God, move or move me!

Talking with God recently.....

2012-02-11T01:24:00.000-08:00

As i have been spending more and more time talking with God recently, he brought me to a profound (to me) conclusion. I realized just recently what true love really is. I recently saw an ex girlfriend (whom i really love) with her new boyfriend and her kids and realized its similar to the love God has for us. Its ok for me to still love her and not be upset that she does not love me back the way I want. I would love for the love to be returned but it does not diminish my feelings for her if she does not feel the same as I do. This is how God gets treated all the time by all of us. He loves us more than we deserve yet He sees us with other "loves" whether its in human form, material possesions or whatever. These things we can "love" and yet God still loves us the same. I am so blessed to be living closer to God than I ever have before and so nice to have a daily walk and talk with Him. He has shown me so much already and I'm sure its just the tip of the iceberg. I cannot wait to see where He leads me with the people at Cross Timbers as I try to figure out where and when I will be serving Him there.

First Sunday with CTKids

2012-02-07T00:11:00.000-08:00

This past Sunday was my first day volunteering with CTkids and it went pretty good. Its a neat age to work with (4th and 5th graders) and i feel it will be really rewarding. The volunteers are really nice and the kids are very full of energy. I also was asked if i wanted to be a greeter for the evening service so i went ahead and stayed around for that. I am so thankful for the opportunity to serve and meet new people.

Toby had an amazing service and message this week to kick off Love Never Fails series and looking forward to hearing more this coming weekend!

____________
Life has gotten so much less stressful after paying shop and truck off. I am so blessed now! I know its just another series in steps i must go through to get to where I hope to be in the future :)

My Storm

2012-01-30T22:39:00.000-08:00

Lifehouse has some awesome songs. The lyrics just touch my heart so much.

Storm lyrics

How long have I been in this storm?
So overwhelmed by the ocean's shapeless form
Water's getting harder to tread
With these waves crashing over my head

If I could just see you
Everything would be all right
If I'd see you
This darkness would turn to light

And I will walk on water
And you will catch me if I fall
And I will get lost into your eyes
I know everything will be alright
I know everything is alright

I know you didn't bring me out here to drown
So why am I ten feet under and upside down
Barely surviving has become my purpose
Because I'm so used to living underneath the surface

If I could just see you
Everything would be all right
If i'd see you
This darkness would turn to light

And I will walk on water
And you will catch me if I fall
And I will get lost into your eyes
I know everything will be alright
And I will walk on water
And you will catch me if I fall
And I will get lost into your eyes
I know everything will be alright
I know everything is alright
Everything's alright
Everything's alright

Great Sunday

2012-01-30T01:41:00.000-08:00

Had a really nice Sunday at Cross Timbers, starting with a very nice service and another great message from Bro Toby, followed by a welcome class. I do feel its time for me to start getting to know more people there at the church and i have offered to work with the youth or as a greeter or however God can use me. I really am feeling more blessed than normal here lately and am indeed on the verge of a really big breakthrough! I have paid off my truck, shop, and several other creditors clearing up about $1000 a month less in bills i have to pay and have resisted the urge to add new debt to replace it. I really feel I am learning to live right not just selfishly as I have in the past. Its about doing what God wants of me and not what Brad wants. Anyone who knows me knows that not an easy thing for me to say.

----------

if

2011-12-09T00:23:00.000-08:00

If I had a single flower for every time I think about you, I could walk forever in my garden. ~Claudia Ghandi

friend help? lol

2011-12-08T01:02:00.000-08:00

Good friend from church texted me last night saying she had someone for me to go out with. She sent a few pics of her and I will just say she is very easy on the eyes. After I had texted her a few times I agreed to go meet her for dinner. After I agreed my "friend" tells me she's goofy and wild. Wow thanks friend that's just the type of girl I'm looking for lol. I think we will go with our friend to watch the Christmas parade saturday night and maybe on to eat afterwards. Not sure what to expect. 29 and been divorced twice with no kids lol.
------
Just curious still as to what my friend who checks my blog from down south is actually thinking when she reads my blog. Wow two days in a row this time too? Hope she knows how I miss her! She may be getting a Christmas card soon with some giftcards :).
-------

Christmas spirit is avoiding me thus far...

2011-12-03T14:34:00.000-08:00

For some reason I have been unable to get into the modern Christmas spirit. I do WANT to be in the classical Christmas spirit of giving but without a special friend to share it with it is tough. I know when the time is right God will provide this special lady to ring in the holidays with. It seems odd having one less person to buy for this Christmas since I no longer have a daughter. Who knows.....I might just buy some kids gifts anyway. Now how do I get them delivered? lol
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Hope the flowers made "her" smile and the letter was read and pondered. I'm in this for the long haul, not giving up my faith that God wants us together until HE shows me its not meant to be :)

patience....

2011-11-30T14:48:00.000-08:00

In middle of my travels last weekend while driving around looking for a florist since my usual one was closed for Thanksgiving weekend, I started getting a sore throat and achy feeling. I finally found a florist near downtown and placed my order and proceeded to Twin Peaks for dinner and football with a friend and some of her friends. I was feeling under the weather so after a few hours of hanging out I bid my friend adieu and headed home but not before stopping by Mardels. That place always makes me smile. I bought another cross for my wall. I have 5 now :). I also browsed the music and while doing so, noticed the Fireproof movie was on sale for $5! I've wanted to get this movie for a while so of course I had to get it. I've watched it probably 5 times nw. In fact its playing as I type this. I know God gave me this movie at this time for a reason. I know He is trying to tell me I will have to fight for the relationship I want and I should never give up. I know what I want and I know when I do have the chance to truly show that lucky lady what it means to truly be loved it will seem almost perfect. God is so good to me!

One of the best songs in the movie is "while I'm waiting" and the lyrics are as follows

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience
While I'm waiting
I will serve You
While I'm waiting
I will worship
While I'm waiting
I will not faint
I'll be running the race
Even while I wait

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it's not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve you while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord

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I think a weekend getaway to the hillcountry to just talk and mend our hearts is just what we need. Text or call me when you decide you want to do this and I will make it happen :). Love you

Anxious...

2011-11-28T15:33:00.000-08:00

Just a short time now before "the first step". So anxious in a way but also still unsure as to how it will be received. I know who holds my heart (other than God) and cannot seem to get past this person so there must be a reason for that.

so thankful!!

2011-11-25T02:43:00.000-08:00

We had an awesome Thanksgiving day. Lots of family, good food, and football! Cousin Jim brought his new lady Penny (who brought an awesome new veggie/frito sald dish....I told her she was "IN" now lol). Her son Zane seemed to have fun too. He didn't like the rubber snake though....Jim and Steph and Jake and JT were in attendance. JT hd his arm in a sling due to shoulder surgery from a senior year football injury. Charlie, Lisa AnnaN and Corene made the trip up from near San Antonio and the girls had a blast playing football with the boys (yes I played. Yes I'm sore lol). Bobby , Patti,Dustin and Taylor were there too. Taylor got hit in head with a football once. Slowed him down for a bit but not too long. Jeff,tanya and Sasha were in as well as Boyce. Jennifer and Cobin came out later as did Chris and the other Jennifer Stone :). Mom was sooooo happy to have so much family around. Been a while since we all got together like that. Wish I had a few "guests" there with me but I feel that times coming :). Did invite a few friends out but they both declined. Hope everyone had a great thanksgiving day and would love to hear from YOU! :p

God's grace and ready to dive right in

2011-11-22T22:11:00.000-08:00

"What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. "

James 4:1-3 (New International Version)

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This is a daily Bible verse you sent me on Friday October 16 2009. I have learned so much now about how God would have answered me had I truly just asked Him then. I have turned to Him now and He has shown me that I was wrong in the way I went about so many things back then. I am a changed person through His own grace!

Just as we were about to dive right on in to Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs in 2009, I am ready to "dive in" to the relationship God intends for me and with the knowledge God has shown me I know this time it will not fail. Cannot wait!! Won't you be "the one"?

just a step...

2011-11-22T11:43:00.000-08:00

Was led to put your (our) pictures back into the beautiful frames you gave me for my birthday. They cam out in May but had this strong feeling come over me to dig the pics back out and put them in their proper place. ........

Hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!

If i had a time machine....

2011-11-18T18:47:00.000-08:00

I feel like I wasn't the person I needed to be when I could have been with "my soul mate". My relationship life has been harsh since. No one else has ever "gotten me" as much. If I had a time machine. . . . .

"If i had a time machine
To June 2009 i would go
To the moment you open your door
And my heart fell for you so!

Green eyed beauty before me
Tall and statuesque for sure
An amazingly charming and sly smile
That I could forever "endure"

Cookie was a bit wary
And snapped at me as I leaned in
We sat on the couch both nervous
As our conversation began

I knew I wanted to kiss you
But wasn't sure if i should
You let me know though later
That you liked me for being "good"

In my time machine now
I would bring something i had not then
I have patience and love to give
And God has shown me how to win

Your heart I again long to enter
And show you the man you need
I can ride in on the time machine
Like a tried and trusty steed.

If only we could now harvest
from the acre of hope and faith ;)
That was planted that day in June
And all those bad memories replace.

With a loving and friendly time
As we grow together with God
And once again side by side
Through life shall we trod!"

by Brad Stone

secret santa? :)

2011-11-18T16:03:00.000-08:00

Just wondering if any of my readers have ever goten gifts delivered from an anonymous person. You probably have a very good idea who its from right? How do you feel about those gifts? Hmmmmm. What if there was gifts for smaller members of the household included? Just rambling thoughts that go through my head-------

Started working with weights again this week. Hoping it will re-engage my energy level. Working all weekend again. Getting closer and closer to being debt free though! I think there's only 2 more payments on my house now with a final partial one to finish up. That will save me $400 a month! May have the 95 air ride truck going soon so once that's sold or traded I'm even closer to living debt free for most part. :) Still no word from MB at Campbells on food donation for Shepherds Hand so not looking good for pre Thanksgiving food delivery but I will be taking some down there soon if I have to buy some myself. :)

Thankful for each day and serving a God who answers prayer in HIS time. I do pray almost continually now and it has helped tremendously. For "the one" ......love you always....and yes I did (and do) mean forever ;)

Big change ahead....

2011-11-13T23:12:00.000-08:00

Big changes ahead and quite possibly a move in the coming year. I do not see myself living in this area 12 months from now. I keep praying about where God wants me and i keep coming back to the Argyle campus of Cross Timbers Community Church. I have not volunteered there yet but I do feel at home there. Another awesome message yesterday and I really have grown to love that area.

The most difficult thing I have ever had to do is follow the guidance I prayed for.
-Albert Schweitzer
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"No matter what, i always will"

2011-11-13T22:52:00.000-08:00

"Just wanted you to know that I love you. No matter what, I always will. And I am thankful for the time that God allowed you to be in my life. I had hoped that I would get to spend a lifetime with you. But I know that sometimes things don't go as we hope. But I will never lose faith. I still believe in forever. You are my world, my best friend, my soulmate. And I am lost without you. No, that is an understatement -I am devastated without you. I am not sure what I am supposed to do now. I don't know how to go on. I long for your touch, your voice, your smell, for the comfort and safety that I feel in your arms. I so need it right now. I so need you. Again, sorry that I am rambling. But I wanted you to know that I love you and appreciate you. Thank you for the last 15 weeks. They have been the happiest 15 weeks I've had. I hope that one day you can forgive me for the pain I have caused. I love you!
Forever yours,

"

--------
I still believe in forever. I was scared of commitment. Scared I would let you and your kids down as I had let my own down. Turns out I have no child. Her mom emailed me that she had known she was not mine for about a year but never got around to telling me......she is 3 weeks away from having what I thought was going to be my first grandchild......and she got married on friday.....sigh.....wish i could just sit down and talk to you...look you in the eye and tell you i know God has a plan for us......He wouldnt keep bringing me back to all these memories of us if He didnt have something in mind.....

Went to church at Cross Timbers today.......saw a new truck there at your house. Wondered......hoped......but figure either he got a enw one or he was at work and you had a friend over. sigh.....we used to try to chat around this time every sunday....

1972 Blazer.......kind of....

2011-11-08T23:39:00.001-08:00

Another project that followed me home......too many lol.....but if i sell them (ok most of them) i will finally be out of debt.....this one was an even swap so not out any money at least. Which to get road ready so i dont have a regular truck payment.....just a "fix it up slowly payment"

64 el camino project....

2011-11-08T23:34:00.000-08:00

Trying to decide if I want to get this project on the road and try to sell my 2004 Z71 crew cab....

hmmmmmm........

2011-11-06T02:05:00.000-08:00

Hmmmm you just so happen to check in to my blog for first time in 3 weeks the day I post the previous message......please tell me what you're thinking as you read :)

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Getting closer to being ready to take my state exam for massage licensing....who knows where this step may lead me......Lewisville.....Southlake.......Flower Mound....Any of these options would allow me to attend Cross Timbers Community Church on a regular basis and get involved in that area. Maybe God is drawing me to South Texas to San Antonio.....Boerne.....Austin. Would be near some good friends and my favorite cousins if that's the case. Heck it might be drawing me to Florida....practice massage on the beach :) A very exciting time in the coming year but i'm still praying for that special someone to come (back) into my life.
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Going to be headed to Charleston SC next spring.....had "won" a resort tour vacation and had forgotten about it until last week. After completion of THAT tour I also get a 5 day cruise to the caribbean :) Lots of travel next year!!

Always there

2011-11-05T02:54:00.000-07:00

No matter what I do, no matter who i date, you never leave my heart.......i pray and pray and pray about this and you are still there.....if you read this and know what i can do please tell me....there's a reason God has not revealed to me yet

Never Let Go

2011-10-21T00:55:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite songs I first heard while going to Cross Timbers Community Chruch in Argyle. "Never Let Go" by Matt Redman

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
Your perfect love is casting out fear
And even when I'm caught in the middle of the storms of this life
I won't turn back, I know you are near

I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear
*WHOM THEN SHALL I FEAR*

OH no You never let go through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go in every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go, Lord, You never let go of me

And I can see the light that is comin' for the heart that holds on
A glorious light beyond all compare
And there will be *AN* end to the struggles
But until that day comes, we'll live to know You here on *THE* Earth

And I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear
*WHOM THEN SHALL I FEAR*

OH no You never let go through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go in every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go, Lord, You never let go of me

*You keep on loving and you never let go*

OH no You never let go through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go in every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go, Lord, You never let go of me

And i can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
and there will be and end to the struggles
but until that day comes
*STILL I WILL PRAISE YOU
STILL I WILL PRAISE YOU*

ALCS pics

2011-10-17T22:24:00.000-07:00

Pretty cool shot with Jack Ingram, Dirk Nowitski, Rusty Greer and John Wetteland all in one shot.

Rangers saves leader John Wetteland throwing out first pitch to one of the all time fan favorite Ranger Rusty Greer.

Nelson Cruz trying to show off his boomstick. Later in the game he would get his 6th homerun of the ALCS to set the all time record!! 13 rbi's in a single ALCS is also a record.

Rick Porcello staring in for the sign against last years MVP Josh Hamilton

Do you think Dirk Nowitski is giving Josh Hamilton any tips while he is on deck? Yes Dirk is turned in this picture but he is there lol

Ian Kinsler doubling down the line.

Elvis Andrus going down and getting one. Love these action shots when you can see the ball in play.

Looking forward to the Texas Rangers 2nd consecutive trip to the world series starting Wednesday. I may get a ticket for Saturdays game in Arlington, still not sure yet. Last year I made it to two world series games.....they won one and i was also there for the final game when Giants won it all. Sad but still cool to be there for it anyway.

Hangin on

2011-10-07T18:40:00.000-07:00

Times in Life
by Linda Lee Elrod

There are times in life

When you feel as if the earth

Has opened up

And swallowed you whole . . .

And you seriously doubt

If you'll ever stop hurting.

And it's then that you need

To realize you can't

"Make everything all right."

All you can do is survive,

One hour at a time,

Then one day at a time.

But you are not alone.

There are many who care about you

And are ready to lend you their strength

When yours is all gone.

So hang on, because the sun

Will rise again . . .

And though you'll

Never forget,

You will survive this

And go on.

by
Linda Lee Elrod

Faith refocus

2011-10-06T01:53:00.000-07:00

Considering the influence of your mind on your life, it's no surprise Paul emphasizes that in order for our lives to be changed by Christ our thoughts must first be changed by Him: Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will (Romans 12:2). How are we to be transformed? By renewing (changing, refocusing) our minds so that they reflect the mind of Christ.

I am still a work in progress.....He's not finished with me yet :)

Rangers ALDS win

2011-10-02T22:13:00.001-07:00

Had a blast Saturday evening watching my Rangers roll to a win to even the American League Division Series at 1-1 against the Tampa Bay Rays. I did not take many pics once the game got underway this time. I did learn though, while waiting outside the Ballpark, that you can clearly see the jumbo screen inside the Cowboys stadium right next door. Texas A&M was playing Arkansas the same day. For any Razorback fans out there......well you know lol.
Coach tossing some BP
I love to see the little fans

I also like to see the slightly older fans....... ;)

One of my young friends favorite players.....i doubt she knows where he plays she just thinks he is cute lol

Rangers fell behind early but rallied back to an 8-6 victory. One of the main reasons was Mike Napoli. This guy has become a clutch player for the Rangers this season. The stadium was chanting his name as he delivered the tying RBI as well as throwing out fleet footed Upton trying to steal 3rd base. I hope the Rangers keep this guy, he has provided a nice boost with 30 homers and not even playing a full season. Now if the Rangers can steal at least one win in Tampa Bay maybe I will make my 2nd year in a row to the ALCS games :)

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American League Division Series bound

2011-09-30T00:56:00.000-07:00

Well just ordered my seat for game 2 of the ALDS game with my Rangers going for (hopefully) win 2 in the best of five series against the Tampa Bay Rays! I will be in section 35 just 23 rows back. :) I also hope to see the Rangers in action in the ALCS against the Tigers in a week or so.......

Of course this pic has nothing to do with this post (except that the video is shown before every Rangers home game) but just gotta love Nolan!!

Borrowing some poems....

2011-09-28T22:38:00.000-07:00

~It isn't easy
being so in love with you
and not being able
to see you every day.
There are times when
I'd give anything just to be
able to gaze into your eyes
or hold you in my arms,
even for a few minutes.
I always feel incomplete,
like a part of me is missing,
when we're not together.
I know that, right now,
this is how things have to be,
but that doesn't make it
any easier to bear.
Everyday without you
just reminds me of the joy
you add to my life,
joy that I'm missing...a lot.
So, don't forget
that I love you,
that I'm thinking of you,
and that I'm
counting every minute
until we're together again~

By...Linda Lee Elrod

______________________
Every day, the minute I wake up...
I miss you.
Every song on the radio seems to be about love...
And I miss you.
Every time my phone rings
and I hear someone else's voice...
I miss you.
Every couple I see holding hands or kissing
makes me miss you more.
And every night while I lie there..
thinking of your touch...
your kiss, your love...
I can't imagine anyone has ever missed someone...
the way that I Miss You~

By...Renee Duvall

South Texas vs Metroplex

2011-09-26T23:33:00.000-07:00

Weighing my options a bit more all the time.....Lewisville/Flower Mound area is high on my list of possibles because I already know quite a few people in that area and am getting very familiar with it after spending 9 months off and on there in massage school. Lots of good opportunities for massage there and once i get settled in I could work on my basics and possibly
even get into nursing school in future.

South Texas/San Antonio area

has always been a favorite place for me and my cousin and his wife and kids live nearby, my friend Robin lives just outside Austin, several other friends live near San Antonio, lots of pretty senioritas, closer to some scenic rides for the bike, i feel i could really make a decent living there (or Austin) with massage........decisions abound. I do know God has a future wife waiting out there somewhere and if I dont find her before I leave THIS area maybe I will find her soon there. I have had a "taste" a few years ago of everything I wanted in a mate but at the time I was not appreciative of her and sort of overwhelmed by all she could do. I know now my heart is right with God and I seek only to serve him. I am moving on from my materialistic past (although i do indulge in going to Ramngers games more than i should possibly haha )
---------------
Speaking of Rangers they set another record attendance again this year with 2.94 million fans. That's 81 home games for average attendance of over 36000 per game.....I think I accounted for 11 myself lol. Well, if you take into account the number of tickets I bought for the kids from church and friends to go to games with me that figure is closer to 50 probably (ok the group of 20 I only paid for some of the tickets....some of the kids paid part.) I do love me some Ranger baseballI remember this awesome October afternoon......yes sir......first (and only so far) World Series win in Rangers history
......I also remember one hot June day when they played the Dodgers......yes I do remember it ALL but I have learned and improved :) Maybe Miss Brazil
would go to a few games with me.....

James Morrison ~Precious Love

2011-09-21T22:36:00.000-07:00

Hope Mr Morrison does not mind me sharing these lyrics.....

I was so lost, didn't know what to do with myself,
I was my own worst enemy, I was lost and oh I needed help,
Then you came along, and saw what state I was in,
You picked me up, when I was down,
Showed me how to live again.

I say thank you, for pulling me through,
I'm a lucky man,
I didn't know what life was
But now I understand,

This is precious love, its precious love
No I can't let it go,
This is precious love, and its teaching me,
Everything I need to know,
This is precious love, oh its precious love
No I cant get enough,
Oh I'm down on my knees begging you please,
To gimmie more of that stuff.

Love, love, love, love, love, precious love
Oh its love, love, love, love, love, precious love

Oh I got so distracted,
By people all around, whispering sweet nothings,
Filling my head with doubt,
So I gave up, it didn't take long for me to see
The one thing that I was missing, was standing in front of me.

Took you for granted, thought the grass,
As greener on the other side.
I was wrong, and its taken so long
For me to finally realize.

This is precious love, its precious love
No I can't let it go,
This is precious love, and its teaching me,
Everything I need to know,
Oh this is precious love, oh its precious love
No I cant get enough,
Oh I'm down on my knees begging you please,
To gimmie more of that stuff.

I say a prayer and send it to you,
That my heart will always be true
Life wont be the same without you
I say thank you, Mmmm,
I'm a lucky man,
I didn't know what life was
But now I understand,

Great vacation

2011-09-19T23:23:00.001-07:00

Back to work after a very cool 2 week vacation. Spent 10 days traveling through the desert on my iron horse.....ok iron and plastic. Rode my Concours 4115 miles in all. Rode first day to Tucumcari NM, then on to Kingman AZ with a short stop off in Winslow AZ. "Standing on the corner in Winslow Arizona, such a fine sight to see, the girl , my Lord, in a flat bed ford, turn around and take a look at me...." Yes I took it easy just as the Eagles did on that corner in Winslow.

Then it was on up to Vegas with a short stop off at Hoover Dam.

In Vegas I met up with a lovely young friend I had not seen since early 90s or so. She took me out to Red Rock one afternoon

and then over to a small park just above Lake Mead where we seen a few sheep.....

After a few days in Vegas, I took off through the desert again, this time going through the Mojave desert and up through Edwards Air Force base, over to Santa Maria. Somewhere a few miles from santa Maria on a small two lane blacktop a trailer tire on a semi blew out right as I met it and bits and pieces of the blown out tire slammed into me, cracking my faceshield on my helmet a bit.I continued on without it and finally found the Pacific Ocean at Pismo Beach.

After a short walk along Pismo, I again mounted my trusty steed and headed up famed Highway 1 towards this tiny cottage aka Hearst Mansion

Then just up the road near San Simeon i found this elephant seal colony which was very neat to see.

After leaving the behemouths behind i kept trudging northward and the fog really started rolling in as well as darkness. I finally rolled into Monterey CA before I stopped for the evening. I backtracked the next morning to get some beautiful shots of the Bixby Bridge

where I met a lovely young lady named Martha who was on an even longer voyage of her own from Boston and was over 7000 miles into her long summer vacation....i just HAD to add her on Facebook to keep track of her own adventures. (plus she lives very near Fenway which is a place im hoping to visit next summer ) After a lengthy chat with Ms Martha I headed back up toward Monterey where I stopped by Fishermans Wharf

and tried to see how high i could make my sugar level go with a 1 lb bag of fresh saltwater taffy (yummy btw). At this point I decided it was time to head back inland some and towards the jewel that is Yosemite.
I arrived later than I planned and didnt have a lot of time to spend there before the sun started settling and as I left out and climbed out of the Sierras the temp dropped a lot.....i finally lit in Mammoth Lake CA
where i was told as I checked into a local motel that I should not leave anything a bear might like on my bike. The bears wander through town each night after dark. Apparently I had a blonde moment as I walked across and down the street in the dark to get a pizza to bring back.....luckily God loves idiots and no bears were out yet lol.

I woke up next morning and headed down to Death Valley
(118 in case you were wondering) before heading back to spend a few more days with my friend Sandra in Vegas. As I left Vegas, I stopped at Meteor Crator AZ
After leaving this awesome spectacle I made it as far as Grants NM before a cold rain started hitting me. Leaving Grants the next morning I was determined to sleep in my own bed the next night but not before stopping by Palo Duro Canyon
south of Amarillo. This is the second largest canyon in the USA. Made it home around 2am on the 11th day after starting my adventure. 4115 miles on two wheels, hundreds of pictures and thousands of mental images I will never forget. God is great!! So thankful to live in the USA and able to travel as I please and see the awesome beauty God has bestowed upon this earth!!

i am the hands of God

2011-08-28T09:42:00.000-07:00

Strong statement is it not? But so very true. We ARE the hands of God. We do God's work on a daily basis. Do you have to tell someone you are a Christian? You shouldn't. They should see you going about your day doing good for your fellow neighbors and if they ask you then you tell them you are the hand of God and doing it all for His glory. How awesome is that? To know our creator simply wants us to do the things in His name for His honor.

----------

I cannot deny that I long for "the one" God has for me and I honestly know she will be coming around (or back around) soon. I know that now my heart is "getting right" and I am doing more for God that He shall soon show me the next step in my life. I am about to embark on a vacation in 6 days. I will be hopping on the Concours 1400 and pointing it towards Las Vegas for a few days in the desert. Then I will slowly wind back through the Rockies in Colorado, Utah, and New Mexico on my way home. God will give me the strength to handle this long 3000 mile ride and show me many awesome sights along the way all while talking to Him. I know I will be worn out from the ridig but what a ride it shall be!

Divine intervention!!

2011-08-14T23:07:00.000-07:00

Ive been struggling with some issues from my past..... I know I need to let it go and move on but i keep looking back and wishing.......well todays sermon at Cross Timbers Community Church just put it all in perspective. Pastor Toby preached on looking ahead to what God has in store for us and not looking at the past. He used the example of Moses leading the group to Canaan and keeping focused on that and not on where they had just left. They were hungry and thirsty and were starting to wish they were back in Egypt but God provided for them in HIS time. I just have to remember to keep my eyes on where I want to be and God will provide the way and it will be far better than I ever imagined. I love pastor Toby's messages. What was really "cool" about hearing the message this week was I was planning on driving home after my internship was done on Saturday night. I had to go to Grand Prairie to sell some wheels i had and planned on driving back but about time I got to Denton I got so sleepy i decided to just stop for the night and go ahead and attend church the next morning......divine intervention at its finest there....God laid the sleepy head on me to make me stop MY plans so i caould follow HIS plan!!!

lightning strikes

2011-08-12T01:49:00.000-07:00

Can lightning strike more than once? I am hoping it will. This is a pic i took several years ago looking east from my place. I love pics of lightning and this day was a very active one for lightning strikes.

The sun has set on another day without the one I long for by my side. I know God has a plan for me and my future "her" and i cannot ie when I say I feel i already know this person quite well......God has been truly working in my heart now to understand what I need to do with my life and make smarter choices......we shall see how it plays out

hmmmmm

2011-08-09T00:11:00.000-07:00

There is hope for me yet
Because God won’t forget
All the plans he’s made for me
I have to wait and see
He’s not finished with me yet

Brandon Heath Hope for me yet
_________________

Phil Stacey - "You're Not Shaken"
From the album Into The Light

I am sinking in a river that is raging
I am drowning, will I ever rise to breathe again
I want to know why I just want to understand
Will I ever know why

How could this be from Your hand
When every little thing that I have dreamed would be
Just slips away like water through my hand
And when it seems the walls of my belief are crashing down

Like they're all made of sand
I won't let go of You now, because I know You're not shaken
I'm trembling in the darkness of my own fear
All the questions with no answers still grip me while

I'm here And I may never know why I may not understand
But I will lift up my eyes And trust this is Your plan
When I am in the valley of the shadow of death
You're not shaken, You're not shaken

You're right here beside me and
You have never left
You're not shaken, You're not shaken

--------
Tenth Avenue North By your side

Why are you striving these days
Why are you trying to earn grace
Why are you crying
Let me lift up your face
Just don't turn away

Why are you looking for love
Why are you still searching as if I'm not enough
To where will you go child
Tell me where will you run
To where will you run

And I'll be by your side
Wherever you fall
In the dead of night
Whenever you call
And please don't fight
These hands that are holding you
My hands are holding you

Look at these hands and my side
They swallowed the grave on that night
When I drank the world's sin
So I could carry you in
And give you life
I want to give you life

(Chorus 2x)

Cause I, I love you
I want you to know
That I, I love you
I'll never let you go

______________________

God's timing

2011-08-08T17:04:00.000-07:00

Pastor Toby started a sermon series called "Stuck" this past Sunday and I must say. WOW. Just what I was needing. His main verse was Deuteronomy 8:2 "Remember every road that God led you on for those forty years in the wilderness, pushing you to your limits, testing you so that He would know what you were made of, whether you would keep His commandments or not" My take on his sermon was that I may not know WHY God has seemed to keep leading me back to the Lewisville/Flower Mound/Argyle area but that I should just be led and trust in Him. I do know the area pretty dang well now and have made many new friends. So thankful for my friend Jennifer who let's me sleep on her couch and save that motel money. Thankful for my other friends from the school too who I have come to know so well and share their lives with me. I am truly blessed but I know God has that one special person somewhere out there for me wherther its someone known to me now or someone I will soon meet. I do truly feel I belong in the area He keeps leading me back to though. We shall see!
__________

After church Sunday I stopped by the school and got a massage from my beautiful young friend Kim. She needed ONE appt to be done with her internship so I was lucky enough to be her last client there. Such a sweet young lady she is and looking forward to going out and hanging out with her some. She's 22 I believe but seems very down to earth and mature much beyond her age. Now just need to see how spiritual she is :p.

21 day challenge

2011-08-02T06:49:00.000-07:00

I have consulted with Calie at the Flower Mound location of My Fit Foods and she has convinced me to give their 21 day challenge a try. MFF sells premade healthy meals with proper portions and all healthy ingredients. I am also doing their liver cleanse program which involves a nasty tasting mix of 4 oz unsweetened cranberry juice, 1 tbsp organic apple cider vinegar, 1 oz liquid B12 , half a lemon squeezed, and 4-12 ozs water. I have learned to use as small amount of water as possible in order to chug this concoction faster. Been doing it 2 days now and I feel a bit more energetic already.

Also went to Cross Timbers Community Church again this past Sunday. Pastor Toby is such a great speaker. God had me there for a reason for sure!! He spoke of keeping your eyes on YOUR OWN finish line and don't run someone elses race but run the one God has set out for you. Wow just what I was needing to hear. I used to feel like I didn't like that area very much at all other than this church and 3 other reasons but I'm falling in love with the area now....

hill country dreams

2011-07-24T02:06:00.000-07:00

I have been on a hill country dreaming kick here recently and thinking maybe its time fr me to finally move on and away from this area. I love the San Antonio area and have been looking at homes and lots for sale around Boerne and Kerrville area and even up towards San Marcos too. Just found out my friend Robin is moving to Austin area in August too! Several other young ladies I know live nearby as well as my cousin Charlie and his family. As soon as my massage license is in hand I might just be seriously starting to look at this option. : )

Thinking I have finally gotten past a big stumbling block that I had placed in my own way but she still crosses my mind a lot. Everytime I look up something is reminding me of her. Decided to start selling some of my toys. Camaro will soon go back to its longtime owner, big rock crawler project may be gone too.

More God Less me

2011-07-11T23:49:00.000-07:00

Been doing lots of praying and thinking and have come to the conclusion its time to get rid of extra toys. My 68 Camaro will be headed back to its last owner soon, my 86 4wd Jimmy with the one ton suspension and 39.5" tires will soon have a new owner and once I get my 95 Chevy on the road and trustworthy again my 2004 Z71 may be sold too. These 3 alone would clear up approximately 16k in bills :) Just one more step closer to being debt free and where I can possibly get "retired" from my present job and ready to start healing and helping people through massage : )

God has really been working on my heart a lot the last week or two and I know now this has been one of the "stumbling blocks" that has been in my way. Another was the recent answered prayer to be over a past love of my life. I may never truly be over her but I know in my heart now for sure its time to move on.

Hope my one reader is doing well lol

Snake hunting....

2011-06-16T02:58:00.000-07:00

I have been busy snake hunting last few days......somehow a rather large snake has taken up residence inside the confines of the Stone Estate.....i know this cause he left his skin in the bottom of my closet as he shed it. He has knocked off and broken and 90 percent of my shot glass collection, broken picture frames and knocked a clock off the wall......and I have not seen him yet....but there are sticky pads out waiting on him. Hope he found them!! The skin is a little over 5' long. Makes for some fun sleeping knowing that sucker might curl up next to me while I sleep lol

less than 3 weeks left.....

2011-06-13T23:06:00.000-07:00

I am under the 3 week mark as far as classroom time left for massage school. :) I started my intern work this past weekend and got in 3.5 hrs so far. Had one client who was VERY pleased with the massage she received, and she said she would be back to see me soon. :) I am learning the art of "schmoozing" now and hopefully it will pay off.

We are beginning to learn more deep tissue work now which is what interests me.....less work, more money :)

Love, Hope, and Prayer

2011-05-21T00:08:00.000-07:00

If someone shows you their true colors, don't try to repaint them." - Taina, NYC Poet

Love is a sweet tyranny, because the lover endureth his torments willingly. ~Proverb

People who are sensible about love are incapable of it. ~Douglas Yates

You know you're in love when you don't want to fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams. ~Dr. Seuss

Love makes your soul crawl out from its hiding place. ~Zora Neale Hurston

A door that seems to stand open must be a man's size, or it is not the door that Providence means for him. ~Henry Ward Beecher

No man ever wetted clay and then left it, as if there would be bricks by chance and fortune. ~Plutarch

In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit. ~Albert Schweitzer

The most I can do for my friend is simply be his friend. ~Henry David Thoreau

Trouble and perplexity drive me to prayer and prayer drives away perplexity and trouble. ~Philip Melanchthen

It is good for us to keep some account of our prayers, that we may not unsay them in our practice. ~Matthew Henry

World Series

2011-05-18T22:58:00.000-07:00

This was the 2nd game of the World Series I attended. This is the one we lost that put us out of it. Bittersweet to see it happen but it was history I was a part of.

This one speaks for itself haha

Panoramic view :) Love this camera

Had to be quick to catch this shot....and yes I only took one.

Ferguson Jenkins throwing out the first pitch. Awesome pitcher in his day!

Fergie and Jim Sundburg together again.

Cliff Lee coming in from the bullpen. Not the best game for Lee but still a very good pitcher.

Ian Kinsler is one of my favorites. Can even see the ball bouncing off the ground in this shot.

World Series pics

2011-05-18T01:36:00.000-07:00

Just a few snaps from my world series trip last year.....this was the game the RANGERS WON!!
Yes we were in some good seats, 8 rows from the field :)

awesome weekend

2011-05-16T18:13:00.000-07:00

Had another great weekend at the Rangers ballpark with my friend Sheri. First time she and I have ever really got to hang out one on one. Got to hear a little of the TobyMac concert. It was a blast. Looking forward to more hang out time with her in future as well as other friends. :)

New blog name and tying up loose ends

2011-05-14T00:49:00.000-07:00

I decided to go with a new blog name.....kinda fits me better now.
_________________________________________
When loose ends are lurking in the back of your mind, they take your focus off doing what it takes to succeed. Loose ends bring you back to a place where you don't want or need to go. Loose ends must be tied up so they cannot run free to steal your confidence and concentration. Tying up loose ends allows you to totally focus on doing what you need to do to get where you want to go.
__________________________________________
Consider that end tied.......ahhhhhh thats better. If God takes something from your grasp its only to replace it with something better. I am finally ready for something better not the same old handful. ;)

Rangers vs. Angels

2011-05-14T00:35:00.000-07:00

In just about 8 hours i will be going to pick up this hottie named Sheri to head on down to the Ballpark in Arlington for an awesome day of Tobymac followed by some Rangers baseball at 3:10pm. Have not really seen this girl or talked to her in a long time but I feel we will still have a blast. What is better than a day game, right behind home plate, with a beautiful sexy woman to share it with. Life is good!

New me, 68 Camaro

2011-05-09T22:52:00.000-07:00

My friend Liz sent me an email last night and the timing couldnt have been better. Short and sweet (like Liz)

"To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did." When God takes something from your grasp. He's not punishing you, but merely opening your hands to receive something better. Concentrate on this sentence. The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you."

I have recently turned on the heat to run the devil out of my life for good and he is fighting for me very hard right now. I know in my heart what i need to do but he is throwing sooooo many rocks at me to try and knock me off course. God is standing there with me in the trenches though in the form of great friends in church, signs and wonders and predictions through Brother Jody and just the peace of mind that I am the son of the KING, creator of the universe, loving Father and my reason for living. I got a very encouraging phone call from a brother of my church and normally I will not open up with anyone so easily but I just laid it all out there for him and he listened and encouraged me. Its nice to know so many people are concerned with me not letting ole satan win me back. My church family is amazing. The road is narrowing a lot and many are getting left behind from my life but the ones remaining are the cream of the crop and will help me get as close to God as i can.

I am also looking forward to finally starting to buy parts for this new toy soon. 1968 Camaro Z28. Hmmmm i am thinking a nice medium to dark blue with white stripes or :o maybe even red with black stripes (yes I have said i would never had a red vehicle after my last red camaro but........

awesome revival

2011-01-30T23:10:00.000-08:00

Its been an awesome month of revival being held at Canaanland COG in Reno. Brother Jody Rogers is such a blessing to hear speak and has an annointing from God to heal in Jesus name. We have seen many miracles and the revival continues into February now! God is definitely moving in a huge way in Reno Texas!!! I have rededicated my life to Christ and its so wonderful walking and talking with God all throughout my day. As the old gospel hymn says....just a closer walk with Thee....grant it Jesus is my plea.....daily walking close with Thee.....

God is so great....all the time!! I love you God!!!

2011....

2010-12-30T21:47:00.000-08:00

As 2010 nears its final day, I just want to express how blessed I am to have such awesome friends. God continues to bring friends into my life as well as getting in touch with friends from my past. In 2011 I will get closer to being out of debt, I will lose those 25 lbs I put back on and get in much better shape. Most importantly I will continue to grow closer to God and closer to understanding what I need to do to be the man He expects. Reading an awesome book now called "Wild at Heart" and I would suggest it highly. Hope everyone has a safe and happy new years and a prosperous and blessed 11!!

2010-12-13T21:09:00.000-08:00

Had a good day. Met friend in Lewisville for late lunch and a nice long chat, headed to massage class at 6 and stopped by Target in Highland Village on way to my brothers for a nice ceasar salad. Hoping it warms up some during day as I plan to go find a nice walking track and get some miles in. Really wish I could chat with a certain special lady but she will let me know when its time ;). Life is going very well and easy when I remember to listen to Gods plan and not go on my own agenda.

Please say a prayer for my friend Kim who just lost her husband to brain cancer this past week!

Bicep Tendon Surgery, 68 Z28

2010-11-14T09:05:00.000-08:00

Just two weeks and a few days since I had bicep tendon surgery (Oct 28th) and I am recovering very nicely. Very little sweeling and have full extension already. Not full rotation yet. Cannot turn my palms straight up yet but still ahead of where they figured I would be. Had the surgery done in Dallas at the Carrell Clinic. -------------- took a nice lil gambling trip to the Horseshoe last night. Sorry, according to Alan from the Hangover movie "Its not gambling if you know you're gonna win!". Had an awesome time and even saw a few celebrities. Some guy who played on a mid 90s Packers team and yes I saw his super bowl ring. Also Billy the Exterminator was in the house. Dealer said he was from the Shreveport area. Had a good run too......brought home $900 of their money!! ---------------- Had a blast last week visiting with my friends Robin and Susan hanging out at Blue Canyon bar at The Harbor in Rockwall. Robin and I had a very good conversation about relationships past. Great place to hang out!!! ---------------- Just bought a new project car.....1968 Camaro RS/Z28 !!!!! It needs a total redo though but it is complete and previous owner was a friend who has owned it for last 25 years. Will get it moved here and get started accessing what needs to be done tomorrow. Lots of money will be poured in on top of the $3500 purchase price but in time it will be AWESOME!! Loving life but still missing someone terribly (and her family).

Rangers Win !

2010-10-17T19:13:00.000-07:00

Attended the Rangers ALCS game Saturday afternoon and we kicked some Yankee tail!! Here is a lovely Yankee fan leaving....she was a good sport about it though haha.

Had a blast with a friend I had not seen in probably 12 years or more and looking forward to possibly seeing game 6 of the ALCS when they return to Arlington this Friday. I will be in town anyway for a doctors appointment concerning my arm so might as well cheer the good guys on to victory and on to the WORLD SERIES right?!?! Loving my life!

Rangers ALCS Game 2

2010-10-15T16:28:00.000-07:00

Headed to the ALCS game 2 between the Rangers and Yankees tomorrow with a long lost friend. Probably been 12 years since I have seen her! Definitely looking forward to reuniting with her as well as watching the Rangers move one step closer to the World Series!!

Rain and new start

2010-09-01T19:15:00.001-07:00

again the journey begins.......i WILL get it right eventualy God!!

Thank You so much for the much needed rain today and please forgive my sins as wel as those who sin against me :)

Florida Vacation

2010-03-26T01:52:00.000-07:00

Got a week of vacation coming up in a month. Headed to Carrollton GA to meet up with some friends then hopping on the motorcycles and heading down to Panama City Beach for a bike show and of course some fun in the sun. Looking forward to finally getting some time to hang out with Leigh and to meet the Bars, her neghbors I have heard so much about. Will probably haul the bike down there and back and just ride the 5 hour ride down to Florida.....cannot wait.....one month and counting !!!

Peter's denial

2009-12-30T16:30:00.000-08:00

Implosion can happen slowly or rapidly. In the case of Peter, during the time of Jesus last days, it happened in a matter of hours. The thing to remember from this is that God still is with us and will work in and through us no matter what. Jesus told Peter he would deny Him three times before the cock crowed. Peter was one of the most faithful disciples. Basically what we consider today as our BFF or our right hand man. Peter told Jesus that even if EVERYONE else deserted Him that he would stand by his side. He had good intentions....his heart was in the right place....and his faithfulness was unwavering. He was weak in the flesh as we all are. Many times we have good intentions but no matter what we KNOW we should do, our flesh is weak and we will do things we never thought we would.

After his three denials of our Lord, Peter had realized what he had done.He had completely and publicly denied knowing God. Not a good thing to do for sure. God almost immediately went to work in Peters life though. Back before the crucifiction, Peter had been out fishing with some of the other disciples. He went out to what he thought was a good spot and cast his nets. They cast and cast yet found no fish. Upon returning to shore, Jesus told him to go back to the same spot and cast his nets. Peter having faith in Jesus did as he was told and immediately pulled a net full of fish aboard the boat. Do His will, you will be rewarded. Simple enough. After the crucifixtion, Peter returned to what he knew.....fishing. They went out and as before caught nothing. The next day went to the exact spot and pulled in a boatload of fish. Peter remarked to one of his partners that he felt that was Jesus telling him to have faith! What a glorious message!!!

Peter had denied God openly.....he had even cursed when asked if he knew Jesus!! Yet God still had a plan for him....as he does for us all. Jesus tells us where to cast our "nets" and if we have faith in Him, our nets will soon be full. All it takes if faith and especially once we have imploded in our various ways, must we have faith. He does have a plan.

Integrity

2009-12-24T05:28:00.000-08:00

Been a few days away from my book "No More Excuses" but this mornings chapter is regrding integrity. Integrity is defined as a steadfast adherance to a strict moral or ethical code. As a Christian this is very important. We all can be outwardly upstanding citizens when we know people are watching but its what we stand for when noone else can see that makes up a good integrity.The example Bro. Evns gives in the book is Daniel. We all know Daniel in the lions den story. But that was in Daniels later years AFTER he became such a great leader in the government. He had been a faithful believer with hardly a blemish all the years before that. Not many in their lifetimes can say they have half the integrity of Daniel.

I have struggled with my own integrity a lot in recent years. I know HOW to maintain it but I sometimes am weak and falter when it comes down to it and thats simply a case of not trusting God in EVERYTHING. I have given in to temptation in my relationships and had sex outside of marraige even though I knew it was not pleasing to God. I have taken things from my workplace even though I am hardly too poor to afford them. I am far from perfect but I am striving each day to make myself a more faithful follower and struggling with letting God take me and use me however He will. I am slowly learning to not allow outside forces to control me. I am slow to allow Him to work in me but His light is shining through a bit more each week. This week has been extra rough as I was struggling with a person from my past and realized if I was having to struggle THAT hard is it really worth it? I compromised my integrity several times by giving in to things in the past but I feel I am seeing more clearly now and am ready for whatever God wants of me. Continue to pray for me as I struggle with this as we ALL come short of the glory of God but if we strive to lead by example and believe in Him we WILL have everlasting life.

Bear your cross!

2009-12-20T01:49:00.000-08:00

As I am learning I have to count on God to know what is best for me and this little set of cartoons from an email I got really fits many of us perfectly. It fit me for many years as I would cut down on my "cross" by ignoring God's wishes and being defiant to him. I guess I thought I was smarter than God.....boy was I completely 100% wrong with that assumption.

Awesome!! We complain about the cross we bear but don't realize it is preparing us for the dip in the road that God can see and we cannot.

Whatever your cross,
whatever your pain,
there will always be sunshine, after the rain...
Perhaps you may stumble, perhaps even fall;
But God's always ready, to answer your call....
He knows every heartache, sees every tear,
a word from His lips, can calm every fear...
Your sorrows may linger, throughout the night,
But suddenly vanish, by dawn's early light...
The Savior is waiting, somewhere above,
to give you His grace, and send you His love.

May God fill your day with blessings!!

Jonah's defiance

2009-12-19T06:26:00.000-08:00

This morning in the book "No More Excuses" I read about Jonah and how he continually went against God's wishes. Jonah was a faithful servant of God and God wanted him to go to Ninevah but Jonah knew if the Ninevites did repent , that Jonah was "saving" the arch enemies of the Israelites. If they did not repent, they would most likely kill him on the spot. Jonah's decision was to do neither and instead he tried to go over 2000 miles in the opposite direction. To make a long story short, God sent a great storm to "rock the boat" and the sailors of the ship tossed Jonah overboard and the storm stopped. Jonah was treading water and still would not acknowledge that it should be God's way or no way. God used a large fish to suck ole Jonah up and finally from inside the belly of this fish (can you imagine the lovely smell?) he began to pray and God had the fish dump him back out on dry land. Again to make a long story short, Jonah went to Ninevah and in one of the greatest revivals ever, the Ninevites turned from their wicked ways and turned to God!! Sadly, Jonah was still not atisfied and went outside the city and watched from a ditance. God let a vine grow over his head to shade him from the blistering sun and even then Jonah was not content so God took the vine away with the help of a tiny worm, and he let the winds blow and left Jonah in the sweltering sun with no shade. Oddly it never says what eventually happened to Jonah after this.

The main theme in this story is we should not be defiant to God's plan. God has a plan for us all and if we get off track He will surely put us back on track but it might be way behind where we started from. I got off track.....way off track but I know what God wants of me and know the reward is well worth the sacrifices I have to make.For me I must overcome a broken heart of one I love and because I hurt her so badly it will take longer than if I had just been true to God and treated this jewel as she deserved to be treated in the first place. Think of it as starting out on level ground and God say go and instead of climbing the mountain with the one He sent fo me I started digging......now she is up here (can you see me holding my hand high?) and i am way down here (hand is low in case you didnt figure that out). Now to get back on an even plane with her I have a lot of "hole filling" to do to meet her. I know I can and if it be God's will , I will be there sometime soon :)

No More Excuses

2009-12-17T23:57:00.000-08:00

The best day of your life is the one on which you decide your life is your own. No apologies or excuses. No one to lean on, rely on, or blame. The gift is yours - it is an amazing journey - and you alone are responsible for the quality of it. This is the day your life really begins. ~Bob Moawad

-----

I have begun reading the book "No More Excuses" by Tony Evans and it is already working on my heart and conscience. I have made a habit of making excuses all my life and I realize now this has caused me to miss out on a lot. So many times when I should have just "manned" up and faced a problem I would simply make an excuse. I know now this has to change. I have begun the task at hand and hope to make progress each and every day and with the Lord's help I know I can win this fight against this ugly habit.

Looking inward

2009-12-16T18:56:00.000-08:00

I have begun what seems to be a very good book through the first two chapters. It i written by Tony Evans and is titled "No More Excuses:Be The Man God Wants You to Be". I always have made excuses. No denying that. I have always done it since I was a kid. I am "good" at lying. I can come up with an excuse out of the blue that is 100% fabricated and have the ability to not only make others believe it, even I start to think that might have been the way it happened after a while. Sad but true. I repeat a story enough times, its like it really happened. I have lied to my boss to cover for my employees. I have lied to police officers to get out of trouble. I have lied to ladies I have dated for various reasons. I have trouble sometimes recalling what is fact and what has been fabricated. Sometimes I have THOUGHT something and actually BELIEVED it to be true. Such as I may have THOUGHT I told someone something when actually it was just a thought in my head and was never spoken. This is a trait thats common among introverts I have read. This is a result of the introverts thinking process of going over and over stuff they want to say in their head and after so long they might actually think they poke the words when actually the thoughts are still locked in their brains. This is NOT an excuse. This is an exercise in trying to find out why I act and react the way I do to certain situations and just trying to make myself be the person God wants me to be.

For the ones I have hurt, I apologize. Words on a screen but meant from the heart. I miss someone dearly ......three someones to be exact.....and am willing to do anything to get them back. I honestly feel I will be back with them in the future but I also feel God has some work to do with me first. He is making me the man I need to be for HIM and THEM, cause if I am not for Him I can never be for them!

Kindness

2009-12-15T12:55:00.000-08:00

I came to the conclusion yesterday I wa not truly letting God take over as long as I was still pursuing my own desires as far as someone from my past. I know now from actions presented that its time to move on. If that person happens back into my life later then it was meant to be and its oh so hard for me to just let go of something like that. I still WANT to call her. I still WANT to see her. I know in my heart now that isn't meant to be at this time.

Love is patient, love is kind.......

kind
adj.
1. Of a friendly, generous, or warm-hearted nature.
2. Showing sympathy or understanding; charitable
3. Humane; considerate
4. Forbearing; tolerant
5. Generous; liberal
6. Agreeable; beneficial

God's will

2009-12-13T16:08:00.001-08:00

I have been lost....for a long time. I am, and always have been, a believer in Christ. I KNOW Christ died on the cross to wash away my sins. I still wandered through my life lost......occasionally God would take the wheel and get me back on course but as soon as things started looking up again I would snatch back the controls. I can see now I have always been a controlling person. A friend told me years ago that I was passive agressive and those words still ring in my head today. She was right.....I do things in a passive manner to hurt people who get near to my heart. Its something I have done for many years and it is destroying me. I can say I love someone but my actions would not show it.......oh I could convince them at first but the ugly truth (my selfish, controlling, jealous behavior) would soon rear its ugly head and I would slowly (or sometimes not so slowly) push the person away. I have done this to some truly remarkable people. I have done this to some truly UNremarkable people a well. I know not what God has in my future but I do know He has a plan for me. I have a "plan" of sorts as to what and I want but I know I have to let Him take control and if what I want is truly meant to be then it will happen. I am willing to lose my "plan" if its not in His will. It scares me but the peace of knowing I am doing His will atones for that fright. I have wandered this world alone for most of my life. God has given me so many chances and I have let Him and myself and so many others down. I pray for strength each and every day to be the man I need to be. I think I am on the right track now and will hopefully expand on this mission in the very near future. It is a scary thing in this brutal economic time to even consider a change but if thats what it takes then I am willing to do it. Please pray for me in my coming days as I see how God will use me.

I am a sinner.
I have failed to live the life that is pleasing to God.
I have been selfish.
I have been controlling.
I have been jealous.
I have been self-centered.
I have done things out of spite to ones who love me.
I have neglected my family.
Doesnt sound like too good of a resume huh? The thing thats wonderful is I KNOW God has a plan and all I have to do is let him take control. God, I am yours. Use me to make a difference. Teach me to love as You love. Help me to feed the hungry and clothe the poor. Let me use my position and knowledge for the good of many. I seek You out. I am yours.

Here I am Lord, take me

2009-12-09T09:26:00.000-08:00

Putting on the breastplate of faith

1 Thessalonians 5:8
But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
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I had a much needed awakening this morning in a form I never would have thought to be positive but it IS true that God works in mysterious ways. I have been living a lie basically all my life. I have always thought of myself as a good Christian man. I am lost and wandering like the sheep waiting on his shepherd to find him and lead him home. I realize how selfish I have been all my life and am on a mission to find Gods purpose in my life and not posting this for the few who stop by to read but as a public cry for prayer for strength. I love God but am not living IN Him, just living BECAUSE of His grace. Please pray that I find my inner self and find inner love.

I was on my way home this morning and had to head back to the junior college for something. If I had not remembered this stop at the JC, I would not have heard the following songs played on The Message on XM. I hope the artists dont mind me using a few of their lines in the following paragraphs. This medley of Christian music played so loudly in my head and to my heart I knew they were meant for me.

First sing was Casting Crowns song "Does Anybody Hear Her?" which has the lines :

"Does anybody hear her? Can anybody see?
Or does anybody even know she's going down today
Under the shadow of our steeple
With all the lost and lonely people
Searching for the hope that's tucked away in you and me
Does anybody hear her? Can anybody see?"

Quite a touching chorus and reminding myself a lot of how I feel at times. Up next was Leeland with Brandon Heath and "Follow You" The lyrics again are so touching to my heart and soul.

"All my needs You have supplied
When I was dead You gave me life
So how could I not give it away so freely?
And I´ll Follow You into the homes of the broken
Follow You into the world
Meet the needs for the poor and the needy God
Follow You into the world"

The next song really was the one which brought tears to my eyes and made me realize I had truly just been going through the motions of life both in my everyday life and more importantly as a Christian. The song is "The Motions" by Matthew West. This whole song is amazing so I hope Mr West does not sue me for using them but the song goes as this:

"This might hurt
It’s not safe
But I know that I’ve gotta make a change
I don’t care
If I break
At least I’ll be feeling something
‘Cause just ok
Is not enough
Help me fight through the nothingness of life

I don’t wanna go through the motions
I don’t wanna go one more day
Without Your all consuming passion inside of me
I don’t wanna spend my whole life asking
What if I had given everything?
Instead of going through the motions

No regrets
Not this time
I’m gonna let my heart defeat my mind
Let Your love
Make me whole
I think I’m finally feeling something

Take me all the way
Take me all the way
Take me all the way"

The last song I heard before I had to turn the radio off while making a phone call was by Downhere and the song is "Here I Am". To me this song was basically about surrender. I must surrender to Gods will and quit trying to take charge. I must let Him guide me and be willing to follow. I have many times talked the talk in the past but I have never just let go and let Him work in me and through me. I pray for strength to be able to do this at this time and forever.

"Here I am, Lord send me
Somehow my story is a part of Your plan,
Here I am

When setbacks and failures, and upset plans
Test my faith and leave me with empty hands
Are You not the closest when it's hardest to stand
I know that You will finish what You began"
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Forever

2009-12-07T06:21:00.001-08:00

for·ev·er
adv.
1. For everlasting time; eternally:
2. At all times; incessantly

Forever is a word used all to often to mean "for now" or "until something better comes along". I have overused the word myself many times. I have told a girlfriend before that I will love them forever....and to a point I have. Very few people I have dated do I not get along with still. Theres a few I never made contact with after a breakup but theres also a few I am very good friends with now despite it being an ugly situation at the time. I can be intense. I can be blunt. I can lash out and hurt you. I am human.

I want a lasting relationship.....I want FOREVER. I know its not enough just to WANT it , one has to put in the hard time to achieve it. I have not been good at this because in those hard times the devil takes over my mind and my mouth. I say things to hurt.........I withdraw emotionally........I don't stop loving but its hard to tell. I know in the whole scheme of things that I am where God wants me to be right at this moment. I am doing exactly as God has planned for me to do. I cannot change the end result of what God has in store for me. I CAN pray that he delivers me what I desire. I CAN strive to make myself a better person both inside and out. I CAN be the man she AND God want me to be. I WILL be the man I need to be!!

Coincidence

2009-12-06T14:25:00.000-08:00

Coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous. ~Albert Einstein

Love

2009-12-06T06:12:00.000-08:00

LOVE
n.
1. A deep, tender, ineffable feeling of affection and solicitude toward a person, such as that arising from kinship, recognition of attractive qualities, or a sense of underlying oneness.
2. A feeling of intense desire and attraction toward a person with whom one is disposed to make a pair; the emotion of sex and romance
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I feel this is meant to be read today as I had planned to blog about Faith, Hope, and Love in that order. As I opened my Bible today, in the upper left hand corner, the Book, Chapter, and verse showed John 3:15....how coincidental right? As anyone who has ever read the Bible knows one of the earliest memorized verse for any of us is John 3:16. For God so loved the world, he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life! What a message that is. To know all we have to do to spend eternity with God in Heaven is to believe in Jesus Christ as our Savior! The simple words above cannot begin to convey the emotions God has for us as His children.

Leviticus 19:18 says "You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people,But you shall love your neighbor as yourself, I AM the Lord."

Proverbs 10:12 "Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all sins." In other words if we respond in love to each other, it covers up sins or offenses that would otherwise come between us.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 " 4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

8Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away."

In the original text Paul chose a more rare form of the word meaning love in Greek which was agape which basically translates to a love based on the deliberate choice of the one who loves and not the worthiness of the one being loved. This goes against natural human inclination and steps up to a selfless, giving, expect-nothing-in-return type of love. Very strong words indeed as it is very hard to love someone or something and not expect anything in return.TRUE love puts up with people who would be easier to give up on. If we truly love another we will set aside our own plans, our own life in order to please that person. Love is not blind. We can love completely without naivete. Its hard to comprehend but we can do it.We may notice the failures and shortcomings of ones we love but we dont give up on the possibilities of what they might become. Love never gives up knowing God can change anyone at anytime.Love accepts any hardship or rejection. Love endures ALL.

1 Corinthians 13:13 is an all time favorite and a very oft times quoted verse. "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."

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Once a man has won a woman's love, the love is his forever. He can only lose the woman. ~Robert Brault
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I love someone so very much and I hurt her.....badly....and she says she does not love me. I know in my heart she does but is afraid to show it for fear of me hurting her again. Please pray for both of us, as we were brought together through and in God before, that we may rejoin soon and become the awesome Christian couple we had been building up to. Love truly can conquer all if we let it!

short and sweet

2009-12-05T18:56:00.000-08:00

The simple lack of her is more to me than others' presence. ~Edward Thomas

Hope

2009-12-05T06:35:00.000-08:00

Hope~verb (used with object) to look forward to with desire and reasonable confidence. To believe, desire, or trust:
verb (used without object) to feel that something desired may happen
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Isaiah 41:10,13-14
Fear thou not; for I {am} with thee: be not dismayed; for I {am} thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

For I, the LORD your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, 'Fear not, I will help you.'" Fear not, you worm Jacob, You men of Israel!I will help you," says the LORD And your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.
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Psalm 27:1
The LORD is my light and my salvation;Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life;Of whom shall I be afraid?

People are always "hoping" for this or they say they "lost hope". To lose hope is a terrible thing. Losing hope means having nothing to look forward to ......no feeling of impending good in your life. I myself have GREAT hope for what lies ahead of me as I know God will work his miracles in my daily life and to some they may seem just minor coincidences or circumstance but I know it is written in God's plan and my HOPE is that this happens sonner rather than later but I have faith it WILL happen. Which is greater....faith or hope? Without faith theres no hope .....without hope theres no future.....if you think theres no future, wheres your faith?

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Avalon has a wonderful song I have heard several times lately on The Message on XM. Here's a little excerpt from the lyrics.

It's a new day
Oh, it's a new time
And there's a new way
I'm gonna live my life
All the old has, passed away
And the new has come
Thank God, It's a brand new day

What a great message this song brings to my heart and such a reassurance of HOPE that no matter what happens, the sun will rise tomorrow and we will start a new day in Christ. Dear heavenly Father, thank you for the many blessing you have given me and please continue to bless my life as you see fit. Thank you Father for sending your son Jesus to die on the cross for my sins. Please be with the sick and dying people around the world and comfort them as only You can. Give me the strength my Lord to face the coming days and if it be your will, bring my family back to me. In your name I pray...Amen

Faith

2009-12-04T12:36:00.000-08:00

FAITH ~ noun~ 1. confidence or trust in a person or thing: faith in another's ability.
2. belief that is not based on proof:
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Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 23:4
-----------
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
Romans 8:28
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Some people think faith is a strange concept. Believing in something that cannot be seen or touched. Right now if I didnt have faith that God had a plan for me and that this plan was set in place many years before my birth and will not be fully explained to me in this lifetime then I would be in a pit of dispair. I have faith that God will provide for me whatever my needs may be. I felt he was working in me earlier this year and I know a special someone felt this same faith. If only we could get back to worshipping Him together.
Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens. ~J.R.R. Tolkien
The road is very dark right now Mr Tolkien but I know God brings a fresh start each day and provides for His children.
Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase. ~Martin Luther King Jr.
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Noone who happens upon this post will know for sure whats going on in my mind but all I shall divulge is that I have faith God will show his true plan in the coming months for me. That plan may involve me staying where I am or it may send me half a world away but I am to the point I am ready to folow wherever He decides to lead me. I have been stubborn in the past but no longer. I am humbled and laying everything in Gods hands now! Praise ye God almighty!-------
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
==========
Finally I end with a short verse on a beautiful picture frame with three very special people inside. The verse is "Everything is possible for him who believes." Mark 9:23

Missing this HNT

2009-12-03T14:32:00.000-08:00

I am showing half of each of us here to show we make each other whole........I know I really messed up this relationship but is it really truly over? I was an ass....I was unyielding....I might have been selfish in a way........I was very stressed with school, work and LDR......I miss you and want you in my life.......forever.......please?......

Daughtry's lyrics say so much of how I feel right now.......

"Last time we talked, the night that I walked
Burns like an iron in the back of my mind
I must have been high to say you and I
Weren't meant to be and just wasting time
Oh, why did I ever doubt you
You know I would die here without you"
-------------------

Miss you terribly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nothings impossible

2009-11-30T00:36:00.000-08:00

I'm here without you baby
but your still on my lonely mind
I think about you baby
and I dream about you all the time
I'm here without you baby
but your still with me in my dreams
And tonight it's only you and me

.........
Borrowed from 3 doors down.....hope they dont mind

I am on a mission and I know its a long long battle ahead but I will give it my all and ask for prayers from you.

Wow thats a record

2009-07-01T01:30:00.000-07:00

So i have been gone for a few months and now returning.........for at least a day lol. Lots of changes past few weeks as I have met a wonderful young lady whom I have been enjoying every available moment with. Won't go into too much detail just yet but will say I am in love with a tall green eyed beauty. Working less than I normally work here lately for some reason and making every reason not to work that I can lol.

Will try to make it around to a few of your blogs soon

BKS

In for my two month checkup....

2008-12-15T18:28:00.000-08:00

Ok so a few days early for the actual two month checkup. I guess my time spanning-ness (new word I just learned tonight from a pretty young lady) is off a bit. I know I have mentioned it before but I work too much. 85 hours this past week. And I left early one day lol.

My time has been thoroughly consumed lately. After working 12 hours a day or so, I have also been working on framing up another room inside my humble abode. Yep going to have a kitchen/living room now. Its a 24x12.5 room and framing and electrical is done. I am too lazy to post pics but will get them later this week (which in my time spanning-ness means maybe February). If it isn't sleeting and raining in the morning I will stop by and get the insulation and a few odds and ends to finish off before I hire someone to come hang the sheetrock. OK so I am a wimp when it comes the nitty gritty stuff such as sheetrock lol. I figure what will take them maybe 3 hours to do it would take me 3 days or more and they know how to make it look good (Messicans can do anything I swear). Any ideas on paint color? The bedroom is what is known as Southern Blue. Very dark blue since I sleep during the day. Will definitely have to be a bit lighter color for the living room /kitchen.
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My good friend Nikki could use a prayer. She has been having to stay by her husbands side in a Dallas hospital since the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. He had a blood vessel on each side of his head burst and then also had a slight stroke shortly afterwards. He is in his early 30s and Nikki just turned 30 earlier this year. Last time I talked to her they were supposed to get released today. She has insurance but was getting nothing as far as compensation from work for her time off. I have been collecting money from our co-workers and have so far raised close to $1000 for her and Kevin to help offset their bills and to help with Christmas. She has twin 10 year olds and a six year old. Please say a prayer for her and her family.
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As I said (and have said many times before) I will try to update more often and as soon as I get the room addition finished, I will be getting satellite service and either satellite internet or get a tower put up for high speed and get off this dialup. I had blogged a few times from work but seems someone was always coming in the office and I hate someone reading over my shoulder lol.
-----------------------------
And finally my daily horoscope (the one with a smartass sarcastic edge that comes in my email) for today.
Dear Brad,
Here is your AstroSlam
for Monday, December 15:

The world has become overrun with overbearing people! Only one person can save us ... the most overbearing and critical mutant alive on Earth today. You're our final hope.

------------------------------
See you mutants on the battlefield haha

Has it been 20 years?

2008-10-18T17:24:00.000-07:00

I recently attended my 20 year high school reunion. We had a pretty good turnout and it was a great time visiting with many friends I had not seen since high school even though a fairly high percentage still live nearby. Odd how life does that to us sometimes huh? Anyway this is one of my best friends from junior high through junior year when he moved away to west Texas. This is Ricky and his wife Stacy. We were both pitchers on our little league baseball team. He still lives out near Wichita Falls and I am hoping to make it out that way and see them sometime within the next year.

Next up in this picture is Liberty (who looks as awesome if not more so than she did in school), our class president Craig , who is a district attorney now in Indian Territory, and Liberty's friend Geoff whom I work with. Craig and myself along with my friend Lisa were the ones responsible for tracking people down and we found about 90% of our classmates.

This from left to right is Lisa, Lessia, Deidra, and Beverly (with me trying to get out of the background). Lisa was our main organizer for this reunion and lives in the DFW area. I am hoping to connect with her next week for a lunch "date" (gotta be careful how I word that as her hubby might take that wrong) Lessia has recently moved back to this area and is married to a guy with same last name as myself although no relation. Deidra....all I can say is WOW. This girl moved away her Sophomore year I think it was so it had been 22 years since I had seen her and again...WOW. I had spoken to her on the phone several times while helping to organize the reunion but had no clue who she was when I arrived at Magel's Grill. I actually thought she was one of my classmates wife or significant other. She lives down in East Texas with her husband (and for some reason I cannot recall his name now) so hopefully she and I can connect some on one my trips down that way. Beverly looked just as she did in school if not even prettier. She is still the same person for sure (lets just say she would bid on that ocean front property everyone speaks of)

This is of course me with my friend Jamie. She lives nearby as well and hopefully we can stay in touch more in the future. We used to hang out some outside of school which is something I did not do much of with so many of my classmates. For some reason I seemed to hang with people from other schools more.....maybe after seeing my classmates all day I wanted to interact with someone else I guess haha.

I will share more pics in the coming weeks from the picnic at a local park we had that saturday afternoon and also more from Magel's Grill that evening. After dinner quite a few of us headed down the road to Buffalo Joe's Pub and hung out some more. Unfortunately I had to cut it short and head to work but it was fun while it lasted. I am looking forward to chatting with some of my other classmates who were unable to attend as well. I had even thought about using some of my future vacation time to visit some of the ones who have moved off. Some of these locations include Colorado (just outside Denver), Connecticut, Ft Wayne Indiana, and a for now undisclosed location in central America. Lets just say one can see the Gulf of Mexico from this classmates villiage.

Hope everyone is doing well (ok there may only be one reader anymore so "HI Robyn") haha.

Early birthday present for me!!

2008-09-03T22:45:00.000-07:00

Take a set of these.....

Add in a few of these.........

And you get an early birthday present for Brad.

Its a little bit rougher truck than I had originally thought from the pictures online but for what I gave for it (he was asking $3500 and I got it for $2200) I could not build the axles for. Its a 1985 GMC Jimmy with 1 ton suspension (gas hog) and 11" of lift (soon to be lowered back down a tad) and it has me itching to get it going and get into rock crawling with my good friend Jerry (who was nice enough to join on this excursion to get this beast). Hopefully more updates soon including some action pics on the rocks of southeast Indian Territory (Oklahoma to the rest of ya)

(sound of crickets)

2008-08-27T16:56:00.000-07:00

So THIS is where I left this blog.....been looking for this for MONTHS now haha.

It has been a very busy summer for sure. It has definitely been my most active summer since I was maybe 22 years old or so (I turn 39 in a week or so). I am still hitting the weights regularly (and its starting to show some) and doing lots of walking and jogging and we still play volleyball once a week on Friday nights. My friend Nikki and I have got a co-ed softball team started at work and we are supposed to start up with that at the end of September. I am hoping to get to hang out with my friends Russell and Dusty this weekend for first time since she had their kid so definitely looking forward to that!!

Not a lot else going on since last update other than that. Will try to stop by a few blogs tonight if time permits. Hope everyone is well and enjoying life!!

Still alive and kicking

2008-06-26T19:01:00.002-07:00

Seems I got lost for a while huh? Life has gotten quite busy around these parts as per usual for summer in Texas. Temperatures are finally getting comfortable (upper 90s) and staying busy with work and outside stuff. My daughter graduated from high school a few weeks ago and last weekend celebrated her 18th birthday. Her plans at this time are to start to the ocal JC in the fall taking her basics enroute to what hopefully will be a nurse practitioner job. True thats a few years away but thats her plan for now.

Not much else going on other than Friday night volleyball (I dislocated my thumb last week but hopefully it has healed enough in a week for me to try it again tomorrow haha)

Will try to mke it around to some of your blogs later tonight from work.

Brad

Nothing runs like a deere, and Ohio bound

2008-04-20T04:48:00.001-07:00

Well my bosses boss finally gave his ok (with reservations) and I will get to take a trip to one of our other manufacturing plants for a week beginning next Monday (28th) to assist them in "going live" with SAP. SAP is basically a whole new operating system for keeping up with inventory and purchasing and receiving. I will be in Napoleon Ohio (I googled it and dang its small lol) but will hopefully have a little extra time to go around and sightsee SOME anyway. Least I can do is say I got to see one of the Great Lakes right? haha
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Loving the new John Deere lawn tractor for sure. Friend of mine told me I don't even let the grass get big enough to mow before I am back out there on it again. It got up into the 80s here and supposed to be near 90 tomorrow. I am sooooooo ready for this weather to get warm and stay there. It has really been an odd spring weather wise. We have had abundant rainfall and everything is growing well right now. I am going to be getting some bushes and trees planted when I get back from Ohio. (Dont want mom and dad to have to come water them for me haha) and hopefuly get a load or two of dirt hauled in tostart smoothing out some low spots here and there in the yard and to redirect the water flow that comes right down my driveway when it rains hard. I will eventually have a lil pond dug for it to run into in one corner of my yard..
____________________
Not much else to report except for a prayer request. Good friend of mine who is just a few years older pm'd me a few days ago letting me know her mom had passed away. She needs some comforting prayers if you dont mind.

My horoscope for today...

2008-04-06T18:32:00.000-07:00

Dear Brad,
Here is your horoscope
for Sunday, April 6:

You're struck by inspiration today and should find that some aspect of your life seems to slide right into place after a long time of sticking out like a bent nail. It's a good time to move forward.
=================
With this being posted I am sure you are wondering what inspiration struck me today? I got home around 4:30 am from a short gambling trip to Shreveport (lost $150 on blackjack ) and slept most all day......if I had known I was being struck by inspiration today I would have woke up earlier and let it strike. I did mow some of my yard.......was not really inspired during that as they wet grass kept clogging everything up.

Hope everyone (one?) had a great weekend. I will try to make it by some of your blogs tonight at work. Maybe they will inspire me ?

New truck,storms, rain and friends

2008-04-03T17:33:00.000-07:00

There is nothing better than the encouragement of a good friend.

-Katharine Butler Hathaway

Yes it has been a while since I made it round these parts. Had a few dates since then....nothing major.. just realizing women have no right at all to complain about men acting oddly......and I shall leave it at that.
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I did get a new (to me) truck since my last post. 2004 quad cab Z71 Chevy and liking it immensely so far. Is it possible for vehicles to have emotions? haha My 1996 Yukon seems to be acting kinda sully since I got the Z71. Went out to crank it up earlier and it refused to start. It has never refused to start before. Maybe it was feeling betrayed and left behind since I have been spending time with this new truck. My Yukon is jealous and I dont know what to do. Think Dr Laura could help me out with this one? I am sure I would get hung up on right? haha. (no i dont listen to Dr Laura but was cycling through the XM stations earlier and she was on one of them)
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I may possibly be going to Ohio for a week to assist one of our other plants with the launch of SAP(basically a new computer networking system we have recently went to) so hopefully it will warm up there by the end of April haha. If I do get to go it will be 6 glorious days in the metropolis of Napoleon Ohio..........never heard of it you say? Its south of Toledo and a bustling population of less than 10k lol
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Can it rain much more this spring? This has been a very wet Texas spring for sure and the grass is growing super fast right now. It has just started raining (storming actually) once again here. Earlier today in west Texas they supposedly had hail the size of softballs. I would imagine these might hurt just a bit if they hit the noggin.......or anywhere. Hopefully since its almost dark here and cooling off the chance of hail will lessen considerably. Largest I have ever seen in this area was between golfball and tennis ball size I guess. Was not much of that but it sure tore up some cars at the local dragstrip that time. Tore a friend of mine up pretty well also. Picture a young man trying to hurriedly jump into his prized race car.....stretched out over the roll bar trying to slide in.....and a hail stone caught him square on the family jewels......we still joke about it some but none of us would ever wish that on anyone........except maybe Obama haha.
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Rambled enough for now. Hope everyone is doing well and I made the rounds to most everyones blog from work last night but wasnt in a commenting mood. In case you have a counter and are looking at IP addresses the KC Missouri guest was me haha.

No regrets for sure

2008-03-01T06:50:00.000-08:00

"Don't regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many."

This was a recent quote I received in my email inbox, author unknown. So many people whine and cry about this or that but look at all the young people who die before they even reach the age we are now. A good friend of mine recently covered this very subject on her myspace blog. Don't look to the past too long because as you do your future is zipping right on by. If you look too far ahead you miss whats happening to you now. (my problem occasionally) I am attempting to live more in the present.......to do things now and not put off that phone call for another day.......the urge to go gambling occasionally......that long due lunch with a friend......I admit I do work more than I should sometimes (quit shaking your heads in agreement) haha. I have made some progress though. I told them I would only work for 4 hours tonight (that is progress although slow ) haha
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I am about to start on my dog pen. I hate keeping her in a pen but she has a tendency to run off and I don't want her to get shot for chasing the neighbors cows haha. Anyone want to come help dig post holes? Or build a small pole barn? There's those damn crickets again.
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Hope everyone (both) of you is doing well. I have tried to make it by a few blogs here lately but this dialup has been soooooooooo much slower than usual lately. I am just hoping blogger lets me post this haha.

Chirp chirp chirp chirp

2008-02-24T02:33:00.000-08:00

Kinda deafening with all those crickets chirping around these parts huh? Yes I am very much alive and even more so than since my last post (has it really been almost a month?). I have, of course, been busy with work still and continuing my workouts. I am still not losing weight but gaining muscle which weighs more than fat so I am not ready to file a complaint just yet. I have also been trying to be more active and have spent a few very nice nights visiting in the home of a dear friend. One night she had a few other friends over and we played some board games and then watched "Deja Vu" (which I thought was an excellent movie) and just a few nights ago I stopped by a few hours before work and we visited and played another board game which I must admit she did prevail as the winner fair and square (this time).

I am soooooooo ready for the weather to start warming. I am hoping to attend my first NBA or NHL game very soon. A friend and I have talked about this and also catching a Texas Ranger game or two this spring/summer also. Hmmmmm might just have to catch all 3 major Dallas area teams in action this year....Stars, Mavericks, and Rangers (yes cowboys were left off on purpose haha). I am looking forward to the coming months and hope to travel and re-visit places and things I have not done or seen in several years.

Knock on wood (why do we do this again?) but thus far this year I have not even had a slight sniffle much less the full blown flu that so many have come down with lately. We have had quite a few people out with it at work so hopefully my overloading of vitamins and my workouts have helped boost my immunity somewhat.........or it just hasn't made it around to me yet.

Its almost 5 am, I just got home from work on a sunday morning so I think I shall nap for a bit before church. Hope everyone (both?) of you are doing great and I will try to make a few blog jogs within the next week.

huff and puff and bloooowwwwww the house down

2008-01-29T10:31:00.000-08:00

Anyone need some wind? We are getting gusts that have to be close to 60mph here right now.......shaking the ole shop for sure and whistling through the door cracks haha. I cannot sleep because of WIND.....who'da thunk it? They say the winds should die down during the evening.....at which time it will be time to get ready for work then so maybe sleep will come tomorrow.
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I signed on to a yahoo name I seldom use anymore and got reunited with a once good online friend from TN. Her name is Sherry and she is in remission now from cancer (which I was unaware she even had.......yes it had been a few years since we talked) so please add her to your prayers. She is a single mom with 3 kiddos and as she put it has basically bought the Univ of TN hospital and Savannah cancer hospice. I chatted with a few more people that I had lost contact with for a while also so lets just say I might use that name again more now haha.
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My workouts have been progressing nicely. As stated before I have been taking creatine and protein supplements and they stated that a weight gain was very possible just cause of the extra muscle you will build. They were right. I am at about 230 now up from 225-227 or so but its all muscle for sure cause my pants are looser fitting already and my shirts are fitting tighter haha. I am gonna give it about 3 more weeks before I really get serious with the weights though. Just still getting in shape in order to be able to workout the way I want to. Sad to have to get in shape in order to get in shape........guess some thursday I will have to share a pic of my progress maybe.....
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Still waiting on a day off work. I have worked every day since Christmas (went to work Christmas night in fact) and other than holidays and a week of vacation pretty much every day since october for the most part. I am getting about ready for some vacation time already haha.

Snap(ping) into shape, Choctaw princess and the Jamaican

2008-01-20T08:52:00.000-08:00

I have been learning a lot about Jamaica lately. One of my employees is a native of Jamaica. He lived there until he was 19 or so and he and a brother of his moved to Florida at first in order to make money to send back home to his mother. It is amazing the every day things we take for granted that the people of Jamaica do not have or at least most of them don't. I have learned that in order to harvest bananas the banana tree must be cut down. But they grow pretty fast and for every one that is cut down two seem to sprout up. Avocados, mangos,.....all kinds of exotic fruit are common staples or Jamaican diet. Catfish ( a favorite of mine) are considered dirty and if someone sees you eating catfish they think you are very poor. We sometimes look at Jamaican websites on break. It is really interesting getting to know about some other culture from someone who lived it and now knows the "good life of the good old USA. He makes as much in one week as some people make in a month or two on the island.I will be sharing more of my "travels with Aston" in the future.....who knows I might even make a trip down that way soon.
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I finally stopped by and met an online friend at her job earlier this week. She is part Mississippi Choctaw and part Cherokee. Such a charming lady she is. She works for a local Indian agency. More of my culture education. I am sure I will be learning more from this Indian princess as well.
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I have joined the local Snap Fitness gym. I have been going each day since last Tuesday and basically getting a feel for all the equipment and trying to get a workout plan figured out. I will say this.....those elliptical trainers really give a great cardio workout. I started my first "real" workout this morning. Hopefully will get to where I wish to be soon as far as my conditioning.

whey out there and tagging Breazy back

2008-01-11T17:04:00.000-08:00

The person who says it cannot be done should not interrupt the person who is doing it.

I have decided to (hopefully) take my workouts up a notch. I stopped by this morning and bought some whey protein, some 2% milk to mix it with and some creatine. Whey is one of the best sources of protein as it is easily absorbed. I was worried this stuff would taste horrible but it is actually quite good. I am even thinking about trying it with soy milk sometime soon also. Never had soy milk though so not sure how that would taste. The creatine is basically to increase gains in muscle mass by providing more energy to the muscles during exercise. It also helps to hydrate the muscle cells which also adds size. I am trying to stick with the 3 day a week weight workout and walking anywhere from 2-4 miles a day and soon hopefully start jogging some of these miles again soon. The latter part of 2007 saw me add about 20 pounds back on and just to document my weight here in the blog today I was 227 while during the summer last year I had gotten down to 208 or so. With the supplements I am taking it is possible the weight could actually increase some at first but it should start dwindling down again soon.
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My good friend Breazy tagged me (&^%$#*&^%$#@) haha just kidding Breazy and I shall get to that tagging soon. I don't normally get tagged and sometimes I don't reply to the tagging as I really feel theres not much I haven't shared already in my "100 things about Brad" post last year.....or was that year before last.

Link to the person who tagged you;
Leave a comment on their blog so that their readers can visit yours;
Post the rules on your blog;
Share 7 random and/or weird facts about yourself on your blog;
Tag 7 random people at the end of your post;
Include links to their blogs;
Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
7 things about me…

7. I started blogging because of someone I started chatting with who blogged.

6. I quite often will go out for late night /early morning drives to no place in particular and end up 2 or 3 counties away. You could say I love to drive.

5. If reading and researching about fitness was a paying job I would have become wealthy this past year. Instead I am poorer for buying all these books haha.

3. I always break the rules so thats why there is no #4 (plus by doing this it eliminates two things I have to come up with)

2. I sometimes cheat to make the game more in my favor. Its not playing fair I know but who said life was?

1. I have gambled away 2 weeks pay playing blackjack before. I have also won 2 months worth of paychecks playing in one weekend. I need to go play again now that I think about it.

Again I wont follow the rules and tag anyone so if you wanna do it let me know you did in my comments.

My goals for 2008.....and some birthday wishes

2007-12-31T14:37:00.000-08:00

Firstly a few people I know are having birthdays today. First off is my good friend Christie who I have blogged about several times. These include my adventures into Indian Territory . She is such a special person in my life. She is in Ft Worth tonight celebrating birthday and new years at Billy Bobs world class honkytonk and watching Kevin Fowler perform. Next up is Chelle over at her escape. I think she is turning 29 again. Not sure how that whole Canadian to American exchange works on ages though so that number might be off a bit ;) Stop by her place and wish her a happy birthday. Lastly is a pretty young lady I just started chatting with this week. She lives in a nearby town and her name is Christy. I have not had the privilege of meeting her yet but hopefully sometime soon. She is celebrating her birthday at home with her boys. 29th too I think.....seems to be a trend here haha.

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I am not normally one who does the whole new years resolutions thing but this year I think I will document some goals here.

1. Other than my "house payment" I plan to be debt free at some point during 2008. This is an agressive goal but one I know I can handle with just a little planning.

2. My fitness level will rise. I don't want to put down a goal weight or how muc I want to lose because everything I have read points to the fact that weight is just a small small portion of fitness. I will track and document my weight each week (maybe on here too) but mainly I will be focusing on building endurance and strength.

3. Once a week I will call someone I have not talked to in a long time. I am bad about becoming reclusive at times and I need to "get out there" so to speak more often.

4. I will spend more time with my parents. My mom and dad are both now in their 70's and I know they won't be around forever. I also want to get my dad going again on working on our family tree. He stopped (or stopped mentioning it to me anyway) and I think my research ability and use of the internet is wat he needs to get it going again.

5. I will try to blog a minimum of once a week, if nothing else just to ave something to look back on. I should also get back to sharing some of my poems every Friday like I did for a brief stint. I have not taken the time to write anything new lately though. Maybe its time to start organizing some of these things.

6. Saving the biggest "change" for last, I will become more in touch with God and walk in his shadow. I know He is the reason I take each breath and without Him there is nothing. Reason this is listed LAST and not FIRST is none of the other things listed are possible without the strength He gives me.
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I hope everyone has a safe, happy and prosperous new year. Take the time each day to thank God for what He has given you. You might not feel your life is blessed but if you are breathing you are blessed. Anyone who does not know God or have Him in their lives, I would be more than happy to share some time and scriptures with them and show them what it means to be a child of God. I am far from perfect and not a preacher but I do know how to witness and don't mind doing so even for a complete stranger. Feel free to email me at brad6925@yahoo.com and include "YRYDHI" in the subject line so I know it isn't more junk mail.

May God bless each and everyone of you and guide you through the coming days, weeks months and years.

A few random quotes...

2007-12-30T00:21:00.000-08:00

Good and evil do not befall men without reason. Heaven sends them happiness or misery according to their conduct.

-Confucius

A man who is "of sound mind" is one who keeps the inner madman under lock and key. ~Paul Valéry

Did you ever stop to think, and forget to start again? ~Winnie the Pooh

A person often meets his destiny on the road he took to avoid it. ~Jean de La Fontaine

I can't wait all my life
On a street of broken dreams.
~Journey, "It Could Have Been You"

We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak. ~Epictetus
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I had some spare time at work and was looking around at quotes and decided to share a few that struck a nerve for one reason or another with me. I hope everyone has a safe and happy new year and may it find you prospering more and more whether it be fisically or physically.

Favorite HNT of 2007

2007-12-27T13:48:00.000-08:00

Hmmmmm HNT time again? Pick one favorite for this past year? (I didnt play along much this year so shouldnt take long to decide).I guess this one would be one of my favorites for a few reasons. I was feeling in a lot better shape then than I do now(Maybe putting 20 lbs back on has something to do with it fat boy?) But also a favorite cause of the emotions of the post. I am still "dancing with empty arms" but do have a few "prospects" haha And lastly I like it because of the lyrics in it. Merle Haggard will always be one of my favorite singers and noone today can compare with some of his lyrics, mainly cause he actually lived them and is writing from the heart. Anyway I guess I should include the two pics also and not just the link huh?

Wondering about those three letters "HNT"? Please click the little icon on my sidebar and it will become a bit more clear.

Steps both forward and back

2007-12-27T13:07:00.000-08:00

Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work.

-Aristotle
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Lately it seems my steps have been more of a retreat than advance. I have not been taking as many steps (not enough walking/jogging) and my weight has inched back up. One of the joys of winter months huh? I know I know.....I live in Texas and we dont even have winter compared to most of ya. Still it is cool enough for this Texan to really not want to get out and exercise like I should. I have slowly started getting back to the grind so to speak though and making myself do it. It is simply a matter of mind control really and my mental state has been one of confusion with all the overtime and holidays as well.
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I got a gift for Christmas that immediately made me think of a certain blogger friend . Yep a genuine tie dyed shirt (my first since I was a kid in fact haha) I also scored a nice Chiefs cap and yes I still wear the colors proudly despite the 4 win season. I have been a big time Chiefs fan since the early 90s and know they will one day be back in the playoffs. (Can we get Marty back now?)

I am down to my last few days of "training" for my lead man job I have taken as my previous lead man retires in two days. It seems odd in a way but in another way it seems like it is where I should be. The guys and gals I have working for me are great to work with and in fact most all of them have actually worked there longer than I have. I think I have seniority on two of the 14 people but as I said I have a great crew and I seldom will have any problems from them as they all know whats expected and usually do the job without even being asked or told. Thanks to the extra training I have been exposed to and exposing others to through SAP it has by far been my most profitable year. Looking forward to even more of it (with maybe a bit less overtime) this coming year. Not that I mind working for sure haha.
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Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and I would like to wish everyone a safe and prosperous new year!!!

Yes still kickin

2007-12-15T17:30:00.000-08:00

He who postpones the hour of living rightly is like the rustic who waits for the river to run out before he crosses.

-Horace

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I have begun reading The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. A good friend of mine suggested it and while I am normally not one to do much reading of that sort I have been enjoying it so far. Hopefully I can bring something from it and make me a better person. I admit I have many flaws and have no real "aim" in life. I am successful in some aspects but not the ones that really mean something. I feel I am just existing and hoping to change this very soon, God willing.

Not a lot to report really. I am just a few weeks away from taking full control of 3rd shift receiving. The guy I am replacing is retiring and his last day is Dec 28th. He started working there a year before I was born haha. Anyway I feel I have the job down pretty good so far. I have to change my hours next week in order to train a lady from Sacramento on our new receiving setup through SAP. Wish me luck there as some of you know how my patience can be when training someone. Actually I think she already knows the basics so hopefully it won't be too bad. I asked my boss what this lady looked like. No clue lol.

Will try to make it by some of your blogs tonight at work. We should have an easy night hopefully.

CIAO

Private party

2007-11-13T11:00:00.000-08:00

Why does every song I can relate to turn out to be so negative. I used to be such a positive person but seems my life is slowly turning more and more negative. I used to love the holidays.....I used to love time off work........I used to love to be around people. Now I feel so alone during the holidays (maybe cause you are alone genius). Now I feel when I am not at work I really have nothing to do(maybe cause you have nothing to do it with ?) I now nearly despise having to deal with people in stores (maybe some drugs are needed here)

Sometimes I wonder if my "one" hasnt already died or maybe she decided I wasnt coming around so she made other plans? I am not one to believe in "the one" for everyone though. I honestly sometimes feel like throwing caution to the wind and just not even looking for "the one" and settle on " the several" like so many guys do ......This "search" is definitely not working out. Maybe it is time to start anew.

Escaped convict beatdown HNT(24)

2007-10-31T18:14:00.000-07:00

Looks like an escaped convict decided he wanted my new Sony LCD tv.

Luckily I came in just in time. Good thing I keep this 2x4 near the front door!! Die scumbag!!!!!

Somehow the varmint escapes......well all of him escapes except this orange jumpsuit. He should be easy to find though.....multiple bruises on a nekkid body haha

As I am reporting the attempted robbery to the sheriff looks like a mullet headed friend of the convict comes in (This is also known as the pic I took but didnt use haha)

Hope everyone has/had a great Halloween and watch those lil ghouls and goblins and inspect that candy!!!!

Wondering what HNT is all about? Check in with the grand wizard himself the Great Osbasso and join in with us.

Why am I always showing parts I hurt?(HNT 23 for me)

2007-10-24T23:00:00.000-07:00

So I have just completed a few weeks of physical therapy on my shoulder......bicep tendonitis they said but also a weakened rotator cuff. Probably from repeated swings playing volleyball and not enough stretching it out (imagine that.....do you know how boring stretching IS? ) haha Anyway I am trying to do the right thing and do my stretches to get this problem corrected so I can continue working out with weights. I am doing light weights (hush over there
Scooby) and numerous boring stretches but I can definitely attest to the fact that PT definitely sped my recovery and I found a very PT and PTA whom I will be using from now on for any injuries I might incur. Hopefully they will lessen now that I am stretching the muscles before and after workouts.

This is the sore shoulder....when I started PT I could barely even raise it without pain. Now a few weeks later I have full ROM and almost back to full strength. This is the right shoulder and not the left which was recovering from 3 weeks in a cast just over a year ago to repair some other tendon damage. I guess I SHOULD listen to my PT from now on right? haha

Wondering what HNT is all about? Stop by Os' site and it will all become clear.

You cant have a ski trip without skiing......

2007-10-24T16:20:00.000-07:00

Another long stretch between updates it seems haha. I have been quite busy with work......most days are 12 hours long lately it seems. I DO get saturday night off this weekend looks like as of now. I am supposed to be playing in a volleyball tourney down the road from my house this Saturday also. Not sure if the weather will permit or if my "team" will even be redy to play but its all to raise money for the local community center so even if I dont have a team I will donate my share to help them out.

I have started my new job as utility service person which is basically lead man of my shift. So far nothing has fallen apart. The man I am replacing is officially still on the job until December 31st but I am technically in charge now. I have prayed about it and hope God leads me to do the job in the best way possible. I have so many on my prayer list now days I feel like all I do is ask for help or comfort for others but we all know Gods hands are large enough to grasp all the worries and problems of the world.

I have been listening to a lot more contemporary Christian music lately thanks to a good friend. She pointed out which artists she likes and our tastes seem to run pretty closely.

My ski trip has changed. It is looking like now it will not involve skiing. Yes I know its not a ski trip without skiing. My friend Christy in Denver with whom I was planning on staying is moving.....back to Texas......next week......I am glad she is moving back closer and I am sure going to look into a ski package sometime next year so I can give it a try. I am still going to try to take advantage of the Chiefs vs Broncos tickets and have a good friend who is going to fly up with me on Friday evening most likely. We will spend Saturday sight seeing around Denver, go to the football game on Sunday afternoon and fly back early monday morning. Thats the plan for now anyway.....guess I should call about changing my flight plans huh? haha

I have met a very interesting young lady and I am so bad about jinxing myself by sharing details but I am quite intriuged and looking forward to spending more time with this person and see where it might lead. She is a great friend already and I feel I can talk to her about anything. Guess thats all I should say for now.

Hope everyone has a great Halloween coming up although i PLAN to try to start updating more often its obvious by looking at my blog of late thats only twice a month lol. I will have more "office time" now with the new job but that makes the night drag by usually so I am still driving a lift a lot just to make time pass on by faster......if thats possible with a 12 hour shift. haha

CIAO

Getting spiked on....and what is normal anyway?

2007-10-08T18:27:00.000-07:00

Well I have been busy still but still making time for some fun. We had a very fun night of volleyball friday night. David who gets everyone together for this had went to a local pub before heading out to play this week. Lets just say he might have stayed at the pub a BIT too long. It was quite comical to watch for sure and I must say we were all sore from laughing so much all through the night. I think I have my team together for our little tourney coming up in a few weeks......only problem is none of the other 3 players have played volleyball in probably 6 years or more. We really dont have much of a chance to win of course but its not all about winning (never thought I would type those words). The tourney is 4 on 4 double elim with rally scoring (if anyone knows what all that means lol) so we will get to play at least 2 games woohooo haha. Last year there were only 4 teams show up though. Its just a small benefit to help the local community center stay open and pay the electric bill.
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I have started a tiny bit on my new job. Had a few days of the weekend where I was in charge and the department did not blow up or anything so I guess so far so good haha. We have one supervisor for all three shifts and I work really well with him (and used to play against him in volleyball btw many years ago haha) I feel like this job might possibly be easier than I had thought before but it also depends on any new people coming in and how they gel with people I already have. The guys already on my shift all basically do their jobs without being told what needs to be done anyway so that makes it a lot easier. For the most part I feel they accept me as a replacement for the current lead man and in some ways are glad I got the job. I can even see me possibly moving to 1st shift in the same job as they open up with retirees in the near future. Not sure I would like 1st shift that much though after working 3rd all these years but it would lead to what "most people" call "normal" hours.
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Ready for some football (HNT 22 for me)

2007-10-03T23:00:00.000-07:00

Still over two months away and I am sooooooo ready to watch MY Chiefs kick those Broncos tails.......December 9th and hoping it snows (adds to the experience right? haha) BTW I got my tickets via FedEx today....just had to try them on for y'all.

promotion and emotion

2007-10-02T18:26:00.000-07:00

Well since my last blog (again with nearly a month wait? ) I have gotten a new position at my place of employment. I am now lead man of my department which means a $2 hr raise (woohoo) and a lot more responsibility (and less actual work haha). I have started training on the job already and officially "take over" when my current lead man retires on Dec 31st. Looking forward to the challenge it presents and hoping to make a good showing.
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Had a WONDERFUL although short date with an enchanting young lady from a nearby town this past sunday. We met at Texas Roadhouse in Sherman and had some wonderful steak and taters (hers baked, mine mashed and both loaded for those wondering haha) After a very good meal and long chat during the meal we head north to Lake Texoma and sit below the dam and watch people fishing by various means.....even one guy with nothing more than a string and hook...no fishing pole. The day was beautiful although a bit warm for end of September but so goes Texas weather. After leaving the dam she proceeded to show me around her town. I learned that Sherman once had an Air Force base and it closed sometime in the 60s she thought. I never knew this and found it interesting as we drove through the edge of it.Many of the old barracks are still standing and in use in various functions. The school she teaches at is also nearby. All in all a wonderful day and looking forward to meeting back up with this lovely lady again this coming sunday for a movie and either bowling or billiards. I am sure honored to have met her. She is one of those people when you see her its hard to believe she is single.......very pretty, charming, outgoing, and very nicely built......I do feel so lucky haha.
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I ordered tickets for the Broncos vs Chiefs game to be played in Denver on Dec 9th. It will be my first NFL live experience and will be sharing this time with my great friend Christy and her husband Jimmy as it puts a great end to what I hope to be a wonderful week in Denver .....skiing, Coors brewery tour maybe and some NFL football watching my CHIEFS kick some Bronco tail. I will for sure be sporting my Red and Yellow as we watch from the 30ish yard line behind the Cheifs bench. Can you tell I am excited? haha

HNT 21 for me (has it been 6 months since i did this?)

2007-09-05T19:33:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to me! Happy Birthday to me!!! haha Today (5th) is my 38th birthday and I am not one to "celebrate" a birthday like most people do.....hell so many things I do not do like most people do haha. Anyway my mom and dad fixed some ribeyes , boiled cabbage (one of my favorite dishes), fried okra (another fav) , mashed potatos and my mom made a dish my grandmother used to make she called chocolate dumplings. They gave me some cash and these cool 400 thread count Egyptian cotton sheets

I also got quite a few online greetings from various friends as well as a 7 am Happy Birthday rendition from my best friend who just happens to be my daughters mother. She is such a special lady to me and I realize it more and more each and every day. I have a good friend with a birthday of Sept 4th, mines the 5th, another good friends is tomorrow the 6th, a neighbors has hers on the 7th, her moms is the 14th, my brothers are 21st and 22nd.........September is a busy month for us around here ( and I guess January was a busy month for our families in years past huh?

I was discussing birthdays and such with a good friend and she didn't believe when I told her I had never had an official birthday party that was not all relatives. She said she thought this was sad but thats just how we did things and I did not question it (nor did i feel slighted in anyway). I might have had candles on my cake 3 or 4 times.....again no big deal to me for sure. How about any of you? Do you celebrate excessively on your birthdays?

A month......a whole month?

2007-08-30T19:16:00.000-07:00

Well I was chatting with my friend Sandi the other day and I realized it had been almost a month since I had blogged. I have been quite busy at work .....12 hour days during the week plus working weekends.....seems to not leave much time for blogging. I did get to meet back up with an old friend from many years ago (high school) last weekend. She was back in town for a family reunion and we got together last Saturday and went to Tamollys (fav dining experience in Paris for me haha) and then went for a drive to show her whats changed since she moved off to Atlanta (via many other stops). Was a very nice visit although much too short.

I had a volleyball injury slow me down some a few weeks ago. Not sure if it was just a severe muscle strain or maybe a partial tear but its all healing up nicely now and I might get back out there and play again tomorrow night. Its a lot cooler here today so hopefully it will be that way tomorrow also. I have not been doing my workouts for a few weeks due to the arm problem but about to do a quick one before I start to get ready for work to see how it does.

Not a lot else going on round here.....taking a vacation week next week to relax and get some things done that overtime has had me neglecting. Still looking forward to my ski vacation this december with my good friend Christy from Denver. I may be healing for months afterwards but thats life......I wouldn't have it any other way!!