Mental Imagery

Ok I realize this really looks computer generated, but I just wanted to use it to make a point.  Like any goal you're trying to reach, especially when you're feeling very unmotivated, focus on the results you want to achieve.  I want arms like Robert Irvine and will likely never have them, but in the gym or when I'm trying to motivate myself to do more, I pathetically imagine myself with 21 inch biceps:)  (my wimpy legs aren't even 21 inches). 

This sort of goes against my previous post of "enjoying the process", but when striving toward your goals, use mental imagery to get yourself to the next step toward reaching those goals.  Close your eyes and see yourself as you want to see yourself, then bust your ass to get yourself there.  I've never had such a hard time losing weight as I have had this year, so I know what a brutal pain it is to do it.   But you can do it.  It all comes down to calories burned vs calories taken in.  It sucks counting calories, but it sure is an eye opener.  This challenge is only 3 months long.  Stick it out and work hard for a measly 90 days and see how much better you feel.  Kathleen (she's looking down on all of us) won our first contest and it was so cool to see her buying smaller clothes.  That year, I was supposed to be the motivator, yet her determination ended up motivating me instead.  Dig deep this year and commit!  Give yourself 90 days of consistently eating better and doing a minimum of 30 minutes of cardio everyday.  You will definitely see a difference.  

Frenchie.............I'm sorry.

I was just looking at last years results and I must apologize...........Frenchie wooped up on all of us last year.  So Frenchie, I'm sorry if somewhere in this scattered blog I misspoke.  

Frenchie lost 14% total body weight!   I'm sitting here figuring that if I get down to my goal of 165, that will be a loss of 8.9%.  

So here's a deal for every one who competes.   I'm so confident that I will reach my goal, if anyone beats my 8.9%, I'll come up with some sort of prize for ya. 

2 Days To Go

Two days and counting!  Just got back from the gym and I'm pretty excited for this challenge to get started.  I still have this sort of mental block that is preventing me from starting any changes until Monday.  Maybe it's the realization that I want to eat this weekend.   I have high hopes of reaching my goal of 165lbs though.    I don't want to be some skinny runt, but would love to lose the flab.   I had even higher hopes of seeing how many days straight I could ride my bike to work, but to be honest with myself, I just don't see that happening.  Between the snow and the cold...................Ill drive. 

 We're getting more and more entries every day and I'm trying to post them as soon as they arrive but if you don't see your name within a day or two, please feel free to email me or post it again. 

Hope you all have a great weekend.

My Dieting Plan

Oh my gosh, the nicknames people are coming up with are hilarious!!!   Frog Eater!!  Where in the world does one come up with that name?    And Sugar Addict,,,,,,,if you end up losing a higher percentage than me, I'm the biggest pansy dieter in the world.  Spuds, known in the dieting world as "Idaho Chubs" is going down.  I bet if you looked in his car right now, he has at least 3 boxes of Good and Plenty's. Then I bet over the weekend he makes some fancy dessert in the Dutch oven.  The guy talks tough but has no will power (love ya spuds). 

I see the 4 Phat Chics have finally got their entire crew on board.  I wanna hear some of everyone's plans come January 2nd.  How do you plan on losing weight?   Goals for 2012? 

I'm still working on my list, but as far as the weight loss goes, I'm going to cut out sugar (meaning sweets), except for some dark chocolate every once in a while.  I'm going to try and drink 5 (16.9oz each) bottled waters a day.  I want to do most of my shopping in the produce section and cut way back on meat (my cholesterol is 259).  I'm going to do all I can to eat whole foods rather than all this boxed crap I'm so guilty of buying (and eating) all the time.  One cup of coffee in the morning and one glass of wine at night.  And the biggie, the thing that I think makes the biggest difference in the world,,,,,,,,,,no food after 7pm (used to be 6 but I get home too late to abide by that). 

So that's my dieting plan.  That along with 3 days in the gym and 3 days on the bike (or some sort of cardio), is going to allow me to kick all your butts.  I failed miserably last year (the current size of my gut is proof) and I promise I will be competitive this year. 

Ok back to work for now. Hope you all have a super day.

Ben Breedlove

One of the most simplest yet the most moving video you will ever see.

And if the tears aren't flowing yet:

Live it People!!!  Make 2012  a Great Year!

Enjoy the Process

Enjoy

I've been thinking a lot about yesterday's post.  I still have no answers.  You would think it would just be black and white, but humans are such difficult beings, I don't think you can come up with a black and white answer when emotions or feelings are involved.  You're always going to have two sides to every argument.

I'm really wanting 2012 to be a very good year.  A year of personal growth and one full of happiness.  I've been reading a book called "The Practicing Mind".  I'm still at the very beginning of the book, but I hope to be able to incorporate a lot of the ideas into my life.  I haven't gotten very far into it, but today I read about, "making the most of the process, not focusing on the product".

How much more enjoyable would things be if you could focus more on the road your traveling instead of the destination?  The author uses an example of grades and school.  I can relate to this as I remember taking human physiology in college.  My whole focus was getting an A.  Medical School was so competitive back then that even students with 4.0 gpa's weren't getting in.  My entire focus was on the grade.  What I failed to see was that focusing on the grade took away from the process of learning the material.  Had I just enjoyed and put more focus on the process of learning the material, I believe the exams would have been so much easier.  Instead though, I studied what I thought would be on the exam.  Huge mistake. 

Another example would be our current waiting period for our accreditation survey.  It's nerve racking to be sure that we are prepared adequately for our survey.  It's on my mind night and day.  I don't have a clue as to what they are going to focus on.  Will  it be our charts, will it be our supply room, our vehicles, our paperwork, etc....   I don't want to just pass this survey, I want to kick some major butt.  I know we have some work to do, but I know we can do it.  Applying the "process principle" will allow me not to focus on the results of the survey, but instead I will focus on the process of becoming the "perfect company".   I will "enjoy the ride" per se.   What good does stressing over the unknown accomplish?  None at all.  

Try it sometime.  Focus on the process.  When driving to work or back home, don't focus on getting there, but focus on drive.  Look around, see things that you normally wouldn't give a second look. 

I've spoke of this before, but if you're a nurse, focus on the time with your patients.  Don't focus on answering your next call light, or hanging your next bag.  Instead, give your time and your attention to your patient.  You have such an amazing opportunity to make a difference in someones life.   I know things need to get done, ie charting, but just try it.  Be in the moment.  If your talking to your patient and in the back of your mind, your thinking about charting, or worried about getting to your next patient, your cheating the moment.   I think nurses and nursing assistants have some of the best jobs in the world.  I worked at FMC (Flagstaff) all through college and I can still remember, in detail, many of the conversations I had with patients.  I'm willing to say they probably made a bigger difference in my life than I ever did in theirs.

Whether it be at work or at home, try to enjoy the process of whatever you're doing.  Don't focus on the end result.  See how much more enjoyable the process it.

Spuds.........to Chubs Dana Poo Challenge

I think "Spuds" needs to change his name to "Chubs" this year.  I know all he's been doing is sitting behind a desk all winter!!!! The guy is amazing cook and he loves to eat so he will be no threat.  I met Dana Poo the other day....... Hey DP, here's a challenge for you since I think 20 lbs is a mutual goal.  If you lose more than me, I'll give you a $50.00 gift certificate to anywhere you choose.  You up for the challenge???

Ready for the Challenge Yet??

So what are your plans for the New Year?  Do you have a strategy for the Weight Loss Challenge??  I'm really excited to get started.  For some weird and unknown reason, I don't have the motivation to start dieting before the start date.   I've been working out everyday, but I haven't really been watching what I'm eating.  I know for a fact thought, that as of midnight on the 1st, I'll be pathetically counting calories. 

You may consider this to be on the verge of cheating (it's not) but a few weeks ago I was contacted by my old cycling coach.  He was drumming up victims for his next cycling camp which I would love to attend, but I'm too fat and out of shape.  I have decided though to start paying him to coach me again.  I have no desire to start racing bikes again, but I think paying him would inspire me to stick to a good program.  Scott has a great holistic approach to training and diet.  His knowledge of fat metabolism and training to get optimum results is really impressive.  I'm anxious to get started. 

I'm thinking about offering my 1st giveaway.  It'll be a delayed prize as it will have something to do with my weight at the end of the challenge.  Stay tuned and be prepared to email me.   I'll let you know soon. 

Well I had my physical today.... sort of.  I showed up to my appointment on time, but found out that my last physical was last done in February and insurance wasn't going to pay for 2 physicals in a year.  So luckily I wasn't blessed with having to get "the finger".  I've never been checked for prostrate enlargment and I'm not looking forward to it.  Instead, we just sat there and went over all my labs.  The most concerning being my Total Cholesterol of 259.  I can't remember my HDL and LDL off hand but they suck too.  Dr. Robertson gave me a year to get this number down by dieting ,but the number didn't change at all.  So now I am supporting the wonderful Statin making drug companies.  It is so discouraging to know that I am taking a drug to aid in a problem that I so easily failed to improve.  I do worry about the side effects, especially the leg cramps.  Helloooo,  I ride bikes.  The last thing I need is leg cramps on the bike.  Dr. R said that taking CoQ10 would help with any joint or muscle issues caused by the Pravastatin.   The darn CoQ10 was more expensive than the drug itself.  I'll let you know how it works.  Now though, if I have a stroke, at least I can say I was trying to do something about it. 

Time to go spend some time with my boys.  It's the only way I'm going to get them off of the xbox they got for Christmas (were a little behind the curve, apparently everyone else has one of these things). 

Have a great night.

Let down? or Setting Yourself Up?

I'm at work early today hoping to get things done before everyone gets here.  I walked through the door with a major headache and not a whole lot of motivation.  Mornings like this I could really do without.  I've got my yearly physical this morning and now that I'm officially 40, I can't say I'm really looking forward to it. 

I don't even have a title for this post yet, but will hopefully come up with one by the time I'm finished typing.  In a desperate search to find something to change my major attitude problem this morning, I started looking through my "favorites" on the net and found myself watching Long Boarding videos.  This is one of my favorites, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXqmRAUsn9U&feature=related.   While it's currently 20 degrees outside, I would love to be flying down a hill with not a care in the world. 

Ok here's my topic for today.  Do we set ourselves up for disappointment when we begin to expect certain things from others?   I bring this up for two reasons.  The first being a good talk I had with one of my guys yesterday, then another conversation I had with my brother last night.  And (I know you don't start a sentence with and) to top it off, I'm married.  That in itself is a comedy act brought upon us by God.  Anyway, is it human nature to expect people to disappoint us?  Do we go through life, sort of setting these little traps, just to see what the outcome will be?   Now, this is an extremely minor example, but one I'll use just to explain my point (and don't laugh at my pathetic example), but say I leave the house for work and leave the dog dishes in the exact spot (and empty).  I get home only to find that all day long the dogs have not been fed or watered.  First, I don't do this because I don't trust that the dogs will be fed or watered and second, I don't want to chance my dogs going all day without water.  I'm just using this example (sort of to protect the innocent:) )  to explain what I'm talking about.  Are we all guilty of "expecting" others to read our minds?  

My brothers complaint was about employees.  He has employees hat have been with him for years yet they continue to fill him with disappointment.  "They should know the job by now" he says.  I completely agree, but as the one who is being disappointed, is it our fault for not communicating better?    Or in my world (and my wife hates this) I call it being selfish.  Are people so selfish that they really don't give a crap what you want or expect?  They live in their own little worlds, not ever giving the cares or expectations of those around them a second thought.  Or maybe it's an issue of respect....I'm not sure.

Another major pet peeve of mine (and others I know), texting...............If you send someone a text, meaning you initiated the conversation, and they reply to your text, isn't it just a courtesy to respond, even if it's only with a "k".  Let me know that you received my response, don't just leave me hanging.  Remember, you started the conversation!!   So my childish response to the people that do that to me...........they have been sort of black booked.   Those people that really suck at returning a text (when they are the ones that initiated it) now don't even get a response from me. 

Back to the original discussion............is it selfishness?  Does everyone just consistently put their needs or their feelings first only to leave others around them disappointed, hurt, or even lonely?   I never really thought about this very much until the conversations I've had over the last few days.   I'm not only referring to spousal issues, but look around.........you see or hear it all the time.  People always complaining......he's not doing this, or she's not doing this, if he would just do his job.....etc. 

It's a hard question to answer because you could play devils advocate in either position.  Back to the dog food example.  The other person could say, "well you feed the dogs every day so I just assume you're going to do it".  Or on the flip side I could say, "the dishes are empty, does anyone else not even notice the empty dishes". 

Nobody is right or wrong.  I think it comes down to communication.  I think you will find that the most efficient work places, the most successful marriages, the best friendships, are those with great communication.  Mind you, the best communication is worthless without action.  Talk all you want, but if things don't progress positively, you're pissing in the wind. 

I think one of the coolest things in the world is the ability to count on someone.  You know, come hell or high water, there are those special people out there that will always rise to the occasion.  I hope everyone out there has one or two of these kind of people in their lives.  Makes all the difference in the world. 

I have no good answers.  I think it comes down to digging deep inside ourselves and putting others before us.  We live in a major selfish society.  Everybody wants something.  We take and take, and rarely give.  Even if it's just a listening ear, put yourself second.  I think that is what is expected of us. 

Livestrong Article

Excellent Article at Livestrong.org.

http://www.livestrong.com/blog/blog/the-10-rules-healthy-living/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=12.27.11



Start working on your 2012 goals!!  Be sure to write them down!!

Big Mamma is Back!!

Big Mamma is Back!!!   Be prepared folks!! This woman kicked everyones butt last year.  I can't post the total pounds lost, but Big Mamma is a stud!!!   She lost something like 13% last year.  So Impressive!!!!!!

The Entries Are Rolling In

I'm already loving the creative Challenge names so far.  So far the "4 Phat Chicks" only have 3 members........I'm assuming we're waiting on one more??? 

Seven days till the Challenge!!!   I've got plenty to lose this year so be prepared to get your rear ends kicked.  I'm already working on my strategy, which includes a lot of trash talking, lots of working out, less eating, and major guilt trips that I will put upon myself. 

One concern that was texted to me this evening, is me knowing how much you weigh.  First of all, how much anyone weighs is never an issue.  I would love to see everyone reach their weightloss goals.  I'm at 185lbs, and if you look at me you might say, no big deal.   Well dear Lord, if you saw me without a shirt on (God help you), ugghhhhh.  You would have nightmares for the rest of your life. 

Plus, remember everything is done via your challenge nickname.  If you want to be more discreet, create a new gmail account with some goofy email address. 

Honestly though, dig deep and commit to losing weight this coming year.  Make this your year.  My goal is to kick some major ass in 2012.  I've already started working on my goals for 2012, if I get enough guts, maybe I'll post them before New Years. 

 I've always been interested health, but I have found that in the last few years I've really gained an interest in living healthy (so far I really suck at it).  I'm sure I will mention it over a thousand times throughout the challenge, but if you get a chance, watch the documentary "Food, Inc".   It is just incredible what is put in our foods.  After reading the ingredients on some of your favorite foods, one can't really argue that the leading cause of cancer has got to be environmental. 

Crazy, just as I've been typing this post, I've got 3 new sign ups.  Keep em coming.  I'll update the list as soon as I'm finished here.  Click here to see the current list.  It's gonna be a good time. 

Entry's are arriving

Already getting Entry's for the 2012 Weight Loss Challenge!!  Bring it!!!!

Good Article By Juan Williams

I'm not a fan of Juan Williams but thought this was a great write up.

http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2011/12/23/my-faith-and-politics-in-america/

Merry Christmas

So much is going through my head this morning about what Christmas has become.  While I think that the majority of us still know and understand the reason for the Season, has the younger generation been taught to understand the true meaning?   Even I as a father feel like I have failed on many fronts when it comes to emphasizing the birth of Christ. 

I am not a church goer and don't claim to be.  I'm one of those that goes on Christmas Eve and maybe Easter.  I'm not happy about this, but it's who I am.  If I decide to go to church, it's because I want my kids to have the same foundation that I had.  My grandparents took me to church when I was little.  We attended the First Baptist Church of Show Low.  I can't say I really enjoyed it, in fact I probably learned more about prayer and the Bible from my Grandma than I ever did going to church.  Once I hit my teenage years, I started attending the Catholic church with my mom.  Now as a young kid, the catholic church was more fun because you get to stand, sit and kneel.  Pathetic I know, but it's better than sitting there for an hour.  Then came college.  I found the coolest "non-denominational" church called Flagstaff Christian Fellowship.  Wow, the music was amazing and to look around seeing other college kids really connect with Christ was really moving.  All of this has become the foundation for my faith. 

Christ has always been a huge part of my life.  Not because I went to church, though going to church I think helped me stay focused on my Christian walk.   Growing up, I could always hear my grandma praying out loud before she went to bed.  I always felt she had a one way connection with God.  I remember in college, every time I had a test to take, I would call her up and ask her to pray for me.  I just felt that if she asked, God was surely going to deliver. 

I don't have a clue where this post is going.  From the outside looks of my history, my behavior, etc, I'm not sure anyone would consider me a true and strong believer.  Honestly I'm not sure my wife would even consider me a strong Godly man.  It's not something I wear on my sleeve (though maybe I should)  An even bigger concern is how my kids see me.  I want them to know that their dad has a strong faith in God.  I want them to grow up having a strong faith as well.   I have stumbled and fell so many times along this windy road that God has taken me down.   I will continue to fall and I know God will, for some reason, be right there to pick me back up.  

So for Christmas, even if you don't show it or profess it on the outside, be thankful for your faith.  Be thankful for what we have all been given.   Look around......things could always be worse.  Go outside on Christmas eve and look up and just be amazed at the wonders around us.  None of us have a clue as to what God's plans are, but we can all just be thankful we're a part of it. 

As I mentioned before, I'm not a church goer, nor am I a Bible thumper, but my Faith in Christ is what gets me through.  I sincerely hope you have a very Merry CHRISTmas.  May God bless you with all the peace in the world. 

Merry Christmas. 

Where's the Line to see Jesus

I'm not sure if any of you have seen this video, but it's an awesome story.

Here's the website if you want to know more about the creation of this ossm song and video: http://wheresthelinetoseejesus.com/

Snowy Drive to Eagar

While it's not easy to drive in a blizzard and take pictures at the same time, here's few shots of my drive over the top to Eagar yesterday.  Stupid idea on my part, but I had cookies to deliver:)

The Challenge is Almost Here

Well I posted the first group of Weight Loss Challenge flyers yesterday.  I'm hoping for as good of a turnout as we had last year.  I also took some over to White Mountain Regional so we'll see if they get involved.  I'm currently working on a few give aways to offer throughout the challenge.  Of course I'll be giving away more heart rate monitors and hoping to give a gym membership as well.  Stay tuned to the blog.  I'm anxious to see some creative names come across.  Will "Big Mamma" me back?   She kicked everyones butt last year.  I've got 20lbs to lose so I'm hoping to kick a little butt as well.  Went to the gym last night and got 30 minutes on the treadmill and an hour of weights.  Apparently the snow chased everyone off as I had the entire place to myself. 

I gotta get my rear end over to Snowflake.  I'm hoping to get Snowflake Medical involved.  The more the merrier. 

Hope you all have a great day.

Season of Giving

While I think the title is a bit of a misnomer, as I think we should always be giving, I just wanted to share this. 

The other night just as I was walking through the door, my wife said she just got a text from a friend.  The text said, "is your husband out playing Christmas angel again?"   I just figured she had saw me buying some stuff at walmart or something. 

This friend of my wife's (our families have been friends for quite some time), the family has had a tough time financially.  They lost their business and just had a really tough year.  Anyway, apparently someone had knocked on their door the other night and took off.  When they answered the door, all they found was an envelope.................inside was $500.00 cash. 

Isn't that just friggin awesome!!!!    While I feel honored that they thought it was me, I just find it really heartening to know there are people out there so willing to give of themselves and seek no credit for it.  It's people like this that still give you hope for humanity. 

My Complaint for the Day

I spent all day delivering goodies.  If you're from here, you know the roads were pretty bad today.    I do have this to say though:

If you drive a big 4x4 dodge........

And you can't drive more than 15 mph in the snow...........

Buy a Prius!!!!

And Stay Home!!!!

I'm all for being careful in the snow and ice, but if you have 50 cars behind you and some of those cars are even little 2 wheel drive cars (and you're in a 4x4)..........that means you are the hold up.   Pull over and let em by!!!    Then you are free to go as slow as your little heart desires. 

185!!!!!!!!!!

No this isn't me....but I'm getting there.

Ok this is gonna be quick as I've got to get my butt next door to ride the bike.  I just weighed in..........185lbs!!  Holy Crap!!!

I'm gaining by the day.  My small gut is now looking like a beer gut (and I don't drink beer) and for what used to be pecs, well they are now blubbery man boobs.  This is crazy!!  

That's just great!! I'll never hear the end of it from Kendall. 

Just think though,,,  now I have way more to lose and there for gonna kick every ones butt in this years weight loss challenge. 

Really??? Trash Talking Already??

Sign ups haven't even started for the Weight Loss Challenge and the trash talking has already begun. Leave it to the Whiting Clan to get things going.  These are the ones who left cheeseburgers on my car last year.  Remember, I have friends in the FBI:)   I shall find you!!! :)

Weightloss Flyer

How does the flyer look??? 

No pounds lost.........oh that's a surprise

My heart goes out to all of you who have dieted and lost, or those of you who struggle and fight your hardest to maintain your desired weight.  If you have noticed, I haven't posted my weight for about a week now.  Mostly because I'm too lazy to do the the strip down weigh in, but also because I'm not sure I want to know.  This time of year is just crazy to try and lose any decent amount of weight.  There is food everywhere and it's not just food, but it's good sugar and fat filled food.  We have sales people sending us boxes of chocolate, plates of cookies,  it doesn't end.  Our awesome Medline rep sent this box of amazing chocolates and just as luck would have it, my nephew Ty along with Ty Webster and Keevan Schimmel at the entire box.  Maybe thats what I should do,,,,,,,,make a bunch of care packages for all the college kids that have worked here over the last few summers.  I'll just help them along with the freshman 15.    Freshman 15???? What about the 20 lbs you gain when your 40?   40!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   I can't believe I'm 40 years old.  I feel like I was just studying for college finals a few years ago.      There's got to be a secret to youth somewhere.

Well, Mr. Hale just left my office.  He came in to thank us for the wheelchair we gave his daughter.  If youre from the area, you will know Mr. Hales kids were in a horrible accident about a month ago.  One was killed and another were hurt pretty bad.  I just, for the life of me, can't even imagine what he and his family are going through.   Things like this just aren't supposed to happen.  If you have had the honor and priviledge of meeting Mr. Hale, he's one of the nicest guys you will ever meet.  Always has a smile on his face and you know inside he must be just torn to pieces.  

So!!!!! On a brighter note...........are you ready for Christmas?  I'm slowly getting there.  Ryan (my 12yo) has been wanting a guinea pig (he wanted a real pig but that wasn't happening) so sometime this week I'm heading over to Flag to buy not one, but two guinea pigs (I hear they do better with company).  I have no idea who in my family reads this blog so I can't post any gifts right now, but will surely do so after Christmas. 
I love this time of year and I love giving to people, so Christmas is a lot of fun for me. 

Ok time to get back to work.  My new office is getting painted today (by my nephew:) ).  If any of you locals need work done, he's trying to earn money while on break.    I'm thinking about a bright red door.  Just to mix it up a little. 

Bye Bye Blackberry

Last week I took the plunge and traded my Blackberry for a Droid Pro.  I sadly pretty much live through my Blackberry.  As far as email is concerned, there is nothing easier than a Blackberry.  It had gotten to the point that I could type an email without even looking at my phone.  It fit perfectly in my hand and my chubby fingers had no problem hitting the keys.

Blackberry's software is produced by RIM (Research in Motion) and when they first came out they were the best.  Every one who needed access to their email quickly had a BlackBerry and Blackberry users are faithful to their phones.  Right now, if Blackberry cameout with better software and more apps, I'd trade the droid in a second, but RIM seems to be falling further and further behind with both their software and their phones.  The straw that broke the camels back was the announcement that Google was no longer going to offer Gmail support to Blackberry.   Google has become such a powerhouse in the tech world.  How can you produce a product and expect to be successful without either Google or Apple on board?    Blackberry has struggled to move forward and I really hope they succeed as I would love to return to being a Blackberry Faithful.

My new droid has pretty much used up all my patience.  It has both a keyboard and touch screen which is nice, but the keys are smaller and sending a text at least for now requires me to hit the back button several times as I'm constantly hitting the wrong key.  Learning this thing is going to be a work in process.  I'm sure there are those of you with Droids and love them.  I hope to get to a point that I'm pretty good at it and have no choice right now but to try.  I guess it's better than a flip phone.  For those of you that can text without a touch screen or keyboard........more power to ya.  I'd end up just throwing the thing out the window.  

It's been a week???

Wow I can't believe it's already been a week since my last post.  This week has been super busy.  Christmas is going to be here before I know it and I don't want the "season" to pass me by.

Friday night was the company Christmas Party.  I really like supporting the Girardi's so we opted for El Rancho.   I know I say this all the time,  but I have such an outstanding team.  I have never seen a group of people work so well together.  They work their tails off and never have one negative thing to say about anything.  Steven, Michael, Mike, and Denice are about the funniest darn people you could ever be around.  There is never a dull moment when they're together.   I thank God everyday for blessing me with not only great employees, but some of the best friends anyone could ever ask for.  The dinner was a great time for all of us to finally relax and have a great time together.

Last Saturday, my two younger boys (my oldest was in Phx), my wife and I went to see the lights at Camp Tatiyee.  It was a small production but I'm glad we went.  The donations go towards a good cause and Keevan got to see Santa Clause for the first time.  Once we saw Santa though, Keev wanted nothing to do with him.  He wanted no part of Santa's lap until Christy and Coby sat down as well.

Isn't this the coolest looking Santa

We've been growing like crazy at work and lately I have been without a work area.  I usually just grab a little table, turn on the laptop and work away.  The problem is, when everyone is at work (two team members alternate days) I have no place to work.  Funny huh, the boss has no desk, no computer, no phone, no nothing.  So this past Sunday, I decided to build me a office inside of our big office.  From 10 am till about 11pm, I was building walls, putting up drywall, and putting in a door.  Today I finished the texturing the drywall and now it's ready for paint and trim.  Here's a pic of the unfinished product.

I now have an 88sq ft office.  Not bad for a white collar guy with a biology degree huh? (don't pay attention to the mess in the corner,it'll be cleaned up tomorrow)

Another project that not really me, but my wife has been working on,  is the gingerbread house for the gingerbread village competition.  Businesses are asked to build theme like gingerbread houses where they go on display this weekend at the Real Estate Center (just above Bell Gas).  The them this year is "Who Ville".  My wife did such an awesome job.  I never knew she had such an artistic side.  

 Check out the rice crispy mini vans:)

 Christy made the Grinch out of colored tootsie rolls.  So cool.

We'll be gone this weekend, so we're not going to be able to see what everyone else came up with.  I gotta say though, I'm proud of all the work my wife and Denice put into this.  Better than I could ever do.

Speaking of this weekend, were heading down to Phoenix this weekend with the Romingers.  We're hoping to get a little Christmas shopping done then go to a Coyotes game on Saturday night.  It'll be a nice break from the hectic week.  Sunday were going to head home via Flagstaff.  I have a few referral sources I want to get some gifts for and want to give them something special.  I have something in mind and Flagstaff is the only place I can get it (can't tell cuz I don't know who reads this thing).

Oh ya, the diet thing..................this week wasn't a good diet week.  I haven't even made the time to weigh in so I have no idea where I'm at.  I'm sure I'm back at my 183 but I'm not sure.  My left shoulder has been bugging my so I had an MRI done on Monday.  Dr. Cavanaugh called me today and told me that something is wrong with my AC joint and Labrum but that's about all I know for now. He didn't go into detail except that he said I should probably have it injected.  I'll talk more in depth to Newell tomorrow.  I'm hoping for something that is minimally invasive.

Ok, it's getting late so I best be going.  Gotta get up early.  I've got a ton to do so that I can get out of here tomorrow at a decent time.  I'm hoping to finish the Weight Challenge flyers tomorrow and start handing them out this coming Monday.  The new year will be here before we know it.  

Coby and his sport coat.

The weekend is almost here.  I'm really looking forward to our Christmas dinner tonight.  It'll be fun having everyone together.

Last night we went to the kid's Christmas musical.  The school usually keeps it short and sweet so I actually enjoy going to it.  Plus there is always cookies and drinks afterwards:) .  Believe it or not, I didn't have one cookie, not a single one.   And (I know you don't start a sentence with "and") not to single anyone out, but Coby (my 9yo) looked absolutely adorable.   He's been wanting a sport coat to wear but the darn things are so expensive.   We found some the other night but didn't end up getting one.  He was so upset.  So of course it bugged me all day, I called my wife and had her go ahead and get him one.  I'm so glad I did.  He looked great.  Afterwords I told him that I had noticed he even got to stand next to the cutest girl in the class:).  All I got was big grin.

What a handsome young man.

I haven't weighed yet today, but as you can see by my stats over there on the right, I haven't lost more than 3 lbs.  I'm good with it for now though.  With tonight's party and another tomorrow, it's gonna be tough to be good the entire time.   One thing is for sure though, after watching that food documentary, it is much easier to be pickier about what I eat.     It still just blows me away what they put in our foods.   I was reading the back of a mayonnaise jar the other day and like most foods, you can't even pronounce most of the ingredients.  Speaking of reading, I came across a book called Life Plan and of course immediately downloaded it to my ipad.  Just started reading it last night and really enjoyed it.  This guy makes some great points.  There's a lot of debate about hormone replacement.  Too much causes cancer they say, but there are others that say it's just the opposite.  The FDA of course makes suggestions against it, but after watching the documentary about Dr. Burzynksi and his treatment for cancer, I don't have a lot of faith in the FDA.   It's just another politically motivated agency.  30 years ago, it was heart attacks that killed everyone.  Now it seems like everyone you know has been affected in some way or other by cancer.  How can we be so naive not to think that part of this is environmental (our food)?   

Ok I'll get off my high horse for now.  I hope you all have a super weekend.  Maybe it'll be a bit warmer.

This day is going to fast.

Are you kidding me!??  I'm still at 180lbs.  I've been doing pretty well with the diet, working out everyday (except yesterday) and nothing.  Haven't lost anything.  Just throw me a bone, do something do help me stay motivated.  I'm gonna throw this scale out the door. 

The muscle physiologist who is helping me with my back just increased my workout again.  This is a good sign as it means my back is slowly getting stronger.  Here's a link to one of the main exercises he has me doing.  When I first started, I could barely do 80 lbs a few times. It was both embarrassing and pathetic.  Now I'm doing 165 lbs 20 reps.  Definitely better than when I started.  My back is finally getting stronger and hopefully soon I'll be able to put in 50 miles on  the bike pain free. 

The Christmas party season is approaching. We have one tonight, our company one is tomorrow, and then I have another on Saturday.  Dear Lord, can you give me 12 more hours in a day.  Just today I get a text from my son's principal wanting to know if I can start basketball practice next week.  I'm still debating this one.  Not sure if I'm into coaching another year of basketball, I'm sure he'll talk me into it though. 

Today has just flown by.  I feel like I've got nothing done.  I hate days like this.  So much to do and such little time. 

Sorry for the boring post,  I'll try to do better tomorrow.  Gotta get back to work though.

OSSM Staff

Ok this weight thing is becoming pathetic. I weighed in at a thin (not!!) 183lbs!!  Are you kidding me!!??  I'm 20 lbs over where I would really love to be.  As of last Friday, I'm doing really well with my 1500 calorie a day diet.  I'm still amazed at how quick it adds up, but I definitely feel more knowledgeable about the foods I eat.  I was reading an article in Consumer Reports yesterday and it was giving a brief look at how many calories were in a variety of drinks.  A white chocolate mocha from Starbucks.....a whopping 700 calories!!  That's just crazy!  A chocolate peanut butter shake from Stone Cold Creamery....1700 calories:),  A full days calories in one drink. 

With my disappointing weigh in yesterday, it brought about a little more motivation.  So yesterday I think I only took in 1200 calories, went to the gym at noon, and then rode the trainer last night for about an hour.  Great day as far as diet and workout are concerned.  

I'm preparing for the 3rd annual Alpha Oxy-Med Weightloss Challenge and will be updating the site soon.  I believe we're going to start around the 2nd of January and go till April 15.  We had an OSSM turnout last year and hope for even more this year. 

Well  I had my first accreditation meeting with my staff yesterday.  One thing is for sure....I sure love these guys.  I'm just blown away at how above and beyond they all go.  We had a van do down yesterday and without even asking one of them took it upon himself and had it going by mid morning.   I'm not sure they know how much I appreciate them, but I do my best to let them know all the time.  Last week was Christmas bonus time which I try to save for all year long.  I love the Christmas season and I enjoy giving my staff as much as possible.  I had Denice hand out the checks as I was home all week working on policies.  On Friday I get a call from one of my drivers, about in tears, thanking me for the bonus.  Well by the end of the call, he had me in tears.  His gratitude was so heart touching.   Everyone here is so giving and caring.  I just found out that Michael (one of my drivers) took hours out of his Saturday to go visit one of our patients that live way out in the middle of no where.  He wanted to be sure they made it through the storm ok.  How OSSM is that?!!

This Friday we are having our first Christmas dinner as a company.  It'll be great to have everyone and their families together.  I'm really looking forward to it.   Christmas will be here before we know it.  Make the most of the season.

Physical and Psychological Benefits of Exercise

Physical activity is critical for an individual who cares about their health, but it is particularly important for a person receiving cancer treatments. The body of a fit and healthy person can find physical activity demanding at the beginning, but once the body adapts and becomes stronger there is not as much stress on the body.


Physical activity moves oxygen and nutrients around the body and aids in eliminating waste products from the body. For cancer patients this is an especially significant benefit. Increasing oxygen levels improves endurance and increases energy levels which enables cancer patients to better cope with the treatment process they are going through. This goes for people taking on breast cancer treatments to the treatment of mesothelioma.

Exercise provides other benefits like stronger tendons, ligaments and bones which helps decrease the chance of injury. Physical activity also lowers an individuals’ resting heart rate, increases the size of arteries and increases heart strength in general. It also decreases triglyceride levels, blood cholesterol and blood pressure while improving immune function. During many cancer treatments white blood count levels decrease so it is great cancer patients have a way to improve immune function. These benefits allow cancer patients more energy to fight the cancer that has infected their bodies.

Cancer patients should choose exercises that wont overwhelm their systems and make sure to contact their doctor with any questions they might have about what exercises would be the most beneficial. Usually, choosing exercises that create the most enjoyment like dancing, gardening, tennis or walking are best because they are more likely to be repeated and create a positive feeling.

One of the most damaging psychological side affect from cancer can be the onset of depression. A regular exercise routine has the capability to elevate ones mood. There are neurochemicals released during exercise, like endorphins, and these create a positive feeling.

Both psychologically and physically physical activity proves to be beneficial. Exercise can give cancer patients the push to make other positive changes in their lives as well.



Liz Davies is a recent college graduate and aspiring writer especially interested in health and wellness. She wants to make a difference in people’s lives because she sees how cancer has devastated so many people in this world. Liz also likes running, playing lacrosse, reading and playing with her dog, April.

Staying Home Too Cold to Race

Well with the ton of snow we got Thursday night, we opted out of driving down to the valley for the mountain bike race.  Our 4 man team is now a two man team with Newell and his son Spencer stepping up to the plate.  Spencer was never even supposed to race, but he stepped up and is currently out there with his dad.  Some of the guys have sent me various texts saying the weather is beautiful down there, so a part of me is bummed that we're not down there. 

Oh well, I'm loving staying home and watching it snow.  Great time to watch tv, enjoy some yummy coffee, and just relax.   So, now I'm cathching up on all my missed episodes of Chopped and Chuck's Day Off.  

On Thursday, I went to see Newell about my shoulder and started talking about diet.  I've really been frustrated with my inability to lose even a few pounds.  I think I'm about 180 which is heavy for me.   I'd really like to get to 165 and right now I'm failing miserably.   He suggested putting a calorie app on my phone and cutting back to 1500 calories a day.  Well there's a noble thought.  Of all the dieting if tried and all the nutrition courses I've taken, I have never counted calories.  So yesterday I started counting.  It's incredible how fast it adds up.  It's not the easiest thing to do, but it's really been an eye opener.   The counting has really helped cut back on my foraging through out the day and I'm hoping to see some results by the end of the week.

Everyone knows how fearful I am of Cancer and how frustrating it is to see that miserable disease affect so many different lives and families.  Just recently I received and email from Liz Davies wanting to know if she could contribute a post regarding the importance of exercise both when were healthy and when were dealing with an illness.  It's a great write up hits the mark when it comes to the advantages of an exercise program.  Hope you enjoy.

Pre Race Ritual

No! This isn't me!!!  I route for number 99.

Well my brain is fried and after working on policies for the last 12 hours, I'm in one of those sort of don't give a crap kind of moods.  So tonight, I'm swallowing all my pride (what there is of it) and hope to make you giggle a little.  I'm learning more and more who reads this stuff so if one of my referral sources, friends, enemies, whatever, and see me on the street after reading this, don't give me any crap.  To all of you who have a poor self image of yourself, I'm right there with ya baby. 

I'm not even sure how to start this, but here it goes.  This weekend I'm doing a mountain bike race in Fountain Hills.  Not a big deal, just another bike ride.  The funny part though, would have to be my usual pre-race ritual. 

Realize now, that I'm not the baldest guy in the world.  In fact, I can make Sasquatch look like he's thinning.  This is typically no big deal, after all that's what clothes are for..right?  My fear........losing my clothes.

Now, remember I spent the younger part of my life (dang that was a long time ago) working in hospitals.  When someone is brought into the ER in pretty rough shape, what's the first thing they do?  Cut your frigging clothes off (mind you, you have to be in pretty bad shape for this to happen, but I've seen it, heck I've cut clothes off of some people)!!  It's just easier for them to evaluate you and hook up all those wires if you are garmentless.(like that word? :) )

This is sort of going down the same road as the old adage your mom used to say, "make sure you have clean underwear on".   As a cyclist, I won't go into the underwear thing (they don't wear any).  

So!!!! Long story short,  I don't want to be racing, have a major crash, and whammo I'm in the ambulance struggling for my last breath.  I'm not worried about dying, you know what's on my mind???  Are they gonna cut off my shirt and say "holy crap look how hairy this guy is".    Now that people, is one of my biggest fears while racing.  Isn't that pathetic? 

A few years ago, one of my teenage employees turned me on to Men's Nair.  I'm sure it's the same as woman's nair, but it's a little easier to buy when it says "men" on the bottle".  Plus it was a teenage guy that told me about the stuff so I'm sure I'm not the only guy out here using it. 

Ok, I'm a pretty limber guy.  Problem is, I'm now 40, and one of my shoulders has pins holding it together and the other one I hurt last year and it hasn't gotten any better.  Needless to say, they just don't move like they used to. 

The hairy chest I can handle (minus the small amount of flubber that seems to be growing), but a hairy back......ugh!!  Not happening.  If I'm going to crash going down a rocky cliff, by God my back is going to be smooth as silk when I get to the hospital.  

I'm too self conscious to ask my wife to help me, so ya I nair my back by myself.  Even I get a laugh out of this while I'm attempting it.  So I hide out in the bathroom for about 1/2 hour with my latex gloves, bottle of nair, and some old towels that I'm throwing away when I'm done.   So I go to town squirting the stuff on my hand and gracefully (not really) putting it on my back.  I swear the stuff is always about 32 degrees cuz I about go into shock every time it comes into contact with my skin.  Ok......Low back....Piece of cake.  Upper back.........not too bad.   Middle back.......are you friggin kidding me!!!! There is one spot that I pretty much have to twist into oblivion to touch.  I look like the 40 year old virgin and the elephant man having some sort of weird seizure.  I truly look pathetic.  Every bit of pride I have is out the door when this is going on.  I'll tell my kids when their older just in case they have to go through the same thing, but for now, I'll just let them believe their dad is a manly man. 

After you put the Nair on, you're supposed to wait 15 minutes then wipe it off.  Well hell!!!  Now I have to try and reach all the same places that I cramped trying to reach the first time.   If my grandma is looking down from heaven, she is laughing her butt off while watching me attempt this pride less feat. 
If I really had guts, I'd post pictures, but not in this lifetime.:)

So there you have it.  My pre-race ritual.  Now if Newell reads this, and since he's racing with me, I'm sure to get a little bit of crap at the race.  I'm hoping he will be too busy until after we get back to read it. 

If you have issue with your body image, know that you're not alone.  This is something that has bothered me my entire hairy life.  As I get older, I don't quite care as much, but as you can see, I'm still willing to turn into a contortionist every so often to avoid any humiliation. 

Well there you have it.  Hope you had a laugh on my account.  Time for my glass of wine and little bit of TV.  Have a good night. 

My Weekend on Call

It's 10pm and I should be getting ready for bed, but seeing as how I'm working from home this week, I don't mind being a bit tired in the morning.  As soon as I'm done writing, I'm going to pour myself a small glass of wine, sit my boo'tay on the couch and watch "chopped" :)  I can't cook for crap, but I'm really enjoying the cooking shows lately. 

Anyway, I don't do it very often anymore, but I took call over the Thanksgiving holiday.  With Michael being out due to the accident, I had no problem covering for him.  I feel like every time I go on a call, its a major gut check.   I must admit, I'm horrible at practicing what I preach.  Live each day to the fullest.....I always say this yet I fail so frequently at doing it. 

My first call out was Thanksgiving morning.  I was asked to go pick up the equipment of a patient who passed away earlier that morning.  Normally we don't do pickups on weekends, but I didn't want the family to have to look at the equipment the entire weekend.   The gal who passed away had earlier moved down to the valley to be with her son.  Once her cancer was diagnosed as terminal, she told her son she wanted to pass away in the White Mountains.  Her son rented her the most beautiful little house for her to stay in.  This is where she stayed until the end.  What an amazing gesture by her son.  When I arrived, her two sisters were there trying to make all the arrangements.  They did their best to be strong, but by the time I left, there were no dry eyes in the place. 

My other pick up was the day after Thanksgiving.  I had never met this lady, but in the brief moment I spent with her spouse, I was heart broken.  These two had gone to high school together then lost touch once they graduated.  Just two years ago they met up again and fell for each other.  The moved in together and looked forward to a bright future together.  Just one month ago, she was diagnosed with cancer and given 6 months to live.  She barely made it one month.  The husband tried to be so strong, but you could see him fighting back the tears as he told me their story.  So very heart wrenching. 

Here most of us are getting ready to chow down on Thanksgiving meals yet there are so many out there dealing with such pain.  It's a stark reminder for all of us once again to cherish the moment.   Look around, there is usually someone that has it much worse.  I think it's our responsibility to recognize this struggle and do our best to help.  Put our selfish selves aside and go out of our way to make someone elses life a little bit brighter.  Make someone smile. 

I didn't want this to be a gloomy post, but just wanted to share a little more about the weekend.  Time for the glass of wine and the comfy couch.  Good night.  I'm too tired to proof read tonight so forgive me for any grammatical mistakes.

Dancing with God

Got this email this morning.  So OSSM!!!

Dancing With God

When I meditated on the word Guidance, I kept seeing "dance" at the end of the word.

I remember reading that doing God's will is a lot like dancing.

When two people try to lead, nothing feels right.

The movement doesn't flow with the music, and everything is quite uncomfortable and jerky.

When one person realizes that, and lets the other lead,

both bodies begin to flow with the music.

One gives gentle cues, perhaps with a nudge to the back,

or by pressing lightly in one direction or another.

It's as if two become one body, moving beautifully.

The dance takes surrender, willingness,

and attentiveness from one person

and gentle guidance and skill from the other.

My eyes drew back to the word Guidance.

When I saw "G: I thought of God, followed by "u" and "I".

"God, "u" and "I" dance."

God, you, and I dance.

As I lowered my head, I became willing to trust

that I would get guidance about my life.

Once again, I became willing to let God lead.

My prayer for you today is that God's blessings

and mercies be upon you on this day and everyday.

May you abide in God as God abides in you.

Dance together with God, trusting God to lead

and to guide you through each season of your life.

This prayer is powerful and there is nothing attached.

If God has done anything for you in your life,

please share this message with someone else,

for prayer is one of the best gifts we can receive.

There is no cost but a lot of rewards,

so let's continue to pray for one another.

And I Hope You Dance!!!!!!!!

Good way to end the weekend.

I've decided to stay home all this week and finish updating all of my  policy and procedures.  My goal is to be finished by December 2nd.  This is a pretty lofty goal as I have no idea how many more I have to complete, plus I still have to submit them for approval.   Today I have overtaken the dining room table with about 4 notebooks of information, my laptop, a printer, a cup of coffee, and my lovely blackberry which continues to beep constantly with texts and emails.  I'm also listening to the sounds of Landau Eugene Murphy Jr.  This guy is amazing.  If you like Sinatra, you will love Landau Murphy.   Next up will be Bob Seger's greatest hits.  He doesn't allow his music on I-tunes so as soon as I saw the CD on my daily trip to Wal-Mart I just had to grab it. 

Well last week I told you I would post some pics of Michaels accident, here ya go.  I don't have any of Michaels broken teeth (they have since been fixed and he claims they look better now than before the accident) but heres a few of his truck and the car that hit him.  Sorry for the quality of pics on the car, I had to take them through the fence. 

In talking to the tow truck driver, I guess it took two trucks to pull the car away from the front of the grill of the Dodge pickup.  Now look at the gals car hit him.  She best be thankful for airbags.

Everything was smashed up to the firewall.  I think I'm going to have my son drive a 91 dodge pickup when he get's his license:).   That thing is a beast. 

Michael's wife is finally being released from the hospital today.  They diagnosed her with severe concussion syndrome.  She's had a lot of problems with nausea and dizziness.  Please keep her in your prayers as they move forward past very stressful week.  Oh and on top of all this, the other driver had no insurance.  When it rains it pours. 

On a much brighter note, we celebrated little Keevan's birthday last night.  3 years ago, the little guy was born on Thanksgiving day.  He's been such a little blessing.  Every morning he awakes with a smile and just makes the beginning of everyday a little brighter. 

His favorite things right now are Diego and Fire Trucks.  He got plenty of both but as you can see, Diego wore him out. 



Isn't he just adorable??

Well I best get some work done.  Will post again later about my weekend on call.  Eye opening weekend.  Time to refill the coffee cup. 
Hope you all have a great day.

Thanksgiving

I love this time of year. Out delivering meals right now. This year we help people in 4 different towns. Snowflake , Showlow, Cibecue, and Whiteriver. The Apaches are always so greatful.
Rusty-------Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

What a Night

Well it was a bit more of an interesting evening than I would typically like.  We're starting to run low on Oxygen Concentrators and with a 4 day holiday coming up I didn't want to risk being low on machines.  I was planning a last minute trip to Phoenix last night and as I was walking out the door I get a text from Michael.  Michael is one of my drivers and I depend on him a lot.  The guy is a working machine and always gives me 110%.   Looking at my phone it says, "Me and Tracy were just in a bad accident on our way to ER".

Ok, first I can't believe the guy was coherent enough to send me the text.  You have to know Michael.  He's a cowboy from Montana and when I say cowboy, this guy is the real deal.  From riding fence line while running cattle to sleeping every night in a bunk house.  The guy is just plain tough.  Before walking out the door, my wife was just getting home and says she just passed the accident and said it looked pretty bad. 

Apparently Michael was approaching the left hand turn lane (heading east) getting ready to turn left into Maverick gas station.  Coming the other direction, through the intersection, a young girl swerves directly into the turn lane (there is no reason to turn left coming from the west) and head on into Michael.   Michael later tells me that all he saw on his right was an Expedition with kids so he had no option  to swerve without possibly hurting those kids, so his truck took the full impact of the oncoming car. 

When I get to emergency room there are ambulances and fire trucks all over the place.  I didn't have to wait long before they let me in to see him.  The guy is lying there with a neck brace on texting on his phone:).  Front two teeth shattered the guy was rock solid (i'll post pics once I have permission).  All he was worried about was his wife who at the time I got there was having a CT scan done to check for any internal injuries. 

I just received a text from Michael and he says he feels like he got kicked in the face by a horse:).  I responded that he looks like he was kicked in the face by one.  Apparently Tracy didn't sleep well and is in a lot of pain.

Christy just let me know that she was able to get Michael in to see a dentist today (Thank you David Halls).  Maybe he'll be pretty again by Thanksgiving. :)   

Anyway, I'll keep you all informed as I learn more.  Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.  If anyone knows of an inexpensive truck for sale, please let me know. 

Seth

If anyone knows me, they know my kids are my everything.  Everything I do is typically in one way or another for them.  99% of the time, I never ever take them for granted (the other 1% is when they are driving me crazy). 

A few posts ago, I said to hug your kids today as you never know what tomorrow will bring.  I'm sure at some point in everyone's life, we ask God, why??   You look at little kids like Ronan and wonder, what is God's plan with this.  I'm sure you're wondering where I'm going with this......

Newell has given me permission to mention him so I'm taking this opportunity to do so.  Over the last year or two, Newell has become one of the best friends I've ever had.  We don't get to see each other very much, nor do we talk very much, but when we do it's an amazing conversation.  Whether it be about work, family, beliefs, opinions, whatever it may be, I leave the conversation in deep thought. 

I invite you to read a little of his blog then please keep him and his family in your prayers.  http://shamelesscyclist.blogspot.com/  is a brief story of what's going on with his kids.  I don't want to give false information or overstep my bounds, but even as I type this I get teary eyed thinking about it.  Imagine yourself, going to be every night wondering..........wondering what's next.  His blog doesn't even come close to showing what he's really going through.   Him and I have great talks about faith and God's role in this whole thing.  All I can say is that Newell has been the best example of Faith to me.  Break time....gotta take a walk for a few...........................

Does Seth go through this so that people like me can see God's work?   So that people like me are taught to be better, to expect more of ourselves, to live each day making a difference in the lives of others.  As usual I have no answers, like the rest of you, I can only assume.  

At the end of the day, most of us go to bed knowing that tomorrow is just going to be "another" day.  Newell doesn't have this luxury, tomorrow isn't something he takes for granted.   Please please please, when your head hits that pillow tonight, have Newell, his wife, and his kids in your thoughts and prayers.