Working out with a nightlight

4:15 AM. It’s a time that no man or woman should ever see with groggy, caked eyes as you stubble around a dark room to turn off the phone alarm or answer a wake up call.. Yet, for the past year or so, with the help of a faithful workout buddy Chet, I’ve been getting up MOST days (except when we negotiate via phone that we want the other one to catch up on sleep- how thoughtful…).  Workouts begin at 5:00 AM and some mornings are more of a challenge than others.

Working out has been a good thing for me. It’s a time to push yourself to new limits. You can literally see a difference with a dedication to lifting. I started very weak in January of 2012. Chet basically forced me to work out after months of faithful spin classes. Its hard for me to do both cardio and lift weights well, but there was no getting around it. We were going to lift weights. As the months went by and I saw improvement in my chest, arms, back and shoulders (who has time for legs?), I became more and more motivated. Soon it became more than a routine….it was a morning right of passage. I was able to hit a peak at the beginning of the year with my chest bench press- I think it was 210. Its been challenging keeping up with working out since  I’ve been gone a lot in 2013. We are back working out again after he was out last week on his honeymoon, and it feels great to be back in a routine!

One bonus of working out besides the added muscle is the plain fun. Many inside jokes have formed from our mornings working out. We also have shared a ton of personal stuff between sets.  Aside from the accountability of keeping up with staying fit (or trying to stay fit), I’ve grown closer to a friend that is Christ-like, encouraging, challenges me, and always dependable. I think that’s a better reward than any new personal max in weightlifting, but feeling more confident in yourself without a shirt on at the pool is also a nice bonus.

Good coffee, good Monday!

What a beautiful July 1st. Worked out this morning and when I left my house it was probably 65 degrees. So refreshing! Now I'm enjoying some awesome coffee as I wait for our work's 2nd half employee meeting via webcast.

Here are 15 things I have learned about myself over the past couple of years. Some are unique. Some are funny, while others are a little more serious. A cornacopia of things you may or likely don't know about me. Enjoy!

1) I like to watch chiropractic adjustments on youtube. Its weird, but intoxicating. I just sit there any keep watching them. I'll watch one then click the related videos on the right and watch more. It make me want to go get an adjustment. Odd? Absolutely! 

2) I suffer from wanderlust. I love travelling- with groups or by myself. And there are times where I’m not sure the final destination. I’ve sat on a train  in the station in Brussels, and randomly deciding to get off the train and head for Amsterdam at the last minute. I love the idea of adventure, surprise, randomness and finding joy in the simplicity of a travel bag and a railpass. I was able to go to Asia in early 2013. This trip had a purpose other than just tourism.  I've included a picture from my East Asia trip this past April. Such a wonderful trip to minister to a specific city there. We learned how to play a mandolin (or something like that).

 

3) I have an easy time remembering in details in my long term memory but struggle remembering what happened last week. I vividly recall details of trips, conversations, moods, and relationships. I can probably name every person in my high school choir and what section they sang in. However, sometime I can’t remember what I did last Wednesday night. 

4) I love getting written words of affirmation. I can’t tell you how much I love getting a letter in the mail or even an email.  I really could care less about any gift of physical nature. I love getting encouraging, authentic words. A letter like that can lift my spirits for months. I think we all desire to be lifted up. I treasure these letters and keep them filed away for times when things aren’t going so well.

5)  I loathe hot weather. I love bundling up and having a roaring fire going all winter long.   As I have told Christine, I get cranky when temperatures get over 85 degrees. Ultimate solution would be me going to Crested Butte from Memorial Day to Oct 1 each year!

6) Serving others/giving is my love language. I want to do more of this.

7) I struggle with jealousy and envy. I noticed I wrote about this in a 2010 post too. The thing is, at 32 years old, I still struggle with some things I dealt with as I was younger. You aren’t in the same life status as your similarly aged friends. Things seem to be easier for some people when you work harder and they are lazy, etc. Or you see someone post on FB that makes you want that situation or thing, and wonder why you don’t. I’ve also struggled with people not reciprocating the value I place in them.  I’d like to say I’ve made progress in this issue here over the past 2 years.     

8) I am pretty competitive. I may come across as a soft, easy going guy but inside I want to win-----badly! Ask my basketball team about “the incident” where I was fighting for space down low. I ended up knocking a guy down and (this is not how I should of acted) walked away not helping him up. We both got double fouls and warned of getting thrown out of the game.  

9) I like pop/rap music sometimes. Jason Derulo, Nelly, Usher, JB (my old friend), Katy Perry, and even a song or two by Nicki Minaj (but I can’t stand her personality). I'm trying to ween myself off of it, but the music is so dang catchy.

10) I enjoy getting massages in the middle of the mall. There are Chinese massage people in Woodland Hills Mall that have 4 chairs set up. Some people might find it awkward to be massaged as people walk by. Not me. I throughly enjoy it! Its also the only reason I go to Irving Mall when I'm home.

11) I love dancing. Years at the Caravan have helped me love line dancing too.  I want to learn to Salsa dance. I would love to enter a Salsa Dance Competition (eating salsa is also something I love). Sometimes I’ll turn up a salsa-esque song at my house and pretend I’m on Dancing with Stars. As my grandma has said, we went to a Holiday Inn one time in Northern New Mexico and in the bar they were playing some music. I ran in there and started tapping my shoe on the dance floor and dancing around . They have called me a "dancing fool" over the years ever since that night.

12) I'd like to be a teacher in round 2 of my career. I may look into this if I ever leave sales. If I did work in a high school, I can tell you right now I would be the student council sponsor. Being the “Tiger Guard” sponsor would also be great!

13) I’ve challenged myself with a really fun task this year (I’m being vague on purpose). Only 1 person knows the details.  I’ve completed 3 tasks and need to continue to push through them. I get a lot of joy out of it!

14) I have become a big fan of trying to keep myself in shape through running races and working out. Getting up early is sometimes painful but feels really good to have accomplished something before 7 AM most days.

15) I really want to have chickens in my backyard. I was gone the 1st half of 2013 but I want to build a chicken coop and enjoy some VERY local eggs out of my backyard each morning.

16) Love me some roadtrips! Desitnation dinners (OKC, Talequah, McAlester, NW Arkansas) are always some of the best memories. I am a big fan and always go if I can.

Make it a great day!
Jeff

My old friend.....

I'm coming up on two years since I last posted. Well, I'm back baby! Alot of changes over this time. Everything old is new again. I was actually listening to "Good Life" earlier today, and that was ironically my last post. My life seems to be going at warp speed in 2013. I promise last week was January and I was in Las Vegas. But alas, we are nearing the half way point of this year. Do you ever catch yourself thinking that a year like 2002 was just a couple of years ago? So strange. I feel like I just graduated from Baylor, yet next February would be 10 years at IBM and almost 6 in Tulsa. I've been thinking alot on where I am in life personally and will share that soon.

I guess I'll share some significant things that have happened in the past 1.75ish years....

-both my mom's mom and dad (Granny and Papa) passed away. I actually missed Papa's funeral because I was on a cruise ship.
-Marriages. Several of my friends were married. Jay, Suzanne Winnie, John and Krista Holland, Sarah, Chet. My sister was engaged but her fiance broke it off. I think she is happier looking back now and has recovered remarkably well.
- Babies born or being born: The Hollands are expecting this week, Jay and Bethany have cute little Eden Stevenson. There isn't a more precious baby girl. Baylor friends having babies- Wes and Becca Cash with Graham.
- I started dating a really sweet, beautiful girl named Christine. She is a lawyer, but is confused with being a high school sophomore due to her "youthful" appearance.
- God has given me some wonderful, wonderful friends. I've been thankful of the new people God continues to bring into my life to augment relationships that change.

I am going to make sure I am more faithful in posting. I was reading my old posts and brought back some fun times in my life. Do you ever feel like you could go back in time and experience those things over again? One thing I have been thinking about alot recently (especially this week) is that we need to take advantage of all the time given to us. I'm guilty of getting into a routine where I don't stop and really just enjoy the moment. I have been looking back on things where I either backed out of a trip or didn't take the time to spend with a friend because of work or other selfish reasons. I'm committing myself to being proactive, sensitive to the Spirit, and being BOLD for the 2nd half of 2013. OK, I'm realizing this is kind of a mashed up, random blog, but really, I'm kind of a random guy anyway. Its good to be back!

Good Life

About a year and two months ago, I went with the Vacation Club of Greater Oklahoma to Las Vegas for a 4th of July getaway. Chet, Lindsey, Malori and I headed west to enjoy some pool time, eating, and just getting away from Tulsa. But the real reason we went was to see One Republic in concert at the Mandalay Bay. Honestly, at the time, I couldn't name a song they sang. I was going for the company. Chet gave me a CD a few months before we went so I could hear and learn some of their songs. The only one I managed to get through was one I actually knew- "Too Late to Compromise", or "Apoligize". So....I didn't really know what to expect other than a great time with friends. We didn't even really go to gamble, although I budgeted (for you Malori) 75 dollars in which I played roulette with. I lost the money, and I think Malori's eyes about fell out of her sockets at the pace that I did lose said money. But other than that, it was strictly a leisurly trip. On Saturday night, we headed over to Mandalay Bay, and told the taxi driver how big of fans the other 3 were. We got settled on the artificial beach....and when they started playing, it felt like a combination of Dave Matthews and Maroon Five combined. The band was incredibly talented. One song that they sang stuck out to me- "Good Life". Now, remember, this was July of 2010. When we got back to Tulsa, I kept the CD Chet let me borrow for several more months, and I kept playing that song over and over. I kind felt like it was mine, and few others knew or heard of it other than the die-hard One Republic fans. Ironically, about 6 months later in March, I stopped by Choctaw Casino (just to use the bathroom and get a free DP). I went out to their pool area and they have these big comfy chairs you can sit and relax in. It was a gorgeous 70 degrees, and as I was sitting there with my eyes closed enjoying the nice break from being in the car, "Good Life" came on. It turns out they released it as a single, and became one of I Tunes most downloaded songs, and its played all the time on the radio now. Almost too much. I'm kind of being selfish, as it was my song before the rest of the world had to discover it. However, the lyrics and music....I can't put my finger on it, but it lures you in. I dedicate this as Jeff's 2011 song. I've had some great times being 30, as well as disappointments. There are some areas of my life I feel are stalled out. In other areas I have grown. Sometimes I feel closer in my relationship with Chirst, while other times I feel like I'm still a child in my faith in areas. I've made some new, dear friends in 2011 in whichI am so thankful. Some friendships have changed dramatically, despite my efforts to hold them together. Others I might have let go without intention. There are days I feel I do very well at my job, and other days, I'm frustrated that I am not moving up faster. However, I need to remember that its going to be a good life. I don't know if One Republics' members are believers, but I'm certain God has my life in control, and with that, I can rest assured He will be with me on the journey.

What a Thursday!

Last Thursday, I met my Uncle Scott at Shades of Brown for a coffee around 5:30 after work. It was nice to catch up with him and see how things were going, and to enjoy a grasshopper. I have two great aunts and uncles. Being by Scott and Vicky has been such a blessing, as they invite me over to eat, go to their lakehouse, etc. Its nice having that family connection so close when the rest of my family is in Texas. Anyway, after grasshoppers, I headed south for Blake's birthday at Los Cabos on the Jenks Riverwalk. When I arrived, I noticed an entorage sitting next to our two tables. It turns out Marie Osmond was sitting behind us. She looked like she had some work done but she definetely had lost some weight. I ended up sitting back-to-back with her, and I laughed to myself, since I have had my share of celebrity run-ins lately. It was so random to see her there, but she had a show at the casino the next night. After dinner, Chet, Linds, Natalie and I headed over to Yolatti by the riverwalk. At 9:30, we drove over for some bowling. It had been about 4 years since I had last bowled, and it could not have been more fun. For some reason, I had the best scores in my life. I bowled a 124 the first round, then a 143, then a 150 on my final round. My friends were giving me a hard time because of my "windup" and follow-through but it obviously worked well. It was such a blast hanging out with them and just having a good time. I took Chet back to his car after bowling, and several girls had tagged it with random messages. Ok, headed to bed, as I am going to Little Rock tomorrow for the day....goodnight!

Ready for football!

Friday night Baylor plays TCU down in Waco on ESPN to start their college football season and I'm getting pumped. Sic'em Bears!!! I am having some people over to watch it and eat some fajitas early in the evening. I've loved Baylor my whole life, and especially football. Wes Cash had invited me to join him in Waco, but can't make it this weekend. We made a bowl game last year and went to the game. Hoping for a 7-5 season so we can make another bowl. I'll be there for Homecoming to see them play Missouri. I remember listening to the games on WBAP 820 growing up, and even remember crying when they lost a close game to A&M- I was that invested. Anyway, not much else to say tonight. Ready for the weekend.

FB Detox, Friends and my plans for next week...

3 Things on the top of my mind tonight....
1) This summer, JD, one of my friends from church, has been leading us on a Wednesday night study on "Spiritual Disciplines." Its been really a great study. One of the nights was on simplicity. He challenged us to simplify our lives. Another week was on fasting- deciding to give up something and instead spend time in prayer or scripture. I chose facebook, an almost necessary evil. I deactivated my account on 8.22 and its been quite a difference. I haven't missed it as much as I thought I would. Its odd though, as sometimes I will subliminally start typing facebook.com before I even realize it. Each time, I try to spend time in prayer. I think really decided to follow through with it to seek out God's direction for my life. So many times, I've gotten caught up in others' lives virtually, with envy and/or jealousy. I see my friends at different life stages and I want this or that. Anyway, I'm doing well with being of FB. I have been reading some of my close friends' blogs, and its been nice to see into their hearts. I plan on re-activating my account a month from now, but until then, ignorance is bliss, and I didn't realize how much time I spent on facebook.
2) God has brought some stellar people into my life in Tulsa. One of those friends is my buddy Chet Wilson. We meet for iced tea at McAlisters at least twice a week. I really admire Chet for his authencity,frankness, and his loyalty. I met him through some church friends a while back at the good ole' Caravan (country-western dance place), and I thought at first he really didn't care for me as a friend. We laugh about this now, but he agrees with that statement. We talk about girl situations, our faith, and tons of random things. Chet doesn't let you throw a pity-party. He usually offers advice, and tells you to grow up and get your butt in gear. He's also a man of his word. When he says he is going to do something, he does it. He is a good road-trip buddy, as I've been on group trips with him to Sam and Ellas (pizza place in Talequah) countless times, as well as Pops, a Route 66 gas station where you can eat and get all kinds of great sodas. He's been there for me this year through lots of laughs, spin classes with Trina, runs around La Fortune, and even some tough times where I just needed someone to talk with. I am headed to London, Paris and Italy with him and Kyle Young, another friend, in October. They haven't been to Europe before, so it should be a blast! Chet is wise beyond his years, and am very thankful for this friendship.
3) Next week, I am going to do a bunch of random things for friends...I won't elaborate but should be fun!