Christmas: Its not Just for Christians Anymore

Because I couldnt really figure out what this post was about but still felt like I had to argue or disagree or perhaps agree with it, here you go...

Christmas is three things and people choose to observe them to varying degrees. First and formost Christmas is the celebration of the birth of baby Jesus and his coming to earth to save us from our sins. Second, Christmas is a time to gather with loved ones. Third, it is a time to give gifts.

People in North America who get upset that their company has a Christmas party are idiots. The whole "holiday" swap is about as stupid as calling French fries Freedom fries. You dont have a holiday tree. Its a Christmas tree. You dont put a pine tree in your house and decorate it for Thanksgiving, New Years, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or Boxing Day. You do it for Christmas, baby Jesus or no baby Jesus.

There is no reason why a non Christian family cant celebrate Christmas. As I stated above, in addition to a really big birthday party, Christmas is a time to spend with loved ones and give gifts. Our economy depends on it. What I would find strange would be an NCF that has a manger scene in the front yard, or giving birth in a stable. Those parts of Christmas shouldnt be observed by non Christians.

I dont know why it would be difficult for someone to explain the manger scene. Its a depiction of the birth of baby Jesus. Thats what it is regardless of weather or not you believe that Jesus was born or not. Just like Peter Pan and the Vietnam war. Weather or not you believe theyre real has nothing to do with explaining what they are.

So Bri, Im not sure if I agreed with you or disagreed with you but Im pretty sure someone is upset. (Though I dont know who.)

Its a Marshmellow World in the Winter

We go about a bajillion inches of snow last week. It was awesome. We didnt go sledding but I definitely put the truck in 4x4. I thought I had more to say about this but apparently I dont.

Going Rogue

I quit my main job yesterday. In just under 2 weeks I will no longer be employed as a mechanic. Ill be delivering pizzas full time now rather then doing it to supplement the lack of mechanics work. Now Ill be turning wrenches to supplement so if you need any work done let me know.

The primary reason I quit was lack of income. I was able to make up for it driving Friday and Saturday night but yesterday I was told that Id have to be available those nights so I quit. Jaime and I had already talked about the possibility of me quiting and I had made sure I could work full time at The Village.

The only thing Im worried about is insurance. We might be able to get insurance through Jaimes work and shes also looking into MI Child for Jack. Honestly weve been pretty frustrated with my insurance so Im not entirely sad to see it go. Jack went in for his 1 year check up and vaccinations a couple months ago. We got the statement from the insurance company and the total cost was $468 of which they covered just over $55. I was furious. We pay over $3,200 a year for coverage on Jack and I and thats what we get? Fuck that. This was all routine stuff. Nothing fancy or unnecessary. Hopefully congress will get health insurance all straightened out, but thats another post.

In the end Im happy with the decision and am excited to be delivering again. If you know anyone looking to get rid of a TDI VW Golf or Rabbit let me know.

Turkey

I ate too much and the Lions lost. It must be Thanksgiving. Hope yours was good.

ER

I just spent 25 minutes on the phone to have Jaime added to my insurance. The majority of the time was spent listening to some smooth jazz while on hold. Im pretty sure I only talked to a person for about 64 seconds.

I dont know what socialized health care would mean for me. But I cant imagine it could be worse. What Id like to see is government provided preventative health care. Every year, say during your birthday month, youd be able to go to the doctor and have a complete check up done. Twice a year youd be able to go to the dentist and have a cleaning and x-rays. Routine vaccinations would be covered. Basically, anything that most doctors recommend you do to prevent yourself from getting sick should be covered by some government sponsored health care.  I really dont know much more about it all other then Im tired of paying thousands of dollars a year for coverage for my family and then also having to turn around and pay hundreds more in deductables and copays just to get simple checkups done.

Tweet

http://twitter.com/driver_eight

Bowling Stories

The latest craze at work is to call your coworker a midget. It all started one day when Dan and I were working and...
...and thats why the whole shop now call each other midgets.

I was picking up a delicious pizza the other day and my old manager was there...
...and thats how I came to deliver pizzas a couple nights a week again.

There I was, balls...

I was sitting at the computer...
...Isnt it funny what pets will do?

Gotta Catch em All

Im pretty sure I have a problem. The problem is that I cant have enough friends on Facebook. Its gotten to the point that Ill approve someone who I dont remember if asked to be friends.

25 Things About Me #7-10

• I hate racism. It bothers me when people assume they know things about people based solely on their appearance and I try to take a stand whenever I can. Not just to let the people know that they are bad people but to let them know that stereotypes arent always, and in fact are very rarely correct.


• I hate when people feel that they have to live up to stereo types. If you happen to fit a stereo type, fine. Just dont think that youre limited to it.


• I discriminate against people. I dont treat heterosexual adult white men the same way as I treat everyone else. I have the white mans guilt and am terrified that anything I say or do will be construed as discriminatory so I treat people not like myself better then I would treat those who are like me.


• I like to joke about racism. Not make jokes about people because of their race. Rather I make jokes about treating things differently because of something they cant control.

What do you call a French Canadian who flys a plane? A pilot, you racist.

Im Hungry, Im Dirty, Im Losing my Mind

Work has been really slow lately. Im not making as much as I used to. The days take a lot longer.

Were going camping in a couple weeks. Im so excited. I cant wait to get away from everything and just sit around and do nothing. Its going to be great to swim in lake Charlevoix. Its going to be great to burn things.

Im still torn about what to do for a computer. I really want a MacBook but I really want to not spend a gazillion dollars on a computer. The main reason I want a Mac is because they arent as susceptible to viri. I also really like iPhoto and the rest of the iLife suite. Now from what I understand, Windows has something similar and I could always download Picasa and do it Google style. I dont know much about either of those though so if you use any of them tell me what you think.

My boss doesnt know how to approve vacation time in the computer. This worries me.

25 Years and My Life is Still

Its my birthday in a couple days. Ill be 30 years old. 30 isnt old. Its just strange to think that I wont be in my 20s anymore. I already had a mid life crisis about 10 years ago when I bought leather pants and a 2 door convertible. Its also hard to believe that Ive been with Jaime for 1/3 of my life.

Its time for a new computer. The computer Im using now is the computer Jaime and I got when we first got married. Two summers ago we got a used computer from a guy at work but that puked out on us in February. The old Gateway is still chugging along with its 256MB of ram and 1.6GHz processor but she doesnt like running more then 2 programs at a time and the sound isnt working. Im hoping to get a MacBook Pro and one of those fancy wireless Mighty Mouses.

64tacos almost went the way of Katohater.com. Renewal time came along and I realized I hadnt posted here in nearly 3 months. In the end I decided to give it another year. TheDeVrieses.com is hosted on the same server so I would have had to get rid of  that as well if I didnt renew and that was the deciding factor.

Living in someone elses house is a very difficult thing to do.

I love the water. We went out on Lake Michigan and it was beautiful. Water for as far as the eye can see. I cant wait to go camping. Hopefully well be able to fit it in this summer.

I got a fancy new phone. I have the new Blackberry Storm and it is awesome. I can connect to any form of communication that I already use all in one pocket sized device. Im pretty sure its going to get me fired because I just want to play with it all day at work.

Thats what she said.

And the Moustache Comes in the Night

So we get to start this fun cycle over again.

Smoking. I am a smoker. I havent smoked a cigarette in 2 years and 8 months, but I am a smoker. After every meal I think about smoking. Every time I see someone on TV or in a movie smoking Im reminded just how wonderful it is. The anti smoking adds make me want to smoke. Just typing this makes me want a cigarette. I love smoking. I am addicted to more then just nicotine and I dont think that I will ever overcome that. Not that Ive had a hard life but not smoking is the hardest thing I have ever done. The hardest part is, its not something that you do and then its done. Its something that you are constantly doing, every day, every hour and every minute of your life.

When I lived in Grand Rapids, Neil and I had an ongoing bet. Whoever smoked first had to pay the other person $64. We would take turns smoking first and the actual money never crossed hands. There would be times where we would call a temporary "cease fire" and both of us would smoke freely for a predetermined amount of time. This bet was a big help for me. I think it helped Neil out too. It was good to have someone to go through the quiting with. Someone to hold you accountable. Someone to be understanding when you failed.

Neil owes me $64. He was the last to lose the bet. Somehow I cant help but feel a little bit responsible for his failure though. Every time he smokes it reminds me of my own struggle. Im not going to require payment of this debt when we get back. I would like to propose a new bet though. So Neil, starting on June 4th, If youre willing, Id like to restart our bet. I have a feeling that Im going to need the extra incentive being back in GR and I know youre still struggling with it.

I would also like to congratulate you on going 2 days without smoking this past weekend. Thats 2 less days of smoking and every day you dont smoke counts.

We All Live on the Edge of Town

View Larger Map

Thats how we roll. At least, thats how we are planning on rolling when we go back. In 64 days well be picking up a U Haul trailer and loading it, the Jeep and Truck with all our worldly possessions. My mom and Bruce are flying out to help us with the drive. Theyll be driving Jaimes Patriot while Jaime, Jack, Hudson and I pull the U Haul trailer with my truck.

Im very excited about this trip for a couple reasons. Im ready for a road trip and 2000 miles definitely qualifies. Im excited to put my truck to the test. Ive used some of its capabilities taking scrap metal to the junk yard but I havent used it to tow anything yet. Mostly though Im excited to be going back to Michigan. Im excited for trees, and forests and grass. Im excited for Festival and cookouts and Mario Kart Tournaments. Im excited about the chance to buy a house. We should be gone before we get too many 110 degree days here and then in a couple months it will be winter. Winter as I know and love it. The most important thing is that well be close to most of our friends and Jack will be able to spend time with most of his family. (Aunt Jenna and uncle Brett need to move back to Grand Rapids now too.)

Thats not to say I wont miss some things about Phoenix. It will suck not being close to Zac and Teresa. I love the mountians. 99 percent of the cars here dont have any real rust on them so work is easy.

89 Degrees

86 degrees on March 1st and we didnt set a record. We turned the AC on today. 3 months to go.

25 Things About Me #4-6

• I correct people. If someone uses a word or phrase incorrectly I correct them. I dont do it because I think Im better then them (which I usually do). I do it because I want them to know the right way to say what they are trying to say. Some people are put off by it and thats fine. Others argue that they are correct. A few actually thank me.


• I am a very bad speller. Its not hard to tell when Ive used spell checker and when I havent. I dont spell well.


• I dont use and encourage you not to use apostrophes. They are superfluous.

Best Man Speech

I know its a little untimely but blah blah excuses blah blah.. Heres my best man speech for those of you who couldnt make it out to Zac and Teresas wedding.

Anyone who looks at Zac and Teresa for just one second will think, WHAT? Hes 8'3" hunched over and shes, at best, 3'8" with heals on. Zac is a dorky looking white boy from the midwest and Teresa is a beautiful Mexican girl from Arizona. But anyone who spends more then one second with them, immediately knows that despite their obvious differences they are two perfectly fitting pieces of a puzzle. So heres to Zac and Teresa and a long life of happiness.

Also, our pictures from the wedding can be found on our family sites gallery.

25 Things About Me #1-3

This list or whatever it is has been floating around the Facebook for a little while now and Ive been tagged at least once so here it is, in part.

• I have been happily married to my beautiful wife, Jaime, for almost 8 years.


• I am the father of the most awesome little boy in the world.


• While I dont have many friends, the friends I do have are very close to me, despite the fact that they are spread all across the country.

Fitness

Some of you may have noticed that I havent been posting my fitness info. I got kinda board with it. I am however going to be keeping a fitness section in the sidebar that will have my most recent stats for those of you who are interested.

Fitness 02-10-09

Weight: 189.2
Target: 191.3

Wii Fit: 43 minutes
Breakfast: Weight Loss Shake
Morning Walk: 0.6 miles
Snack: Chips
Lunch: Soup
Snack: Chips
Dinner: Oregano's
Evening Jog: 1.0 miles

Fitness 02-09-09

Weight: 191.8
Target: 187.0

Yeah, we ate the crap out of that wedding, and it was awesome.

Happy Wedding Day

Congratulations Zac and Teresa on the getting married!

Fitness 02-06-09

Ill be in Tucson this weekend so there wont be any fitness updates until Monday.

Weight: 187.6
Target: 188.5

Fitness 02-05-09

Weight: 188.7
Target: 187.2

Wii Fit: 45 minutes
Breakfast: ???
Morning Walk: 0.6 miles
Snack: Granola Bar, Handi Snack
Lunch: Goldfish Crackers
Dinner: Pork Chop Sandwich, corn
Snack: Jello
Evening Jog: 1.0 miles

Fitness 02-04-09

Weight: 187.4
Target: 188.7

Wii Fit: 45 minutes
Breakfast: Dried Beef Dip & Tortilla Chips
Morning Walk: 0.6 miles
Snacks: Granola Bar, Handi Snack
Lunch: Weight Loss Shake
Racket Ball: 30 minutes
Dinner: In N Out, Cake
Wii Fit: 20 minutes
Evening Job: 1.0 miles

Fitness 02-03-09

Weight: 188.9
Target: 190.0

Wii Fit: 49 minutes
Breakfast: Apple 64 cal
Morning Walk: 0.6 miles
Snacks: Granola Bar 100 cal, Handi Snack 130 cal
Lunch: Weight Loss Shake 230 cal
Snack: Dried Beef Dip w/ Tortilla Chips
Afternoon Walk: 1.3 miles
Dinner: Noodles & Cheese, Veggies w/ Ranch Dip
Wii Fit: 30 minutes
Snack: Fruit Pizza
Evening Jog: 1.3 miles

Fitness 02-02-09

The Superbowl was awesome. The food was even better. To counter some of the weight gain I decided to find the answer to this question. The hair attributed to 0.7 pounds and after cutting it and all the eating Superbowl Sunday cost me 2.0 pounds. Worth it!

Weight: 190.3
Target:188.1

Wii Fit: 52 minutes
Breakfast: Orange 64 cal
Morning Walk: 0.6 miles
Snacks: Granola Bar 90 cal, Handi Snack 130 cal
Lunch: Weight Loss Shake 230 cal
Snack Fruit Pizza
Dinner: Gulyas
Wii Fit: 30 minutes
Snack: Jello 10 cal
Evening Jog 1.5 miles

Fitness 02-01-09

Weight: 188.3
Target: 189.2

Morning Hike: Lookout Mountain summit
Lots and lots and lots of delicious Superbowl Party food
Evening Jog: 1.0 miles

Fitness 01-31-09

Weight: 189.4
Target: 189.4

Breakfast: Weight Loss Shake 230 cal
Wii Fit: 49 minutes
Morning Walk: 0.6 miles
Snacks: Granola Bar 90 cal, Handi Snack 130 cal
Lunch: Weight Loss Shake 230 cal
Afternoon Walk: 1.3 miles
Snack: Granola Bar
Dinner: Grilled Pork Chop, Corn, Rolls
Wii Fit: 30 minutes
Snacks: Pudding 25 cal, Orange 64 cal
Evening Run: 1.0 miles

Fitness 01-30-09

Weight: 189.6
Target: 189.0

Morning Walk: 3.0 miles
Breakfast: Weight Loss Shake
Wii Fit: 90 minutes
Lunch: Dried Beef Dip on a tortilla 300 cal
Snack: Dried Beef Dip on a tortilla 300 cal
Afternoon Walk: 0.6 miles
Dinner: Nachos
Wii Fit: 30 minutes
Snack: Pudding 25 cal
Evening Jog: 1.0 miles

Fitness 01-29-09

Horray!! A new Phoenix record! Im pretty sure Im going to gain for tomorrows weigh in but today its a new record.

Weight: 189.2
Target: 191.1

Breakfast: Weight Loss Shake 230 cal
Wii Fit: 30 minutes
Morning Walk: 0.6 miles
Lunch: Tato Taco Casserole
Afternoon Walk: 1.3 miles
Dinner: Pizza 900+ cal
Wii Fit: 20 minutes
Snack: Pudding 25 cal
Evening Jog 1.0 miles

Fitness 01-28-09

Weight: 190.7
Target: 190.8

Breakfast: Weight Loss Shake 230 cal
Wii Fit: 40 minutes
Morning Walk: 0.6 miles
Snacks: Granola Bar 90 cal, Apple 64 cal
Lunch: Weight Loss Shake 230 cal
Racket Ball: 30 minutes
Dinner: Taco Tato Casserole
Evening Jog: 1.0 miles

Fitness 01-27-2009

Weight: 191.4
Target: 190.4

Breakfast: Weight Loss Shake 230 cal
Wii Fit: 33 minutes
Morning Walk: 0.6 miles
Snacks: Granola Bar 90 cal, Handi Snack 130 cal
Lunch: Weight Loss Shake 230 cal
Afternoon Walk: 1.3 miles
Wii Fit: 30 minutes
Dinner: Taco Tato Casserole
Evening Jog: 1.0 miles

Fitness 01-26-09

Weight: 190.7
Target: 190.4

Breakfast: Weight Loss Shake 230 cal
Wii Fit: 40 minutes
Morning Walk: 0.6 miles
Snacks: Granola Bar 100 cal, Handi Snack 130 cal
Lunch: Weight Loss Shake 230 cal
Afternoon Walk: 1.3 miles
Dinner: Hot Dogs 700 cal, Curly Fries 250 cal
Wii Fit: 30 minutes
Snack: Pudding 120 cal
Evening Jog: 1.0 miles

Fitness 01-25-09

Weight: 190.7
Target 191.2

Breakfast: Frosted Flakes cal 200 cal
Morning Walk: 3.0 miles
Lunch: PB&J 300 cal,  Dried Beef Dip on Tortilla Shells 300 cal
Snack: Granola Bar 100 cal
Afternoon Walk: 1.3 miles
Dinner: Steak, Broccoli & Biscuits
Evening Jog: 1.3 miles

Fitness 01-24-09

Weight: 191.6
Target: 192.6

Breakfast: Orange 64 cal
Morning Walk: 2.0 miles
Snack: Dried Beef Dip on tortillas 190 cal
Lunch: Egg Salad Sandwich 350 cal
Afternoon Walk: 2.0 miles
Dinner: Burrito
Evening Jog: 1.0 miles

Fitness 01-23-09

Weight: 193.1 (yikes)
Target: 191.7

Wii Fit: 40 minutes
Breakfast: Weight Loss Shake 230 cal
Morning Walk: 0.6 miles
Snacks: Granola Bar 100 cal, Handi Snack 130 cal
Lunch: Weight Loss Shake 230 cal
Dinner: Creamy Potatoes and Kielbasa
Evening Jog: 1.0 miles

We Have To Go Back

Im sure most of you have read by now that its been a crappy couple weeks. All your support has been wonderful and greatly appreciated. On to other things...

Were in a bit of a cool down here in Phoenix. Its only going to be in the low 70s for the rest of the week. Im not complaining about it being in the 70s. Im complaining about a snowless winter. Next year it will not be this way.

In good news, the Arizona Cardinals are headed to the Super Bowl. After about week 12 most people had pretty much given up on the Cards. I sure as hell did. It was a given that they were going to make the playoffs but there was no way theyed be able to beat a playoff caliber team. Well here they are, having beaten 3 playoff teams, one game away from being the world champions. Go Cardinals!

LOST is back. Last nights 2 hour premier was great. We got to find out "where" The Island went. The lady that wouldnt sell Desmond the ring is back. Kate is on the run again. And we got to see the guy from the Dharma orientation videos.

The weight loss has been going very well. Im right on pace to be at my Phoenix record by the end of the month. Its been a nice distraction from everything else thats been going on. Its also been nice being cheered on every now and then by you guys. Also I think Bri is right about the whole accountability thing. When I have to post that Ive gained weight (even though it hasnt happened much) I always cringe a little bit. Why the heck did I eat all those potatoes? I ask myself. When the "easy" 15 pounds is gone Im planning on slowing it down a lot. Its easy to loss those pounds when youre starting nearly 64 pounds over weight. I dont think Ill ever get down to 145. I like eating way to muchh. I will say that its nice to fit into my fat cloths again.

Fitness 01-22-09

Weight: 192.0
Target: 193.3

Wii Fit: 38 minutes
Breakfast: Weight Loss Shake 230 cal
Morning Walk: 0.6 miles
Snacks: Granola Bar 100 cal, Handi Snack 130 cal
Lunch: Weight Loss Shake 230 cal
Afternoon Walk: 1.3 miles
Dinner: Vegetable Beef Soup, Salad
Wii Fit: 30 minutes
Snack: Pudding: 120 cal
Evening Jog: 1.0 miles

Fitness 01-21-09

Weight: 193.8
Target: 193.7

Wii Fit: 38 minutes
Morning Walk: 0.6 miles
Breakfast: Weight Loss Shake 230 cal
Snacks: Chewy Granola Bar 100 cal, Handi Snack 130 cal
Lunch: Weight Loss Shake 230 cal
Racket Ball: 30 minutes
Dinner: Grilled Pork Chop, Broccoli, Rolls
Evening Jog: 1.0 miles

Fitness 01-20-09

Weight: 194.2
Target: 194.8

Wii Fit: 36 minutes
Breakfast: Weight Loss Shake 230 cal
Morning Walk: 0.6 miles
Snacks: Granola Bar 100 cal, Handi Snack 130 cal
Lunch: Weight Loss Shake 230 cal
Afternoon Walk: 1.3 miles
Dinner: Chili Dogs & Curly Fries
Wii Fit: 30 minutes
Snack: Jello 10 cal

Fitness 01-19-09

Weight:195.3
Actual: 193.8

Wii Fit: 31 minutes
Morning Walk: 0.6 miles
Breakfast: Weight Loss Shake 230 cal
Snacks: Granola Bar 100 cal, Handi Snack 130 cal
Lunch: Weight Loss Shake 230 cal
Afternoon Walk: 0.6 miles
Dinner: Creamy Potatoes and Kielbasa
Wii Fit: 30 minutes
Snack: Jello 10 cal
Evening Jog: 1.0 miles

Fitness 01-18-09

Ive decided to use my Wii Fit weight rather then my bathroom scale weight for my posting now. Theyve corresponded pretty well so far but the Wii Fit is more precise.

Weight: 194.2
Target: 195.0

Breakfast: Chewy Granola Bar 100 cal
Morning Walk: 2.0 miles
Lunch: Club Sandwich 330 cal, Vegetable Beef Soup
Snack: Frosted Flakes 380 cal
Wii Fit: 30 min
Dinner: Burrito
Snack: Jello 10 cal
Evening Jog: 1.0 miles

Fitness 01-17-09

10 pounds down and well on my way to hitting 189 (my current Phoenix record) as scheduled by the end of the month.

Weight: 195.5
Target: 195.6

Wii Fit: 31 minutes
Morning Walk: 0.6 miles
Breakfast: Weight Loss Shake 230 cal
Snack: Chewy Granola Bar 90 cal, Handi Snack 130 cal, Apple 64 cal
Lunch: Vegetable Beef Soup
Snack: Goldfish Crackers 140 cal
Afternoon Walk: 0.6 miles
Dinner: Hamburger w/ curly fries & jello
Evening Jog: 1.0 miles

Fitness 01-16-09

Weight: 196.0
Target: 196.6

Wii Fit: 30 minutes
Morning Walk: 0.6 miles
Breakfast: Weight Loss Shake 230 cal
Snack: Chewy Granola Bar 100 cal, Handi Snack, 130 cal, Apple: 64 cal
Lunch: Weight Loss Shake 230 cal
Racket Ball: 30 minutes
Dinner: Chili
Evening Jog: 1.0 miles

Fitness 01-15-09

Weight: 197.0
Target 197.1

Wii Fit: 31 minutes
Morning Walk: 0.6 miles
Breakfast: Weight Loss Shake 230 cal
Snacks: Chewy Granola Bar 90 cal, Handi Snack 100 cal, Apple 64 cal
Lunch: Weight Loss Shake 230 cal
Afternoon Walk: 1.3 miles
Dinner: Vegetable Beef Soup & Salad
Wii Fit: 30 minutes
Snack: Jello 15 cal
Evening Jog: 1.0 miles

Fitness 01-14-09

Weight: 197.5
Target 196.6

Wii Fit: 10 minutes
Morning Walk: 0.6 miles
Breakfast: Slice of Pizza 250 cal
Snacks: Chewy Granola Bar 90 cal, Handi Snack 100 cal, Apple 64 cal
Lunch: PB&J 300 cal
Wii Fit: 20 minutes
Afternoon Walk: 1.3 miles
Dinner: Chicken Spaghetti and Salad 600 cal
Wii Fit: 30 minutes
Snack: Jello 15 cal
Evening Jog: 1.0 miles

Fitness 01-13-2009

Weight: 197.0 pounds
Target: 196.7 pounds

Morning Walk: 1.0 miles
Breakfast: Weight Loss Shake 230 cal
Snack: Nutri Grain Bar 130 cal, Handi Snack 100 cal
Lunch: Weight Loss Shake 230 cal, Apple 64 cal
Dinner: Steak, broccoli, au graten potatoes
Wii Fit: 30 minutes
Evening Jog: 1.0 miles

Fitness 01-12-09

Weight: 197.0
Target: 197.6

Morning Walk: 2.0 miles
Breakfast: Weight Loss Shake 230 cal
Wii Fit: 30 minutes
Lunch: PB&J 300cal, Apple 65 cal
Wii Fit: 31 minutes
Snack: Pretzels 110 cal
Afternoon Walk: 1.0 miles
Snack: Goldfish 140 cal
Dinner: Pizza
Evening Jog: 1.0 miles

Tropic Thunder

Watch it.

Fitness 01-11-09

Weight: 198.0
Target: 197.2

Morning Walk: 1.0 mile
Breakfast: Apple w/ Peanut Butter 255 cal
Wii Fit: 31 minutes
Lunch: Club Sandwich 350 cal
Snacks: Goldfish 140 cal, Pretzels 110 cal
Afternoon Walk: 0.6 miles
Dinner: Pot Roast, Jello
Wii Fit: 39 minutes
Evening Jog: 1.0 mile

Fitness 01-10-09

Weight: 199.1
Target: 197.5

Walk: 0.6 miles
Breakfast: Rice Krispies w/ 1% milk 180 cal
Snack: Egg white omelet 150 cal
Lunch: Ham & Cheese Sandwich 400 cal
Wii Fit: 121 minutes
Dinner: Chili
Jog: 1.0 miles

Fitness 01-09-09

Weight: 199.5
Target: 199.6

Walk: 0.6 miles
Breakfast: Rice Krispies w/ 1% milk 180 cal
Snack: Nutri Grain Bar 100 cal, Handi Snack. 130 cal
Lunch: Weight Loss Shake 220 cal, Apple 65 cal
Walk: 0.6 miles
Dinner: Grilled Stuft Burrito 630 cal, "Nachos" 330 cal
Wii Fit (Play it!): 76 minutes
Jog: 1.0 miles

Fitness 01-08-09

After 1 week Im back to my pre pregnancy weight. If all goes well Ill be at my Phoenix record, 189.5 by the end of the month. After that comes the hard part, keeping it off and then losing more.

Weight
Actual: 200.0
Target: 199.6

Meals
Breakfast: Rice Krispies w/ skim milk 170 cal
Snack: Nutri Grain Bar, Handi Snack. 230 cal
Lunch: Shish Kabobs
Dinner: Bruschetta Chicken, Broccoli. 430 cal
Snack: Jello 15 cal

Exercise
Morning Walk: .6 miles
Afternoon Walk: 2.0 miles
Situps: 16,16,16
Pushups: 15,14,15
Evening Jog: 1.0 miles

WALL•E

Watch it.

IMDB

Rotten Tomatoes

Fitness 01-07-09

Weight
Actual: 200.0
Target: 201.1

Meals
Breakfast: Orange Juice. 200 cal
Snack: Mac & Cheese, Pinaple Juice. 400 cal
Lunch: Egg Salad Sandwich.  350 cal
Dinner: Shish Kabobs, Salad
Snack: Jello 15 cal

Exercise
Morning Walk: 3.0 miles
Afternoon Walk: 1.3 miles
Situps: 15,15,15
Pushups: 13,13,14
Evening Walk: 1.0 miles

Fitness 01-06-09

Weight
Actual: 201.5
Target: 200.6

Meals
Breakfast: Rice Krispies w/ skim milk 170 cal
Snack: Nutri Grain Bar, Handi Snack. 230 cal
Lunch: PB&J, Apple. 330 cal
Dinner: Quesadilas and Rice /w sour cream. 570 cal
Snack: Jello 15 cal

Exercise
Morning Walk: .6 miles
Afternoon Walk: 1.3 miles
Situps: 14,14,14
Pushups: 12,12,13
Evening Walk: 1.0 miles

Fitness 01-05-09

Weight
Actual: 201.0
Target: 201.6

Meals
Breakfast: Frosted/Corn Flakes w/ skim milk 210 cal
Snack: Nutri Grain Bar, Handi Snack. 230 cal
Lunch: Chicken Sandwich, Apple. 575 cal
Snack: Crab dip w/ Ritz crackers. 400 cal
Dinner: Chicken Pasta, Broccoli, Jello. 405 cal
Snack: Chips & Cheese w/ taco meat. 350 cal

Exercise
Morning Walk: 1.0 miles
Situps: 13,13,13
Pushups: 10,10,12
Afternoon Walk: 1.3 miles
Evening Walk: 1.0 miles

Fitness 01-04-09

Weight
Actual: 202.0
Target: 203.0

Meals
Breakfast: Quaker Instant Oatmeal Apples & Cinnamon 130 cal
Lunch: Cheesy Ham and Potato Frittata, Crab dip w/ Ritz crackers. 700 cal
Snack: Apple and peanut butter. 255 cal
Dinner: Curry Chicken Sandwich, Salad, Milk. 700 cal
Snack: Crab dip w/ Carrots. 340 cal

Exercise
Morning Walk: 1.3 miles
Situps: 12,12,12
Pushups: 9,9,11
Afternoon Walk: .6 miles
Evening Walk: 1.0 miles

Fitness 01-03-09

Weight
Actual: 203.5
Target: 204.5

Meals
Breakfast: Frosted/Corn Flakes w/ 1% milk 210 cal
Snack: Nutri Grain Bar, Handi Snack. 230 cal
Lunch: Weight loss shake, Apple. 300 cal
Snack: Crab dip w/ Ritz crackers. 360 cal
Dinner: Cheesy Ham and Potato Frittata, baguette, milk 700 cal
Snack: Orange Juice 150 cal

Exercise
Morning Walk: .6 miles
Situps: 11,11,11
Pushups: 7,6,11
Afternoon Walk: .6 miles
Evening Walk: 1.0 miles 

08 Wildcard Week

OK, so things didnt turn out quite how I planned. 4 of the AFC teams I picked to make the playoffs are in. Good job San Diego making it with the worst division winning record ever (tied). And what the heck is up with the 11-5 Patriots not making it. I knew there would be teams with 10-6 records not making it but holy crap.

I know I said it after week 10 but I realy mean it, the NFC is a mess. Some how, with a tie, the 9-6-1 Eagles sneak in for a wildcard spot. The previously 9-3 division leading Bucs become the 9-7 sitting at home watching the playoff Bucs. It doesnt really surprise me that the Vikings won their division. It really doesnt mean anything. Nobody wanted to win that division this year.

Tomorrow the Cardinals play the Falcons. Im pretty sure the Cardinals are going to lose but its probably going to be close. Theyll lose in true Arizona football style. After that, the Colts are going to destroy the Chargers. The Colts are frickin on fire. If theres a team in the AFC that I wouldnt want to play it would be them. Peyton (the good son) took a team that I didnt think would make it to the playoffs and made them a 12-4 team winning their last 9.

Sunday, the Ravens play the Dolphins in what I think will be the best game of the wildcard round. After that, the Eagles will annialate the Vikings. Donovan has something to prove and, while I dont think theyre going to win the big game, the Eagles are the team I wouldnt want to play in the NFC.

Fitness 01-02-09

Weight
Actual: 205.0
Target: 205.0

Meals
Breakfast: Quaker Instant Oatmeal Apples & Cinnamon 130 cal
Snack: Nutri Grain Bar, Handi Snack. 230 cal
Lunch: Chicken Sandwich, Apple. 575 cal
Dinner: Ham Sandwich, chips & cheese w/ taco meat 860 cal
Snack: Jello. 20 cal

Exercise
Morning Walk: 1.3 miles
Situps: 15,10,10
Pushups: 5,5,10
Afternoon Walk: 1.3 miles

Fitness 01-01-09

Weight
Actual: 205.5
Target: -

Meals
Breakfast: Quaker Instant Oatmeal Maple & Brown Sugar 160 cal
Lunch: Sbarros pepperoni pizza, 2 garlic rolls, diet coke. 1070 cal
Snack: Wetzels pretzel. 320 cal
Dinner: Pasta and sauce, steamed broccoli, milk, jello. 450 cal
Snack: Apple and peanut butter. 255 cal

Exercise
Morning Walk: 2.1 miles
Afternoon Walk: 1.3 miles

Year in Review 2008

Just like the last three years...

1. What did you do in 2008 that youd never done before?
Impregnated a woman and everything else that goes with that.

2. Did you keep your New Years resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I dont think I made any.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
My beautiful wife.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
No.

5. What countries did you visit?
None.

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
Self discipline.

7. What date from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
October 6th (Mr Baby Jacks birthday)

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Im not trying to say that I did that much, but Jack would be my biggest achievement. Something that I had more to do with would probably be, passing three ASE certification tests. 

9. What was your biggest failure?
Gaining back all 15 pounds I lost over the summer.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
No, this was another healthy year.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
My truck.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My wife for being such an awsome mommy.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Nobodys this year.

14. Where did most of your money go?
Credit card bills.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Jack 

16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
 

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? Same.
ii. thinner or fatter? Same.
iii. richer or poorer? Same.

18. What do you wish youd done more of?
Exercise.

19. What do you wish youd done less of?
Eat

20. How will you be spending this New Years Eve?
With Jaime, Jack, Dan, Bishop and Hudson

22. Did you fall in love in 2007?
I fall in love all over again every time I see my beautiful wife. Awwwww.

23. How many one night stands?
None.

24. What was your favorite TV program?
LOST

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didnt hate this time last year?
No 

26. What was the best book you read?
I dont think I read one this year.

27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Nothing comes to mind so there probably wasnt any thing great.

28. What did you want and get?
Many many things.

30. What was your favorite film of this year?
The Dark Knight

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Worked, I think. 29.

32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
All in all, it was a pretty satisfying year. I cant say it could have been immeasurably more so.

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
If it didnt get any unfixable holes or unwashable stains in/on it last year then its good enough for this year.

34. What kept you sane?
My wife, 64, tacos.

35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Ive been kinda out of the loop this year. I think Im happier that way.

36. What political issue stirred you the most?
Again, Ive been out of the loop this year.

37. Who did you miss?
My friends.

38. Who was the best new person you met?
Jack

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008:
Never say never 

40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
With arms wide open

December Recap

Looks like I missed December. Here you go.

Baby Jack rules.

Some complaining about the weather.

Lost Season 4: Watch it!

Eli Manning: Barf!

Its a lot more expencive to rent a tux then I remember.

Merry Christmas

Mario Kart Wii: Play it!

Happy New Year

Thats about it.