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I can ride my bike with no handlebars

Published
by
John
on July 13, 2008
in General
. 1 Comment

Well, in all reality I can’t ride my bike with no handlebars because I’m just not that balanced. I found a group called “Flobots” on Radio 106.7 and they sing/rap a song called “Handlebars”. I don’t know what caught my attention about the song, something between the lyrics and then the random break-in of the trumpet which you don’t normally hear in a rap song.

So, then Katy let me borrow the CD to listen to and I found some other songs I like so I’m getting the CD. It is the first “rap” music I’ve listened to that actually makes me think and has some pretty deep lyrics. If you’re open to new music styles, go check them out on iTunes.

A lot has been going on in life. I decided to rent out the guest room in my house for additional income (call it my version of a “cost of living raise”… LOL). His name is Joe, moved here from California. He’s beginning to meet my clan of friends and he’s taken to them pretty well so hopefully it will work out in the long run.

I’m going back to RHIIT this week. Weather looks like it might cooperate with me this time. I’ll keep everyone posted on that. Nothing much else going on this week. Some movie premieres this weekend that I think I might try and go. That’s about it really. I’m also working on some web site projects on the side that I need to finish up this week.

Later,
- JM 

Godwinks

Published
by
John
on July 7, 2008
in General
. 0 Comments

So, I’m known to be the best person at hiding how I feel. I am one who can laugh and be sad inside. I can show no emotion when inside is nothing short of a myriad of feelings bottled up inside. Lately I’ve been playing this part very well. Carefree and happy when truly I’m dealing with a lot inside. Nothing major but it seems big to me right now. I shared with a friend the other night my feelings and thankfully she quietly listened.

That evening I was speaking a song suddenly came to my mind that I thought was out of place. Wasn’t Christian and here were the lyrics I came upon…

“If I could be like that, I would give anything 
Just to live one day, in those shoes. 
If I could be like that, what would I do? 
What would I do?”

Not really sure what God was trying to tell me there… I went to bed that evening, still awake and still couldn’t sleep because my turmoil finally had come to the top. I looked over and there was a book I purchased quite some time ago when I moved to this house called When God Winks at You by SQuire Rushnell. I wrote about it back when I bought the book and I remember that at the time the book served as a nice reminder that God was there but I had no real “need” for the book at that time in my life.

I picked up the book and began to read, again. Two chapters later I blissfully fell asleep as I had some comfort knowing that God was near. Then I went back to work today. I had a “hard” day to say the least. I drove home and wasn’t sure what emotion I was feeling but it was anything but happy. I called a friend to chat and she thankfully listened to me. I’d be lost without family and friends.

As I got home I couldn’t figure out what I needed to do to calm down and to find some solid ground to stand on. Then I spotted that book again. I gather a radio, Fresca and book and went out to the deck to read. Yes, I’m strange… I listen to music while reading. It’s a personality quirk that I have.

So, as I am reading I am getting more encouraged then I come across a story about music. I always seem to connect the most with music so I paid close attention this story and it featured the song “His Eye Is On The Sparrow”. It quoted a few lines which got me singing the song as I closed the book and headed into the house to come upstairs and download the song so I could listen to it.

Then God decided to step in and hit me with some lyrics I wasn’t prepared for…

His Eye is On the Sparrow
Verse 1

Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heaven and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Refrain

I sing because I’m happy,
I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.

Verse 2

“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Verse 3

Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,
When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

A little blown away I’ll say. I also must say that God’s at work… as I prayed for some comfort/peace and reassurance I get a text message from another friend that reads:
“You should come up to church this month. It’s my month to sing so at least you will know I’ll be there.”

Amazing how in a moment of weakness that God will provide you some encouragement to say that someone out there was thinking about me as I cried out to God. Thanks God.

That’s my “personal-heart-is-on-a-page” post of the moment. Enjoy.

God Bless,
- JM 

The “Staycataion”

Published
by
John
on July 2, 2008
in General
. 0 Comments

So, I traded my travel plans for a “staycataion”. I’m taking my vacation at home, doing things around the house and I’m having a blast. Yesterday I spent with my family doing yard work and then in the evening Katy, Hope and Josh came over and I decided to buy an outdoor grill, some patio stuff and we had a cookout/game night. We had a lot of fun and I really enjoyed it. Who said you couldn’t have a good time on vacation at home?

Today is continued yardwork if I can stand the heat anymore. Me and my landscaping projects… Once I finish with the yard by the end of the week I’ll take some pictures. I’m hoping the rain holds off for a few more days. I doubt it so I’m going to work all the way until the sunsets so I can get it all done today just in case. Got to love Ohio…

That’s about it folks. Going back to drinking insane amounts of water and get outside and keep digging.

Later,
- JM 

Winds of Change

Published
by
John
on June 30, 2008
in General
. 1 Comment

So I was trying to find some witty song to post lyrics to that is titled “Winds of Change” but sadly couldn’t.

Yeah, the winds of change are evident in my life right now. I have a lot going on and I would love to write about it but just don’t feel ready yet. I had an awesome weekend. I found out some news (which I’ll eventually announce) and let’s just say that it eased my mind and I think that it’s going to work out to be something great.

I was able to see my friend Karen and her funny nephew Jacob. He’s such a character. I also got to see my Aunt and her family (they’re up from TN). I had an awesome breakfast with Katy and we were able to catch-up on life. It’s amazing how we can go for weeks without seeing each other and over some omlets at our “spot” and some iced tea we can spill everything from funny stories to the deepest of thoughts and feelings of what goes on in our minds and in our lives.

I hate to start the week but at least I can look forward to the fourth of July! I’m going to try and score some vacation so I can get a break from work and catch up on some yardwork I’ve been wanting to do. There are a few things that need done around the house as well so I’d like to get that done this week too.

So, I’m going to get off here and get to bed. It is 12:10 AM and I’m now no longer officially on-call for another 5 weeks. THANK GOD. If I got one more phone call or e-mail I was going to hurt someone… LOL.

Night,
-JM 

RHIIT Lessons Learned

Published
by
John
on June 28, 2008
in General
. 0 Comments

I’m sure this is what you’re saying right now after reading that title…

“WHAT? He’s only done this twice… Wasn’t it supposed to be nine… count them NINE times?”

Here are my lessons learned:

  1. RHIIT worked, I did start to experience the benefits claimed in the articles.
  2. Never try and and do RHIIT, HIIT or general fitness training OUTDOORS IN OHIO.

I had this good system going with the weather and my schedule then between my schedule and Ohio not wanting to be a team player with the weather… I’ve given up. It was like the weather was waiting for me to put running shoes on and I’d look outside and it would go from sunny to MONSOON.

Such is Ohio… So I am looking at signing up for a gym membership so I can continue my RHIIT in a “controlled environment” so I no longer have to worry about weather and natural daylight. Then I’ll continue blogging.

Working on some interesting stuff outside of work. I’ve taken back up Web Development in a more “public” role. I’m hoping to finish up two projects within the next month and start doing this part-time on the side on a consistent basis; that Mercedes-Benz isn’t going to buy itself.

Well, it is 3AM and I’m finally starting to get tired so I’m going to go to bed. Got a L O N G day tomorrow.

Night,
- JM 

I Think I Get The Message

Published
by
John
on June 23, 2008
in General
. 0 Comments

If God could write me a short e-mail right now I think it would go something like this…

Dear John,

Please stop asking the question. I’ve given you the answer. If the first few attempts at using fortune cookies, people, music, sermons wasn’t enough… I hope tonight’s viewing of Shrek 3 would get my point across.

Love,
God

 

As I’ve stated on my blog I’ve been work with God on some life changes. I’m not talking a little life change, but something much bigger. Something that will change my life forever. To die out to the person I was and become a new person.

During this time of prayer and “soul searching” as I so affectionately refer to it in blogging I’ve come up with so many ideas, found new passions, reignited old passions and explored many new areas of life. So then I’d come back all the time to God with fists full of ideas and “things” that I’d like my life to have/be. Then I’d ask God that ever magical question…
“How do I do this?”

So, I’d wait, like every good Christian for my answer. I’d pray fervently that God would provide some guidance and tell me what I need to do to get started. I must say that I’m slightly embarrassed at the answer that I’ve come up with.

I personally thought I needed some divine intervention and have some huge miracle played out for me to pursue a life changing experience. You know, one of those good ol’ fashioned “come to Jesus meet-ins” as some would say. When I found that God was trying to tell me all along in His way what I needed to do.

I got it in this Sunday’s sermon. I got it in some music I listened to on the way home that day and this morning on the way to work. Never really sank in until I finally sat down and watched Shrek 3 and Artie said the following line at the end…

“If there’s something you want to do, or someone you really want to be, then the only one standing in your way… is you. “

Leave it to me to find meaning in a comedic animated movie but that line really stuck with me. It’s the message that God’s been trying to tell me all this time. That I need no earth shattering revelation in life… I’m the only one holding me back. Yeah, I guess sometimes we can’t see the answer even when it’s in front our face.

So now that I’ve settled the question onto the action. Not sure really where I’m going to start I just know that I’m going to get moving and get on with my life that God has set before me. Stay tuned…

Night,
- JM

P.S. - RHIIT Part 3 is coming. Weather hasn’t permitted me to run outside. 

RHIIT - Round 2

Published
by
John
on June 19, 2008
in General
. 0 Comments

Dear John,

We will never forgive you for taking the hard trail again. We were not onboard with this “experiment” of yours from the get-go and frankly… we quit.

Sincerely,
- The Things Formerly Known as Your Legs

 

That would sum up about how my body feels right now. I’ve always done walking/jogging/running/sprinting but it’s always been in the gym or on relatively flat surface. The only thing that ever resembled a “hill” in my running was that speed bump in the road or the uneven sidewalk.

So, I just got back from my RHIIT and can I just say, I hurt. I stretched for an extra long time because I’ve been sore since the first round. So I stretched an abnormally long time and I took my time getting to this first monstrous hill. Now, in the original plan I was just going to take the easy trail… but I never found it the first time. Instead I found the “moderate to difficult” trail that is two miles long.

I debated with myself, since I found the easy trail, should I take that one instead? Then I thought that the only real “hard” thing about the other trail is these huge hills and the beginning and 3/4s way through the trail. Granted, one is up and the other is down but they both play a part in this whole training.

Try running down a hill that twists and turns gracefully and control your speed… Yeah it doesn’t happen. It is a miracle that I make it down the hill without falling flat on my face and eating a pound or two of gravel. So I decided I wanted the SUPER challenge of not only doing RHIIT and actually heavy exercise (for me at least) in general but no I wanted to take on the difficult trail to do this on.

I had no problems with my heart rate, breathing, or any other muscles except my calves. I felt that at one point, if I could rip them out of my legs… I would have. I had to keep stopping and using trees and something to push against so I could stretch. That seemed to help and I continued to do this throughout the whole workout but eventually near the end my legs decided they had enough and there was no way I was going to do running for the remainder of the course.

I made it back to the car and got home. I need to take a shower, dress for the grocery and get my butt out the door so I can do some much needed shopping. See, I say “much needed” because I discovered today that I had ONE roll of toilet paper. Yes… ONE. So my shopping trip went from just “shopping” to URGENT shopping.

Well, that’s my progress. This weekend is already starting to fill up with activities. Who knows what I will end up doing and not doing so we’ll see. Tomorrow is payday so that’s always good. 

Later,
- JM 

 

RHIIT

Published
by
John
on June 17, 2008
in General
. 0 Comments

So, I’m experimenting. I am an avid reader of Men’s Health magazine and MensHealth.com. Recently they published an article about how you can change your body in nine days (across three weeks) by doing HIIT or High Intensity Interval Training three times a week for three weeks.

Now, I have some weight to lose. So I figured I’d give this a shot. In the past I’ve been the guy who will spend an hour on a treadmill or elliptical machine. So Men’s Health is telling me by doing interval training that I can cut my actual workout down to 15 minutes and only have to do this three times a week.

So I decided to take them up on their challenge. I tried out my friend Josh’s Wii Fit and recently checked in on my progress (since I don’t own one, I’m doing my training the old fashioned way, by going to the park). I know how much I weigh and I will be interested to see how much this changes after my next nine workouts.

Wondering why there is an ‘R’ before the HIIT abbreviation. Well, I’m calling mine “random” HIIT. I workout to music and use cues that I’ve timed within a playlist to let me know when I should be running and when I should be resting. This combined with a fair amount of warm-up and cool down totals my workout around 45 minutes to warm up, cover 2 miles, cool down. Not too bad.

I’ll report in as I go to track my progress and to see if what Men’s Health is claiming will work or not. Stay tuned.

In other news. SPOILER ALERT FOR THOSE WHO DVR HELL’S KITCHEN. STOP READING IF YOU DON’T WANT TO KNOW…

Can I just announce that I’m SO happy Jen went home. I never really liked her and tonight during elimination I was yelling at the TV… PICK JEN PICK JEN PICK JEN. As if Gordon Ramsey could hear me or something. Then when he said, “Corey, tell Jen goodbye.” I yelled again, WHAT? NO…. IT IS SUPPOSED TO BE JEN. Then he says, “Jen, take off your jacket.” Well, then I was celebrating. I was so happy I wanted to call everyone I know and throw a “Jen’s Not on Hell’s Kitchen Anymore” party. I did refrain from doing so since it is 10:30 PM.

So, that’s about it. I think I’m going to get off here and go to bed. Ready to start another day!

Later,
- JM 

It’s Gonna Be Alright

Published
by
John
on June 16, 2008
in General
. 0 Comments

Sometimes, in life, I just don’t know what’s going to happen next or where to go. Today, for whatever reason, I’ve just had that uneasy feeling all day long. I just can’t seem to figure out what is causing it or why I would be feeling like this.

Thankfully God, even without me asking, lead me to a song…

“God above all the world in motion
God above all my hopes and fears
And I don’t care what the world throws at me now
I’m gonna be alright…

Cause I know my God saved the day
And I know His word never fails
And I know my God made a way for me
Salvation is here.“

The song is titled “Salvation is Here” and I have the version Lincoln Brewster is singing. I would recommend picking it up from iTunes. It has given me great comfort as I sit and listen to it. Doesn’t necessarily answer the questions that I have in my heart about what I’m doing and where I’m going but it jut reminds me of the promise that God is above all my hopes and fears and I’ll be alright.

Why up so late, you might be wondering? I’m multi-tasking. Doing some late night maintenance at work via VPN and blogging while working with west coast co-workers. As with all testing there is “downtime” while the actual test runs. Figured I’d make the most of the time.

Well… testing is done. Time to sign off and get to bed and see what God has in store for me tomorrow.

Night,
- JM 

The Weeds

Published
by
John
on June 11, 2008
in General
. 1 Comment

So, in my attempt to control my stress level I decided to take up more outdoor hobbies. Tonight I got home, fixed some left overs (Home Made Alfredo Sauce with Fettucini Noodles) and drank some water. Which reminds me that my water is sitting on the front stoop. I’ll have to get that after I finish writing.

After dinner I was sitting on the couch thinking about forgetting my new idea of outdoor hobbies then thought I should at least try it. So I went outside and decided to cut the grass, simple. So I got the iPodTouch out and put it on shuffle and cut the grass. A half an hour later, the grass was cut.

Then I decided to keep going and get the trimmer out and trim all around the house. After fighting with it for a bit, I finally got the thing to start and was able to edge my whole lot. So I figured at this point I was on a roll and why not start pulling weeds and cleaning out the flower beds.

So I spent the next hour and half pulling weeds. It was funny as I began to pull weeds I found these awesome flowers that I planted a while back and realized that they were in bloom and looking great… but you couldn’t see them for the weeds.

There, in the mud, my awesome Odd Lots gardening gloves that I had to put two pair on just to keep stickers from going through the globes, in all my therapeutic gardening glory… God spoke.

Lately in life I’ve been pleading with God why I felt like life was going no where? Why I felt that I’ve hit some wall and there’s no door, window, or doggy door to get through it. I had yet to receive my answer when it suddenly clicked. 

Just as I was removing the weeds from the flowers in the flower beds so is God removing the weeds of my life right now. He tending to the soil and removing that which doesn’t belong and then I will be able to see the beauty that lies within. I have felt like God and I are working at life and we really are just doing that… working.

So, as I keep going I’m going to keep up this whole gardening thing. It was a nice break and I enjoyed the quiet while working. Maybe take a step back from your life and take a long hard look… are you standing in the middle of a flowering field or are you in the midst of a bed of weeds?

Night,
- JM

(Wow, it’s been a long time since I’ve wrote something meaningful…)