I woke this morning thinking about the old company stores of coal-mining fame. These stores were created by the company for which the miners worked, and they had all the food and supplies each employee needed to survive. The problem was that they needed to borrow against their paychecks for supplies to live, and when they got paid their checks didn't cover the necessities of life. Their checks barely covered the interest being charged for the over-priced goods they charged creating a spiral of debt that saw most of them working for nothing their entire lives.
Sound familiar?
I did a quick search for "company store" and found Charles Hugh Smith's blog about this very subject. He puts it all together pretty well, in my opinion.
http://www.oftwominds.com/blogoct08/serfdom10-08.html
It seems that our "company store" is simply a national store, and now that the company store is in trouble, it will be financed by the government. But it won't be the taxpayers who benefit - as one would expect in a government by the people and for the people. It will be the company store itself.
Hold on to your hats...I think we're about to lose them...
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Ctl+Alt+Del to RDP
I seem to search for this once a month, you'd think I'd remember. I think I may just end up making this blog a place for me to store my geeky notes.
To send a Ctl+Alt+Del to a computer through a terminal (RDP) session, use:
Ctl+Alt+End
Easy...
To send a Ctl+Alt+Del to a computer through a terminal (RDP) session, use:
Ctl+Alt+End
Easy...
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Youths' drug of choice? Prescription - Los Angeles Times
This is really interesting to me. So many people have loads of drugs in their medicine cabinets - including me at times - but now our kids don't want to do those "hippie drugs." They go after the easy high, just like we did when we were kids.
Take that, "war on drugs." What are we going to do with this? It seems like I can't leave a doctor's office without a prescription for narcotics, and anybody who goes to a mental health professional will more likely than not walk away with a prescription for anti-depressants. We are a nation addicted, and until we deal with "why" we are getting high, the means of getting there will always sink to the easiest method. Unfortunately for our kids, the pusher is in their own homes now...
Youths' drug of choice? Prescription - Los Angeles Times
Take that, "war on drugs." What are we going to do with this? It seems like I can't leave a doctor's office without a prescription for narcotics, and anybody who goes to a mental health professional will more likely than not walk away with a prescription for anti-depressants. We are a nation addicted, and until we deal with "why" we are getting high, the means of getting there will always sink to the easiest method. Unfortunately for our kids, the pusher is in their own homes now...
Youths' drug of choice? Prescription - Los Angeles Times
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
A month off?
Well, classes are over until September. I've got about a month off...from formal classes, that is.
I'm about to cram as much into one month as anyone should ever attempt. This weekend, it's our only camping trip of the year. Next weekend, it's the Rolling Family Reunion. The weekend after that...I don't remember, but I'm pretty sure something is planned. The weekend after that, Jadyn turns a year old. Can you believe that?
And in the middle of all that, I need to study for and pass my Cisco Certified Networking Associate certification. This is an entry-level IT certification offered by what is arguably the most important networking company in the world. (I know, Scott, I know...Extreme and Foundry both make very nice gear, also, and it may even be technologically better than Cisco. You just can't argue that Cisco holds the market in major networking infrastructure world-wide)
So I'm about to sit down with routers and firewalls and switches, oh my! I thought I might like to actually get some rest this month, but there will be no time for that. Recently I bought an mp4 of "4 Hz Theta Ocean Waves" off iTunes. It's supposed to help you relax. I'll be putting that on my iPod and listening to it while I sleep.
Oh, and at risk of forgetting my other recent interest, my dear friend and Brother in Christ, Jon Zens recently had his book "A Church Building Every 1/2 Mile" released. It is really a fantastic book, and I highly recommend it to anyone who feels like they want to know Jesus Christ more but feel that "churches" leave them wanting. This book gives great perspective and insight into what I think Jesus had in mind when he established His church. I highly recommend it to anyone.
I'm about to cram as much into one month as anyone should ever attempt. This weekend, it's our only camping trip of the year. Next weekend, it's the Rolling Family Reunion. The weekend after that...I don't remember, but I'm pretty sure something is planned. The weekend after that, Jadyn turns a year old. Can you believe that?
And in the middle of all that, I need to study for and pass my Cisco Certified Networking Associate certification. This is an entry-level IT certification offered by what is arguably the most important networking company in the world. (I know, Scott, I know...Extreme and Foundry both make very nice gear, also, and it may even be technologically better than Cisco. You just can't argue that Cisco holds the market in major networking infrastructure world-wide)
So I'm about to sit down with routers and firewalls and switches, oh my! I thought I might like to actually get some rest this month, but there will be no time for that. Recently I bought an mp4 of "4 Hz Theta Ocean Waves" off iTunes. It's supposed to help you relax. I'll be putting that on my iPod and listening to it while I sleep.
Oh, and at risk of forgetting my other recent interest, my dear friend and Brother in Christ, Jon Zens recently had his book "A Church Building Every 1/2 Mile" released. It is really a fantastic book, and I highly recommend it to anyone who feels like they want to know Jesus Christ more but feel that "churches" leave them wanting. This book gives great perspective and insight into what I think Jesus had in mind when he established His church. I highly recommend it to anyone.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Giving away my daughter
Friday, July 25th, 2008 I walked my beautiful daughter down the aisle and turned her primary care over to another man. I can't tell you how amazing this day was, and how it will rest in my heart and in my mind as long as I live.
Amber was, as always, stunningly beautiful. Without question she was the second most beautiful bride I have ever seen (but I guess I'm partial to my wife that way), and I'm pretty sure I shook just a little bit as I answered the pastor's "who gives this woman to be married to this man?" question. I'd be lying if I said that a big part of me didn't want to pick her up and take her away, as if that would have kept her being "my little girl" a little while longer. Of course, I didn't. Of course, I answered that her mother and I gave her. Of course I handed my daughter's hand over to her soon-to-be husband.
And in reality, it was much easier knowing that I was giving her hand to a young man who cherishes her like every man would want his daughter cherished. I'm glad to know that she has chosen a very genuine, godly man with whom to spend her life. Nick is one of the finest men I have had the pleasure to know, and I'm glad and honored to call him "son."
So, ladies and gentlemen, I present to you: Mr. and Mrs. Nick Siler. She may be his wife now, but she'll always be "my girl." God has blessed us richly.
Amber was, as always, stunningly beautiful. Without question she was the second most beautiful bride I have ever seen (but I guess I'm partial to my wife that way), and I'm pretty sure I shook just a little bit as I answered the pastor's "who gives this woman to be married to this man?" question. I'd be lying if I said that a big part of me didn't want to pick her up and take her away, as if that would have kept her being "my little girl" a little while longer. Of course, I didn't. Of course, I answered that her mother and I gave her. Of course I handed my daughter's hand over to her soon-to-be husband.
And in reality, it was much easier knowing that I was giving her hand to a young man who cherishes her like every man would want his daughter cherished. I'm glad to know that she has chosen a very genuine, godly man with whom to spend her life. Nick is one of the finest men I have had the pleasure to know, and I'm glad and honored to call him "son."
So, ladies and gentlemen, I present to you: Mr. and Mrs. Nick Siler. She may be his wife now, but she'll always be "my girl." God has blessed us richly.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Enough to make you scream
Every morning I drive to work on a busy highway. Every morning I see people dumping their still-smoldering cigarette butts out their window and I just want to shake them and say,
"HEY! PICK THAT DISGUSTING THING UP! I DON'T MIND IF YOU WANT TO POUR TOXINS INTO YOUR OWN BODY AND SHORTEN YOUR OWN LIFE! BUT MY KIDS ARE GOING TO HAVE TO LIVE IN THE WORLD YOU'RE USING AS AN ASHTRAY! I DON'T CARE IF YOU THINK SO LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF, BUT WOULD YOU MIND SPARING THE EARTH FROM YOUR SELF-ABSORBED DEATH WISH?!"
Then I go back to my commute. One of these days, though...one of these days...
"HEY! PICK THAT DISGUSTING THING UP! I DON'T MIND IF YOU WANT TO POUR TOXINS INTO YOUR OWN BODY AND SHORTEN YOUR OWN LIFE! BUT MY KIDS ARE GOING TO HAVE TO LIVE IN THE WORLD YOU'RE USING AS AN ASHTRAY! I DON'T CARE IF YOU THINK SO LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF, BUT WOULD YOU MIND SPARING THE EARTH FROM YOUR SELF-ABSORBED DEATH WISH?!"
Then I go back to my commute. One of these days, though...one of these days...
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Still alive and well
Thank you, Anonymous, for calling me to the mat. I have much to say, but ironically have less time in which to say it.
In short, my wife is well, my children are well, I am well. New job, bam-bam ball, swimming lessons, engagement, new job, finally summer, BBQ, music, wonderfulness.
I've decided to write-in Ron Paul for president. The others all make me feel like I need to shower.
Wish I had more time, but I need to get some rest. Until later, be well and God bless you.
In short, my wife is well, my children are well, I am well. New job, bam-bam ball, swimming lessons, engagement, new job, finally summer, BBQ, music, wonderfulness.
I've decided to write-in Ron Paul for president. The others all make me feel like I need to shower.
Wish I had more time, but I need to get some rest. Until later, be well and God bless you.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
For my friends
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Nursery rhyme wisdom
Even the twins are getting into the poetry act. Jeremiah's latest (sung to the famous tune):
Row, row, row your boat
Gently down the stream.
Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily
Life is full of nuts
That's my boy...
Row, row, row your boat
Gently down the stream.
Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily
Life is full of nuts
That's my boy...
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Off the bathroom wall
Just because I think we're funny, I thought I'd share the next round of poetry on our bathroom wall, along with a picture of what this looks like over the course of a couple weeks. It's truly entertaining to me...
Moving on is not easy
It may come with tears
But we'll find when we face them
That we'll conquer our fears
So now on this white board
We have a clean slate
And look toward tomorrow
For poems more great (Dad)
Adrian, Adrian
Your jeans are so dirty
To the laundry room take them
Before you get hurty ;) (Dad)
I'm sorry, I'm sorry
I know this sounds crazy
But I think I might be
Just a little bit lazy
(probably more than a little) (Adrian)
To see the Wild play
Sometimes is scary-in'
Because the high scorer's
First name is Marion (Dad, after seeing the Wild beat the Predators in OT)
Your poems are so silly
I scarce can believe it
This board makes me chuckle
Each time that I read it (Mom)
Good morning, son
And thank you for hurrying
It's strange that on time
To work, still, I am worrying
But timely I'll be
And as punctual as ever
Until through those doors
My return shall be never
My boss needn't ask me
He need never beg
For I am the "New and
Improved, on-time Greg" (Dad, after Adrian hurried to let me use the shower)
Life is great
When you have a job
But not when you go
To work for a snob (Adrian)
But for them we'll work
And work for them we must
To fix all the things
That we own that will bust (Dad)
I sit and I think as my
Thoughts do extrapolate
While out of my colon
The waste does evacuate (Dad)
The language of English
Is oh so delightful
Although all this nonsense
Can make you quite spiteful (Dad)
Betsy, oh Betsy
Your cage looks like feces
Your skin's coming off in the
Smallest of pieceys (Dad)
Betsy is clean
Her skin is coming off
now it's Greg's turn
To get his stink off (Adrian)
While sometimes I might be
Somewhat slightly odiferous
People like you
Should not be so vociferous
With soap and cologne
Odors will rearrange
Then my "stink" will be gone
But your face will not change (Dad)
Thank you, Adrian
For the towels you did buy
They will be quite useful
When the dishes I dry (Mom)
Hello, good morning
How are you today?
I'm sorry I couldn't think
Of one thing clever to say (Adrian)
My boys, my boys
I wish you would think
Please throw the dead mice
Before they stink! (Mom, after finding a dead mouse beneath Betsy's cage)
Sorry we weren't
Working hard like the ants did
And let that ol' mouse
Get all stinky and rancid (Dad)
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Still haven't gotten around to it
Good grief, it's difficult to work out. You would think after quitting smoking some 10 years ago I would have more stick-to-it-iveness.
Can't someone just give me a pill or a shot that will make me healthy?!
Can't someone just give me a pill or a shot that will make me healthy?!
Friday, February 22, 2008
Expect the unexpected
(For this post, I will borrow the style of CrazyLady)
Mom: "Gracie, it's time for your nap..."
Gracie: "OK, Mommy."
Mom: (Seeing child with finger in nose) "Grace, don't pick your nose, Honey."
Gracie: "I'm not, Momma. I'm putting one back."
She's going to get me for this someday, I'm sure...
Mom: "Gracie, it's time for your nap..."
Gracie: "OK, Mommy."
Mom: (Seeing child with finger in nose) "Grace, don't pick your nose, Honey."
Gracie: "I'm not, Momma. I'm putting one back."
She's going to get me for this someday, I'm sure...
Saturday, February 16, 2008
The family that rhymes together...
We have a white board in our bathroom on the lower level (why that is, I may explain later). We like to write notes to one another some times. Recently, we began writing little poems on the board, and the whole family took part. I thought I would share them all with you, in succession. (Betsy, for those who don't know, is Adrian's Ball Python):
Adrian, Adrian,
Sleepiest of boys.
How do you sleep
Through all of our noise? (Mom)
Betsy, Betsy,
When will you eat?
Your breakfast is dead,
And you have no feet! (Dad)
Oh no.....
Maybe on Saturday evening.
Get me a new mouse,
And I'll eat while you're sleeping (Adrian, on Betsy's behalf)
Mommy, Mommy,
I missed you today.
I can't wait to see you
On Saturday (Adrian)
My family, my family
I don't have to guess,
Of all the world's families,
I'm sure you're the best!! (Mom)
Crazy house, crazy house,
In which I dwell.
Blame it on love
In which I fell. (Dad)
My family, my family
Though minds may be leaky-est
You are endearing,
But surely the geeky-est! (Dad)
I looked in the shower,
And down in the drain
I saw that the water
Had washed out my brain.
So gently I stepped in
And reached down to grab it.
But once in my fingers,
I muttered "Dag-nab-it"
For what did I find
Swirling up around there?
It wasn't my brain,
But what's left of my hair! (Dad)
An ode to sleep, in the ancient art-form of Haiku:
My head is sleepy
I can't seem to stay awake
All I want is bed (Dad)
I've decided it's time
For me to rhyme
So I'm here to tell you
That you smell like poo! (Adrian)
Adrian, Adrian,
Sleepiest of boys.
How do you sleep
Through all of our noise? (Mom)
Betsy, Betsy,
When will you eat?
Your breakfast is dead,
And you have no feet! (Dad)
Oh no.....
Maybe on Saturday evening.
Get me a new mouse,
And I'll eat while you're sleeping (Adrian, on Betsy's behalf)
Mommy, Mommy,
I missed you today.
I can't wait to see you
On Saturday (Adrian)
My family, my family
I don't have to guess,
Of all the world's families,
I'm sure you're the best!! (Mom)
Crazy house, crazy house,
In which I dwell.
Blame it on love
In which I fell. (Dad)
My family, my family
Though minds may be leaky-est
You are endearing,
But surely the geeky-est! (Dad)
I looked in the shower,
And down in the drain
I saw that the water
Had washed out my brain.
So gently I stepped in
And reached down to grab it.
But once in my fingers,
I muttered "Dag-nab-it"
For what did I find
Swirling up around there?
It wasn't my brain,
But what's left of my hair! (Dad)
An ode to sleep, in the ancient art-form of Haiku:
My head is sleepy
I can't seem to stay awake
All I want is bed (Dad)
I've decided it's time
For me to rhyme
So I'm here to tell you
That you smell like poo! (Adrian)
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Moving on
Yesterday I served my resignation to the City of St Cloud, where I have worked for the past 8 years. It is a bittersweet event as I look forward to my new opportunity and also contemplate missing the people with whom I've worked so closely. It's nice to move on, yet it's sad to leave.
My dear SiC (Sister in Christ) emailed me a comment that has been sticking with me. She said "Isn't it amazing to think we know what we want and then God gives us what we need!!!" It made me think about searching for things that we think we want or need (of course, in our country *everything* is a *need*). Over the past 8 years, there have been times where I thought I needed a new job, and every opportunity I came across turned out not to work for one reason or another. Typically it has been obvious that I was where I was supposed to be, and even when I refused to admit that it was clear to stay where I was and really pushed the issue, my efforts were frustrated and made impossible. Thank God for protecting me from myself!
But I started thinking about how this principle relates to everything in life. I think that we seek joy and happiness, only to be frustrated and left wanting. I think of the artist who seeks joy in things, only to find depression and anguish in their art. It's as if, by continually examining their state of being so closely, they are always left short of what they seek with it never being enough. I can attest to this fact, having spent years as a musician seeking to make the "big time," assuming that would bring my happiness and never achieving either. The paradox seems to hold true - seeking what I think I need leads to frustration and just the opposite.
So where does that leave me? I would suggest that one of the problems in seeking my happiness or my job or my [insert desire here] lies in the balance of all. Focusing too hard on my happiness keeps me from focusing on the things that really bring it. I start to miss the things that God has brought into my life for my good and His glory - so I miss His glory and the good thing! Focusing too hard on my job keeps me from seeing the opportunities He has given me where I am.
If you look at the night sky, especially in the more urban areas, you may notice a number of stars that you can only see if you don't look directly at them. I don't know what scientific reason there is for that, but I think it's a good example of how I should be living my life. I want to look for the stars, but not so intently that I can't see them.
And, for all my reasoning I end up going back to faith. No matter what analogy I give, I find that the only real path to my happiness and contentment (which I prefer to happiness, actually) comes in Jesus' words, "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need." Instead of seeking a job, or happiness, or joy, seek the Kingdom in Jesus Christ, and everything I need will be given. Not to mention it will always be way better than anything I could have planned anyway...
My dear SiC (Sister in Christ) emailed me a comment that has been sticking with me. She said "Isn't it amazing to think we know what we want and then God gives us what we need!!!" It made me think about searching for things that we think we want or need (of course, in our country *everything* is a *need*). Over the past 8 years, there have been times where I thought I needed a new job, and every opportunity I came across turned out not to work for one reason or another. Typically it has been obvious that I was where I was supposed to be, and even when I refused to admit that it was clear to stay where I was and really pushed the issue, my efforts were frustrated and made impossible. Thank God for protecting me from myself!
But I started thinking about how this principle relates to everything in life. I think that we seek joy and happiness, only to be frustrated and left wanting. I think of the artist who seeks joy in things, only to find depression and anguish in their art. It's as if, by continually examining their state of being so closely, they are always left short of what they seek with it never being enough. I can attest to this fact, having spent years as a musician seeking to make the "big time," assuming that would bring my happiness and never achieving either. The paradox seems to hold true - seeking what I think I need leads to frustration and just the opposite.
So where does that leave me? I would suggest that one of the problems in seeking my happiness or my job or my [insert desire here]
If you look at the night sky, especially in the more urban areas, you may notice a number of stars that you can only see if you don't look directly at them. I don't know what scientific reason there is for that, but I think it's a good example of how I should be living my life. I want to look for the stars, but not so intently that I can't see them.
And, for all my reasoning I end up going back to faith. No matter what analogy I give, I find that the only real path to my happiness and contentment (which I prefer to happiness, actually) comes in Jesus' words, "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need." Instead of seeking a job, or happiness, or joy, seek the Kingdom in Jesus Christ, and everything I need will be given. Not to mention it will always be way better than anything I could have planned anyway...
Monday, February 4, 2008
Back in school
School started up last week for me, as I make another attempt at earning my degree. I am determined to see it through to it's end this time. It was discouraging to think that, had I stuck with it when I started in 2002 I would be finishing up right now instead of staring another 4-5 years in the face. I often wish I were doing other things than going back over polynomial equations and staying up late to do them.
But the benefit outweighs the difficulty, and I realize that I had best accomplish this now or it will be too late to have any impact on my career at all. If all goes well, I will be finishing up my degree right about the time the twins are getting really involved in all sorts of after-school activities. I don't want to miss a single practice, game, recital or opportunity to proudly watch everything they do. So I'd best get this out of the way now.
I find I enjoy it, even if it adds to the stress level that plagues me.
Where this ties in to the rest of my posts, I'm still struggling to get some time to work out. I haven't found the groove I was hoping to fall into, and now it seems even more difficult. But I'm going to continue trying and not let go of the dream. Hey, if the NY Giants can pull a Super Bowl out of their backfield (so to speak) I can live the dream of a physically fit future.
But the benefit outweighs the difficulty, and I realize that I had best accomplish this now or it will be too late to have any impact on my career at all. If all goes well, I will be finishing up my degree right about the time the twins are getting really involved in all sorts of after-school activities. I don't want to miss a single practice, game, recital or opportunity to proudly watch everything they do. So I'd best get this out of the way now.
I find I enjoy it, even if it adds to the stress level that plagues me.
Where this ties in to the rest of my posts, I'm still struggling to get some time to work out. I haven't found the groove I was hoping to fall into, and now it seems even more difficult. But I'm going to continue trying and not let go of the dream. Hey, if the NY Giants can pull a Super Bowl out of their backfield (so to speak) I can live the dream of a physically fit future.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Change of topic
I had planned on writing about a certain "ah-ha" moment I had this morning, but wanted to put this out for your consideration (and flame, if you feel so inclined).
Ron Paul was interviewed on beliefnet.com. You can read the full article here. An interesting quote from it is this:
---quoted text below---
[Do you] consider yourself an evangelical?
Ron Paul was interviewed on beliefnet.com. You can read the full article here. An interesting quote from it is this:
---quoted text below---
[Do you] consider yourself an evangelical?
Yeah, I do. But I’m not sure that every single person that uses those labels are absolutely uniform and that people know exactly what they mean… some evangelicals get a little bit annoyed because I’m not always preaching and saying, “I’m this, I’m this, and this.” I think my obligation is to reflect my beliefs in my life. I like the statement in the Bible that when you’re really in deep prayer you go to your closet. You don’t do it out on the streets and brag about it and say, “Look how holy I am.” If a person has true beliefs and is truly born again, it will be reflected in their life.
---end quoted text---
Well, for my $0.02, that hits it right on the head. I don't want any more public officials touting their religiosity and claiming that makes them more fit or others less fit for service. It seems to me that every time I hear of a public figure, whether that be politicians or entertainers, I usually end up thinking "I wish they wouldn't have drawn attention to themselves as models of faith and morality." If I recall correctly, Bill Clinton professed to be "an Evangelical Christian" and could quote bible verses with the best of them. All it take sis one seedy interlude with an intern and a cigar to shatter a man's integrity forever. I wish he had not said anything.
Maybe if more people (myself included without question) kept their faith behind closed doors and let it work out in their lives we wouldn't have politicians claiming a religion to win loyalty and votes. I'm sick of empty professions of faith from obviously shallow hypocrites.
Politicians: Show me what it means to you in how you live and how you govern, and I'll let that influence my vote.
Christians: Maybe if we banged fewer bibles and lived more like people changed by faith, others would be drawn to know more about that faith and Jesus instead of wanting nothing to do with us or Him.
---end quoted text---
Well, for my $0.02, that hits it right on the head. I don't want any more public officials touting their religiosity and claiming that makes them more fit or others less fit for service. It seems to me that every time I hear of a public figure, whether that be politicians or entertainers, I usually end up thinking "I wish they wouldn't have drawn attention to themselves as models of faith and morality." If I recall correctly, Bill Clinton professed to be "an Evangelical Christian" and could quote bible verses with the best of them. All it take sis one seedy interlude with an intern and a cigar to shatter a man's integrity forever. I wish he had not said anything.
Maybe if more people (myself included without question) kept their faith behind closed doors and let it work out in their lives we wouldn't have politicians claiming a religion to win loyalty and votes. I'm sick of empty professions of faith from obviously shallow hypocrites.
Politicians: Show me what it means to you in how you live and how you govern, and I'll let that influence my vote.
Christians: Maybe if we banged fewer bibles and lived more like people changed by faith, others would be drawn to know more about that faith and Jesus instead of wanting nothing to do with us or Him.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Don't ask...
I did no working out last night. I worked late, Sandra was not feeling 100%, she went shopping for things we need, I bathed the kiddos, sat up with the baby, fell asleep exhausted.
I'm working all weekend, so I don't expect to do any working out this weekend, either.
Ugh....
I'm working all weekend, so I don't expect to do any working out this weekend, either.
Ugh....
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Encouragement
Below is an email that I got from Sue in how she has trained herself to exercise and get in shape. She was going to post this on the blog, but the word limit cut her off and I thought it was good stuff, so I wanted to post it here.
Of course, my new excuse is that my wife and the kids have been sick since I last posted on this topic, so I haven't had a chance to work out. I'm literally going on a few hours of sleep a night, and I'm too tired. I know that is most likely only my "excuse du jour" but that's OK, too. I'm going to get started tonight if all goes well. I'll post tomorrow with the update. (Yikes, that seems like accountability!)
==================
Message from Sue below
==================
Greg, Greg, Greg . . . I'm feeling ya buddy. I was going to call, but decided an email would work. Hear sympathy in my voice, with an underlying sternness. Anyone can talk themselves out of anything (it's too early, it's too late, I'm too full, I'm too hungry). Anyone can talk themselves into anything (this is perfect, I feel great, this is a good thing).
I needed a set scheduled day and time. I couldn't do every other day; on the night I had to workout I'd think how good it was not to workout the night before and talk myself out of it, so I workout consecutive nights – Sunday-Thursday at 8:00 p.m. no ifs, ands, or buts. I take off Fridays and Saturdays and live a little – I'm worth it. If it works better for you, workout Monday through Thursday, leaving a night for flexibility and if you do workout all four days, you've worked out more than half the week.
Eliminate all the obstacles. Leave the door open so you see it all the time. Put your workout shorts/t-shirt in plain view, right there to see all the time, I even put mine on a half hour beforehand to get me in tune and also so the family remembers. Put an old pair of tennis right by your machine to use, so you don't have to wait for your daily ones to dry. You need a timer to set at 30 minutes the moment you walk into your workout room so when someone comes in you can say I have 12 minutes left – just about done. You have to set a scheduled time like 8:00 p.m.; right after the girls go to bed. If the girls happen to stay up a little later to finish a movie, we high-five and blow kisses as they go by and they know I'll be in in 16 minutes to give them a sweaty, stinky hug and kiss – they get a kick out of this actually.
Lastly, keep in mind it takes three weeks for something to become a habit. Not only for you for it to become a habit, but for your family too. They will learn and understand it's time for you to workout and respect that, your guilt does go away. You are the only one that feels the guilt, they don't. Squeeze out some willpower and you need to start your workout tonight my man, you can do it. By three-weeks time, by February 1st, it will be a habit and you won't think anything of it when it comes to a workout. You will be fully in sync - mind, body and spirit.
Love ya! ~Sue
Of course, my new excuse is that my wife and the kids have been sick since I last posted on this topic, so I haven't had a chance to work out. I'm literally going on a few hours of sleep a night, and I'm too tired. I know that is most likely only my "excuse du jour" but that's OK, too. I'm going to get started tonight if all goes well. I'll post tomorrow with the update. (Yikes, that seems like accountability!)
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Message from Sue below
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Greg, Greg, Greg . . . I'm feeling ya buddy. I was going to call, but decided an email would work. Hear sympathy in my voice, with an underlying sternness. Anyone can talk themselves out of anything (it's too early, it's too late, I'm too full, I'm too hungry). Anyone can talk themselves into anything (this is perfect, I feel great, this is a good thing).
I needed a set scheduled day and time. I couldn't do every other day; on the night I had to workout I'd think how good it was not to workout the night before and talk myself out of it, so I workout consecutive nights – Sunday-Thursday at 8:00 p.m. no ifs, ands, or buts. I take off Fridays and Saturdays and live a little – I'm worth it. If it works better for you, workout Monday through Thursday, leaving a night for flexibility and if you do workout all four days, you've worked out more than half the week.
Eliminate all the obstacles. Leave the door open so you see it all the time. Put your workout shorts/t-shirt in plain view, right there to see all the time, I even put mine on a half hour beforehand to get me in tune and also so the family remembers. Put an old pair of tennis right by your machine to use, so you don't have to wait for your daily ones to dry. You need a timer to set at 30 minutes the moment you walk into your workout room so when someone comes in you can say I have 12 minutes left – just about done. You have to set a scheduled time like 8:00 p.m.; right after the girls go to bed. If the girls happen to stay up a little later to finish a movie, we high-five and blow kisses as they go by and they know I'll be in in 16 minutes to give them a sweaty, stinky hug and kiss – they get a kick out of this actually.
Lastly, keep in mind it takes three weeks for something to become a habit. Not only for you for it to become a habit, but for your family too. They will learn and understand it's time for you to workout and respect that, your guilt does go away. You are the only one that feels the guilt, they don't. Squeeze out some willpower and you need to start your workout tonight my man, you can do it. By three-weeks time, by February 1st, it will be a habit and you won't think anything of it when it comes to a workout. You will be fully in sync - mind, body and spirit.
Love ya! ~Sue
Thursday, January 10, 2008
How are your resolutions going?
Well, here we are, 10 days into the new year. How are your resolutions going?
I resolved long ago not to tie resolutions to the new year. To me, if something was worth doing, it was worth doing right now and not waiting for the new year. I try to do things that way. However, this year I decided that I would start working out 3 times a week and that I would wait until after the Christmas rush to begin.
Well, I bought a nifty home gym. I tore apart half my old office to fit it in there with the stationary bike. I researched workout plans. I came up with a workout plan. I put the plan in a spreadsheet. I'm all ready.
I have yet to work out...
I just can't seem to muster the energy after working all day to tell my kids I have to stop playing with them so that I can go into the "gym" and work out. I'm tired. I get up early and stay up late trying to cram all the other good things into my life. My youngest still likes to get up several times in the night to eat, and while I don't have to feed her, I am a light sleeper and wake up anyway. I just can't figure out how people do this.
Any suggestions? I really want to be in good shape for my kids, mostly. We started our second round of children later in life, and I want to be able to do things with them all throughout their childhoods. I don't want to be the "old, broken dad" who could never do anything too exciting. I just really need to figure out how to work all this in.
I resolved long ago not to tie resolutions to the new year. To me, if something was worth doing, it was worth doing right now and not waiting for the new year. I try to do things that way. However, this year I decided that I would start working out 3 times a week and that I would wait until after the Christmas rush to begin.
Well, I bought a nifty home gym. I tore apart half my old office to fit it in there with the stationary bike. I researched workout plans. I came up with a workout plan. I put the plan in a spreadsheet. I'm all ready.
I have yet to work out...
I just can't seem to muster the energy after working all day to tell my kids I have to stop playing with them so that I can go into the "gym" and work out. I'm tired. I get up early and stay up late trying to cram all the other good things into my life. My youngest still likes to get up several times in the night to eat, and while I don't have to feed her, I am a light sleeper and wake up anyway. I just can't figure out how people do this.
Any suggestions? I really want to be in good shape for my kids, mostly. We started our second round of children later in life, and I want to be able to do things with them all throughout their childhoods. I don't want to be the "old, broken dad" who could never do anything too exciting. I just really need to figure out how to work all this in.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Clarifying
I had a discussion with a good friend about my "Common Sense Principle" post, where they wondered if I was talking about them. They wondered if I was sending a message to them without trying to seem offensive and avoid confrontation. I assured them I was not, and as I read that post I started wondering if I had actually made more people think I was talking to them. Let me explain my last post.
I'm following the political caucuses and am constantly irritated by politicians who say they are champions for the middle class, yet line their pockets with money and favors from special interest groups. That was reason number one in my last post. Republican, democrat; there ain't a dime's worth of difference in either of them.
I also work for a government agency. It's difficult to decipher the real goals of the people I work with daily - and I'm not saying that they are all wrong or deceitful. I'm simply saying that the way government seems to work in my decade of public service is that everyone tries to tell everyone else just enough to get them to do whatever it is they want them to do. Whether that is to vote for them or to buy a pen, it makes no difference. We have trouble being up front and honest in most communication. Contrary to cinematic assertion, I think we *can* handle the truth.
So I apologize to you, my good friend, and hope that you understand my last point better today. I also have not missed the irony that I did exactly that same thing in that last post. I said only enough to help people think what I wanted them to think. I'll try to do better next time.
I also promised that, should I have an issue with them, I would not blog it to them. I will come directly to them. Who knows, perhaps 2008 will be the year of the new, improved, straight-talking Greg...
I'm following the political caucuses and am constantly irritated by politicians who say they are champions for the middle class, yet line their pockets with money and favors from special interest groups. That was reason number one in my last post. Republican, democrat; there ain't a dime's worth of difference in either of them.
I also work for a government agency. It's difficult to decipher the real goals of the people I work with daily - and I'm not saying that they are all wrong or deceitful. I'm simply saying that the way government seems to work in my decade of public service is that everyone tries to tell everyone else just enough to get them to do whatever it is they want them to do. Whether that is to vote for them or to buy a pen, it makes no difference. We have trouble being up front and honest in most communication. Contrary to cinematic assertion, I think we *can* handle the truth.
So I apologize to you, my good friend, and hope that you understand my last point better today. I also have not missed the irony that I did exactly that same thing in that last post. I said only enough to help people think what I wanted them to think. I'll try to do better next time.
I also promised that, should I have an issue with them, I would not blog it to them. I will come directly to them. Who knows, perhaps 2008 will be the year of the new, improved, straight-talking Greg...
Friday, January 4, 2008
Common sense principle
I'm just wondering if there is such a thing as common sense any more. Too often it seems to me that people love to get hung up in debate over secondary elements, and if we simply apply the principle of common sense the answers will be clear.
I recently heard someone tell me that when a person will not respond to logic or common sense, there is something they are not telling you that blinds them to both. That helps in dealing with the frustration, but not the irritation I always feel when I find out someone has a hidden agenda.
Politicians are the worst for this, aren't they?
I recently heard someone tell me that when a person will not respond to logic or common sense, there is something they are not telling you that blinds them to both. That helps in dealing with the frustration, but not the irritation I always feel when I find out someone has a hidden agenda.
Politicians are the worst for this, aren't they?
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Hi, Sue...
2008 has begun. We shared the turning of the calendar with dear friends (although we celebrate EST new year instead of CST now that we all have little kids...). It was a great evening of feasting, friends and fun.
We talked about what we plan to work on this coming year little bit, and as I woke this morning I decided that I would make an effort to keep my blog updated this year. Sue always mentions it to me when I see her, so my first blog of the year is simply to say "Hello, Sue."
To everyone, I hope your year turned over safely and among dear friends, too.
We talked about what we plan to work on this coming year little bit, and as I woke this morning I decided that I would make an effort to keep my blog updated this year. Sue always mentions it to me when I see her, so my first blog of the year is simply to say "Hello, Sue."
To everyone, I hope your year turned over safely and among dear friends, too.
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