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
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