BG Sales Presentation (opening) (Comments Welcome)

Hello everybody. My name is Stephen Mitchell and I work for Elbert Distributing a BG Products wholesaler. I have been with the company for about 2 months now.

Before becoming a BG sales rep I was a Salesman for Budweiser in Phoenix, Arizona for 11 years. I had been looking for a change in my line of work and wanted to sale a product that was not only the best on the market but that I could also be very passionate about. It need to not only be a product I would want to use personally but that I would highly recommend it to my friends and family. After doing some research and meeting people in the automotive field I discovered BG had a product line that was just that. It took me about 2 years after learning about BG and there products to be able to go and work for them.

BG and I not only provide you, your shop, and your customers with the best products on the market, we also provide the best service in the market. I don't just use the BG products in all of my vehicles because I work for the company. I use them because I know how amazing they are and that they will dramatically increase the life of my vehicles. BG products are not designed to be fix it in a can. They will fix drive ability problems, but there main purpose is to keep you engine, clean, well lubricated, and running like the day you purchased it. BG also backs this up with there Lifetime Protection Plan. If you start using BG products at 100,000 miles we will not be able to restore your car back to like new performance, but I do predict that we will have it back to running better than you can remember.

Now I would like to do some demonstrations so that you don't have to take my word for it that I have the best products on the market. I'm willing to prove it to you.

- MOA friction test

- MOA oxidation protection test

Reality is almost here!

Tomorrow I will fly out to Phoenix gather all of my stuff, my family, and move it all to California. Just typing this is starting to make me freak out. So many things to do and so many things to get back to. I have not had to be a father or husband everyday for months. I'm guessing it is like riding a bike. I'm feeling a lot of pressure to succeed and I'm sure I will but it is all riding on me to be successful. I have made this leap because it felt right. Now I just want for things to be better for me and my family. There is going to be an adjustment to balance family and work again. I have a lot of hard work ahead of me to make this move work but I thing everything will be coming together in the coming months.

I already closed my eyes and jumped but now I'm pulling my family over the edge with me. Hope we all land safely because I'm leading the way.

What I need for Christmas

This holiday season has been the hardest for me ever. My family and I have decided to start a new adventure and move to California. We decided that I would go ahead and start November 1st and they would follow on January 1st. The last 2 months have been very hard on us not being together. So for this Christmas I have list like no other:

1. I want to wake up and see my beautiful wife laying next to me.
2. I want my 3 year old to wake me up at 6am to tell me she wants to eat.
3. I want my 7 year old to put her cold feet on me to warm them up.
4. I want to hear my daughters start to scream "daddy's home" on the other side of the door when they hear my key in it.
5. I want a little girl to crawl into my bed in the middle of the night because of a bad dream.
6. I want my home to smell like my wife when she is not even home.
7. I want all of the little things I took for granted before I left.

I don't want the newest and latest gadget or electronic. I don't want the materials I once thought made me happy. I want my family and there love everyday and I will be more than satisfied this Christmas. Can't wait to see them on Wednesday night and have them with me for good starting 1-1-11.

The first day of our new adventure together.

I know this sounds all lame and sad, but this is what is going on in Mitchell's Brain. This time of year is for giving what is inside of you instead of what you buy at a store.

Merry Christmas to all of my family and friends. I know I can't wait to get what I want for Christmas and I hope you get all of the love and happiness you deserve this holiday season.

No ID, no Sin.

This weekend I decided to meet my girls in Vegas. We got a great rate on a room and it was a great halfway point between Fresno and Phoenix. So Friday after work I got home, changed, and grabbed the bag I had packed the night before. I had filled up with gas the night before so I was on the road and out of town in no time. After about 4 hours of driving I stopped in Baker, Nevada about 80 miles from Las Vegas. I was in need of gas because I was almost out and wanted a quick bite to eat. I got off at the baker exit and passed a road to go to death valley, a little trailer park, a restaurant that had a flying saucer stuck in, and the worlds largest thermometer before getting to the gas station. This was a town you would never want to get stuck in because it looked pretty creepy. I figured I would be in and out until I reached in my back pocket to get out my card and pay for my gas. I discovered no wallet! Yes I left my wallet at home 4 hours behind me. I'm in a scary ass town, with no gas, no money, and still 80 miles from Vegas.

So I called the wife and told her she might need to come to me from Vegas but she was 2 hours from getting to me. So I decided to be the crazy guy at the gas station trying to sell CD's with a good story that nobody believed. I finally got the cashier to believe me and sold him $180 in CD's for $15. It was enough for me to get 4 gallons of gas in this one hours town but that was enough to get me to the hotel. I figured it wasn't a major loss since I had them all on my Ipod.

In the end I had a great weekend with my girls but when you have no ID in Vegas you can't gamble, drink, or Sin. So I had very non-sin weekend in sin-city.

"Warrior's Way" movie review

Warrior's way was a great movie that I seen the other night. Let me warn you that if you enter the theater with high expectations you will be disappointed. This move has all the makings of a great movie. Awesome ninja fight scene, ninja tribes trying to kill each other off, betrayal against the tribe, the old west, gun battles, drunks, circus freaks, a beautiful fair madden tomboy country girl that wants to be a Ninja, an old west gang that raids towns and women, an old west sniper, dynamite, an exploding ferrous wheel, a last stand gun battle between a circus freak old west town and the old west gang, interrupter by a ninja gang that drops out of the sky, and I love story. Confused? You should be. The plot in this movie is very confusing but with all of the above in one movie it how could it be bad. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time wondering what could be next? Then wow they would take things to a new level of awesome. If you want to see a good movie that doesn't make you think just entertains and makes you laugh in disbelief at what they just did you will love this movie.

7 years ago today.

7 years ago today I woke and took my wife to the hospital to have our first child. Since the day she was born she has filled my heart and brought me great joy. She is an amazing little lady. I love her so much and miss her greatly as we transition into our new life. We are apart for now but things will come together in the next month and I hope to never have to miss another birthday of my little girl. I love you baby girl and I will see you soon.

The hunt

I have been on the hunt to find a place to live for me and my family and it is not easy. I have some leads but nothing solid right now. I want to find a place to move into by January 1st. I plan to move the family out then so that would be perfect. I'm hunting almost everyday and can't wait to find the perfect place that just works out great. It's a little early to panic but I'm getting nervous about finding a good place. I'm sure when the time is right it will just happen.

Wondering through

My life is a little disorganized and confusing right now. I'm living in a temporary place without my family. I have started a new job that requires me to learn an entire new business in an area that I have never been. On the other side it has been very exciting to have something new to look forward to at every turn of my day. I'm getting ready to start week 5 of the new job and I will be on my own all next week for the first time. My life is exciting, crazy, and all new. Change is a good thing but I'm looking forward to some normalcy next year. I'm not really sure what normal is but I just want to have my family with me in my own place. 2011 will be a great year but right now it is a challenge without my best friend and amazing daughters at my side. Miss you girls so much and can't wait until we are together again.

Week 1 is done

It was a long week of learning everything there is to know about BG products this week. I'm very excited about what this could be for me in the future. I'm glad I get to have a mental brake for 2 days but will be ready to consume more knowledge on Monday. It very exciting to learn new things and a new industry for me. I think my previous experience will be bringing a lot to this company, but not before I learn more about the products.

Guns, drugs, beer, and now lube.

I have only had 3 jobs in my life but now it is time to move on and have a 4th.
First I was a trap and skeet puller at a shooting range for 2 years. Then I worked at Osco drugs as a Pharmacy-tech for 5 years. Now for the last 11 years I have been the Budweiser man. My new adventure will be taking me to central California were I will be selling BG professional grade car lubricants. This will be a wild adventure but it is a move that can prove to be very good for me and my family. I will fill you all in more in the weeks to come. Right now I have a lot of things to take care of.

Back to training

This morning for the first time in a long time I got up and went for run. I'm very excited to be back and training for another triathlon, or maybe a half marathon this time. Not sure on the when or were but plan to do something with my training this winter. I was also starting to get fat again, and training defiantly fixed that this last time.

The greatest day in history!

9 years ago today was one of the greatest days in American history in my opinion. September 12th, 2001 was a day that made us all look at our country with love, pride, and hope. We looked at our family, neighbor, and friends with open hearts. We were compassionate and respectful to people we know, and people we had met for the first time. On this day 9 years ago we were all the people we should be and people we could all be proud of.

9 years later we are a complete disaster!!! Our country today looks a lot like the campus in a movie called PCU. We are so good at pointing out what is wrong and different about each other we don't even see what is good and similar about us. Our country is full of hate, greed, and self absorbed people that would sooner step on you than help you up. We all have our hands out looking for a quick buck and we will do anything to get it. I think reality TV has proven this over and over. What happened to hard work, respect, dedication, and love for your fellow man. On 9-12-01 we were not, black, white, or brown, we were not Christian, Mormon, or atheist, we were not Republican, Democrats, Green party, or Tea party members. We were proud heart filled Americans, that would be glad to help a stranger or the neighbor you had never met.

I know I'm not talking about every American, some our still the same people they were 9 years ago today. My point is good people are not the majority like they were that day, they are a rapidly diminishing group of people that are hard to find. Yesterday there were lots of shows dedicated to 9-11. Today I wanted to make sure we recognized the day we had all forgotten, a day we should be very proud of. A day we should model our lives after.

One year closer to forever!

8 Years ago today I married an amazing women. She is not only my wife, she is my best friend. It seem like everyday my love for her grows deeper and deeper. Everyday I look at this beautiful woman in bed next to me and wonder how I became so lucky. I'm hardly perfect but I know that I'm a better man because of her. I can't imagine my life without her. She fills my thoughts, my dreams, and my heart with her smile everyday.

I love you Kristina Mitchell, for all you do for me and our family.

Updates!!!

Last night we had our first full game of the football season and we won big. I think it was 58 to 20. Our actual first game got rained out last week in Bullhead City. I love coaching football.
Last week I started a new position at my work. Last week was crazy busy especially going into a short week. I don't work less I just work 1 less day on top of learning a new position. I put in 60+ hours and I'm ready to enjoy my 3 day weekend. That's all for now I'm ready to spend 2 days with my family with no school, work, or football.

It's time for football and not much else

Football season is my favorite time of year. I help coach a high school football team, I'm in a fantasy league, and every Sunday is just dedicated to enjoying the sport. The down side to all of this is my time is limited. Coaching is a 5 to 6 day a week job, Sunday to just enjoy the sport, plus keeping up on stats and bye weeks for my fantasy league. Football season is a very busy time in the Mitchell home but a lovely time too.
So far this season is looking to be the best yet. My team of guys this year is the most dedicated and athletic we have ever had. Go ACA Bulldogs!!!
Even if its just wishful thinking this year Go Cardinals! I have more faith in my high school team this year but who know maybe I will be shocked.
The man holiday season is upon and its going to be a great holiday season.

It's not cheap, it's nasty, and I love it!

Have you every just enjoyed something and your not sure why? Fernet is a nasty tasting liquor that has grown on me. If you are a Guinness drinker you might understand. The majority of people that try Guinness the first time don't like it but it grows on them and now there is nothing better. This is the best way I can explain Fernet. Every night before bed I pour myself a shot of Fernet and sip it until it is gone. It brings a great amount of relaxation to me and makes me ready to crash out. It is classified as a digestif. Maybe this is the reason for the relaxing feeling I get from the it. I don't recommend you go buy a bottle and try it because it is nasty and about $26. If you do try it though, make sure you keep it in the freezer and remember that I told you it is addictive.

Best vacation ever (part 5: Food Porn)

We started our First night with this ridiculous mountain of cheese fries. 4 people split it, and we all were sorry that we did in the end. We won the battle but in the end we lost war. We also enjoyed some large mugs of beer. I had a Drop Top Amber Ale and my brother-in-law had a Guinness. He was in much more pain at the end of the night than I. Mostly because a large mug of Guinness is a meal in itself.

My brother-in-law has been doing many different things with pork. He purchased 20 pounds of pork butt before I arrived. He made me 5 pounds of hickory smoked thick bacon. It was amazing!!! Me and him split up the remaining 15 pounds into 3 - 5 pound portions. We made 5 pounds of pork sausage, 5 pounds of breakfast sausage, then smoked the last 5 for pulled pork. My brother-in-law is amazing man that satisfied all of my pork, food porn dreams. To check out his food adventures read his blog. http://www.youngslog.blogspot.com/

This is a picture of the pork sausage that we made. I was bummed that I didn't take any picture of the bacon or pulled pork. Pictures could never do this food any justice. It was all so amazingly good. I would say that it made sweet love to mouth.

When eating amazing food we all have the tendency to over eat. This is when the greatest and most awful tasting stuff ever was discovered over my Vacation. My wife's cousin introduced me to Fernet. It taste like Jagermeister soaked in potpourri. Yes it is disgusting at first but it brings a crazy amount of calmness over you. Once you get over the taste it is actually a very enjoyable drink. I have plans to seek out a bottle of my own this weekend so I can enjoy a glass of it every night.

Best vacation ever (part 4: Trip to Fullerton)

So Monday and Tuesday we just hung out and relaxed in Tulare. We went to Fresno for part of a day but that was about it. On Tuesday afternoon I took my Jeep up to the store and discovered that the A/C was blowing hot. My father in law had a can of freon, so we added it. Every thing was blowing cold again and I was excited it was such an easy fix.

Wednesday morning we packed up and started to head down to the Fullerton area to visit more family. After about 3 hours of our 4 hour trip the A/C was blowing hot again. I'm pretty sure it was getting worse 2 hours into the trip but I was in denial until it was just cooler to roll down the window. I concluded that I had a leak in the cooling system and didn't have the money to get it fixed. After making it to Fullerton I looked into renting a car because it would just be cruel to make my daughters and wife cross the desert during the summer in a jeep with no A/C. We got a car for about $80 one way and figured that was much cheaper than trying to get my A/C fixed. We made it to Fullerton, checked into our hotel, and prepared for the food porn marathon.

To be continued.......

Best vacation ever (part 3: motor-home fun)

Thursday morning we left Tulare in a motor-home with my father-in-law and headed for the Santa Cruz area. After some very confusing detours due to construction we made our way to the camp ground. We stayed in a very nice trailer park with Redwoods all around and next to a river. When setting up camp we discovered we had the wrong attachment for the power box so we would need to go into town and get that on Friday. No power the first night but we just got around the fire and had smores. The people that ran the park said we could cross a little river with a short walk and get on a train that would take us to the Boardwalk in Santa Cruz. We thought that would be fun so we got directions and decided to do it on Friday.

The first challenge was this ridiculous cliff we need to go repelling down on ropes.

The second challenge was to cross the river. Not on a bridge but wading through a freezing cold river knee high. The funnest part of these challenges was doing them while holding a 3 and 6 year old.

We survived and made it to the train on time. It was a very nice train ride and we spent the day in Santa Cruz. The Boardwalk was pretty crazy so we mostly just stayed on the beach and walked the pier. They had see lions near the pier and the girls thought it was very exciting to see them so close and in the wild. After about 5 hours in Santa Cruz we took the train back and forged the river again to get back to our camp spot.

When we got back to our camp and got the power going we discovered we had a very bad water leak and it had gotten a large amount of the carpet in the motor-home wet. I was able to isolate the leak until we could walk into a small town near bye in the morning and get some parts to repair it. This Friday night was when I meet my black friend with the white strip. I already posted the late night pee story. Saturday morning me and my father-in-law asked the camp hosts how far away was the town. They said about a mile so we figured we would just walk instead of packing camp to drive the motor-home into town. After walking over 2 miles we arrived in town to get the parts needed. Apparently when you drive it it seems about a mile long but it is really over 2. We were able to temporally fix the leak and got plenty of exercise to go with it. After fixing the leak, Saturday was pretty nice and relaxing. Sunday morning we headed back to Tulare and we made it back with no major issues. We found it to be very boring considering our trip has been packed full of adventure until now. When we got home that night we made an awesome fajita dinner and had some great conversation over beers with family.

To be continued...

Best vacation ever (part 2: the first leg)

The first leg of our trip was to meet up with some family in Palm Springs the first night and make our vacation seem less rushed. Once we pulled out of town and hit the 75mph freeway we discovered that my soft for the Jeep vibrates in the wind like crazy. Anything above 65 was almost ear piercing. So I drove 60 to 65 depending upon what the wind outside the jeep was doing. After 4 hours of the mind numbing humming nose we made it to Palm Springs. We went out to dinner with family and recovered from the drive. It was a nice night except for a quick scare that we lost a wallet with hundreds in it but it was quickly found and all was good.
Wednesday morning we slept in, had breakfast with family, and started our trip to Tulare in central California to visit some more family. After getting on the freeway and not missing 1, but 2 exits we made our way up to Tulare with a our extremely loud soft top flapping in the wind the entire way. This was a 5 hour drive plus about an hour long stop in the middle, too try and calm our buzzing minds. We made it and was glad that the Jeep wound be parked until Wednesday when we would be head down to southern California. The stop in Palm Springs was good call. There is no way would could of done the 10 hour drive all at once in the jeep. I think the buzzing could of drove us legally insane.
To be continued...

The best vacation ever (part 1: getting going)

I just recently got back from the best vacation ever. It was full of adventure and challenges!
It all started Monday July 26th the day before our vacation started. We learned the brake booster was out in our van and it would be 3 to 5 days before they could get the part. We decided the vacation must go on and looked into renting a car. After seeing what it costs to rent a car for 12 days we decided that was not an option. We decided my 2 door Jeep Wrangler was going to have to work. We down sized all of our bags and a family of 4 lived out of 2 suitcases and a cosmetic bag for 12 days. The Jeep doesn't have much room left after you put 4 people in it. Monday night I got new tires for the Jeep and it looked like all was going to work out. Its was pretty easy to pack our 3 bags and hit the road on Tuesday as soon as I got off work. California or bust was the plan.
Tuesday I got off work early and we headed out of town by noon headed for our first stop in palm springs.
To be continued.....

Last day

Today is our last day of vacation and we will be heading home tonight. This has been the best vacation I have ever been on. We have had many challenges that have created many memories that will last a lifetime. I will detail our trip in the following days. Now I have to load up the computer and hit the road for a wild 6 hour driver to Phoenix. Right now it is 72 in Fullerton, California. I will not see 72 again for months.

Fiction vs. Reality

I'm looking to make some changes in my life and they all sound very exciting and fun. These changes are still all fiction at this point but, could become a reality soon. Reality scares the hell out of me! Change is a part of life. Doing the same thing and expecting different results is stupid. I understand that, but comfortable is also very nice. I think I have reached a point in my life were it's time for change. Let hope reality doesn't crush my fictional dreams.

How the Mexican Hot Dog was made. (My Version)

Tonight I introduced my in-laws to the blissful taste of the Mexican Hot Dog. They have never had such a delicacy before and wanted to know how it became. I could of told them that my grandma used to make it for my dad but I made up a much better story.

A long long time ago William and Juan were in the kitchen on the farm preparing dinner. William wanted Hot dogs but had no buns, Juan wanted Chimichanga but had no Carne meat. William and Juan did not always see eye to eye but they both were very hungry. They decided to join forces to make dinner together with what they had. They took the Hot Dogs and stuffed them with Green chillies and Cheese. Then they wrapped them in a corn tortilla and deep fried them. William was excited with his ketchup and mustard in hand. Juan came to the table with Salsa and Sour cream. They didn't agree on the condiments they would use, but the both agreed that they had made a better meal together than they ever could apart. William and Juan accepted each others differences and became great friends.

I just wish we could all just come together and make Mexican Hot Dogs together. We might not agree on the ingredients but at least we could all be friends.

Late night pee

So last night in our campground I woke up around 1am and needed to pee. Instead of disrupting everybody's sleep I thought I would just sneak outside and go behind the motor home. So I stumbled out half asleep and made my way to the back of the motor home. I find a nice little spot on the edge of the brush line and began the evacuation. Just as I finish up I hear a quick rustle in the bushes and out pops a skunk about 2 feet from me. I almost all in one motion jumped about 5 feet to the back of the motor home, quickly climbed up the ladder on the back of the motor home, and got up on top, cussing all the way up. The skunk ran away with his threatening tail up in the air, but never sprayed. Yes, I woke everybody up anyway rocking the motor home back and forth, cussing. Tonight I will just pee in the motor home.

Day one of vacation

Yesterday we left Phoenix and headed for California. We ended up taking my Jeep instead of the van, because the van is having issues. After the first 4 hours of the trip we have decided we are going to buy a hard top for the Jeep before we ever do this again. I can't go over 65mph or the vibration noise of the soft top becomes ear piercingly loud. It's not quiet at 65 by any means you just don't think you should plug your ear because of possible ear damage. Our first stop was in Palm Springs to meet up with some family that is heading home from their vacation. We are very glad we did this because I'm not sure we could of taken another 5 hours to our final destination in the Jeep with all of the noise. We have already discovered that this trip will be full of adventure that will make this trip very memorable. I don't remember the vacations as a kid that went smooth. I remember the vacation that we broke down or had crazy things happen. We are in line to make this the most memorable ever:)

Disconnecting the BB for vacation again

Tomorrow we leave on vacation for almost 2 weeks. On our last vacation I shut down my BlackBerry and it made the trip seem very long. I didn't have so much of my time consumed by my social media. We will be taking the laptop this time so I will still have that and my tweets by text from my regular phone but that's it. I love my BB but sometimes it can get in the way of the family time. This trip will be family time all the time. Tuesday night I will power down and walk away from it. Love you all but it family time.

The $4,000 6 week class

This summer I was in an automotive class. At the end of the class I discovered that I had not been properly taking care of my vehicles. Realising I had a big vacation coming I wanted to get so preventative things done on my van. I did this and then things went down hill from there. Right after a lot of preventative things were done I then ran into things that broke like the alternator, battery, tires, brake booster, and I thing you get the idea. In the end I have had many things replaced and the van is in tip top shape. After a recover period I will then be starting to get some much needed work done on my jeep. Knowledge is power but when it comes to car repair, it is really expensive.

Man raising girls!

Little girls are hard to raise for a man. They are just wired different. Men are hard and tough and girls are soft and sensitive. Being a man I forget that and hurt my sensitive girls feelings. I still have a lot to learn about relating to my little women but I think I'm starting to get a little better.

Looking at the flip side.

We all have good days and bad days. My bad days usually get worses since I'm down I just continue to look at the bad things going on in my life. I have decided to try and turn my days around by looking at all of the good in my life and telling the world about it everyday. I have started a new twitter account that I'm looking to update multiple times a day with the positive things going on in my life. This account that is also linked to FB and this blog. My thought is, if I force my self to look at the positive things, and put them out to the world, it should make days a little better for me. I hope it also rubs of on you.

Looking for the good news.

Today I was listening to a little talk radio, watched some news, and watched part of a documentary about feeding cows corn and how that's bad. I was looking back at my day wondering were is the good news that people need to hear every once in a while. I now that they have done research and people don't actually like watching good news, but come on now. I can't think of one positive thing that came out of all this information I consumed today. The world is a depressing place these days but don't let it get to you. People are always going to hate, fight, and do stupid things.
I'm going to start to be my own good news story. I figure if I can do good things in my life and share it with you maybe I will be the good news story in your life. I'm going to start a new twitter account that will be linked up to this site so you won't need to join twitter just to hear about my good news. I'm sure it will fail miserably because nobody really cares to here about how great my life is, but I know it will help me to point it out in my life and make sure I have good news everyday for you to read.

A reason to blog

I thought I was having trouble bloggin but realised I had gotten into a habit of trying to entertain instead just putting what is in Mitchell's Brain down. I'm going to be blogging for me and putting a time stamp on my life instead of trying to entertain my readers. My readers should enjoy the site still but you will be reading more post that are for me, and less for you.
On the other hand my life is pretty entertaining so stay tuned and maybe you will enjoy me talking to myself more than I think.

Is the blogger dying?

I have been on a role lately on my blog and I'm really enjoying being back in the swing of putting my thoughts on the screen. I have noticed lately that many of the blogs I follow are not being updated very often. I can't help but thing that with so much social media out their that the blogger is dying. Twitter, and Facebook are quick bits of lots of friends and family. Blogs are one person talking about their lives and experiences. I can see the inconvenience of following blogs versus have friends or followers on social media sites. I would just hate to see blogs die when I feel they are a deeper and more intimate than social sites. Social sites are great but your thoughts can easily get lost in the feed.

When did the world turn upside down?

I have always thought, do the right thing and you will be rewarded. Its seems like every time I take this approach I'm getting screwed. I see plenty of people doing things the wrong way and they are getting rewarded for doing so. When did doing the right thing become so wrong? Life is crazy right now and I'm trying to make sense of it all.
Does it still pay to do the right thing?
Is the voice inside of my head telling me to do the right thing, really telling we the wrong thing?

Getting caught up to be behind.

Yesterday after noon around 3:30 I laid down just to rest a minute from our adventures in the heat. Laying under the nice cool fan was so relaxing. It was so relaxing that when I woke up at 8pm, I discovered I must have been really tired. It took till 11pm before I could fall back asleep and now its 5am and I'm awake again. Overall I got 10 hrs of sleep but now I have a long day ahead. Looks like I'm caught up on sleep just to get up too early and fall behind again. At least I'm well rested and ready to take on this Sunday.

The devils basement

So the last few days have been just unbearable. I can't remember being this intolerant of the heat ever in my life. It really is absolutely horrible to do anything outside. Today is 115 and humid. There is nothing that can prepare the body to be out in that kind of nasty weather. I can't believe I once worked out in this weather everyday. We made a trip to Walmart today wanting to get the ants out of our kids pants and do a little one stop shopping. It was an horrible experience. Can't wait till we leave for vacation in a week and half. Saying good-bye to the devil basement for a week and half will be so awesome.

It's time to get ill!

We have had a rough week so far with a nasty flu bug. It started with my 3 year old last weekend, then to the wife early in the week and then yesterday it was my turn to take a run at it. I'm doing a little better tonight but I'm still not right and ready to go about normal eating habits. I'm glad tomorrow is Friday and including tomorrow I only have 8 days of work left before I have my next vacation. YAY!!!

The wave of change!

Change is not something I have ever done well. I have never made major changes in my life thinking that it would be crazy and might upset the harmonic flow. The older I get the more I start to understand that change is not only a good thing in life, it is necessary to be successful. I'm looking at stepping out of the mold I have formed, and embrace change and all it has to offer. I might be crazy but most successful, and happy people are.

Back to health and fitness

At the end of the month I will be on vacation and we will be spending some time at the beach. I have not crossed the 200 lbs mark again but have come very close. 190 is my ideal weight and plan to work very hard to get close to this weight by the end of the month. I want to hit the beach without a shirt and not gross to many people out in the process. I started with a spin class last night and plan to be in the gym 3 days a week. I'm also back on the no soda and no food served through a window plan. It will be a wild 3 weeks but I think 3lbs a week will be easily reached if I work hard at it.

Vacation time

Last week I had my first vacation since October of last year and I have another vacation coming up for a week and half in the end of July. It was a long wait for my first vacation but I'm happy now that I'm taking off so much time to spend with my family this summer.

To disconnect

Starting today I'm on vacation and it has been long over due. I have not had a vacation since October of last year. I normally keep my Blackberry on during vacation but this time I'm shutting it down. My BB is from work so to completely disconnect from work it also need to be disconnected. The down fall of this is the fact that about 80% of my social media is done through my BB. I will still be making it to the blog via my computer, and doing some text tweeting through my personal phone but that's it. Enjoy your week, I know I will.

From thirty nothing to thirty something.

Today is my 31st birthday. Its so far been a day just like any other. Birthdays have become less and less eventful as the years go by. I'm not scared of being thirty something, especially because I hear that your 30's are some of the best years. I look at my 30's as being old enough to have experience, yet still young enough to repair the mistakes of inexperience. I'm looking forward to the 30 something years and know I have great years ahead of me.

Best class yet

Last night in my automotive class I was given an engine, a tool box, a team of 3 people and was told to dissemble the engine. I was designated a team leader. I discovered last night I'm a teachers pet or at least a really good student. The teacher told me he chose the 2 team leaders based on attendance, test scores, and overall class conduct.
There is one trick to the dissemble process. Today we have to put the motor back together with no extra parts in the end. It was an awesome night and I really loved it. I marked all my pieces and did a good job of keeping track of everything. I'm sure the rebuild will go good tonight.

The pound save

I'm heading into week 5 of my challenge. Things are going great. I have not eaten food served through a window or had any soda in 4 full weeks. I'm feeling that this has saved me from putting on my freshman 15lbs. School is crazy and makes it hard to get up and make my lunch every day. Without the challenge I would just fast food it and be gaining weight like crazy. I will continue my challenge for the next 2 weeks then see were things take me. Fast food just sounds gross at this point but with 2 big vacations coming up we will have to see if I break or not.

Barista tips?

I have found that the coffee shop on campus at school doesn't know how to ring up 2 shots of espresso. They just charge me what they would charge for 2 extra shots in a latte. $.50 a shots = $1 for a double shot of espresso and that's an awesome deal.
This is my problem, they have a tip jar. Do I give the guy a 20% tip on a dollar? I really don't think he deserves a tip but its such a good deal should I through in an extra $1? Any thought or suggestions on tips to the barista would be appreciated.

Worry about tomorrow, tomorrow.

I have a lot going on my life right now and it seems to be coming at my lightning fast and then never let's go. The stress of it all was starting to get to me until I decided to just start living everyday for that day until I get through it all. It seems to be helping to keep the stress down and keep me moving forward. "Why worry about tomorrow, when you have plenty to deal with today". This is how I'm looking at life right now.

1/2 way there

This week marks the half way point of my summer school class. I'm very excited to be back in school and learning again. The schedule is kicking my butt.
I'm also get a 92% in the class right now, and hoping to mantain the A till to the end of the semester. Not sure where the future is going to take me yet but I'm glad to be doing something instead of nothing.

My weekend was Awesome

I had a very great 3 day weekend with my family. We didn't do to much, but hang out with family and enjoy the company of great people. We made our 3 day weekend worth every minute. My girls are growing so fast and life seem to move faster everyday. I'm so thankful to have weekends like this to just enjoy each other.
I also want to reconize this weekend that was made possible by the men and women of our armed force past and present. Them fighting and continuing to fight for my freedom and protection.

The silver lining?

The bad stuff.

It has been a rough week at work like preparing for all holidays are. The holidays at my work can be miserable and very hard to handle with more work going on in less days. I started a class at the local community college this week that runs until 10:45 at night Monday - Wednesday. Since I get up at 5am or earlier this has sucked with the lack of sleep I have been getting. Today I was called into the bosses office and was told that they are doing away with the vacation relief position I'm currently in and adding an entry level sales position. My position is currently above entry level sales, but they are going to give me that position until they have something else available. My boss explained that this is not a demotion due to performance or anything like that it is just a cut back that sucks. Yes, it was a rough week.

Now for the good stuff.

This week I started my first college class in 12 years and I'm very excited to be learning and gaining purpose. It makes for some late nights and earlier morning, but no pain no gain. The class is only 6 weeks long and I can do anything for 6 weeks. My oldest daughter passed the first grade and will be going to the 2nd grade in August. I'm so excited for her and she is growing up so fast. I had a crazy busy time at work this week and I'm really glad to see that in this economy. The summer time is a great time for the beer business and Memorial day is the first big weekend to kick it off. Today I was notified that I'm getting a new position at work. It's a bit of a step back, but not to bad of a pay cut. I'm just glad that I get to keep a job since they eliminated the position I'm currently in. I'm so glad to be home with my girls and getting ready to enjoy this 3 day weekend. Life is good, and I'm extremely fortunate.

Same week, different views. There is always a silver lining to every situation in life. I choose the good stuff after getting the bad stuff off of my chest.

Personally attacking innocent people.

Today on the radio I heard that my employer is being boycotted because of SB1070. I consider this a "Personal attack on me and my family". I had chosen to take the high road and not get involved in the misplaced "HATE" of people speaking out against SB1070. Now attacking me and my family because of the place I work is going to far. Race has nothing to do with this law and has everything to do with enforcing federal laws. I don't know how to even respond to this attack on me and my family but I have a felling this is not my last post on this issue.
So much for trying to be less controversial.

College?

Today I will be heading into my first college class in about 12 years. Its going to be a challenge since I'm going from no college to a 5 week summer class. I'm going to work very hard and not settle for anything less than an A. I want to prove to myself that I can do this and do it well. I will keep you all updated on my quest for knowledge.
"Knowledge is power" - my dad and I'm sure somebody else before him.

Back at the gym

Me and the wife have signed back up at the gym. We took some time off to save money and have discovered that it is too hot in the summer to run around the block. I did my first class today, and it felt great to be back at it. I have a crazy month coming up, but I think that the release of working out will be vital to my survival. Health me will equal a health mind for learning.

My 5 Week Challenge

I have decide to do a 5 week challenge that I made up. It sounds simple but could play out to be a very hard one with the month I have coming up. Working from 5am to 3pm then doing school from 6:15 to 10:45 for 5 weeks, starting this Monday will make this a tricky challenge.
The challenge is to not eat anything that is served through a window and have no Soda for 30 days. This would be an easy way to live through my next 5 weeks. Also an easy way to gain all my weight back if I eat through a window and slam Mountain Dew all day. Wish me luck in my challenge.
I invite all of you to join my in this 5 week challenge of a healthier summer body. It will not be simple but it will be worth it.
(The only soda exception is if I'm mixing it with whiskey.)

Immigration bill 1070

I have not wanted to touch this one due to the nature of it and I don't want to get involved the NASTY stuff that is being said about the bill, my state, and me as a resident of Arizona. I do on the other hand feel that being an informed person is very powerful. I heard today that many people for, and against the bill have not read the bill. They are just going off of what the media is saying about it and making there judgment. Please join me in being an informed American and read the Arizona state senate bill 1070. It is a very easy 17 page read. Shouldn't take more than 20 to 30 minutes to do so. Then you can make your decision as a free American to choose to be for, or against this bill and my state.

Thank you

http://www.azleg.gov/legtext/49leg/2r/bills/sb1070s.pdf

A better me!

I'm once again starting the audio book of the "7 Habits of Highly Effective people". This is a book that I think should be read at least once a year. The book is just absolutely amazing and is an inspiration for the person I want to be. If you have never read the book you should. I would consider it be a life requirement. Its amazing that 10 minutes into a 10 hour book I was already amazed for the 3rd time. If more people lived there life to the 7 habits, there lives would be everything they could ever want it to be.

Are you listening?

Being a good listener is not one of the things I do well. I'm always thinking of my response or just distracted. I always give my best responses via email or social media. I read the material, think, then respond. This is something I'm trying to start to do in my everyday conversations. I'm always so quick to respond that I'm hearing, but I'm not always listening. Listening is such an important part of clear communication between people that I'm making a conscious effort to be a good listener. Next time we talk in person try to see if I'm listening or just hearing you. I will welcome you calling me out.

The smell of the field!

Today I started to help coach a spring football camp. It was very exciting to be back on the field. I'm not sure I can explain it, but if you have ever played football you know the intoxicating smell of the field.
It looks like we have the best group of guys yet for football next year. Its only a 2 week camp but I can't wait until the end of August when its time to go to work, and build a championship team. Football couldn't start early enough for me.

The people around you.

Life is short, and it is best spent in the company of people that love you for you. There will always be people in this world that you have to put up with, but limit your time with them and make sure you give it to the people that deserve it and want it.

"I don't know the key to success, but I know the key to failure is to try to please everybody" - Crosby

"Make no one number 1 while they make u number 2" - Rev Run

"Go where people miss you, not where people diss you" - Rev Run

Why is there nothing in my lap?

I have been looking for something in my life to change but it hasn't happened yet. I have come to the conclusion that maybe playing the lottery and waiting for things to change is not the best way to reach goals. I have decided to make my life change, instead of waiting for it to change for me. I'm setting goals and reaching for the stars. Today I took the first step and registered at the local community college. I haven't signed up for my first class yet but plan to do so very soon to make it into a summer class.

I'm very determined and plan to make my life the best it can be. No more excuses, just execution.

Looking for feed back on the new look.

What do you think?

Thoughts?

Feedback of any kind is welcome.

This is also my 500Th post!!! Looking forward to being on the road to another 500.

Me?... An adult?....Maybe!

I have always loved living a public and open life which is the reason I started this website so long ago. Lately as the world spins faster and life gets a little more out of control I have stopped posting. It's not that I don't want to post, it's that I have started to censor myself and watch what I say on this extremely open forum I have created. I used to enjoy getting people all fired up over my posts and letting everybody know ever detail of my life. As I get older and look to become a little more professional and adult I want to change my online presence to be one that is informative, but not so over the top.

I have been absent for so long, because it is hard to make the transition of Diarrhea fingers, where I type everything I think and feel, to selective fingers. I'm going to make an effort to restart the blog and we will see where it goes. Learning what to type and what not to type will be a challenge but I think that I'm up to it.

Back at it.

Today I got back into the swing of running after 3 weeks of being a slacker. It was the hardest 2 miles I have ran in some time. I' m looking forward to getting back in to running, biking, and swimming. I just hope I haven't ruined myself for the Triathlon I want to do in the end of May. I only have a month to go and it seems like a long way away right now but it will be hear before I know it. I'm going to be doing some pretty intense training for the next 2 weeks and see how I feel after that.

From fat to a triathlon.

Over the past year I have gone from being a fatty to actually looking health. I have made some changes in my diet over the past year and decided to take up fitness the past 3 months. This last weekend I ran a Sprint Triathlon, and have never felt better in my life. I figure if I can go from a person that sets a goal of running for a full 1/2 mile with out stopping and can run a Sprint Triathlon 3 months later. Anybody can do this!!! You just have believe that you can.

The big day.

After all of the training my big day has arrived. Tomorrow I will be doing my Sprint Triathlon. I think I have done everything to prepare for this day and I'm really looking forward to the accomplishment of this goal. I already have a plan for the future. I will have longer Sprint Triathlon in the end of May called the Tribal Sprint Triathlon at lake pleasant. I have also made plans to do the PF Changs 1/2 marathon in January and next year if not earlier do an Olympic Triathlon. I'm very excited for the future and the goals that I have set for myself. I will be posting some pics from my Triathlon tomorrow sometime next week. Thanks for all of the support and hope this has inspired you to get up and set some goals.

Organized Chaos.

In case you didn't know I have been living on my own all week, as my family is in Cali for spring break. I feel like I have have been going crazy this week and getting nothing done. I have been working and doing some training then next thing I know it's 9:30 and I'm post this blog. My family brings sanity to my crazy life. I'm disorganized and get less done without them. I guess I need chaos in my life to get things done. It could also just be that my wife is amazing and I don't know how to live without her. The dishes are piling up, the hamper is getting full, and nobody has cleaned up dinner yet! Please come home family, I miss and love our organized chaos.

Less than 2 weeks to go

This week is what I'm calling hell week for my training. My family will be in California until Friday, so I have no excuses. I have less than 2 weeks to go until the Sprint Triathlon on March 28Th. Today I ran 5 miles and tomorrow I will be swimming and biking. This Saturday I plan to do the entire thing as a test run and then light workouts all next week to rest for the big test.

Wow, just like that 10 years.

On friday night I went to my annual business meeting where they talk about the company focus for the year and present 20 years of employment awards. This January I have been with my company for 10 years and its hard to believe. 10 years, since I'm 30 is 1/3 of my life that has been spent with this company. Its seemed so quick yet it has been so long. Not sure what the future holds but I'm proud that for the past ten years I have been a very hard working dedicated employee of this company.

Next steps?

I'm doing really well in my training for my Sprint Triathlon but what will I do when I'm done? I want to keep up the exercise but I'm not sure I will. Right now I'm training and after April I will be exercising instead of training. Mentally I think I will need to set a new goal for myself, or I will stop the exercise. So does anybody have anything going on after April that I can train for?

Do I dare??? http://www.trifind.com/re_10623/TempeInternationalTriathlon.html

Alpha cat?

My neighborhood is being attacked by 3 cats. These cats must be male because they have been feeling the need to mark there territory all over my yards. I'm starting to lose my patients and don't know what to do. I'm looking for a good way to stop these pests from pooping and pissing in my yard. I need to become the alpha cat in my neighborhood and don't know how to do this. I would like to keep it civil but all I can come up with is to get out the BB gun and start making them scared to walk my fence or step in my yard. I would like to just mark my territory and they will stay away but I don't think it is that easy. Any suggestions?

Mental Endurance.

I have been training for my sprint triathlon for about a month now and have had my ups and downs. I have discovered that if I'm not mentally ready for my workout it is not a good one. If I'm ready to go and very motivated I usually have one of my best workouts ever. This has lead me to understand how important mental endurance plays a role in my daily workouts. Without the proper mind set I will not accomplish the goals I set. I hadn't realized before now, that my mental endurance is just as important as my physical endurance.

No more moles.

The moles have been removed from my body and I'm starting to recover. The procedure went well. The only problem was the fact that to numb the mole on my neck the stuck I needle in it. I think the mental part of that was the worst but the pain was not bad. I'm mole free now.

Having 2 moles removed

Tomorrow I'm having 2 moles removed and I'm a little nervous and excited. I have had a mole in the middle of my back and on the side of my neck for as long as I can remember. The one on my neck always get hit be the clippers when I get a hair cut and the one on my back always gets caught on my shirts. It will be so nice to have these removed but I have heard that they are painful for days after the removal. I will be posting how much pain I'm in tomorrow and what I thought of the removal.

Public and Private posts

I have been very quite lately on my website. A lot of things are going on in my life and its just not public material. I have many good things coming up soon but for now I'm just pushing through the days. No worries thou, many people are going through hard times right now and somethings are better left not said to the world.

No, even I can't believe I just said that.

Snow packed weekend.

On Friday I called the wife from work about noon and said lets go to Prescott today. It was forecasted to snow on Friday night and my girls have been wanting to go to the snow for years. I got off at around 2pm and we headed out of town. It started to snow heavily as soon as we pulled up to my cousins house and it snow on and off all night long. On Saturday we ran around town getting some gloves and food. Then to the snow we went. We had a great time and I got to check playing in the snow off the dad list.

The hard questions.

There are lots of things in life that you don't want to talk about or ask questions about. These are usually the topics that make people uncomfortable, or might upset them. These topics usually get left untouched. The answers to the unasked questions end up coming out later if you should of asked. Do you ask the hard questions or take the chances?

I'm not sure were I'm going with this as much as I know lots of people have hard question in the back of your mind that they have never asked. Have you not asked because your not that worried about it or because your scared of the answer?

YAY for running!!!

This week I ran 12.8 miles and next week I will be adding biking to me daily routine. I'm hoping to find out were I will be doing the swimming part training of the triathlon by next week so I can add it to my weekly routine.

I have always thought running was stupid and was a ridiculous idea. After a 2 weeks of doing it I'm shocked to say that I really enjoy it. I feel better all day long and really feel like have accomplished something. I can't believe I ran almost 13 miles this week and I'm thinking about trying to get at least 16 in next week.

Me? A Triathlon man?

So this week I think I have been convinced to run a Sprint Triathlon at the end of March. A Sprint Triathlon is really just a 1/2 of an Olympic, and 1/4 of an Ironman Triathlon. It will consist of swimming 400 yards, bike riding 12 miles, and running 3.1 miles. I haven't committed yet by signing up, but for the next month I will be training like I'm going to enter and then make my final decision. I'm very excited at the idea of an end result to my fitness goals. Not that living a long health life isn't a reward but the Idea of being in a Triathlon is really exciting. It will require me to work really hard in the next 3 months. I will keep you all updated on my status and how my progress is coming. I woke up at 4am Monday - Thursday this week and ran 2 miles everyday. That is were I am now. Come Monday I will be starting a 3.2 mile run and biking in the afternoon.

The only part of this I'm having a hard time with is finding a pool to train in. If you know of one please let me know. If your interested in the Triathlon I'm planing to be in, here is the link http://www.trifind.com/re_11301/SprintTriathlonAtVistancia.html

Back to the healthy side

I ate what ever and as much of it as I wanted over the past month and 1/2. I went back over the 200lbs mark and wanted to get back down under it. I have set a goal of being back under 200 in 2 weeks and under 190 in 2 months. Summer is just around the corner and I want to have a mean lean body for pool party's.