Well, Christmas has come and gone in our household this year. It was a pretty good one too. I most enjoyed the fact that we were back in our own place and could have our own Christmas with the kids. My oldest is to the point where he at least says he doesn't buy into all the "Santa" stuff but I think he still does. He said it was the best Christmas ever so I guess we did something right. My wife went from no Coach purses to having two Coach purses so that makes good for everyone around the house if you know what I mean. And boy did the holiday wear me out?!?!?! I never remember being so tired after all the festivities but this year it did. STNG (Star Trek Next Generation) is on at 1am every day during the week and my wife and I have been suckered into watching on an almost regular basis so that may have something to do with it too.
Looking forward to the new year, as I think everyone does, I have been thinking about what focuses I want to have. 2009 was the first year in many that I am looking back on and thinking, "hey, we did alright." There have been a lot of disappointments in the past several years but I think we are making better decisions that are taking us in the direction we want things to go so I am looking optimistically towards 2010. Looking back on my "Semester I" goals I can say I accomplished some and failed miserably for others. Looking forward there are a few key areas that I want to focus on... Health, Faith, Family, and Finances.
HEALTH: The clock is ticking... we will do two running/walking events this year and I want to train more this year than I have any year prior. I would also like to add an event or two to encourage ongoing physical activity. I want to incorporate it into play with the kids as well. I want to make changes in my eating habits and get away from some of my "bad" habits.
FAITH: Get connected with a church already!!! We have a current void in our lives and that is a church community/family. I also want to re-engage my own spiritual development and work on areas of my life where I know strongholds exist for the one who looks to kill, steal, and destroy. There should be no refuge for him in my flesh.
FAMILY: I want to work to become a better dad and husband. The coming years are crucial for the type of relationship I will have with my oldest son. I need to take steps now to ensure he confides in me in all matters and views me as a man he would one day like to become. I want to work to be better in tune with my wife's needs. Having another kid would be cool too!
FINANCES: I want to continue to build on our successes and work to change our "bad habits". I have begun to develop a good understanding of where and why our money goes. With steadfast planning I believe there is no reason why we could not be better off financially at the close of 2010 compared to today.
While reviewing these areas, one realization comes to mind. Although I separate each area and discuss it independently, I will only be successful if I intertwine my development across all of these areas. I know to be successful in the area of health I will have to submit myself and workout some things spiritually that will provide me the strength I need to make necessary changes. In improving my health and faith I will undoubtedly become a better husband and dad. Improving our financial position will reduce stress at home and allow for better interactions between my wife and I and our children. Increasing my faith and developing myself personally will lead to clearer purpose and allow for better relationships with my wife and children.
As 2009 comes to a close and I am on the brink of 2010 starting I am optimistic of the year to come... may your year to come bring whatever your heart desires and then some.
10...9...8...7...6...5...4...3...2...1 Happy New Year!!!
Monday, December 28, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
What I'm I Doing Up Sooo Late???
Well, I have been told I haven't wrote anything on my blog since my wife found out I had it so to all the nay-sayers... ha... this blog is for you.
Could things be any crazier right now? My wife and I seem to have the busy times of the month at the same time and I don't know how she feels, but boy, I am feeling stressed! Basically if I do more of what I should do during the day it would ease things but best made plans don't always work out. My wife and I make a great team... we just have to remember that and call in our reinforcements when we need to. That is of course one of the reasons we moved back to FW. I am taking next week off from work and it seems that all the deadlines are quickly approaching either this week or next (when I am supposed to be off, so its this week for me). Figure it would be that way though, right? It will be nice to have a week off and not think (as much as normal) about work. I am looking forward to spending more 1:1 time with our youngest next week and then all the family for the Turkey holiday.
Still haven't made much progress on growing our emergency fund or finding a church... not reading a book either. Yeah, I'm slacking off. We are working on our budget and trying to be really good with unfixed expenses so we have more control over our $$$. We made good progress this past month and think if we stayed focused, we can keep doing better. Can't wait till we get our tax refund and have more of a buffer in place for the "what if's" of life.
We really need to get tied into a church here in Ft Wayne... I feel we are kind of just blowing in the wind with little direction. Plus I heard recently that children who do not go to church on a regular basis are more likely to be involved with drugs and alcohol. Obviously we don't want that and I know our kids know that Christianity is an important part of our life... its just time for mom and dad to start walking the walking instead of just talking a lot.
I also need to get back on track with reading/listening audio books. If I am not moving forward I am moving backwards and I don't want that to happen. Rotting fruit does look, feel, or smell good!!!
The biggest thing is I need to start working out and eating healthier... I bet when my wife reads this she said "yeah, duh, no shit". One, any, all??? I am still working on getting my BP under control but I need to start walking at minimum to increase my physical activity. I mean, when my pulse goes over 100 just walking around a grocery store that is sad. I watch shows like "The Biggest Loser" and have "eye ball sweat" when I see dads talk about being there for their kids or not being able to do what they want to with their kids b/c of their weight. My family means everything to me and is the driving force in my life. I can't let myself check out early on them! I have to make changes so I am here to annoy them when they are older and have kids of their own. Plus I see my mom and how much she misses my dad (how much she wants him to be here to experience things with her) and I don't want to do that to my wife. I need to live to be old so I annoy her too. Plus if I kick off early she gets to spend all the money we are putting back for retirement and that wouldn't be cool.
Well its 4am so I better get 3-4 hrs of sleep so that I can somewhat function tomorrow. That's my current perspective.
Could things be any crazier right now? My wife and I seem to have the busy times of the month at the same time and I don't know how she feels, but boy, I am feeling stressed! Basically if I do more of what I should do during the day it would ease things but best made plans don't always work out. My wife and I make a great team... we just have to remember that and call in our reinforcements when we need to. That is of course one of the reasons we moved back to FW. I am taking next week off from work and it seems that all the deadlines are quickly approaching either this week or next (when I am supposed to be off, so its this week for me). Figure it would be that way though, right? It will be nice to have a week off and not think (as much as normal) about work. I am looking forward to spending more 1:1 time with our youngest next week and then all the family for the Turkey holiday.
Still haven't made much progress on growing our emergency fund or finding a church... not reading a book either. Yeah, I'm slacking off. We are working on our budget and trying to be really good with unfixed expenses so we have more control over our $$$. We made good progress this past month and think if we stayed focused, we can keep doing better. Can't wait till we get our tax refund and have more of a buffer in place for the "what if's" of life.
We really need to get tied into a church here in Ft Wayne... I feel we are kind of just blowing in the wind with little direction. Plus I heard recently that children who do not go to church on a regular basis are more likely to be involved with drugs and alcohol. Obviously we don't want that and I know our kids know that Christianity is an important part of our life... its just time for mom and dad to start walking the walking instead of just talking a lot.
I also need to get back on track with reading/listening audio books. If I am not moving forward I am moving backwards and I don't want that to happen. Rotting fruit does look, feel, or smell good!!!
The biggest thing is I need to start working out and eating healthier... I bet when my wife reads this she said "yeah, duh, no shit". One, any, all??? I am still working on getting my BP under control but I need to start walking at minimum to increase my physical activity. I mean, when my pulse goes over 100 just walking around a grocery store that is sad. I watch shows like "The Biggest Loser" and have "eye ball sweat" when I see dads talk about being there for their kids or not being able to do what they want to with their kids b/c of their weight. My family means everything to me and is the driving force in my life. I can't let myself check out early on them! I have to make changes so I am here to annoy them when they are older and have kids of their own. Plus I see my mom and how much she misses my dad (how much she wants him to be here to experience things with her) and I don't want to do that to my wife. I need to live to be old so I annoy her too. Plus if I kick off early she gets to spend all the money we are putting back for retirement and that wouldn't be cool.
Well its 4am so I better get 3-4 hrs of sleep so that I can somewhat function tomorrow. That's my current perspective.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Semester I Goals 2009 - 2010
Well after some purposeful thought I have come up with what "my goals" for the next six months will be. Here they are (in no particular order):
I'm looking forward to the journey of knocking things out on my goals list. I already have #2 accomplished. I had originally set a goal of March 2010 to pay off our vehicles and have no car debt but I am proud to say we accomplished it by August 2009. A full six months ahead of schedule. Would like to say the same about our emergency fund but we will see. Its also nice to know that our tax refund the first part of the year can go to something else.
I may also count listening to books on my iPhone as reading. In theory I am still retaining the information just by a different means. Also working on #5. I have already had one interview for a promotion and will have another one soon. Figure one or the other should work out right??
That leaves #1 and #s 6 & 7 to get started on. BP is a little out of control and I am not looking forward to new treatments to get it within control. Hopefully doc will be open to "cost effective treatment". I am completely engaged in my health care costs and will hopefully have a physician who is willing to work with me in this area. I'll get my BP in check and get things moving in that area. #1 will take getting out of that comfort zone. It will be good though b/c I rather do that then stay "in the zone" and rot like fruit.
- Find a church
- Have our third vehicle sold [COMPLETED 8/26/09]
- Have a fully invested emergency fund
- Read a book
- Have investigated potential courses for schooling and/or get a promotion at work
- Get in an exercise routine
- Lose 20 pounds
I'm looking forward to the journey of knocking things out on my goals list. I already have #2 accomplished. I had originally set a goal of March 2010 to pay off our vehicles and have no car debt but I am proud to say we accomplished it by August 2009. A full six months ahead of schedule. Would like to say the same about our emergency fund but we will see. Its also nice to know that our tax refund the first part of the year can go to something else.
I may also count listening to books on my iPhone as reading. In theory I am still retaining the information just by a different means. Also working on #5. I have already had one interview for a promotion and will have another one soon. Figure one or the other should work out right??
That leaves #1 and #s 6 & 7 to get started on. BP is a little out of control and I am not looking forward to new treatments to get it within control. Hopefully doc will be open to "cost effective treatment". I am completely engaged in my health care costs and will hopefully have a physician who is willing to work with me in this area. I'll get my BP in check and get things moving in that area. #1 will take getting out of that comfort zone. It will be good though b/c I rather do that then stay "in the zone" and rot like fruit.
"...Forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,
14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
Phil 3:13-14
TGTIAO [Thank God Today Is Almost Over]
Well its been one of those days. Things said that weren't meant, tears from children, and wounds that will take days to heal. Had I gone with my better judgment I would have kept my mouth closed and not said anything. She would have been mad but it would have ended there. Instead I gave into her egging me on and BOOM!!! full blown argument in the car with both kids in tow. The stress of circumstances creates a rift that will not soon be repaired.
Wifey has started school and we are all adjusting. This past weekend I freaked out. Today was a result of some of that adjustment too. Hopefully as time progresses everyone can chill the @#$% out and not get so worked up over things that are here today and don't matter tomorrow. I still hope she does really good and learns there is more to this life than just being a mom. She can have friends too if she wants.
Wifey has started school and we are all adjusting. This past weekend I freaked out. Today was a result of some of that adjustment too. Hopefully as time progresses everyone can chill the @#$% out and not get so worked up over things that are here today and don't matter tomorrow. I still hope she does really good and learns there is more to this life than just being a mom. She can have friends too if she wants.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
The Dog Days of Summer
Well from the looks of it this has been the blog of May. Not my original intention but hey what ever works out the way you thought it would. Finally feel that I am getting a good grasp of what my "job" involves so maybe a return to reality will be good... and I will try to blog more too.
Went to the doctor recently and he had great things to say. Like, "well you don't smoke and you're not an alcoholic...". That's the part of reality that I am not facing yet. That I need to take steps over the next several weeks, months, years to ensure I don't die in my sixties like my dad. Hey, if I do then I don't have to go before one of Obama's death panels. This will be one of my greatest battles over the next several years and I can only rely on me to get it done. I have a follow up appointment in a month so we will see how things are at that point.
Even though I'm not going to be going to school in the fall I was thinking that I should come up with goals for myself (six month time frame) that I can reach for and achieve. I used to do this when I was in school and with my wife going back to school this fall it reminded me of what I had done before. Like the fact that I made the Dean's List for the two years leading up to my graduation as a result. The two years of school in which my life was thrown into adulthood with having a kid, a job that made ends meet, in-laws, etc.
A razor sharp focus will lead to a successful future. To improve myself mentally and physically. To be an example to my children that I am proud that they look up to. To be a husband my wife is grateful to be married to. To be a man successful at whatever endeavor I take on. Over the coming weeks I will brainstorm these goals and post them.
Till then stay cool as summer has finally came to Indiana.
Went to the doctor recently and he had great things to say. Like, "well you don't smoke and you're not an alcoholic...". That's the part of reality that I am not facing yet. That I need to take steps over the next several weeks, months, years to ensure I don't die in my sixties like my dad. Hey, if I do then I don't have to go before one of Obama's death panels. This will be one of my greatest battles over the next several years and I can only rely on me to get it done. I have a follow up appointment in a month so we will see how things are at that point.
Even though I'm not going to be going to school in the fall I was thinking that I should come up with goals for myself (six month time frame) that I can reach for and achieve. I used to do this when I was in school and with my wife going back to school this fall it reminded me of what I had done before. Like the fact that I made the Dean's List for the two years leading up to my graduation as a result. The two years of school in which my life was thrown into adulthood with having a kid, a job that made ends meet, in-laws, etc.
A razor sharp focus will lead to a successful future. To improve myself mentally and physically. To be an example to my children that I am proud that they look up to. To be a husband my wife is grateful to be married to. To be a man successful at whatever endeavor I take on. Over the coming weeks I will brainstorm these goals and post them.
Till then stay cool as summer has finally came to Indiana.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
The Greatest Spectacle in Racing
Wow!!! What a weekend. The race was great and the food left something to be desired. Everything was planned out perfectly. From getting to the race before there was any traffic jams to cooking out after the race and avoiding sitting in the car for two additional hours. It was the first time we had four people at the race and it worked out great. I think everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Vitor had a horrible wreck with about 30 laps to go... agh! I know he will eventually break through. Got sick from food at the race (even though the wife says it was beer). My tenderloin betrayed me and I paid for it later. Now its back to work and its already 12:30p and I haven't accomplished much... still dreaming of the awesome weekend, zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Carb Day and TGIF!!!
Well it's Friday before the greatest weekend in racing and I couldn't have a harder time focusing on work! Its been a good week overall. Stayed pretty much on task for work and have done well at being a good husband too. It truly is the little things that make the difference.
Speaking of having to work today... what I should be doing today is going down to Indy to go to the Indy Lights race and Carb Day concert. We have made pretty good plans for the weekend, don't get me wrong, but something should be said for making a grandiose display out of it on more than just Sunday. Camping, three days of consumption, and having a great time. Not to mention the memories that will last a lifetime and then some. The other thought is when do I start taking my son to the race? He is eight this year and made it through a couple hours of qualification last year. I am thinking another year or two and it will be worth giving a shot. Then when he is in his sixties, he can say "This is my 50th Indy 500". My other son, who is currently just a few months short of 2 years old, will have to wait a few more years.
Ladies and gentlemen... start your engines! I mean, GET BACK TO WORK!!!
Speaking of having to work today... what I should be doing today is going down to Indy to go to the Indy Lights race and Carb Day concert. We have made pretty good plans for the weekend, don't get me wrong, but something should be said for making a grandiose display out of it on more than just Sunday. Camping, three days of consumption, and having a great time. Not to mention the memories that will last a lifetime and then some. The other thought is when do I start taking my son to the race? He is eight this year and made it through a couple hours of qualification last year. I am thinking another year or two and it will be worth giving a shot. Then when he is in his sixties, he can say "This is my 50th Indy 500". My other son, who is currently just a few months short of 2 years old, will have to wait a few more years.
Ladies and gentlemen... start your engines! I mean, GET BACK TO WORK!!!
Monday, May 11, 2009
It's Just Another Manic Monday...
Well, wow, what a weekend. The family went road-tripping to MI for a friend's wedding and had a great time. Detroit, if I don't visit again, it will be too soon. The road construction was UN...believable! We had a good time and made me realize we should take those time-outs for just the four of us to go on trips out of town. The memories will last a life time.
So after a great weekend we come smashing head first into the beginning of another week. Luckily I didn't have any appointments scheduled in the morning so I could start the day slowly. What I can't believe is that I do well in the morning and then I hit a wall in the afternoon. I am really trying to focus on getting work done this week and developing my "good" habits for getting work done. I know if I don't get it together myself, my boss will help me.
Helio grabbed the pole at Indy over the weekend and I can't wait for the race. Only 13 days to go!!!
I think I am going to take the "Love Dare". I think if I go through with it, it will rock my world. The thing is though, that it will rock my world, and I don't know how I will handle that. I know in the movie Fireproof, they talk about that you can't be a good husband on your own. You have to have to surrender yourself, your marriage to God and he will make it whole.
How I struggle to surrender anything in my life to God??? What would it be like if I did surrender my will for His will?
So after a great weekend we come smashing head first into the beginning of another week. Luckily I didn't have any appointments scheduled in the morning so I could start the day slowly. What I can't believe is that I do well in the morning and then I hit a wall in the afternoon. I am really trying to focus on getting work done this week and developing my "good" habits for getting work done. I know if I don't get it together myself, my boss will help me.
Helio grabbed the pole at Indy over the weekend and I can't wait for the race. Only 13 days to go!!!
I think I am going to take the "Love Dare". I think if I go through with it, it will rock my world. The thing is though, that it will rock my world, and I don't know how I will handle that. I know in the movie Fireproof, they talk about that you can't be a good husband on your own. You have to have to surrender yourself, your marriage to God and he will make it whole.
How I struggle to surrender anything in my life to God??? What would it be like if I did surrender my will for His will?
Thursday, May 7, 2009
I love the month of May!!!
Well, here I am and I already missed a day blogging...
Have you ever had a time that you thought you wanted something so bad and when you got it, it was completely anti-climactic? I have. My wife and I thought that moving back to home would be great for us. Maybe we were disillusioned about the situation but we thought it would be a great experience. Yes, some things fell through and people didn't do what they said they would but even with that in the past, now being back for almost 9 months, all we talk about is how much we miss living in Indy. Are we stuck living in the past???
I think a lot of the benefits of living closer to family are out weighed by the additional drama that we know happens with family.
My wife is going back to school for a nursing degree, which I think is a big step for her. I think she has sold herself short ever since she previously was in school and dropped out. She wasn't "smart enough" to finish. I know a lot of dumb people who got degrees. It has little to do with how smart you are and more about putting in the time and jumping through the hoops professors put in your way. Your real education occurs when you actually start working. One of the biggest things that you need is people skills. And they really don't teach you that in college. I wish her the best and have complete confidence that she will kick butt!!!
Practice has begun at the Indy 500 and I couldn't be happier! The month of May is the greatest next to my birthday and Christmas. : ) I was in Indy for training today and got to listen to live broadcast all afternoon. Even better than this whole day of training.
Nothing else really inspiring today, remember your mothers this weekend!!!
Have you ever had a time that you thought you wanted something so bad and when you got it, it was completely anti-climactic? I have. My wife and I thought that moving back to home would be great for us. Maybe we were disillusioned about the situation but we thought it would be a great experience. Yes, some things fell through and people didn't do what they said they would but even with that in the past, now being back for almost 9 months, all we talk about is how much we miss living in Indy. Are we stuck living in the past???
I think a lot of the benefits of living closer to family are out weighed by the additional drama that we know happens with family.
My wife is going back to school for a nursing degree, which I think is a big step for her. I think she has sold herself short ever since she previously was in school and dropped out. She wasn't "smart enough" to finish. I know a lot of dumb people who got degrees. It has little to do with how smart you are and more about putting in the time and jumping through the hoops professors put in your way. Your real education occurs when you actually start working. One of the biggest things that you need is people skills. And they really don't teach you that in college. I wish her the best and have complete confidence that she will kick butt!!!
Practice has begun at the Indy 500 and I couldn't be happier! The month of May is the greatest next to my birthday and Christmas. : ) I was in Indy for training today and got to listen to live broadcast all afternoon. Even better than this whole day of training.
Nothing else really inspiring today, remember your mothers this weekend!!!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Cinco de Mayo
Today's perspective... I am letting valuable time pass through my hands without making it count. I feel as if I have little impact on the world around me outside of my immediate family and therefore coast. I struggle to be "up and at'em" by 8a and I previously would be on my way no later than 8a. What has changed?
Matthew West has a blog about not "Going through the Motions". I signed up for it earlier this year in hopes that it would do that. I know the things I can do to get out of this rut but find it difficult to do so. The average person stays in their rut. Average = the best of the worst & the worst of the best. Ouch!
There are so many areas I want to change, no... improve in my life. My relationship with my wife, my physical well being, I want to strengthen the relationship I have with each of my children. Most importantly I need to strengthen my relationship with God. I so often feel I am walking in the "wilderness" only peeking out occasionally to see the potential life I could live if I was walking closer with God.
Matthew West has a blog about not "Going through the Motions". I signed up for it earlier this year in hopes that it would do that. I know the things I can do to get out of this rut but find it difficult to do so. The average person stays in their rut. Average = the best of the worst & the worst of the best. Ouch!
There are so many areas I want to change, no... improve in my life. My relationship with my wife, my physical well being, I want to strengthen the relationship I have with each of my children. Most importantly I need to strengthen my relationship with God. I so often feel I am walking in the "wilderness" only peeking out occasionally to see the potential life I could live if I was walking closer with God.
Monday, May 4, 2009
The World of Blogging
Well it's official... I have a blog. Feels pretty much like it did when I didn't but we will see as time goes on. Let me just note that it took some thinking to come up with this blog name. You would be amazed at how many people started a blog say in 2002 and have never posted anything since. To all of you who fall in that category, thank you. As a result I increased my creative abilities today. And here's to the hope that I don't do the same.
My Current Perspective... we will get to see together what that is.
I have always said (or I'm inadvertently taking this from someone else) that,
The purpose of this blog? That it serve as a record of one person's changing perspective and how, hopefully for the better, it changed their life.
My Current Perspective... we will get to see together what that is.
I have always said (or I'm inadvertently taking this from someone else) that,
"Your world is how you perceive it. Change your perspective, change your world."
The purpose of this blog? That it serve as a record of one person's changing perspective and how, hopefully for the better, it changed their life.
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