9pm- The last time I would know the time. The group meets at Fountain Square. There are 17 of us, 3 gals and 14 guys. Cadre "Big Daddy" (BD) John introduces us before electing one of the gals to be Team Leader. Cadre John is unlike anyone I have met previously. He always has a smile and positive attitude. He looks out for your best interests. He's got nearly every rank/certification a Marine can get. He will beat you down and make you enjoy it. After formalities of checking bricks, water, IDs, and cash, BD gives us the most important rule of the night:
"Always stay within arm's reach of someone else."
We begin to form to columns and lose shoe privileges. Several of us violate the only rule and we have casualties. We march a short while carrying the casualties before we have to do bear crawls, crab walks, etc…
After a brief march we find ourselves past Paul Brown Stadium looking at the Ohio River. Air temp is in the mid sixties but water temp is only 45 degrees. Soon we are doing bottom samples for 5 and 10 second increments. Many couldn't stay under that long. I did and paid with an instant headache. (that went away nearly as quickly) We did some PT on the beach to warm us back up just so we could get back in. More bottom samples.
Hello log. It was really big. And heavy. Prior to the event I looked forward to the log carry. At Spartan races I typically excel in the sandbag/bucket carries. It's in my wheelhouse. This log nearly crushed my soul. There was a slight curve in the log (it was 15-20 feet long) that made it continuously shift on us. That gave each of us nice moments of bearing incredible amounts of weight. Fun times.
We carried that God-forsaken log over the bridge into Kentucky because BD had never been there. The sidewalk on the bridge was pretty narrow making it pretty difficult to navigate, but we finally made it. Then we carried it some more. And some more. I'm not sure how long we carried it or for how much distance, but it was longer than I (and anyone else) wanted. The log was winning when a drunk guy who pronounced his name as "Roomie" joined us for about an hour and helped lift our spirits (and the log).
Finally we were able to rid ourselves of the log. Unfortunately we didn't get to throw it in the river. We weren't free from burden, though. BD allowed us to trade the log for a pair of boards (Actually, we had to win a ball-in-cup game to do so). These new boards were about 18 inches wide, 3 inches thick, and probably 15 feet long. My guess is they were once used for scaffolding. They seemed so light compared to the log. That feeling was short-lived. Our shoulders ached so after a while we decided to carry it like a suitcase down at our sides. It was a great relief. And also short-lived. BD made us put four rucks on the board making it impossible to carry anywhere but on our shoulders again. Agony.
We went up some giant hill (I had no idea where we were basically the entire time, seeing how it was only my second time in Cincy as an adult). Once at our next checkpoint we got penalized again for violating the only rule, this time with 200 flutter kicks.
Finally we got to ditch the weight. Tired of being punished for violating the rule, we decided that each of us would hold the pack of the person in front of us so we couldn't get more than arm's length away. We headed towards the "Stairway to Heaven" or something like that. It was a giant set of stairs on Mt. Adams that lead to a beautiful church.
The only rule was violated again, so we tackled the stairs with one shoe and no straps. Fun times. Finally up the hill we navigated to a place we could refill our water. While we were at the church the sun rose. It was beautiful!
Our only task left was to return to Fountain Square, but with casualties. Four guys (including the biggest) were casualties. We rotated who carried the casualties, but with everyone beat down, it was short goings. We made it down into the city and I noticed Cadre John turn his back and pull the patches from his sweet java GR1. I knew the time was near.
Once at Fountain Square it was one more round of push-ups. Like always: Down- "Attention to detail!" Up- "Teamwork breeds success!". The BD changed it on us, Down- "GO!" Up- "TOUGH!" It echoed through the square. Moments later BD was shaking each of our hands and passing us our Tough patches. Mine immediately replaced the flag patch on my tac hat.
9am- To the minute, BD delivered the 12 hours he promised. I went back to my car, changed clothes, and headed to Chick-Fil-A. A quick stop at IKEA and I was on my way back to Indiana, tac hat riding shotgun, Tough patch right there, within arm's reach.
Saturday, March 29, 2014
Friday, June 21, 2013
No is Easier than Not Anymore
Recently my wife and I had a discussion about appropriate swimwear for our daughters. We aren't afraid of either of them "looking too sexy" or anything; they are just 2 and 4. What we are doing is looking toward their future and what we think is appropriate as a teenager. Is it too early to worry about that? Nope. In fact, I think that decisions we make today will strongly impact our daughters when we need it the most.
Just today I watched this video about a young lady who is making a line of modest swimsuits. You should give it a watch and then come back and read the rest.
In our conversation, my wife brought up something I didn't even know: in her elementary school there are two dress codes. Younger students, and girls more than boys, have different dress rules than older students. She indicated that there is often difficulty getting the girls to comply after they have had a few years with more relaxed standards.
So that is it, in a nutshell: why say yes now to something I know for a fact I will say no to later? I understand that it is different for a 4-year old to wear a bikini than a 14-year old. If I don't want my 14-year old wearing one, it's easier to tell her a decade ahead of time than trying to reverse a decade of opposite standards.
Here's an example. My wife gets really frustrated that our 2-year old daughter pulls everything out of her hair if it is put up. Barrettes, hairbands, bobby pins, bows- she pulls them all out. Allison sees the hair in Gwen's eyes and thinks it must be bothersome. Gwen doesn't know any other way. Her hair has always (at least in her memory I would guess) been that way. If they only know one-piece swimsuits, we won't have to change it.
This isn't just about swimsuits, either. Let's talk about shorts for a minute. A while back I used to play a game when I was shopping with Allison where I would see if I could find shorts smaller than the distance from the tip of my thumb to the tip of my pinky. At the time, it was rare to find one, although many were close. These days I don't even play that game because most of the shorts are smaller than that distance, and these are for adults! (Which, FYI is about 9") Shopping for shorts for the girls has proven difficult, but we found some that are really cute and the girls feel comfortable wearing.
I want my daughters to be modest. I want them to only know modesty. It starts right now.
Just today I watched this video about a young lady who is making a line of modest swimsuits. You should give it a watch and then come back and read the rest.
In our conversation, my wife brought up something I didn't even know: in her elementary school there are two dress codes. Younger students, and girls more than boys, have different dress rules than older students. She indicated that there is often difficulty getting the girls to comply after they have had a few years with more relaxed standards.
So that is it, in a nutshell: why say yes now to something I know for a fact I will say no to later? I understand that it is different for a 4-year old to wear a bikini than a 14-year old. If I don't want my 14-year old wearing one, it's easier to tell her a decade ahead of time than trying to reverse a decade of opposite standards.
Here's an example. My wife gets really frustrated that our 2-year old daughter pulls everything out of her hair if it is put up. Barrettes, hairbands, bobby pins, bows- she pulls them all out. Allison sees the hair in Gwen's eyes and thinks it must be bothersome. Gwen doesn't know any other way. Her hair has always (at least in her memory I would guess) been that way. If they only know one-piece swimsuits, we won't have to change it.
This isn't just about swimsuits, either. Let's talk about shorts for a minute. A while back I used to play a game when I was shopping with Allison where I would see if I could find shorts smaller than the distance from the tip of my thumb to the tip of my pinky. At the time, it was rare to find one, although many were close. These days I don't even play that game because most of the shorts are smaller than that distance, and these are for adults! (Which, FYI is about 9") Shopping for shorts for the girls has proven difficult, but we found some that are really cute and the girls feel comfortable wearing.
 |
| Pretty much everything looks cute on little kids! |
I want my daughters to be modest. I want them to only know modesty. It starts right now.
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Day Thirty! (Four)
As you may have read before, I'm doing a 90-day resolution that includes eating well, reading the bible in 90 days, doing P90X, and not spending money at restaurants. I was supposed to update at day 30 but it's now day 34. Close enough!
Bible: Failure. I was falling asleep and unable to read and have officially given up on this one. I'll try again someday.
Eating well: Pretty good! I have been best at eating more small meals throughout the day and have only eaten poorly a couple of times. I'm fine with this- I wasn't going for perfection, just dramatic improvement.
P90X: So far so good! Here are some stats for proof: Not including the weekly basketball I play, I have had 26 workout sessions totaling 19 hours 36 minutes and have burnt 14,605 calories! While I feel stronger and have more endurance (MUCH more endurance) the 30-day pictures that P90X ask for certainly demonstrated that I have work left. I might show those at the end, we'll see. That being said I have lost about 10 pounds, 2% body fat, 1.5 inches off my waist, and gained 1/2 inch on my biceps. I haven't missed a session yet (I trade the yoga on Thursdays with basketball) and honestly refuse to because I know I'll get off the whole program, much like I did with reading!
Spending money at restaurants: I have done well here too! As a family we cut our spending at restaurants by over 75% in January when compared to normal. Huge! I spent money twice, once to have dinner with tech people from around the state (I considered it an investment in networking for a future job, perhaps) and again at Chick-fil-a with my family for a fundraiser night for my wife's school.
I'm over a third of the way there and am feeling pretty successful. I knew my endeavor was going to be tough so I'm not worried about a little bit of failure. Now, time for dinner and some P90X Kenpo X!
Bible: Failure. I was falling asleep and unable to read and have officially given up on this one. I'll try again someday.
Eating well: Pretty good! I have been best at eating more small meals throughout the day and have only eaten poorly a couple of times. I'm fine with this- I wasn't going for perfection, just dramatic improvement.
P90X: So far so good! Here are some stats for proof: Not including the weekly basketball I play, I have had 26 workout sessions totaling 19 hours 36 minutes and have burnt 14,605 calories! While I feel stronger and have more endurance (MUCH more endurance) the 30-day pictures that P90X ask for certainly demonstrated that I have work left. I might show those at the end, we'll see. That being said I have lost about 10 pounds, 2% body fat, 1.5 inches off my waist, and gained 1/2 inch on my biceps. I haven't missed a session yet (I trade the yoga on Thursdays with basketball) and honestly refuse to because I know I'll get off the whole program, much like I did with reading!
Spending money at restaurants: I have done well here too! As a family we cut our spending at restaurants by over 75% in January when compared to normal. Huge! I spent money twice, once to have dinner with tech people from around the state (I considered it an investment in networking for a future job, perhaps) and again at Chick-fil-a with my family for a fundraiser night for my wife's school.
I'm over a third of the way there and am feeling pretty successful. I knew my endeavor was going to be tough so I'm not worried about a little bit of failure. Now, time for dinner and some P90X Kenpo X!
Thursday, January 10, 2013
90-Day Resolution: Day 10 Update
Day 10.
So far, I'm pretty pleased with what I've been able to accomplish. Here's a look at what I've done in the first ten days.
Exercise: I have now worked out every day since NYE. Including the 31st (which is when I actually started) I have worked out 10 times for a total of 7:05:51 and have burned 5688 calories.
Bible Reading: This is my worst area. Turns out it takes a long time to read each day's readings. I'm pretty busy with coaching and working out and I don't have a ton of time left over. I am struggling to stay awake throughout the readings. I had a bit of a head start and am currently on "Day 12" and finishing up Numbers. I am considering a holiday from social media to focus on this task.
Eating: Two thumbs up here! I've been using the MyFitnessPal app again (thanks for the reminder Seth Ponder!) and keeping to my calorie intake each day. I haven't had any pop or even sweet tea, just milk and water and one margarita! No desserts so far, but I did have some chicken wings and chips and queso for the BCS national championship game.
Spending money: I haven't spent a dime outside of necessities like gas, groceries, and bills. I did have to pony up for a couple of humidifiers for my girls. Turns out, Gwen REALLY needs the humidity in her room or she wakes up like this:
I'll keep you updated on my progress, but I can tell you that I feel great! I'm already able to work out harder and longer than just a few weeks ago. The bathroom scale has shown evidence of my work and eating habits improving.
How are your goals going???
Monday, December 31, 2012
My 90-day Resolution
Yup, you read that correctly- it's a 90-day resolution. I'm not really interested in (or capable of) committing an entire year to much of anything, so I'm keeping my resolution at a manageable timeframe. Here is my four-part plan:
- Spiritual growth: I will be following YouVersion's Bible in 90 Days plan. I have never read every part of the Bible. Now is the time. It is a bit of a commitment, but on the flip side, it's only 90 days!
- Physical growth: I'm 31 and I have a gut, my back hurts, and I get winded playing with my little girls. Not for long. Over the next 90 days I am committing to P90X. I have started it a couple of times, but only once with the plan of finishing it. (I tore my triceps on the first day so that didn't last long.) Again, this is a big commitment, but will only last 90 days.
- Nutritional growth: I eat poorly. For the next 90 days I will not have soda or dessert. I will make healthy choices for meals. Only exception is for Colts games, when I will allow myself to eat whatever I choose. :-)
- Financial growth: I have always been a spender and it's frustrating. For the next 90 days I will not spend on anything I don't need. No eating out except for gift cards or with my parents. I will not buy a funny t-shirt or even rent a RedBox.
The reward: Conveniently, the 90th day will be Monday, April 1st (no foolin'!). This is the beginning of an entire week off for Spring Break at my school. To reward myself, Allison and I will be going somewhere, just the two of us, to celebrate.
That's it. As Tony says in P90X- "Bring it."
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Why I do it...
This was my view tonight, sitting at a red light with my two
daughters quietly sitting in the back seat, listening to Disney songs on
the way home from my day at school and picking them up from the sitter.
My thoughts weren't on "Be Prepared", even though it is one of my favorites from The Lion King. My thoughts were simple: Why do I do it? I looked at the car next to me and I couldn't tell if the lady driving it was bobbing her head to the music or trying to stay awake. I shared the feeling with her- like I was mindlessly heading home almost as though it is programmed into my very nature. It was about quarter til six and already dark, and my thoughts weren't sunny, either.
So why do I go to work. Why do I labor until 5, when school is out before 3? Why do I stay after to participate in a webinar for the DOE? Does it even matter? I mean who really cares about my Twitter presence or how I use it to grow my PLN, other than those twenty or so people who listened to the webinar? Most people don't.
After a nice dinner with a friend and her new baby, I check said Twitter feed and see another teacher sharing similar thoughts. You can read his here. My thoughts turn to something I read from a student a couple weeks back. For conferences each year, students select a piece of work from each subject area to share with their parents. They attach the sheet you see below to the work and explain why they chose it. Here is what one of my students wrote:
This is why I do it. This is why I have worked so hard this year to leave the "sage on the stage" role and become the "guide on the side." I have spent hours and hours creating my curriculum on My Big Campus so I can spend class time working with students. I want to teach them, not lecture them. I want them to embrace learning by fixing mistakes. This note was exactly what I needed today. No matter how I might question myself at times, I know that I'm teaching students how to learn and to enjoy the process.
That, my friends, is why I do it. And it is kids like this one who care that I do.
My thoughts weren't on "Be Prepared", even though it is one of my favorites from The Lion King. My thoughts were simple: Why do I do it? I looked at the car next to me and I couldn't tell if the lady driving it was bobbing her head to the music or trying to stay awake. I shared the feeling with her- like I was mindlessly heading home almost as though it is programmed into my very nature. It was about quarter til six and already dark, and my thoughts weren't sunny, either.
So why do I go to work. Why do I labor until 5, when school is out before 3? Why do I stay after to participate in a webinar for the DOE? Does it even matter? I mean who really cares about my Twitter presence or how I use it to grow my PLN, other than those twenty or so people who listened to the webinar? Most people don't.
After a nice dinner with a friend and her new baby, I check said Twitter feed and see another teacher sharing similar thoughts. You can read his here. My thoughts turn to something I read from a student a couple weeks back. For conferences each year, students select a piece of work from each subject area to share with their parents. They attach the sheet you see below to the work and explain why they chose it. Here is what one of my students wrote:
This is why I do it. This is why I have worked so hard this year to leave the "sage on the stage" role and become the "guide on the side." I have spent hours and hours creating my curriculum on My Big Campus so I can spend class time working with students. I want to teach them, not lecture them. I want them to embrace learning by fixing mistakes. This note was exactly what I needed today. No matter how I might question myself at times, I know that I'm teaching students how to learn and to enjoy the process.
That, my friends, is why I do it. And it is kids like this one who care that I do.
Monday, November 19, 2012
DVR: Who's in control???
A couple months ago we gave up cable TV and our (gasp!) DVR. Since then, I've learned that the TV had been controlling me, and it may be controlling you, too.
ESPN, you wonderful home to everything sports. How could I ever live without you??? Every guy that I have spoken to about this asks me something along this line; I asked it of myself when starting to consider this plan. After finally going through with ditching cable I have come to realize that I don't miss it nearly as much as I thought, and I'm certain my family doesn't.
Before, in the days of DVR and cable, I would pretty much sit down and watch football all day on Saturday, all day on Sunday, and stay up late on Monday nights. I watched many games (particularly football) and shows that I didn't care at all about; I just love football.
I love my family more.
My football sweetheart is first and foremost the Indianapolis Colts. I'm a season ticket holder, own more than enough Colts clothing, and even have a Colts-themed basement. I can still watch every Colts game- FREE! It just so happens that TV stations still broadcast over the good 'ol antenna. Plus, it's in hi-def. (FYI- Thursday Night games are broadcast on the local markets' local station in addition to the NFL Network, so I could watch those games.)
What I've lost:
ESPN, you wonderful home to everything sports. How could I ever live without you??? Every guy that I have spoken to about this asks me something along this line; I asked it of myself when starting to consider this plan. After finally going through with ditching cable I have come to realize that I don't miss it nearly as much as I thought, and I'm certain my family doesn't.
Before, in the days of DVR and cable, I would pretty much sit down and watch football all day on Saturday, all day on Sunday, and stay up late on Monday nights. I watched many games (particularly football) and shows that I didn't care at all about; I just love football.
I love my family more.
My football sweetheart is first and foremost the Indianapolis Colts. I'm a season ticket holder, own more than enough Colts clothing, and even have a Colts-themed basement. I can still watch every Colts game- FREE! It just so happens that TV stations still broadcast over the good 'ol antenna. Plus, it's in hi-def. (FYI- Thursday Night games are broadcast on the local markets' local station in addition to the NFL Network, so I could watch those games.)
What I've lost:
- Sitting in my recliner all day on the weekends.
- Staying up much too late on Monday nights.
- My cable bill.
The biggest lesson I have learned through getting rid of TV is that I don't actually miss it at all. I still have ways to watch a show if I really want to, but I find myself enjoying much more meaningful entertainment like my daughters' giggles.
Cable companies sell you on the control you get to "enjoy" with DVR, but TV may actually be controlling you. Get off the couch and enjoy yourself!
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