Stillness Experiment - Day 4-6

I thought I was looking from the peak but realized I was just in a valley and the peak was still in front of me. I am embarrassed to say that I become increasingly more inconsistent and allow time to get away from me. I over schedule myself so when my apple watch clicked for me to do an exercise I ignored it figuring I can just do it later. Once one day slipped the others fell like dominos.

Practice stillness prayer for 20 mins a day
Day 4
Stillness was in between a busy day. I took sometime to sit but like the first day I was easily distracted. I continued to rest, mind get busy and go back to my to do list. It was very unproductive.

Day 5
Friday I had a youth activity that evening so I took a while to rest. I spent a long time in silence and listening. I realized that I have allowed a lot of my schedule to control what I do. When I get a break, I am exhausted and try to catch energy to go to the next thing. It taught me to realign my schedule and find a better balance.

Day 6
Another full day. I did not get my 20 mins today

Solitary walk ride for at least 20 mins a day & Practice Lords table as family each day
Both of these practices were not done. Even though it was scheduled, my calendar went off while I was doing something else and never got back to doing either one.


Go on creative adventure
Day 4
Watched Abstract on Netflix. The show is about art and the first episode was on a The New Yorker artist Christoph Niemann. They series documentary showed how the cover had to change specifically in terms of the digital magazine and how the digital magazine expanded the physical magazine. It was pretty interesting watch him make the transition. Magazines are loosing sales and The New Yorker had to innovate to keep the interest of its subscribers and it was really unique way of showing how they accomplished that. It reminded me of the church and how we need to continue to stretch ourselves and innovate to reach the upcoming generations.

Day 5
This was a day of play. After a long night of serving the homeless, I came home and played video games with buddies from Kentucky. I had my friend and my son at my house and played against 3 others. This was a reminder that we need to take time and have fun and fellowship. It was well worth the investment in friendship and in the case of my son, a place where we connected.

Day 6
Put together a bed. For me this helped me "complete" something. Right now I have so many open ended projects that I felt unaccomplished. I woke up and decided to go into the extra bedroom where 3 unopened boxes sat and decided to make it my goal to complete. After it was complete, the boxes removed the room looked like a regular room. This became a reminder that sometimes we need to complete the task in front of us. Many times I give up on task and choose an easier route but to accomplish the right task yields better results.

Stillness Experiment - Day 3

For all the 0 people waiting for an update.... 

So here I am at the peak, I trudged through the final ascension and I am looking below, its still a busy week but the busiest part is behind me... This is why I didn't post and why I slept in and why I have already missed two of the experiments scheduled for today. They will get done but just delayed... So here is a report from yesterday:
 
Practice stillness prayer for 20 mins a day
This was sloppily slipped in between a very intense busy day. I learned a lot about myself in this small amount time though. I find ways to keep myself busy, I brought an old journal (seriously thought it was mine and was empty) and intended to jot down thoughts and potential gleanings from God, instead I opened to find it that it had already been written in. Inside was a lot about, well at least about who I was. This started to gear my brain towards who i've been, who I am and who I am going to be. There has been a lot of waiting for God to open up an opportunity and after 10+ years that opportunity has been seeded. I am curious what it will look like what its been watered and starts to come into fruition. I wondered if it will bear fruit and what that fruit will produce. I am older and still in youth ministry so I wondered how the tree will look after a few years. What is God's purpose for me, why did I have to wait, what will ministry morph into for me. 

My brain was filled with questions and metaphors. Maybe God is leading my thoughts we will see if anything is revealed as the week unfolds.

Solitary walk ride for at least 20 mins a day
This was a hard, I get up early and I didn't feel like trying. But it was worth it. I have been using this time as exercise but no music, no tv just me riding in silence. This has taught me a lot about my body, I have abused it for so long that it is hard to keep up. I can feel my muscles stretching and the fibers bursting. I am tired but I feel better throughout the day. I listen, I don't talk, I typically say a little prayer and ask God to reveal something within me. Still waiting... and hurting

Practice Lords table as family each day
Tonight was a rushed night, my intent was to do the Lords supper with the youth group but it didnt happen, so it got missed. To be honest, I missed it, it was an excellent reminder for me. I will be doing it tonight!

Go on creative adventure
My creative adventure is doing what I love to do, hang out with students. It's an adventure because I don't know them well yet so its a task to get them to open up. A few are starting to know me and its been an interesting. 

I will continue forward and working towards completing this experiment. Still waiting on what God is teaching me!

Stillness Experiment - Day 2

Day 2 was a lot more difficult than day 1. It was a challenge to keep up with my designated time slots but I did my best and will attempt to do better tomorrow.

Practice stillness prayer for 20 mins a day
I essentially rushed this and fell asleep. Typically I would try to do this in the morning but in this situation I was out for a hospital visit. When I was able to get time, I was exhausted and sitting still was going to be difficult and my sitting still turned into napping still. The crazy day continued and I was not able to complete this adequately.

• Goal tomorrow is to accomplish this even if I need to reschedule in my calendar.

Solitary walk ride for at least 20 mins a day
The ride this morning was good. I rode in complete silence and did my best to listen. I was able to hear that my body hurt but thought about what the pain meant. I have been unhealthy for the last several years and the hurt reminded me that through pain I will get back to health. The church has left its scars on me and its been a painful several years of reminders but its in this season that I am feeling much more healthy and ready to continue on in God's service even in a new environment.

Practice Lords table as family each day

Tonight was a little rushed and because of some miscommunication between my wife and I, frustrating. I decided to go ahead and do the Lord's supper with my children. They actually asked for me to do it so it was a great reminder that my children are watching and learning from what I do.

Go on creative adventure

My creative adventure did not happen tonight. It was a busy night and I schedule it for the end of the day.

• Plan ahead for what adventure is going to be 
• Schedule earlier in the day 

Tomorrow is my busiest day, this experiment is about embracing the stillness so it will be my greatest challenge. It reminds of going up hill, the hardest part is when you get close to the top but if you can make it to the peak its downhill, Wednesday is close to the top and if I can get a good successful day in, the remaining 4 days should be easier to handle.

Stillness Experiment - Day 1

I am currently going through an experiment. The following are my results from Day 1 of the experiment:

Practice stillness prayer for 20 mins a day

I put my phone on do not disturb and tried to not look at my phone. I sat still and listed.  First mistake, I drank coffee, this made it increasing hard to concentrate.  I tried this at my own home, this caused another distraction because I kept seeing and wanting to take care of things I felt needed to be taken care of. I decided that tomorrow I need to make a couple of changes:

• Change venue, find a place that is not distracting.
• Leave phone, even though I had the phone on do not disturb, I kept looking that time.
• Do not drink a caffeinated beverage, this will allow me not to be so hyped up and should allow me to focus
• Bring a journal to write down 2 things, the first, write down to dos and distractions to get them off my mind. Second, write down my thoughts that are relevant what God might be telling me. 

Solitary walk for at least 20 mins a day

This is more of a solitary ride, but took a ride with no music. I rode in complete silence and took in the silence. At one point I prayed for God to make some revelations to me, now awaiting those revelations to come into fruition.

Practice Lords table as family each day

Decided to do something a little different. During our regular meal, I stopped my wife and children and decided to use what was on our table to do the Lords supper. Pork represented the body and water represented the blood.  It was a little humorous as we were not use to doing this, my 7 year old daughter giggled but it was unique and we had a small conversation about what it meant. It was a pretty cool experience.

Go on creative adventure

My creative adventure was using technology to communicate with a group of people through a game. My wife and I connected with 3 other people and played Quip Lash 2 on xbox one and used twitch to live stream the game so that everyone could participate. Even though we were not all in the same place we played, laughed and connected as a community. Technology was only used to connect, I didn't look at facebook, emails, or any social media.

 I haven't gleaned anything from God... yet, but this is Day 1. My prayer is that this is setting up the week. I will make a few corrections, and these corrections should help me embrace the stillness a little better. I look forward to what God might reveal in the days that follow.

Exciting News

Most of our friends and family know this new piece of information, starting July 15th I will be the new youth pastor at Central Church and I could not be more exciting. 

The past 4 years have been a process of waiting, waiting, and more waiting.  Several churches were in the process of a search for a new youth pastor, I sent resume after resume looking for the right fit, a couple looked promising but many had no movement in my direction.  So we waited somemore...

I'm not sure why I had to wait but I do know that I believe God has something in store at Central and I am excited about being a part of the new things going on there.  With that said, I am hoping this blog becomes "central" to my journey (pun absolutely intended) with this new venture.  This will be the place to see the successes and failures on this journey and hope to be a place where these things can be processed and serve as a place to remember and learn. 

So here is the first of what I hope to be MANY new blog post in the coming future...

Top 5 +1

Yet again its been way to long since I have posted last on my blog.  Possibly because I am pretty confident that no one really read it.  Anyway, I always thought it was important to blog, for others to experience a little of who I am through this digital journal.

I recently, well today, went through some old post that I haven't posted for one reason or another, this particular post was a "my goals" post that I was intending to have accomplished in the summer of 2010.  It's kind of depressing for me to read but this might be a good start to get focused for summer 2011.  If I can commit myself I will go through these and see how they can change for me.

I am writing this as of April 19, 2010 at 9:27 a.m.

Yes I should be working...

TOP 5

The following are the top 5 things I would like to accomplish in 3 Months.  I am writing this in advance and plan on adding results as months go by.

1. Spiritual awakening

I am down on myself for letting this get away from me. I have allowed the negative things of this world control my attitude and my spiritual life. 

Focus: Read the Bible more, engage in conversation about God more, be proactive about my convictions.

2. Weight Loss

This is one I have struggled with since I got to where clothes do not like to cooperate with me.  I want to look and feel good again, I want to play and not get winded, I don't want to go to the Dr's anymore out of fear of something being wrong.  Last night (4-18-10) I weighed myself on the wii and it said I was 227 

Focus: goal in 3 months is to lose 30 lbs

3. Assessing the Future of Ben Mills

I am being vague on purpose.  This deals with what I want to do with my life.  Life is just beginning and now I want to see what is in store. 

Focus: More details will hopefully come

4. A Better Husband and Father

It is no secret that the last several months I have struggled with some anger "issues" These are part of my frustration with my own personal issues of feeling like a failure and being a parent to a son who loves to push my buttons.  My plan is to make more family time, turning off the t.v., going outside, doing more activities together, doing anything that would allow my family to connect with each other and to put smiles on each other their faces.

Focus: Find ways to connect and engage my family with each other

5. Be More Positive

Elizabeth told me she likes to dress for the job she wants to have, in my case when the job (or pay raise) that I want to have in the business I work for is pretty casual, it makes it that much harder to stand out.  But she brought up a good point, I dress how I feel, which isn't much.  I plan on making myself feel worth something again, like I have something to offer, like I want to make a difference. This might not come in the way I dress but in my attitude on me personally.

Focus: Focus on the positive things in my life

+1 Ordination

This +1 is because it is now becoming a hindrance in my dream.  I need to complete it and I can do it pretty fast.  I have written time line after time line just to see them rush past me.  Each paper should be 2 hrs max but as I write I over-think and then these papers end up taking 1/2 a day.  I am 5 papers behind for licensing and 10 papers being for ordination.  I would love to have them done by June but not going to happen so on this particular piece I am sure I will be struggling with this 3 months from now.  So unless you see an update you can assume I am still working on it and for that I ask for your prayers.

More Coming Soon...

I finally have more coming soon... these past months have been difficult and a bit of whirlwind.  I have attempted to post several times and continually think about what direction I should take this blog.  For a time I thought about changing services and starting from scratch, other times I have thought about closing it down all together.  I am still at a loss as to what direction, especially since blogging has been replaced by one liners via twitter and facebook.  I have a plan but still not sure how that will come out.  Beyond that look for "More Coming Soon..."

Things I am most excited about right now:
Kinect
The Walking Dead
Conan
Halo:Reach
Fable III


Yes this is all tv shows and video games but what do you expect

Another E3 = New Games (Xbox 360)

Every year I watch E3 and am excited about what is to come.  I read a lot of game blogs so typically what is revealed is not much of a surprise.  With all that said there are a lot of games that are coming out (or have come out recently) that I want to get so here is my got to have em' list.  Some I will wait for a price drop that will eventually come, others I have to get day one.  So here we go:

Xbox 360

Halo Reach
I love Halo, I really believe it is the standard of multiplayer games.  It takes skill to compete and it takes time to understand.  Every once and a while I still put the disc in just to play a couple of rounds before moving on to the next thing.  Even the expansion Halo:ODST was a great game, probably the best campaign of all the Halo games and with the addition of Firefight made it well worth the price I paid.  If you take the great campaign of Halo ODST and the great Multtiplayer of the past games, this could easily be one of the best buys of the year.  This is a definite Day 1 purchase of course all the games fall in September which is my birthday so money is not going to be an issue for this purchase.

Gears of War 3
I am not a huge fan but love to play the game.  I look forward to the what is to come and really look forward to the epic battle that awaits with this 3rd installment.  I can pass on the Multiplayer...  I bought Gears 2 on Day 1 but this one I will wait on.

Kinect
No this is not a game, but this is another Day 1 purchase.  I am excited for the technology and really want to see it as it develops.  This is really the next integration for xbox and if this works well and succeeds could possibly be the item to make the 360 last beyond the next next gen console.  With this I am excited to see Kinectimals.  This should be a great starter game to try out with.

Dead Red Redemption
This is a game I didn't really know too much about but loved GTA IV and would love to play this game.

Fable III
I am totally pumped for this game.  I enjoyed Fable II  and really dug deep into its world.  I only wish I could play it some more but it seems that this will continue the story that I loved so much from the past.  I am sure I will spend hours and hours exploring and completing this game.  One funny thing is that I always try to be a good guy but somehow, through my choices, I always seem to be right in the middle.  The one thing I hope they change in this one is the multiplayer.  Fable II allowed multiplayer but you could not play as the person you created leaving it very empty and almost worthless.  Allow for this and the multiplayer would be awesome.  If you were able to have more join in the fun there could be some awesome epic battles that could come into play.  This is a Day 1 purchase if money is accessible.

Fallout New Vegas
I am not a big RPG fan but I was suprised with this game.  Once I got past the tutorial, I could not put the game down.  I completed it and at the end I found out you could have a dog which I did not get so there were aspects of the game I hadn't touched.  I traded Fallout 3 in but have threated to get it back so I can finish the expansion packs.  Fallout New Vegas looks to be very simular which is a good thing.  I plan on allowing this game to suck my life away once again.  My only beef is multiplayer, there was none but in Fallout 3 that was kind of the point.  If somehow Fallout New Vegas can integrate this I think it would be a welcome benefit.

To end this post I was disappointed in one thing and this is really silly but I would have loved to see an announcement by Rare for Viva Pinata: Kinect.  I loved viva pinata: Trouble in Paradise and played it until I wore my wife out with it.  The tech would have been perfect for this and I think its a miss for Microsoft to not have it developed.  If they could use Kinect, with the cards from the second game, better multiplayer with each individual garden, more trading possibilites and downloadable content that add more pinatas, this would be a game that could succeed beyond the first year.  I loved Trouble in Paradise so much that I bought it twice so I could play it again.  Next year bring on the Viva Pinata: Kinect and some expanded possibilities and this would be a Day 1 purchase for me.

The New Xbox 360

I am a gaming nut, I love games.  I don't know why just do.  They are my relaxation tool but my real problem is that I love them too much.  Xbox recently revealed Kinect and with that they revealed a new Xbox 360 and... I want it.  Why?  I don't know why but I just like it and want it.  I have owned a 360 since 2005 and probably had every chip set since.  At one point I owned two 360's sold one to my brother in law and then bought another 360 during Christmas at Walmart's Black Friday and turned in my old one to get a PS3.  I have also upgraded my wifi and hard drive so I thought I was pretty much set, but no I want the new one and the funny thing is I want to keep my old one.  Such a dilemma.

Of course I am obsessive and typically my obsession leads to the purchase and getting what I want.  It's a sickness but I have learned to control it by actually having the money to buy it these days.  Here is just a taste of some of my obsessions:

Macbook pro
Honda Element
PS3
Wii
Xbox
Comics
Big Screen TV
Video Games (Fable, Halo, Gears, Infamous, etc)
soon to be xbox 360 and Kinect

My obsession is expensive so now I must save money to indulge in that obsession.  Patience is key and it won't be long before another 360 graces my shelves.

Pixar List

I was reading an article I found via IGN that listed the Pixar movies from worst to best.  I believe I agree with some of their selection but I would have a different order.

1.Toy Story - The #1 spot was probably hardest to fit in.  Pixar has really put hit after hit after hit out and its difficult to figure out which one is the best.  Toy Story started it all, it really needs its props, if it were not the good story telling and animation then Pixar would be sunk.  It's context in time, its foundation of what was to come make it most likely to be #1. 2.Wall-E - This is definitely one of the best.  When you can take a movie and put no dialog and people still are flocking to see it you know it was made for success.  This movie is one that tugged the heart strings, and even gave you the ending you expected.  The animation and direction was so stellar it definitely deserves this spot.
3.Monsters Inc. - I always thought this was one of Pixar's best, although I see that not everyone agreed.  The animation was beautiful, one that no one could match when it came out.  The voice acting was awesome and the overall flow of the movie was solid.  The only bad thing was the end, what happened to boo and Sully in the final scene, what was to come?  Hopefully a sequel will tell the story but even if we never know it still wins a top 3 spot in my heart.
4.Ratatouille - I believe this was one of the pinnacle movies for Pixar.  At this point everything they touched was gold.  I think that people were expecting this flick to fail.  I don't remember the movie being as pushed as the others in the past.  This movie was even better than expected, one that I can see having more stories to tell.
5.Up - One of the only cartoons that brought me to the verge of tears.  The beginning of this movie really made you think about how quickly life comes and gos and so do some of your dreams.  There are so many elements to this movie I don't have time to really explain them all, but this could easily be a top 3 pick for most people not here because I love Monsters Inc and Wall-E way too much.  But it was still a good delivery for Pixar.
6. Finding Nemo - Another surprise hit for me but I really didn't understand the concept through the commercials.  I knew it was Pixar which was good enough for me to go see it.  I was impressed.  The visuals are truly stunning and this became the movie that said Pixar was not even close to being finished.  It could have moved up but this movie came out during my sons infancy so I saw this movie everyday and everynight, but to show its test of good quality, now that its been a couple of years since I have seen I can now watch it again. 
7. Toy Story 2 - This was one of the risk of Pixar.  Sequels are hit and miss, this definitely was a hit.  I would have liked it more but I did not like Jessie, maybe I am the only one but she really annoyed me...
8. The Incredibles - This really belongs in its own category.  This is almost a Pixar 2 or some other studio.  The story telling was completely different and even the graphics took a different turn.  This was a better movie than an 8 but that is because it doesn't fit what Pixar has been doing.  Even at that it was a great movie another great win and with the extra benefit of Boundin' (probably the best short Pixar has ever done) makes this a must have movie.
9. A Bugs Life - This movie really has a bad rep of course it came out between Toy Story and Toy Story 2 so its chances of being a stand out was little to none.  This was a great story and great animation and was one of the first to have to stand out to other computer animated movies.  It definitely exceeded any other offerings but being the middle of two other great movies made it not able to stick out.  This would be another great sequel and might show how good the original is but I don't see it getting that type of treatment it will always be a small diamond amongst the huge diamonds.
10. Cars - This was and remains my least favorite Pixar flick.  The funny thing is that it is still awesome.  Of course it did well in theaters but it really was not what I expected.  I couldn't imagine a movie about cars who talk it just didn't fit but somehow Pixar made it happen.  Even though this is still a great movie, I am not looking forward to its sequel.  I hope that this sequel will not be the one that starts its downfall because I still enjoy the stories and look forward to so many more to come.

For the article that I refer to go to: http://techland.com/2010/06/21/toy-story-3-vs-wall-e-vs-incredibles-so-whats-the-best-pixar-movie-anyway/

What is your list?

What do you think?

Part 2

I really didn't want to wait this long before doing another post but life gets busy but here I am posting yet again.  I want to finish my last post because I hate it when people post things saying they are going to finish it and then do not...

Spirituality

As I said before 2.5 yrs ago I left ministry and my spirituality reflects a little bit of that.  What use to make me strive was working with youth, building relationships, talking, and fellowship and those were the times that were challenging for me as I grew spiritually.  Working in the "secular" world has really helped my situation.  I got stuck with work and getting up early going to bed early and finding ways to do things that don't even effect me spiritually.  It has been a struggle because it is the one void that I fell missing and I constantly have to work on it.  Recently, my spiritual boost has been reading and watching some of how the world views christianity.  It really is amazing how these things are perked my spirituality.  I have been intrigued on how people view us and it is helping me get back into the Bible and better relationships.  Thats really enough about that...

Video Games

I am as fixated on video games as ever.  I am continually impressed with technology and how I have reconnected with old friends while playing video games.  It blows my mind that we can communicate in this manner.  Recently I have gotten into Halo 3: ODST and borderlands.  Both are really solid games and look forward to some other games coming in the near future.

What's Next

I have been thinking a lot about what comes next.  I never thought I would be working at a steel company at this time.  I don't regret it and it actually was a well needed brake from the politics of Church.  More and more I miss working with youth and I miss doing it full time.  I miss the connections I had with other youth pastors and building relationships with youth workers.  I don't know where I am headed but have been praying that God will give me a sign.  I would love to see 2010 bring about some opportunities and 2011 bring about a full time position.  I ask those of you to pray with me as I continue to ponder on whats next for me, my family, and the ministry God is preparing me for.

A NEW DAY

This summer has been one that has kept me busy.  It suprising how busy it actually got and now we are into fall and...well...its still busy.  I am not known as a pessimist but the summer has brought on success and struggles and I will focus on the struggles, just follow my titling:

Weight
This has got to be the biggest by far.  Since my mid-twenties I have struggled with weight gain over and over again.  I would do some stupid bets to make me feel like I was getting some accountability but in reality we made rules broke them and would reward our small success of flunctuating weight.  It had to stop and this was the year to do it.  So I joined Weight Watchers for the first time in my life.  There are several struggles, first of all there are people who made fun, second it was a call to a problem I didnt want to admit existed.  After several months and struggling with what Weight Watchers was I lost my first 10 lbs but then came a cruise, vacations, summer outings etc and I am currently 2 lbs away from my beginning weight.

Last week I decided I was going to start taking Weight Watchers seriously.  I am having a second child and I want to remain active with Malachi as well, so I am trying to get back on track and today I drank a 8 oz coke and water and tea the rest of the day.  I did however did not eat well but it takes time to get adjusted.

30
Turning 30 was really not a big deal, many people made it much more than what it was.  I was going to write a post on what I would have liked to do before I was 30 but realized that with how life is right now I am glad with the choices I have made and happy with the life I am a part of.  Yes, there are things I would like to change but life isn't good without some struggles and I am blessed to live life how I did with the people I did.  (PROPS TO ELIZABETH, MALACHI, AND UNBORN MILLS) 

Ministry
This has probably been one of my biggest struggles to date.  2 1/2+ years ago I left ministry and it was tough choice but the circumstances were against me.  I was struggling with leaving New Albany the previous year, my wife was into her Masters and I wasn't ready to move my family quite yet.  I figured when Elizabeth was done we could find a place and move with a new start, refreshed and ready to go.  Obviously things didn't work out that way.  We are not in a position to move and in reality I am not in a position for a full time ministry.  The past 6 months I have been searching diligently for a part time youth minstry job in the area, of course I am looking within the Church of God and there is just nothing really available.  There was one option but was turned down with a very gracious and oddly written rejection letter.  With all of that I have been in the ordination process for way to long, and have failed another year to produce the 10 papers that are needed for the next portion.  I am working and hoping for yet again another chance but its been hard.  (yeah I realize I could be writing a paper write now but really wanted to write a post) 

Asbury 
In October, I will be on my way to visit Asbury to look at the campus and decide if I am ready to start my Masters.  There is a dilema, it's adding more work load and provides more opportunities to procrastanate on responsibilites I have already given myself.  But that is a reason why I havent completely decided to move forward with starting school and still evaulating my options.

to be continued...

to come Spirtuality, Video Games, and just plain life

Tonight is the release of Halo 3: ODST and I am debating about getting up early to go get it oh well... 

UPDATE ON WEIGHT LOSS

Its been quite a while since I have been blogging.  Its something I enjoy doing but I guess Twitter has been hitting my fancy lately.  Anyway here is an update on my weight loss.  Since posting my last post I have joined Weight Watchers and really focusing on what I eat and drink, though there are plenty of times I am weak and fail.  I am ok with that, but most importantly I beat Wade in the weight loss challenge this year at camp.  But I am continueing my path to loss more weight so I can be healthier for my children.

--
Follow me at www.twitter.com/nebsllim

The Last 13 Days

The past 13 days have been up and down. It is hard to stay on task with my kind of mentality. I love to eat and I love to eat excessively. I know that sounds weird but its like I get a taste or a craving I cant stop. This past week I have tried something new for me. It has been a real stretch but I am trying hard to stay on task and do what the program involves. I will know better on Friday. Until then...

Day 7 and 8

Day 7 is my break from excerise because Malachi has rookie sports but I did eat pretty decent, which is always good but Day 8 was a bad day for me. I got to work really hungry and had already spent all my "fun money" for the week so I sat there hungry and then a rep brought in fresh donuts from Krispy Cream and there they were staring me right in the face so I had to eat one. (if I had eaten I would have been able to resist). After biting into it I found that is was fresh and still warm so I decided to get another. To end with a bang I had a coke plus no excerise so today I have to kick it up a notch if I plan on beating Wade before everything is said and done. GEEZ why couldnt water be coke and veggies be donuts....

Rookie Sports

The past couple of weeks we have been taking my son Malachi to rookie sports at the YMCA. ITs a program that introduces sports to kids and since Malachi's father is not a sports person per se than we have to find alternatives for him to learn JK

The first two weeks have been total chaos. Its too many kids and not enough instruction but since we paid for it we are going to keep taking him. Plus he gets to spend time with his buddy John.

I am hoping that tonight is better but its good to see Malachi having some fun. We are somewhat private and dont get around kids Malachis age all that often so we are always jumping for those types of opportunities.

Current Games

As always I play lots of games. The currect games spinning on my xbox are Peggle, Halo Wars, GTA IV, and Oblivion.

Peggle is way to relax the mind. It gets you to think but at the same time it does a good job of not stressing you out. I would encourage anyone to purchase this game and give it a whirl Personally I give it a A+

I started Oblivion but like more RPG's got lost so I ordered the strategy guide for some tips and tricks (yes I do pay for stradegy guides because I would rather find it in one place than have to read through the internet OLD SCHOOL). Because of that, Peggle and my reintroduction to liberty city it has taken the back burner for now

Halo Wars is very fun and is typical of any RTS. Unfortuately I have to be in the mood to play RTS and would love to play online but would like to play with someone I know and I seem to be the only one that has the game that is online consistantly. But my rating as an unfinished game is B-

GTA IV is still a great game. I can do without the language and since the sex is what can be avoided I can still justify the purchase. It still has great game play but does get frustrating at times and I tend to shut the game down and try something else. I am almost complete and look forward to the expansion which I will only purchase after I have beat the game.

There are several games that I am ready for and looking forward to:

Godfather II (I will get on day one but probably will be overpriced)
Boom Blox Smash Party - the first was classic hope this comes with WiFI
Magic the Gathering for 360 - I am pretty pumped (even though there is still no locked in date) I really enjoyed MTGO but cant afford to keep up with the cards plus my friends dont play anymore if they get the coop working right and some expansions in the mix this would be worthy of any mtg player
Finally Family Game Night which comes out this week. This is purely for the pleasure of playing board games online with my family. I love interactive games where we can socialize as we play.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid - Rodrick Rules

After reading the first book (and liking it) I ordered the next book in the series (for my wife) and read it one it hit the steps of our door (I love amazon). I still liked it and read it in about 2 hrs but its more of the same.

It still written in diary form, which is to be expected but the situations are different yet they tend to be very similiar. I had the same problem with Series of Unfortuate Events after a while you feel like you have read the book just traiding the situations around.

The book still kept me captivated and will look forward to the 3rd in the series but that might be a while before I get to it.

Other books I am reading:

Spiderwick Chronicles Book 1
Y the last man
Sandman Vol 2

Day 4, 5, 6

I have done well with not drinking coke but still lack the discipline for eating. I tend to eat everything in sight and don't limit myself. This week the goal is to eat less. Also the workouts didnt go oh so well so another goal is to workout everyday this week.

Today is rookie sports with Malachi so there will not be a workout today since we wont get home until late.

I still drink Sweet Tea likes its going to run dry soon next weeks goal is to drink purely water which is a huge task since I hate water.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

My wife recently brought home a new book called Diary of a Wimpy Kid. I have seen it advertised at the local bookstore and amazon but by the cover (yeah I know dont judge a book by its cover) it looked like a childs book so I kept my distance.

When she brought it home she discussed how she liked it and thought she would use it with some of her students. She raved about it so I decided to read it one night and here is my quick review:

This book was written with middle schoolers in mind. Seriously the diagrams and words are what I was thinking through middle school and remember as middle school being. Kinneys' humor shines through each page making me laugh everytime.

The book is simple and easy to read and understand. It really appeals to the middle schooler but really catches the eye of an adult.

If you have a middle schooler (especially one that hates to read) buy this book one for you and for your student and read it together. You will laugh and in some ways it will let you be apart of that confusing preteen years.

Thanks Elizabeth for leaving the book on the bed for me to open it up :)