Thought Is Possibility

2008 Chicago Marathon Derailed!

2008-08-20T10:58:00.000-07:00

Before I could get good and fired up about running the Chicago Marathon, it's over for this year. They have already reached their capacity of 45,000 participants. That sucks!

The bright side is I found out before I ran the suggested 16 miles on Thursday. Right?

Dream Deferred.

My dream of running the marathon is on the back burner for another year, but this time I know it is going to happen. So, come Oct. 2009, I will be one of the crazy people lined up downtown Chicago to put my body and will power to the test.

How is the workout going?

Workouts are going great. I ran 6 miles on Monday. Have been running as you can see and have not hit the weights yet. The competition is less than two months away, so now is the time to hit them hard.

Oh yeah, the updated picture is posted. Still no overwhelming results, but it is happening. You will see. Besides, the picture cannot show how good I feel.

I figure, I am about 187 pounds, down 7 pounds from when I started. I am happy with these results, but the pay off is going to come over the next month as I increase the weight lifting element of my workout routine. Plus, my perfect push up should be here this week, or next week at the latest. I ordered from eBay, which saves money, but their shipments usually take longer.

What's Next?

Body work!!!! It's time to take the competition to the next level. I won't talk about it, but I will show you. The next picture you will see results of the weight lifting.

When I played football in college, I was very serious about weightlifting and really do love it. So, if I can make progress running and I hate it, wait until you see what happens in that weight room. It is going to be magic.
Don't believe I am going to stop running because I am weight lifting, no! I am not, just not going to run 20 miles anytime soon, but a routine of 4 mile runs is definately comfortable.

Keep watching and stay focused!

Chicago Marathon: It's On!

2008-08-17T16:39:00.000-07:00

That's right ladies and gentlemen, I have decided to enter the Chicago Marathon!

It is all a little bit much to take in at the moment, but I guess I am going to have to deal with it. The Chicago Marathon is on October 12 of this year. This gives me a little less than two months to prepare for it. Everyone that I have talked to about it says that this is not enough time to prepare and I should just wait to next year.

No Time for Delayed Dreams

Wait to next year? That is out of the question. I say, why is that not enough time? I have been running for the past month and a half, although no on any marathon preparation, but I have been running. Besides, I am a physical specimen and if it can be done, then I am the one to do it I tell you!

I don't want to delay this Life Goal. That's right, it is a life goal of mine. Why wait another year just because I didn't start early enough. I didn't say I wanted to win the Chicago Marathon, I just want to complete it.

Besides, this is going to give me an opportunity to prove to you all that Thought is Possibility. I have had the thought, now we are going to make it a reality. Right? First in the mind, then in reality is how it goes down.

The work out plan!

Thanks to my wife, Krystal, I know have an official workout plan and routine. I don't know if she was being supportive finding this or being evil because of the work that require, but I am grateful for her either way because this is what I need.

Here is a link to the work out plan: The Workout Plan!

Ok, seeing that I am starting late and there are only 8 weeks left until the Chicago Marathon, scroll down the page to see week 8. That is where I started today. Here is their work out session for this week that I am following. I had to alter it a little bit because my workout week starts on Sunday.

Sunday - 3 miles
Monday - 8 miles
Tuesday - 4 miles
Wednesday - Rest
Thursday - 16 miles
Friday - Rest
Saturday - Cross Training

16 Miles, are you kidding me?

LOL! That is going to be the real challenge. The way I see it is if I can make this 16 miles after doing a total of 16 before it, then I am good for the Marathon. I cannot see myself getting 16 miles into the Chicago Marathon, then quitting. That isn't in my character.

So, I am going to hold off my payment for the Chicago Marathon until later this week. Once I make it and prove to myself that it can be done, it is on and popping!

What happened today?

3 Miles happened today, what did you expect? That is what they had on the agenda, so I knocked it out really quick. The first real challenge is going to be Monday's 8 miles, then Tuesday's 4 miles.

Yes, I have already ran 8 miles before, so I am not that worried, but I didn't do anything the next day...much less run another 4 miles. So, this is the week that we find out is this all BIG TALK or is some BIG MILES going to be put in.

The total miles for the week is 31 once completed, the most I would have run in a one week setting, but I got to tell you that I feel good, am confident, and know that I am the right person for this challenge, so BRING IT ON!!!!

What are your goals and dreams that you are delaying?

Do you have any life goals that you have on the back burner? If not, let's get with it. Goal setting is tremendous for people that looking to be bigger and better than their former selves.

If so, dust them off, leave a comment about them, and join me in my quest to conquer them. There is nothing but space and opportunity on the way to the top!

Lights, Camera, Action is what it all about!

2008-08-15T10:10:00.000-07:00

Without action, weeds can grow and take over your garden of desires.

The bottom line in attaining what you desire is action. It is the big elephant in the room when people begin to talk about what they desire out of life. The obvious question is: So what are you doing to attain those goals?

This gets down to action. You can have all the dreams in the world, but if you are not actively pursuing those dreams that is what they will always be...DREAMS.

Dreams have their place, but your reality revolves around what you accomplish or bring into reality. You live in reality. Sometimes it is hard for us to believe that our dreams can be our reality if we just apply ourselves and apply (the keyword) ACTION.

What type of Action?

Action that moves you closer to you where you envision yourself. Each step is meant to get you closer to your goals. Sometimes you don't know if a step is going to be benefitial until you take it. Well, don't let that hold you back. Take the step, this is the only way you will know, so be intelligent about the steps you are going to take....and take the steps.

It's a running route.

When I am going out for a run, I am not just going without being prepared. I know how many miles I want to run, how the route I am going to take, and I am prepared because I have what I need for that journey. Or else, I have to get those things.

Therefore, every step I take on my running route I am confident that it gets me closer to my end or the distance I preset. This is one of the reasons I like running outside. It's because I know every step I take, I have to take that step to get back.

On the treadmill, it is too easy to just get off. I cannot focus comfortably on my run. My treadmill is in the basement, so my mind never leaves my office, which is on the second floor of my home. It is terrible for me, so I run outside.

So what Action did I take?

1) Blog direction. I figured out where I want to take my personal blog. This is big because it is part of the action game plan that everyone needs. I must know where I want to go before I can bring it into fruition.

The direction I am taking is Motivational & Uplifting. I will share my journey of growing and learning with you. I will elaborate later. Just know I am excited, but that is what action can do for you.

2) Weeds on side of house. Get your head out of the gutter, not the good stuff. I am talking about this vegitation growing on the side of the garage. My wife has been asking me to pick up the weeds on the side of the house.

So I knocked it out today. That is the pictures that are posted on the page. I did the work, but then noticed all the other stuff that needs to be tended. The true is there are always things that need to be done, so action is always needed.

3) Set up a "Get product after payment has been received" link on website.

That is big because in the very near future, I plan on offering a variety of ebooks and educational products on some other websites that I operate. This is the featured need collect the payment before the person receives the product and I don't have to be involved is the best part.

My Appraisal Example

Today, I get a call from a client to perform an appraisal activity. They wanted me to do some work on a report. I will spare you the exciting appraisal details. The bottom line is it was going to cost them $50 for the changes.

They have been calling and calling for the report, but no payment. They want me to send the report and get paid later. Well, I am not going for that for obvious reasons. They get the report and how am I to collect my money with no leverage.

So, I set up a page on this site www.freddietaylor.com/abt.htm to collect the payment. Once they make the payment, the link will take them to a confirmation page and they can download the pdf of the report.

It's happening!

How are you making it happen in your life?

Week 2 of 20 Miles: That's right 8 miles today!

2008-08-14T19:33:00.001-07:00

Still smiling after 8 miles of running. I cannot front. I am really shocked that I was able to get this done. This is officially the furthest I have ever ran, but I got a great feeling that it will not be for very long.

Rained, but I was feeling good.

Today, I got ready for my run by putting my shoes on, getting my headphones, and hitting the door. I was quickly greeted by a rain drop that hit my left shoulder while in the driveway. I looked up and saw some dark clouds, but it wasn't raining yet. I decided to go back inside to check the weather.

While inside, the rain came down something serious. I took my shoes off and sat at the computer for some work. Obviously, I wasn't about to run.

After about 20 minutes of less, the rain stopped and my aspirations of running the furthest I have ever run before began to rise again. I got my shoes, headphones, and hit the streets.

My route

I ran out to my main street, 175th Street, stright West for 3 miles. This was a rough three miles, but I was determined. There are not sidewalks for long stretches of this route, so I was running in the middle of the street in the turning lane because the grass was really wet from the rains. The sun was shinning, but it was not all dried up.

Almost Hit by a Car!

During the first mile, I was running past a street. A car stopped short of the walkway and it seemed to be awaiting me and the traffic. Now, I did slow my pace to see if this car saw me. Once I figured it was safe, I began jogging in front of the car. Well, this person obviously didn't see me and hit the gas to continue their drive. I leaped in the air and put my hands out on the hood of the car avoiding getting hit. That was a close one.

I didn't even look back. I just keep going shaking my head because it seems like everywhere you go, people are in such a hurry that they are not concerned about anyone else. It is amazing, but I couldn't stop. It was a big day and I had big goals to accomplish.

After three miles, I made a left to run up to 183rd street for one mile. This run was very hilly, but I persevered and made it happen. After that mile, I made another left to find open sidewalk and three more miles of opportunity. I toughed it out and noticed that Bank Financial had the greenest grass I have seen in a long time. I really had to mention that because I saw the grass and wanted to take my shoes off and walk in it. That is how comfortable it looked. Awesome!

Nevertheless, I kept going down to Kedzie and made another left to head back to 175th street. It was one mile. I saw the police had 175th blocked off with the fire department, but they allowed me through. Not really sure what was going on, I had just crossed my 6 mile marker and wasn't really too concerned to be honest.

At 175th, I made a left turn and was one mile from home. This is the point that I guess my body figured out that we were running a long distance because the aches started to come out. My right knee began hurting, along with my left ankle. That sucked, but I finished.

I didn't time myself, but I know it took a long time. All I do know is that I can run 8 miles. I guess the question becomes, can I run 26?

Not sure, but I got a good feeling that we are going to find out.

How do I feel now?

I am hurting. After running, I took a shower and rushed out to help a friend move. During the move, everything was all good. I felt great. We didn't move that much. However, after the move we sat around and drank a few beers while we talked about life. That is when the pains and aches began to set in.

Right now!

I am hurting. I am pissed off because I cannot find our foot messager with the water and vibrating abilities. That thing feels great and my feet are begging for them. Oh well, I cannot find it and it is becoming a chore to keep my eye lids open, so I am going to hit the sack and go to bed.

Peace and work that body out til it hurts!

You will thank yourself in the future, promise.

20 Miles: 12 Miles Down & 8 to Go!

2008-08-13T07:39:00.000-07:00

It is week two of my 20 mile challenge and I am still going strong. I ran four miles on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. Wednesday is my day off from the workout trail. I am feeling good, but the running is getting easier, so that is a good sign.

It just goes to show you that you have to push through whatever wall of resistance you have up against obstacles in your life. If you do, you will find that you are amazing and overcome anything. You could not have paid me a few months ago to believe that I would be running 4 miles, 5 days a week. I just would not have believed it, but you just have to stay in the fight and keep pushing.

Pain is a Sign of Weakness Leaving the Body

I love this quote and believe it holds so much power. This quote was ingrained in to my brain through high school where it was plaster all over the weight room, on our t-shirts, and handouts the coach would pass around.

Pain is that little reminder that you are pushing yourself. If you have spent the last 12 months sitting on the couch and not getting a good work out, when you start working out there are going to be all sorts of pains and problems you are noticing. You have to fight through this. No one said it was going to be easy.

Are you hurt or injured?

This was a questions my college football coaches would ask all the time, "Are you hurt or injured?" To you there may be no difference, but there is. If you are hurt, you can play through the pain. If you are injured, then that is serious and you need to see the trainer/doctor to get the problem fixed. Sometimes that involves just sitting out while you heal.

During my 20 mile challenge, my right calf has been HURTING, not something that we end the work out over. Pain is sigh of weakness leaving the body. That is just weakness in my calf that has not been used to working out on the road so much leaving the body. I had to run through it.

Don't turn back!

Just because you are having some pains or obstacles in your life, you must fight forward. Continue to push yourself and challenge the obstacles in your way. You will find that many of them have been self made and that you are the solution, not the problem.

Believe in yourself!

Throughout this endeavor, I have realized that I have to continue to believe in myself. Not just when it comes to this workout challenge, but in everyday life. I am the solution and so are you.

Whatever you are facing in your life, know that you are the solution. Move forward confidently and this too will pass! Get up and get some roadwork in your life, gain the understanding and clarity that only hard work can bring.

8 Miles on Thursday!

I am going to get out on Thursday and continue to push myself in this workout challenge. I will finish up my 20 mile week with an eight mile run on Thursday. Since I have been whispering the Chicago Marathon, I have to see how further distances feel. I am going to give the 8 mile run a shot....no! I am going to run 8 miles and knock it out. I am feeling really good, so we will see, but I am confidant that I can do without very much of a problem. This will be the furthest I have ever ran, so I am sure it is going to be a challenge, but I know that I am the solution!

Monday's Bowling Fun

2008-08-13T07:24:00.000-07:00

Monday's are wonderful around here. The local bowling alley has $1 games and shows. The family and I try to go bowling on those days because it is so cheap and we love bowling.

We had a great time, but my average continues to fall. About 10 months ago, I developed a curve ball to take my game to the next level. It has worked. Since then, my high is 205 and I have bowled a few 190's as well, so I know it works.

However, You could not tell that by my recent bowling outings. Monday we bowled two games and my average was 136 or something like that. I am a better bowler than that or so I believe. I think it is nearing the time when I should get my own ball.

Duty 5.0 to Join a Bowling Class

My baby boy has spent his entire life following his big brother around from sport to sport and event to event. On Monday, we decided it was his turn to get involved in something.

He loves bowling, so we have found a class for him to bowl a few times a week and have something for himself. You know his big brother wanted to get involved as well, but I said no. Let's allow Duty 5.0 to have his own event for himself. It is about time that he is the center of attention. I know he is going to love it, but he is such a fan of his big brother that it will not surprise me that he petitions us to allow him to bowl as well.

The BoysThe boys had a blast bowling. Jayel bowled a 99 his first game and a 92 the second. He is infatuated with keep his average at 100, so he was disappointed in his performance. We have to keep reminding him that it is just a game and doesn't mean that much. The boy likes to win.

Duty 5.0 on the other hand, is all about fun. He just enjoys himself and is not really worried about his average or anything like that. He just wants to knock down some pins, drink some slushies, and have some fun. Life has to be grand to be child, right?

Last Book I Read: Pro Blogger

2008-08-10T21:21:00.000-07:00

The last book I read was called "Pro Blogger" by Darren Rowse and Chris Garret. Let me just say that it lived up to all the hype that I had built up in my head.

A little background first, I became interested in the book first because earlier this year I began becoming infatuated with the subject of Internet blogging. One, I am amazed that people make money on the Internet simply by sharing their thoughts, feelings, and expertise with the world. Two, please refer to number one.

With that in mind, I began to do some research and came across the ProBlogger.net website and was introduced to Darren that way, by reading his blog.

The Pro Blogger website is all about making money as a professional blogger. Darren shares his ideas and insights on how to become a successful blogger for people like me. People that wants to know.

If you spend any amount of time on the website, you quickly realize that Darren takes this very seriously for one and two he knows what he is talking about. The articles on the website are indept and knowledgable. There is not a lot of fluff here and he is making money.

That was enough to make me want to book once I decided I wanted to become a professional blogger. See, I like to write, think, and share my knowledge and experieces with people, so I believe I am a perfect canidate for becoming a professional blogger. Hence, you see me on my site now...blogging.

The Book

The book is awesome and I learned some very interesting points about Professional blogging. The first point that is beat into your head is that this is not a "get rich quick" scheme. It takes time. Darren makes mention that it took him about 18 months of blogging everyday to become a full time blogger and make a decent income from it as well.

He stresses that you should not get into this business if you don't see yourself blogging for at least the next 18 months and not making any type of serious money. Basically, he urges you to only get involved if you have a passion for the subject you are willing to discuss.

Personal Blogging

The book suggest that you start off with a personal blog, you are on mine. This is so that you get a feel for the different blogging platforms available to you and get a feel for what needs to be done on a day to day basis. This FreddieTaylor.com blog is on Blogger right now, like all my other sites were, but after reading the Pro Blogger book, I made a switch.

Wordpress

I have been contemplating learning how to use Wordpress, but was reluctant because one it was different, and two it made me think. I didn't like that. But after getting about three chapters into the book, Darren mentioned that all of his blogs were on the Wordpress system....I made the switch. I figure that if it is good enough for Darren, then it was good enough for me. I went for it.

I cannot express to you how glad I am that I made this decision because Wordpress is the bomb baby. No joke! It is very simple, clean, easy to use, and fully customizable. Unlike Blogger, which is owned by Google, it has some obvious limitations that you only realize after moving to something like Wordpress.

This FreddieTaylor.com blog will eventually be moved over to Wordpress as well. It is just superior.

How to make Money.

Darren and Chris, I was just introduced to Chris' work via this book, does a great job of explaining the various ways to make money with a blog either directly or indirectly. I think the biggest benefit of the book is how they change your perception of this business. First of all, they get you to undestand that it is a business and there are many different business models available to make a living.

Basically, I realized that I will be making money directly from my blogs via cost per click advertising campaigns like Adsense, direct advertising sales to business owners, and product sales. Those product sales will be from products that I produce and affiliate products of others that I sale.

At the end of the day.

There are a myriad of opportunities to make money as a blogger. Darren and Chris do an excellent job of getting you to understand how to make this happen. In addition, they give valuable information and resources to take your bloga and business to the next level.

I am following may of their suggestions as we speak and really am looking forward to seeing my income grow as well as my prowess as a full time blogger.

Today is the first day of the rest of my life....and that entails blogging as a professional thanks to the Pro Blogger book, Darren, and Chris.

Don't Talk Trash & Not Be Ready To FIGHT!

2008-08-09T12:41:00.000-07:00

I almost forgot to tell y'all about the funniest thing I saw last night. It was really amazing.

After hanging out with my good friends, we went to Maxwell Polish that stays open 24hrs a day. It is on Roosevelt and Interstate 94, downtown Chicago. If you are in town, be sure to stop by there. It is great!

Jamel and I are standing outside eating our polish (Yes, I continued to destroy my workout.) and catching up with one another. A car pulls up and a female gets out of the passenger seat to wait in line to get her polish.

After some time passes by, the boyfriend, husband, or whomever gets out of the car and waits in line with her. I believe, not sure, someone tried to talk to the young lady and her companion wasn't too pleased about that.

He begins shouting at the guy and talking real crazy about what he is going to do to the other older guy. You should have heard all that he was saying. It was really wild. I wish I had my video recorder with me because he was talking cash money.

Well the old dude says, "If you are looking for a fight, then you are barking up the right tree!" LOL! That is halarious! Nevertheless, they continue war of words.

Meanwhile, I am eating my polish and I say to Jamel, "I got my money on the older guy. Other dude is just wolfing to much." We laughed and kept watching.

Well, someone spit on the older guy and he gave dude a left to the jaw! Everyone was like ooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!! Dude stepped back and the older guy gave him another left that really wobbled the guy. He was damn near sleep on his feet. He ducked behind the female that was with him. That is a damn shame to hide behind the woman that you were suppose to be defending.

Here is the funny part.

Instead of backing up all that wolfing dude was doing before he caught the two piece to the jaw, he walks back towards his care and gets on the cell phone!!!

You read that right, he gets on the cell phone! LOL! We were cracking up and pointing at him. Now I must admit that I thought at first that he was going to car to get a gun or a bat or something, so being a little intoxicated I yelled out, "Don't be no bitch and get no gun or nothing. Fight!" LOL!

Fighting was the last thing on this guys mind. He gets in the car on the phone, then looks up and saw a police officer and runs over there to them. You talk about someone laughing, I couldn't keep myself together.

Nothing happened to the older guy, I think everyone outside refused to say that the older guy hit him because the younger dude was talking so much crap, then was acting scared when he got punched in the jaw.

Cannot express to you the level of laughter everyone was going through outside that polish shop.

I guess the moral of the story is if you are going to run your mouth like you are going to fight, you better be ready to take one in the jaw and then back it up!

Friendship Is Essential To The Soul

2008-08-09T12:13:00.002-07:00

No other statement could be truer than the title of this post, Friendship is essential to the soul.

Pictured are me and group of my true friends in life and I must say that I couldn't be prouder than this group. Although all of my friends are not pictured here, this is a strong representation of them. (Randell, sorry I pulled the camera out after you left. Well, the truth is I didn't want you to break it. LOL!)
We got together yesterday to celebrate frienship as we do from time to time. Nothing big, but we met a great bar downtown Chicago, Juniors. They had $1 beers and it was great.

Although I completely destroyed my workout for the week by drinking way too many beers and eating fried chicken strips, I was in the presence of some remarkable people. You may not think so by the pictures, but these guys are some of the best people you could ever meet in this world. I count myself as fortunate to be among them as a friend.

Why is friendships so important?
I often ponder this question and never really come up with a complete answer, but it seems to me that the need for friendship is an huge whole that resides in the hearts of men and women everywhere. True companionship and having people in your life that knows EVERYTHING about you and are still willing to hang around, be there for you when you need them, and to help you move. LOL! You can really tell how many friends you have when it is time to move, right?

Friends have a way of keep you grounded when you get too full of yourself. Friends are always the one to tell it to you like you need to hear it. And let me tell you, this group has no problem giving it to each other raw and uncut. Truth is the best medicine in the world and only a true friend can give that to you.

Friendship takes time

You cannot meet someone in a day, a week, or a month and truly call them a friend. It takes time to have the life experiences together that makes real friendship come together. Most in this group, I have known well over 10 years and we have some tremendous life experiences, common bonds, and aspirations that make us super tight.

This group of friends that I have assembled is great. We have been there for each others weddings, funerals, births, fights, job promotions, graduations, failures, accomplishments, buying first homes, everything! And it has been wonderful.

Althought there have been many times when we have fought one another, other people, our selfs, we have been there for each other. True friendship is not something to take lightly and the great thing is everyone in the group understands that and values friendship as much as I do. This is truely a rare thing and the older I get the more I realize how special it is. I don't plan on taking their friendship lightly and don't expect them to take mine lightly either.

Out of all the people in the world, I cannot think of a better group of guys to be friends with and again count myself as fortunate to be a friend with them.

Here's to all my real friends the world....including my wife, she is a great friend of mine.

I love you all!

20 Miles: I Did It!

2008-08-09T11:45:00.000-07:00

That's right ladies and gentlemen, I did it!

I set a goal that seemed unachievable a couple of weeks ago to run 20 miles in one week and completed the goal yesterday. What a feeling it is to set a goal high and reach it.

The run on Friday was challenging, but in the back of my mind I knew that every step I took was getting closer to the finish line of 20 miles in one week. As I was running, I couldn't help but think about all the other so called competitors in our great competition. Was they getting it?

The truth of the matter is that it didn't matter because I was. This competition is great, but what is really fabulous about it is that we are all getting back into "fighting trim" and that is awesome!

What's next?

20 more miles! What else is there to do, but to do it again? This coming week is going to be challenging again, but if I want to win this competition this is what it is going to take.

I will admit that I am looking forward to the next 20 miles becaust it is going to make me feel that much better. You can achieve anything you set out in life to achieve if you feel good about yourself. This experience is truly making me value the wonderful creature that I am and giving me the courage to not only nourture that feeling, but live it with vigor everyday.

Can you keep a secret?

It doesn't really matter, but yesterday I got to thinking. See, one of my Life Goals is to run in the Chicago marathon one day. I may run it this year!

I figure that this is the best shape I have been in in a long time....and I ain't getting any younger. Also, I have been running further now than any other time in my life, so this may be the time to go for it.

I will keep you posted on this as it develops, but I am considering it. In the mean time, I will just keep focosed on pushing out the miles and getting my lungs and committment right.

If the stars align themselves correctly, this may be the year that I tackle the Chicago Marathon. Wouldn't that be something?

WTF: Brett Farve Not in Green Bay

2008-08-06T06:50:00.000-07:00

Folks, I am disgusted this morning. I cannot believe that there is a POSSIBILITY of Brett Farve not playing for the Green Bay Packers.

Let's get this straight, I am not a Packers fan. I am a Detroit Lions fan. (I know, you don't hear that much.) But this situation is crazy!

It just goes to show you that the NFL and all of these other professional sports leagues don't give a damn about any of the players.

Brett Farve is a legend, not on in Green Bay, but in football everywhere. And this guy cannot get his starting job back in Green Bay. He built that football empire.

I know they talk about the mystic of the Frozen Tundra of Lambou field and all of that. But that was like in the 60's. They have been as sorry as the Lions until Brett Farve showed up.

To me, this is crazy and I believe on opening day the Packers faithful are going to storm the field and take the Head Coach hostage until Brett runs out of the tunnel and takes the field.

Ok, ok, maybe that is a bit much, but at the very least they are going to chant his name during pre-game warm ups.

My comments are ment in no disrespect to Aaron Rogers, the four year benchwarmer looking to replace the legend. However, this guy has to understand that it is Brett Farve that we are talking about, the Gun Slinger. Farve has an arm like a rocket.

Seriously, can you imagine Larry "Legend" Bird coming out of retirement this year and the Boston Celtics not allowing him to play on their team. That would be the end of the Boston Celtics.

Besides, I don't think that franchise is that stupid, but before this saga began....I didn't thing Green Bay was that stupid.

Goes to show what I know, huh?

I just had to get that off of my chest. It has been bothering me for the past few days. Ok, I feel better now, but the Packers will not.

20 Miles: Day 2 & a new Picture

2008-08-04T13:15:00.000-07:00

It is day two of my 20 mile challenge. I challenged my self to running 20 miles a week for the first two weeks in August.

Today, it rained, but that didn't stop my dedication to completing this goal. The 4 mile run was hard despite not being under the blistering heat of the sun. I wore an extra jacket to sheild my walkman from the rain, but it proved to be a heat insulator and I may have lost a couple of extra pounds of sweat during the run.

Since I ran 4 miles on Sunday and 4 miles today, I only have 12 more miles to go this week and my goal of 20 miles will be complete. My plan is to run on Tuesday, rest wedensday, get it thursday and friday for another 4 miles each day.

The picture is my two week picture that I promised at the begining of the Workout Challenge. This is fresh after I peeled my shirt from my back and rung out the sweat on the sidewalk. It was crazy.

I think you will notice some slight definition begining to peak from under the fat that has been protecting it for the last couple of years. Again, it may not look like much yet, but I FEEL SOOOOOOO MUCH BETTER IT SHOULD BE ILLEGAL!

Everything is getting tighter and those love handles are quickly melting away. Next, I believe the pudge in my belly will disappear, then my sit ups will begin to reflect the work that I have been putting in.

My promise to do sit ups and push ups during this 20 mile challenge has been falling short thus far. I didn't do any yesterday and today it is not looking good. LOL! But, we will see. The day is far from being over.

Overall:

I feel that I am progressing in the right direction. I know this competition has a bunch of people involved, but honestly, if I do what I am capable of doing, there is no real competition, but the BAR!

I feel good and the obvious signs of progress are coming!

THE BAR!

Start of the 20 Mile Challenge

2008-08-03T18:21:00.000-07:00

Today was first day of my 20 mile running week. I have been preparing during the month of July for the first two weeks in August to run 20 miles per week.

This is an undertaking that is going to seriously challenge me, but I know that I am up for it. I have been putting in some serious roadwork over the last few weeks and feel that I am ready for the 20 mile challenge.

START WITH 4 MILES THIS MORNING

I got off to a wonderful start by running 4 miles this morning. My plan is to run 4 miles for 5 days this week. The schedule will more than likely be Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. That will round out a solid week of hard work.

Today's run was challenging, but I felt really good. My lungs felt great. My breathing was controlled and at a steady pace. Surprisingly, my sweating was down from the previous runs, but I think it was because it was cooler outside this morning. Recently, I have been running in the afternoon, which is traditionally hotter than the mornings.

Through it all, my let muscles seemed a little challenged. I know they are going to getg pushed to the test this coming week, but I am looking forward to it. After these two weeks of 20 miles, I will take some time to lift with my legs, but they have been largely neglected to this point.

ADD BONUSES: PUSH UPS & SIT UPS!

Since this is a running challege week, I will not be lifting a lot of weights this week. However, I wanted to be sure that I continue the hardwork I have done up to this point. Starthing on Monday, I will do 300 push ups and 500 sit ups a day for the rest of the week. That will be a great suplement and continue the work I have done to this point.

20 MILE CHALLENGE ACCEPTED BY NIGEL JONES

Ladies and gentlemen, Nigel Jones has accepted the 20 mile challenge and will be running from California. This is great news because I didn't want to get all of this benefit by myself. Nigel has stepped up to the plate. However, he didn't start the week of right by getting some milage in today. Will he be able to recover and complete the challenge?

HOW ABOUT YOU?

Are you up for the 20 mile challenge? If so, throw your name into the arena by placing some comments below and letting me know you are in the 20 mile challenge. I bet the work you put in during this challenge will be well worth the effort!

Zab Judah is Soft. He Quits on Clotty

2008-08-02T20:38:00.000-07:00

For those of you that don't know, I am a fight fan. My wife I watch the sport all the time. (Increasingly, we are watching more MMA, Mixed Martial Arts)

Tonight was the Zab Judah & Joshua Clotty fight on HBO. The fight was highly touted as a must win for both 30 year old contenders. Judah mentioned in the prefight that a lost would be tragic for him at this stage in his career.

It seems Judah has wasted away a potentially great career by not fully committing himself to the sport and the opportunities he has had. A former champion, he definately has the capabilities of rising to the top again.

Clotty, a rough and tough, defensive specialist really needed a win versus Judah to potentially get another fight agains Antonio Margarita. Margarita is coming off a big knockout win versus Miguel Cotto last week.

The battle began with Judah begining well and fighting Clotty. Clotty displayed his defensive abilities and eventually began to take Judah apart in the middle rounds of the fight. It seemed that the fight was going to end in a dominate fashion for him.

Well, in the 10th round Judah received a cut over his right eye that seemed not to effect him very much. I will admit that it was in a nasty location, but he could have continued.

The ref asked him how many fingers he was holding up and Judah said, "Three!" LOL! I began laughing and looking at my wife because the ref was holding up two fingers. Judah didn't have blood in his eye, but he had Clotty in his head.

Judah was done fighting and didn't want anymore. He quit! It was a terrible moment that will cap off his career. It is said because as Max Kellerman said during the broadcast, this was the hardest Judah has fought in years. It really seemed like he wanted to win this fight and get his career back on track.

Unfortunately, he fought an opponent that was bigger, better, stonger, and willing to keep fighting for all 12 rounds. Judah gave a solid 5 rounds and expected to win. When Clotty didn't whither and continued to fight, Judah took the opportunity to bail out of the fight.

You may be wondering: WAS THE CUT A RESULT OF A HEADBUTT?

Not a chance! It was obvious that Judah caught a left and right hand, the cut appeared, and Judah backed away clutting his eye.

In my opinion, he gave it his best shot. Clotty was beating him up. The cut happened and Judah took it as an opportunity to get out of the fight before he got knocked out.

Zab Judah is soft and Clotty exposed him. It has been a nice career for Judah, but now he will live in the realm of the above average fighters and not that of a champion.

As for Clotty, he is on the rise. If Magarita gives him another shot at the championship, he will have all he can handle.

Great Lunch and a Blogging Future

2008-08-01T22:32:00.000-07:00

Wow! I had a fantastic lunch today. It was so good, I wanted to share it with you. You may be thinking that a salad cannot be that great, but I bet to differ. This salad was excellent.

It all began when my wife asked me what I wanted for lunch. We both work from home, so this is a typical question. She said she may like some chicken, but what did I want?

I have been in the middle of this workout challenge and I know today is Friday, so that means pizza for the family. If I have never mentioned it before, we get pizza every Friday. It has become a family tradition.

Therefore, I wanted to attempt to eat healthy for lunch. I said to my wife that I would like to have a salad. Which she replied that we didn't have any in the fridge.

After a moment of thinking, she said I can make it happen with some chicken sprinkled on top as well. Obviously, I was all for it and the picture you see is the result of here tinkering the kitchen.

Let me go on record as saying that salad was fire. It had lettuce, tomatoes, eggs, cheeses, cucumbers, jalapenos, and ranch dressing. I am sure that I am missing some elements, but for there to be no salad in the house, this one was alright with me.

The bad part of this the fact that I used ranch dressing on the salad. Yes! This adds a ton on calories onto the supposedly good for you salad. However, I RAN FOUR MILES TODAY, so I figured that I could spare a few calories even while in competition.

After all, I am going to run 20 miles next week and 20 more the following week. By the way, an updated picture is coming on Monday. No guess where THE BAR is in this competition because I am showing you the on a bi-weekly period.

Blogging Future
The clarity of the salad led me to the realization that I want to blog a lot in the future. Since this is the case, I may as well focus on making a living out of blogging. After all, what better way to make a living than to make some money at doing what it is that you were going to do any way. I am going to blog, therefore, i am going to focus on making some money from it.

I have read one book already about blogging, but currently I am reading the best book I have found to date on the subject of blogging and making a profit.

I am infatuated with this topic and vow to make it a full time profession in 2008. That seems crazy and I know it isn't going to come easy, but I am dedicating myself to this aim.

I don't need much money to make it month to month. It is at a level that I believe this could happen and no one would be the wiser.

With that thought and knowing that THOUGHT IS POSSIBILITY, I am off into the wonderful world of blogging. You may notice many more post from me to this blog.

Understand that I am interested in life and will share that here, but know that I have made a decision to become a blogger, thus this is ultimately practice and my thought will become a reality because it has already happened in my mind.

Talk with you soon! Be good and prosperous!

Dirty Work: Cleaning the Gutters

2008-07-31T06:34:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was an interesting day. I found myself high up on a roof, cleaning the gutters of my investment property. Anyone that knows me knows that dirty work is not my thing.

The gutters flat out had to be cleaned. When I bought the property, I don't believe the gutters had been cleaned in years. In fact, it couldn't have been. The property sat vacant for two years before i purchased it and it showed. We cleaned up the inside and rehabbed the property, but neglected to do the gutters.

Well, eventually it had to get done and for about three weeks I had been saying that I was going to get it done. Yesterday was the day!

The black muck that had formed from the decomposing leaves, dirt, insects, and water was terrible. I filled up two garbage bags of the stuff just from the gutters.

As you can see, plants had started to grow inside the gutters. This can be very bad for the property as eventually the access weight can cause the gutter to fall off entirely and expose the interior of the property to the outside elements. This is something that you don't want to happen or I don't want to happen, thus I was on the roof yesterday.

I will tell you that the sun really takes a lot out of you from working in it. I was wiped after I finished. I rested and took my day off from my workout routine and let my body recover.

However, today the plan is to get a couple of miles of ROADWORK in and reclaim my workout schedule. It is happening!

Out.

2 Quick Miles and a New Nick Name

2008-07-29T08:22:00.000-07:00

Greetings blog community, I am back with a quick update. Yes! You know I got up this morning and got it with a two mile run. You have to stay on top of this everyday or you are not going to reach your goals.

My new nickname is THE BAR. Why THE BAR? Because if you want to win this competition, then you are going to have to beat me, THE BAR!

LOL! I love it and will get a shirt made that says THE BAR. In fact, that is going to be the shirt that I tear off during the showdown of the competition to reveal all the hard work that I have been blogging about.

Let me just say this, you don't want me to win this competition because I am NEVER going to let it go. The amount of trash talking I have heard in the month of July is outstanding! I repeat that this is only the month of July, so there is a long way to go and many of you are getting tired already.

What are you going to do in August? I will tell you what I am going to do. I am going to TURN UP THE INTENSITY! Many of you think it is all about the weights and diet, and running. No! It is about committment right now. You have to remaind dedicated to the goal this point because everybody is excited.

But excitement is not going to get you out of the bed in the morning when you are sore and your body is beat down from getting beat up! You need committment at that point. That is what I am building at this moment.

July was about committement. August is going to be about taking it to the next level. What does that include? Well, the first two weeks of August, I am running 20 miles a week. That's right, Buddy! 20 MILES A WEEK! It is going down. I am going to get rid of all this baby fat, then I will start getting serious on the weights.

See, I have been lifting, but it is not the focus. In the middle of August, i am going to get serious on the weights and make sure all the Mushy parts of me are fine tuned to muscle and power. The running is going to trim my body and make the 6 six pack attainable.

Yeah, what did you do today? Nothing! That ain't gonna get it done.

Oh yeah, I failed to mention that I am going to the weight room this afternoon to move some weights around. How about you?

WHOSE GONNA MAKE A PLAY?

I AM!

Signing off,

THE BAR!

4 Miles and the Talk of Tubby Tobias

2008-07-28T13:41:00.000-07:00

Today was the first time I have run since Friday. Friday, I ran 6 miles and that was the furthest I have ever run in my life.

Throughout highschool I was on the track team, but never ran that far. I was a sprinter, 100, 200, 4 X 100, and the long jump. During practice, I would run four miles with the other sprinters. That was punishment enough for me. I thought that was silly that we had to run that far. And for a long time, four miles was a long run.

Not today! I see things differently after pushing my body beyond the four mile barrier. Now I just see it as a day of ROADWORK! You have to get it.

Today, I woke up late, 9 am, to a phone call by Nigel "Baby Fat" Jones talking trash about gettin' it. Nigel is in California, so it was 7 am there. He is nuts with this competition,....but so am I!

I got out the bed and went to work, across the hall to my office. I turn on my email and Tubby Tobias Stephens is talking too much. I decided to not continue the talk (because it ain't gonna win this competition!).

We put on my running shoes and hit the streets. I went a new route down 175th to Pulaski Road. There are two big hills down that street and it gave me a challenge, but at the end of the day I am too much for some hills.

I came back in and took the above picture, so I say:

THANK YOU NIGEL "BABY PHAT" JONES: You woke me up with that trash talking and got me right. Reminded me that this not a sprint, but a marathon. You cannot have a successful couple of days and think you have done something. This is a marathon! You got to get it everyday!

THANK YOU TUBBY TOBIAS: Your trash talking motivated me to get out of the chair and hit the road. How do you like that ROADWORK? Don't answer, I am going to give you more! And more! And more! And more!!

The Bar has been raised!!!!

WHOSE GONNA MAKE A PLAY?

I AM!

Enjoying Life a Little Bit

2008-07-24T19:26:00.000-07:00

Today, I took a break from my workout plan to enjoy life a little bit. It was a planned break, so that is good.

I have recently developed this obsession with the Wii. I just love it. The bowling game has my family full devotion. We play it all the time. That is partically because we really enjoy bowling as well. Although, my wife and I believe it is better than the real bowling alley because you hold your beer while you are bowling and the ally is in the family room. What could be better than that? If we get to drunk bowling, we can just go to bed.

The picture is of me before bowling a couple of games today. If you look in the background, that is my avatar for the game holding the bowling ball. He is in green with glasses. That is the pin killer!!! I am really getting good at this game. If you play, my Pro ranking is plus 1200 and rising. I was in the 1380 range, but drop drastically after bowling like a 135. That was a bad game to say the least.

Nevertheless, I can see many blogs in the future about my Wii addition, so get ready. You are going to have to tolerate it because I love it.

Tomorrow, I am going to beat this body up with some ROADWORK!!! I want to run 4 to 6 miles tomorrow. It is going to be tough because I have a lot to do, but excuses never get you anywhere...., so I am going to make it happen.

There Has To Be an Easier Life

2008-07-23T13:36:00.000-07:00

Monday was a fantastic day! About 2pm, the Boys, my wife, and I all packed up, piled into the truck, and went to the bowling ally to have a great time. On mondays, everything is a $1, so we take advantage when we can. It was a great time.

Just for the record, I am a terrible bowler that has good games from time to time. Well in two games, I managed to lose to my 8 year old son and my wife the following game. This is a disaster because I usually win and talk a lot of trash. I had to eat crow and let me tell you....I DIDN'T LIKE IT!

Nevertheless, this wonderful day led me to thinking about the day to day life of most people in this country. It is full of deadlines, bills, work, worry, and some fun sprinked in so they don't go crazy. That about sums it up woulnd't you say?

Now, let's be clear. I think this sucks. However, it is the reality for many. I often think of a time when perhaps life was simpler or at least our time wasn't so pressed. Many would say that the time of the people has always been taxed. I wonder.

I wonder is it necessary for this so called PROGRESS. I wonder are all the comforts necessary. I wonder if progress is necessary. I wonder what are we progressing for? Where are we going and what is at the end of the line?

And if it isn't all necessary, then why are we killing ourselves trying to maintain this society? It is obvious that most of us are not satisfied. Yes, we may have some material STUFF, but does that lead to satisfaction of the mind, body, and soul? And isn't life ultimately about the mind, body, and soul?

I beieve that life doesn't have to be so work intensive, deadline sensitive, and headache oriented. I believe life can be about the simple pleasures. I believe life is about family, friends, and fun. I believe the majority of my time can be spent with family, friends, and fun.

The bottom line:

I desire more simple days with the family, friends, and having fun. Free from the stress of bills, deadlines, and madness of society. This desire shall be manifested and the fruits shared with the world.

It seems I am growing increasingly further apart from the major axiom of Western Capitalism that says that in order for a society to prosper, there has to be a poor and down trouden class.

I am growing to dispise this line of thinking. One it is just ridiculous. Two, there is a better way, but for some reason we (reletively intelligent people) think it is a bad idea to help other people. I am not in line with this thinking and will work to rid it from the people.

Workout Challenge: Updated Picture #2

2008-07-22T07:43:00.000-07:00

Yeah ladies and gentlemen, the picture has been updated. You can see what you are up against.

Understandably, if you are in this competition, you should not be at all worried just yet. From the picture, you can see a slight improvement, but here is what I know from carry this body around the last two weeks.

Everything is tighter than before. I still have a lot of work to go, but boy ole boy, it is happening. The best part is the way that I feel.

I remember talking to Nigel, Baby Fat Cali, about his workout. He kept on mentioning how good he felt now that he was getting in shape. When you are out of shape, you cannot really relate to those words, but know that I am doing my thing I can really understand it. I feel great. I wake up in the morning ready to pounce on the day and I do!

Yesterday, I ran another two miles. I was suppose to go and workout at Ballys and beat this body up, but I didn't. Before you get to excited thinking I fell off, the family and I went bowling and the time took a little longer than we expected. I will blog about the bowling trip later.

Now, I just want all my competitors to know that if they ain't working hard, they may as well get out of the competition because you can wrap this one up. You may not be intimidated by the picture now, but just wait another two weeks. I figure in a month there should be some serious changes in the pictures.

Stay on the look out for the next picture in two more weeks. But know this, while you are resting, talking it easy, drinking beer, there is this man in Illinois GETT'IN IT!!!!

WHOSE GONNA MAKE A PLAY?

I AM!

Another 4 Miles of Road Work!

2008-07-20T18:25:00.000-07:00

I have not forgotten, UPDATED PICTURE COMING TOMORROW!!!

Today was a solid day in my workout. I ran another 4 miles of road work. If you read my last post about my dog encounter, know that I didn't run that same route. I am not crazy.

I found another route to satisfy my goal for the day. After a few glasses of water and a cup cake made by my baby boy, I was off into the hot midwest heat.

I really like running when the sun is up. I believe that the suns rays are good for the body, so I like to get them in while I am working out and getting a good sweat.

I got a little jokes pointed in my direction about my post workout pictures. Someone noticed the water in each photo and asked was that because I was splashing water on my face before taking the pictures?

In one word, YES! I have to explain. See, I have been drinking the water into my system. Then going out into the streets to run my four miles. In the process, the water seeps through my system and comes out of my skin as sweat, which enters my shirt in the form seen in the pictures.

So yes, I splash the water onto myself. The only catch is I do it from the inside out through HARD WORK!

On the challenge scene, the talk has died down a little bit. I don't hear all the confidence that was out there a couple of weeks ago. Everybody had jokes. Now they must be reailizing this is not a sprint, but a marathon.

But I got words of wisdom for those that believe they are going to be themselves in shape in a short 5 weeks or so, IT AIN'T GONNA HAPPEN!!! You better be working, sweating, and getting it now! There is no tomorrow baby! You have to get it now.

I am getting it! Still in high gear and am going to pound them weights tomorrow.

Whatever you are doing? Now matter how hard you are working or if you are taking it light, remember this: There is a man in Illinois, Cook county....Getting it!

WHOSE GONNA MAKE A PLAY?

I AM!

New Route, 4 Miles, & a Doberman Pincher

2008-07-18T16:26:00.000-07:00

Today I went out an got it by running a new route at 11a along Governors Hwy. The first half mile was great. I felt good and it was a beautiful day.

Well as you run down this particular stretch of Governors Hwy, there are some big beautiful homes that sit a good 150 feet from the street. Large areas of green grass and flowers decorate the front yards of these homes. I am running by them one by one jamming my music, Jay Z at the time, and focused on making the run a good one.

Out of my peripheral vision, I see a dog running quickly towards me. I guess I would have heard him barking, but I had my headphones on. My first thought was to run across the street and flee to safety....but Governors Hwy is a busy street. If I were to run aimlessly out there I would get hit for sure.

So I had no choice, I planted my feet and prepared to go to war this charging Doberman Pincher. Now I am not saying that to brag or anything, that was literally my ONLY option. I did not want to fight this animal, but there was no other choice. What would you have done?

I grit my teeth and eyeball the charging animal. At this point he is about 20 yards out and closing. I couldn't believe I was in this situation. Talk about disgusted, I was sick. Figuring if he only bite my arm, I could beat him off of me with my free hand. What can I say, I was out of options.

To my amazement the dog stopped charging about 15 yards out. He came to a stop about 12 yards from me. He was barking slightly, but was seemed more calm. I was standing still, frozen.

I began to walk slowly, further along my route. The dog followed me along the property line, always about 12 yards from me. I walked past the property line and began to jog away slowly.

At first I believed that I had a stand off with Doberman Pincher, then quickly realized that there must have been one of those invisible dog fences. Had to be, right?

Then again, he could have seen these guns under this shirt and said, "I don't want none of that." LOL!

Anyway, I continued along my route. Running up and down the hills. Enjoying the scenery along the way. There was a stretch where I got to run along a lake. It was really nice. I understand why runners really like running along Lake Michigan, downtown Chicago. It has to be nice.

There is something about physical fitness that just makes you feel good. I motivate myself when I am running by thinking that I am somehow motivating others to take care of themselves. All those people that ride by in their SUVs, eating White Castle, and drinking Slurpee's see me working, sweating, and giving the body what it needs....HARD WORK!!!!

I finished my run feeling really good. I was never out of breath. Admittedly, I was running slow, didn't time myself. I usually don't time myself. I think the distance was good and I will do it again. However, I know I will chose a different route next time!

Updated picture coming Monday!

WHOSE GOING TO MAKE A PLAY?

I AM!

*********************************************************

How about you? Do you have any interesting workout encounters with dogs chasing you? Or are you going to make a play?

Leave a comment below....

The Great Comcast Monster is Dead

2008-07-17T08:03:00.000-07:00

This past week I had my final battle with Comcast. Since buying our house in 2006 and installing the comcast service, they have been back and forth our home no less than 25 times trying to fix their mess.

We had that Comcast Triple play, which is really Triple crap. Well, I won't lie the cable is alright. We never had a problem. But the phone and Internet are a different story. My wife and I work from home, so the phone and Internet is critical to our survival.

Long story shorter, the phone drops more than my Sprint cell phone and when the phone drops, the Internet is out. When the phone doesn't drop, the Internet is intermittent at best. Yes, when everything is working, it is the fastest thing around and that is what lead me to deal with them for so long.

No more! I now have AT&T for a lot less money and the Internet speed is similar. I don't recognize a difference and I am on the Internet all day long. If you know me, you know I am addicted to my email. (There I said it, so y'all can get off my back about it! LOL!) So if there was a noticeable difference, I would recognize it and complain, but I haven't had any problems so far.

I cannot tell you the pleasure I had canceling my Comcast service. I shouldn't enjoy something so much, but I did. I mean, they have been really sticking it to me with their premium pricing for a long time. Having me to believe that their Internet was sooooooo muuuuucccchhhhhh faster than everyone Else's.

Well, the world has caught up to you Comcast. And I will do my best to tell people about it. Your pricing has to come down to compete with AT&T.

Then, I know what you are thinking, "Your TV/Cable is not as good, right?"

Wrong! It is actually better! I got two free DVRs for my home with a comparable cable service that has better features. I don't have one complaint, I cannot set a reminder on the remote for shows I want to watch like on Comcast. I guess the thinking is that you can just record the show and watch it when you want. No need for reminders.

Anyway, I could not wait to send this blog because I officially cannot stand Comcast. If you have that service and cannot get the AT&T U-Verse 300 package in your area, good luck!!!!

But if you can switch, I would suggest running to your phone to make a CHANGE!

Talk Never Wins

2008-07-15T16:24:00.000-07:00

Ladies and Gentlemen, I want to talk to you today about something that is very important to our futures and the future of our children. This is an epidemic running rampant through the world community. What is this epidemic of which I speak?

Talking. I am sick and tired of hearing the talking, the posturing, the commenting, the analysis. At the end of the day, the only way you are going to win this competition or anything in life is to STOP THE TALKING and DO MORE!

Today, I got up, went to an 8:30am business meeting near Hammond, Indiana, got home about 11:30am, did some appraisal work, ran 3 miles, completed my work, and posted this blog.

Monday, I went to Ballys and got my weight lifting and ab work on. Thank you, Krystal! She work my abs to death, but I want more.

Sunday, I ran 4 miles on the treadmill. That was the furthest I have ran in at least 4 or 5 years. I was hurting, but I did it. I am going to continue to BEAT THIS BODY UP!!!! What are you going to do? Talk about it.

Talking is not going to beat me, the boogie man, or the game of life. At some point, you have to stop talking and put some work in if you want to make a play in your life. Afterall, if you don't want to make a play, why are you in the game?

I am reminded of one of my favorite quotes:

"What your doing speaks so loudly, I can't hear what you are saying." - Unknown

Wow! Doesn't that just say it all. If you were to look at what I am doing, you will know exactly what I have been up to. Look at the picture. What do you see? SWEAT & WATER!

That's right! I have been running, working out, and drinking water.

Stop talking, put some miles in, do the studying, take care of your body and excel!

WHOSE GOING TO MAKE A PLAY?

I AM!

Reading: Declaration of Independence

2008-07-14T11:22:00.000-07:00

The Declaration of Independence is a very powerful document. To put the world on notice that there is a tyrant in the community that is infringing on the rights of the People takes a lot of courage to say the least.

Quote from Declaration of Independence:

"WHEN in the Course of human Events, it becomes necessary for one People to dissolve the Political Bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the Powers of the Earth, the separate and equal Station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent Respect to the Opinions of Mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the Separation."

End Quote

This individuals were living under a rule that they felt obligated to defeat. Because if they continued in this state, they would be dooming their lives to intolerance, random violence, economic disaster, and lost of basic sovereignty and control over their future.

Powerful when you really stop and consider the words.

Quote from Declaration of Independence:

"WE hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness __ That to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed, that whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these Ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its Foundation on such Principles, and organizing its Powers in such Form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness."

End Quote

Wow! You have to remember that they are talking about the British Crown. This is deep because the British owned and controlled everything that was considered to be America, so they say. To have one of your own creations rebel against you is powerful. And imagine the size balls these people had to have to sign this death certificate.

Because had they lost the battle to the British Crown, all of them would have been executed. Believe that! The problem everyday people like myself have is understanding the deadly game some are playing with the rest of our lives. Yes, they will lie, cheat, steal, and murder to get ahead. It is the same game that has been played for centuries, the strong survive. That is the ideals of Western Thought.

The Declaration goes on to make many claims as to why they are departing. Most people don't read that far into it. Nevertheless, it is a powerful document and really sets up the Constitution or the Government the language of the Declaration of Independence talks about setting up in place of the Tyrannical Rule of the British Crown.

*********************************************************************

Here's my Questions? (Answer by leaving a Comment below.)

1. When was the last time you read the Constitution?

2. Do you think it is important to the today's Political discussions?

Enjoying the Day!

2008-07-12T18:03:00.001-07:00

Ladies and gentlemen, in the mist of this great competition it is important not to lose your sense of self and remember to stop, slow down, and enjoy life from time to time.

Today is Saturday and I have taken a day off from my workout routine to have a glass of wine, relax, play some Wii with my boys, and generally enjoy life. You know, contemplate the wonders of life.

(Also, I want to enter a false sense of hope in my competitors because they will think I fell off drinking this wine.) Hahahahaha, everyone cannot do this in the middle of a serious competition. I can!

Don't think for one second that I ain't serious about this. I am going to smash this competition and the "so called" competition. Now that I know these boys are reading my blog, I know I got them because I am in their heads so much. So read on Baby Phat Cali, Chubby Chase, the Big Booty Rapper, Flabby and Sick, Big Belly Boyd, Over the Hill Amiel, read on fellas.....Starting Sunday, i am back GETTIN' IT!!!

This coming up week is all about the Abs. My workout trainer and wife, Krystal, vowed she is going to get me right. All I have to do is submit to her instructions.

WHAT YOU GONNA DO, WHEN BIG FRED RUNS WILD ON YOU?

Whose going to make a play?

I AM!

Ran 2 Miles Before Ballys Weight Lifting Workout

2008-07-11T13:10:00.000-07:00

I just had to pause and drop a quick blog. I was instant messaging with a friend, Fat Boy Baker, and started talking trash about our competition and calling me a fat boy. I warned him that empty words wasn't going to win this competition.

I AM BEATING THIS BODY UP!
(That's sweat, Baby! The stuff of Champions!)

To emphasis this, I went to my basement and ran two quick miles and took the above picture. Sweat and hard work is going to win this competition and I AM WILLING TO WORK!!!! How about you?

Whose going to make a play? I AM!

The Matrix of the Constitution

2008-07-10T22:21:00.000-07:00

The last couple of days have been very interesting. I have had powerful discussion with some deep people about subjects that most of us don't want to think about.

Nevertheless, I love to think about these things. As you may have guest, I a conspiracy thoerist. What I have discovered is that the best way to keep a secret is to hide it in plain sight. The reality of the Matrix world we live in is obvious to those that take the time to do some BASIC research and reading.

I know, I know, people don't like to read and definately don't appreciate having to do some research. In this sound byte society we live in Instand Gratification is the mantra of the people. This is a tradegy because somewhere along the way in the development of this country and mindset, the yearning to think critically in all aspects of life was drained.

The wild thing is when you talk to people that are "passionate" about politics or a certain politicians and find out that the haven't even read the Constitution. How are you going to be passionate about politics and have no conception of the Constitution? Isn't the Constitution the most important document in our political system?

If you agree with the above questions, ask yourself this. Why was the last time you read the Constitution was in the 8th grade? I know it was the last time you read was the 8th grade because that was the last time I read it....before I regained my hunger for first hand knowledge, understanding, and critical thinking.

I believe you understand far more than you did in the 8th grand and if re-read the Constitution today, you would understand it much better than you did as a teenager. Right?

Good. Now, go and read the Constitution.

The Matrix is all around us, but we are too stupid to read some basic documents and get an understand of world, country, and political system we have submitted to. Now, if you have done some basic research, you will caught the phrasing I used in the last sentence. If you didn't unerstand that, get to reading.

I found myself in Borders the other week and saw some pocket sized constitutions and declaration of Independence for .99 cents and bought two. I should have gotten 10 to pass out to other people....I have already given away one of these books.

Good luck, Neo!

Best Body Challenge

2008-07-07T18:46:00.000-07:00

Ladies and gentlemen, I have entered into a friendly competition amongst some of my best friends in the whole entire world. One guy in California, he shall remain nameless, started talking trash about his workout routine and the progress he has made. It didn't take long before someone called him fat and a challege was issued. What is the challenge?

Whomever has the best body by Homecoming at SIU, gets "set out" by all the other participants. This simply means that for that weekend, the winner doesn't have to pay for ANYTHING!! This includes meals, drinks, snacks, whatever!

There are about 10 people at least competing in this challenge and the competition is going to be fierce, but the trash talking has already hit legendary status. The winner is selected by a random group of females that will decide who has the best body after everyone has taken their shirts off.

I should mention that the majority of the participants are from 30 to 36 years of age and well past their prime, so it is going to be halarious when half of us take our shirts off. As you can see from my picture, if I don't do some serious working out the laughter may be on me.

But you have to understand that this competition from some close friends that hate to lose to one another in a card game, let alone a fitness challenge, so it is going to be interesting.

I have three solid months to get this bag of bones in shape and that is what I plan to do. Since entering the competition two days ago, I have log 6 miles of running and plan on starting an intense Ab, my weak spot, routine once my wife gets back in town. Basically, I refuse to lose this competition because I love to talk shit to these guys and they know it. This is going to be classic.

This challenge is awesome because the backbone of it is the re-dedication to physical fitness in our lives. So we are really pushing each other to live, eat, and be healthy. As men, sometimes competition is what we need to get it going. I will tell you this, it has worked for me. Not only am I going to win, but I am going to return to the condition I use to be in when I attened SIU, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, where I played football.

Once upon a time I use to be in some real shape, hence my comment above stating that we USED to be in shape, me being included into that. But that is behind me because I will be in great shape once again.

It is my plan to keep you posted on my workout progress and I will update my picture when there has been some real progress. Maybe I will do a new picture every two weeks, so we can see the transformation together.

Oh yeah, I forgot the winner also gets a T-Shirt that says, "I Won" on the front and, "Champion!" on the back. Needless to say, along with that victory goes the right to talk as much trash as you like because you pulled it off.

This is going to be a great competition and I look forward to winning, rubbing it in the faces of my friends, and getting back into great shape!

Get ready!

Interesting Debate: Public Aid and Barack Obama

2008-07-06T10:20:00.001-07:00

I was with a few of my friends yesterday at a small get together. Had a good time and some great conversation as usual when I get with my close friends. Well, it is hard for anyone to come together and not discuss the political climate and the Obama call for change in this country.

Now, I agree that change is necessary and needed in this country more so than many others. If you recall in my last blog post, I mentioned that I have some issues with this country. Well, I guess today is as good a time as any to let some of my beef out.

Our discussion began with the issues of public health care, education, and aid. I have a really good friend that I have watched evolve into a Republican, but he is in denial of the title. He has all of their classic arguments, but doesn't want to be called a republican. LOL! It is kind of funny, but it is what it is. So natuarally, when you start talking about assistance and helping people out, he carts out the classic argument that you want a small percentage of hard working Americans to take care of the rest of the country. Which as a hard working American, I am certainly sensitive to this matter.

He mentioned that a person should only have 4 years of public assistance and if they cannot get their mess together after that, then they should be cut off. Hey, who would argue with that? I conceeded that he makes some interesting points and they may in fact be true. Sure we could debate the time frame, but why?

Another friend of mine said, "What about the children?" You have to have them on longer because of the kids, they cannot fend for themselves. My first friends comes back again with the classic Republican view that you are creating dependence if you do this that will cycle into generations of people on aid and weighing down the government. All great points!

I like to come from the reality that if your neighbor cannot feed himself and his family, then you are not safe. I don't understand where people come from thinking that they can exploit and degrade a people to the point where they cannot feed themselves and you are just going to live in this country next to them and not have any problems.

If the people around you are not eating and satified, I don't care what type of car you drive, house you live in, job you have, conversations you engage, you are in trouble because that person will hit you or anyone else in the head to fee their babies.

My point: We are all in this together weather we realize it or not!!!!!!!

Here is another question: When did it become so EVIL to want to help out other people?

I get that you don't want to support the people that are just laying on the system, but when did the concept of giving back and helping others pick themselves up because such a bad thing? I just don't understand it. We act as if we are suspended on an island these people are not ever going to effect our lives. We must wake up from this dream.

Second debate: Barack Obama.

Let me get straight to the point. Being a so called "black man", it is difficult to say anything that is seen as not 100% total support of Obama, but I have never been a person to follow the grain, so I will say what is on my mind.

I am not a big believer in this guy because he is a politician. I am not that old, 32, so I have not experienced many presidential canidates, but I am an advit reader and love history. Historically, Politicians have lied, cheated, stole, and said anything to get into office. Once they get there, they don't do half of what they said they would do. So, I just don't get caught up in the Obama hype.

To prop this guy up on a pedistal as the end all be all of so called "black America" is dangerous because what if he turns out to be a crook like the rest of them. Now, I get the significance of him running and the powerful statement that could make, but this guy is not the top of the ladder. We were once Kings and that is the image that should be driven into the hearts and minds of our children. We are the creators of civilization. It donesn't get any bigger than that.

But my point to my debating audience was to be careful with Obama. We found out during the Democratic process that what we see ain't always what we think it is. Example, before the race "black people" loved Bill Clinton and thought he was the greatest thing since sliced bread, but during that election the truth came out. He is not a great supporter of "black people" and wasn't even that great of a President. In fact, many of his policies and proceedures led to the state the country is in now.

With that, I said to be careful with Obama....he just may not be what we think he is. I won't even go into his political affiliations and many of the organizations that he is a part of that have been responsible for state of being we find ourselves in today...ie the Council on Foreign Relations and more.

At the end of the day, I hope I am wrong about Obama and this country. I hope it is as great is the ideals posted on paper. My problem is actions speak louder than words and the words of this country and have been in lock step with the ideals written on paper. Where I am from, when your actions don't match your words....you are known as a hypocrit.

I don't think that is too far off! It may be strong and something you don't want to hear, but you cannot call it a lie. And that, my friend, is the truth!

The Fourth of July

2008-07-04T16:42:00.001-07:00

I will make an attempt to keep this conversation light and fun, but today is a difficult day for me. I will explain this in a minute.

The family and I had some serious fun today. As you can tell from the image, it involved the Wii. My mother bought the boys the Nintendo Wii for some reason. Grandparents don't need reasons to spend their money on the little ones. It just seems to be what they do. Hey, I didn't complain because I was really interested in this game console.

Turns out the Wii is awesome! We have been having big fun playing bowling, Mortal combat, Darts, and variety of other games. For more on that, you are going to have to visit my son's website at www.JayelsWorld.blogspot.com. He is developing a blog about the things he like and I am certain it is going to involve video games. The bottom line is we had a great time.

Now, why is today a tough day for me? Well, I just have a real problem with the hypocracy of this country. The fourth of July is suppose to represent a day of freedom for this country, but the truth is if this were 200 and some odd years ago....I would be a slave. And freedom would be the last thing on my mind. The focus would be on basic survival from the oppressors and madmen that believe they have the Godly authority to control and own people.

So, this is the reason this day is hard for me to celebrate. It is full of crap! Many things in this country bother me very badly and we will discuss them in the future. Sometimes I get people telling me that maybe I should leave the country if I feel so ill towards it, but that is a hard thing to do because it was my ancestors blood, sweat, and tears that built this land. I will not even go into the fact that it was also their understanding of agriculture, building, government, and basic knowledge of the Universe that also supported these efforts. With this in mind, I say, "Why would I leave a land that was built and supported by my people?"

I wouldn't! I would stay and fight! That is what I plan to do unless these oppressors run the country in the ground and that is where it seems like it is headed.

Nevertheless, I hope you are enjoying your day, but please don't be like the majority of people and sleepwalk through their lives and opportunities to make a difference in the world and country we call our own. Don't allow the media and politicians to frame your understanding of history and landscape of this world. Be the most radical thing you can be....an independent free thinker that has the ability to form and shape their own opinion.

Thought is possibility!

7 Year Wedding Anniversary!!!!!!!!!!

2008-07-03T09:06:00.000-07:00

Today is my 7th wedding anniversary to the greatest woman in the world. I cannot tell you how fortunate I am to have been with this woman for so long. She is incredible.

It is funny how life throws you curve balls because back in college I could not have imagined that I would have been married for one, and this happy for another. These seven years have flown by as if they were 7 weeks. I guess that is when you know you are with someone special, the time just flys....or is that old age?

Anyway, I am often asked the question by my friends, "How do you and Krys do it? How do you make the marriage work so well?"

Well, I don't know how it works so well..., but it does. We try our best to be open and honest with one another about all matters and we are not shy about calling the other person out when they are on some BS, but that is rare because we have an understanding that we are in this life together and we both want to make the best of it.

Communication is the key to a great marriage. You hear that all the time, but it is the truth....that is why you hear it so much. We talk all the time and take the time to reconnect with one another on a spiritual, mental, and physical level. All of these are very important to a balanced life and marriage.

Obviously, we have common goals for the family that we put above all small and petty things. Our addictions take a back seat to these goals ALL THE TIME! I think this is sometimes where people fail, letting their addictions get the best of them and their partner.

Addictions can be anything thing from drugs and alcohol to nightclubs, video games, shoes, or food. The point is to not put any of these things in front of your mate and both of your family goals. Family first is the motto and we are serious about our family.

For instance, my wife and I love beer! Who doesn't right? LOL! Anyway, there have been times when we didn't have enough money to get us a 12 pack because it would jepordize the goals of the family and direction we were moving. Well, in this case we don't buy any beer. It is that simple. You have to control your additions to do what is best for the family.

Support is the other key that I would give to a successful marriage. If you are not willing to support your mate 100% in their life endeavors, then you may as well not get married. Support is the key because if that other person doesn't feel like they are not getting the love, respect, encouragement, and support from their mate, then it just simply ain't gone work. Please respect the desites of your mate because if you don't, then you can forget about it.

We used to live in Dallas, Texas and Krystal loved it. She had a job that she really enjoyed at JDRF, Juvenile Diabeties Resource Foundation. Inspite of this, she supported our move to Chicago, Illinois in my quest to be an entrepreneur. This was in 2002 and we have been here ever since. That was outstanding because she could have faught me and we would have stayed, but that is not what it is all about. When I asked her why, she said, "If we never came to Chicago, you would have always regretted and wonder what if and I could not live with myself if I did that to you."

Wow! I love that woman with everything I am!!!!!

Happy 7th Anniversary to me and my Babycakes!!!!!

Happy Father's Day!!!!

2008-06-15T10:54:00.000-07:00

To all you wonderful Dads out there, HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

The world knows we need more responsible fathers in the world. Keep up the great work and I wish you well.

As for me, this Father's Day is bitter sweet. I am alone, which is nice from time to time, but my boys are visiting my parents and my wife is visiting her parents. That leaves me with entirely too much time, thus....I am blogging.

It has been on my list of things to do, the blogging I am talking about, so I get to get it done.

My day is great. I put up some lights in the sun porch. My wife has been wanting that done for a while. Turns out it is really nice. Can't wait for the sun to fall. I am going to have a beer and some quiet time out there tonight.

It took me about 20 minutes or so. I had Sade's Lover's Rock bumping in the background. I really love that CD. It is so peaceful and smooth. Sade is awesome.

Well, the rest of my day will be filed with relaxing, beering, and basketballing. The Celtics are going to lose tonight and take the series in Boston.

Keep Dreaming, but don't forget to run in the process!

The Future

2008-04-30T07:24:00.001-07:00

Today is an interesting day because I am considering my future as a blogger and the development of my website. I am really conflicted because it is my desire to voice my opinions to the world, but my fear that the world isn't really ready for my thoughts.

Funny situation, huh?

Being that this is a blog about Thought being possibility, I am realizing how our thoughts can really limit our potential. I have all of these wonderful ideas in my head, yet continue to think, find wholes in the plan and worry what others will say.

That isn't the Freddie Taylor that I know and this guy needs to get the hell out of here. Yes, I said. I am now going to evict this little me that seems to have taken control of the navigation of my future. That guy doesn't belong inside me and I wonder when did the sabatoge begin.

It is begining to dawn on me that we all have this counter productive voice inside of all of us. Obviously, there is the optimist, but that individiual has been quite lately in my life and frankly I miss him. The pessimist has taken the reigns of my decision making and has been playing it say. Safe is for chumps, and frankly, I ain't no CHUMP!

So today, that started in confliction is now turning into clarity. I know what I need to do moving forward. I must allow the eternal optimist to grab the reigns of my life and guide us through this journey of excitment and interest called life.

You will begin to notice a change to the website, the conversation, and the future that I am creating.

How about you? Will you throw caution to the wind and ride for what you believe in with me?

The time is now and the future is planned for no one.

Onward, upward we must strive!

Thought is Possibility!

Thought is Possibility!

2008-04-27T14:09:00.000-07:00

Today another thought has entered my mind. The thought of receiving enough income from the Internet to support my current life style. Wow! What an idea?

I got this vision from surfing the Internet like I usually do. I came across a website of a guy from Australia. He is a professional blogger, meaing he generates the majority of his income from the Internet and his blog. Wow! I got to thinking that may be the life for me.

The website is ProBlogger.com and there is some wonderful information and resources for bloggers. Obviously, this isn't going to be an overnight situation, but I am willing to put in the time, energy, and effort to make this happen. The Problogger site has been around like 5 years, so he wasn't an overnight success either.

The important thing to remember is this goal just started out as a thought in my head and now it is becoming part of my life as I begin to take it more and more seriously by blogging more, learning about web design, marketing, and more. These are the things that must occur in order to take an idea and make it a reality.

There is a lot of hard work involved in following your dreams, but they can happen. Recognize they all start out first as a thought, but can become an reality. Never give up and make it happen!

Good luck to you!

Happy New Year!

2008-01-01T14:41:00.000-08:00

This is the year. Having grown tired of building, positioning, and planning my way to the top, I am changing my strategy. I am going to make it happen now.

Now is the time to do the things necessary to succeed. They have to be done now. I have learned all of the things it takes to be successful by flirting on the edge of success. Good to know what it takes, but bad to not have emersed myself in those things completely and proceed with passion and conviction.

Now is the time and it will soon be evident that something is different. I may move and look the same, but something is different. There is an understanding that...now is the time. The time to make it happen.

I will have to go because now is the time and there are somethings I have to get done.

Happy new year!

My 6th Wedding Anniversary!

2007-07-02T10:37:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was my 6th Wedding Anniversary!!!! I am married to the love of my life and I know it. How awesome is that? Very!

We just enjoyed each other all day. We stopped working at 2pm to start our date. We had a late lunch, Krystal's Chicken Salad. She should box it and sell it. It is that good. We enjoyed some wine as well with that. Then, off to the movies. Sicko by Michael Moore. Man, that was sick. Health Insurance is a major issue. To see all of those people in other countries just walk into hospital, get the surgery, medication they need, walk out, and pay NOTHING!!! In one hospital, the cashier gave you money to pay for your transportation. It was crazy. I think I will blog about that move soon. You have to see this movie and WE MUST DEMAND NATIONAL HEALTH CARE IN THIS COUNTRY!!!! This is Sick.

Following the movie, we went to Cooper Hawk and winery and restaurant. It was really nice. For $7, we sampled 8 different wines. I only liked one and forget the name. We bought a red wine that is suppose to be fruity. I like fruity wines. Mascoto/Mascot is still the best. After the tasking, we ate dinner. My stomach was upset. Drank too much slush at the movies I guess. Went to the bar afterwards for some more drinks and conversation, then headed home. We will leave it there.

Great Day with the Love of my Life!

Thought is possibility!

Life is Interesting

2007-06-25T07:45:00.000-07:00

What is life interesting? Because I am interested. This past week has been big for me, my businesses, and the future. I have come to a myriad of realizations and lessons that I have been seeking for sometime and I will share a few here today.

First of all, this week I was challenged in my business. Let's just say that someone in a wonderful position to work with my company for the growth and development of both of us presented themselves to be less than earnest in their attempts to work with us. You know when a partnership forms, typically, both parties make some concessions and arrive at a mutually beneficial agreement that makes them better off together than they were apart.

I get an offer from a guy and his organization that of course, they NEVER extend to anyone else. Why wouldn't they extend such an offer to us, my business. We are special. Anyway, the offer was pretty good and I asked for a little bit more on top of it to sweeten the pot on our end as I had some back end extras set up for their benefit.

Long story, longer; this guy didn't budge on the initial offering at all. When questions, he stated that he didn't have any room to make any more adjustments. Ok, I asked for free admission to an event they were holding. He declined. I asked for discounted admission. He declined. What makes it worst is he insulted my company and I as if they are the end all be all of this business.

Well, let me tell you, they are not the end all be all. The error they made was the assumption that I would tolerate being disrespected and would feel that working in any capacity with their organization is a MUST for our growth and development.

Let me just say, this is not the case. In fact, I am so excited this interaction has transpired because it has really motivated me in my business to go to the next level. Needless to say, we are going to decline the proposed agreement and back away from this organization some. Not completely, as the organization does hold a particular promise with our future, but it is not has needed as I guess the assumption is.

Nevertheless, we will rise. The name of my organization is Invest With Passion. We produce Chicago's real estate investment magazine and website. You can check us out at www.investwithpassion.com. We will leave the light on for you.

I say life is interesting because it continues to throw you curves when you think have everything figured. Well, now I just expect curve balls and knock them out the park. We have to remain humble in our approach to life an our dreams to make them come true. I wills continue to keep my head down and plug away until all my dreams have come true.

This is inevitable!

Thought is possibility!

My Father's Day

2007-06-17T15:39:00.000-07:00

My Father's Day was/is fantastic. I say so because I am sitting outside in my backyard typing this message with my family. My wife and two sons are lying in our hammock. The hammock is a gift from my wife. Since we purchased the house, I have been talking about getting a hummock.

We have these two huge trees in our backyard. They create great shade. They also create a bunch of leaves in the fall. All in all, we really enjoy the trees. They are about 12 ft apart, so I always thought they were perfect for a hummock.

Well this morning, my wife wakes me up, irons my cloths, gets the children ready, and takes me to breakfast at Blueberry Hill Pancakes for breakfast. I had strawberry pancakes. They were fantastic. The strawberries were fresh and topped with WHIPPED CREAM!!!! Great way to start the day.

Before we went to the restaurant, entering the garage we allowed the boys to enter the truck through the back. I opened the back of the truck and sitting there were the boxes to my Hummock. I was so surprised. I love surprises. Everyone does, I think.

The day was far from over. We had lunch and a movie. The movie was Invincible with Whalberg. I cannot remember which one, but it was a solid film. I saw it a few nights ago and recommended it to my wife. It is a solid movie, I think the story lacked the punch of blockbuster movies because it was a true story. We already know that Vince Papalie made the team and played for the Philly Eagles. So a lot of the shock and wow factor was taken away. Still, the story is a great one. And the producers did a good job of making it interesting and providing interest throughout.

The Lunch was were the real excitement. Krystal made a wonderful Chicken and Shrimp Salad. OOOOhhhhhwwweeee, this was a good salad. You want the details, don't you? Ok, here goes; there were jalapenos, tomatoes, cucumbers, and more. I don't know what was all in that salad. Maybe she will post the ingredients on day. She acts funny with her secrets, but she can cook, so I don't push. Great Salad, topped off with a glass of Mascoto and two biscuits. These were not normal biscuits, but great ones. There were light and fluffy, just melted in your mouth. And the wine, Mascato is the best. If you haven't tried it, give it a shot. I am not much of a wine drinker, I prefer beer, but is good wine in my humble opinion.

I finished reading Copywriting Handbook by Joe Sugarman and relaxed in the comfort of my new hammock with my oldest son, who helped me build the hammock. It was simple, but not attached to those trees I spoke of earlier. It is a free standing hammock in the northwest corner of our property, near the shed, and under the shade tree. Perfect.

Thought must be possibility because I know I have dreamt of this before.

Hope your fathers day was as great as mine. You deserve it!