31 Days – Update 2

August 7, 2008 in Life with 0 Comments

Fitness

John

Well, a week later and here we are. No one has fallen off the bandwagon yet. I've got down the gym thing now I am working on increasing my knowledge of how to do resistance training and core exercises. If anyone reading this blog would like to chime in with some suggestions or websites I would be much obliged. I've been sick with some allergy/sinus issues this week so Wednesday/Thursday I had no gym time. I start back up with some vigorous cardio tomorrow to get back into the routine. Currently my training schedule is M, W, F - Cardio; T, Th, S - Resistance; Sunday - Rest. With the Cardio I'm doing HIIT on an elliptical machine. I do some warm-up on a treadmill as it works a different set of muscles but just isn't good for the interval training because it's hard to burst to high speeds then suddenly go to a slow pace. The food thing is still taking some time to get used to. I have been great for the most part. I have had a few meals where maybe the greatest decision wasn't made but overall every meal has been healthy and proportionate. I also have been drinking water like it is no body's business. I rarely drink anything but water anymore which seems weird to me because I used to be the person who hated water. I find myself having more energy and overall I just feel better (even with the whole sick thing). I sleep so much better now that I'm exercising and I'm starting to notice that things that were once challenging me at the gym are now becoming easier.

Toni (The person former known as "co-worker") written by Toni

It's now day 4 of my 'diet' and it's been a slow start.  Going Cold Turkey while dieting is too much of a shock for me. I have not changed my breakfast habits yet....still eating on the go.  I make a quick sandwich on rye of either peanut butter and jelly, turkey or chicken and eat in the car with my Diet Coke.
Lunch is currently my most successful meal of the day: salad.  I know I am still consuming too many carbs so I wil work on that each day.  I have done better than I thought I would although I still fall back into old habits when I encounter stressful situations. Yesterday at work, I fell off the wagon and ate 3 (yes 3!) single Reese's cups. 
Dinnertime has not been too much of a problem and I am happy with my success at least for this last meal of the day.   I am eating about half of what I would usually eat......eating the same types of food, just half the amount.
I have not weighed myself yet..so I still need to do that .....once I do weigh myself, I will keep a chart in my bathroom and record my weight either daily or every other day.  This method works for me and will  keep me on track. I can say that after day 3, I do have more energy when I get home from work. 

Katy written by John

Katy just received her Wii Fit and she's found herself working out at least 30 minutes a day on it. Already she's noticed a difference in energy level and is starting to feel the effects of the workout. She is enjoying it and made the comment that after doing several rounds of the "hula hoop" exercise that she felt it in her abs. Due to her just getting the Wii Fit this week this update will be a little short :-). More next time...

Finance

One thing that I do when shopping is use coupons. Many people think I'm wasting my time with it but in all reality I spend $20.00 on a Sunday newspaper subscription and maybe an hour before each shopping trip gathering coupons. I've saved hundreds of dollars in shopping trips and pretty much one trip to the store with coupons pays for my subscription.
Here are my person top 5 tips with coupons:
1. DO NOT USE THEM THE SAME WEEK YOU GET THEM. One of the biggest mistakes I see people do is get their coupons on Sunday and turn around and use them on Monday. Somehow in the coupon world stores seem to know what products will have coupons in the paper and don't put those items on sale. Now, there is an exception to this rule - if it is a no brainer like $1.00 off an item that is going for $0.89 that week or it is something that you absolutely need and have a coupon for it (example - toilet paper). Instead, wait about 3-4 weeks and watch the weekly ads closely because you can normally match up a sale item with a coupon and get a lot more money off (or some free items!)
2. DON'T BUY SOMETHING BECAUE YOU HAVE A COUPON
Another temptation is to go to the store and walk down the isle with all your coupons and see an awesome chocolate brownie mix that is calling your name. You know in your mind that you don't need the mix so you stand there and figure out a way to justify it to yourself. You go digging through your coupons and see that you can buy it with a $1.00 off... well why not then? Yeah, you nor your body needs that mix so put it down and move on. If you're really bad at this, only take the coupons that you know you really really need. This way we eliminate temptation to buy everything in the store that you have a coupon for. Again, the exception here is with free items. I've picked up several free or $0.10 toothbrushes, band-aids, medicine, etc...
3. TALK TO PEOPLE YOU KNOW WHO SHOP AND TRADE Many people out there are coupon shoppers; you just might not know it. Many people who meet me are surprised to find out that I use coupons. Once you find some people who use coupons then offer to trade them coupons you don't use or want. Don't have pets but have kids? Trade someone all your dog food coupons for diaper coupons. Most stores will allow you up to xx amount of items and you are able to use one coupon per item. I've got a lot of good coupons this way and also have found deals by talking to other people who may have caught something in the add that you didn't.
4. GET AN ORGANIZER Yeah, I tried the whole, "I'm going to be manly and hold my 300 cut coupons in my hand or paper envelope" because I thought the plastic coupon holder wasn't the exact sign of masculinity. I found out that doesn't work so well. I finally sucked it up, went to an office supply store and got a coupon holder. Also, don't skimp and get one with three or so pockets. The more the better. I typically seperate all mine out by the layout of the store and then have a pocket in the back for miscellaneous and one at the front for "used coupons" that I move there once I have the item(s) in my cart.
5. LOOK FOR A "TWO-FOR" OFFER
Sometimes, depending on the store, you can get away with the following. You have two coupons. One that says, "Free Razor with Purchase of Blade Refills Instantly!". The second one says, "$2.00 off Blade Refills". You can use both. The trick is to not put the two coupons together. The $2.00 off coupon is going to be what I call an "Automatic Coupon" where it will verify the UPC against what the coupon is calling for. So have that scanned near the beginning then have the "Free" coupon near the end. The cashier has to manually make sure you purchased both items, refills and razor. They'll look the receipt over and find both items then giving you the discount. I've yet to been stopped for this because technically you aren't getting money "off" the refills just the razor itself. So keep this in mind that in this siutation the "one coupon per item" technically seems to not apply. However, don't go to the store and try this, get turned down and then tell them that JohnMassie.com told you so that you could do this because I'm sure that will get you NO WHERE with the cashier or manager.

Faith

Life is hard. That was the thought when I came to the faith section. I'm sure you're reading this going, NO DUH; thank you captain obvious. I think that we need to remember that though life is hard that God is bigger than this life. I was talking with my mom about this very subject that as we grow older as adults we forget that God is bigger. Like a song I like to sing...
"God is bigger than the air I breathe, the world we'll leave. God will save the day and all will say, my glorious. And all you ever do is change the old to new."
I think we need to remember that very first part especially. GOD IS BIGGER THAN THE AIR I BREATHE. Whatever you're going through, God's bigger than that. The first part is realizing that fact. The much harder part is leaving it in God's hands for Him to actually be bigger than the problem or trial you face. You have to trust Him to do what He says He will do. I struggle with this from time to time but recently God has put me in this spot and each day I surrender my life and will to God and I get out of bed knowing that He is bigger than anything I may face. Hopefully you can find some encouragement in this as well.
Well, there's update 2. Be on the lookout for the next segment in the series. Questions and comments are welcome. If you'd like to contact anyone in the post or myself please e-mail 31days <at> johnmassie.com!
God Bless,
- JM

31 Days of Fitness, Finance and Faith

August 3, 2008 in Life with 4 Comments

Back in the day when I was young and very into blogging I used to write in series. It's been quite some time since I've done this and decided that August would be the perfect month to do this. I wanted to do something that was informative yet personal. What better than three important things in my life - Fitness, Finance and Faith. In talking with people within my circle of friends it seems that I've inspired a few to join me on this journey, at least in the fitness aspect. I have two people joining me and we thought it would be cool to bring you the progress of three different people and their 31 days of fitness. Well, first, you have me. A twenty-something, male, with no previous gym experience and/or resistance training. According to my recent fitness assessment I have a goal of 50+ pounds to lose. I also personally am working on building core and upper body strength at the same time. Then we have my friend Katy, she's a twenty-something female who is going to focus on increasing physical activity using the Wii Fit. She'll be joining us later in the posting as she's waiting for her new Wii Fit to ship to her. Finally we have a co-woker of mine who due to the fact that I forgot to ask her if I could use her name, we'll leave it at co-worker for now. She is recovering from knee surgery and has limited mobility when it comes to exercise. She was excited to take this challenge and wanted to share some of her point of view as to what she is doing to accomplish her goals. Technically we began on August 1, 2008 but since this wasn't formally planned I'm going to say the first weekend was transition. Since I've not been able to meet with the other two I'll share five things I'm doing for the 31 days:
  1. I joined a gym. I work out 5-6 times a week alternating between weight training and cardio. I tested it out last week and find that I prefer to work out before work because it seems to give me energy for the day.
  2. I committed (for the most part) to a regular sleeping schedule. I'm not quite getting 8 hours, but very close. I am now getting up at 4:30 AM and going to bed at 9:00 PM. Tonight being the exception because I had a small allergy issue this weekend and the meds I was on caused me to sleep... A LOT. So I'm wide awake right now but soon will head off to bed.
  3. I stopped eating out. I get one meal per week that is not from home (typically on Friday, lunch and whatever I want). Again, tomorrow being the exception for lunch because I was so busy this weekend I couldn't get to the store. What I do eat will be on my eating plan.
  4. I've developed and committed to an eating plan. Based of Men's Health "The Abs Diet" and all around healthy eating I've decided to eat much better. I wouldn't call it a "diet" per se, it is a new way for me to eat. I'll be sharing more about this in the coming days.
  5. I'm "reassessing" all my bills and reducing where I can. Finding ways to save money and/or easily make extra money.
You may ask, "Why post this on your blog for the world to see?" It's like having an invisible workout partner through this whole thing. You know that people out there read this and it makes you feel that you have some form of commitment you have to keep up. I also think that it might be helpful for people who may be like me or similar who are looking for advice or for someone's story as they write about what they're doing. I surely can't be the only weight loss / muscle gain / gym newbie.
My last piece that will be a challenge for me is that I will not weigh myself again until September 1, 2008. Then we will find out the results of my hard work. I will post on average every three days and just give an update on progress and what's going on.
So enough about fitness, what about the finance and faith? I'm wanting to share some financial tips and tricks every three days to share some things I've learned and some blogs/websites that I like to frequent.
Then faith, here is where I'll share from the other side of my heart. Maybe it is some lyrics, quote, thought or scripture verse. It will just be something that I'll share as I felt led to. Hopefully in the process bringing encouragement to my readers.
Well, that's the introduction... Now for the hard part, actually getting it done. I'm extremely busy but promise that no matter what I'll fit in time to keep this going. For people who I'm sure will inevitably end up here via other blogs, e-mail or search engines feel free to comment or if you have some tips/advice you'd like to send directly to me feel free to e-mail 31days <at> johnmassie.com.
Night,
-JM

Inspiration for the Journey

July 22, 2008 in Life with 1 Comment

So, I mentioned in past posts about closing out a chapter of my life. It's amazing how for the first time in life that I quickly closed a chapter and I never even saw it coming. I've been one to have methodical and drawn out closure but this time things were different. It seemed like most of the things in my life ended abruptly and change began to happen in me and around me. It was also the first time I "closed a chapter" and never looked back. So after this happened I was presented with the question of, "Where do I go now?" So, I did what I do best, prayed. Thankfully God had a plan for me. I ended up at Marysville Vineyard this Sunday to hear my dear friend Kelly speak. Now, I haven't heard Kelly speak since camp which was years ago so I was excited. From the moment I walked in I was met with happy faces and love abounded. Thought I'm not a "regular" many people in the church are getting to recognize me and will say hello and talk to me... which is nice. As worship began I just had a small voice let me know that God had me there for a reason. So I intently began to enter into a time of worship. The music began and it wasn't a song I knew but I'm quick with lyrics so I began to sing. The song was so moving and I began to listen to what I was singing and found so much inspiration and comfort that I knew that as long as I turned over my life to God, everything would be ok. Then after a moving worship service my friend Kelly got up to speak. Her message was much like how I write, based on her personal life. She shared from the heart and I was moved. She related with a lot of what I was feeling and gave me hope that everything was going to be just fine. As we entered a time of prayer we sang yet another song I love and I knew God had met me there that day. I came home to a less than pleasant situation but as I do with everything that I view as "bad" in life I began to look for what God wanted me to learn from the situation. I learned to displace my anger and see past the issue to what God wanted me to see. I think it served as a great reminder that I do only have a few people in life who understand who I am, what I'm about and where I'm going in life and most of all... believe in me. I have a few that pretend like they meet that criteria and I have many who classify me as a "Grade A Failure" but I'm living out a much bigger plan that is completely out of my hands. Sure, I might be unconventinal in my methods but then again wasn't Jesus considered a radical of His time? God never promised that if His children followed the will He set before them that they would look normal in the world's eye and that is something I have to remember each day. I also give thanks to God for all that I do have in this life and His many blessings He so graciously gives me. I praise Him for the good, bad and ugly when it comes my way. I know that no matter what I'm never a failure in God's eye and His plan is never considered a failure. God ordained the events that played out that night because He wanted to remind me of the way the world sees me from now until the day I die and light a fire within me to go on and conquer the path set before me with passion and faith - to show that God's plan is never a failure. So all in all, I found my inspiration for the journey. As my new time in life unfolds I've taken it as fast as God can give it to me and reach out to those that I need to and have been met with only love and support. To my family and friends who are there for me, thank you.  Well, it is getting to be my bedtime and I'm tired. I'll post the lyrics to that new song I learned at Vineyard for you all to read and I've highlighted what stood out to me. Night, - JM   Mighty to Save Hillsong Everyone needs compassion A love that's never failing Let mercy fall on me Everyone needs forgiveness A kindness of a Savior The hope of nations Savior He can move the mountains My God is Mighty to save He is Mighty to save Forever Author of salvation He rose and conquered the grave Jesus conquered the grave So take me as You find me All my fears and failures Fill my life again I give my life to follow Everything I believe in Now I surrender Shine your light and let the whole world see We're singing for the glory of the risen King...Jesus

The Wonder Years

July 20, 2008 in Life with 0 Comments

So I thought I should blog this morning before heading out to church, to kill time if nothing else. As I got ready for church I began to think about life and what has been going on. Sometimes you wonder if you made the right decision. It is always nice to get some affirmation from God that you're going down the right path and He did just that for me. As I began to ponder this subject more while staring at this blank box to write in, the song, "With a Little Help From My Friend by Joe Cocker" (aka "The Wonder Years" theme song from the 80s-90s sitcom I used to watch as a kid) came to mind, ironically. I found it in my iTunes library and decided to listen to it while I write and it made me think of this weekend and all that has gone on. I thankfully do have friends that will help me get by. As I closed a long chapter in my life it was like suddenly, a new one began. In the last few days I've help friends pack, run a yard sale with friends, go to a party (yes, I did write party) with another then was invited to the movies twice and to a party today and a concert, twice. Suddenly it's like people remembered I was here, and they're all here for me; which is nice. So today I'm going to visit some friends at church, go to a cookout then go to a concert in the evening. Then home to get ready for Monday, joy! I'm not sure what else is going on yet this week. I'll keep you all posted. Later, - JM

Spots

July 14, 2008 in Life with 0 Comments

There is a saying that goes, "A leopard can't change its spots." I never really stopped to think about the phrase and haven't used it for quite some time. The other day, as always, as I was doing something that was completely unrelated to blogging, a post began to form in my mind. We all associate this phrase with a negative connotation that, bluntly, people can't/don't change. Then I began to think about those people in my life who I'm glad to find they never changed. As the sea of life drifts us together and then apart again it is always reassuring when we drift back together that those familiar faces are still the same familiar people you remember. Then you have the other people. The people in your life that you keep around and they're consistently in your life. Being one who gives everyone the "benefit of the doubt" and multiple chances to be in my life I tend to forget the phrase, "a leopard cannot change its spots." Then something happens with said people and I'm shaken back to a reality that they were that person they "used to be" all along and yet each time I'm shocked at their behavior and cannot figure out why they are that way. Then I coincidentally came home and found this song. In going along with the theme I wonder if it is much of a coincidence or if it was a message to me about those people; something for my readers to ponder. So as I used to do many years ago when I began blogging... "I leave you with the lyrics". Goodbye Secondhand Serenade

It's a shame that it had to be this way It's not enough to say I'm sorry It's not enough to say I'm sorry

 

Maybe I'm to blame Or maybe we're the same But either way I can't breathe Either way I can't breathe

 

All I had to say is goodbye We're better off this way We're better off this way

 

I'm alive but I'm losing all my drive Cause everything were been through And everything about you Seemed to be a lie A guiltless twisted lie It made me learn to hate you Or hate myself for letting it pass by

 

All I had to say is goodbye Were better off this way Were better off this way All I had to say is goodbye Were better off this way Were better off this way

 

And every, everything isn't only What it seemed so hold these Words that you never told me Its time to say goodbye Its time to say goodbye Its time to say goodbye Goodbye

 

Bye

 

Night, -JM 

I can ride my bike with no handlebars

July 13, 2008 in Life with 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

July 7, 2008 in Life with 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”

July 2, 2008 in Life with 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

June 30, 2008 in Life with 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

June 28, 2008 in Life with 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 
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