Well, I am super excited about a Christmas present I just got a few days ago. I went to college at the University of Maryland in Munich, Germany. Recently, I got back in contact with my Journalism professor from there(I graduated 20 years ago!!) and I asked if she had copies of the college paper, of which I was the assistant editor. To my complete delight, she said she did!! In a very short period of time, she had scanned them and posted them on FB. I was beyond encouraged to see one particular article that I thought I would never see again.
In October 1989, I had the amazing opportunity to visit the very beautiful city of Prague, Czechoslovakia (it was still called that then). But as beautiful as Prague is, I had another sight of interest I HAD TO see while I was there.
Having watched the German news prior to my trip, I saw very compelling images of East Germans that had fled to Prague to seek asylum at the West German embassy. The media showed pictures of hundreds of tents set up in the courtyard of the embassy and a large metal gate. I was determined to get to that gate while I was there.
I was so excited, because my professor allowed me to write an opinion column about my this life-changing experience that weekend. After I left Germany in 1992, I left most of my stuff with the lady I rented a room from in Berlin. Unfortunately, she put my boxes in an unsecure spot and everything I owned got stolen, except the two suitcases and one carry-on that I brought home. So, I hadn't seen this article in 18 years.
When I "friended" my professor on FB, she mentioned that she remembered me as the student who was there at the time of the events that precipitated the "Velvet Revolution" (the revolution in Czechoslovakia) just over a month later. I had never heard it referred to as that (ie: that they actually gave a name to the things that I was witnessing). I was pretty blown away!
When I was back in Munich, I remember very vividly staying up until 3am to make sure my article was p-e-r-f-e-c-t. I am so excited that I now have a copy of that article and that I am able to share it with you. This was one of my most poignant memories of my seven years in Europe. Here's the story I wrote:
(From the Munich Observer, November 1989, page 2)
STUDENS TRY TO HELP IN E. GERMAN FLIGHT
by Tim Morse
The sun was setting as we prowled through a quickly darkening forest in West Prague. We could see Czech guards only 50 yards away, watching us through the trees.
"I have to talk to those refugees," I thought.
That infamous eight-foot iron gate I had seen in the media eluded me by only a few meters. But I wasn't about to give up.
I and sophomores Amy Cashman and Tara Brown went to the West German Embassy in Prague, only to find it heavily guarded by Czechoslovakian police.
At the time of our October visit, about 1,000 East Germans called the West German Embassy courtyard home.
At one point, we were able to come within only a few meters of that iron gate which had meant the last major obstacle to freedom for thousands of East Germans in the preceding weeks.
It, too, was heavily guarded.
My dream of helping a refugee over that gate was quickly dashed as I viewd the security around it.
We still tried everything in our power to get closer to the gate. We walked around the embassy, mostly on the wooded hill behind it, for over two hours.
We even tried sneaking through the dark, steep forest that lead to the back side of the embassy, that is, until we realized we were being watched.
We then tried to talk to the guards, who were huddled around a small fire. Not only were they unwilling to help us, but they were downright rude about it.
Because I didn't have my passport, they refused to acknowledge me, told me very bluntly to leave, and pointed the way.
The second group of guards we met around a similar fire was surprisingly friendly. They tried to communicate with us in German and English, and of course Czech, but they couldn't allow us to access the gate either.
The did allow us, however, to take pictures of all of us together. It should be quite a souvenir.
I thought we could meet the refugees on our own, but of course, couldn't. So as a last resort, we went to the front door of the emmbassy.
I talked in German to the man who answered the door, but he responded that it would be "uberhaupt nicht moglish" (not at all possible) to talk to any refugees for matters of security.
I took this news very hard, but comforted myself in that I was, in fact, witnessing history in the making.
The events leading up to this exodus are historical.
For the first time in over 40 years, people in the Eastern Bloc countries were, for a time, able to "escape" the oppression of their countries with relative ease.
Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, on a trip to East Berlin to celebrate the 40th anniversary of East Germany last month, advised now former Communist Party leader Erich Honecker to ease restrictions in his country so that Gorbachev's policy of glasnost might gain more credibility throughout the world.
In past months, Czechoslovakia and Hungary have opened up their borders to the point that people may come and go almost as they please, according to our Czech tour guide, Vladimir.
This has made it possible for these East Germans to come West because before, they didn't need visas to enter Czechoslovakia.
Because of the exodus, they now do.
Media sources say that a majority of West Germans would like to see the two Germanies reunify, bu this would cause numerous social and economic problems for West Germany.
West Germany would have difficulties supporting the large number of new residents should the East German government allow such a reunification. West Germany has an accute housing shortage among other things.
Sophomore Martina Manles, whose mother is German and who plans to settle down in Germany, is skeptical. She believes that the refugees will take job opportunities away from the West Germans, herself included.
Whatever the outcome, I hope that the people of the East Bloc, who are suffering under the oppression that can still be felt there, will one day soon be able to enjoy all the things we take for granted here in the West -- espeically liberty.
(End)
________________
Due to time restraints, I was not able to proofread the article, so please excuse any misspellings, missing punctuation, etc. (Remember I was the editor of the paper) Anyway, I know it's a long blog today, thanks for hanging in there and sharing this with me. Until next time....
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
Monday, December 13, 2010
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Tonight: Short but Sweet... Revolution #2
Hey All,
Well, I have two bees in my bonnet tonight and I'm gonna be in and out, and keeping y'all up to date.
1. Still no decision (see last post), seems like things are a little more complicated, I'll keep digging and keep you up to date.
2. Revolution #2: The Whole Reason for this blog... So, I have been a slacker lately and have rediscovered my love for ice cream. I'm not going to rant and rave about how I feel about gaining back some of that weight.... I will show by my actions, updates on my weight, how I feel, and GETTING BUSY!!
Thanks for checking in!!!
Tim
Well, I have two bees in my bonnet tonight and I'm gonna be in and out, and keeping y'all up to date.
1. Still no decision (see last post), seems like things are a little more complicated, I'll keep digging and keep you up to date.
2. Revolution #2: The Whole Reason for this blog... So, I have been a slacker lately and have rediscovered my love for ice cream. I'm not going to rant and rave about how I feel about gaining back some of that weight.... I will show by my actions, updates on my weight, how I feel, and GETTING BUSY!!
Thanks for checking in!!!
Tim
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Decisions, decisions, decisions... It's a good thing!
Hey all!
Well, thanks to Jess for encouraging me to blog on this topic. I have a lot on my mind (it's all good, I promise), but the things I am contemplating will likely set the course for the rest of my life. It's exciting! ...and I have to be honest, a little scary.
I have been looking for work for the past couple months (I'm grateful it hasn't been years!), and have been applying for jobs for which I feel I am very well qualified, being that I have been in the insurance industry for nearly 12 years. Not getting any of these jobs has made me think that maybe I should be considering some other options that may currently be available to me. Specifically whether I should go back to school or start a business....or both (would need to have very specific prayers answered for THIS one). Ha!
I am thinking of getting my BA in Business Management, so I will have to look into the local schools to see what is out there and available. The hope is that the schools will accept my AA degree in its entirety so that it will hopefully only be a 2-year program.... I also have a dream of starting my own business, a coffee shop. I can't divulge too much because I have some very specific ideas on how it will be different from all the other coffee shops out there, location, etc. Stay tuned, I will let you know if/when this idea moves forward. It's in God's hands at this point.
Anyway, any prayers would be appreciated as to which direction I should follow and to be able to get all the information, advice, etc. that I will need to make the most informed and/or faithful decision and what would be best for me spiritually. My hope is to stay in the Spokane area, so prayers for that would also be appreciated!
Well, I think that's it for now. If I think of something else, I will post more. Thanks for checking in on me and I hope everyone has a great Christmas! Don't forget to be grateful to God for all you have: family, homes, and all the amazing gifts He has given you.
Well, thanks to Jess for encouraging me to blog on this topic. I have a lot on my mind (it's all good, I promise), but the things I am contemplating will likely set the course for the rest of my life. It's exciting! ...and I have to be honest, a little scary.
I have been looking for work for the past couple months (I'm grateful it hasn't been years!), and have been applying for jobs for which I feel I am very well qualified, being that I have been in the insurance industry for nearly 12 years. Not getting any of these jobs has made me think that maybe I should be considering some other options that may currently be available to me. Specifically whether I should go back to school or start a business....or both (would need to have very specific prayers answered for THIS one). Ha!
I am thinking of getting my BA in Business Management, so I will have to look into the local schools to see what is out there and available. The hope is that the schools will accept my AA degree in its entirety so that it will hopefully only be a 2-year program.... I also have a dream of starting my own business, a coffee shop. I can't divulge too much because I have some very specific ideas on how it will be different from all the other coffee shops out there, location, etc. Stay tuned, I will let you know if/when this idea moves forward. It's in God's hands at this point.
Anyway, any prayers would be appreciated as to which direction I should follow and to be able to get all the information, advice, etc. that I will need to make the most informed and/or faithful decision and what would be best for me spiritually. My hope is to stay in the Spokane area, so prayers for that would also be appreciated!
Well, I think that's it for now. If I think of something else, I will post more. Thanks for checking in on me and I hope everyone has a great Christmas! Don't forget to be grateful to God for all you have: family, homes, and all the amazing gifts He has given you.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
As promised...
Happy Halloween, all!
Wow, I can't believe it's been 3 months since I last posted... Sorry Dad and Jess especially, life has been crazy lately and have just not had the time to blog. With that being said, I appreciate my dad's suggestion to write shorter posts more often, so I will try to start that tonight! My only problem is that I love to write, and who knows how long this will actually be. I'll try to restrain myself. LOL!
So, honestly I can't remember what has happened over the past 3 months, but I'll do my best to summarize (oy....) three months of activity into a short blog entry...
The good news is that I have lost 18 pounds!! Not 100% sure how it has come off, but I have been eating better (for the most part) and have been pretty active, although I really do need to work out more often.
The unfortunate news is that I lost my job on 10/1 and am once again on the job hunt. Fortunately unemployment has approved my claim. The truth is I really would rather get a job, but I am certainly not going to decline the income. Please pray for me to find a job in the insurance field quickly so I don't have to rely on unemployment. I am particularly interested in insurance underwriting if you want a more specific job to pray for me. (Thanks!)
I have had a rough couple months honestly and I appreciate friends that will help me get perspective. Thanks so much for taking time to encourage and challenge me. You know who you are!
Finally, last night the Singles had a Halloween party at my house. As Cole and Steve are now living in my basement, I decided to temporarily convert my back patio into a dance floor. It's amazing what a few tarps and some orange lights will do to a simple patio. We also had the use of a fire pit for the evening and were able to sit around the fire and get warm. It was a super fun time. I only wish more people could have come.
Well, I tried to keep it short tonight, thanks for your input on this blog and I will try to continue to update you much more frequently. Buenos nachos! :)
Wow, I can't believe it's been 3 months since I last posted... Sorry Dad and Jess especially, life has been crazy lately and have just not had the time to blog. With that being said, I appreciate my dad's suggestion to write shorter posts more often, so I will try to start that tonight! My only problem is that I love to write, and who knows how long this will actually be. I'll try to restrain myself. LOL!
So, honestly I can't remember what has happened over the past 3 months, but I'll do my best to summarize (oy....) three months of activity into a short blog entry...
The good news is that I have lost 18 pounds!! Not 100% sure how it has come off, but I have been eating better (for the most part) and have been pretty active, although I really do need to work out more often.
The unfortunate news is that I lost my job on 10/1 and am once again on the job hunt. Fortunately unemployment has approved my claim. The truth is I really would rather get a job, but I am certainly not going to decline the income. Please pray for me to find a job in the insurance field quickly so I don't have to rely on unemployment. I am particularly interested in insurance underwriting if you want a more specific job to pray for me. (Thanks!)
I have had a rough couple months honestly and I appreciate friends that will help me get perspective. Thanks so much for taking time to encourage and challenge me. You know who you are!
Finally, last night the Singles had a Halloween party at my house. As Cole and Steve are now living in my basement, I decided to temporarily convert my back patio into a dance floor. It's amazing what a few tarps and some orange lights will do to a simple patio. We also had the use of a fire pit for the evening and were able to sit around the fire and get warm. It was a super fun time. I only wish more people could have come.
Well, I tried to keep it short tonight, thanks for your input on this blog and I will try to continue to update you much more frequently. Buenos nachos! :)
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Oy!
Hey All!
Welcome to another chapter of "What's Up with Tim???". So, the last couple weeks has definitely been a roller coaster of emotions. Just when I start to feel some relief, it seems like I'm put right back down again. Details to follow...
So, I really do like my job but in May I was told that as of June 4 I would no longer have a job (I am currently a temp employee and they were doing away with them) BUT I could apply for and possibly get the job. So I applied and so far they haven't let me go yet, almost 3 months later. It's a good thing... However, this week, they cut my hours to 25 which is causing me some anxiety because money is already pretty tight. I am just starting to get caught up on some bills and this was not good news. But not the end of the world...
Also, at that time, I applied for a job with Traveler's Insurance which was a very good fit for my skillset. Had two interviews and was very hopeful for getting the position. The time from my initial application until I was eventually informed I did not get the job, was about a month and a half. I just found out last week I didn't get it and was super bummed. I have heard great things about Travelers and know at least 4 people who work there who love it... Apparently there were over 300 applicants, and the human resources guy said that I did "very well" in the interview process, but there were only about 6-7 jobs. Bummer!
I got home on Thursday and received a letter from the state of WA, Unemployment office. It's the decision on my case that I had been waiting for. I had a phone hearing last week with a judge over in Seattle and I was looking forward to seeing the outcome. Unfortunately I was denied AGAIN. I'm only looking for a few weeks of payments and I quit my old job because I was making $1.60 per hour, not ANYWHERE near what I agreed to when I started there. So, I'm going to give it one last try, but man I was S-T-R-U-G-G-L-I-N-G on Thursday night and was like an hour late getting to Bible Talk (it was the outreach BBQ so I didn't miss too much), but as is always the case, I was very encouraged very quickly by the fellowship and all was okay with the world again...
So, I have still been feeling a little melancholy the past few days, but I have to admit, I have been taking great (probably too much) pleasure in an incident last night that when I am gut-level honest, really kind of MADE my week. Hopefully not at the expense of a brother.
Last night, we had an incredibly inspiring baptism (all are, but this one was a little bit extra special). Kevin Kuhn got baptized and it was such a great time. After that, we went to the park to have a short lesson and water balloon fight for Kat's birthday/going away party. I did not partake in the water balloon fight. After that, Bryce had a cupcake fight with a couple of the sisters and they all got it pretty good!! Bryce kind of picked the fight, smearing a cupcake in Taylor's and Lauren's faces. They definitely got him back, though.
So after the cupcake fight had ended, Bryce was signing Kat's birthday/going away card, it seemed to me that Bryce's war wounds were very lopsided, only on the left side of his face. Well, obviously I was very concerned about this as symmetry is very important in my book (actually it isn't but I just needed a good reason to smear a cupcake in his face too). So, he was writing in Kat's card and I told him he needed a cupcake on the other side of his face and (after removing the "cup", smashed it on his right cheek! So, then I took off running, knowing he would want to avenge his newly cupcaked face, so he came after me and since he's just a little bit faster than I am, I threw a camping chair in his path and made my getaway...
Now I had told Ryan to hide the rest of the cupcakes so that Bryce couldn't get to them. Apparently he just put them in the back seat of his car! D'oh! Oh well. So Bryce found them and grabbed a couple and came after me. We were standing face-to-face and he's got a cupcake in both hands (I am "unarmed.") After a couple seconds of "dancing" around each other, much like boxers might do in the ring, I grabbed the cupcakes out of his hand. The look on Bryce's face was SO hilarious. He went back and "reloaded" and got two more cupcakes and then it was ON (like Donkey Kong!). He did end up smearing me a little bit on both sides of my face on the jaw, and a little went down my shirt, but I got off pretty light!
A little later, I went to shake hands with Bryce as a peace offering and he actually looked a little bit scared! I just think he was surprised that I would do something like that. He said he was just not trusting of me at that moment, but we ended up doing a fist bump or something and all was good... Anyway, ever since last night, every time I think of the look on Bryce's face after I took the cupcakes, it makes me giggle. Thanks for being a good sport, Bryce, I REALLY did need the encouragement this week and got it in spades. I love ya tons, bro and I'm grateful for you!
So, anyway, that's been my week. I was sharing with someone yesterday that I just wanted some good news, that I was just getting tired of bad news all the time (or at least so it seemed). I'm fine but could definitely use some prayers about the job (hours, being offered the position full time, etc.) or even to find a new job. I would really like to get back into insurance at some point, so any prayers would be appreciated.
On another front, I have been feeling like I need a vacation. My last vacation was 11 months ago. I just want to go somewhere for a day or two, no phone, no TV, no internet and just spend some time with God. I don't want to have any agenda (other than reading and praying) and no household chores or anyone around to distract me, just God and I. Hopefully that will happen sooner than later...
On the subject of vacations, I have decided to start saving up for a trip to Germany. It's been nearly 18 years since I left there and I haven't been back since. I have reached a point where I will have dreams fairly frequently that I am in Germany. The last few have been particularly difficult because as I am IN the dream, I realize that I am not ACTUALLY in Germany, but that it's just another dream and I will actually break out in tears in the dream!! I am taking that as a sign that I need to go back to visit. I would like to go in December (if not this year, then hopefully next year) because when I go, I really want to visit the Christmas markets there. They are so wonderful and amazing that I would rather go that time of year than any other!
Because I really do not make enough money to put anything (of any significance) away into savings, I think I may have to sell some stuff and do some odd jobs around to pay for the trip. So, here I go, pray for me that I can do it. I am very hopeful and excited about this. THIS will also be a H-U-G-E incentive to lose weight (save $$ on food?) and just be discplined in more areas of my life...
As far as my weight is concerned, I have definitely gained a few pounds back. I really need to lay off the ice cream, that's my biggest downfall. But Fred Meyer has this "President's Choice" chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream that is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! Haven't bought it in years and hope I won't for more years. :) Anyway, but I do really hope for weight loss and money to save so that I can do this trip.
Well, I think that's enough for now. I didn't realize I had so much on my heart, but I hope you enjoyed this latest chapter in my life. Talk to you again soon, thanks for stopping in to read!
Welcome to another chapter of "What's Up with Tim???". So, the last couple weeks has definitely been a roller coaster of emotions. Just when I start to feel some relief, it seems like I'm put right back down again. Details to follow...
So, I really do like my job but in May I was told that as of June 4 I would no longer have a job (I am currently a temp employee and they were doing away with them) BUT I could apply for and possibly get the job. So I applied and so far they haven't let me go yet, almost 3 months later. It's a good thing... However, this week, they cut my hours to 25 which is causing me some anxiety because money is already pretty tight. I am just starting to get caught up on some bills and this was not good news. But not the end of the world...
Also, at that time, I applied for a job with Traveler's Insurance which was a very good fit for my skillset. Had two interviews and was very hopeful for getting the position. The time from my initial application until I was eventually informed I did not get the job, was about a month and a half. I just found out last week I didn't get it and was super bummed. I have heard great things about Travelers and know at least 4 people who work there who love it... Apparently there were over 300 applicants, and the human resources guy said that I did "very well" in the interview process, but there were only about 6-7 jobs. Bummer!
I got home on Thursday and received a letter from the state of WA, Unemployment office. It's the decision on my case that I had been waiting for. I had a phone hearing last week with a judge over in Seattle and I was looking forward to seeing the outcome. Unfortunately I was denied AGAIN. I'm only looking for a few weeks of payments and I quit my old job because I was making $1.60 per hour, not ANYWHERE near what I agreed to when I started there. So, I'm going to give it one last try, but man I was S-T-R-U-G-G-L-I-N-G on Thursday night and was like an hour late getting to Bible Talk (it was the outreach BBQ so I didn't miss too much), but as is always the case, I was very encouraged very quickly by the fellowship and all was okay with the world again...
So, I have still been feeling a little melancholy the past few days, but I have to admit, I have been taking great (probably too much) pleasure in an incident last night that when I am gut-level honest, really kind of MADE my week. Hopefully not at the expense of a brother.
Last night, we had an incredibly inspiring baptism (all are, but this one was a little bit extra special). Kevin Kuhn got baptized and it was such a great time. After that, we went to the park to have a short lesson and water balloon fight for Kat's birthday/going away party. I did not partake in the water balloon fight. After that, Bryce had a cupcake fight with a couple of the sisters and they all got it pretty good!! Bryce kind of picked the fight, smearing a cupcake in Taylor's and Lauren's faces. They definitely got him back, though.
So after the cupcake fight had ended, Bryce was signing Kat's birthday/going away card, it seemed to me that Bryce's war wounds were very lopsided, only on the left side of his face. Well, obviously I was very concerned about this as symmetry is very important in my book (actually it isn't but I just needed a good reason to smear a cupcake in his face too). So, he was writing in Kat's card and I told him he needed a cupcake on the other side of his face and (after removing the "cup", smashed it on his right cheek! So, then I took off running, knowing he would want to avenge his newly cupcaked face, so he came after me and since he's just a little bit faster than I am, I threw a camping chair in his path and made my getaway...
Now I had told Ryan to hide the rest of the cupcakes so that Bryce couldn't get to them. Apparently he just put them in the back seat of his car! D'oh! Oh well. So Bryce found them and grabbed a couple and came after me. We were standing face-to-face and he's got a cupcake in both hands (I am "unarmed.") After a couple seconds of "dancing" around each other, much like boxers might do in the ring, I grabbed the cupcakes out of his hand. The look on Bryce's face was SO hilarious. He went back and "reloaded" and got two more cupcakes and then it was ON (like Donkey Kong!). He did end up smearing me a little bit on both sides of my face on the jaw, and a little went down my shirt, but I got off pretty light!
A little later, I went to shake hands with Bryce as a peace offering and he actually looked a little bit scared! I just think he was surprised that I would do something like that. He said he was just not trusting of me at that moment, but we ended up doing a fist bump or something and all was good... Anyway, ever since last night, every time I think of the look on Bryce's face after I took the cupcakes, it makes me giggle. Thanks for being a good sport, Bryce, I REALLY did need the encouragement this week and got it in spades. I love ya tons, bro and I'm grateful for you!
So, anyway, that's been my week. I was sharing with someone yesterday that I just wanted some good news, that I was just getting tired of bad news all the time (or at least so it seemed). I'm fine but could definitely use some prayers about the job (hours, being offered the position full time, etc.) or even to find a new job. I would really like to get back into insurance at some point, so any prayers would be appreciated.
On another front, I have been feeling like I need a vacation. My last vacation was 11 months ago. I just want to go somewhere for a day or two, no phone, no TV, no internet and just spend some time with God. I don't want to have any agenda (other than reading and praying) and no household chores or anyone around to distract me, just God and I. Hopefully that will happen sooner than later...
On the subject of vacations, I have decided to start saving up for a trip to Germany. It's been nearly 18 years since I left there and I haven't been back since. I have reached a point where I will have dreams fairly frequently that I am in Germany. The last few have been particularly difficult because as I am IN the dream, I realize that I am not ACTUALLY in Germany, but that it's just another dream and I will actually break out in tears in the dream!! I am taking that as a sign that I need to go back to visit. I would like to go in December (if not this year, then hopefully next year) because when I go, I really want to visit the Christmas markets there. They are so wonderful and amazing that I would rather go that time of year than any other!
Because I really do not make enough money to put anything (of any significance) away into savings, I think I may have to sell some stuff and do some odd jobs around to pay for the trip. So, here I go, pray for me that I can do it. I am very hopeful and excited about this. THIS will also be a H-U-G-E incentive to lose weight (save $$ on food?) and just be discplined in more areas of my life...
As far as my weight is concerned, I have definitely gained a few pounds back. I really need to lay off the ice cream, that's my biggest downfall. But Fred Meyer has this "President's Choice" chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream that is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! Haven't bought it in years and hope I won't for more years. :) Anyway, but I do really hope for weight loss and money to save so that I can do this trip.
Well, I think that's enough for now. I didn't realize I had so much on my heart, but I hope you enjoyed this latest chapter in my life. Talk to you again soon, thanks for stopping in to read!
Friday, July 9, 2010
Ahhhh.... Progress!!!
As most of you may have noticed, I usually post my blogs late at night and I'm a little bleary-eyed when I do it. Tonight is totally different because it's almost 90 degrees and I thought chilling (not literally) in the house might be better than going out and getting heat stroke. Call me crazy! At any rate, I have been very excited over the past couple weeks because I feel like I'm just starting to hit my stride on the original purpose behind this blog, even though the time between blog entries still is long... I'm excited about this post because I am almost to my lowest weight in two years. I have lost about 13 pounds to date! I am finally out of the 330's... My first goal is get out of the 300's forever. Still have a way yet to go, but am excited for the momentum!
So, as many of you may have seen from my recent posts on Facebook, I have started to play tennis. Mostly with Don C, but with others as well. I'm having such a great time playing and I can already tell a difference in my body. Funny story: After three games of tennis in 4 days last week and a couple weeks playing, I was concerned that my legs were feeling kind of funny. I sometimes get that thing the TV wants you to believe is some horrible malady, "Restless Legs Syndrome" (which is a crock if you ask me, but I digress) and was concerned I was getting it again. But it was then I realized the horrible malady I really had was.... muscles in my legs! I went from concern to celebration because I was actually starting to get strong legs from tennis!!!!
So, Don and I have agreed on rules for tennis for our "games".... The point of our games is to get the ball over the net. Period. We don't care how many times it bounces on either side of the net, but just to get that ball back to the other side. We also have our baseball rules... If you hit it over the fence behind the other player, it's a home run. If it bounces first and then goes out, it's a ground rule double... Wednesday I hit my first (tennis) hole-in-one. Let me explain... So, I hit a tennis home run, cleared the fence, crossed a semi-busy road, lightly hit Don's car, on the up-bounce and landed on his trunk, falling into the low spot at the rear of the trunk and held by his spoiler and sat there for some time until we finished our game. It was really quite stunning and we both had a good laugh, so I actually got a hole-in-one on my home run.... I was feeling very good about myself, I have to admit. Three different sports achievements in one hit. LOL!
So, there's one more rule we play and you'll just have to accept, because it makes no other sense than to make me feel better about just stinking at the game. So, you "win" by having all the balls in play (we usually use 3-6 balls) standing on your side of the net, usually because you couldn't get them over the net by bad hits or serves. I tend to "win" a lot in our games.... I love our special rules, tennis rules seem so stuffy... :P
I was meaning to mention earlier in this entry today that I am very grateful for a conversation that I had with my dad a few weeks ago. He reminded me that I have not been keeping up on the blog and was wondering when the next one would be. He then asked me about how my weight loss was going and suddenly a light went on in my head... DUH! The whole reason for the blog was to share the revolution that I wanted in my life and to share with the world my journey... So, thanks Dad for brining me back to the reason for doing this, it helped me get back on track after a few months!
Life has still been very busy lately. I finally got done with the roofing project, although there are a few minor details that I will still be taking care of. But the VAST majority of the work is done on the back of my house. I am so grateful it's done, hopefully now I can try to enjoy my summer a little more.
Well, I think that's about it for now. Thanks for following and I appreciate your interest in "what's up with Tim". As Bart Simpson says, "Smell ya later!"
So, as many of you may have seen from my recent posts on Facebook, I have started to play tennis. Mostly with Don C, but with others as well. I'm having such a great time playing and I can already tell a difference in my body. Funny story: After three games of tennis in 4 days last week and a couple weeks playing, I was concerned that my legs were feeling kind of funny. I sometimes get that thing the TV wants you to believe is some horrible malady, "Restless Legs Syndrome" (which is a crock if you ask me, but I digress) and was concerned I was getting it again. But it was then I realized the horrible malady I really had was.... muscles in my legs! I went from concern to celebration because I was actually starting to get strong legs from tennis!!!!
So, Don and I have agreed on rules for tennis for our "games".... The point of our games is to get the ball over the net. Period. We don't care how many times it bounces on either side of the net, but just to get that ball back to the other side. We also have our baseball rules... If you hit it over the fence behind the other player, it's a home run. If it bounces first and then goes out, it's a ground rule double... Wednesday I hit my first (tennis) hole-in-one. Let me explain... So, I hit a tennis home run, cleared the fence, crossed a semi-busy road, lightly hit Don's car, on the up-bounce and landed on his trunk, falling into the low spot at the rear of the trunk and held by his spoiler and sat there for some time until we finished our game. It was really quite stunning and we both had a good laugh, so I actually got a hole-in-one on my home run.... I was feeling very good about myself, I have to admit. Three different sports achievements in one hit. LOL!
So, there's one more rule we play and you'll just have to accept, because it makes no other sense than to make me feel better about just stinking at the game. So, you "win" by having all the balls in play (we usually use 3-6 balls) standing on your side of the net, usually because you couldn't get them over the net by bad hits or serves. I tend to "win" a lot in our games.... I love our special rules, tennis rules seem so stuffy... :P
I was meaning to mention earlier in this entry today that I am very grateful for a conversation that I had with my dad a few weeks ago. He reminded me that I have not been keeping up on the blog and was wondering when the next one would be. He then asked me about how my weight loss was going and suddenly a light went on in my head... DUH! The whole reason for the blog was to share the revolution that I wanted in my life and to share with the world my journey... So, thanks Dad for brining me back to the reason for doing this, it helped me get back on track after a few months!
Life has still been very busy lately. I finally got done with the roofing project, although there are a few minor details that I will still be taking care of. But the VAST majority of the work is done on the back of my house. I am so grateful it's done, hopefully now I can try to enjoy my summer a little more.
Well, I think that's about it for now. Thanks for following and I appreciate your interest in "what's up with Tim". As Bart Simpson says, "Smell ya later!"
Monday, May 31, 2010
Memorial Day
Wazzzzzzaaaaaaaap? Well, it's late and I'm very tired, but I am happy to report that the long weekend was a good one. Brandon Renfro was here all week and we had a great time just chatting and hanging out. He's definitely a new best friend. Thanks for all your help, you are a really great brother! Hated to see you go back, but hey, you can't work out of a coffee shop for the rest of your life!
Oh yeah, the weekend.... So, I don't remember Friday night (tired, remember?) but Saturday was great! Got to go see a really cool wedding in an orchard, Tim and Jolynn are now married and off on honeymoon now. The ceremony was cool (literally) but it didn't rain! I guess it's really true that the prayers of righteous men are powerful and effective (James 5 I think)... So then we went to the "Service Station" for the reception. It's a coffee shop on steroids. Has meeting rooms, a stage, the whole nine yards. Very cool and much fun was had by all.
Church was awesome as usual, but there were tons of people from Seattle and Boise and even Missoula in town for the wedding, so got two weekends of incredible fellowship in a row!!! Then helped Diane move and then pool at Farwest, as is our custom. Also over the past few days I have been preparing to finish off the roof project over the back patio. I finished it all off except putting the tin up. Now I just have to find someone who will cut it (and wait until I can afford it... That could be a little while... :)
Today was one of those typical spring days. Sun, rain, cloudy, sprinkling, wind, rain, sun... you get the picture. So I had to halt the work a few times because of rain, but never more than about 20 minutes. But the cool thing was that I GOT IT DONE!! Yay!!! No kidding, two minutes after I got the patio cleaned up, sure enough -- rain. Within 5 minutes, p-o-u-r-i-n-g rain. Thanks God for allowing me to get it done in time! Talk about helpin' a brother out! THANKS!!!!!
So, tomorrow starts a very interesting chapter in my spiritual life. Nothing earth-shattering, just the challenge to read the Bible in 90 days. Since I am not much of a reader, it will be difficult, but I am really looking forward to it. My goal is definitely to finish in 90 days, but if I go a LITTLE longer, it's still a huge victory.
As far as the weight loss goes, last week I hit a bit of a plateau. Not feeling very well, stomach issues, blah blah blah, but I am still at about 8 pounds lost in the past 6 weeks or so. Yay! Fit into my jeans a size smaller today and felt comfortable. Now I need to get to the gym!
Finally, I just was excited to go out for German food tonight. I got a schnitzel and Spaetzle and a very tasty cheddar broccoli potato soup. I don't get German food very often, but tonight was extra cool, because I can take leftovers to work tomorrow for lunch! The schnitzel itself was humungous! I miss Germany. Gotta save to take a trip back there!
Night all, have a great week!!!
Tim
Oh yeah, the weekend.... So, I don't remember Friday night (tired, remember?) but Saturday was great! Got to go see a really cool wedding in an orchard, Tim and Jolynn are now married and off on honeymoon now. The ceremony was cool (literally) but it didn't rain! I guess it's really true that the prayers of righteous men are powerful and effective (James 5 I think)... So then we went to the "Service Station" for the reception. It's a coffee shop on steroids. Has meeting rooms, a stage, the whole nine yards. Very cool and much fun was had by all.
Church was awesome as usual, but there were tons of people from Seattle and Boise and even Missoula in town for the wedding, so got two weekends of incredible fellowship in a row!!! Then helped Diane move and then pool at Farwest, as is our custom. Also over the past few days I have been preparing to finish off the roof project over the back patio. I finished it all off except putting the tin up. Now I just have to find someone who will cut it (and wait until I can afford it... That could be a little while... :)
Today was one of those typical spring days. Sun, rain, cloudy, sprinkling, wind, rain, sun... you get the picture. So I had to halt the work a few times because of rain, but never more than about 20 minutes. But the cool thing was that I GOT IT DONE!! Yay!!! No kidding, two minutes after I got the patio cleaned up, sure enough -- rain. Within 5 minutes, p-o-u-r-i-n-g rain. Thanks God for allowing me to get it done in time! Talk about helpin' a brother out! THANKS!!!!!
So, tomorrow starts a very interesting chapter in my spiritual life. Nothing earth-shattering, just the challenge to read the Bible in 90 days. Since I am not much of a reader, it will be difficult, but I am really looking forward to it. My goal is definitely to finish in 90 days, but if I go a LITTLE longer, it's still a huge victory.
As far as the weight loss goes, last week I hit a bit of a plateau. Not feeling very well, stomach issues, blah blah blah, but I am still at about 8 pounds lost in the past 6 weeks or so. Yay! Fit into my jeans a size smaller today and felt comfortable. Now I need to get to the gym!
Finally, I just was excited to go out for German food tonight. I got a schnitzel and Spaetzle and a very tasty cheddar broccoli potato soup. I don't get German food very often, but tonight was extra cool, because I can take leftovers to work tomorrow for lunch! The schnitzel itself was humungous! I miss Germany. Gotta save to take a trip back there!
Night all, have a great week!!!
Tim
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Singles Retreat
I would love to spend some time sharing with everyone about my weekend, but I feel I needed to take some time to really process how really amazing the weekend really was. The singles retreat here in Spokane was very remarkable, and on Friday night they showed my video. I was super nervous if it would be good (when you edit and re-edit the video dozens of times, it's not so funny any more!). I got tremendous feedback from people that it was funny. I hope to add music to my copy of the video and post it some time this week.
In the meantime, I need to kind of pull myself back together and get my life back to abnormal. I want to take some time to pour over the notes from the weekend. I have to be honest, I was cynical about Roger Lamb being here, but I was so glad that he came. I am so grateful for the Kingdom of God!!!! Good night until next time... zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz....
Tim
In the meantime, I need to kind of pull myself back together and get my life back to abnormal. I want to take some time to pour over the notes from the weekend. I have to be honest, I was cynical about Roger Lamb being here, but I was so glad that he came. I am so grateful for the Kingdom of God!!!! Good night until next time... zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz....
Tim
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
The Haps
Hey!!!
Welcome back to another exciting of episode of "What's Up With Tim." When we last left our friend Tim, he was keeping his chin up and fighting the good fight... Let's see what he's up to tonight....
So it looks like I let a few weeks go by without updating... sorry. Thanks Jessica for the reminder last week. I have been so busy, I just never seemed to have the energy lately to sit down and write... So it has been a very eventful last couple of weeks...
In March I received a letter from my insurance company informing me that they would be cancelling my homeowners policy as of May 5 due to disrepair on the roof on the rear of my house (over the dining room addition) and my broken front steps. Since I had planned on repairing these anyway, I decided to go ahead and do the work. Me. And my roommates.
So, I somehow was able to talk Steve and Cole into climbing up on the roof, tearing off about 4 layers of shingles and putting new shingles up. Sounds pretty easy, doesn't it. How I wish it was!! So, the day I was hoping to get the shingles up on the roof, we barely got the roof cleared off. I thought to myself, "Okay, we can finish this on Sunday".... Famous last words. For the next two weeks, I spent every spare moment of daylight I could to finish the roof. Finally on 5/2, it was done! FINALLY!!! Steve Stewart is my hero and Cole Johnson is my sub-hero. I seriously couldn't have finished the roof without both of them. THANK YOU!!!!
That night, I sent photos and receipts to the insurance company and called the next day to find out that they decided to go ahead and continue the coverage on my home without interruption!!! The moment I found out I was SOOOO relieved! All that hard work had paid off in a serious way. I took the guys out for dinner at the Golden Corral that night to celebrate.
After the major work was done on the roof, I am still left with the task of putting up the canopy over the patio. Of course the sheets I removed were 50 years old and 11' long. (Home Depot only sells them in lengths of 10' and 12') so now I have to cart them somewhere (somehow) to get them cut. Well, at least the roof is done, that is not as important. You can see the photos of the progress of the roof on my facebook page.
So if that wasn't enough to keep me busy, I decided that I would have enough time to put together a video for the Singles retreat this weekend. It has been a lot of fun and I finally finished editing the footage on Sunday night, but need to have Phil S help me put music to the video, which he is doing tonight so we can get it to Andrew asap.
The first half of the video is to showcase how cool Spokane is, it REALLY IS a cool and beautiful place to live. The second half of the video will showcase some of the singles (not everyone wanted to be filmed for the video) doing funny stuff a la "The Monkees". It was so much fun filming this part of the video. It's really funny!!! I have to admit I'm a little nervous about showing it. I think it's good, but it's my first try at a real video.... Eek!
I can't believe the retreat starts in two days. I am way beyond excited for this week. I will get to see so many people I haven't been around in a very long time. There will be singles coming from all over Spokane, even from across the country, but mainly Seattle, Tacoma, Bellingham, Calgary, Edmonton, (Vancouver?), Boise, Missoula, Ashland (OR), Portland, and Spokane of course. I am so excited to have over 100 people coming to Spokane this weekend, plus all the Spokane people! This is such a great opportunity for us because the retreat is being organized by the leadership of the Edmonton (?) church, but we get to host it and don't have to travel. I think more than anything I am excited to "show off" our church and our city and to have people come visit us here. I travel to Seattle at least a few times a year and it's nice for people to come this direction!!!!
I am very excited that spring is here. I have moved my watermelon plants outside and have planted 3 kinds of tomatoes, cucumbers and I still have the pumpkins inside waiting to be planted. Maybe tomorrow night! Anyway, thanks for keeping up with me. It's been hard to keep up with myself lately! Love you guys, talk to you again soon!
Tim
Welcome back to another exciting of episode of "What's Up With Tim." When we last left our friend Tim, he was keeping his chin up and fighting the good fight... Let's see what he's up to tonight....
So it looks like I let a few weeks go by without updating... sorry. Thanks Jessica for the reminder last week. I have been so busy, I just never seemed to have the energy lately to sit down and write... So it has been a very eventful last couple of weeks...
In March I received a letter from my insurance company informing me that they would be cancelling my homeowners policy as of May 5 due to disrepair on the roof on the rear of my house (over the dining room addition) and my broken front steps. Since I had planned on repairing these anyway, I decided to go ahead and do the work. Me. And my roommates.
So, I somehow was able to talk Steve and Cole into climbing up on the roof, tearing off about 4 layers of shingles and putting new shingles up. Sounds pretty easy, doesn't it. How I wish it was!! So, the day I was hoping to get the shingles up on the roof, we barely got the roof cleared off. I thought to myself, "Okay, we can finish this on Sunday".... Famous last words. For the next two weeks, I spent every spare moment of daylight I could to finish the roof. Finally on 5/2, it was done! FINALLY!!! Steve Stewart is my hero and Cole Johnson is my sub-hero. I seriously couldn't have finished the roof without both of them. THANK YOU!!!!
That night, I sent photos and receipts to the insurance company and called the next day to find out that they decided to go ahead and continue the coverage on my home without interruption!!! The moment I found out I was SOOOO relieved! All that hard work had paid off in a serious way. I took the guys out for dinner at the Golden Corral that night to celebrate.
After the major work was done on the roof, I am still left with the task of putting up the canopy over the patio. Of course the sheets I removed were 50 years old and 11' long. (Home Depot only sells them in lengths of 10' and 12') so now I have to cart them somewhere (somehow) to get them cut. Well, at least the roof is done, that is not as important. You can see the photos of the progress of the roof on my facebook page.
So if that wasn't enough to keep me busy, I decided that I would have enough time to put together a video for the Singles retreat this weekend. It has been a lot of fun and I finally finished editing the footage on Sunday night, but need to have Phil S help me put music to the video, which he is doing tonight so we can get it to Andrew asap.
The first half of the video is to showcase how cool Spokane is, it REALLY IS a cool and beautiful place to live. The second half of the video will showcase some of the singles (not everyone wanted to be filmed for the video) doing funny stuff a la "The Monkees". It was so much fun filming this part of the video. It's really funny!!! I have to admit I'm a little nervous about showing it. I think it's good, but it's my first try at a real video.... Eek!
I can't believe the retreat starts in two days. I am way beyond excited for this week. I will get to see so many people I haven't been around in a very long time. There will be singles coming from all over Spokane, even from across the country, but mainly Seattle, Tacoma, Bellingham, Calgary, Edmonton, (Vancouver?), Boise, Missoula, Ashland (OR), Portland, and Spokane of course. I am so excited to have over 100 people coming to Spokane this weekend, plus all the Spokane people! This is such a great opportunity for us because the retreat is being organized by the leadership of the Edmonton (?) church, but we get to host it and don't have to travel. I think more than anything I am excited to "show off" our church and our city and to have people come visit us here. I travel to Seattle at least a few times a year and it's nice for people to come this direction!!!!
I am very excited that spring is here. I have moved my watermelon plants outside and have planted 3 kinds of tomatoes, cucumbers and I still have the pumpkins inside waiting to be planted. Maybe tomorrow night! Anyway, thanks for keeping up with me. It's been hard to keep up with myself lately! Love you guys, talk to you again soon!
Tim
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Yikes, it's been WAAAAY too long...
It's been well over 30 days since my last entry and I have to admit, I'm feeling bad about that... So, to remedy the situation, my goal is to write at least one entry per week so that not only can I keep all of you up on the craziness of Tim, but I can also just get stuff off my heart and organized so that I can hopefully see my own progress.
Well, I could certainly go off on a million things that have been going on since March 19 when I wrote my last entry, but I will try to keep it somewhat brief. I have to be honest, I'm kinda tired right now and I want to get to bed early tonight. Wish me luck with that....
I think I should start off with the whole reason that I started this blog in the first place: Personal revolution. The great news is that I have lost a total of 7 pounds, 5 of which were this past week, I'll go over more of that later on... As far as the personal revolution is concerned, I am very excited that I decided to shut off cable so that it would not be so easy for me to veg for hours on end in front of the toob. It really hasn't been that bad, I really don't miss it most days. Any more, I am just more eager to get up and get some stuff done. I do still watch some shows on the internet and an occasional movie, but nothing like my couch-potatoness of yore...
So, the other really good thing has been activity. Lots of it. I've been hiking, replacing the roof over my addition, helping a brother fix his brakes, and lots of other stuff. That's how I lost 5 pounds this week. I am super excited about that, and really want to continue my momentum on all that exercise. I may be able to even walk Bloomsday this weekend, over 7 miles. I'm not sure how I feel about that right now, because I am honestly just exhausted from the past week and a half. Not a bad tired, but a good tired... I am feeling like I am getting lots done.
Last Friday night (4/16), Conan O'Brien was in town and I was super excited to try to make it to his show. I had looked online and there were no tix left, so I went to the box office that night, and they actually did have some tickets! I was beyond excited to see him, he is one of my favorite entertainers and he definitely didn't disappoint. I was however incredibly bummed to find out that he went out to the big red wagon after the show to meet fans. I would have loved to meet him. He seems like a really stand-up kind of guy (no pun intended). Oh well, nothing I can do about it now.... except follow him around to every show to meet him. Well, maybe not, I don't have the money for that and it frankly seems a little creepy. LOL!!! Anyway, thanks Conan for coming to Spokane, I really enjoyed your show!!!
This past weekend my new roommate (Cole) and I went to Missoula, MT to visit friends, hang out with the church and pick up the rest of his stuff. It was a great trip, and fun to spend some extra time with him, Darvin, Viki and Rendee. It was really nice to get out of town and take some time off from all my hard work. As a side note, I'm very grateful for my roommates, Cole and Steve, they helped me out a TON on the roof. I couldn't have done it without them. Truly, I couldn't have... Thank you so much guys!
Well, there was something more I wanted to say, but I can't think of what it was now, so I think that's my sign to hit the sack. If I can remember what it was, I'll try to post again in the next day or two. Thanks for looking in on me and for all the feedback. I love you guys and I hope that God blesses your life more than you can imagine. He certainly has for me. Night!!!
Well, I could certainly go off on a million things that have been going on since March 19 when I wrote my last entry, but I will try to keep it somewhat brief. I have to be honest, I'm kinda tired right now and I want to get to bed early tonight. Wish me luck with that....
I think I should start off with the whole reason that I started this blog in the first place: Personal revolution. The great news is that I have lost a total of 7 pounds, 5 of which were this past week, I'll go over more of that later on... As far as the personal revolution is concerned, I am very excited that I decided to shut off cable so that it would not be so easy for me to veg for hours on end in front of the toob. It really hasn't been that bad, I really don't miss it most days. Any more, I am just more eager to get up and get some stuff done. I do still watch some shows on the internet and an occasional movie, but nothing like my couch-potatoness of yore...
So, the other really good thing has been activity. Lots of it. I've been hiking, replacing the roof over my addition, helping a brother fix his brakes, and lots of other stuff. That's how I lost 5 pounds this week. I am super excited about that, and really want to continue my momentum on all that exercise. I may be able to even walk Bloomsday this weekend, over 7 miles. I'm not sure how I feel about that right now, because I am honestly just exhausted from the past week and a half. Not a bad tired, but a good tired... I am feeling like I am getting lots done.
Last Friday night (4/16), Conan O'Brien was in town and I was super excited to try to make it to his show. I had looked online and there were no tix left, so I went to the box office that night, and they actually did have some tickets! I was beyond excited to see him, he is one of my favorite entertainers and he definitely didn't disappoint. I was however incredibly bummed to find out that he went out to the big red wagon after the show to meet fans. I would have loved to meet him. He seems like a really stand-up kind of guy (no pun intended). Oh well, nothing I can do about it now.... except follow him around to every show to meet him. Well, maybe not, I don't have the money for that and it frankly seems a little creepy. LOL!!! Anyway, thanks Conan for coming to Spokane, I really enjoyed your show!!!
This past weekend my new roommate (Cole) and I went to Missoula, MT to visit friends, hang out with the church and pick up the rest of his stuff. It was a great trip, and fun to spend some extra time with him, Darvin, Viki and Rendee. It was really nice to get out of town and take some time off from all my hard work. As a side note, I'm very grateful for my roommates, Cole and Steve, they helped me out a TON on the roof. I couldn't have done it without them. Truly, I couldn't have... Thank you so much guys!
Well, there was something more I wanted to say, but I can't think of what it was now, so I think that's my sign to hit the sack. If I can remember what it was, I'll try to post again in the next day or two. Thanks for looking in on me and for all the feedback. I love you guys and I hope that God blesses your life more than you can imagine. He certainly has for me. Night!!!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
It's been waaay too long
Hey All,
Remember me? It's been way too long since I sat down and wrote out the goings-on in my mind and in my life. Life has been good, but certainly feel like it's been a roller coaster. I actually do like roller coasters....
So, it's been almost two weeks since I last wrote and a lot has been on my heart. Knowing my own tendency to lean towards negativity (understatement), I will start with the things that are great and that make me happy. First is God, it's good to start with the best thing in my life. It's easy to focus on the little annoyances and struggles, so I want to just thank God for all the little miracles of life. I am grateful to God, who gave me a roommate when I was starting to wonder how I would cover all my bills. I am grateful that God is also giving me another roommate as of Monday, Cole Johnson is moving over from Missoula to start work at KHQ. Poor guy has to start work at 3:45am. I only try to recognize one 3:45 per day, and the A.M. one is not it!!!
Anyway, I am grateful to have an amazing family, both spiritual and physical. I am grateful to have my life, my breath and a warm bed to sleep in every night. I am grateful for a seriously great dog, who just makes me laugh and gives me snuggles when life is tough. I'm grateful that God is incredibly patient with a wretch like me and has never given up hope on me, even when I am tempted to...
Confession time: I have been bad. Part of the reason that I have not blogged lately is just plain guilt. I have not been good about keeping my diet or my workout regimen. I watched The Biggest Loser last night and am inspired and convicted by these amazing people, who are much larger than I am, continue to lose weight week after week, the way they push themselves to the limit is very inspiring. I want to be like you guys...
As I mentioned recently, I started my job about two weeks ago and I'm really liking it. I still have so much to learn and am continually confused by all the systems and frustrated by not always knowing where to find stuff, but I know that will all come in time. I am grateful to have Bridget there, she is fun. So is the rest of the staff there too for that matter. I am getting comfortable with the issues people need help with and that has been very good. It's just good to be working again.
On Sunday, I began not to feel so well. I began to have stomach pains and thought I had eaten something bad. I took a long nap and hoped for the best, but still didn't feel that well. On Monday, I went to work, but the stomach aches did not go away. By the end of the day, I felt awful. I HAD to run two errands and then I went straight home. That night, I was very ill. High fever, stomach problems, sore throat, exhaustion, etc. I can't remember the last time I was that sick. I did some research and found that most of my symptoms were consistent with H1N1. For feeling that crappy, I better have had something that bad!!!!
Tuesday and Wednesday I stayed home from work. It was very hard, knowing that I do not have any sick leave available to me, so no pay for those two days... As tough as my finances have been, it's hard to lose two days work. I am nonetheless hopeful that God will continue to help a brother out!!!
I am very excited for this weekend. We are having our men's retreat in Liberty Lake and I am glad to be able to go. It'll be good to get away and hang out with the bros. I would like to try to get some time with some of the married bros, especially that are a little bit more my age. I love to hang out with the singles, but I think this will be a good opportunity to expand my circle of influence (their influence on me) this weekend.
There have been other challenges this week too, but I really cannot focus on those right now. I feel like I have had some failures and certainly my fair share of weaknesses. I really need to pour myself into my relationship with God, because I feel like I am seriously trying to make some progress in my life. I could use your prayers and your accountability to see how I am doing. I am grateful for everyone who reads this blog. I know there is more to write, but it is just too late tonight to write much more.
Thank you again for reading, and I will be posting again soon. (Really, I will. I promise!)
Love,
Tim
1 Cor 15:58
Remember me? It's been way too long since I sat down and wrote out the goings-on in my mind and in my life. Life has been good, but certainly feel like it's been a roller coaster. I actually do like roller coasters....
So, it's been almost two weeks since I last wrote and a lot has been on my heart. Knowing my own tendency to lean towards negativity (understatement), I will start with the things that are great and that make me happy. First is God, it's good to start with the best thing in my life. It's easy to focus on the little annoyances and struggles, so I want to just thank God for all the little miracles of life. I am grateful to God, who gave me a roommate when I was starting to wonder how I would cover all my bills. I am grateful that God is also giving me another roommate as of Monday, Cole Johnson is moving over from Missoula to start work at KHQ. Poor guy has to start work at 3:45am. I only try to recognize one 3:45 per day, and the A.M. one is not it!!!
Anyway, I am grateful to have an amazing family, both spiritual and physical. I am grateful to have my life, my breath and a warm bed to sleep in every night. I am grateful for a seriously great dog, who just makes me laugh and gives me snuggles when life is tough. I'm grateful that God is incredibly patient with a wretch like me and has never given up hope on me, even when I am tempted to...
Confession time: I have been bad. Part of the reason that I have not blogged lately is just plain guilt. I have not been good about keeping my diet or my workout regimen. I watched The Biggest Loser last night and am inspired and convicted by these amazing people, who are much larger than I am, continue to lose weight week after week, the way they push themselves to the limit is very inspiring. I want to be like you guys...
As I mentioned recently, I started my job about two weeks ago and I'm really liking it. I still have so much to learn and am continually confused by all the systems and frustrated by not always knowing where to find stuff, but I know that will all come in time. I am grateful to have Bridget there, she is fun. So is the rest of the staff there too for that matter. I am getting comfortable with the issues people need help with and that has been very good. It's just good to be working again.
On Sunday, I began not to feel so well. I began to have stomach pains and thought I had eaten something bad. I took a long nap and hoped for the best, but still didn't feel that well. On Monday, I went to work, but the stomach aches did not go away. By the end of the day, I felt awful. I HAD to run two errands and then I went straight home. That night, I was very ill. High fever, stomach problems, sore throat, exhaustion, etc. I can't remember the last time I was that sick. I did some research and found that most of my symptoms were consistent with H1N1. For feeling that crappy, I better have had something that bad!!!!
Tuesday and Wednesday I stayed home from work. It was very hard, knowing that I do not have any sick leave available to me, so no pay for those two days... As tough as my finances have been, it's hard to lose two days work. I am nonetheless hopeful that God will continue to help a brother out!!!
I am very excited for this weekend. We are having our men's retreat in Liberty Lake and I am glad to be able to go. It'll be good to get away and hang out with the bros. I would like to try to get some time with some of the married bros, especially that are a little bit more my age. I love to hang out with the singles, but I think this will be a good opportunity to expand my circle of influence (their influence on me) this weekend.
There have been other challenges this week too, but I really cannot focus on those right now. I feel like I have had some failures and certainly my fair share of weaknesses. I really need to pour myself into my relationship with God, because I feel like I am seriously trying to make some progress in my life. I could use your prayers and your accountability to see how I am doing. I am grateful for everyone who reads this blog. I know there is more to write, but it is just too late tonight to write much more.
Thank you again for reading, and I will be posting again soon. (Really, I will. I promise!)
Love,
Tim
1 Cor 15:58
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Woo Hoo!! The Last Day of Being Unemployed!
Hey all!
So I am not sure how to start the blog tonight. I'm pretty tired from the day, although I'm not exactly sure why. Maybe because it was just a gloomy, rainy day.... At any rate, it was eventful if nothing else, a good day...
This morning I was feeling a little bit down. I was feeling annoyed that for all the work I have done to find a job, I just wasn't getting ANY feedback from any of the companies I had solicited employment from. Most of the jobs I had applied for I was (in my mind at least) more than sufficiently qualified, yet.... not a peep. I was on the verge of just plain discouragement, however it did not take long before I received a call from the recruiter asking if I would be available for an interview this morning. Of course, I agreed.
I went to the interview and Bridget Vawter (thanks, Bridget!) came up to say hi to me and shortly thereafter went in to talk to the boss-lady, Cheryl. I thought the interview went well and within a few hours, I was offered the job. Yay! I am excited to get up tomorrow and have somewhere to go and something to do, and also to have a paycheck from it! I will be taking calls for a company that produces stamps, signs, insignia, etc. I was impressed by the samples they had in their showroom, very professional.
I was encouraged later in the afternoon to have Lionel stop by. He wanted to see his nephew (Wolfi) and got lots of puppy kisses and was able to get off a few Wolfi pulls for a workout. I decided to go ahead and make some dinner and since I have been wanting to make my famous stir fry all week, I figured it would encourage Lionel to make it for him. He was very encouraged and even Steve got to have some.
Later I got a chance to hang out with my neighbor Alex. Alex is an all-around good egg and I appreciate his friendship and his willingness to help me out. Last week it was to fax some paperwork to the unemployment agency. Mucho appreciado, Alex! Anyway, we just chatted for a while while his little mini Yorky loved to just climb all over me. She is pretty cool...
Oh, and I almost forgot the update on my weight loss. I weighed myself on Monday and despite slipping on my new agenda, God has somehow allowed me to lose 5 lbs in my first two weeks on the regimen. I know slow and steady is good but I am very impatient. Pants ARE fitting better now, am very encouraged to continue and to do even more. Now, I'm not complaining here, but I recognize that having to work is going to make my new goals a little more challenging. I don't just have all day to go to the gym and I have to plan my lunches ahead, etc. Since most of the working public does these things on a daily basis, I feel confident I will be able to adjust. ;)
So, on that note, I started to write my update tonight right about 11pm, my new bedtime. Now it's after 11:20 and I am starting to get pretty tired. Thanks, all for continuing to follow my blog. I hope I didn't bore you too much tonight. ;) Buenos nachos!!
Tim
So I am not sure how to start the blog tonight. I'm pretty tired from the day, although I'm not exactly sure why. Maybe because it was just a gloomy, rainy day.... At any rate, it was eventful if nothing else, a good day...
This morning I was feeling a little bit down. I was feeling annoyed that for all the work I have done to find a job, I just wasn't getting ANY feedback from any of the companies I had solicited employment from. Most of the jobs I had applied for I was (in my mind at least) more than sufficiently qualified, yet.... not a peep. I was on the verge of just plain discouragement, however it did not take long before I received a call from the recruiter asking if I would be available for an interview this morning. Of course, I agreed.
I went to the interview and Bridget Vawter (thanks, Bridget!) came up to say hi to me and shortly thereafter went in to talk to the boss-lady, Cheryl. I thought the interview went well and within a few hours, I was offered the job. Yay! I am excited to get up tomorrow and have somewhere to go and something to do, and also to have a paycheck from it! I will be taking calls for a company that produces stamps, signs, insignia, etc. I was impressed by the samples they had in their showroom, very professional.
I was encouraged later in the afternoon to have Lionel stop by. He wanted to see his nephew (Wolfi) and got lots of puppy kisses and was able to get off a few Wolfi pulls for a workout. I decided to go ahead and make some dinner and since I have been wanting to make my famous stir fry all week, I figured it would encourage Lionel to make it for him. He was very encouraged and even Steve got to have some.
Later I got a chance to hang out with my neighbor Alex. Alex is an all-around good egg and I appreciate his friendship and his willingness to help me out. Last week it was to fax some paperwork to the unemployment agency. Mucho appreciado, Alex! Anyway, we just chatted for a while while his little mini Yorky loved to just climb all over me. She is pretty cool...
Oh, and I almost forgot the update on my weight loss. I weighed myself on Monday and despite slipping on my new agenda, God has somehow allowed me to lose 5 lbs in my first two weeks on the regimen. I know slow and steady is good but I am very impatient. Pants ARE fitting better now, am very encouraged to continue and to do even more. Now, I'm not complaining here, but I recognize that having to work is going to make my new goals a little more challenging. I don't just have all day to go to the gym and I have to plan my lunches ahead, etc. Since most of the working public does these things on a daily basis, I feel confident I will be able to adjust. ;)
So, on that note, I started to write my update tonight right about 11pm, my new bedtime. Now it's after 11:20 and I am starting to get pretty tired. Thanks, all for continuing to follow my blog. I hope I didn't bore you too much tonight. ;) Buenos nachos!!
Tim
Thursday, February 25, 2010
A Very Productive Day
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!
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!
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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