tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-278514382024-02-28T13:35:42.015-08:00Frankies Rambling, Ranting, Riding, etcFrankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15350330741188880459noreply@blogger.comBlogger176125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27851438.post-33818169073709610432010-08-08T13:38:00.000-07:002010-08-08T13:44:31.896-07:00An update on the road to losing 39Well here it is the 8th of August and Im almost two months into my 4 month journey on trying to lose 39 lbs by my 39th birthday in December. Initialy this jounrey started off well, I was down about 6 lbs from my staritn weight just a few weeks ago. I since put those back on and a couple of more. I didnt really think I was doing that bad with my choices but then when I sit down and take a serious look, im still piling the empty calories ( and sugar and fat ) into me. I havent cut back on the soda like I had set out to. Candy bars seem to still get counsumd a few times a week and the list goes on.<br /><br />I know there is still time and I can make the changes needed. I decided though last night that I am going to go back and sign up for Weight Watchers. I figure that if I am paying for WW, ill be more motivated to do the right thing. Debbie had mentioned that she wanted to go back so we will go together. I think itll be good that we are both doing it at the same time. We can provide one another motiviation, keep each other in check and eat much better at home.<br /><br />We shall see how it goesFrankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15350330741188880459noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27851438.post-54107325380564724962010-06-23T12:41:00.000-07:002010-06-24T10:15:59.672-07:00Getting Started On The Road To Losing 39What does the title mean you ask? Ive known for quite some time that I need to get serious about losing weight. Im not happy or comfortable with were I am weight wise. A few weeks ago I thought about my 39th birthday which will be here December 18th. I decided that starting June 18th, I wanted to set out to lose 39 lbs by my birthday. That gives me 6 months to lose a ittle over 6 lbs a month. Ive lost 40 lbs in 4 months before so I know it can be done. I also know that if I accomplsih my goal, Ill be down to 168 lbs. Its been at least 15 years or more since I was at that weight.<br /><br />How do I plan on accomplish my goals you ask?<br /><br />Lots of little things that hopefully will add up to alot of weight loss<br /><br />Some of those things are...<br /><br />Cutting way back on fast food<br />Kick the Coca-Cola habit ( or at least cut that way back )<br />Eating healthier and cleaner ( read lots of fruits and veggies, lean meats, more whole grains )<br />Exercise and working out<br /><br />While its barely a week into my 6 month journey, some of these things Ive started implementing already. Im playing hockey two nights a week, along with helping with the kids Learn to Love hockey program at the Castle. Im also pakcing my lunch and healthy snacks to take to work every day. Plus I signed up for a 12 week weight loss challenge on Kickrunners. Every little bit helps. Im hoping to start seeing some results soon.<br /><br />Wish me luck!Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15350330741188880459noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27851438.post-2431442698945827782010-05-24T15:56:00.000-07:002010-05-24T15:59:19.317-07:00Is This Thing On?Wow, I havent entered a blog entry in over a month. Competely skipped an entry in April. Do people even do these things anymore? I checked in on several friends blgs. Its either been months since they last did an entry, a year or more in some cases or now their blog is private ( obviously I dont get to those much or I woulda known that ) Im thinking of making mine private. Most of the time when I have comments, I have no idea who these people are.<br /><br />If your interested in being on the invited list, either leave a comment, email me or msg me on FacebookFrankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15350330741188880459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27851438.post-56862006504027236082010-03-10T19:10:00.001-08:002010-03-10T19:13:20.238-08:0020 Year ReunionWow not only has the 2 months flwon by since I last updated this but 20 years has passed since I graduated Apollo High School. Im planning on going to the reunion but not sure what to expect. I ahvent seen many of my fellow class of 90 graduates since that long ago May night. Im not sure how many folks I know will even be at the reunion. Its being held at Dave and Busters in Scottsdale a week from Saturday. I have heard alot of folks talking about not going to he actual reunion but hanging out at the bar at D&Bs instead and/or going to a keg party. Guess we shall see how it goes.Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15350330741188880459noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27851438.post-55158801705614595732010-01-11T09:37:00.000-08:002010-01-11T10:02:58.685-08:00Grand CanyonLet me start this by saying its pretty sad when you are a life long resident of the home of the Grand Canyon and you have only been there once in your 38 years of living in said state.<br /><br />With that in mind, I went on a day trip up to the Grand Canyon last week. We have had Debbie's nephew Branden staying with us for 3 weeks as he was on leave from the Army. During that time his girlfriend Sina, who is from Germany, was also staying with us. It was suggested that we should take Sina to see the Grand Canyon while she's here. So Wednesday night after I got off work, Branden, Sina, my father in law and I drove up to Flagstaff for the night. Its only a 2 hour drive up to Flag and another 2 to the Canyon ( sure beats driving 4 hours at night after work ) We got up there with no issues, found a hotel and got some sleep ( well at least some of us did ) Bright and early the next morning my FIL infomrs us he has a splitting headache and isnt feeling well. Great, just what you dont want to have happen. We contemplated going home but he said no he would just rest in the truck while the 3 of us checked out the GC. So we made the two hour drive, getting up to the visitors center around 10 am. We then spent the next 3.5 hours walking about a mile and a half walking the rim trail taking in all the sights. Between the three of us, we took about 500 pics. WHile it was overcast, windy and cold the sights were amazing. THe canyon had a alyer of snow in some parts and was just breath taking. We his a gift shop at Yavapai Point and did a bit of shopping. I picked up the Offical Guid To Hiking The Grand Canyon as Debbie and I are planning on hiking the Canyon later this year. We then took the shuttle bus back to the VC and checked in on my FIL. He was feeling better so we then drove over to Bright Angel Point and got a different view. The sun had come out and the weather was warming up so it made for a nice afternoon. We then headed back to Flag, got a bite to eat and then headed back to the valley.<br /><br />So now I can say Ive been to the Grand Canyon twice in 38 years of living here. I guess it wont be 24 years between visits as Sarah and my niece Megan want to go see it, plus Debbie and I will be hiking it this year or next.Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15350330741188880459noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27851438.post-56399676479712762282010-01-05T13:22:00.000-08:002010-01-05T14:38:51.545-08:00Final Week of 2009 ( albeit a little late )I saw this meme over on Kris's blog and liked it, so I decided to answer the questions for myself. ( Im glad your writing more often again Kris )<br /><br /><strong>1. What did you do in 2009 that you’d never done before?</strong> The first thing that sticks out is my ministry trip to Peru. 2009 was probably the year that I felt the most direction from God in my life. From not understanding why my church would send a mission team to Peru in 07 and 08 to jumping in and going to Peru in 09 and getting more involved with the childrens ministry on Sundays, 09 was a big step for me in my journey with the Lord.<br /><br /><strong>2. Did you keep your New Years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year? </strong>As with any new year, '09 started out fairly well with better food choices, cutting back on<br />my Coke intake and exercising more consistently. But like they say all good things must come to an end. Around May with the passing of my sister in law, the wheels started falling off. I wasnt making good eating choices, the exercising went to crap and around the time my Peru trip started in June I was back to drinking soda. I never really got back on track and I still havent found my yet. I dont really have any goals for this new year other than to continuing my strengthen my relationship with God.<br /><br /><strong>3. How will you be spending New Year’s Eve? </strong> We went to a party at our friend's the Tipperys. This was the third year in a row for us although Debbie wound up staying home cuz Tyler wasnt feeling so well.<br /><br /><strong>4. Did anyone close to you die? </strong>My sister in law Lori passed away unexpectedly in May and my running friend Joe passed away also unexpectedly in July.<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>5. What countries did you visit? </strong>Peru ( oh and I flew over Cuba, which was pretty cool )<br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?</strong> The winning 100 million dollar Powerball ticket lol<br /><br /><strong>7. What date from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?</strong> June 10th, the day we landed in Peru. First time I had been south of the equator, first time to South America.<br /><br /><strong>8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?</strong> It might sound kind of silly, but walking the OBX Half Marathon in a caveman suit and dreadlock wig in honor of my fallen friend Joe Truini<br /><br /><strong>9. What was your biggest failure?</strong> Im not sure I had a failure but If I had to pick something it would be not being the parent, husband and friend I know Im capable of.<br /><br /><strong>10. Did you suffer illness or injury?</strong> Just my lower back and hip for a time. Not so much now knock on wood<br /><br /><strong>11. What was the best thing you bought?</strong> Nothing really stands out<br /><br /><strong>12. Where did most of your money go?</strong> Bills and fast food =(<br /><br /><strong>13. What song will always remind you of 2009?</strong> Not sure if there is a song that comes to mind<br /><br /><strong>14. What do you wish you’d done more of?</strong> Think before I react when it comes to responding to what the kids are doing, that and pray more often.<br /><br /><strong>15. What do you wish you’d done less of?</strong> Yell and scream at my kids ( kinda goes along with number 14<br /><br /><strong>16. What was your favorite TV program?</strong> Deadliest Catch or anything on Discovery Channel<br /><br /><strong>17. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?</strong> No<br /><br /><strong>18. What was the best book you read?</strong> I started several last year but have yet to finish them. I think the one that stands out is The Shack<br /><br /><strong>19. What was your greatest musical discovery?</strong> Air 1 Radio, and the bands Skillet and Third Day<br /><br /><strong> 20. What was your favorite film of this year?</strong> I didnt see a movie in the theaters in 09 that I recall.<br /><br /><strong>21. What did you do on your birthday?</strong> Went to Red Lobster and had my favorite Alaskan King Crab legs<br /><br /><strong>22. What kept you sane?</strong> Spending time with friends and family<br /><br /><strong>23. Who did you miss?</strong> My grandpa and I missed seeing my running friends Kris, Beth and Joe.<br /><br /><strong>24. Who was the best new person you met?</strong> While they werent new ( I "talk" to them most every day on Kickrunners ), I finally got to meet in person Kelly, Diane, Dan, Dave and Myron. I was so glad to make the trip to OBX and meet them ( along with seeing so many who I have met previously ) <br /><br /><strong>25. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009:</strong> That no matter how bad we think we might have things. it can always be worse. After spending a week in poverty stricken Peru, we as Americans dont realize how truly good we have it even in these trying times.Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15350330741188880459noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27851438.post-32352395716062302752009-12-17T12:52:00.000-08:002009-12-17T13:03:46.922-08:00AngryJust a little while ago I read a bible verse on a page that I follow on Facebook...<br /><br />James 1:19-21: Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.<br /><br />It made me think. It might surprise you to know that I am an angry person. Most of my friends ( both long time and newer ones ) havent seen the angry side of me. Unfortunately the three people who matter the most to me see it far too often. I dont know why that is. Obviously at times dealing with two kids under the age of 9 is very stressful. Pile that on top of the imbalance I have internally, work and money issues and I guess one could see why I get angry alot. Its not fair to Debbie or the kids. While I dont apologize as much as I should to Debbie I seem to be apologizing to the kids after the situation diffuses. I also make a point of it to remind them during better moments that I love them no matter what, even when Im angry with them. That nothing they do could ever change my love for them.<br /><br />I know I need to work on some things. I know its time to get the next round of HRT too. Id like to work on putting what James talks about in the verse into my daily life. I think It would help out tremendously If I were to think much faster, hear much faster in some situations and not have so many knee-jerk reactions to situations. The only thing that comes out of those is me being a jerk.<br /><br />Wish me luck and as always thanks for reading.Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15350330741188880459noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27851438.post-81493579813127023952009-12-01T09:56:00.000-08:002009-12-01T10:07:16.524-08:00My How Time Flies<div>Wow, its December 1st already. Were has the year gone? I was just looking and its been two months since my last blog update. Hard to believe. While on that thought I was looking at the picture of the top of my blog. The footprints in the sand. I took that pic on New Years Eve last year as I stood on the beach at Mission Beach in San Diego. Wasnt sure if I was going to see the ocean this year until I went to the Outer Banks of North Carolina in November to meet up with my friends from Kickrunners to participate in the OBX Marathon and Half Marathon. We had a great time remembering and honoring our friend Joe "Voodoo" Truini who passed away earlier this year. I even took it a step further by dressing in a caveman suit and wearing a dreadlock wig during the half marathon. Joe often wore a caveman suit when running the Akron Marathon and other races close to his home there in Akron. Plus Joe had dreads so it just seemed fitting to honor him that way. After the race in OBX several of us went for a swim in the Atlantic Ocean that afternoon. Well seeing as how I am a life long desert dweller and it was November the water was quite cold. I dont think I ever got used to it, I think I was just numb LOL. I can now say Ive gone swiming in the Atlantic in the fall. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Thats about it for now. Didnt really have a huge entry planned, kinda just moved along. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Thanks for reading </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Heres a pic of me in my caveman suit and dreads along the course in OBX </div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410330692426889154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGmGt11Ji0XMaTfbz0xD-r0KrWli0f32qgx6SL7KkNfU2skByGVJLvN5eP2CLgfJp5q00uy7gsXcyxTaJ80bltcg76X9DD52jLBiPRCCQsc2uZV-6SepH5ewM9Bm3OQsrazOZi/s400/IMG00351-20091108-0818.JPG" border="0" /></div>Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15350330741188880459noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27851438.post-79669226485180356052009-10-01T08:19:00.001-07:002009-10-01T08:26:27.713-07:00October is HereIm not sure who sang it but Im going to take from a Christmas song....<br /><br />Its the most wonderful time of the year!!! As a life long valley of the sun resident there were a few things that we looked foward to annualy. As a kid you couldnt wait for summer as you would be out of school and you would be swimming or playng in a sprinkler everyday. As an adult and having made it through my 38th summer, I look foward to the arrival of October. Its when we start getting a break from the 100+ temps and the night time temp starts dropping. Its great now when you walk out the door in the morning and its in the 60s instead of the high 90s. Given our locale and climate we dont get alot of the color change like other parts of the country but all we have to do is drive 2 hours to northern Arizona to see the colors of fall. Soon Halloween will be here and not too long after that the holiday season will arrive. I cant wait.<br /><br />Did I mention that October is also the start of the NHL season? Woo Hoo Go Devils, Go Coyotes!!!Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15350330741188880459noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27851438.post-11126139244497657952009-09-28T11:03:00.000-07:002009-09-28T11:09:26.408-07:00Just A QuickieWow its been over a month since I logged an entry, guess Facebook seems to have taken all my interent time.<br /><br />I havent forgotten about my blog, just really havent had much to say. Hockey is going well, we are 4-2 with 4 more games in the regular season to go. Ive finally managed to score a goal. I got 2 assists and three penalties in our loss last night.<br /><br />Kids are doing well in school. Tyler is really doing well, amazing that he is now able to read small word and sentences. Sarah is doing great. We checked on her grades online last week and she currently has straight As, woo hoo go Sarah!<br /><br />I have a story that I have meaning to tell but everytime I sit down to blog it, something comes up and I cant seem to get it out. Maybe its not meant to be wrote, maybe im not supposed to tell everybody what im currently thinking. Guess time will tell.<br /><br />Ill try not to go another month without logging in. Thanks for reading.<br /><br />Go Giants!!! Go Coyotes!!!! Go Devils!!!!!Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15350330741188880459noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27851438.post-27493667331976743772009-09-25T14:02:00.000-07:002009-09-29T10:58:30.871-07:00Staying True To MyselfHeres that story Ive been trying to write<br /><br /><br />Its funny how something someone says changes your mindset and how you might approach things. I was reading an email I got from somebody who doesnt care for me at all. I had tried to reach out to this person after a mutual friend of ours had died unexpectedly in July. I wont bore you with the details of said email. It was just something she said in it that stuck out. She had to be true to herself. Since that day that statement has been ringing in my head and reminding me that I havent been being true to myself.<br /><br /><br />What do I mean? Let me explain<br /><br /><br />I keep telling myself and my running friends yeah Im going to return to running. Yep its going to happen, yeah as soon as I get over this or that.<br /><br /><br />I havent run with any regularity in almost 2 years. Between injuries, recovering from said injuries and just life happening I havent run. Ive been thinking alot about that lately. I have some lingering physical issues that are going to be with me the rest of my life. My degenerating disc in my neck and my knees which are slowly but surely going away. Are these two issues caused by my running? Probably not. They are partialy due to just getting older, maybe not taking the utmost care or myself and just everday wear and tear of my job ( lots of walking, bending, squatting, up and down ladders etc )<br /><br />I dont really miss running. I guess I just never really fell in love it. There have been times I think to myself that I started running for all the wrong reasons. Along those lines Ive probably tried to continue to run for the wrong reasons. I sometimes feel like that if I dont get back to running or make a comeback that the gang over at Kick wont accept me. I mean it is a running message board, whats the sense of being a part of it if I choose not to run anymore. I know they would accept me but it just comes to mind sometimes. Thats probalby why I havent been around the board much if at all. Im not running ( or doing much else latley physicaly ) so why bother checking in.<br /><br />Bascialy in a nutshell Ive pretty much ruled out going back to running. There are plenty of other things I can do. Lots of things to get me outside that I like much better. Cycling, swimming, hiking are all things I like to do, arent as abusive to my knees and neck and something I look foward to. I can always walk half marathons, which is my favorite long distance event. There is no shame in it. I can still hit my 50 state goal of doing half marathons and enjoy the scenery a bit more. Sure as some of my friends have said thats a much longer time out on the course and they wouldt want to do it. Im good with it though. At least Id still be out there doing some thing.<br /><br />So thats it. I dont know how itll sit with the 30s but thats were Im at in life right now. Im still the same Frankie you all have gotten to know, Im just not gonna be running at the get togethers ( if Im still welcome at them ) Save a beer for me, Ill get there eventualy =)<br /><br />See Dawn, my story wasnt going to be too exciting and it would only really pertain to my running freindsFrankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15350330741188880459noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27851438.post-46903530461323573882009-08-24T09:26:00.000-07:002009-08-24T09:38:42.933-07:00Getting Back To Something I Really LoveSo yesterday afteroon I did something spontaneous. I went and signed up for a hockey league that actualy started that afternoon. I had been thinking about if for a while but as usual I procrastinated. I actualy had called the rink earlier in the day to see if they had any open slots but they didnt bother to return my call. So about 430 yesterday afternoon I threw my hockey bag in the trunk of the car and headed to the rink. Sure enough when i got their I was told there was an opening on a team andthat the game was at 650. So I brought my bag in to the rink and watched a couple of hockey game before heading to the locker room and getting suited up.<br /><br />I was nervous as I didnt know any of the guys I was playing with. Plus add in the fact Im not in shape, havent played in about 5 years and then theirs that little issue with the disc in my neck not being right. I went out and warmed up and then it was time to drop the puck. I wasnt out their for the drop of the puck as I was one of the 3 subs. The game went pretty good for the first two periods. I played well ( its not like I forgot how to play ) wasnt out of position and had some good scoring opportunities. In the end we wound up tied but won the shootout after the game.<br /><br />I was sore this morning but that was to be expected. My neck doesnt feel any different from other days when I do something strenous so I guess things are ok. Next game is at 745 this Sunday night.Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15350330741188880459noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27851438.post-79646140796349714772009-08-22T09:49:00.000-07:002009-08-22T09:56:24.534-07:00Ah the memories...Last night was Sky View's annual Back to School/First Skate night at Great Skate. Sarah loves roller skating so we go a couple of times a year to one of the roller rinks here. We made it a family affair as Debbie and Tyler were their too. Tyler decided he didnt want to get out on the rink so Debbie worked with him off the rink. Sarah, Amy, Courtney and I all headed out and joined the masses of grade school kids and parents out on the rink. Sarah found one of her best freinds so I was left to do my out on the floor. Whats funny about Great Skate is thats its been ther for over 25 years and it really hasnt changed much. The rows of multicolored lights on the ceiling, the disco balls and the big glowing bulbs too. Even the paint hasnt changed other than some fresh coats since I went there the first time back in '83. Sure they arent playing Another One Bites The Dust, Whip It and some of the classic 80s tunes but its pretty much still the same expericence. Gotta love it. The kids had a good time as did I. Looking foward to the next time we go skating.Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15350330741188880459noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27851438.post-15840058600595058752009-08-15T10:29:00.000-07:002009-08-15T10:45:21.755-07:00Back to School/A New Beginning<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhP5Qcg7W151hF-X3IR7TdEjuRcQw9aOQ0i4r0dGP7cbUPYkmEiBJdMTmQHZkdbw014GY_JKpKzoR1FxEP8LH8jzzpanLEvd1BFXWKFlQ-aVb7YRqndNBA9lykH47RhJFexKNp/s1600-h/IMG00108-20090810-0742.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370248042505821730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhP5Qcg7W151hF-X3IR7TdEjuRcQw9aOQ0i4r0dGP7cbUPYkmEiBJdMTmQHZkdbw014GY_JKpKzoR1FxEP8LH8jzzpanLEvd1BFXWKFlQ-aVb7YRqndNBA9lykH47RhJFexKNp/s400/IMG00108-20090810-0742.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Monday August 10th was the start of school for Sky View Elementary in Peoria, AZ. Sky View is the school which Sarah has been attending the last two years. She started 3 grade and is Mrs. Heintz's class. Many of the kids she has gone to school with the last two years are in her class yet again.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Tyler started kindergarten and is in Mrs. Welling's class. His first week went fairly uneventful until yesterday when he got into trouble for talking too much and not listening to directions in PE. I didnt realize there were that many directions in PE. The jury is still out on how Tyler actualy feels about going to "big boy school" Ive heard from him " it was boring", "I colored alot" and my favorite, " I hate homework!" Dude you have a minimum of 12 years left of school, get used to homework lol.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I think he will be fine. Sarah, as usual, seems to be enjoying school.</div>Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15350330741188880459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27851438.post-7280032630827390372009-08-06T08:38:00.001-07:002009-08-06T08:53:33.636-07:00Personal ChallengeOver the summer we had a weight loss challenge over on Kickrunners. We had the option of going in money wise or just playing along with no cash incentive. I just played along . THings started off well and I had lost 6-8 lbs from the start of the contest in mid April till about the middle of May when my SIL passed away. After Loris passing I went into a tail spin of not eating right, drinking Coke again =( and not working out. Needless to say I gained the weight back I had lost and managed to tack on a few more pounds. The weight loss challenge eneded Monday and my buddy Lori was the big cash jackpot winnah. Everybody in the contest was a winner in my eyes as they all lost weight ( all except me ).<br /><br />But was is this challenge you speak of? Here it is<br /><br />I am traveling to the Outer Banks of North Carolina three months from today for a meetup with about 20 of the folks from Kick. We are doing the OBX Marathon and Half Marathon. When I last saw most of these folks I was at least anywhere from 5-8 lbs lighter than I am now. My challenge to myself is to lose 15 lbs between now and Thursday Nov 5 when I travel back there. I dont think 5 lbs a month is too far out of reach.<br /><br />How am I going to do that you ask?<br /><br />To start I need to start making bood food, drink and snack choices. Cut out the pop ( again ), more water, fruits and vegetables and limit the fast food.<br /><br />Second I am signing up for a Boot Camp class at the Y which starts in a little over a week. I am nervous about that though. Not so much that I cant do it. After emailing Alexis yesterday she mentioned that in her boot camp classes she has some different types of jumping involved. I have found that my herniated disc gives me issues after jumping, we shall see.<br /><br />Even though I am walkng the half marathon in OBX, I still need to train for it. So 4 days a week of walking will help with the weight loss as will some cross training.<br /><br />I really hope by following this plan I will reach my goal of dropping the tonnage ( as my recently departed friend Joe used to say ) Only time will tell.<br /><br />Thanks for reading!Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15350330741188880459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27851438.post-63338590151288195712009-08-03T13:48:00.001-07:002009-08-03T13:58:05.992-07:00Little Megan is 14Wow it hardly seems possible that my niece Megan turned 14 yesterday. I have a total of 4 nieces, 3 by marriage ( Megan being one of them ) and one by blood. Two of my nieces are Lori's girls ( Britteny and Sami ), Megan is Heather and Jeff's daughter and Makayla is my bro's daughter I know you arent supposed to pick favorite family members but Megan is my favorite niece out of the 4. Im not sure what it is about her. She was the first infant I ever held ( more like I held my arms straight out and ddi move an inch while holding her ) I guess with her its that Ive spent more time around here then the others. Britteny, my oldest niece, was 7 when I started dating Debbie. Megan came along the year after I started dating Debbie. Sami was born in 98 and Makayla was born in 07. Another reason that comes to mind with Megan is that I have spent more time around Heather and Jeff then I have Lori. No matter, I just seem to have a special bond with Megan. Hard to believe too that she is starting high school a week from today. Were has the time gone.<br /><br />Happy Birthday Megan!Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15350330741188880459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27851438.post-25552539611798015822009-07-27T09:51:00.000-07:002009-07-27T10:06:58.885-07:00LIfe Lessons Learned While In PeruWow, tis only taken me a little over a month to talk about our trip to Peru. Im not going to go into a huge writeup about it. I dont think I could accurately convey what all I felt and experienced while down there. I will say that it was an eye opening experience.<br /><br />What things I do want to talk about are some of the differences I have seen. Peru is a pretty impovershed country. Although you couldnt always tell by the peoples attitudes. Granted they werent walking around whistling zippity doo dah, they genuinely seemed happy. The people were friendly and I found myself waving at them and greeting them while driving or walking about. Prior to going to Peru I didnt do much if any of that here. I now find myself saying hello to people more and more when Im out. Wether it be the cashier at the conveince or grocery store or someobdy passing through my office. I mean come on, are we that busy and so self centered we cant take a minute to say hello to somebody or even acknowledge someone, no.<br /><br />Yesterday while we were at church, Pastor Joe gave us a challenge. We were given a case of bottled water and were asked to go to a park or something and hand the water out to people no strings attached. Debbie, the kids and I were going to a Diamondbacks game after church so we took our water with us and handed it out to folks as we were walking to Chase Field. The first guy I went to hand a bottle of water to, he instinctively asked me how much. I said its free, courtesy of Journey Church. He was shocked. Have we got to the point here in the states that we think that there is a catch wtih something when it is given to us? Must be. Its amazing the difference between Peru and here. Down there the people were grateful when we handed out fruit or water. Here people question your intentions. Kinda sad that the citizens of the greatest country in the world question anything and everything. Dont get me wrong, I love my country and dont plan on living elsewere, Im just amazed at the differences between a 3rd world country and ours.<br /><br />Thanks for readingFrankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15350330741188880459noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27851438.post-76495885012957002852009-07-10T10:10:00.000-07:002009-07-10T10:15:15.280-07:00SkydivingJust a quick post to say a group of us from Journey are heading down to Eloy, AZ ( about 60 miles south of metro Phoenix for you non AZ residents ) to go tandem skydiving at Skydive Arizona. For me itll be my second tandem dive, for the rest of the group itll be there first. Im looking foward to it. Maybe while Im there Ill look into what it costs for skydiving lessons to earn my license =) I hope to have some pics of the day's events posted tomorrow or Sunday.<br /><br />And with this post, thats number 165. Thanks for reading!Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15350330741188880459noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27851438.post-806031140543966922009-07-07T09:19:00.001-07:002009-07-07T09:27:48.594-07:00Debbie and I on the pier in Huanchaco, Peru<a href="http://journey2peru.shutterfly.com/179?eid=115"><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procgtaserv/47b9d920b3127cce98548ae3a6a100000048100AaNG7Ns2bN2Sg" /></a> <p><a href="http://journey2peru.shutterfly.com/179?eid=115">Click here to view these pictures larger</a><img height="1" src="https://os.shutterfly.com/b/ss/sflyshareprod/1/H.15/111?pageName=sharekey&c1=pictures&c2=blogger" width="1" border="0" /></p>Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15350330741188880459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27851438.post-64975945412758315152009-07-07T09:17:00.001-07:002009-07-07T09:28:53.518-07:00Moving dirt at the jobsite in Trujillo, Peru<a href="http://journey2peru.shutterfly.com/138?eid=115"><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procgtaserv/47b9d920b3127cce98548a19a65b00000048100AaNG7Ns2bN2Sg" /></a> <p><a href="http://journey2peru.shutterfly.com/138?eid=115">Click here to view these pictures larger</a><img height="1" src="https://os.shutterfly.com/b/ss/sflyshareprod/1/H.15/111?pageName=sharekey&c1=pictures&c2=blogger" width="1" border="0" /></p>Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15350330741188880459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27851438.post-15171600213018929542009-07-07T09:13:00.001-07:002009-07-07T09:30:08.196-07:00Elizabeth ( Ailarie from Kick ) and I in the Atlanta Airport<a href="http://journey2peru.shutterfly.com/36?eid=115"><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procgtaserv/47b9d920b3127cce98548a7fa63d00000048100AaNG7Ns2bN2Sg" /></a> <p><a href="http://journey2peru.shutterfly.com/36?eid=115">Click here to view these pictures larger</a><img height="1" src="https://os.shutterfly.com/b/ss/sflyshareprod/1/H.15/111?pageName=sharekey&c1=pictures&c2=blogger" width="1" border="0" /></p>Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15350330741188880459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27851438.post-47227028878938858382009-07-07T09:10:00.001-07:002009-07-07T09:31:27.096-07:00Some of the kids and I at the daycare center in Trujillo, Peru<a href="http://journey2peru.shutterfly.com/1081?eid=115"><img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procgtaserv/47b9d923b3127cce985488468fd900000048100AaNG7Ns2bN2Sg" /></a> <p><a href="http://journey2peru.shutterfly.com/1081?eid=115">Click here to view these pictures larger</a><img height="1" src="https://os.shutterfly.com/b/ss/sflyshareprod/1/H.15/111?pageName=sharekey&c1=pictures&c2=blogger" width="1" border="0" /></p>Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15350330741188880459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27851438.post-61686369542461385442009-07-05T10:47:00.000-07:002009-07-05T10:56:51.366-07:00July Already?Wow, the 4th of July came and went already. I didnt do much yesterday as I volunteered to work. We get paid double time and a half for some holidays throughout the year and the 4th was one of them. So I got paid a nice chunk of change to sit around and pretty much do nothing all day. Nothing different with today ( July 5th ) either. We get paid time and a half for Sundays and its been quiet thus far today.<br /><br />I fell off the Coke/Pepsi wagon while in Peru. In one way it was rather easy. Everyday for lunch and dinner, they served us either bottles of Coke or Inca Cola to drink. I always had water with me but Coke just sounded so good after working hard at the jobsite every morning. So both Debbie and I folded liked a cheap tent and gave into the urge. She has since quit drinking Coke since we returned but I havent. I havent been drinking it in moderation either. Most days I have 2 32 oz Cokes. Its just one part of my piss poor eating and drinkng choices. Im not sure what happened but since about the middle of May, my eating and drinking habits have gone to shit and Ive gained back the weight that I had started losing in April =(. I feel like crap.<br /><br />I read an article recently about when is the best day or time to start something new ( diets, exercise plans, new activities etc ) They say that a specific day of the week is better than a date with Monday being the best day of the week. Well seeing as how tomorrow is Monday, it looks like a good day to get back on the road of better eating habits, no Coke or Pepsi and starting to exercise again. I really need to get the ball rolling with exercising again. It can only help.<br /><br />Ill try to be better about updating my blog. Just havent had a lot to say latley.<br /><br />Thanks for reading!Frankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15350330741188880459noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27851438.post-1903202219154654942009-06-27T21:16:00.000-07:002009-06-27T21:21:18.879-07:00We Are HomeWell actualy we got back to the valley yesterday afternoon around 1 pm ( after leaving Trujillo, Peru the previous day at 830 a.m. ) Yep over 30 hours of traveling to get back home. I plan on posting pics and talking about the trip in the next few days. We thought we wouldve had more time to journal on our blog we setup specificaly for the trip but that didnt happen. We were constantly on the go from the time we got up till nightfall. The little bit of free time we had in the evening we were just to exhausted to check in and blog.<br /><br />I will say this, it was an eye opening experience for us and one we will never forget. We are already talking about taking part in another mission trip next year. It would be nice to go to another country on a trip but we would go back to Peru too.<br /><br />Stay tuned for pics in the next few daysFrankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15350330741188880459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27851438.post-31824774133166915172009-06-16T14:47:00.000-07:002009-06-16T15:09:38.237-07:00Im Pathetic....Why would I choose to describe myself that way, let me tell you.<br /><br />In the last few months Ive pretty much done nothing exercise wise. I could probably count on one hand how many times I have been to the Y since about March. No walks, no jaunts on the bike, no swimming, wieghts, nodda!. Oh sure there was the hockey clinic in March, a brief run/walk on the treadmill and a mat Pilates class last Thursday but nothing substantial since the beginning of March. Im not sure what it is. The bottom line is I make a lot of excuse as to why I dont get to the Y either at lunch or after work. Im too tired, Debbie needs me at home, itll bother my neck/back/whatever. Same with getting up earlier than normal during the week to try to exercise. I stayed up too late, hit the snooze one too many times, blah blah, blah.<br /><br />Its gotten to the point that I dont even like checking in at Kick because I feel like a poser and a failure ( that an just a plain lazy ass who doesnt fit in )<br /><br />I cant even blame it on the craziness of life around the time Lori passed away cuz I was a slug prior to that. I dont have a legitimate excuse.<br /><br />I recently read an article in one of my few stops at Kick. It was written by Novia and it was about reassessing. Her quote toward the end really hit me hard.<br /><br /> “There's a difference between interest and commitment. When you're interested in doing something, you do it only when it's convenient. When you're committed to something, you accept no excuses; only results.”<br /><br />I think it describes how I do things when it comes to working out, lifting, running etc. Apparently Im just interested in doing these things as I seem to only do them when its convenient to do so. Im not sure if Im afraid Im going to get hurt, reinjure something, I just dont know. I enjoy doing this stuff but something keeps holding me back. There are times especialy when it comes to running in particular that I wonder why I want to return to it. Is it because I really like running or do I just want to feel accepted by the gang on the board? Sure I havent been cleard by the chiro yet to return to running but when I do, whats going to stop me from doing it.<br /><br />Im not sure how much time I will have to do it but I think while I am gone to Peru Im going to try to take a real hard look at myself and maybe do some of my own reassessing. Id like to turn over a new leaf when I get back, we shall seeFrankiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15350330741188880459noreply@blogger.com1