests that I had to take, and I'm glad to have passed them on the first time, but wow am I glad to put them behind me! Now to enjoy the rest of the Christmas/Holiday season, and then start back up!

Thanks for all that knew and were praying for me during this. God bless!

Family Force Five - "Radiator"

2009-12-11T16:09:00.002-06:00

GREAT group! Love these guys! Oh snap...and they're Christian?! Good Christian music?! It can't be, right? FUGHEDDABOUTIT!!! Peep this cut!

Radiator

Family Force 5 - Christmas Album Available NOW! | MySpace Music Videos

KITTEN ATTACK!!!

2009-12-08T14:16:00.001-06:00

This is SO stinking cute!!!

Get the nerds to read!!!

2009-12-04T10:04:00.001-06:00

Advent - Day 1

2009-12-01T18:57:00.001-06:00

But it's Christmas Tiiiiime!

2009-12-01T13:21:00.006-06:00

Here is the before picture...

And here is the after.

And the best ornament of them all, that B found here in a Hobby Lobby...supporting the fact that the Hawks are a Nationally loved team.

Switchfoot Fan Photo

2009-11-25T10:12:00.001-06:00

Switchfoot Fan Photo
Originally uploaded by KSBJ SPECIAL EVENTS

Here's the pic of me and Switchfoot! What a cool experience when we had them for a cd listening party/interview last week! SIIIIICK!

My new favorite gum!

2009-11-14T07:44:00.001-06:00

I love trying new gum, and the latest from Extra Fruit Sensations
blows away the rest. "Berry Pearadise" and "Berry Smoothie" have
great, bold flavor and like other Extra gums, the flavor last a LONG
time! If you like gum and berrys, go pick some of this up! I started
out liking the Smoothie flavor more, but now I enjoy the Pearadise one.

How Pumpkin Pies Are Made

2009-11-12T14:33:00.000-06:00

End of an era...good riddance.

2009-11-09T10:54:00.003-06:00

Today the Kansas City Chiefs released RB Larry Johnson after he let loose a slur of anti-gay remarks in a tirade a week ago. He was on suspension, but the sides felt it best to release the trouble RB who had been having a horrible past season and a half for the club. From the person who owns his jersey, I say GOOD RIDDANCE! He was less than 100 yards from breaking the team's all-time rushing record set by Priest Holmes (one of my favorite RB's of all time), so I more than excited to say the least, that this man will not be taking hold of that. I do wish him the best, and pray he gets help to deal with this anger, though. Sorry, LJ.

Now, let the Jamaal Charles era begin!

1st week Biggest Loser results

2009-11-09T10:52:00.002-06:00

I worked out every day, ate well most of the time, and ended up dropping

ELEVEN

POUNDS.

That is all. Carry on with your day.

New Switchfoot video - "Mess of Me"!!!

2009-11-09T10:51:00.003-06:00

lOVE this new cd by Switchfoot...LOVE IT!!!

End of week 1

2009-11-08T15:02:00.002-06:00

It's the end of my first week back to eating healthy and working out regularly. Decided to give myself off today working out, but feeling guilty and might head in anyway to give myself that much of a help for tomorrow's weigh-in, especially since I know I can't get a real workout in tomorrow. It's the first weigh-in at work where we'll see how much we've lost. I weighed myself this morning, and while I had lost weight, I know that I'm retaining some water from not eating very well the past few days. A loss is a loss though, so I am not worrying about it. This is a competition, but just like on Biggest Loser, this is about changing your life, not just losing weight for a competition. That is just motivation...not the end result.

I thank God that I have found some new things to add to my list of things I like that don't seem like "diet food". I have always loved blackened chicken or fish, and I don't know why I hadn't tried that before. I looked it up, and found that it's easy! The recipe I found was a cinch and the ingredients I found for this version "blackened" was just the following:

1/4 tsp paprika
1 tsp black pepper
(I added another 1/4-1/2 tsp of cayenne pepper)
1 Tbsp olive oil

You get the spice mixed and spread on a plate, put the fish/chicken down on it, and let it sit for awhile. Get a skillet and pour the oil in it, and get it nice and hot. Then put the fish (spice side down) in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 mins. While that's cooking, I took the rest of the spices and put them on the unspiced side that's up. Then, flip the fish and cook another 3-4 mins. And you're done! I hate fishy tasting fish, so I prefer the tilapia's, mahi-mahi's, etc. Mahi is actually my favorite because it's more of a steak-like fish, with it usually being pretty thick and chewy.

Another thing that I've discovered is Hummus. I didn't realize that all hummus is, is squished up chick peas. Well I LOVE chick peas on my salad, and so I knew I "should" love hummus. I went to buy some in the deli section of my grocery store, and found that they had TONS of different kinds! I picked up two flavors..."Roasted Red Pepper", and "Spicy Southwestern". BOTH were amazing! The red pepper one was a little more bland tasting, but the southwestern one had AMAZING flavor! You can use hummus as dip for crackers, vegetables, as a mayo substitute, etc. Hummus is an AMAZING source of protein. You gotta be careful of the calories, so just keep an eye on that part.

Taking the above, I actually combined the two. I made some wheat toast and put the hummus on it, then made the blackened mahi. I ate it slow, and the flavors really complimented each other. Now, if only I could remember these types of things when I'm struggling to find something healthy. Usually my creativity is the hardest to find when it's dinner time. ;)

Biggest Loser - Work Edition

2009-11-04T10:31:00.004-06:00

I'm getting a bunch of people together for a Biggest Loser challenge at work. The goal, to lose the biggest PERCENTAGE of weight. Winner gets a cash prize. I didn't want it to be all about the money though, and wanted to create a community of accountability, and so instead of just starting the competition and letting them go their own way, I'm scheduling weekly lunches to get together and talk, share ideas, tips, etc. Afterwards I send out an email to the group with notes I prepared and additional information gathered from the meeting. Here is email #1, in hopes it can help some of you:

There are many tools to connect with and help you on your journey. A site I showed the group today, and that I personally use is called www.DailyBurn.com. It’s a GREAT and FREE site (with a paid “Pro” added content version as well if you choose), that has MANY amazing things to help you with your goals, meal planner, daily intake, calorie counter, etc.

Tips:
1. We all know that watching your caloric intake is the biggest part to losing weight, but you also need to REALLY pay attention to your salt/sodium intake! A trainer once told me to focus on keeping it around 600-ish mg’s of sodium per meal…so around 1800-ish mg’s a day.
2. Healthy snacks, and snacks to curb your appetite are hard to find, as we all like and don’t like various things. Try unsalted almonds. Just 12 of those will curb hunger. Also, for late night snacking, if you absolutely need something, drink a large glass of milk! It gives you nutrients, healthy calories, and coats your stomach and thus tames down the stomach acid that may be churning and making you feel hungry. Protein Bars are good once in a while too.
3. Make sure you are drinking enough water. Dehydration feels the same as hunger pangs, so make sure you take assessment of how much water you’ve had, before going for your healthy snack.
4. Chew gum or ice if you are wanting food but know you don’t need it. The act of chewing may help curb your desire to eat something.
5. “Healthy shakes” (ie: Smoothie King) are actually not very good for you. Sure, they give you lots of vitamins, etc, but they are almost always LOADED with sugar.
6. Sugar is OKAY…not sugar in the form of packets of sugar, etc…but natural sugar in foods (ie: fruit, etc) is OKAY right now in your diet, because again, caloric intake is the highest thing to be aware of (followed by sodium/salt).
7. Do whatever you can to workout. Just by changing how you eat you will drop weight, but adding any sort of workout at all, will DRASTICALLY help! We all have favorite shows we watch at night (*cough* Biggest Loser is on tonight…GREAT motivation! *cough*), so try walking/jogging in place, or doing jumping jacks, etc, during commercials.
8. You’ve heard to not eat after a certain hour at night, well that’s kind of true. You should not eat four hours before you go to bed…or better yet, don’t eat bad if you know you are going to do nothing the rest of the night.
9. Try eating reverse sized meals…instead of eating a small breakfast, larger lunch, and then big dinner, eat the reverse…big breakfast, normal lunch, smaller dinner. That way you have a better chance at burning more calories that you’ve eaten throughout the day.
10. Focus on having at least 5-6 meals a day…your normal meals, and then a small snack between meals (maybe a hard-boiled egg, unsalted almonds, etc…something more protein based…or some fruit). A protein shake is a great meal-replacement, or snack. You can get the ready-made stuff you just pour, or can save money and buy the large bags of powder you just mix with water/milk. Great over ice!
11. KEEP A FOOD JOURNAL!!! How can you TRULY tell how well you’ve been eating if you can’t sit down and look at actual numbers. Sure that meal may have been small, but how many calories was in that steak…those fries…etc. There are many paper/online methods.
12. I subscribe to Runner’s World’s, “Daily Motivation” emails. It’s a daily quick sentence or two to help motivate. There are many sites like this, and many apps I’ve seen on the iPhone for this type of thing as well.

Software:
iPod Touch/iPhone users: There is a free app for the DailyBurn site, as well as a cheap app called “FoodScanner”, where you can scan the barcode on the food you’re eating and it automatically adds it to food journal for the day. This then syncs to your DailyBurn.com account, for an easy one-stop-shop website to track how you’re doing. If the food you’re eating doesn’t come up, you can input the information manually on the app, and then when you save it, it’s there for you and anyone else who comes across that food in the future!
Windows Mobile/Palm/Blackberry users: Sorry, I didn’t have enough time to find something for you, but I do know that DailyBurn was at least in the process of getting apps for your platform as well! If you know of any kind of app, let us know!

So there you have it. That was what we talked about this first meeting, and we didn’t even get to the real parts I wanted to. Each Tuesday we’ll meet and go over our victories/struggles we had for the week (if you so choose to), discuss things we’ve found that could help others (using Ms Dash spices vs salt – they have 10+ kinds of Ms Dash…Garlic, Onion, Chipotle, Lemon, etc), and other things that might help us. Even though this is a competition to find the Biggest Loser of the company, "we’re all in this together" (thank you High School Musical), and I want to see us ALL succeed! I have things planned for individual/team competitions throughout these three months, so I hope you’re excited and ready to lose with me.

And lastly, please spend time with the Father, as well as keep all of us in prayer. Being totally honest here…food has always been my “drug”, and for those like me, we all know that food is just as addictive as smoking, drugs, etc. So, let’s cover each other, and keep Satan at bay, so that we can give ALL the glory to the Father and show the world what He’s done through us, and how He’s broken these chains!

My blogs first award - SAY WHAAAAAT?!

2009-11-04T09:16:00.006-06:00

I received the "Honest Scrap" award from Jenni Arnold, one of my wife's friends from back home in Iowa. I've never gotten an award on my blog, and am still shocked someone would deem me worthy of something like that, even though I have NO clue what this award means. HA! I'll go along with it though, because it gives me reason to post again in such a short time...THREE DAYS IN A ROW, Y'ALL!

Now I must pass this along to other some other people worthy of the award. Here are the rules:

*Present this award to 7 others whose blogs I find brilliant in content and/or design, or those who have encouraged me.

*Tell those 7 people that they have been awarded HONEST SCRAP and inform them of these guidelines in receiving the award.

*Share “10 Honest Things” about myself.

I don't read too many blogs anymore, due to the invention of Twitter/Facebook/etc, but here are the few that I do follow.

1. "From a Mom's View" - Come on now. You all knew my baby would get the top nod. I love this girl so much, and LOVE reading anything she puts down. She has such a way with words, and how she conveys her blog posts, that even just the normal posts are the first things I want to read when I get time to catch up on my RSS feeds. She mostly blogs about our family, so if you care to follow all things "Sheldon", this is the blog you follow!

2. "Life In The Mind of a Modest Genius" - This is my main man Stan from back home. I may not agree with everything he says on his blog, but if you follow his blog you'll never tire of having options to read about, because he blogs about it ALL! This is a must add to any blogroll.

3. "Zinfully Delicious" - I met Duane (aka "Preppy Dude") on Pownce back in the day, and have followed him to Twitter/Facebook/his blog, and he's a great guy. He is a food/scotch connosiouer, with an amazing attitude in life, and a well-grounded personality. He doesn't blog that much, but he does Tweet all the time on his @PreppyDude account. He also is a cancer survivor and Tweets his trials/triumphs on his @ThePreppyDude account. He is one of the top people I love to hear from on Twitter.

I'll say that's about it for blogs I religiously check. Others don't post enough, and like I said, I don't follow too many others, so I'll just stop there.

10 Things About Me:
1. I am currently trying to get back to my healthy lifestyle. It's been a tough time getting my motivation back, but I do have motivation now and am excited to see how I can do this time...which hopefully is the "last" time.

2. I am trying to find time to get various IT certifications, but just am so tired when I get home and actually have downtime, that it is so hard to find motivation for THAT to add to my plate as well, but I know I need them for my job and for potential future jobs in the IT industry. It only helps, ya know?

3. I don't get into Facebook like the rest of the world. I have an account on there because it's easier to update people that my blog, since a quick note or status update takes care of and replaces a blog post, but saves lots of time.

4. I could sit all day on the internet reading news, blogs, technology articles, twitter, Facebook posts, etc.

5. Regarding #4 above, I used to be addicted to World of Warcraft and could do the same thing all day. Now, I still have the desire to play, but not as much.

6. Regarding #4 again, I could actually just sit on Twitter all day. Yes, it's that interesting people. If you aren't on Twitter, you are ROYALLY missing out on something amazing.

7. I absolutely LOVE seeing any Iowa football/basketball team do well. Yes, I am a Hawkeye fan through and through, but if they're not playing the Hawks, I want Iowa schools to do well. The Hawks 9-0 season has been magical so far. I pray the other Iowa school fans see that as well. Sure, they haven't played the best to justify a 9-0 record, but they've done just enough, and that's what matters, right? If it was another major school like a Florida, or a Texas, no one would be dogging them like I hear people/sportscasters dog the Hawks. GO HAWKS!!!

8. I wish I had the desire to read the Bible like I do for other books. I can't wait to get to a new book, so why can't I have that same feeling about the Bible? I ask God many many times to give me a passion to read it, but I am barely in it once or twice a week. This saddens me.

9. I am a Fantasy Football geek! I love draft day more than I know I should, but it is so fun to pick your team. People, if you love watching the NFL, and know some/most players, you would LOVE playing Fantasy Football.

10. I absolutely LOVE watching my children play sports, but I miss playing sports myself. It's not that I can't, but it's just that I don't really have the time. I'm looking at playing flag football in January, but we'll see. With my wife having surgery, I doubt that would be an option. Maybe next year.

I copy stuff.

2009-11-03T18:27:00.003-06:00

Yup. I sometimes have a hard time thinking of things to say on my blog (I'm the only one, right?!), but in my defense, it's because I type most of my thoughts in my Twitter and Facebook updates/posts. I know that sometimes I need to post in here though, since I guess a few people like to read here as well, so here goes. This is my twist on B's post "Saturday Snippets":

I am thinking...For some reason, this is the first Fall where I really hate that it gets darker, earlier, and thus giving me less daylight to do what I want. I mean, since it's so nice outside now, I could get certain things done in the garage/outside at nights and not bake from the normal Houston sun.

I am thankful for...my family. Hands down. Each day my wife and kiddos do things that make me love them more. Whether it's just watching them watch tv while I blog, and seeing their childesh amazement at Dora the Explorer, or another person in the house, fixing a haircut she got by cutting her own hair.

I am wearing... jeans and my Drake University shirt that my sis-in-law got me years ago. STILL LOVE IT, AUT! ;)

I am remembering... how I did well losing weight over a year ago, and how I aspire to be that man again, so I can be healthier and around longer for my family. I want to see any Grandkids that I will be blessed with.

I am going... to walk in place during the Biggest Loser commercials tonight, to not just be a TOTAL lazy bum while watching tv tonight.

I am reading... A Million Miles in a Thousand Years by Donald Miller

I am hoping... that I will be rid of this eating curse, and can enjoy life even more with it gone.

On my mind... will we ever get our finances totally in order, or is that something that everyone deals with their entire lives?

Noticing that... I love evenings when we have sports with the kids, but I LOVE when we have a break for a night or two and can *breathe*.

From the kitchen... paid bills sitting next to me (just paid 'em), dishwasher running, clean counters, lots of healthy goodies I see for options during cravings and breakfast, and loving that I am loving seeing that again. (yes, I said that correctly)

Around the house...pretty clean for having four kids who tend to forget it more often than not.

One of my favorite things...the feeling of pride after a Hawkeye win! Oh yea, and listening to my children giggle. *I agree...couldn't change this one*

One thing I can not stand... when people are constantly in a bad mood. it's okay to be in a mood once in a while, but come on people, life isn't that bad. get out of it!

Favorite way to waste a day...sitting on the beach with B, watch my kids play sports, or watch college/professional football/basketball

I am procrastinating...deep cleaning. topical/everyday cleaning is one thing, but then to add more cleaning on top since we have to do so much with all we do with the kids...it just sucks! can i get an amen?!

I'm optimistic about...that even though we sometimes feel we mess up horribly, that our kids will turn out fine, and even have a great life.

Something I see myself doing...being a Geek Squad nerd when the kids all move out, and B & I start traveling with her travel nurse job. Seriously, what else will I do? Not like I'm gonna stay at home and shop!

Biggest fear today...losing my wife or children. i want God to take me first. it's the natural order of things. just don't take me too early. i plan to hopefully be here another 60 years or so. ;)

Not my proudest moment by far.

2009-11-02T07:27:00.002-06:00

Gonna be real with the people who read my blog. I've hit rock bottom with my weight again. I knew it was time to turn things around, but I just lost all motivation. Well, the motivation is back, but I can't really hit it hard due to Dr's orders to not push myself other than on a stationary bike, because of the inflammation in my chest. I'm praying that I can get back on track and drop the weight just by eating better and doing the bike most days until I can really step it up and start running again soon.

I upgraded to a Pro account on the DailyBurn site. I had been using the free version, and some iPhone apps they have for a while, and I was deciding on signing back up on the Biggest Loser account again, but this DailyBurn site is about 1/12th the price, and with the economy and us trying to save money, I went that route. I'm done with this weight. I let myself gain almost all of my weight back, even though I know I gained about 10 lbs of the weight enjoying food and making myself sick of the bad stuff the past couple weeks, since I knew I'd be starting it all back up today.

I told myself in the past that it was okay to enjoy the holiday foods, and it is, but I let myself enjoy them TOO much, and it started my eventual slide back to gaining weight. This year, I am purposely starting my eating healthier during the holidays because I need this change, and this was a sure fire way to test my resolve. I know I have it in me to do this. I just need to use/find some people around me who can support me when I get down, and not turn to all the junk in my house. I want to be a spark for my family again, to start turning to healthier alternatives, and not the junk that we turn to. It will be hardest for me during sporting events, and family gatherings, when the food is just sitting there, or when I normally would turn to food for stuff to pass the time (like during sporting events).

Food is like a drug to me. It's my comfort when all else is going crazy. Unfortunately, it's that way for most of my mother's side of the family as well, so maybe I can inspire others. Who knows. I just know that it's possible, and I want it!

I thought about creating a personal blog to jot this journey down for myself, but I decided not to. If you care to read about this journey, read my entries. If not, skip over them. I'll share my struggles, my triumps, and anything else like I was doing initially a year ago. Thank you all for being there for me.

Here I go again! Thanks for coming along with me on this weight loss journey.

Christmas idea for me! - 2X please ;)

2009-10-27T10:04:00.001-05:00

Love this shirt!

Find out where your space is being used!

2009-10-22T09:31:00.002-05:00

This article on LifeHacker shows an app called "FolderSize" (Windows only). It's an app that you run on your pc and it lets you know what folders are using big chunks of your hard drive. You download the file, unzip it, run the .exe and then tell it to scan whatever drive you want (ex: C:\) and hit "Go", and viola...a visual display of where your hard drive space is being used. Thought I'd share this for my technology peeps.

http://lifehacker.com/5386811/foldersize-displays-whats-eating-your-hard-drive-space

Twitter + Church Service = ?????

2009-10-12T12:10:00.002-05:00

I like the concept of this, but not sure I'd do it the same way. I think Twittering during service could be a good way to judge instant feedback, but I'd save the questions until the end, and not show them during the sermon. Too distracting. Plus, I'd throw it up on the church website after filtering them. Good idea here Church of the Woodlands (The Woodlands, TX)

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/6662287.html

Some pics from today's trip to Dewberry Farm.

2009-10-10T18:36:00.001-05:00

Some pics from today's trip to Dewberry Farm.

2009-10-10T18:35:00.000-05:00