The Master of my Fate.

So it has been a while since I last wrote on this blog. It hasn't been anything outside of your normal laziness to be honest. That, and not too much exciting things have come my way recently.

On a very sad note, Tilted Kilt is cancelling my Karaoke nights for football. That makes me ridiculously sad. But I have most of my Karaoke friends on my Facebook now to keep in touch and grab beers with. I'm sure KJ Mike will get settled at a new location, thus dragging us all there for some type of reunion. Our waitress Amber (The coolest cat in the shin-dig aside from myself) said that it would be nice to be able to just sit back and hang out with all of us and not NEED to work. The lot completely agreed, and I joked that I'd still ask her for my drink out of habit. But it would be fun to see her relax a bit and just chill with us as friends rather than our hostess.

Speaking of beer! I don't drink that much anymore, beer that is. I usually get water or lemonade at the Tilted Kilt. I mean I'm not opposed to it, but I am glad it isn't a necessity to drink while karaoke-ing it up.

I do have some exciting news, for me at least, maybe not so much for you. I have developed a new challenge for myself that is going to start next Monday. Unlike the last one where I just started, I am giving myself a little heads up.

Here's how it is going to work:
After a nice haircut and shave prior to Monday, I am choosing not to shave or get another haircut until I am down to the weight I want to be at.

The reason why this is significant:
I have always liked the "clean cut" look, Meaning no facial hair at all. I think it is a bit old school now a days, but makes you look more professional and overall better looking.

The reason I have NEVER done that is because I do have a fat face. It is true, and my face is slightly more round than the squared jaw. I'm betting on if I lose more weight, eat better, I can actually get to that look. My big plan is to go as Captain America for Halloween, so my goal is October (less than 90days). But I need to get to the weight. And I will follow through with this plan. If I haven't reached my goal by October, than the beard and hair stays. Period.

My goal? I dunno quite yet. I'm thinking in the 235lbs range. I have made up the calendar, but I need to change a few things around on it before I post the picture of it.
It won't work the same way as the last one, instead, I am going to write in the workouts I did that day, and any healthy meals I ate.
If it is blank that means I totally effed up that day and to PLEASE yell at me. I will also separate the meal/workout via colors as well. That will be in the next post, the whole thing to follow my calendar and progress.

A couple people I want to recognize to help me through this process...

For WORKING OUT We have:
Jake: We have set up two days where we run together.
Jason "Boom" Legaard: He is gonna be my new motivational person and workout partner. We haven't gotten anything set up yet, but his ideas are crazy and intriguing, I hope to work out with him soon.
 And this wonderful female who was just added today!
Amanda: Brand-new work out buddy. Just finished finalizing the routines she wants to do, and she's expecting a lot of working out, and I'm gonna have to make sure I'm there every step of the way!

For NUTRITION We have:
Carol: She is a wonderful lady to have gotten to know, my dad's special lady, and she is as healthy as can be. She has certainly helped me keep my healthy lifestyle on track, and my fathers in a better light. We promised each other we will slowly influence my entire family to eat better. Muhahahaha. Look out family!
Ashley: One of my best friends in the entire world. I know that if I asked her to help bother me to stay healthy she will. And so the text will be sent tomorrow that I need to be reminded that healthy is the only way to go for me. I have 100% faith in her.
Kelli: Though we only talk on and off, I do not want to feel her wrath when I screw up. Her and I struggle together in the working out/healthy scene, and I know I can count on her to yell at me when I screw up.
Alicia/Elvis: I scrunch them up together because they are a couple. But they have helped me stay healthy, and have taken my health conversations seriously. I have a feeling they will definitely make sure my food stays where it needs to be. They stay healthy by playing in a few softball leagues, which is pretty cool in my mind. Maybe I'll join that some day.

Other people to recognize in both categories are Kristi, Amanda, and Sarah. I've spoken about all three of these ladies before. They are my editors when writing, my annoying texts telling me I should be going to the gym, or yelling at me when a fast food joint just sounds so good. I know that these three ladies over Facebook, phone, and in person will continue to bother me to help me to reach my goal. They are awesome.

So there's my team. My support system. I only have myself to blame if I fail, but I know that these people are the people who I will disappoint if I slip. It's a rather large team, but it takes a village, right?

Thank you all for your support and kind words. And, dear reader, even if you haven't been recognized, please understand the more people who support me, who are on board and remind and bother me about working out and eating right, the better off I'll be. I will not be annoyed. I will enjoy hearing from you. Heck, I will enjoy hearing from you even IF it isn't about my health and nutrition, don't be a stranger. :)

Edit: So I took out their last names, a little late I suppose, but for their security.  They should know who they are :)

Other than that... It is about time to sign off.

~Just a thought.

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul. 
Invictus - William Ernest Henley.

The Giving Tree.

So... I enjoy writing. I enjoy writing because, much like reading, video games, and movies, it brings me out of my own world for a little while. I've written numerous short stories, several poems, and many, many little shorts and quirks that I end up deleting because I don't think it is any good.

This has come to many compliments, critiques, and complaints from friends and family. Some because when I get in a writing mood, I write a lot, and want to know what people think of it. Others because they are my rendition of popular shows and games I like (Such as Hitman, Firefly, Underworld, and Harry Potter.) Mostly though, because my good stories I end up stopping because I get writers block. Crazy bad too, sometimes for a few months.

When I write, I let anyone read who asks and one of those people was my friend Kristi. She fell in love with my writing, has encouraged me to write more, and has actually helped me to pause a scene and describe it more smoothly. It has really helped me paint a picture for someone before actions and conversation occurs.

Well, I have been getting writers block on my main story I call "Heroes" and she wasn't too happy, as she is a fan of the characters (Up to seven chapters btw, WOO!) and wanted to read more. I told her I have the ideas, just nothing really coming to mind. So she gave me a challenge.

At 2:30am, she thought of a fun game, she gives me a scenario or synopsis of my story, and then I write the story. It was supposed to be just for the half hour between 2:30-3am, but after it was clear I wasn't going to finish, she wanted an e-mail sent with the story every half hour. Furthermore, she said that she is going to give me a situation I've never done before to make it more difficult for myself and open me to new ideas. This was her synopsis:

So in ancient times where the Faeries still pose as gods to the humans there is a woman who prays to the "gods" to let her little brother recover from his illness and live. Her prayer results in her being taken as payment and brought to the world of the Fae as a captive of the Faery who cures her little brother. Eventually the Faery falls in love with her and she has to decide to stay with him or go back to her world with her little brother

Sounds simple enough right? Faeries, humans, sickness, family and lastly love... But I normally don't deal with love and sickness and prayer and the like. But I gave it a shot.

After the first half hour she read what I wrote, and said she wanted more "Ooey Gooey" love. *Sigh*. Women right? Now, the story is below. I wrote this within a four hour period, separated into two nights. Let me know what you think please, and, as said above, if you have any interest in reading any of my stories, feel free to comment below or on FB, I would love to hear from any of you!

A Deal is a Deal:

Catherine knelt down at the base of the Giving Tree, the largest tree in the forest. Her knees dug into the ground as she leaned forward and clasped her hands together. She knew that the Faeries loved nature and hoped some would be near to listen to her plea.
“Dearest Faeries of the forest, Please help me find a cure for my brother Thomas. He is in need of a root that is beyond my reach and I fear the worst. He hasn’t shown signs of getting better for many days, and his fever has returned. Our father’s passing has been hard on us, and it is too soon for me to see another loved one ascend to the heavens. Please help.” A single tear fell from her eye as she said amen. She stood and turned. She stopped herself from wiping the dirt off her dress for now, not wanting to offend any Faeries that may be watching her.
It was the sound of the tear drop that brought the attention of Atlas the Faery. He enjoyed listening to the water flow through the roots of his trees, but he hadn’t heard a raindrop in a few weeks. He sat upon a large root as Catherine passed him unnoticed. He admitted he was mildly annoyed that the drop wasn’t, in fact, rain, but when she raised her pale face from her hands he knew he wanted her. She was a close definition of beauty in his eyes, her hair was a pale blonde much like her skin with a natural wave to it. Her dress was plain as well, a pale blue, though through the night sky it, too, matched her skin. The dress’s only feature was a pocket in the front for carrying berries. Everything about her was plain, he noted, there didn’t seem to be a shred of uniqueness about her, which is probably why she intrigued him so much. She wasn’t perfect, but pretty and plain enough for him to look at on a daily basis.
He listened to her expressed thoughts through the trees, and then listened for a few more as the trees recounted her prayer. He smiled both outwardly and inwardly as he came up with a plan.
Atlas grabbed the root he was sitting on and sunk in, swimming through the roots in her direction. He listened through the trees when she changed direction and shortly after got ahead of her and sat on another trunk and waited for her to pass by.
“So, your brother is sick?” the faery said as she walked by him again. Catherine jumped at his voice, and turned and faced him with a cocked head.
“Yes, how did you know?” She replied looking at her surroundings for others, “Have you been following me? Who are you?”
Atlas thought a moment, “I’m called the Atlas of the woods. I am one of the Faeries of this forest. And to answer your other question, yes, I have been, I heard your prayers and have come to answer them, but I need to ask what you are willing to give up.”
Catherine’s face brightened and took Atlas’s hand in her own, “Anything Atlas. I’ll give anything for my brother. Please you have to help me.”
Atlas continued to look at her hands around his left. His ear twitched once as he was offended a creature such as her would touch him. But then he looked up and decided to forgive her, “That’s what I thought, because a life is a pretty pricy thing.”
The woman dropped his hand and looked at him, “What is it that you want Mr. Atlas Faery?”
Atlas smiled, “You.”
Catherine waited for him to continue, and then looked around for anyone nearby, now very much aware of Atlas’s lack of clothing. His skin was a color of dark green and brown, with only a few leaves to cover his nether regions. Only his face showed a different color of the trees around them, which was just a lighter shade of green. His only feature that didn’t resemble the woods was his short, spiked hair he seemed to keep track of. She stopped and thought for a moment. Giving herself up would be worth it for her brother, even if she didn’t have it to share with her future husband someday. If he was a loving husband, he would understand love and love her for who she is, despite being with more than one man.
Her hand went to the top button of her dress and fidgeted with it while thinking, “That is a cruel choice, for me to give myself up to you in such a manner Mr. Atlas Faery. I love my brother and I want to see him cured.”
Atlas laughed and shook his head, “I don’t want that, no, well, maybe someday when I get bored. But I want you. For you to come live with me in my world in my house for forever until I release you or until his death. A life for a life.
She hesitated, but the thought of her brother outweighed any price, “And you promise he will recover?”
“I promise his life will be full of health and forever immune to the sickness he currently bestows.”
She stuck out her hand to shake. He looked at it for a moment, then looked at her with his emerald eyes. “Fantastic.”
Catherine looked out the window of her perfect home, viewing and listening to the quiet of the forest. The window then flashed, and showed her former home, her brother now married with a little one as his son and another on the way. The window then flashed one more time, it was still the old cottage, but she saw the younger form of herself, and of her brother, holding hands and running through the new flowers that had bloomed. She wiped the tear from her eye. It has been six months since she left her home.
Atlas had treated her well. He forced her to wear her hair in a braid, and told her to grow it out to just beyond her waist, and the only clothing she ever had were the same pale dresses time and time again. There was never any forcing or harm of any physical kind, but there were little gifts of affection given either. The only thing he did allow, after a several month time was the window, which could see anything she so desired.
He had come home through the door, and greeted her with a smile and a kiss on her cheek. He sat down as food became tangible on their table. He took the first piece of roasted bird and bit into it. Atlas then tore off a piece for her and set it on a plate. She ate little, feeling homesick again, which became more and more common.
“What’s the matter?” Atlas said after a short time, “Are you still unhappy here?”
“No, it’s not that, Atlas, you have been good to me.” She said and forced a smile in his direction, “I just get lonely sometimes is all.”
“But you have your window. You can see everything from past to present and even glimpses of the future. It is perfect here for you.” Atlas replied, “And you have me for eternity, or for as long as you wish past your commitment.”
She didn’t say anything else. Despite how polite and kind he was to her, she felt caged. After her commitment, however, there may not be anywhere else to go. Catherine sat there for a while in silence while Atlas changed from doing things around his place to studying her. He startled her when he placed his hands on her shoulders from behind her, “May I show you something?”
Catherine turned looked up at him, he had a kindness in his eyes she’d never seen before until this moment. She raised her hands to his and nodded. Flashes of colors occurred around them and then they were on the edge of a forest of pale, multicolored bark. And upon stepping out of the woods there were wildflowers of both possible and impossible colors. Flowers from all walks of life, roses, dandelions, sunflowers, forget-me-nots, lilies, and flowers she had never seen. The only thing in the way of this beautiful painting she was standing in was a cottage. It had stone walls and a mix of wood and stone for its roofing with a chimney sticking out of the back on the right side. A single tree stood outside with a swing on it, and a well and fire pit for both smoking and cooking. Though she was about a mile away, she could see how perfect it was, how it was so much like her home she used to know. In an instant thought she was at the house, running her hand over the rope of the swing, then the rough wall of the home. And the uneven wood of the door. She pushed it open. Inside it was empty, with nothing but a fire in the fireplace place giving off heat.
“I haven’t had time to create the inside yet.” Atlas said behind her, startling her once again. He was holding the most perfect roses. Each pedal in the place it should be, with every rose in full bloom.
“What is all this for?” Catherine said, taking the bouquet and smelling the sweet smell of the roses.
“I’ve fallen in love with you Catherine.” Atlas said, “This whole place, the woods, fields, home, is all yours. And anything else your heart desires. I’ve been creating it since you entered my domain.”
Tears welled up in her eyes for a few moments, it was the single kindest thing anyone has ever done for her. After all that she had sacrificed, she finally felt appreciated, “I do not understand Atlas, you, you love me?”
Atlas shrugged, “Least I think I do. I dunno, it’s kinda a new thing for me.” He waved his hand and a chair appeared in the air. He hopped up and despite nothing beneath the chair, it still remained afloat. He scratched his chin for a moment, then looked down at Catherine and smiled.
She stared at him in disbelief and shook her head, finding his child-like nature a little annoying, “How do you not know?
He smiled down at her, “Love is imperfect. You love the imperfections of someone, and those imperfections make them perfect for you. I, however, have been perfect since the day I was created. This love thing, imperfection, is new to me.”
Catherine tilted her head and thought a moment, “So, you are saying I am imperfect?”
Atlas laughed, “Oh, very much so.”
She looked up at him offended, and he continued, “But that is why I love you so. Your beauty shines brighter than my woods to me. Your pale dress and long hair and fair skin… Catherine, design this house how you see fit. Tell me and I will make it for you.”
She looked around the empty cabin and a warm feeling boiled inside of her as she recalled memories from her family’s life in their home. She pointed for a couch to be to the right, a pair of bunk beds her and her brother shared to the left. In one of the two bedrooms she created her parents room, just as it was when she was little. A few paintings she could remember doing on canvas during the year she thought she would be a painter now hung up in the second bedroom next to a bed and a lamp. An iron stove, cabinet, and shelves filled the kitchen. A small desk was put in the main room next to the couch, where her mother used to sew. Catherine then added blankets her mother crochet onto the couches and beds.
By the time Catherine was done modeling her home, she had tears in her eyes and true joy in her heart. She had thought of so many happy memories that she thought she had lost.
“It’s perfect. So lovely” She thought aloud, “Everything the house should be Atlas.”
She turned and embraced him in a hug, tears freely flowing from her eyes. He returned the hug and held her close, “This is now our home, if you wish it to be.”
Catherine backed away, and a sinking feeling grew in her heart, “Atlas, what you have done for me is incredible. But if I am to stay with you I don’t want to live here. This is my home, my memories.”
For the first time in a very long time, Atlas felt sad, “Is this not what you want? It is perfect here. Everything has been made to your desires and specifications! You still do not wish to live with me?”
Catherine truly felt sorry for Atlas, he had put in a lot of work into this place, “These are my memories Atlas, but not my home. This place is perfect and will always be perfect. Even you said love is found in imperfections. The love for the bunk beds is when mine broke and fell on top of Thomas. Or when my brother encouraged me to paint even though my paintings weren’t selling. After an afternoon of running around, my mother would have to sew the tears in my clothes them back up. These are what I long for, Atlas, not perfection. I am sorry, but I cannot escape what I truly feel.”
Atlas hung his head, “I will let you go home to your brother and mother, you will be free, if that is what you wish.”
“It is.”
As quick as the beauty came to life in their surroundings, it was destroyed. The furniture lit aflame and crumbled. The stone aged and cracked and fell apart. Upon exit on the cottage the flowers turned gray and wilted as far as the eye could see. The trees themselves turned to stone as both Atlas and Catherine left that world.
Catherine opened her eyes and found herself in the woods near her family’s cottage kneeling at the giving tree. She stood and ran home, skipping over rocks and roots. She saw her family’s home and sprinted the last few feet. Her brother came from the cottage and embraced her when she reached home. He kissed her on her forehead and she felt she would never let go. She was home.
Suddenly, Thomas coughed, and forced her to back away scared. Thomas’s eyes grew wide and they turned gray. He then reached out a hand to grasp Catherine’s, but it had turned to stone. His eyes looked just behind her, before he was lost completely.
Catherine turned and saw Atlas there standing just above the ground, “What… What have you done!?”
“A deal is a deal,” The Faery said looking at his fingernails, “You didn’t hold up your end of the bargain, so I couldn’t hold up mine.”
Catherine ran up to him and fell against his chest in tears, “I will come back, please, just let me have my brother!”
Atlas pulled her up to his eyes by her shoulders, “Love is such a useless emotion. You shouldn’t waste it on such a feeble creature like I did.”
Atlas dissipated and she fell to her knees. She looked up for just a moment and saw the forest in front of her cottage turn to stone and crumble. Catherine turned toward her brother, who also started crack. She wrapped herself around Thomas pleading as the statue started age and break down. The forest turned to rubble and Catherine caught a single tear from the stone face of her brother as it collapsed.

One year anniversary.

I realized this evening that it has been over a year since I started this blog. 36 posts, 1809 page views from myself and others. And according to Blogger I have a fan in Alaska.
*Woo*

I get a lot of compliments from my posts from different people. And when I don't post I will get a complaint from someone random who I didn't think would read it. So it is always refreshing to know my 'musings are enjoyed. Thank you.

This particular post is gonna be a pretty big one I think. Be prepared to read.

Start off with the fun stuff.

As I am sure most of you know, the siblings, my hats, and myself made a trip to San Diego, California this past week. Man alive it was really so close to perfect. The only complaint I had at the beginning of the trip was the streets / traffic, but I got used to it. The only complaint that I have upon leaving is that no one with a California license plate can park properly. Everyone parks crooked.

Spent most of the time at the beach, and despite the cool temperatures and overcast weather, Dylan, Tiffany and I all got sunburned. The four of us jumped through waves and even just stared out at the ocean. The never ending ocean is just a site to see. It is almost enlightening to understand that at the other end of the ocean is Asia.

Coincidentally my friend Megan and her friend (...Shelby?) headed to San Diego on the same weekend. Her and I met up and took a few pictures on the beach. It was awesome.

During the trip and as we were leaving, I told the group that I was planning on moving to San Diego. I was on a nice temperature, beautiful green view and  ocean front property high. But being back in Arizona and coming off that high I still really, really want to move back. Now I've been told it is expensive, which is true, and I've been reminded that I won't know anyone there, which is also true. There isn't an impossibility in those setbacks though. There are one or two Universities there which could easily host a variety of support and computer related jobs. And, though my friends won't be there in person, I will make new friends, and thanks to the wonderful internet, friends are much closer than they appear. And, let's face it, I would only be six hours away from my hometown. I am giving myself a year to get my finances and act together to get set for this move. I want my gut to be gone, and these different bills to be taken care of. My credit card expense is growing, and I owe the IRS some money that really needs to be taken care of sooner rather than later. These are musts before I move to a place where the bills will be higher and I can walk on a beach every other day.

Now this is the plan, but not set in stone. There are many different roads that could happen. I have decided that if I end up getting a good promotion at my job, giving me a reason to stay, then I'll stay. There are other instances, of course, falling in love, family emergency, wars break out in SD, I dunno. All seem rather unlikely to me, but possible.

But, if I am going to be honest, and I always am, San Diego hasn't captured my heart fully yet. A big piece still, of course, resides in AZ, and another actually resides in Minnesota. Why Minnesota? Well, I promise you there is a legitimate reason, but only certain people get to know. I will tell you, though, that I have considered moving up north in that direction, get the cool, but humid summers, with an actual monsoon season and then snow during the winter. I could get to liking having four actual seasons. If I am to move there though, I do give the same requirements before moving -  gut and bills.

Transition over to working out. Tomorrow is my last soda/beer free day, and I am more excited than I should be for it to be over. I really think I can stay away from soda from here on out with ease, however, I miss beer. One thing about this experience though is the ability to say no. One experience in particular was going out dancing with my friends Amanda and Jo at Toby Keith's. Despite what I wanted to drink (and could have ordered), the three of us just drank water all night instead of alcohol. It was actually very refreshing. I feel that I danced well, learned a few new moves, didn't spend a bunch of money, and danced with these two pretty ladies.
I did a similar thing when hanging out with my friend Brenda, I had one drink, and then water for the evening. It was nice, and including the guy's cover charge, not an expensive night out.

My workouts have lessened in recent times, I worked out pretty well in San Diego, and we walked for miles on the beach and stores and the pier, but coming back I haven't really gotten back into the groove. The reason is that I want to change my workouts some by adding more cardio, but I haven't figured out how I want to implement it. Walking Linux and Joey may be the solution, but I fear for their paws on the sidewalks and streets, or even hikes if I took them with me. The ground can get HOT. The gym is another option, biking and treadmill, but those, to me, get boring very fast without a partner to talk to, and I currently don't have one. I do plan on a few more hikes though; I really enjoy the views they offer, so if you are interested in setting up a time to go, hit me up.

My smoothies are back in full swing, but I have slipped a few times in the fast food department. I had a few meals planned out for the week, but I left the food that I was given by my friend Stephy in the car and had to throw it out. I'm sure she would give me more if I had asked (pulled BBQ pork), but I am a little embarrassed by losing the nice portion she had given me.
I plan to boil some chicken and make some healthy chicken tacos with Spinach and bell peppers this week, so it will get rid of my constant Mexican food craving.

 Lastly, I have received numerous compliments on my looks and weight loss in the past week or two and thank you for the compliments, they are encouraging. It does sometimes get really difficult, especially when it feels like it is being done for nothing. But when people are around you supporting you, it gets easier. I've been told once you've find that nook and make it a habit, it becomes like an every day thing. Well, that hasn't happened yet, nor has it ever happened for me. It is always a forceful task, an interruption of my computer/sleep time to do some working out. But I still do it, and can still do it. My goal is always ever so nearer.

By the way, quick question, anyone count calories before? I've been thinking about doing it for a week or so just to see how I stack up on my diet. One thing California has on every restaurant menu is the estimated amount of calorie intake, which I think should be mandatory for every state. It really help me choose one over the other. a 1100 calorie burger rather than a 600 calorie skillet. Both still incredibly high in calories, but the 500 difference is a difference. So, if you have, or have an app that makes it easy for me, let me know!


That's pretty much my life in a nutshell. I had dinner with my friends Victoria and Corey Leatherman. They came in from California on their way to Florida, and stopped and had dinner with me and their friends John and Lisa. It was really good seeing them. Corey actually found Victoria online while he was in the military. From what I know of the story, he just messaged her on Facebook telling her how beautiful she was. She was flattered, and they started talking. They are now some of the happiest people I've seen married. They aren't perfect, but perfect for each other. It's good to follow the phrase "Stranger Danger" when you are a kid, but when you grow up, sometimes you gotta give it a chance.I told this to my friend, she says they should write a book about it, because it does seem really romantic, and if you knew some of their stories like I do, you'd definitely agree. I don't completely understand why they are so fond of me, but the feeling is mutual, they are awesome.

Thanks again for the constant encouragements for everything my friends and family do for me. Thank you for reading my posts and if you feel that my stories on here could help someone, definitely spread the word, or have the said people message me directly. If you know me, the one thing I can't get enough of is more friends.

~Just a thought.

Carpe Diem.

And it continues...

It has been 30 days to the day since I started the "No beer, no soda" 60-day challenge. And I gotta be honest, it's been a thrill, for more than one reason. But, let's get to the nitty gritty of this first.

First off, I gotta pass his name again, Jason "JBoom" Legaard, for inspiring me to do this. He has his 90-day challenge with his health shakes that he promotes, and I always like to make things tougher on myself, which made me choose this health challenge. I have implemented a health shake for a meal, just like he suggested, and it lets me be healthy full for a few hours.

For those who don't keep tabs on me on Facebook, here is what my calendar looks like after a month.

 The Sunday was a soda, the rest are gym related. Being lazy. But, as I am sure you noticed though, My weight within a two and a half weeks time went from ~265lbs to 256lbs. It could be more, as my 265 was always an estimate, but the point is 256lbs... I haven't been that light in... Well... A few years. As my calendar as proof, it really lit a fire inside of me to continue. Those next two weeks of working out and dietary habits were a breeze. I never, ever, suggest looking at the numbers, as it isn't my weight, but shirt size that matters... But my god was it a positive influence to see. 

I remember my buddy Jake not believing I weighed 279lbs one night after we had Thanksgiving in the beginning of December, 2011. He brought out his scale and I stood on it, no jacket, shoes, or items in my pockets. Sure enough, 279lbs. He owed me a dollar. I never wanted to see a scale tell me that again.

This is my habits of food thus far ----
_____________________________
 My "Morning" (4pm) consists of blueberries, a couple strawberries, banana, ice, and milk, with Vi-Shake nutritional shake mix all blended together and a cup of 100% not concentrated Apple Juice. Take vitamins. Drink shake while on the computer doing my normal morning routine of FB, Gmail, Youtube, and Lifehacker. That is my breakfast.

"Lunch" (10pm-midnight) is whatever I had leftover at home, or some type of homemade meal I made. I didn't restrict myself too heavily on this, but the key was to make it at home, not heat up, make it. The food ranged from tacos, Chicken Alfredo, Spaghetti, or bean and cheese burritos. I have chicken enchilada's waiting at my dads too, which was made by the wonderful Carol and my darling sister Tiffany. The only exception to this rule was leftovers from restaurants. The reason? It's a much smaller portions normally (being leftovers) and the food I order could not be made in a frier.

Dinner (5:30am-8am) is normally something really light, as I head to bed shortly after. Lately it has been unsalted Cashews and some cherries and cranberries, just something to put me in the mood to snooze.
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My falters during this month.
-I've had fast food once for lunch, it was Sonic.
-I had a Jack and Coke with my cousin who was on leave for the military.
-I haven't been to the actual LA Fitness Gym in a few weeks, home workouts only.

Time for the fun news. This whole experience has really enlightened the way I feel about certain things. Just changing a few things in my life that I loved, the beer and soda, has really strengthened me to not eat fast food, to cut back on my portions, to drink more healthy liquids and really keep an eye on myself. Even when it came to the mixed drinks I order on the rare occasion I drank. It was "cranberry juice and vodka" and nothing else. I kept it simple so I know what my intake is. I told myself at the beginning, if I am gonna do this, I need to do it full force. And so far, I really felt that I have. I like having this self-accomplishment I got going on.

Second, I really owe my friends and family for their full support in this endeavor. They have really helped me keep myself in check. Sarah and Kelli always encourage me to work out, and have taken it upon themselves to hold me to it. My sister, brothers, and my good friend Mike G are always making sure I don't have beer.
 And with all this being said... My challenge was to not have any beer or soda for 60 days. That was it. Everything else in my normal lifestyle wasn't supposed to change. But my family and friends have really stepped up there game to make sure my choices outside of soda and beer stay healthy as well.

Mike told our server to get me a salad at the Tilted Kilt instead of the Bacon cheeseburger I was trying to order. Chelsie (our server and friend of ours) brought out the salad.

Alicia was eating a Kitkat and offered me some and then pulled it away, saying "Oh wait, you're on your diet" And I told her my challenge did not involve Kitkat bars and I want one, but she refused! "Nope, you don't get one." and popped the last piece in her mouth.

My sister and Carol made the chicken enchiladas, and Tiffany was nice enough to put some aside specifically for me to take to work, knowing that it fit well into my challenge.

Thank you again to everyone who I did and did not mention. I'd lie if I said it was easy... But I'd be lying even more if I said it was hard. It would be difficult if all of you didn't help me out. Just another 30 days to go... It'll be July 19th when I finish this up... No Excuses.

Just FYI, I love reading comments, and haven't had any as of late... So comment below! You don't need to sign up, just name and e-mail I think. Easy Schmeezy.

~Just a thought.
“We'll be Friends Forever, won't we, Pooh?' asked Piglet.
Even longer,' Pooh answered.”
― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh

Vielo the Priest.

Part 2:

“I was once a priest that was possessed by a demon called Seraf. I knew of the demon’s presence before the possession was complete, and I had finished a prayer to banish Seraf at the same moment he possessed me. The mixture of dark and holy magic melded him within me, his soul now attached to mine. Without a pure soul to run the body, I started to age and decay.

                “I spent more and more time away from my people and more within the confines of my studies, trying to find a way to purify my soul and get rid of Seraf without arising suspicion. I was afraid that with an unclean soul they wouldn’t trust me, and I truly loved it there in Swallow. I used to pray for hours on end, but prayer now hurt, as the demon’s soul was now mine and he was not holy. It wasn’t until a month passed that my fellow priests and took notice. My brothers by god, Father Aztha and Father Leo, attempted to exorcize the demon from within me. It was only then did I realize the power within me. The demon was powerful, and he was mine. I did not want him to escape me. Luckily, my conscience had since withered away and I gave in to the demon’s promises. As our two souls became one I rose and escaped, killing Aztha in the process.

                “I was banished for the death of a high priest, and left for six years searching for a home. I practiced the dark magic’s mixed with holy magic. The ability to separate a soul from its body is a great tool when they speak of blasphemy. My flock became large and even those who perished could rise to follow me. I returned to Swallow no longer as a priest, but as a god. My minions ran through the village converting its people. It did not matter to me or my flock if they were alive or dead. Priests and nuns and monks ran out to defend their people, but their holy magic’s could only withstand my influence for so long. I entered the cathedral setting it aflame. On the balcony I saw Father Leo, now a legend and hero among his people.

                “Leo and I fought a glorious battle, dark vs. light, eternal death vs. eternal life. We were perfect for each other. A counter for every swing, a parry for every thrust. It could have lasted forever. There was only one moment of mistake. Leo had stepped back, sword in hand, and raised it toward me and started to utter an incantation. A sword such as his went into his back and out his chest, his partner Aztha, now a member among my flock holding the blade.

                “I put my hand of death onto Leo’s brow, telling him that he will become my disciple and will join Aztha soon.

                “The church was razed to the ground and the people there were now among my flock. I cursed the ground to make sure no life there grew again. I no longer felt it right to call myself Vielo, he was a priest, where I am a god.

                “I am Veraf, the sum and murderer of Vielo the high priest, and Seraf the demon. Necromancer and death dealer. Shunned by demons as a holy man, shunned by people as cursed. And you are the only one who has escaped my grasp, the one I have hunted hoping you would follow me as a disciple, and it is you who has come to kill me… Yet it is I who have you trapped, Drave, the demon hunter. Stripped of both your revolvers, surrounded by lava, and now only holding a femur in your left hand as a club, you still fight a god. You have sent both Aztha and Leo to the afterlife right before me, but I forgive you. I am confident their deaths will be a fine price to pay for someone such as you.”

                Veraf stuck out his hand, now nothing but bone with a purple glow on his index finger. As it came close to Drave’s brow, Drave dropped the femur and pulled his third revolver and fired two silver bullets into Veraf’s chest. He fell to a knee, for the first time in a long time feeling real pain. Drave fired a third shot that sent the priest onto this back.

                Drave stepped onto the priest’s chest; it protruded a dark, coagulated blood. Drave took a fourth shot into the skull, Veraf’s eyes rolled into the back of his head. With a small kick, Veraf rolled into the liquid fire, a brief scream let out before silence.

                The cowboy walked back to the bar where he sat, his whiskey still on the step. He took a swig and then dumped out the remains. He took a parchment from his jacket pocket. The paper was thick with a note already written. He rolled it up and slid it into the bottle and then sealed it. He took off his hat and placed it on a nail on one of the posts. He then slid off his jacket and hung it on another. Lastly, he took off his belt, along with the two revolvers and hung them on a third.

Drave set the bottle with the parchment in front of his effects. He turned around and never looked back.

And so it begins...

The healthy me has battled the 21 year old me for quite some time now making the decision to give up beer and soda for a couple of months. I have doubts myself about completing this task, but at the same time I really, really want to lose this gut of mine. Honestly I think soda and the first month without beer will be somewhat easy, it's the second month, the month after a month of no beer with the guys that is gonna be difficult. But I've seen the lack of calorie intake with the dedication of working out can do to a guy. And that's what I plan to do.

Furthermore, I read an article from Lifehacker that offered tips on how to do daily tasks done (such as working out). One idea was to make a physical calendar about the task and marking it with a Big X every day you complete that particular task. You basically make it a game for yourself, an obligation not only to your task but to see how long you can keep your streak of X's going. And I think it'll work too after a little while, I mean if I get through the next two weeks without any beer or soda, and then working out every Mon, Wed, Fri at least, then I'll want to make sure to get that third week, and then the fourth, etc... I plan on posting weekly photos of the X's and potential failures that come along on Facebook, so people judging can be a motivator too. 

My slew of veggies and fruits have become routine and I'm mixing them up a bit now that I got the amounts corrected so it is a shake and not a yogurt. Unfortunately my mangoes went bad before I had the courage to slice and dice them into my new protein shake mix, but I plan to buy more later anyway. And, speaking of protein shake mix...

Here is my non-professional, but totally fair review of this new protein shake mix that I won in a drawing from my friend J-Boom. He is an advocate for Vi-Shape Nutritional Shake and had a presentation that I went to. Now, to get started in this wonderful review, I wanna talk about my buddy Jason "J-Boom" Legaard first. He's a good guy. A Mensch. He has a wonderful heart, takes love in the little things. He really tries to spread what the simple matter of thinking "I can" vs. "I can't" and what it can do for a person. He invited me and Mike Gulyas to a presentation on this new shake that he is in love with and is trying to help promote, At first I was skeptical, after all I already have a protein shake. I tell him beforehand that I'm not gonna buy it at least until my copious amount of protein supplement is gone. He says that's fine to just come and listen. 

Well, I do. And still I was skeptical. The main reason is because I've heard of companies like Vi-Skate before. It isn't in stores from what I recall, and Vi-Ship is only spread by people who both use it and want to sell it. One of those "You can make money by getting other people to sell it" kind of thing. And it's true, the way to make money in it is to not just sell the product, but to get other people to sell the product with you, who in turn want to get others... You get the picture. The only thing really GOOD about the whole idea behind it is that it is a health product. Something that actually benefits and supports health and losing weight and getting in shape. Which, you know, I'm a HUGE support for if you haven't noticed. It's kind of my thing.

(I guess it is also for people who want to get used to speaking in front of people who want their own business. I've never had that trouble of speaking in front of people though.)

So I go in and listen with LOTS of skepticism, again, I already have a protein shake mix that works for me. But I got a free sample and it tasted good. I listen to Jason and he talks about the shake and a bunch of it makes sense. He's lost weight with it while still remaining completely healthy and not doing any additional exercise. He hands out order forms in case I or the other people there want to purchase one of the four products, and even below you can sign up for the presentation package to have parties and get-togethers similar to J's.

Mike, who just started his physical fitness buys one of the orders and it's being shipped to him. I decline an order, and soon after we go into the drawing. It just so happens I won that drawing so I got a free bag of Vi-Slate-Nutritional Shake. So I tell Jason I'll give it a shot over my regular mix. The flavor of this one is a basic "Sweet Cream" over your basic Vanilla, Chocolate, and Strawberry. 

The next morning I get home from work, strut my stuff into the kitchen, and take out the Vi-Lake mix and my fruit, milk, and yogurt. I pour it all into my blender, blend, add some ice, and blend again. I take a drink... And it was delicious. You know that small complaint in my previous post about tasting my protein shake? Yeah, totally not a problem with this one. It just tastes... Well, good, like a nothing but fruit smoothie should taste like.

I read the label again to make sure, it has good vitamins and minerals needed, and continue reading and it has 26grams of protein per scoop. I check my other protein mix and it shows as 27grams. That confirms, to me, that it IS a protein shake mix. I licked my finger and dipped it into my new mix and tried it. Though the aftertaste of  "protein" is there it is far less significant. It still tastes good. This product convinced me by itself. I am SO happy I got this bag for free, because I would have continued with my regular protein batch. Which is tolerable. Not good.

If you are looking into nutritional diets, or increasing your protein intake, you gotta give this a shot. Just because, again, it tastes good and it IS good for you. I've had about 5 or 6 shakes with this mix and every single one of them is good. Tomorrow I think I am just gonna milk and shake mix and mix it with a spoon like I used to do before the blender and see how it goes. That I haven't done yet, but, I tried it plain off my finger and it is far better than my original mix for certain. Also remember I got just the bag. There are other nutritional supplements they also offer to go along with it. You'd have to ask J-Boom about that, but I know for a fact he'd be more than happy to talk to you about it. He loves the idea of health and nutrition as well.

It is a little on the pricey side somewhat, especially when you get into the bigger deals they got going on right now, but I'll be honest with you, after trying this bag I will probably go back and order a second bag from J-Boom if this continues to taste as good as it is. Flavor with nutritious results IS possible, and this is one of those proofs.

Thanks J-Boom, always keep in touch. I'll see you around at Karaoke. Akuna Matata.

 

Here is some of J-Booms information for you if you are interested. Again, he's just like me, only older, and is happy to chit chat about anything, and loves health and being healthy. If you plan on ordering anything from Vi-shake, contact Jason about it. He does profit from your orders and it's always good to help the little man out.

Personal blog - http://www.jasonlegaard.com

Youtube videos and video blog - http://www.youtube.com/user/jasonlegaard

Vi-Shake - http://www.bodybyvishake.com/

Update: Tomorrow I am going to post the second part of 4 to my very short tale of Drave. If you haven't read it, it is here, or in February. I never got feedback, but I assume people read it, so I'll post part two for people's enjoyment.

~Just a thought

“Every day you have the opportunity to learn and experience some-thing and some-one new. Seize the opportunity. Learn and experience everything you can, and use it to change the world.” - Rodney Williams

Promise fulfilled.

So, I'm fashionably late for my post, but I made it.
Unfortunately, it isn't gonna be the actual post I had planned on writing, because I have someone to add to my list of "Who made me" blog that is still a part of this blog. But this is another musing that I am doing instead. But don't worry, the next two to three weeks I have several (four) posts I plan to do.
.......... I completely forgot what I was going to write about. Swear to the holy. <- Why not talk about religion?

I am one of those hipsters who say they are spiritual but not religious.

I was raised in a Christian household and at the beginning of my life we went almost every Sunday. When we found a church we enjoyed, my siblings and I attended Sunday School. My brother Jeremy was baptized, and later my sister and myself were baptized by our favorite pastor named Aaron at that church. Eventually we stopped going. Why? I really dunno, I was a kid at the time, but I can only guess it is because of my and my siblings bickering and complaining about losing two and a half hours of our weekend. We bickered a lot.
(I remembered what I was going to write up above^, but let's keep going with this.) So we stopped going around age 13.

When I was fourteen, my parents divorced. With my very strong household shaken so suddenly, I turned to something, the Bible. I remember talking to my pastor named Jeremy Mustard and he didn't really know how to respond to "Where do I begin?" when I asked him. He told me the New Testament, so I started, and I read it like a book. Just page after page. I took it with me places that had a waiting room and just read. I'm sure I got looks, but I didn't care. I can honestly say I have read most of the Bible. Mostly New Testament, and then my favorite stories of the Old Testament (The stories of Noah, Job, Moses, etc) I must have skipped a few of the books in the New Testament, I know I've read Revelations, but I think I would remember finishing the entire New Testament entirely.... I'm getting off track.
--I switched Bibles at one point from a plain "Holy Bible" that you find in Hotels to my Student Bible. It had an index of topics to read about. So I looked up every section of divorce and read that too. It comforted me in having knowledge of it and I took in comfort from God and Christianity. I asked my dad more than once for rides to churches that I was trying out, went to camp with one after just two days of being reacquainted there, met Austin, Corbin, and Jordan, all of whom I no longer speak to unfortunately. Eventually I found one with a friend Aleah who's father was the minister. Joined that Sunday School too. I brought many friends and went every Sunday and Wednesday night. This was all between the ages of 14-16, before my license. So what happened you ask? Well, to be completely honest with you, I was kind of tired of always putting God first and giving him all of the credit... Sounds selfish right? I mean I definitely turned to him when I needed, and the whole religion and religious experience help me through turmoil... But to this day I think that is what he, God, wants.

----Before continuing, I have tried to make this as neutral as possible, so if I offend anyone, I am very sorry. Any debated comments will be read but ignored. Thank you.

I personally think God isn't Sexist, Racist, or Prejudice  in any way. He loves us the way the Bible describes, as his children. If you want a different perspective, look at the way you look at animals, all of them are beautiful and unique.
That being said, I don't think religion matters. I don't think God cares if you call him God, or Allah, or YAHWEH, Shiva, or any other who may have some type of religious deity that doesn't have to do with human sacrifice or pain.
I think that if you are a good person, and love people the way he does, he couldn't deny you into heaven. Why would he?
Let me give you two men.  They work hard, pray every day, love their wives and children, treats themselves well and treats people around them with respect. One is Islam, one is Christian.
What makes one better than the other? Do you really think God cares about one more than the other? Accept one into heaven while denying the other? I certainly don't.
Time to make it slightly more interesting...
 Let me give you two men.  They work hard, pray every day, treats themselves well and treats people around them with respect. One has a husband and one has a wife. I still don't think that God cares about one over the other. I still can't believe an all knowing, all forgiving, all loving being would deny the homosexual over the hetero. And no, I don't care what your Bible or Koran say. If they bash being gay or lesbian, than they are wrong. <Funny thing, BTW, they say very, VERY similar things in the books. If your Christian, read the Koran, if you are Muslim, read the Bible, and then be friends.>

I love people. I love the interaction, the rational decision versus the irrational emotion. I love brainstorming, I like how best friends become twins, and how strangers fall in love. I love the eyes. You can see right into someone's soul and learn all about their feelings in an instant when you look in the eyes. Least I can, I dunno about you.

I would never abandon someone based off their age, sex, sexual orientation, disfigurement, religion or what they think about me. And I don't think God would either.
It's what they do that matters. What they do in the world. Whether their spirit is of good or evil.
I could be wrong and I am fine with it if I am. But People are worth fighting for and I will forever fight for good people, so long as they are worth defending.
If the Christian religion is right, and judgement day comes and all of the Christians disappear into heaven, I will be happy to dine with the Muslims.
If Islam is the right way to go, and everyone praying to Mecca, with the women wearing their hijabs get sent off to the Pearly Gates to be greeted by Allah then I'll be more than happy to sit and dine with the Christians.

And yes, it'll be worth it, for all eternity.

~Just a thought.

To err is human - but it feels divine. - Mae West

It is because humanity has never known where it was going that it has been able to find its way. - Oscar Wilde

How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.
Anne Frank

The measure of mental health is the disposition to find good everywhere. - Ralph Waldo Emerson