Well, we did it. We Had Fun. We went to Beavers Bend, we stayed in a cabin, we survived, we ate smores, we lived. Now, I would have updated my blog sooner, but reception, both data and voice was almost non existent most of the time. It was kind of nice getting away from everything and not worrying about what is going on outside of our own world. I put together a little recap video of the trip, I hope you enjoy:
We went to the popular pizza place Saturday night, Grateful Head. It was a neat place, and the pizza was good, but honestly, it may be so popular because there isn’t a whole lot in town. We walked a few trails next to the cabin, but because of the heat, we didn’t venture too terribly far on them.
We went shopping, oh yes, we had to go shopping. We stopped at a neat store called Janet's Treasure Hunt and it was a great place to look around and snap some photos. We also got to play some miniature golf. This was the first time all the girls got to play it together, and boy, was it interesting!
Here are some pictures! Until next time, dear reader, enjoy!
Sunday, September 27, 2015
Monday, September 7, 2015
A Trip to Remember - Part 2
Oh yes, there is an update coming, and you would have been flooded with pictures and videos, but reception is spotty at best. I've decided to make a compilation video of our adventures, and I'll share it as soon as I'm done and have enough signal to upload it.
Stay tuned.
Thursday, September 3, 2015
A Trip to Remember - Part 1
So, for the last few months, there has been a trip planned.
About 3 years ago, my family and my parents when to Beaver's Bend and rented a cabin there. The girls absolutely loved it, and ever since have talked about wanting to go back, especially Alexandria. I'm glad to say, we are going back this weekend. They do not know about it, and I won't tell them until we are almost there (it is a three hour trip and they might guess it, but they won't know for certain).
About 3 years ago, my family and my parents when to Beaver's Bend and rented a cabin there. The girls absolutely loved it, and ever since have talked about wanting to go back, especially Alexandria. I'm glad to say, we are going back this weekend. They do not know about it, and I won't tell them until we are almost there (it is a three hour trip and they might guess it, but they won't know for certain).
Looks nice, huh?
Here's more:
I'm pretty sure the girls will love it, and I think it will definitely be a vacation that they will remember. There are all sorts of activities, and I can assure you that I'll be posting pictures and videos of our adventures!
Until next time (which might be sooner than the semi-regular Thursday post), dear reader.
Friday, August 28, 2015
A Web Series
Some of you remember the web series I had started working on, Regular Dad. I have to put that on hold, but I am starting to work on another web series. The series may not be as upbeat as Regular Dad, but I'm hoping it's just as entertaining, and even more informative. Hopefully you'll agree it's good, but more to come on that later.
My girls and I went to Six Flags this past Saturday. It was hot and muggy, and we only stayed for about 4 hours because of that. The lines were longer that we had expected and just spending the day in the heat waiting 30 minutes for a ride that might be 2 minutes wasn't appealing to any of us.
So, where could we go that would definitely be air conditioned? A wax museum!I took them to the Wax Museum and the enchanted mirror maze:
We went through the maze about 5 times, and each time it was fun. The first time it wasn't, there was a feeling of sheer panic as you realized you had to find your way out.
Stay tuned for hints about the new series!
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
Progress
For those of you following me, you know I've been hitting the gym really hard and planning my meals carefully (most of the time). It has obviously paid off, I have lost about 40 pounds total, and that includes the gained muscle mass (which means I actually lost more, but got some weight back from muscle growth).
The secret? Sorry I can't tell you. Oh, ok, here it is - determination and consistency. I have read many books on diets and on exercise, and usually no two will agree on more than three things, but all agree on determination and consistency. I have been diligent on both fronts. As I was planning out my meals for the week, I realized - that's it! The secret to everything really boils down to determination and consistency.
I've had a lot of people ask what my workout routine is, and it's simple really - I've been doing low reps with heavy weights. Bigger, Leaner, Stronger by Mike Matthews has been my guideline, and I've read the book over and over. It's good stuff. I will continue on to his next book after I've gotten myself in a little better shape.
I do want to clarify, I'm not sharing all my progress or activities to brag, I'm doing it to show people that it's possible. I was very overweight and was unhappy, and with a lot of hard work, I'm fixing both of those issues. It's not an easy process, but it is one that is worth it, and will be something you are glad you did for the rest of your life!
The secret? Sorry I can't tell you. Oh, ok, here it is - determination and consistency. I have read many books on diets and on exercise, and usually no two will agree on more than three things, but all agree on determination and consistency. I have been diligent on both fronts. As I was planning out my meals for the week, I realized - that's it! The secret to everything really boils down to determination and consistency.
I've had a lot of people ask what my workout routine is, and it's simple really - I've been doing low reps with heavy weights. Bigger, Leaner, Stronger by Mike Matthews has been my guideline, and I've read the book over and over. It's good stuff. I will continue on to his next book after I've gotten myself in a little better shape.
I do want to clarify, I'm not sharing all my progress or activities to brag, I'm doing it to show people that it's possible. I was very overweight and was unhappy, and with a lot of hard work, I'm fixing both of those issues. It's not an easy process, but it is one that is worth it, and will be something you are glad you did for the rest of your life!
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
The Guide to Being Happy
I know I haven't updated in a couple of months or so, sorry. There's been a lot going on, and honestly, it's none of your business, but I will tell you this, I've learned a lot about myself, and about others.
When I say I've learned a lot, I mean good and bad, and some of the bad has brought out a lot of changes, some that have been immediate, some that will take longer, but they are things I'm intensely working on. It's not all bad, I'm learned a lot of good things about myself, and that's been the source of a lot of motivation and I realize can be a source of happiness. When you really look at yourself, you can fix the things you don't like, some of them are hard to confront, some are easier, but each thing you overcome is a step in the right direction.
I've learned being happy is primarily about being content with who you are, or what you are working to be. I've learned that taking things for granted is stupid. I've learned that each moment is a decision, and you can't go back, only forward - so you have to act with wisdom, not emotion, because emotions aren't always wise. I've learned there are people who will play both sides of the game just to cause drama, and that hurting people hurt others.
Be kind to everyone, it's just the right thing to do.
When I say I've learned a lot, I mean good and bad, and some of the bad has brought out a lot of changes, some that have been immediate, some that will take longer, but they are things I'm intensely working on. It's not all bad, I'm learned a lot of good things about myself, and that's been the source of a lot of motivation and I realize can be a source of happiness. When you really look at yourself, you can fix the things you don't like, some of them are hard to confront, some are easier, but each thing you overcome is a step in the right direction.
I've learned being happy is primarily about being content with who you are, or what you are working to be. I've learned that taking things for granted is stupid. I've learned that each moment is a decision, and you can't go back, only forward - so you have to act with wisdom, not emotion, because emotions aren't always wise. I've learned there are people who will play both sides of the game just to cause drama, and that hurting people hurt others.
Be kind to everyone, it's just the right thing to do.
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
Special Special Edition: It's Not You, It's the Kids
Ok, pull up a chair and get ready, it's time for my soapbox rant. That's right, sit down. Now that you have sat down, you've probably realized that you can not get up, that's because I put glue down before you came in. If you want the release agent, you have to wait until I finish my rant. Captive Audiences are always the best listeners.
As you probably know, my wife, Lyndsay (love you honey), is a teacher. She is a special education teacher to be exact. She is the Special Olympic's Coach for her school district. She has put this project (unpaid mind you) first (aside from family. Well, the kids, I think she forgets to feed me sometimes). She has spent countless hours with practices, paperwork, ordering supplies and arranging everything for the events they attended. I'm proud, she is an awesome person and I'm lucky.
Here's the thing: she hasn't really told anyone about all the stuff she's done. Usually when she does tell someone it's a vague reference to the efforts she's put forth. She's that way on a lot of stuff, but to me, this was significant.
Her athletes were awesome. I was able to witness them at one of the two McDonalds fundraisers that was held, and not only did they raise a lot of money, they had fun and were happy to do so. I've did a lot of fundraisers in my time, and I can say that fun isn't in the description. Matter of fact, it was the opposite, maybe agony is a good word. Maybe it was my leader, maybe it was my attitude, there are a lot of factors it could have been. Their leader, their attitude and their determination was literally awe inspiring (yes, literally - I know my use of language). If you've seen any of the picture of them during the events or during\after the medal ceremony, you know they had fun and it was a very special time. You'll also see a smiling Lyndsay a lot. You can tell that all the work not only made them happy, but it gave a huge sense of joy and satisfaction to her.
I can't speak for most people, but for all that work, I'd expect some huge pats on the back, and if I didn't get them, I'd either make people pat me on the back (trust me it's awkward. Not for me, for them) or I'd get upset for people not knowing how awesome I was.
I've read about some people lately in similar situations, and in the articles I've seen, there was a lot of hidden bragging about the leader, and their past accomplishments. Who cares. Ir's not about you, it's about the kids. I see articles like that and I get so frustrated because it's like they are missing the point entirely.
Well, I'll step down off this pretty soapbox. Oh, as for the release agent for your seats that you are glued to ... I lied, I only had the glue. You'll either have to take off your pants or walk hunched over with a chair on your hind quarters. Until Thursday dear reader!
-James
As you probably know, my wife, Lyndsay (love you honey), is a teacher. She is a special education teacher to be exact. She is the Special Olympic's Coach for her school district. She has put this project (unpaid mind you) first (aside from family. Well, the kids, I think she forgets to feed me sometimes). She has spent countless hours with practices, paperwork, ordering supplies and arranging everything for the events they attended. I'm proud, she is an awesome person and I'm lucky.
Here's the thing: she hasn't really told anyone about all the stuff she's done. Usually when she does tell someone it's a vague reference to the efforts she's put forth. She's that way on a lot of stuff, but to me, this was significant.
Her athletes were awesome. I was able to witness them at one of the two McDonalds fundraisers that was held, and not only did they raise a lot of money, they had fun and were happy to do so. I've did a lot of fundraisers in my time, and I can say that fun isn't in the description. Matter of fact, it was the opposite, maybe agony is a good word. Maybe it was my leader, maybe it was my attitude, there are a lot of factors it could have been. Their leader, their attitude and their determination was literally awe inspiring (yes, literally - I know my use of language). If you've seen any of the picture of them during the events or during\after the medal ceremony, you know they had fun and it was a very special time. You'll also see a smiling Lyndsay a lot. You can tell that all the work not only made them happy, but it gave a huge sense of joy and satisfaction to her.
I can't speak for most people, but for all that work, I'd expect some huge pats on the back, and if I didn't get them, I'd either make people pat me on the back (trust me it's awkward. Not for me, for them) or I'd get upset for people not knowing how awesome I was.
I've read about some people lately in similar situations, and in the articles I've seen, there was a lot of hidden bragging about the leader, and their past accomplishments. Who cares. Ir's not about you, it's about the kids. I see articles like that and I get so frustrated because it's like they are missing the point entirely.
Well, I'll step down off this pretty soapbox. Oh, as for the release agent for your seats that you are glued to ... I lied, I only had the glue. You'll either have to take off your pants or walk hunched over with a chair on your hind quarters. Until Thursday dear reader!
-James
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