Time to Vent

I'm pissed. I'm really tired of it! What is "it" you ask? Well, everything. I'm getting really run down looking around and seeing our world descend into sesspool of selfishness and garbage. In the last year I really had my eyes opened to the wonderful things God has in store for all of us if we would just turn to him and say thank you. But we're more interested in which HDTV is going to look best in our living room or what's going to happen on Lost next Wednesday.

Now don't get me wrong, I enjoy my share of entertainment options but our culture has descended to the point that it is the #1 thing on the list for most people. Actually is probably #1 through #5.


Case in point, we are smack dab in the middle of a complete global crisis. A significantly large portion of the Middle Eastern community wants to eradicate the "western" way of life, our government is too busy squabling over who said or did what at what time and worrying about who will obtain and maintain control of Washington to put any focus on actually addressing the problem in a way that doesn't just exacerbate it (you know, a way that doesn't involve things blowing up and people getting shot). There a millions of people dying regularly from preventable
issues like hunger and disease. In our own country we have areas of the county where thousands of people are still out of work. Now what were the two biggest stories on every news channel and website this week?

1. The trial to determine what to do with Anna Nicole Smith's body

2. Brittney Spears and her damn shaved head


I mean who the F*&k cares! Not me. Get that crap off the tv
and out of the news! If that's what sells papers and gets people to tune into Fox News or CNN then we are in far more trouble than we realise. I know war and poverty and disease are not fun or "sexy" things to watch on TV but tough shit! It's real and it's here and we need to deal with it. If we continue to turn a blind eye to it then as a society we are worthless. Sure we can kick out some iller movies and music and TV shows but we can't keep some poor kid in Africa from starving to death while we sit at home and throw away our leftovers.

Everyone wants to know the meaning of life, where there it is. The reason we are here is to take care of those who can't take care of themselves. We are supposed to love those next to us, not our TV. One.org supports the idea that increasing our governments monetary support for extreme poverty by 1% would immensely change the face of poverty in Africa. What if we gave 1% more of our attention to things that actaully matter? How hard is that? What if we actually thought about what we are doing with ourselves instead of coasting through life on cruise control waiting for something fun to happen? How much better can we make it?

I know one thing; God doesn't care what Jack's tattoos mean, He doesn't care who won the Super Bowl and He doesn't care how much Brittney's hair goes for on E-Bay. But he cares about that starving kid in Africa, he cares about our kids dying in Iraq and he cares about the fact that we don't seem to care.

This picture would piss God off. When is it going to start doing the same for us?

Hockey, It's What's For Dinner

Before you watch this remember, the NHL has tried for several years to eliminate fighting from hockey, now their games can only be found on Versus.




One more thing, Chris Neil: Greatest.....Griffin......Ever!

Two Words: HELL and YES!

Sick Dude. Sick.

1/4 Of The Way There!

Well, it's been 12 weeks and I officially finished 2nd in the office weight loss pool. 25 pounds lost, about 7% of my starting body weight. A little less than I had hoped but I'm on my way to my 1 year goal of 100 pounds. Thanks for all the support everyone! Please keep on me. I'm feeling better than I have in years and I'd like to keep improving on the health front.

I also want to give Chris some big props! He started this before me and is doing even better than I am. Keep it up buddy!

Global Warming My Ass!

This is what it looked like when I got home from work last night around 6:00



And this is what it looked like when we got up this morning around 11:00


Have I mentioned yet how much I love Michigan?


On a lighter note, I lost five pounds this week, brining my total to 25 pounds over the last 10 weeks! Take that! I totally Chuck Norrised your ass Fat! Yeah, and I'm gonna keep doing it too. You'd better run punk. You tell the rest of those fat cells: I'M COMING FOR YOU! AND HELL IS COMING WITH ME!

Sorry, started channeling Kurt Russel there for a minute. I guess I got a little carried away.

OK, I'm off. Have a great week!

Stupid Boston

The next time I hear some dufus from Boston talk about how people in the south are stupid I'll just have one thing to say:





Atlanta figured it out

Random Thoughts For Saturday.

So what to write about? I'm in a mood to do some writing but I really don't have any pressing topics to discuss. So it looks like we're going with the random thoughts route.

* Have you ever noticed that when we get a few weeks of abnormally warm weather in the winter everyone screams about global warming, but then, when a week later we get record cold temperatures those same people are no where to be found? By the way, it's freaking cold in Michigan!

* I'm totally convinced that Jack Bauer and the entire staff at CTU have superhuman powers. I mean, have you noticed that in every episode at least one person is able to travel between completly different sections of Los Angeles in a matter of minutes? Now that's a super power I can get behind. Screw the X-Ray vision, I want immunity from traffic baby!



* I've been watching Pro Wrestling lately and I noticed that Shawn Michaels is still one of the top 3-4 guys in the WWE, just like he was when I quit watching it 10 years ago. Is that a good thing? Doesn't that kind of mean that absolutely nothing new has happened in the last 10 years? Oh right, it's wrestling, nothing new has happend in the last 40 years. Damn I miss the Ultimate Warrior!


* Is it possible to listen to too much David Crowder Band? If so I'm probably close to the limit, but it sure seems like I can cram in a lot more.

* Free The West Memphis Three! Actually, don't free them, but please get them another trial. I mean come on, is our justice system really that screwed up? * Is it bad if whiskey chased with Dr. Pepper tastes like apple juice?

* I just finished two books by Mary Doria Russell, "The Sparrow" and "Children of God". Big ups to Chris and Rie on those ones. If you haven't read them, please do. Absolutely amazing! Definitely up there with Dune and Enders Game when it comes to great Sci-Fi.


* Is there a more beautiful sound that Amazing Grace played on the bagpipes? I think not. I will not accept any counter arguments. I'm Irish, I'll do what I want.

* Have I mentioned that it's colder than a witches titty here? Michigan sucks!

* 18 days until pitchers and catchers report!

* Hey Rie, you guys watched "The Jerk" yet?

* Holy crap, I'm gonna be 30 this year! Man my parents must be old by now.

* Whatever you do, DO NOT, under any circumstances rent "Idiocracy" with Luke Wilson. Your brain will leak out through you nose and ears. It made "Larry the Cable Guy: Health Inspector" look good. How do these people get funding for trash like this?

* Go 'head Mr. Wendall!

OK, I guess that's enough for today. Thanks for tuning in. And now for this weeks weight report:

Unfortunately I gained a pound this week. I kind of got off the food regimine and had a couple of "fun" meals. I'll never be able to cut out my food. But at least I'm keeping the bad stuff to a bare minimum and getting my exercise. When I first started I was barely able to put in 30 minutes on a treadmill. Now I'm doing 35-40 minutes of cross country terrain courses on the elliptical machine at a brisk jog. I will be in shape for softball this year. The fields will shake with terror at the return of the smashing machine that is "The Dwight".

This week: +1 lb

To date: -20 lbs

Have a great week everyone!

Have You Missed Me? 'Cuz I've Missed You.

Sorry about the lack of posts lately. Things have been pretty busy at work and we now have the nephew at our place two nights a week so I haven't felt much like writing lately. I know that's no excuse but it is the reason you haven't heard from me. I fully intend to re-establish my weekly postings. Thanks to those of you who checked up on me. The weight loss is still going well; 21 pounds lost to date, 79 more to go!

So, Jenny and I went out yesterday, had lunch at The Black Rose Pub to celebrate our 6th anniversary. Afterwards we did some shoping and wound up at Woodland Mall where we saw the mostly totally, wonderfully, awsomely awesome thing I have ever come across. We were heading into Penny's and up ahead I saw what at first I thought was an elderly woman in a very tacky fur coat. Then I realized this person was wearing red Nike's that matched their red pants and a their red Kangol. Then they turned a little and I noticed 4 giant man rings on the left hand and and started to get a little worried. He completed his turn and I came to the realization that he was an elderly white male of at least 60 years. We trailed him in horrified fascination trying desperately to get a picture, but alas he was far to wily for us. Friends I do so wish I could share the experience with you, it was easily the greatest live encounter with unintentional comedy I have yet enjoyed. I will treasure it always.

Well, I guess that's enough for now. I'm off to catch the Indy - NE game. Go Colts!


Weight loss since last post - 3 pounds

Weight loss to date - 21 pounds

Ninja Puppies are Coming!

Criminals and ne'er do wells beware! A new crime fighting duo has unleashed their brand of violent, vengeful justice on the underworld.



Beware the Ninja Puppies!












Weight Loss this week - 2 lbs

Total weight loss - 18 lbs

Holy Crap! SNL is Funny Again. At Least for One Night.

So I'm up late last night, not quite ready to go to sleep so I decide to check out SNL and something amazing happened. I watched 4 skits and all four were good. Justin Timberlake was hosting and they had him dressed up in one skit as a giant soup cup and competing with Santa for Christmas change donations; then they had him in a decent gameshow skit followed up by a reprise of the hilarious "Barry Gibb Show" (Talking it up, on the Barry Gibb Talk Show). All were good but not great.

Then they dropped this one on me. I will warn you, it is not safe for work or children but it is an SNL skit so other than that all is safe. I thought at first it was some sort of lame attempt to make fun of Hall and Oats and Color Me Badd. I thought it was kind of stupid and was about to turn it off when..... well just see for yourself: (Oh and be sure to turn off the music player at the bottom of the page)

Two Big Boys

Currently Listening To - Wolfmother: Woman

I'm in a bit of a weird mood this morning. I wanted to post something but couldn't figure out what I wanted to say. So I sifted through some old pictures and came across this one of me and my "little" brother Paul rockin' the Monorail at Disney a couple of years ago. I don't know why but I love this picture. Just me and the boy chillin between parks. So I dug a little deeper and found a couple more fun pics.



Damn, I was a cute kid. I remember that sweater always got compliments from the girls at school. It always paid off being the weird readheaded kid. I think because I was less threatening than the more popular kids. Plus do you see that hair. I mean DAMN! (I told you I was in a weird mood today).

And here's one of the other Wade boy. Holy crap what a dork! Of course if someone else had said that back in the day I would have completly throttled their ass.

Oh and if you are wondering how two guys could wind up so world alteringly cool; well here's your answer:

Yes friends, that is indeed Mr. Dennis "Big Daddy" Wade in all his 70's glory. I mean check out those choppers. This was of course pre-beard so you may have trouble recognizing him but it is him all the same. I can see what my mom was thinking. I mean, dude was a pimp!

OK, I guess that's enough. Sorry I had to put you through all that.

Weight Loss Update

I started a regular, daily exercise schedule this week as opposed to just squeezing it in when I could before. It was a short week for weight loss since I weighed in on Monday (last post) and then again on Friday but I still lost a few pounds and I am still on track to drop 100 pounds in 6 months.

Weight Loss This Week - 3 Lbs

Weight Loss To Date - 16 Lbs

A Little Less Fat, A Lot More Action

Why am I posting a picture of a Turkey a full two weeks after Thanksgiving you ask? Good show old boy, excellent question. Well I chose said turkey to illustrate a recent success. That's right friends, since the start of my journey I have lost the equivalent of a medium sized frozen turkey. A total of 14 pounds in three weeks. I am stoked! I've done it mainly on a radical change in my diet and minimal exercise. I've cut out the junk food, soda and sodium and replaced them with wheat bread sandwiches for lunch, loads of veggies at dinner, 4-5 salads a week and low fat jello for desert. Of course I've had a few indulgences but you could cut off a couple of my fingers and still count them on one hand so I'd say that beats the every day Oreo binges I had been known for.

As for the exercise, I got in a walk whenever I could but with work being hectic and some craziness going on at home I didn't do nearly as much as I wanted. Well no more, starting today I am working out on my lunchbreak at the office. I don't like anyone at work enough to eat lunch with them anyway so this will be a good use of my time. And if you need a reminder of the wonderful, joyous bliss that awaits you at the end of my journey; well here you go:

Weight Loss This Week - 6 Lbs

Weight Loss to Date - 13 Lbs

Today's Listening Pleasure - Aerosmith: Dream On

THE GAME

Today's Mood - Motivated

Today's Music - Say Anything: I Want To Know Your Plans

Today's Plans - Army v Navy

This Weeks Weight Loss - 1 lb

Total Weight Loss - 7 lbs

So today is one of my favorite Saturdays of the year. The annual Army/Navy football game in Philly. I've been watching the game since I was just a little pain in the ass. My dad got me into it. I always thought it was weird that he thought the game was such a big deal since Georgia never played in it; but as I got older I realized it's not about the team it's about all the people behind the teams. These guys are not just football players, they are soon to be officers that will be putting their lives on the line for our country. For me the game is a chance to look at the TV and ooze with pride at the men and women that we turn out from this great country. And with as messed up as things are these days, it's wonderful to know that these guys have our backs.

Now with a great grandaddy that served on a battleship in WWII and a granddaddy that also served in the Navy after WWII I am obviously a Navy man. But again, the game is only slightly about who wins. More importantly its about celebrating our armed forces and the men and women who serve. So I'd like to give a shout out to all those who have put in their time taking care of all of us here at home. Doug and Bish, this especially goes out to you guys, even though you only joined the Air Force. Just kidding. You guys are my heroes.

Now, for the important part.

GO NAVY! BEAT ARMY!

Happy Thanksgiving

Well I hope everyone had a great holiday. Brandy definitely got her fill of turkey and has pretty much been doing this all weekend.

As for me, week one of my weight loss project was a success. I dropped 6 pounds between Friday and Wednesday. We weighed in early this week because of the holiday. Of course I figure about 2 pounds was due to the fact that I weighed in Friday in the afternoon after eating breakfast and lunch whereas on Wednesday I weighed in first thing before eating any food or having any water. But nevertheless I dropped some weight this week.

Of course this new endeavor has affected my holiday. I was very careful with what I ate yesterday, keeping it to one plate of food and one piece of pie. We only brought leftover turkey home so that I am not tempted to gorge myself of leftovers and let me tell you I would love nothing more than to dig into some corn casserole right now! But, I figure I've had 29 years to gorge myself on the holidays, I can handle one year of less than nominal food intake.

Well, thanks for checking in. I'm off to watch more football. Hopefully my Dawgs can take care of those pesky Yellow Jackets tomorrow and salvage something out of what has been a horrible season.

Go You Silver Britches!

Weight Loss This Week - 6 lbs

Weight Loss To Date - 6 lbs

Operation Jumbo Drop

Well today is day one. The goal? To lose a small human over the next 8-12 months. Starting here:

I plan to lose 100-120 pounds by this time next year. If you're reading this then hopefully I consider you friend or family and I ask for your support. I'm taking charge of my health beacuse I'm sick and tired of being fat. I absoulutely love who I am but this fleshy vessel in which I transport the awesomeness that is The Dwight has got to go.

So, please cheer me on. I will be making weekly update posts on this page to chart my progress. I welcome any encouragement or criticism that you feel necessary. With your help I will reach my ultimate goal. Yes that's right, next year, at Halloween, The Dwight will appear at a creepy party near you as the one, the only:


BUCK ROGERS!

Now Laugh Damnit!

Howdy Friends.

Well it's been quite some time since I've written anything meaningful here but things have been a bit hectic for me. I am continually amazed at the way God works in our lives. Things get turned upside down, flipped and turned around only to have God waiting with arms wide open to catch us. Wounds are meant to be healed and the process is unbelievably amazing. Thanks to those of you who have leant your support over these past few weeks, you know who you are and we love you very much.

So this weekend was supposed to be a fun getaway to Holland where the wife and I would do some shopping and have some fun. I had not been over to the uber-Dutch corner of this overly Dutch corner of Michigan since I was knee high to a grasshopper and I had based my expecations for the trip on prior memories of the experience. Well, much to our chagrin, ye old outlet mall has fallen into a bit of disrepair. I assume it has much to do with the availability of quality products at affordable prices at retailers such as Meijers or Wal-Mart but it was quite the shock to see approximately 2/3 of the storefronts empty. Jenny's visions of prancing through the parking lot with bags full of heavily discounted products was dashed quickly by the revelation that The Gap and American Eagle were her only choices. At my salary level you don't fill up many bags when the heavy discounts come off of clothing that was unreaonably marked up beforehand.

Ah well, it was not meant to be and we amused ourselves by going to the Westshore Mall and filling up shopping bags at stores that could have been reached at shopping centers without driving 45 minutes away from home in a car with no A/C. But at least we got to hang out together and eat at the Red Robin so all was not a loss.

I also need to give big props to Rie for putting together a killer treasure hunt. Unfortunately Jen and I were not able to compete but we were able to help out and it was a blast. We can't wait for the next one!

Well, I guess that is the extent of my update. I will try to relay more in the coming days. I start school again in 2 weeks and that always seems to stimulate my writing bug.

So long friends. Have a nice week and do me a favor, go find your better half, let them know you love them, give them a hug and a kiss then walk away leaving them befuddled as to your spontaneous show of affection.

Love ya all.

D

Oh Mother!

Why did the zombie baby cross the road?

To wreak an unholy vengeance upon the driver of the car who's standing there, scratching his head, trying to figure out how a zombie baby's head can be beneath his car tires but the rest of the body is nowhere to be seen-- unless he were to turn around and notice the zombie baby body bearing down on him, coming ever closer, ready with grasping, pudgy zombie baby fingers to tear and rend at the flesh of this self-same driver who ran his head over, on the dark and rain-swept road that snakes down from the castle of the madman who's creating an army of zombie babies to do his dark, libidinal bidding.

The Odyssey Begins

And so it begins. This here is how I look when I think of the clustered, jumble of wonderful my life will be for the next few weeks. Three straight weekends either loaded with activity, travel or both.


Friday we accompanied the Dornan clan to see The Mines at The Black Rose downtown. Let me say, it was one of the best shows I've seen in quite some time. The boys really nailed it. Plus I got to have a few pints o' the old Guinness.


Unfortunately we had to sit through these guys. Their name is Fishlips and yes I think that it means exactly what you are thinking. At one point after their set their base player was dancing with some friends next to our table and took it upon himself to let me know that he had placed his genetalia on his guitar player's head. Yep they were that kind of group.



Thankfully I was there to save the day with the antidote: Black Rose Shots!


What's the fastest way to forget about the juvenile college band that just played? A healthy dose of The Mines of course! And of course the guys delivered.
















The boys were followed by a local group called The Drive.

This guy could freakin pick the ole' six string. Kind of a mix of Tantric and Primus. I found them quite enjoyable.




All in all it was a good night. One forgettable band, one decent band and one awesome band. Hey, have I mentioned that I'm into The Mines yet?


So we followed up Friday's night of music with a day at the races. Turn 4, row 26, close enough to see Junior and Tony when they rode by during the pre race parade.

Unfortunately this is about as high as Tony would get in the standings on the day. He crashed about 30 laps in, spun out right in front of us. Jenny was not pleased. I giggled a little inside.









So that was our weekend. Next up, 4 days of work followed by 28-30 hours of driving crammed into a 76 hour period so we can make my cousin's wedding in Athens, GA this weekend. Then I get three more days of work before I get to Dougie's wedding. I get to make corn casserole for 200. Sweet! But I'm completely psyched to see all the old gang again. So if you are keeping score, that's one concert, a NASCAR race, a driving marathon, a family reunion/wedding, and a Relect reunion/wedding all within 15 days. Bring it on!