The next item on the agenda for becoming healthier is participating in an FC Health Assessment class. They asked for volunteers to work with the undergraduate students and so I decided to take them up on the offer for a free health assessment and more.
My portion of the class starts on Thursday. TT will be assessing my health and helping me meet my goals. Here are the goals I look to set and accomplish by the end of May:
- Weight loss (Need to be advised at what is realistic)
- Increased Flexibility (Able to touch my toes without feeling the stress in my legs.)
- Run a 5K without dying.
- Improve my cholesterol and the various components of it.
I will continue to update you on these goals as well as the Dump Your Plump status. In ways they will start to overlap one another at least for the next 5 weeks until Dump Your Plump is over.
Good Luck on your health goals! Stay positive and keep looking towards a positive outcome!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Dump Your Plump - 5 Full Weeks In
With five more weeks to go, it is exciting that my large pants are starting to fall off of me and the next size is starting to fit a little less snug. I have met my initial goal of 7 lbs and hope to maintain a nice consistent weight loss for the remaining 5 weeks. I look forward to the day that I can truly fit back into my latest wardrobe and maybe eventually fitting into some clothes from the wardrobe prior to that one.
Current weight loss 15 lbs.
After Week 5 - 192 (-3 lbs)
After Week 4 - 195 (0 lbs)
After Week 3 - 195 (-4 lbs)
After Week 2 - 199 (-2 lbs)
After Week 1 - 201 (-6 lbs)
The Start - 207
Current weight loss 15 lbs.
After Week 5 - 192 (-3 lbs)
After Week 4 - 195 (0 lbs)
After Week 3 - 195 (-4 lbs)
After Week 2 - 199 (-2 lbs)
After Week 1 - 201 (-6 lbs)
The Start - 207
Monday, February 09, 2009
25 Random Things About Me
For those on Facebook, you may have already seen these, but for those not, I thought I would share with you what the rest of the world has learned about me this past weekend. For more information about the goal of the list, read details below the list.
1. My current car is 6 years old and has 137,000 miles (22,800 mi/year). Over half of those miles (78,000) were put on within a two year span. The car currently sits in great neglect lucky to move more than once a week, but it still has great adventures to see family and friends. Most friends say I am never in one place maybe that is true, maybe it is not. I do enjoy a nice drive through the countryside.
2. The trunk of my car contains a large blue Rubbermaid container (contents: a matte black Snell certified helmet, tarp and blanket, jumper cables, air compressor, window cleaner, paper towels, de-icer, sunscreen, Sahara Sombrero, blue chalk, flashlight), two folding chairs, magnetic numbers and letters (during the summer), spare tire, and spare tire tool kit.
3. From the age of 3 through 7th grade (10 years), I took dance lessons (tap & ballet with a few years of jazz, toe, and summer acrobatics/trampoline). I know this is shocking to those who have ever seen me attempt to dance or keep a beat/rhythm because I can’t.
4. My current job is the start of my second professional career. After spending six years as a web developer, application programmer, and database administrator, I left the technology field to pursue my desires to work with young people and help develop strong leaders in all aspects of our community.
5. I over analyze everything including the creation of this list.
6. While spending two months in Western Australia (Perth), I played basketball for the Lakeside women (Western Australian State Basketball League, second-tiered semi-professional basketball league), coached an under-9 boys basketball team, learned to kick a footy, had a kangaroo eating out of my hand, worked with the youth of the church and local schools, fell in love with Tim Tams, and much more.
7. One of the weirdest/strangest things I have ever eaten was fried cow’s blood in Puerto Rico.
8. August 1993 included a 24+ hour bus ride to Denver, Colorado for World Youth Day. I saw Pope John Paul II and still have the bandana that a kind soul gave me on the sick bus.
9. Photography is a great passion of mine. I stopped taking as many pictures years ago because I always felt like people were looking at me funny. A camera use to be attached to my every move and everything was documented. To give you an idea of my crazy picture taking: Australia 600 plus film pictures in 2 months and Ghana 2,100 plus digital pictures plus several rolls of film pictures in 2 weeks.
10. A dream of mine since freshman year of college is to have my own black & white dark room. I received honorable mention for an experimental black & white photograph in undergrad.
11. I am a pack rat rarely ever throwing anything away. That is why there are boxes and boxes of items waiting to go into scrapbooks from college years to friends’ weddings and baby showers.
12. Current collections include shot glasses, postcards, key chains, porcelain dolls, UK basketball posters, bibles, and money (state quarters, pennies, foreign currency). Collections not as frequently added to these days include pencils, pens, unicorns, stamps, baseball cards, NASCAR collectibles, and books (most have not been read).
13. Christmas is my favorite holiday and winter my favorite season. (I love the beautiful white snow outside.)
14. Often times, my first experience at events will never be topped by future experiences.
First NCAA basketball game 1994 SEC Championship game in the Pyramid, Memphis, TN, Kentucky defeated Florida. We had seats about 10 rows up from the floor across from the UK bench.
First NCAA football game UK vs #1 LSU 2007 in Commonwealth Stadium, Lexington, KY. I had seats in the end zone right in the middle of the LSU Indianapolis Alumni section. (Very nice fans to those of us wearing Wildcat blue.)
15. Would you like to catch me on IM? You probably can from any medium (ICQ, AIM, Yahoo, MSN, GMail, Facebook) you use and some may have never known of their existence. Am I missing any?
16. Summer of 1998 included the creation of my own personal website and unlike today, I had to actually figure out HTML and design the site. There was also a cool little chat feature (at the time) that I added to the site to talk back and forth with friends.
17. The one thing you will always find in my refrigerator is cheese. Yes, I am 100% addicted to cheese and working very hard to reduce the intake. There is a crisis when the refrigerator is without cheese.
18. Snooze once upon a time was not in my vocabulary or in arms reach. I truly was a morning person except on Saturday’s. Then summer of 1998 happened and 12 hour shifts at campus safety on weekends. Life has never been the same and snooze has turned into two alarm clocks.
19. I have partaken in homecoming festivities at Georgetown College every year since I started in 1996, only missing the last two Songfests.
20. So the second of the 25 in this list still has you perplexed as why I have a helmet, magnetic numbers and letters, and blue chalk in my trunk. These are all necessary things in order to autocross or solo on a Sunday afternoon. Quick: Cones are setup in a pattern in a parking lot and cars are individually timed.
21. Besides autocross, I also love to road rally and am one mean navigator. Quick: Each team is given a set of directions to navigate through the countryside at or below speed. The goal is to hit hidden controls exactly on time based on speed and distance.
22. The first thing that pops in my mind when someone talks about skiing is water skiing not snow skiing. I spent my entire childhood on the lake water skiing and finally learned how to slalom ski in college before going on hiatus for the past 9 years.
23. The conclusion and beginning of a new year of life must be celebrated to its full extent no matter the year. Therefore I love to celebrate and wish others a Happy Birthday.
24. Many are scared of the dentist but I am not as the worst thing to happen to me at the dentist was getting my four wisdom teeth cut out. (Knock on wood) I have never had a cavity.
25. If you like to play cards, board games, and other logic/analytic games, you have found a friend who will play about anytime, anywhere. But if you are interested in video games, charades, trivia, and related games, then definitely do not call me. Also I should warn you that I am a competitive individual.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Apparently, you're supposed to write a note of 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. Then, tag 25 people. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you.
(To do this, go to “notes” under tabs on your profile page, paste these instructions in the body of the note, type your 25 random things, tag 25 people - in the right hand corner of the app - then click publish.)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. My current car is 6 years old and has 137,000 miles (22,800 mi/year). Over half of those miles (78,000) were put on within a two year span. The car currently sits in great neglect lucky to move more than once a week, but it still has great adventures to see family and friends. Most friends say I am never in one place maybe that is true, maybe it is not. I do enjoy a nice drive through the countryside.
2. The trunk of my car contains a large blue Rubbermaid container (contents: a matte black Snell certified helmet, tarp and blanket, jumper cables, air compressor, window cleaner, paper towels, de-icer, sunscreen, Sahara Sombrero, blue chalk, flashlight), two folding chairs, magnetic numbers and letters (during the summer), spare tire, and spare tire tool kit.
3. From the age of 3 through 7th grade (10 years), I took dance lessons (tap & ballet with a few years of jazz, toe, and summer acrobatics/trampoline). I know this is shocking to those who have ever seen me attempt to dance or keep a beat/rhythm because I can’t.
4. My current job is the start of my second professional career. After spending six years as a web developer, application programmer, and database administrator, I left the technology field to pursue my desires to work with young people and help develop strong leaders in all aspects of our community.
5. I over analyze everything including the creation of this list.
6. While spending two months in Western Australia (Perth), I played basketball for the Lakeside women (Western Australian State Basketball League, second-tiered semi-professional basketball league), coached an under-9 boys basketball team, learned to kick a footy, had a kangaroo eating out of my hand, worked with the youth of the church and local schools, fell in love with Tim Tams, and much more.
7. One of the weirdest/strangest things I have ever eaten was fried cow’s blood in Puerto Rico.
8. August 1993 included a 24+ hour bus ride to Denver, Colorado for World Youth Day. I saw Pope John Paul II and still have the bandana that a kind soul gave me on the sick bus.
9. Photography is a great passion of mine. I stopped taking as many pictures years ago because I always felt like people were looking at me funny. A camera use to be attached to my every move and everything was documented. To give you an idea of my crazy picture taking: Australia 600 plus film pictures in 2 months and Ghana 2,100 plus digital pictures plus several rolls of film pictures in 2 weeks.
10. A dream of mine since freshman year of college is to have my own black & white dark room. I received honorable mention for an experimental black & white photograph in undergrad.
11. I am a pack rat rarely ever throwing anything away. That is why there are boxes and boxes of items waiting to go into scrapbooks from college years to friends’ weddings and baby showers.
12. Current collections include shot glasses, postcards, key chains, porcelain dolls, UK basketball posters, bibles, and money (state quarters, pennies, foreign currency). Collections not as frequently added to these days include pencils, pens, unicorns, stamps, baseball cards, NASCAR collectibles, and books (most have not been read).
13. Christmas is my favorite holiday and winter my favorite season. (I love the beautiful white snow outside.)
14. Often times, my first experience at events will never be topped by future experiences.
First NCAA basketball game 1994 SEC Championship game in the Pyramid, Memphis, TN, Kentucky defeated Florida. We had seats about 10 rows up from the floor across from the UK bench.
First NCAA football game UK vs #1 LSU 2007 in Commonwealth Stadium, Lexington, KY. I had seats in the end zone right in the middle of the LSU Indianapolis Alumni section. (Very nice fans to those of us wearing Wildcat blue.)
15. Would you like to catch me on IM? You probably can from any medium (ICQ, AIM, Yahoo, MSN, GMail, Facebook) you use and some may have never known of their existence. Am I missing any?
16. Summer of 1998 included the creation of my own personal website and unlike today, I had to actually figure out HTML and design the site. There was also a cool little chat feature (at the time) that I added to the site to talk back and forth with friends.
17. The one thing you will always find in my refrigerator is cheese. Yes, I am 100% addicted to cheese and working very hard to reduce the intake. There is a crisis when the refrigerator is without cheese.
18. Snooze once upon a time was not in my vocabulary or in arms reach. I truly was a morning person except on Saturday’s. Then summer of 1998 happened and 12 hour shifts at campus safety on weekends. Life has never been the same and snooze has turned into two alarm clocks.
19. I have partaken in homecoming festivities at Georgetown College every year since I started in 1996, only missing the last two Songfests.
20. So the second of the 25 in this list still has you perplexed as why I have a helmet, magnetic numbers and letters, and blue chalk in my trunk. These are all necessary things in order to autocross or solo on a Sunday afternoon. Quick: Cones are setup in a pattern in a parking lot and cars are individually timed.
21. Besides autocross, I also love to road rally and am one mean navigator. Quick: Each team is given a set of directions to navigate through the countryside at or below speed. The goal is to hit hidden controls exactly on time based on speed and distance.
22. The first thing that pops in my mind when someone talks about skiing is water skiing not snow skiing. I spent my entire childhood on the lake water skiing and finally learned how to slalom ski in college before going on hiatus for the past 9 years.
23. The conclusion and beginning of a new year of life must be celebrated to its full extent no matter the year. Therefore I love to celebrate and wish others a Happy Birthday.
24. Many are scared of the dentist but I am not as the worst thing to happen to me at the dentist was getting my four wisdom teeth cut out. (Knock on wood) I have never had a cavity.
25. If you like to play cards, board games, and other logic/analytic games, you have found a friend who will play about anytime, anywhere. But if you are interested in video games, charades, trivia, and related games, then definitely do not call me. Also I should warn you that I am a competitive individual.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Apparently, you're supposed to write a note of 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. Then, tag 25 people. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you.
(To do this, go to “notes” under tabs on your profile page, paste these instructions in the body of the note, type your 25 random things, tag 25 people - in the right hand corner of the app - then click publish.)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dump Your Plump - 3 Full Weeks In
Wow...the weight keeps coming off to my great surprise. I am a bit concerned about the upcoming weekend and following week because I will be on call for the first time since this journey started. On-call means being up late and really not wanting to get up in the morning. But I will report back next week with an update, good or bad.
Current weight loss 12 lbs.
After Week 3 - 195 (-4 lbs)
After Week 2 - 199 (-2 lbs)
After Week 1 - 201 (-6 lbs)
The Start - 207
Thanks to all those who overtime have helped motivate me! Soon I will start actually running and maybe compete in a 5K with you. Give me a target date.
Current weight loss 12 lbs.
After Week 3 - 195 (-4 lbs)
After Week 2 - 199 (-2 lbs)
After Week 1 - 201 (-6 lbs)
The Start - 207
Thanks to all those who overtime have helped motivate me! Soon I will start actually running and maybe compete in a 5K with you. Give me a target date.
For my readers or just my personal notetaking...
Do I have any readers left? I feel the answer to be no, but surely there is one or two of you still out there. My latest posts just do not seek any comments or thoughts from those avid readers :-) Maybe, I can trick myself into believing that people are reading but like me are scanning quickly and have little time to comment. Whatever it is, I hope someone is enjoying my posts.
Monday, February 02, 2009
What type of electronic device do you use as a phone?
Is it a phone, a radio, a tv, an organizer, your to do lists electronic, a camera, a calendar, email conduit? What exactly does your electronic device that was once just a phone now do? Do you really need all of that information and abilities at your fingertip?
As many of you know, I am always a stage or two behind technology to say the least. I have no huge desires to be on the cutting edge or maybe in the near proximity of it. There are various reasons for this reluctance to move to the new and leave the old: costs, needs, familiarity, comfort, costs, simplicity.
Another issue these days is not working with all of my tech friends, I really have no clue what is out there these days in terms of cell phones. So if you were to buy a new cell phone, what would you purchase and why? I currently have a 3 to 4+ year old Razr and have AT&T service. I really don't use my phone much except to talk to friends and family. I definitely need Bluetooth capabilities for headless earpiece, but besides that I am not sure I need a whole lot else.
I appreciate your advice and thoughts.
As many of you know, I am always a stage or two behind technology to say the least. I have no huge desires to be on the cutting edge or maybe in the near proximity of it. There are various reasons for this reluctance to move to the new and leave the old: costs, needs, familiarity, comfort, costs, simplicity.
Another issue these days is not working with all of my tech friends, I really have no clue what is out there these days in terms of cell phones. So if you were to buy a new cell phone, what would you purchase and why? I currently have a 3 to 4+ year old Razr and have AT&T service. I really don't use my phone much except to talk to friends and family. I definitely need Bluetooth capabilities for headless earpiece, but besides that I am not sure I need a whole lot else.
I appreciate your advice and thoughts.
Ice, Snow, Sleet, Electricity, Phone, Gas, ......
Wow what a week was had by many. Here in Indiana, we received around a foot of snow and sleet. Thank goodness! I will take a foot of snow any day over the massive amounts of freezing rain and ice that hit Kentucky.
Thanks to all of those who have prayed for my family, who have gone out to help those throughout the state, and continue to provide support and prayers!
My hometown was quite crippled with all of the ice. Curfews were set and I even saw that liquor sales were to stop at 10:30 in the evening. Electricity went out to many on Tuesday morning and did not come back for several days. I still have some family and friends without power though I believe a majority of them have regained electricity. Phone lines are working much better now after being down for several days and then very spotty for several more days.
Communication has been an interesting task over the past week. A lot of communication occurred between family and friends outside of the area who in one way or another had contact with their family down home. The connections created by Facebook helped me know that a) most of my family was out of power b) the reason I could not contact family was because the only phone service was Verizon. Without Facebook, I would have continued to sit in the dark unknowing of what was really happening. Friends' statuses were updated all in search for any news of those back home and the situation.
The stories of the family pulling together to help one another and others sharing and providing are wonderful. May God continue to bless and keep everyone safe who need power and who are working to provide power and clean the roads.
Check out this link for pictures of the Snow of 2009.
Thanks to all of those who have prayed for my family, who have gone out to help those throughout the state, and continue to provide support and prayers!
My hometown was quite crippled with all of the ice. Curfews were set and I even saw that liquor sales were to stop at 10:30 in the evening. Electricity went out to many on Tuesday morning and did not come back for several days. I still have some family and friends without power though I believe a majority of them have regained electricity. Phone lines are working much better now after being down for several days and then very spotty for several more days.
Communication has been an interesting task over the past week. A lot of communication occurred between family and friends outside of the area who in one way or another had contact with their family down home. The connections created by Facebook helped me know that a) most of my family was out of power b) the reason I could not contact family was because the only phone service was Verizon. Without Facebook, I would have continued to sit in the dark unknowing of what was really happening. Friends' statuses were updated all in search for any news of those back home and the situation.
The stories of the family pulling together to help one another and others sharing and providing are wonderful. May God continue to bless and keep everyone safe who need power and who are working to provide power and clean the roads.
Check out this link for pictures of the Snow of 2009.
Prayers for Baby Bailey
Baby Bailey was born Friday morning in the midst of the Ice Storm 2009 chaos in Western Kentucky. She is a beautiful little girl weighing in at 7 lbs 13 ounces. She joins the ever growing family as the 10th great grandchild.
I ask for your prayers for her and her family as she was born with an infant heart condition called "Transposition of the Great Vessels of the Heart". Basically, her aorta which is suppose to carry blood to the body from the left ventricle and her pulmonary artery which is suppose to carry blood to the lungs from the right ventricle are swapped.
She is scheduled for surgery on Tuesday, February 3 to swap the arteries. After speaking with my friend DG, I have learned a lot about the process and though there are potential complications. Bailey's condition seems to be a very positive one. She has been doing very well thus far and as long as all of today's tests turned out okay we are looking forward to a great prognosis.
Some have asked if the condition was found prior or after birth. It was discovered after birth and after speaking to my friend, it is not something that can be detected in prenatal scans. The fact that she was carried to full term and is otherwise healthy provides her with a great prognosis and a quick recovery.
Thanks for all of your thoughts and prayers! I will update you on her condition soon.
I ask for your prayers for her and her family as she was born with an infant heart condition called "Transposition of the Great Vessels of the Heart". Basically, her aorta which is suppose to carry blood to the body from the left ventricle and her pulmonary artery which is suppose to carry blood to the lungs from the right ventricle are swapped.
She is scheduled for surgery on Tuesday, February 3 to swap the arteries. After speaking with my friend DG, I have learned a lot about the process and though there are potential complications. Bailey's condition seems to be a very positive one. She has been doing very well thus far and as long as all of today's tests turned out okay we are looking forward to a great prognosis.
Some have asked if the condition was found prior or after birth. It was discovered after birth and after speaking to my friend, it is not something that can be detected in prenatal scans. The fact that she was carried to full term and is otherwise healthy provides her with a great prognosis and a quick recovery.
Thanks for all of your thoughts and prayers! I will update you on her condition soon.
Dump Your Plump - 2 Full Weeks In
Update on how things are going with Dump Your Plump. We are now 2 full weeks in and completed the third weigh in today.
The Start - 207
After Week 1 - 201 (-6 lbs)
After Week 2 - 199 (-2 lbs)
I believe a lot of the loss has come down to portion control and what I eat because I have not really increased the exercise. I am walking 5 days a week for approx 30 mins and 2 miles.
The other key is the motivation of knowing that I have to weigh in on Monday mornings. Otherwise, I know will power would not have succeeded last night at the Super Bowl party. There are still 8 more weeks to go and who knows what will happen.
I encourage you to find a friend or a group to motivate and keep you honest about your goals for weight loss, exercise, etc. It is definitely one of the best motivators and is keeping me on task. Look for another update soon.
The Start - 207
After Week 1 - 201 (-6 lbs)
After Week 2 - 199 (-2 lbs)
I believe a lot of the loss has come down to portion control and what I eat because I have not really increased the exercise. I am walking 5 days a week for approx 30 mins and 2 miles.
The other key is the motivation of knowing that I have to weigh in on Monday mornings. Otherwise, I know will power would not have succeeded last night at the Super Bowl party. There are still 8 more weeks to go and who knows what will happen.
I encourage you to find a friend or a group to motivate and keep you honest about your goals for weight loss, exercise, etc. It is definitely one of the best motivators and is keeping me on task. Look for another update soon.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Dump Your Plump
The time has come to become serious about getting in shape and losing some weight. The local county has a program called "Dump Your Plump". It is a team program to encourage individuals in the community to become healthier. I have joined a team of fellow Student Affairs professionals and others. We are known as the 'Chunky Dunks'. Our first weigh in is on Monday and then we have six weeks to get fit, eat healthy, and lose weight.
Since mid-semester, I have been trying to eat healthier and get in shape. The eating healthier has gone in spurts with the Thanksgiving, Birthday, Christmas holidays being a bit tough. The getting in shape is a slightly different story. I walk a good 3-4 times a week during lunch. Currently, we walk 2 miles around the indoor track but when the weather was nice we walked around the community. In the last few weeks, we have picked up the free weights and walk with 2 lbs in each hand.
The goal is to eat healthier by watching portion sizes, eliminating desserts again, minimizing juice intake, healthier snacks, and working on more veggies and fruits. The exercise component is a bit more difficult because it is hard to motivate myself in the evenings to do things. But I hope to get the gazelle out and start walking on it at night as I watch TV. It may become a permanent fixture in the middle of the living room.
Since mid-semester, I have been trying to eat healthier and get in shape. The eating healthier has gone in spurts with the Thanksgiving, Birthday, Christmas holidays being a bit tough. The getting in shape is a slightly different story. I walk a good 3-4 times a week during lunch. Currently, we walk 2 miles around the indoor track but when the weather was nice we walked around the community. In the last few weeks, we have picked up the free weights and walk with 2 lbs in each hand.
The goal is to eat healthier by watching portion sizes, eliminating desserts again, minimizing juice intake, healthier snacks, and working on more veggies and fruits. The exercise component is a bit more difficult because it is hard to motivate myself in the evenings to do things. But I hope to get the gazelle out and start walking on it at night as I watch TV. It may become a permanent fixture in the middle of the living room.
Night of Contemplation....What do you think?
What can I say? Life has been busy and I have failed to post much in the last several months. I can always say I will try better but I believe we all know now that is probably not going to happen.
So what can I say? I am definitely starting to understand why and how many of my friends are bad at communicating in any means. Schedules and life starts to overwhelm us and it does come to a point that trying to communicate with others becomes difficult.
Things that cross my mind or conflict when I want to call someone:
- Are they still at work? This can actually work in both directions though mostly if people are at work, they most likely will not answer their phone. There are a few people who I call at work.
- Are they in the middle of dinner or lunch (Sat and Sun)? People eat at all times of the day and night now days. As a child, there was a set time you did not call because people would be in the middle of dinner but now that could be about anytime from 4 pm - 9 pm.
- What time is too late to call? My general rule of thumb here is no calls after 10 pm. If they have children, no calls after 9 pm.
- Do people actually like talking on the phone anymore? Or is it a bother?
- Am I inconveniencing them calling? Should I just send an email, but thats so impersonal and not a good two way conversation?
- Does the person actually even care to speak with me? Are they just being polite or do they genuinely want to talk?
- If they never call back, do you call again? Or do you figure they don't want to talk to you?
These last questions seem to get to another contemplation of who are your friends, acquaintances, and just general people you know. How do you know that what once was a friendship is now just a mere acquaintance? How long of no communication is too long to reconnect with someone? Is the communication lacking because of the person's inability to communicate well with anyone or do they truly not want to maintain that open communication?
Those are my contemplative questions this evening. They may make sense and they may not. It is very hard to tell as sleep deprivation has set in and there is still at least another hour and half to go before my head can hit the pillow.
So what can I say? I am definitely starting to understand why and how many of my friends are bad at communicating in any means. Schedules and life starts to overwhelm us and it does come to a point that trying to communicate with others becomes difficult.
Things that cross my mind or conflict when I want to call someone:
- Are they still at work? This can actually work in both directions though mostly if people are at work, they most likely will not answer their phone. There are a few people who I call at work.
- Are they in the middle of dinner or lunch (Sat and Sun)? People eat at all times of the day and night now days. As a child, there was a set time you did not call because people would be in the middle of dinner but now that could be about anytime from 4 pm - 9 pm.
- What time is too late to call? My general rule of thumb here is no calls after 10 pm. If they have children, no calls after 9 pm.
- Do people actually like talking on the phone anymore? Or is it a bother?
- Am I inconveniencing them calling? Should I just send an email, but thats so impersonal and not a good two way conversation?
- Does the person actually even care to speak with me? Are they just being polite or do they genuinely want to talk?
- If they never call back, do you call again? Or do you figure they don't want to talk to you?
These last questions seem to get to another contemplation of who are your friends, acquaintances, and just general people you know. How do you know that what once was a friendship is now just a mere acquaintance? How long of no communication is too long to reconnect with someone? Is the communication lacking because of the person's inability to communicate well with anyone or do they truly not want to maintain that open communication?
Those are my contemplative questions this evening. They may make sense and they may not. It is very hard to tell as sleep deprivation has set in and there is still at least another hour and half to go before my head can hit the pillow.
Friday, January 02, 2009
Tim Tam's, an Australian Biscuit, in the USA, with a KY tie!!!
Yes, you are hearing correctly. For a limited time, you can purchase Australia's top chocolate biscuit (cookie) in the United States!! And if you have never been to Australia or had the privilege of a friend sharing a Tim Tam Slam with you, then I encourage you to head to your local Target (if you have one). Once you have a package of Tim Tam's in your position along with some hot cocoa, Milo, or hot tea, then we can share in the experience of a Tim Tam Slam. If you have had prior privilege of indulging in a Tim Tam Slam, then you know where to head in order to indulge again for a limited time.
Pepperidge Farm, a sister company of Arnott's the maker of the Tim Tam, is producing Tim Tam's for the American market through March (Market Watch Story). Thanks to Ashlee and Nick for their discovery at their local Target store!!! Check out the Pepperidge Farm link for a $1 off coupon and an opportunity to enter a sweepstakes for a trip to Australia.
For all my Kentucky friends:
"Tim Tam biscuits first hit supermarket shelves in 1964. They were named after a horse that won the Kentucky Derby in 1958. A member of the Arnott family, Ross Arnott, attended the race day and decided ‘Tim Tam’ was the perfect name for his new biscuit." Arnott's Website
Pepperidge Farm, a sister company of Arnott's the maker of the Tim Tam, is producing Tim Tam's for the American market through March (Market Watch Story). Thanks to Ashlee and Nick for their discovery at their local Target store!!! Check out the Pepperidge Farm link for a $1 off coupon and an opportunity to enter a sweepstakes for a trip to Australia.
For all my Kentucky friends:
"Tim Tam biscuits first hit supermarket shelves in 1964. They were named after a horse that won the Kentucky Derby in 1958. A member of the Arnott family, Ross Arnott, attended the race day and decided ‘Tim Tam’ was the perfect name for his new biscuit." Arnott's Website
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas to all of my dear friends here and there!
The weather held off nicely for my drive home on Tuesday. It was rainy but luckily not icy minus that freezing on the front of the car as I drove in the wind. I saw an old high school friend on my journey at the infamous Beaver Dam rest stop. I wasn't going to stop but was not sure after a large water for lunch that I could make it the last 1.5 without making a pit stop and that is my last choice. So I stopped and on the way out, I ran into Sherry. It was great to see her and catch up quickly. You never know who you may run into on your travels to and fro. May your travels be smooth as well.
Christmas Eve was spent in the traditional manner with family lunch/dinner, Christmas Eve Mass, and time with my mother's family opening presents and eating.
Christmas Day brings more family time in the morning, followed with Christmas with dad's family, and I am sure some dominoes with the grandparents.
Have a Merry Merry Christmas!
The weather held off nicely for my drive home on Tuesday. It was rainy but luckily not icy minus that freezing on the front of the car as I drove in the wind. I saw an old high school friend on my journey at the infamous Beaver Dam rest stop. I wasn't going to stop but was not sure after a large water for lunch that I could make it the last 1.5 without making a pit stop and that is my last choice. So I stopped and on the way out, I ran into Sherry. It was great to see her and catch up quickly. You never know who you may run into on your travels to and fro. May your travels be smooth as well.
Christmas Eve was spent in the traditional manner with family lunch/dinner, Christmas Eve Mass, and time with my mother's family opening presents and eating.
Christmas Day brings more family time in the morning, followed with Christmas with dad's family, and I am sure some dominoes with the grandparents.
Have a Merry Merry Christmas!
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Wow..How time flies?
Not sure what all has happened but I feel like I am getting wrapped up in the same phenomenon so many of my friends have, the phenomenon of always being busy and seeming to have little time to keep up with friends and family. Those who know me well are sure to know it is quite frustrating. If I have missed your birthday, anniversary, or just have not spoken to you in ages, I truly apologize. I am trying to get back into my previous past of keeping in touch and will try so to write more posts of worth, though we all know that blogging has never been a strong suite of mine.
It is now November. My first semester of working in the collegiate environment is starting to wrap up and come to a close. In ways, I look forward to the end of the semester minus the fact it lies on December 11. Granted ending then and not still continuing is a plus. Years in the future, we will still be in school as so many years previous.
Highlights of the Semester thus Far
- Taught my first class.
- Graded my first set of papers though quite scary the quality at times.
- Received acceptance for a program proposal at a national conference in March.
Exciting things of the last few months
- Finally looked at the first half of my Ghana pictures.
- Had my first visitor to my new home after my parents helped me move-in.
- Went hiking this weekend at McCormick Creek State Park.
- Walking in general.
Things to Blog about soon
- GC Homecoming 2008
- Georgetown vs Louisville – Nov 1
- Basketball Madness
- Gas Prices
I am sure there is much more to share so keep your eyes posted for more to come soon.
It is now November. My first semester of working in the collegiate environment is starting to wrap up and come to a close. In ways, I look forward to the end of the semester minus the fact it lies on December 11. Granted ending then and not still continuing is a plus. Years in the future, we will still be in school as so many years previous.
Highlights of the Semester thus Far
- Taught my first class.
- Graded my first set of papers though quite scary the quality at times.
- Received acceptance for a program proposal at a national conference in March.
Exciting things of the last few months
- Finally looked at the first half of my Ghana pictures.
- Had my first visitor to my new home after my parents helped me move-in.
- Went hiking this weekend at McCormick Creek State Park.
- Walking in general.
Things to Blog about soon
- GC Homecoming 2008
- Georgetown vs Louisville – Nov 1
- Basketball Madness
- Gas Prices
I am sure there is much more to share so keep your eyes posted for more to come soon.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Hurricane Winds lead to rare phenomenon in Kentucky
Here is the news report from Paducah. I might try to write more on this later.
"UPDATE: David S. White, professor of Biological Sciences at Murray State University is reporting more evidence supporting our story.
White writes, "Our water monitors (taking measurements every 15 min) in Kentucky Lake actually picked up the seiche and the changes in water levels. The changes in water level perfectly match the changes in wind speed from our weather station."
Marshall County, KY - As cleanup continues from this weekend's hurricane-driven wind storm... a new mystery. Why were so many boats left high and dry? It turns out they were not simply swept away by high winds.
It is suspected that a rare phenomenon known as a seiche raised one end of the lake by several feet.
It's similar to a storm surge -- those walls of water we've all seen as hurricanes slam into shore. Except on inland waters it's called a seiche. The strong sustained winds push the water to one side of the lake and hold it there. The national weather service says it's likely that's what happened on Kentucky Lake.
Copyright 2008 WPSD-TV, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcasted, rewritten, or redistributed."
"UPDATE: David S. White, professor of Biological Sciences at Murray State University is reporting more evidence supporting our story.
White writes, "Our water monitors (taking measurements every 15 min) in Kentucky Lake actually picked up the seiche and the changes in water levels. The changes in water level perfectly match the changes in wind speed from our weather station."
Marshall County, KY - As cleanup continues from this weekend's hurricane-driven wind storm... a new mystery. Why were so many boats left high and dry? It turns out they were not simply swept away by high winds.
It is suspected that a rare phenomenon known as a seiche raised one end of the lake by several feet.
It's similar to a storm surge -- those walls of water we've all seen as hurricanes slam into shore. Except on inland waters it's called a seiche. The strong sustained winds push the water to one side of the lake and hold it there. The national weather service says it's likely that's what happened on Kentucky Lake.
Copyright 2008 WPSD-TV, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcasted, rewritten, or redistributed."
Ryder Cup in Kentucky
The past several days Kentucky has hosted the Ryder Cup. I have never been a real huge golf fan for many reasons. I don't know a lot about golf: the rules, skills, philosophy, etc. It has always seemed like a very boring sport to watch on tv. My uncles constantly watched it when I was a child, but I never fully understood it or got into it. There are other sports that attract my attention and keep me interested on tv over golf.
All that said my tv was on the Ryder Cup the majority of Saturday. Why, I kept asking myself. I believe there are a couple key reasons for watching the Ryder Cup. It is exciting to have such a big event in your home state. I was also curious how things were going after the devastation of Ike. There are still thousands of people in the Louisville area without power. The Ryder Cup appeared to go off without a hitch which is good since it was an international event. Another reason is there were two Kentuckians on the USA Ryder Cup team. I feel like I have grown up hearing about Kenny Perry and was interested to see how he was fairing. Though I watched, it was not an intense, continuous watching. I put the tv on mute several times and caught glimpses of what was going on throughout the day. It was definitely not something that peaked me interest continuously as I totally forgot that it was on again today until I was reading the news headlines and Facebook statuses.
Congrats to the US Ryder Cup Team for bringing the Ryder Cup back to the US for the first time since 1999! Congrats to the two Kentuckians for showing the world what Kentucky has to offer!
All that said my tv was on the Ryder Cup the majority of Saturday. Why, I kept asking myself. I believe there are a couple key reasons for watching the Ryder Cup. It is exciting to have such a big event in your home state. I was also curious how things were going after the devastation of Ike. There are still thousands of people in the Louisville area without power. The Ryder Cup appeared to go off without a hitch which is good since it was an international event. Another reason is there were two Kentuckians on the USA Ryder Cup team. I feel like I have grown up hearing about Kenny Perry and was interested to see how he was fairing. Though I watched, it was not an intense, continuous watching. I put the tv on mute several times and caught glimpses of what was going on throughout the day. It was definitely not something that peaked me interest continuously as I totally forgot that it was on again today until I was reading the news headlines and Facebook statuses.
Congrats to the US Ryder Cup Team for bringing the Ryder Cup back to the US for the first time since 1999! Congrats to the two Kentuckians for showing the world what Kentucky has to offer!
New Job, New Community...Seven Weeks Later
Seven weeks ago I started my first full-time job in the higher education field. Life is definitely interesting being back in a 40+ hour a week job with no studying or classes to take. I have a dual position at Franklin College as the Coordinator of New Student Programs and Residence Hall Coordinator.
New Student Programs (NSP) is in the process of creating a new identify and redefining some of its goals and purposes. There are four main components to the position: NSP Mentors, NSP Registration sessions, NSP Orientation, and LA 100: New Student Leadership Seminar. Mentors are selected each spring to assist with the other components of NSP and also take a leadership practicum course in the fall which I currently co-teach. The practicum course helps the mentors reflect on their interactions with the students outside the classroom as well as their role in the LA 100 classroom. There are three day long NSP Registration sessions for all new students, which is followed by a 4-day orientation program at the beginning of the fall semester. Each new student is then required as part of their liberal arts curriculum to take the LA 100: New Student Leadership Seminar course. This class teaches students basics for transitioning into college, the mission and values of Franklin, and focuses on excellence, leadership, and service. Those are the main components of that half of my job.
The other half of my job is serving as a residence hall coordinator for a hall of about 108 students. The residents reside in either single rooms with communal bathroom or double rooms with a shared bathroom making a 4 person suite of sorts. There are a couple exceptions but that is the basic layout of the building. It is a coed building with 2 floors women and 1 floor men. I supervise 6 resident assistants (RA) and am in charge of the room selection process in the spring. Of course, there are lots of other things that go along with the job, but those are the basics.
Needless to say, if you understand anything about the two positions, you will understand why I fell off the face of the earth during August. The first week was getting acquainted and attending several different training sessions. Week two was RA training from Sunday – Monday pretty much non-stop. Week three was mentor training followed by orientation. Week four concluded orientation and was the beginning of school. Therefore, weeks 2 through 4 included students moving back into the residence halls.
Overall, the experience has been great. I am looking forward to getting to know people on campus, expand the programs, and develop stronger ones. Key is not trying to do everything in the first 6 months There are a lot of caring, wonderful people on campus.
New Student Programs (NSP) is in the process of creating a new identify and redefining some of its goals and purposes. There are four main components to the position: NSP Mentors, NSP Registration sessions, NSP Orientation, and LA 100: New Student Leadership Seminar. Mentors are selected each spring to assist with the other components of NSP and also take a leadership practicum course in the fall which I currently co-teach. The practicum course helps the mentors reflect on their interactions with the students outside the classroom as well as their role in the LA 100 classroom. There are three day long NSP Registration sessions for all new students, which is followed by a 4-day orientation program at the beginning of the fall semester. Each new student is then required as part of their liberal arts curriculum to take the LA 100: New Student Leadership Seminar course. This class teaches students basics for transitioning into college, the mission and values of Franklin, and focuses on excellence, leadership, and service. Those are the main components of that half of my job.
The other half of my job is serving as a residence hall coordinator for a hall of about 108 students. The residents reside in either single rooms with communal bathroom or double rooms with a shared bathroom making a 4 person suite of sorts. There are a couple exceptions but that is the basic layout of the building. It is a coed building with 2 floors women and 1 floor men. I supervise 6 resident assistants (RA) and am in charge of the room selection process in the spring. Of course, there are lots of other things that go along with the job, but those are the basics.
Needless to say, if you understand anything about the two positions, you will understand why I fell off the face of the earth during August. The first week was getting acquainted and attending several different training sessions. Week two was RA training from Sunday – Monday pretty much non-stop. Week three was mentor training followed by orientation. Week four concluded orientation and was the beginning of school. Therefore, weeks 2 through 4 included students moving back into the residence halls.
Overall, the experience has been great. I am looking forward to getting to know people on campus, expand the programs, and develop stronger ones. Key is not trying to do everything in the first 6 months There are a lot of caring, wonderful people on campus.
Two months later...what has happened
Wow so much for staying on top of the blog this summer and keeping everyone informed on life. I will try again starting now to maintain a more up to date blog on life's happenings.
THE MOVE
Life became very stressful the last week of July. After receiving a couple job offers, I accepted a position at Franklin College in Franklin, IN on Tuesday, July 29. This took the move in a stressful direction because I was to start on August 4th. The POD though a great idea was potentially way to small and delivery times where not working out. I decided to check out some of the other truck moving companies and found a decent deal with UHaul, which ended up being a great deal.
UHaul Adventure....There were no UHauls of the 24' or bigger variety in Bloomington so I had to go to Greenwood to pick up the UHaul, which in the long run probably worked out well because of the great discount. Thankfully, my friend PY graciously volunteered his time and driving skills. He helped me not only pick up the UHaul, pack, clean some, drive the loaded UHaul, unload, and return it. There are not enough thanks to go around. Also, thanks to the many others who came over on Wednesday night to pack up the UHaul. We got everything packed up and away minus a few things, which I came back after on Thursday.
Late July 31...tired, beat, and moody. I moved into my new apartment on campus in one of the residence halls. It is a nice two-bedroom apartment with tons of storage space. I think I could store even more stuff :-). I won’t so you will return and help me move next time. Basically, we arrived, unloaded the UHaul with assistance from staff and students, and left to return the UHaul and return to Bloomington. Back in Bloomington, I spent the afternoon and evening cleaning the apartment thoroughly. I was a bit crabby for many reasons, but appreciate those who helped me clean and finish packing things up. I got all of my deposit back so that was good. Thanks to CS for letting me stay Thursday night as well.
Friday, I finished up some errands around Bloomington and departed not to return The rest of the weekend was spent in my new apartment cleaning and unpacking. The parents came up late Friday and we spent into the wee hours of the morning cleaning and unpacking. They have way more stamina than I. Granted I had been running ragged for about 2 months by then. We did get 95% of the apartment unpacked and put together. The office was still in boxes and in many ways still remains in boxes to this day. It is slowly coming together.
There is the move and everything did work out as God planned. I had a job with living accommodations. The job was close and the transportation of belongings was successful.
THE MOVE
Life became very stressful the last week of July. After receiving a couple job offers, I accepted a position at Franklin College in Franklin, IN on Tuesday, July 29. This took the move in a stressful direction because I was to start on August 4th. The POD though a great idea was potentially way to small and delivery times where not working out. I decided to check out some of the other truck moving companies and found a decent deal with UHaul, which ended up being a great deal.
UHaul Adventure....There were no UHauls of the 24' or bigger variety in Bloomington so I had to go to Greenwood to pick up the UHaul, which in the long run probably worked out well because of the great discount. Thankfully, my friend PY graciously volunteered his time and driving skills. He helped me not only pick up the UHaul, pack, clean some, drive the loaded UHaul, unload, and return it. There are not enough thanks to go around. Also, thanks to the many others who came over on Wednesday night to pack up the UHaul. We got everything packed up and away minus a few things, which I came back after on Thursday.
Late July 31...tired, beat, and moody. I moved into my new apartment on campus in one of the residence halls. It is a nice two-bedroom apartment with tons of storage space. I think I could store even more stuff :-). I won’t so you will return and help me move next time. Basically, we arrived, unloaded the UHaul with assistance from staff and students, and left to return the UHaul and return to Bloomington. Back in Bloomington, I spent the afternoon and evening cleaning the apartment thoroughly. I was a bit crabby for many reasons, but appreciate those who helped me clean and finish packing things up. I got all of my deposit back so that was good. Thanks to CS for letting me stay Thursday night as well.
Friday, I finished up some errands around Bloomington and departed not to return The rest of the weekend was spent in my new apartment cleaning and unpacking. The parents came up late Friday and we spent into the wee hours of the morning cleaning and unpacking. They have way more stamina than I. Granted I had been running ragged for about 2 months by then. We did get 95% of the apartment unpacked and put together. The office was still in boxes and in many ways still remains in boxes to this day. It is slowly coming together.
There is the move and everything did work out as God planned. I had a job with living accommodations. The job was close and the transportation of belongings was successful.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Packing and Moving - Off to a New Adventure
Wow...two years ago I was writing a very similar post. It was about the move to Bloomington, Indiana to start this new journey in life. I left the grand state of Kentucky to pursue my Master of Education in Higher Education Student Affairs. Two years later and the degree is completed and the time has come for my departure from this beautiful town of Bloomington. I cannot tell you where exactly I am headed except for the fact that I must move out of my apartment by Thursday, July 31. Friday started the true packing and hopefully by tomorrow the majority of the apartment will be in boxes.
It is hard to pack in some ways because I don't know exactly where I am headed and how long my things may be sitting outside in the hot sun or in storage. I did finally reserve something to put my stuff in so that I can get it out of the apartment. A POD will be delivered on Wednesday with no current pick up and delivery time for its final destination. If you are around the area and would like to help pack the POD Wednesday night, please let me know.
More to come very soon, but since things are going to be very crazy this week, I thought I would post a quick update on life so you didn't think I had totally abandoned the blog again.
It is hard to pack in some ways because I don't know exactly where I am headed and how long my things may be sitting outside in the hot sun or in storage. I did finally reserve something to put my stuff in so that I can get it out of the apartment. A POD will be delivered on Wednesday with no current pick up and delivery time for its final destination. If you are around the area and would like to help pack the POD Wednesday night, please let me know.
More to come very soon, but since things are going to be very crazy this week, I thought I would post a quick update on life so you didn't think I had totally abandoned the blog again.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
External Hard Drive
Okay, I have one week plus a couple days before I have to move out of my apartment and I really need to back up my computer before I start hauling it around to who knows where. My question for you is what would you suggest in terms of purchasing a hard drive: brand, space for money, where you usually find the best deal, anything else that may be important in this decision. Unfortunately, purchasing something off the internet is probably not going to work since I have only a week, but suggest away.
Thanks in advance for all the suggestions!
Thanks in advance for all the suggestions!
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