Ever since the greatest day of my life, October 10, 2009, I have been asked by several people "How's married life???" And I always reply "It's good." Thats it, direct and to the point. But there is so much more than that. How is married life? Have you ever asked yourself that? Now I want to first say that I am no expert! We have been married for 1 year, 3 months and 8 days. But here's what I think about married life...IT'S WONDERFUL!!!
Let me elaborate. Marriage, to me, is choosing to join your life with someone else's life. To become partners, both legally and spiritually. It is being faithful and honest with one person for the rest of your life. It is choosing a life of selflessness! Before I was married, I was such a selfish person. Any money I made, I spent it on myself; either drinking, or eating or buying myself meaningless possessions. I was the only person in the universe that mattered. But that all changed on October 10th, 2009. When I said "I do," I knew I was committed my life to someone else. I knew I was saying what's mine is yours...I was saying that no matter what happens we'll be together, forever!
Marriage is full of ups and downs. Fights, arguments, disagreements, etc. But it is also full of wonderful moments. My favorite moment is when I come home and the dog comes running up to me, and Sarah is right behind waiting with a hug and a smile! I love it! I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. Waking up to her is incredible too. When the alarm goes off she's there, when I come to bed at night she's there, when I come home from work she's there and when I dream she's there! Marriage is such a wonderful thing! One thing I hate is the negative opinion of marriage by unmarried people.
The night we were married, Sarah and I went out with our friends. We went to a bar in Jax Beach and it was so much fun! People were congratulating us and giving us high fives...but they were also yelling things like"Why'd you do it??? It's not too late!!! What an idiot!!!" I couldn't believe it...People were asking me "Why'd you get married???" Why did I get married??? I'll tell you why...I met the girl of my dreams. I met a woman who saw all my imperfections, all the hate I had in my heart, all the lies...and would still say I LOVE YOU. I got married because I met the woman I wanted to share my life with. And no other reason is more important!
Again, I've only been married a year, so I won't give any advice about marriage. But I was single for 20 years, so I will give advice on that. Don't pass judgement on anyone else's marriage! You may see a few moments of a marriage; the bitching, the complaining, the nagging! But you don't see the whole thing. You haven't even scratched the surface of a marriage! And please, before you open your dumbass mouth, remember that not all marriages are the same!!! That's all. Just keep your opinions to yourself and until you choose to join your life with someone else, forget what you think you know...BECAUSE YOU DON'T KNOW A DAMN THING!!!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Friday, January 14, 2011
Friday!
Another wonderful day!
I had a great workout this morning, work is really calm today and today I get to hang with my baby tonight. I won't get to write anything this weekend, due to not having the internet at home. But I have a busy weekend. Tomorrow, I'm going to the gym while Sarah does the grocery shopping, then we're meeting up with Scott and Sara Jessee and going to the Budweiser plant for a free tour, then heading out to the Pecan Park Flea Market. And hopefully will finish off by watching the Steelers-Ravens game, but we'll see.
Sunday, I'm hoping to frolf with Scott. Sunday is a birthday dinner for my good friend Jeff Kaplan, so we're going to go hang out with some good people.Monday, NO WORK! :-) So stoked about that. Definitely going to the gym, then...who knows??? Might spend the day with my brother, we'll see.
So that's pretty much my weekend, I'll be back Tuesday! Oh...Last night, had a good run with some good friends! Thanks guys!
TIP OF THE DAY: Treat every day like it's your last!
I had a great workout this morning, work is really calm today and today I get to hang with my baby tonight. I won't get to write anything this weekend, due to not having the internet at home. But I have a busy weekend. Tomorrow, I'm going to the gym while Sarah does the grocery shopping, then we're meeting up with Scott and Sara Jessee and going to the Budweiser plant for a free tour, then heading out to the Pecan Park Flea Market. And hopefully will finish off by watching the Steelers-Ravens game, but we'll see.
Sunday, I'm hoping to frolf with Scott. Sunday is a birthday dinner for my good friend Jeff Kaplan, so we're going to go hang out with some good people.Monday, NO WORK! :-) So stoked about that. Definitely going to the gym, then...who knows??? Might spend the day with my brother, we'll see.
So that's pretty much my weekend, I'll be back Tuesday! Oh...Last night, had a good run with some good friends! Thanks guys!
TIP OF THE DAY: Treat every day like it's your last!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Just another day...
So today is Wednesday, hump day, we're half way there! What it is, is just another day. Every week Wednesday comes around and all I hear at the office is "Half way there! Is it Friday yet? God I WISH IT WAS THE WEEKEND!" And hey, I feel the same way. But my new outlook has changed that...today is just another day! I got up this morning, showered, ate breakfast, dropped my wife off at work, went to the gym and now I'm eating my lunch at my desk...tonight, I'll get off at 7:30, go home, change into my my sweat pants and T-shirt, make dinner, watch Law and Order and go to bed. Then I'll wake up and do it again!
But the difference between now and 3 weeks ago...I'm happy doing it! I used to dread getting up, going to the gym, going to work, etc. Now, I love it. I get to wake up everyday under a roof I help provide for, I get to eat the food that I helped buy and I get to drive MY car to the gym and I get to go to work. And I get to work in an air conditioned office with some really great people. And most importantly, I get to go home to the love of my life everyday! I am truly blessed.
So I try to remember, Wednesday is just another day. It will come and it will go just as fast. It's what you chose to do with it thats important! Do you want to waste yet another Wednesday or make the most of it? The choice is yours!
TIP OF THE DAY: Don't sweat the small stuff!!!
But the difference between now and 3 weeks ago...I'm happy doing it! I used to dread getting up, going to the gym, going to work, etc. Now, I love it. I get to wake up everyday under a roof I help provide for, I get to eat the food that I helped buy and I get to drive MY car to the gym and I get to go to work. And I get to work in an air conditioned office with some really great people. And most importantly, I get to go home to the love of my life everyday! I am truly blessed.
So I try to remember, Wednesday is just another day. It will come and it will go just as fast. It's what you chose to do with it thats important! Do you want to waste yet another Wednesday or make the most of it? The choice is yours!
TIP OF THE DAY: Don't sweat the small stuff!!!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Cardio and Upper Body...and some advice.
Now, the title is misleading. I have been going to the gym for months. But this is the first day of the week in the gym for me. I go to the Brooks YMCA Tuesday - Sunday, and take Monday off. Today was cardio and strength training. Side Note, people have asked me "How did you lose weight?" Here's how you do it; count calories and exercise. Thats it!!! I only consume 2080 calories a day and I do 90 minutes of cardio and strength training. Now, I will say that doing a session or 2 with a Personal Trainer is a good idea! They can give you workouts, meal plans and find out your optimum caloric burn. What is that? I'll tell you. What burns calories during a workout is your heart pumping faster than normal. So when I run, for instance, depending on the speed my HR can get up to 167 BPM (Beats per minute.) In that sustained HR, I burn 18 calories a minute. It's different for everyone, depending on your weight, height, sex and age. I'm a big guy, so the more work my body does, the more calories I burn.
Back on point, I start with 10 minutes of stretching. This is very important! Then a 30 minute bike ride. I try to keep my HR above 140 BPM. Then I move on to weights. Now, me personally, I'm trying to gain some serious muscle mass. So I hit them kind of hard. I start with bench press. I do whats called a "Progression Set," this builds muscle mass faster. I start with 165 pounds and I do 10 reps. Then I increase the weight. Next is 8 reps of 175 pounds. (See, I'm slowing increasing the weight but decreasing repititions) Next is 6 reps of 190, then finally 4 reps of 205. And I increase the weight every week! So next week I'll be doing 175, 185, 195 and 215. Doing this much weight should require another person with you, a "spotter." But I haven't had any problems yet. That is my favorite, love doing the bench press. The workouts following are simple. 2 sets of 12 reps. Maximum weight. I say maximum and I mean it, if you can do 13 reps...add more weight! The workouts I do include:
*Tricep Extensions
*Super Inclined Shoulder Press (Love this one too!)
*Lateral Raises
*Lateral Pull Downs
*Bi-Cep Curls
*Upright Rows
*Chest Extensions
Then another burst of cardio, the strength training portion should take about 30-35 minutes. Rest for 1 minutes between each set. I typically, depending on if my knee is bothering me, do a 2 mile run. The pace I am at is 6.5 MPH, which is about a 9 minute 15 second mile. I'm getting up there in speed! Another great trainig tip is start off with "Interval Training." Get on a treadmill or just walk outside. Walk at a steady pace for 2 minutes, then run as fast as you can for 2 minutes...don't stop, so if you need to pace yourself, slow down but don't stop. Then walk for 2 minutes. Keep that going for 1 mile! Then you'll be able to run the entire mile, then 2 miles, then 3 miles and so on, and so on. Pretty soon, you'll be running marathons. I did this and ran a half marathon on Thanksgiving morning! It was a lot of fun!!! So, I do the 2 mile run. Then I bike for 15 minutes. It's a combination cool down and loosen up cardio session.
I finish off with a 15 minute Sauna! I like it! My trainer says its dumb and bad for you, but I enjoy it a lot. So its up to you if you want to try that out. So thats my Tuesday workout. It usually is a 90-95 minute workout and I end up burning about 1200 calories. Try it out if you like it and let me know what you think. But remember, the only person that can do this is you! No one else, motivation is key, but your loved ones can't make you get out of bed and go to the gym...You have to want to do it! I'm lucky enough to have a wonderful woman that wakes up and motivates me everyday to get to the gym and get to work!!! That is very important. Hope this helped anyone thats reading it.
TIP OF THE DAY: Losing weight is easy. Here are the keys to achieving your weight goal. 1) Count calories. It sucks, but its important. 2) Exercise. You don't have to do a hardcore 2 hour workout to see reults. Get up and walk your dog. Get a bike and ride your neighborhood. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. And 3) Set goals for yourself. Train for a run. Start off with a 5K, then after you do a few of them, do a 10K, then a half marathon, then a marathon and then if your like me and want to go for gold...The IRONMAN! That's my goal. I will do Ironman by my 30th birthday! So its easy, if you eat 2000 calories and do 30 minutes of cardio...YOU WILL LOSE WEIGHT! I PROMISE!
Back on point, I start with 10 minutes of stretching. This is very important! Then a 30 minute bike ride. I try to keep my HR above 140 BPM. Then I move on to weights. Now, me personally, I'm trying to gain some serious muscle mass. So I hit them kind of hard. I start with bench press. I do whats called a "Progression Set," this builds muscle mass faster. I start with 165 pounds and I do 10 reps. Then I increase the weight. Next is 8 reps of 175 pounds. (See, I'm slowing increasing the weight but decreasing repititions) Next is 6 reps of 190, then finally 4 reps of 205. And I increase the weight every week! So next week I'll be doing 175, 185, 195 and 215. Doing this much weight should require another person with you, a "spotter." But I haven't had any problems yet. That is my favorite, love doing the bench press. The workouts following are simple. 2 sets of 12 reps. Maximum weight. I say maximum and I mean it, if you can do 13 reps...add more weight! The workouts I do include:
*Tricep Extensions
*Super Inclined Shoulder Press (Love this one too!)
*Lateral Raises
*Lateral Pull Downs
*Bi-Cep Curls
*Upright Rows
*Chest Extensions
Then another burst of cardio, the strength training portion should take about 30-35 minutes. Rest for 1 minutes between each set. I typically, depending on if my knee is bothering me, do a 2 mile run. The pace I am at is 6.5 MPH, which is about a 9 minute 15 second mile. I'm getting up there in speed! Another great trainig tip is start off with "Interval Training." Get on a treadmill or just walk outside. Walk at a steady pace for 2 minutes, then run as fast as you can for 2 minutes...don't stop, so if you need to pace yourself, slow down but don't stop. Then walk for 2 minutes. Keep that going for 1 mile! Then you'll be able to run the entire mile, then 2 miles, then 3 miles and so on, and so on. Pretty soon, you'll be running marathons. I did this and ran a half marathon on Thanksgiving morning! It was a lot of fun!!! So, I do the 2 mile run. Then I bike for 15 minutes. It's a combination cool down and loosen up cardio session.
I finish off with a 15 minute Sauna! I like it! My trainer says its dumb and bad for you, but I enjoy it a lot. So its up to you if you want to try that out. So thats my Tuesday workout. It usually is a 90-95 minute workout and I end up burning about 1200 calories. Try it out if you like it and let me know what you think. But remember, the only person that can do this is you! No one else, motivation is key, but your loved ones can't make you get out of bed and go to the gym...You have to want to do it! I'm lucky enough to have a wonderful woman that wakes up and motivates me everyday to get to the gym and get to work!!! That is very important. Hope this helped anyone thats reading it.
TIP OF THE DAY: Losing weight is easy. Here are the keys to achieving your weight goal. 1) Count calories. It sucks, but its important. 2) Exercise. You don't have to do a hardcore 2 hour workout to see reults. Get up and walk your dog. Get a bike and ride your neighborhood. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. And 3) Set goals for yourself. Train for a run. Start off with a 5K, then after you do a few of them, do a 10K, then a half marathon, then a marathon and then if your like me and want to go for gold...The IRONMAN! That's my goal. I will do Ironman by my 30th birthday! So its easy, if you eat 2000 calories and do 30 minutes of cardio...YOU WILL LOSE WEIGHT! I PROMISE!
Monday, January 10, 2011
Goals!
So I have some work to do to reach my goals! First goal, drop 25 pounds to enlist in the US Army. No problem, I'll get it done! Second goal, finish basic and start a family. I can't wait for that one! Third goal, run a marathon. I did a half marathon on Thanksgiving morning, so I'm close. That was one of the hardest things I've ever done, but the feeling after...was AMAZING!!! A side note, If you're losing weight or trying to live a healthy lifestyle...train for a run. A 5K, a 10K or a half/full marathon. Anything! It really helps motivate you. To me, there are 2 things that make losing weight so easy. 1) Support at home! If you have a friend or loved one who will go on a run with you or go to the gym with you or run a race with you, it can keep you on track. Trust me! I have 2. My beautifule wife Sarah and a good friend Jon. We have run several 5K's together and completed the half marathon together! I couldn't do it without these guys. 2) Do something you've never done! Train for a race, a triathalon or a marathon. It is so hard, but the feeling afterwards is so great...and you get shirts! Fourth goal, do the IRONMAN by my 30th birthday! Thats going to be the tough one. 4.6 mile swim, 112.2 mile bike and a 26.2 mile run!
So I have some work to do! I know its going to be tough, but I know I can do it!
"I CAN DO ALL THINGS, THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME!!!" Phillipians 4:13
So I have some work to do! I know its going to be tough, but I know I can do it!
"I CAN DO ALL THINGS, THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME!!!" Phillipians 4:13
Apologies and Explanations
Yesterday, I wrote the first entry in this blog and I failed miserably. I thought that I was writing something truly inspirational, but all it did was piss off some close friends. I know whats been written cannot be undone, but I'm going to try to explain things and maybe one day my actions will merit forgiveness.
I am a weak person! I have lied, cheated, stolen and said some very terrible things about people. I'm making NO EXCUSES for my short comings other than I have been a coward. I lied to avoid confrontation. I cheated, never on my wife, to get through life. I stole anytime the opportunity arose and I said shitty things because it made me feel better about myself. I was a terrible friend, son, husband and brother! I was weak. And I still am. I know nothing about being a man, but one day I hope I will learn.
Yesterday, I wrote that I wanted to distance myself from my friends and I made it seem like my friends were a "drug" and I needed to kick the habit, cold turkey. I am truly sorry I made it sound that way. That was not my intention. Whether you guys believe me is up to you, but it's the truth. Now I'm going to try and explain.
When I say I'm a weak person, I mean it! When I make the decision to kick a habit, i.e, quit smoking, quit drinking, stop cursing, etc. I know I can't be around situations that would compromise my focus. That's NOT anyone elses fault but my own! I am too weak willed to go to a bar and not drink or not smoke. I JUST CAN'T DO IT!!! That was truly my meaning in the blog yesterday. My short comings are my own fault, no one else's. When the time comes that I am truly able to resist these things and have the will power to go to a bar and not smoke and not get drunk, then I thinkI will be ready. But until that day, I am too weak! Andit is NOBODY ELSE'S FAULT BUT MY OWN! I should have owned up a long time ago, but I was in denial about who I truly was.
Here's who I was. I was a piece of shit friend! I lied to one of my best friends when he needed my help painting his house. And for that I am truly sorry! I lied to my wife on several occasions about such stupid things, but I was afraid to tell the truth. I stole things. I was fired from a great job because I stole $50 from a co-worker. I paid him back, but I never truly felt right. And probably never will be. I am so sorry and I have begged for his forgiveness, I hope I get it one day. I have been a terrible son! My mother and father are some of the best people in the world and busted their asses to be the people they are today. I am so sorry I have disappointed you guys! I hope one day you'll be proud of me. I was a terrible brother! My brother and sister (Nicole) are the hardest working people I know. They wake up everyday and bust their asses to provide for their son, my nephew Evan. They are two of my greatest nspirations. My sister (Meghan) has decided to make the greatest sacrifice a person can make, she joined the Army. I love you Sissy!
I am sorry for the things I wrote yesterday! I did mean to blame my faults on other people. I swear to god that was not my intention!!! I will be avoiding situations that will compromise my focus and the goals I have set for myself until I have the will power to resist them! I don't know when that will be, but I know it is the best thing for me. Myriends are some of the best guys I know, they have their faults, like we all do. But they are great guys. GUYS, I AM TRULY SORRY FOR THE THINGS THAT I WROTE AND HOW THEY WERE INTERPRETED! THAT WAS NOT MY INTENTION. I WHOLE HEARTEDLY APOLOGIZE AND I HOPE ONE DAY MY ACTIONS WILL EARN YOUR FORGIVENESS!
I am a weak person! I have lied, cheated, stolen and said some very terrible things about people. I'm making NO EXCUSES for my short comings other than I have been a coward. I lied to avoid confrontation. I cheated, never on my wife, to get through life. I stole anytime the opportunity arose and I said shitty things because it made me feel better about myself. I was a terrible friend, son, husband and brother! I was weak. And I still am. I know nothing about being a man, but one day I hope I will learn.
Yesterday, I wrote that I wanted to distance myself from my friends and I made it seem like my friends were a "drug" and I needed to kick the habit, cold turkey. I am truly sorry I made it sound that way. That was not my intention. Whether you guys believe me is up to you, but it's the truth. Now I'm going to try and explain.
When I say I'm a weak person, I mean it! When I make the decision to kick a habit, i.e, quit smoking, quit drinking, stop cursing, etc. I know I can't be around situations that would compromise my focus. That's NOT anyone elses fault but my own! I am too weak willed to go to a bar and not drink or not smoke. I JUST CAN'T DO IT!!! That was truly my meaning in the blog yesterday. My short comings are my own fault, no one else's. When the time comes that I am truly able to resist these things and have the will power to go to a bar and not smoke and not get drunk, then I thinkI will be ready. But until that day, I am too weak! Andit is NOBODY ELSE'S FAULT BUT MY OWN! I should have owned up a long time ago, but I was in denial about who I truly was.
Here's who I was. I was a piece of shit friend! I lied to one of my best friends when he needed my help painting his house. And for that I am truly sorry! I lied to my wife on several occasions about such stupid things, but I was afraid to tell the truth. I stole things. I was fired from a great job because I stole $50 from a co-worker. I paid him back, but I never truly felt right. And probably never will be. I am so sorry and I have begged for his forgiveness, I hope I get it one day. I have been a terrible son! My mother and father are some of the best people in the world and busted their asses to be the people they are today. I am so sorry I have disappointed you guys! I hope one day you'll be proud of me. I was a terrible brother! My brother and sister (Nicole) are the hardest working people I know. They wake up everyday and bust their asses to provide for their son, my nephew Evan. They are two of my greatest nspirations. My sister (Meghan) has decided to make the greatest sacrifice a person can make, she joined the Army. I love you Sissy!
I am sorry for the things I wrote yesterday! I did mean to blame my faults on other people. I swear to god that was not my intention!!! I will be avoiding situations that will compromise my focus and the goals I have set for myself until I have the will power to resist them! I don't know when that will be, but I know it is the best thing for me. Myriends are some of the best guys I know, they have their faults, like we all do. But they are great guys. GUYS, I AM TRULY SORRY FOR THE THINGS THAT I WROTE AND HOW THEY WERE INTERPRETED! THAT WAS NOT MY INTENTION. I WHOLE HEARTEDLY APOLOGIZE AND I HOPE ONE DAY MY ACTIONS WILL EARN YOUR FORGIVENESS!
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