My brothers and I have decided to do a Tough Mudder event in GA in Feb 2012. For those who don't know that is 11 miles of running, jumping, sliding, swimming, intense mental trial. It should be fun. There is no time limit but a matter of finishing or not. So here I am, 6 months away and getting ready to start really preparing for this event. I have always been a fairly athletic person and always enjoyed competition so I have been wanting to do something that drives me and my younger brother said he was looking at a Tough Mudder event and wanted to know if my older brother and me wanted to join him. So we all three signed up and will be doing this event together.
So here is my dilemma, i have twin girls that require a fair amount of time and I have a full-time job so finding the time to train is the issue. I have decided to set up a training schedule so that I have a plan in front of me instead of winging it.
So here is where I am currently:
I cannot run for very long and am in poor cardio condition. I am in decent physical shape as I did P90X about 1.5 months ago and it helped trim about 4 inches and nearly 15 pounds off since the girls were born. I am currently nursing a sore knee after playing basketball for the first time in over 6 months so that was a little rough but i will survive. So basically I have a long way to go but in 6 months that is possible to get back into shape.
I think I can, I think I can. Starting next week I will post progress updates and maybe pictures along the way. Stay tuned...
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Monday, November 8, 2010
Around 6 weeks or so...
So we are down to the last 6 weeks so i figured that i would write something that would be interesting to look back on when the little girls come. Here are the six top things i want my girls to learn:
1. Who God is! i want them to find God and discover all the glory that goes along with Him and how powerful and mighty but also how holy and pure He is. i want them to have an experience with Him that changes their life and forever leaves an imprint so large that nothing can remove that experience. i want them to know what they know and be able to hold dearly to that hope!
2. Dad loves you more than his own breathe. i have not even had my girls and they have stolen my heart. i know that every moment is too be treasured and i will do my best to instill in my girls how special and loved they are everyday. i believe it is a father's role to model a loving relationship and to help young girls find their identity in who they are and how important they are even when they are young. i already love my little girls!!
3. Do not give up! Ever! i want them to learn to try and to give it their all. i want them to try and do their best in all situations. i am not going to drive them to perfection but drive them to do their very best and i will be satisfied. No one is exactly alike and having two girls the same age, i know i will strive not to compare them because they are different and have different talents and desires in life so i have to push them to chase their own dreams and do not give up on those dreams!
4. Mom is right! Something i have learned by being married for 4 years and knowing others who are married longer. Mom is right, she can make a day or she can bring it down. Mom's have that extra instinct and no matter what, have a motherly opinion about everything. However, mom is right and Mom loves you so listen up--after all she is right.
5. Explore. Simple yet dangerous as a parent to say. Basically here is the reasoning behind this simple word. There are tons of information and tons of opinions on everything from dirt to the stars. I want my girls to form their own opinions, to learn, to argue, to fight over ideas and facts. i truly believe a person can learn and is able to stand on that learning if they truly explore the ideas for themselves and not just accept someone else opinion. i also think this world is too big to sit in one place all your life. i personally have traveled around half the world and saw that there is wonders all around us. i would love to travel more and see what God has created and some of what man has created around me. If my girls have the opportunity to travel and see the world, i would encourage that and would love them to be able to have their eyes opened to different cultures, peoples and lands. There is so much to learn and so little life, explore it.
6. Why Dad and Mom tell them no. i want my girls to understand no and to understand that the world does not give them everything their heart desires. This world is a tough place and you have to work hard and really strive hard to get what you want. but i also want them to know that you can achieve what you want and just because you hear no does not mean that is the end. Drive is important in life and without it, you will just be. i also want them to know that Dad and Mom want what is best and doing things that will hurt are not best.
So those are the top 6 points i want my girls to learn, i am sure in some fashion that will be plenty of others but i can only hope that i give my girls the best head start that i can. 6 more weeks and my life will get all the more beautiful.
1. Who God is! i want them to find God and discover all the glory that goes along with Him and how powerful and mighty but also how holy and pure He is. i want them to have an experience with Him that changes their life and forever leaves an imprint so large that nothing can remove that experience. i want them to know what they know and be able to hold dearly to that hope!
2. Dad loves you more than his own breathe. i have not even had my girls and they have stolen my heart. i know that every moment is too be treasured and i will do my best to instill in my girls how special and loved they are everyday. i believe it is a father's role to model a loving relationship and to help young girls find their identity in who they are and how important they are even when they are young. i already love my little girls!!
3. Do not give up! Ever! i want them to learn to try and to give it their all. i want them to try and do their best in all situations. i am not going to drive them to perfection but drive them to do their very best and i will be satisfied. No one is exactly alike and having two girls the same age, i know i will strive not to compare them because they are different and have different talents and desires in life so i have to push them to chase their own dreams and do not give up on those dreams!
4. Mom is right! Something i have learned by being married for 4 years and knowing others who are married longer. Mom is right, she can make a day or she can bring it down. Mom's have that extra instinct and no matter what, have a motherly opinion about everything. However, mom is right and Mom loves you so listen up--after all she is right.
5. Explore. Simple yet dangerous as a parent to say. Basically here is the reasoning behind this simple word. There are tons of information and tons of opinions on everything from dirt to the stars. I want my girls to form their own opinions, to learn, to argue, to fight over ideas and facts. i truly believe a person can learn and is able to stand on that learning if they truly explore the ideas for themselves and not just accept someone else opinion. i also think this world is too big to sit in one place all your life. i personally have traveled around half the world and saw that there is wonders all around us. i would love to travel more and see what God has created and some of what man has created around me. If my girls have the opportunity to travel and see the world, i would encourage that and would love them to be able to have their eyes opened to different cultures, peoples and lands. There is so much to learn and so little life, explore it.
6. Why Dad and Mom tell them no. i want my girls to understand no and to understand that the world does not give them everything their heart desires. This world is a tough place and you have to work hard and really strive hard to get what you want. but i also want them to know that you can achieve what you want and just because you hear no does not mean that is the end. Drive is important in life and without it, you will just be. i also want them to know that Dad and Mom want what is best and doing things that will hurt are not best.
So those are the top 6 points i want my girls to learn, i am sure in some fashion that will be plenty of others but i can only hope that i give my girls the best head start that i can. 6 more weeks and my life will get all the more beautiful.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
A Glimpse into the Future
Well I have a glimpse into the future and what I saw was absolutely amazing. Here is a glimpse at what i saw:
Well I can definitely say that these girls already have me tied around they fingers, as small as they are right now. I found myself dreaming and thinking about what they will look like and what their personalities will be like. I thought to myself that they are going to be so much fun to have around and amazing to see them learn and grow. I think I catch myself thinking too far ahead and knowing there are going to be times when I will wish they do one thing and instead they do something else but I guess that is how life goes.
I cannot believe that there is only about 13 weeks or so before they are here. Insane!! I am ready but at the same time not really ready because I have little idea of how to handle a baby and much less two of them. Luckily, Liz can handle things and I look forward to her being able to stay at home and care for our little girls. I can only imagine the experience she is going to have and I am going to try and push her to write her thoughts and potentially a book or something about her experience with twins because that would be interesting to read and see her thoughts. I do agree that the second trimester is good time for a pregnancy but the third is right around the corner and she is going to need more assistance as she gets bigger and the little girls get bigger.
So all in all, there has been some good days as we prepare for the future little people who will inhabit our house and enjoy playing and learning about this crazy world. I simply cannot wait and am eager to hold each one in my arms and sing to them and share my thoughts and experiences with these little minds. In just a few months, my life will forever change with two little faces that have already bring a huge smile to my face!!
Well I can definitely say that these girls already have me tied around they fingers, as small as they are right now. I found myself dreaming and thinking about what they will look like and what their personalities will be like. I thought to myself that they are going to be so much fun to have around and amazing to see them learn and grow. I think I catch myself thinking too far ahead and knowing there are going to be times when I will wish they do one thing and instead they do something else but I guess that is how life goes.
I cannot believe that there is only about 13 weeks or so before they are here. Insane!! I am ready but at the same time not really ready because I have little idea of how to handle a baby and much less two of them. Luckily, Liz can handle things and I look forward to her being able to stay at home and care for our little girls. I can only imagine the experience she is going to have and I am going to try and push her to write her thoughts and potentially a book or something about her experience with twins because that would be interesting to read and see her thoughts. I do agree that the second trimester is good time for a pregnancy but the third is right around the corner and she is going to need more assistance as she gets bigger and the little girls get bigger.
So all in all, there has been some good days as we prepare for the future little people who will inhabit our house and enjoy playing and learning about this crazy world. I simply cannot wait and am eager to hold each one in my arms and sing to them and share my thoughts and experiences with these little minds. In just a few months, my life will forever change with two little faces that have already bring a huge smile to my face!!
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Reflections
Sometimes i just need to sit back and reflect at where i have been and where i want to go. Today was one of those days as i sat at work looking at where i am in live. I could honestly say that i would not have imagined my life being where it is today. When i think of only five years ago, August of 2005, i was in the process of moving from Georgia up to North Carolina. That was a big decision and one that i felt would be a stepping stone to a life that i was completely unsure of at that time. I had just returned from an amazing summer spent in Brisbane, Australia and was a little sad to be back in the states to be honest. For anyone who has traveled, would share my sentiments in that the rest of the world holds new experiences and desire that our small portion of this great big world does not do justice to that greater sphere of what is out there. But there i was moving to somewhere where i knew no one and do not really have any direction other than i felt i was suppose to be at a master's program for theology. I enjoyed the classes and learned a lot about how serious i can take learning and also opened my eyes about certain people and views that are going to be leading people. While i was learning educational information, i was also learning things about myself and realizing points of view from myself. i have A LOT that i have to work on and i am constantly a work in progress. One thing that i can say about myself is that i make it through life without too many worries. I guess it could be called a gift from God but honestly, i just don't worry about a lot of things and when i do worry it is intense and then over and forgotten about. This is also a negative trait because it also means i do not develop a passion for many things. I have a very reserved attitude and to get excited is almost too much work for me in many ways. I do enjoy having fun but sometimes i almost rather take it easy and immerse myself in worlds that are vivid and dare say imaginery. As a side note, i believe this is the reason that i am absolutely love watching movies. there is something about being transported into a new world that is alive and invites me to be a part of that world if only for 2 hours. So all that is too say that i have arrived in North Carolina 5 years ago without a solid direction and without any direct plan. Within a year and a half, i would have met a girl, fallen in love and married her by the following November. Talk about a change of direction, now i had someone who i could share everything with and at the same time could look to for inspiration and motivation to become the person that i need to be. She always said that the past is what makes her who she is and said believes each person has been given a path that develops them. *(she may not say that exactly but as i said i am not always one given to trivial persuits, a great memory is one of those pursuits which i have not taken seriously). So we made plans for one day to have a family and plan for our future. So within 3.5 years of marriage and here i am looking forward to celebrating our four years in November with the expectation of twin girls before the new year comes. Talk about change--5 years and my life has become one of self introspection to one of there is three others that will count on me and what i do with my life.
So i write all this thinking is the life that i envisioned for myself when i reached 27 years old and almost 10 years out of high school. Of course not! But do i have a great life and blessed beyond what i deserve--OF COURSE! There is so much that i enjoy from my life that i doubt i would have been able to foresee my life now. So with these past five years, what could the next five years hold??
All that i can say with assurance is that i will have a faithful and loving wife to hold onto during this journey and a God who despite my efforts remains ever faithful and provides for us. So i have to dream big and try my best to make my life one that is memorable. My big journey did not end when i returned from Australia but it truly began. So i must now find a journey that i have never imagined and stray away from my relaxed status and push for a new journey, a new life and a new world never imagined. In doing these actions, i may just find myself wondering again, how in 5 years has my life become what it is? amazing and unexpected!!
Here is to another great 5 years and may everyone find themselves in a place that is unexpected and beyond your best dreams!
So i write all this thinking is the life that i envisioned for myself when i reached 27 years old and almost 10 years out of high school. Of course not! But do i have a great life and blessed beyond what i deserve--OF COURSE! There is so much that i enjoy from my life that i doubt i would have been able to foresee my life now. So with these past five years, what could the next five years hold??
All that i can say with assurance is that i will have a faithful and loving wife to hold onto during this journey and a God who despite my efforts remains ever faithful and provides for us. So i have to dream big and try my best to make my life one that is memorable. My big journey did not end when i returned from Australia but it truly began. So i must now find a journey that i have never imagined and stray away from my relaxed status and push for a new journey, a new life and a new world never imagined. In doing these actions, i may just find myself wondering again, how in 5 years has my life become what it is? amazing and unexpected!!
Here is to another great 5 years and may everyone find themselves in a place that is unexpected and beyond your best dreams!
Saturday, July 31, 2010
New Thoughts of Life
Well I found out that my wife and I are having twins and they are both little girls. I am excited and nervous at the same time because I have been in a male dominated household all my life and for the most part been around guys simply because guys are easier to handle. But two little girls are going to be such a blessing and so much fun to watch grow and become beautiful women just like my wife. It will be trying but I think in the end it will be so much more joy than anything else!
So now with two little girls, i thought to myself this world will have challenges that i will have to face and help them understand. First, the thought of the world right now is one of self provision. Whatever is good for the self is all that matters for the greater part of society. Is that how i want my girls to view the world? Of course not!! How do i instill in them views of love and appreciation of others? The best answer is easy to say and a lot harder to actually accomplish. By example! So i have love others and try my best to have an optimistic and positive view of the world. i have to help these girls to understand that we are made for God and God wants us to shine Him into this ever darkening world. that is quite a challenge and a large task but for the sake of my children, it must be undertaken. I want my kids to look at this world and see possibilities and opportunities for them to help others and help the world to find the one true Light.
I watch the news every morning during my breakfast as a way to see what is going on in the world and to try and stay current on the news headlines. Unfortunately, as my wife told me about a year ago, she could not watch such negative stories day after day. Why is it that the news is just full of negative ideas, words, and images. we are consistently bombarded by how the world is falling apart and how people only want what is good for them. Why do we watch such news and why is that the only news that is available? I think entertainment is hard for Americans, we have everything quickly and when we want it and so we want to see things that entertain us and make us feel certain ways. I think happy stories are not as entertaining for cable companies so less is shown. So here is a challenge that i am going to work on for the coming weeks to figure out a good option. How do i provide a positive view of the world each day? I have to make positive images, words, and thoughts come through my life. How that looks, I don't know yet.
So let us do things for others and as Monty Python says, "Always look at the bright side of life."
So now with two little girls, i thought to myself this world will have challenges that i will have to face and help them understand. First, the thought of the world right now is one of self provision. Whatever is good for the self is all that matters for the greater part of society. Is that how i want my girls to view the world? Of course not!! How do i instill in them views of love and appreciation of others? The best answer is easy to say and a lot harder to actually accomplish. By example! So i have love others and try my best to have an optimistic and positive view of the world. i have to help these girls to understand that we are made for God and God wants us to shine Him into this ever darkening world. that is quite a challenge and a large task but for the sake of my children, it must be undertaken. I want my kids to look at this world and see possibilities and opportunities for them to help others and help the world to find the one true Light.
I watch the news every morning during my breakfast as a way to see what is going on in the world and to try and stay current on the news headlines. Unfortunately, as my wife told me about a year ago, she could not watch such negative stories day after day. Why is it that the news is just full of negative ideas, words, and images. we are consistently bombarded by how the world is falling apart and how people only want what is good for them. Why do we watch such news and why is that the only news that is available? I think entertainment is hard for Americans, we have everything quickly and when we want it and so we want to see things that entertain us and make us feel certain ways. I think happy stories are not as entertaining for cable companies so less is shown. So here is a challenge that i am going to work on for the coming weeks to figure out a good option. How do i provide a positive view of the world each day? I have to make positive images, words, and thoughts come through my life. How that looks, I don't know yet.
So let us do things for others and as Monty Python says, "Always look at the bright side of life."
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
So, i decided i would try out this to see how many thoughts i could get out and free my feelings and thoughts to the world so here i go...
First, i want to say i think pandora is a gift to music lovers world over. i use it everyday to escape the sounds of my job. Being stuck in a small cubicle is not horrible but being stuck in a cubicle next to the most talkative section of work is not optimal. However, Pandora allows for escape into a musical world of my liking and so thanks to you Pandora.
Second, why do people drive in the left lane when there are three lanes and they don't even want to go the speed limit. move over and let us who want to try our luck with the speed limit have at it!!
Lastly, my wife and i are now expecting twins. i am excited about being a father but at the same time, two! really? i know my life will never be the same after they come. Due date is officially Jan 7 but how about Christmas babies instead is what we are expecting with double trouble. we get to find out the sexes on Friday so it should be a whole new ballgame then. the wife will open doors to start preparing and "buying" things to prepare. so it will be the start of the end of my ability to purchase things for myself. but hey, it basically is me in a combo form with my wife so it will be great.
alright well this is the start of hopefully something to reveal thoughts and open my mind!
First, i want to say i think pandora is a gift to music lovers world over. i use it everyday to escape the sounds of my job. Being stuck in a small cubicle is not horrible but being stuck in a cubicle next to the most talkative section of work is not optimal. However, Pandora allows for escape into a musical world of my liking and so thanks to you Pandora.
Second, why do people drive in the left lane when there are three lanes and they don't even want to go the speed limit. move over and let us who want to try our luck with the speed limit have at it!!
Lastly, my wife and i are now expecting twins. i am excited about being a father but at the same time, two! really? i know my life will never be the same after they come. Due date is officially Jan 7 but how about Christmas babies instead is what we are expecting with double trouble. we get to find out the sexes on Friday so it should be a whole new ballgame then. the wife will open doors to start preparing and "buying" things to prepare. so it will be the start of the end of my ability to purchase things for myself. but hey, it basically is me in a combo form with my wife so it will be great.
alright well this is the start of hopefully something to reveal thoughts and open my mind!
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