Hey there again!
It's day 11 of my blog, man time sure does fly by! Well, I had a good day today and there is lots to talk about. So, my goal in the morning is to be at the gym working out by 7am. Well, to be honest, I haven't made it all week until TODAY! So, I got there a little after 8am and got in about 30 minutes on the elliptical, and did a little bit to work on the ol' abs. I need it! So, for now, just starting slow, will work up to Mr. Universe! ROFL... should I be laughing at that? Anywho....
I had a ton of little things on the agenda today: laundry, cleaning, but most importantly job hunting... I have to be honest, I feel a bit discouraged. I have really put my name out there and have had so little response. I went to Volt today to put my name in there, too, and they seem to think there might be a temp job coming up that would be really great.... I hope that works out! The recruiter there also gave me some good tips to better my chances for an interview.
I also went to Worksource and put in my name for a job that would fit my credentials VERY well with an agency (NOT sales, oy!) and I am very excited about that opportunity. But for me my favorite job posting is for a lead teller at a local credit union. I actually do some of my banking at that very branch and am very fond of the tellers I have gotten to know there. PLEASE be praying with me on this one, it's the one I would really love to have.
There is really quite a bit that happened today, but I won't bore you with all of it, because to everyone else, it's a little humdrum... For tomorrow, I am very excited to have Steve moving in, well, last I heard, he will be here tomorrow. One unfortunate thing I did realize today however, is that it is not looking good at the moment for me to go to Medford for my step-sister, Becky's wedding. I am very disappointed about that, but I am hoping for some miracle in the meantime. Have to get deep in prayer on that one.
So, near as I can tell (and with my scale, it's kinda hard to tell, cuz I think its a little schizo) it looks like I have lost about 3 pounds in the past 11 days. I hope to work on ramping that up just a little though in the coming weeks. I am just glad I have gotten it started...
Yesterday, I picked up John from the airport. It was sooooo good to see him, I have really missed having him around. I can't believe he was in Seattle for a whole month! At any rate, I picked him up tonight and took him to BT and I think he had a good time. I hope he was encouraged! He seems to be adjusting to his new life and he's excited to be fitted for a prosthetic in 3-4 weeks.
So through everything these days in my life, I sometimes feel a little uneasy about where I am currently. Don't get me wrong, I am happy and grateful for where I am, I just hope that I am learning what I need to learn and changing what I need to change. Above all, I just really want to trust God and let him help me. I am so self-reliant that I think sometimes I just need to let Him work. I have been doing my due diligence in trying to find work, and now I have some more tools to help the process some, but the answer is just going to have to come in God's time, not Tim's... It's hard, but it's okay.
Well, I think it's about my bedtime and I am very encouraged that I am now starting to get sleepy around 11pm. There were a few months there that I would stay up well past midnight, even as late as 1:30 or 2:00am before I went to sleep. I am super encouraged that my body is adjusting to my new schedule!!! You've gotta love small victories!
So, thanks for hanging in there with me, I hope to put up another post soon, maybe my next one will be telling everyone what my new job is. Until then, G'night!
Tim
P.S. Happy Birthday Dad!!! Hope you had a great day! Love you!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Week One & My Soapbox
Hey again!
Well, week one is in the books and I think I will weigh myself tomorrow morning, so that I can start my week Mondays weighing in and seeing any progress. I'm not sure how I feel about the first week, except that I feel like it was a good start, but not quite what I had hoped. Overall, I feel like I made some very positive changes this week, but know that I, flat out, need to do more. I saw myself today reflected in the glass at River Park Square today and was fairly appalled by what I saw as I was walking toward the door. Man, I do have a lot of hard work ahead of me....
So, I am not prone to things political, but there is one subject right now that makes me very angry and indignant. We have all heard of the Toyota recalls. In the past few months, over 7 million late model Camrys, Corollas, Priuses and RAV4s (and there may be other models, too, but I cannot remember off the top of my head). There have been problems with excelerators sticking, carpets getting stuck, problems with braking, etc. Now, please don't misunderstand me here, I believe, as well as Toyota admits, that these cars need to be fixed so that they are safe.
I don't believe I am a conspiracy theorist, however my problem with the Toyota recall has very little to do with Toyota. It seems very coincidental that after the US Government has bailed out two of the three main auto makers in the past year or so, that all of the sudden a recall is hyped up to be a major crisis. Once again, I believe repairs need to be made to make these cars safe, but I also believe that because Toyota is the largest automaker in the world and just a couple years ago surpasses GM in sales in the US, I am concerned that the US auto makers are trying to give Toyota a black eye in the minds of the American consumer, to bring them over to buying "Big Three" vehicles.
I personally don't buy this witch hunt. I am a Honda fan and also as an owner of an older Toyota, you will NEVER convince me that any vehicle produced by the big three US auto makers will ever hold a candle to Toyota or Honda in reliability. What has also not been said is that the US auto makers have had MANY times the number of recalls that the Japanese have had and have with all likelihood, have well exceeded the number of vehicles involved in the recent Toyota recalls. I am concerned that lobbyists, which are paid millions of dollars by the big three auto makers, may have been pressuring and possibly even paying off individuals in our legislature to do inquiries into these issues with Toyota. I believe their witch hunt will not produce the scandal they are hoping to scare Americans, and we should be careful to scrutinize their findings.
Especially in light of these recalls, I am convinced now more than ever that if you buy a Toyota (or a Honda), you will get some of the best vehicles on the road today. They are reliable, they will be safe (yes, they will) and they will do exactly what they were meant to do. For me, I have no interest in supporting any company that for years has not kept up with the reliability of these Japanese brands. Then, on top of that, to have my tax dollars spent to keep them from going bankrupt. I don't wish any harm to these companies, however if you make an inferior product, there will be less of a market for that product. It's survival of the fittest.
The moral to this story, is please don't just listen to the propaganda. Toyota is taking care of the problems, and they are paying a huge price for it: current estimates I have heard is $2 Billion. They are not escaping this unscathed by any means. I do hope that you will look at the facts and not the hype. I might suggest that you do some research of your own. Here is a link to the government website's information on auto recalls: http://www.nhtsa.gov . Toyota is a good company that has admitted to making some mistakes. We need companies like Toyota and Honda to continue to pressure on the good old boys in Detroit to step up their game in making more reliable autos. By the way, most Toyotas are now built in the United States, and many of the Big Three Auto makers do still build some vehicles in the US, but in the past decade have sent many US jobs to Canada and Mexico.
I'll step down from my soapbox now.... Have a great week. Please pray for me to find a job!
Well, week one is in the books and I think I will weigh myself tomorrow morning, so that I can start my week Mondays weighing in and seeing any progress. I'm not sure how I feel about the first week, except that I feel like it was a good start, but not quite what I had hoped. Overall, I feel like I made some very positive changes this week, but know that I, flat out, need to do more. I saw myself today reflected in the glass at River Park Square today and was fairly appalled by what I saw as I was walking toward the door. Man, I do have a lot of hard work ahead of me....
So, I am not prone to things political, but there is one subject right now that makes me very angry and indignant. We have all heard of the Toyota recalls. In the past few months, over 7 million late model Camrys, Corollas, Priuses and RAV4s (and there may be other models, too, but I cannot remember off the top of my head). There have been problems with excelerators sticking, carpets getting stuck, problems with braking, etc. Now, please don't misunderstand me here, I believe, as well as Toyota admits, that these cars need to be fixed so that they are safe.
I don't believe I am a conspiracy theorist, however my problem with the Toyota recall has very little to do with Toyota. It seems very coincidental that after the US Government has bailed out two of the three main auto makers in the past year or so, that all of the sudden a recall is hyped up to be a major crisis. Once again, I believe repairs need to be made to make these cars safe, but I also believe that because Toyota is the largest automaker in the world and just a couple years ago surpasses GM in sales in the US, I am concerned that the US auto makers are trying to give Toyota a black eye in the minds of the American consumer, to bring them over to buying "Big Three" vehicles.
I personally don't buy this witch hunt. I am a Honda fan and also as an owner of an older Toyota, you will NEVER convince me that any vehicle produced by the big three US auto makers will ever hold a candle to Toyota or Honda in reliability. What has also not been said is that the US auto makers have had MANY times the number of recalls that the Japanese have had and have with all likelihood, have well exceeded the number of vehicles involved in the recent Toyota recalls. I am concerned that lobbyists, which are paid millions of dollars by the big three auto makers, may have been pressuring and possibly even paying off individuals in our legislature to do inquiries into these issues with Toyota. I believe their witch hunt will not produce the scandal they are hoping to scare Americans, and we should be careful to scrutinize their findings.
Especially in light of these recalls, I am convinced now more than ever that if you buy a Toyota (or a Honda), you will get some of the best vehicles on the road today. They are reliable, they will be safe (yes, they will) and they will do exactly what they were meant to do. For me, I have no interest in supporting any company that for years has not kept up with the reliability of these Japanese brands. Then, on top of that, to have my tax dollars spent to keep them from going bankrupt. I don't wish any harm to these companies, however if you make an inferior product, there will be less of a market for that product. It's survival of the fittest.
The moral to this story, is please don't just listen to the propaganda. Toyota is taking care of the problems, and they are paying a huge price for it: current estimates I have heard is $2 Billion. They are not escaping this unscathed by any means. I do hope that you will look at the facts and not the hype. I might suggest that you do some research of your own. Here is a link to the government website's information on auto recalls: http://www.nhtsa.gov . Toyota is a good company that has admitted to making some mistakes. We need companies like Toyota and Honda to continue to pressure on the good old boys in Detroit to step up their game in making more reliable autos. By the way, most Toyotas are now built in the United States, and many of the Big Three Auto makers do still build some vehicles in the US, but in the past decade have sent many US jobs to Canada and Mexico.
I'll step down from my soapbox now.... Have a great week. Please pray for me to find a job!
Friday, February 19, 2010
Positive change is an uphill battle
Well, it's day 5 of my new life and I am still as determined as day one... Now the reality has set in that I am truly in a spiritual and physical battle for my health and my body. It sounds dramatic, because it is. As God is my witness, it seems like as soon as I got started on my daily regimen, I get sick. I had to cancel my trip to Seattle this weekend to see John, as well as a stop in Yakima to attend the funeral of a very good friend's mother who I was close to in junior high school. I'm very bummed about that. She died on the night she and her husband celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary.
I have been trying to stay positive about the new regimen, but I keep getting batted down by every little thing. No problem, I have a God that is more powerful than all the little nuisances. God, help me! But I am convinced all is not lost, not even close. Yes, this has been a frustrating week. Yes, I have been feeling crappy, BUT even this morning I was able to get out and do some yard work for a little bit and got the blood pumping. It was a little less strenuous than 25 minutes on the eliptical, but will do for today. Please pray for my neck and back pain, too, it has been very intense.
I have (temporarily or permanently, I'm not sure) moved into my 2nd bedroom/office to a bed that seems to be doing better for my back. I hope in a couple days this will all just be a bad memory! In the meantime, it was really encouraging to see Jen Q tonight at Subway. She gave me a rockin' muffin that was actually good for you, or so she says ;). She also shared that she is counting calories, just what I needed to hear, although it challenged me deeply! Thanks Jen! Meeting you tonight was obviously not a coincidence.
I got to talk to Shane from Tacoma today for about an hour. What a great friend, I am so thankful for him. Thanks, Shane for allowing me to vent on you. Of course, since we spoke, I feel like God is totally working everything out. (I shouldn't be surprised!!!!)
Finally, from the "Random" file: I had my cable shut off today (on purpose) and it has been nice to be in a quiet house. As I was getting ready for bed, I thought I'd go on youtube and look at some videos from my favorite band of all time DEPECHE MODE. After 5 or 6 songs, I felt like I was back in high school 1985-1988 in Germany. Got very nostalgic and have very fond memories of those days. Honestly, these days are way better than those were and I would not change my life now for anything. I am, however, deeply grateful for those years and the way they shaped who I am today and for the friendships I still have from there. And I'm super grateful for God who has changed me so much from the way of life I was living and had he not saved me, who knows where I'd be now. Not a good place, I'm sure...
Anyway, thanks Diane for asking me about the blog tonight. I had a lot on my heart today and think it's a good thing to do this post tonight. Thanks all for continuing to read my blog, I am very grateful for you. Please feel free to comment on any post, or to give any ideas.
Oh yeah, I almost forgot. It looks like I might be getting a roommate, which is such perfect timing. God truly moves in mysterious ways and this one's a doosey! Good night, all!
Tim
P.S. Man, I sure blabbered on tonight, didn't know so much was on my heart. It really was a good day!
I have been trying to stay positive about the new regimen, but I keep getting batted down by every little thing. No problem, I have a God that is more powerful than all the little nuisances. God, help me! But I am convinced all is not lost, not even close. Yes, this has been a frustrating week. Yes, I have been feeling crappy, BUT even this morning I was able to get out and do some yard work for a little bit and got the blood pumping. It was a little less strenuous than 25 minutes on the eliptical, but will do for today. Please pray for my neck and back pain, too, it has been very intense.
I have (temporarily or permanently, I'm not sure) moved into my 2nd bedroom/office to a bed that seems to be doing better for my back. I hope in a couple days this will all just be a bad memory! In the meantime, it was really encouraging to see Jen Q tonight at Subway. She gave me a rockin' muffin that was actually good for you, or so she says ;). She also shared that she is counting calories, just what I needed to hear, although it challenged me deeply! Thanks Jen! Meeting you tonight was obviously not a coincidence.
I got to talk to Shane from Tacoma today for about an hour. What a great friend, I am so thankful for him. Thanks, Shane for allowing me to vent on you. Of course, since we spoke, I feel like God is totally working everything out. (I shouldn't be surprised!!!!)
Finally, from the "Random" file: I had my cable shut off today (on purpose) and it has been nice to be in a quiet house. As I was getting ready for bed, I thought I'd go on youtube and look at some videos from my favorite band of all time DEPECHE MODE. After 5 or 6 songs, I felt like I was back in high school 1985-1988 in Germany. Got very nostalgic and have very fond memories of those days. Honestly, these days are way better than those were and I would not change my life now for anything. I am, however, deeply grateful for those years and the way they shaped who I am today and for the friendships I still have from there. And I'm super grateful for God who has changed me so much from the way of life I was living and had he not saved me, who knows where I'd be now. Not a good place, I'm sure...
Anyway, thanks Diane for asking me about the blog tonight. I had a lot on my heart today and think it's a good thing to do this post tonight. Thanks all for continuing to read my blog, I am very grateful for you. Please feel free to comment on any post, or to give any ideas.
Oh yeah, I almost forgot. It looks like I might be getting a roommate, which is such perfect timing. God truly moves in mysterious ways and this one's a doosey! Good night, all!
Tim
P.S. Man, I sure blabbered on tonight, didn't know so much was on my heart. It really was a good day!
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Day One in the Books
I am very grateful for day one of my new life. I can already feel a new spirit and met all my goals today! Woo hoo! I made it to the gym today for about 40 minutes, ate much better and cut back on sugar... Great times with John, Steve & Ryan at Far West, but got schooled in pool (what else is new) :).
Great weekend, amazing wedding yesterday with David and Crystal, they looked awesome and so in love. It was moving to hear their story and to hear about how they got to that day!
Anyway, I am grateful for my friends and it was so good to hang out with Shawn today. Now it's 11 pm and it's my new bedtime, so I had better hit the sack! Thanks all that read this blog, I am thankful that you took the time to look in on how I am doing! Hope everyone had a great Valentine's Day. G'night!
Great weekend, amazing wedding yesterday with David and Crystal, they looked awesome and so in love. It was moving to hear their story and to hear about how they got to that day!
Anyway, I am grateful for my friends and it was so good to hang out with Shawn today. Now it's 11 pm and it's my new bedtime, so I had better hit the sack! Thanks all that read this blog, I am thankful that you took the time to look in on how I am doing! Hope everyone had a great Valentine's Day. G'night!
Saturday, February 13, 2010
My new personal blog and REVOLUTION!
Hey All,
Well, here we go, a new blog to let you know how I'm doing, share my victories, vent my frustrations, and generally talk about my faith, friends, and my life. My first entry tonight promises to be somewhat lengthy, but very important to understand the steps I am hoping to take starting NOW.
So, here's my first entry (and a little history):
So, it has been very obvious to me, and God has been knocking on my door on this issue for the past few years, and especially over the past year, that change is going to be necessary. I honestly have been fighting it, but now it's in my face, and looking very ugly! That is to say, that I need a revolution in my life.
In the past few years, God has given me so much good (and continues to do so), but I have largely taken those things for granted. Foremost on my mind has been my weight and health. Again, God has allowed this to weigh heavily on my heart for so many reasons. So many in fact, that I decided to take some time tonight to write down a list of those things. I came up with 105 reasons to lose weight; and I fully expect over the next few days and weeks the list will continue to grow.
I need to take a moment here to thank Brent Schneider for encouraging me to start this blog. I have been very excited to join the Spokane Stammtisch over the past few months and have been equally encouraged by my friendship with Brent and hope that it continues to grow. (Stammtisch is German, roughly translated as "the regulars", the group is a German social group )
I digress...
So, I have come to the conclusion that I simply cannot wait any longer to take steps to change the trajectory of my life. I feel more and more that my weight has become a hindrance to the Tim that I dream to be, and that I used to be, and that God can use powerfully. I miss being able to tie my shoes, travel, camp, hike, bike, and enjoy all the other activities of life that I either struggle to enjoy or just simply can't / don't do anymore due to my morbid obesity. I just now weighed myself, a whopping 341 pounds! Pretty discouraging!!
Inside I am vibrant, but have been passively waiting for some miracle to restore my former fervor. Well, as much as I believe in miracles, this is an issue that I have caused and one that I must deal with and confront head-on. I spent time with God tonight praying about this issue (and many others) and feel confident that anything worth doing, God WILL bless it. I don't want to fail this time and I hope that I can look back at this entry and be encouraged during those tough times.
So, with that said, Brent also reminded me (although he didn't know he was doing it) that in high school and college, I used to do a lot of writing: personal, poetry, journalistic, short stories, etc. I tried writing a novel a few years ago but it didn't go so well, so I think to some extent I just decided I was too out of practice to write something so ambitious after almost 20 years!!! Oh well, it'll happen eventually... At any rate, I am excited to wrestle the random thoughts running through my mind and organize them and share them with you on this blog. I hope that anyone reading this blog, however we are connected, will be encouraged to see the revolution that is readying itself for it's entrance onto the stage of my life, and the miracles that God will prayerfully allow in my life.
Tim M
Well, here we go, a new blog to let you know how I'm doing, share my victories, vent my frustrations, and generally talk about my faith, friends, and my life. My first entry tonight promises to be somewhat lengthy, but very important to understand the steps I am hoping to take starting NOW.
So, here's my first entry (and a little history):
So, it has been very obvious to me, and God has been knocking on my door on this issue for the past few years, and especially over the past year, that change is going to be necessary. I honestly have been fighting it, but now it's in my face, and looking very ugly! That is to say, that I need a revolution in my life.
In the past few years, God has given me so much good (and continues to do so), but I have largely taken those things for granted. Foremost on my mind has been my weight and health. Again, God has allowed this to weigh heavily on my heart for so many reasons. So many in fact, that I decided to take some time tonight to write down a list of those things. I came up with 105 reasons to lose weight; and I fully expect over the next few days and weeks the list will continue to grow.
I need to take a moment here to thank Brent Schneider for encouraging me to start this blog. I have been very excited to join the Spokane Stammtisch over the past few months and have been equally encouraged by my friendship with Brent and hope that it continues to grow. (Stammtisch is German, roughly translated as "the regulars", the group is a German social group )
I digress...
So, I have come to the conclusion that I simply cannot wait any longer to take steps to change the trajectory of my life. I feel more and more that my weight has become a hindrance to the Tim that I dream to be, and that I used to be, and that God can use powerfully. I miss being able to tie my shoes, travel, camp, hike, bike, and enjoy all the other activities of life that I either struggle to enjoy or just simply can't / don't do anymore due to my morbid obesity. I just now weighed myself, a whopping 341 pounds! Pretty discouraging!!
Inside I am vibrant, but have been passively waiting for some miracle to restore my former fervor. Well, as much as I believe in miracles, this is an issue that I have caused and one that I must deal with and confront head-on. I spent time with God tonight praying about this issue (and many others) and feel confident that anything worth doing, God WILL bless it. I don't want to fail this time and I hope that I can look back at this entry and be encouraged during those tough times.
So, with that said, Brent also reminded me (although he didn't know he was doing it) that in high school and college, I used to do a lot of writing: personal, poetry, journalistic, short stories, etc. I tried writing a novel a few years ago but it didn't go so well, so I think to some extent I just decided I was too out of practice to write something so ambitious after almost 20 years!!! Oh well, it'll happen eventually... At any rate, I am excited to wrestle the random thoughts running through my mind and organize them and share them with you on this blog. I hope that anyone reading this blog, however we are connected, will be encouraged to see the revolution that is readying itself for it's entrance onto the stage of my life, and the miracles that God will prayerfully allow in my life.
Tim M
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