Monday, November 17, 2008

Biggest Loser

Today kicked off day one of my gym's Biggest Loser competition. I'm stoked about it, really. I have been stuck in this endless cycle of working out and losing weight, then stopping and gaining it back for a long time now. I seem to respond well to a challenge/competition, so I'm hoping this will help keep me motivated. In addition to the competition, I've signed up for some personal training - 6 months, once a week, with Matt. I have not met Matt yet, but I have heard he's one of the best. I can report back on that later this week.

As I did my cardio this evening, I did some people watching - always fun in a gym, by the way. If you've ever spent any time in a gym, I'm sure you've seen all of these things (and more) happen, but here are my top three gym annoyances:

1. People that watch themselves in the mirror. Sure, they are watching their "form." Right.
2. People who talk on their cell phones while working out. Pretty sure it's not that great of a workout if you can carry on a chat while doing your cardio.
3. People who wait on parking spots close to the building so they don't have to walk too far. Seriously?? You are going in to work out!

Friday, September 19, 2008

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Seeing Red

I'm all in. I was on the fence a couple of posts ago, but now I'm all in. The DVR got a little bit of vacation after the Olympics, but now its in overdrive again. It's Presidential election season and I'm hooked. It, like the Olympics, only comes once every four years so I must take advantage now. Last weekend consisted of two specials on Sarah Palin, one on Joe Biden, and then Sunday morning was spent with George Stephanopolous - I always enjoy his round table discussions. There are still several weeks to go, so I'm feeling the need to pace myself a bit on television coverage. Otherwise, it will take over - I'm already turning on CNN upon waking up in the morning and getting home from work. Not to mention the occasional peek online during the work day.

My hours spent engrossed in the world of politics of late have led me to three conclusions. First, Obama will regret picking Biden. The only way to really have united the Democrats after the bitter primaries would have been to pick Hillary. I think further proof of that is the frenzy the Palin pick has caused (apparently we are ready to embrace the idea of a woman in the White House). Joe Biden has been around forever it seems - he's not the 'change' Obama has been promising. Second, I think that McCain really can do some changing. Maybe that's why I can buy in with him - I think he will be able to look beyond party lines and keep the best interest of the people a priority. (Look at me dreaming.) Lastly, Tina Fey needs to return to SNL as Sarah Palin. It was hilarious!

Thoughts to ponder:
A Barack/Hill vs. John/Sarah race would have been even more fun.
2012 Prediction: Hill vs. Sarah for pres

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Name Change

If you're a regular reader, you might have noticed my blog's name change. While "I dunno" was super clever, it didn't really say much. "By Grace Through Faith" has special meaning for me. Several months ago my eyes were opened to a whole new concept - grace. I had spent many years in church, but never heard a message of grace. What I heard was a list of do's and don't's and what happened if you did some of the 'don't's.' So, imagine my reaction when I started to grasp the idea of God's grace. We don't deserve it, but He freely gives it. We can't earn it - He freely gives it. It still blows my mind. In Ephesians 2:8-9, Paul wrote, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." What an amazing gift!

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

I did it

I drank the Sarah Palin Kool-aid tonight.

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

11.04.08

I get passionate about my politics. I do my best to keep an open mind - I like to hear other people's points of view. Its when we sit in our own little worlds and never venture out that we become stale and stagnant and I don't want that.

I have historically been on the liberal side of things, though I find myself more in the middle now and (gasp) even a little on the right on some things - a little. I have issues with labeling myself a conservative/republican, etc - don't wanna do it. Anyway, the presidential race always seems to be fun for me - watching CNN endlessly, even taking in some talk radio (I'm probably not old enough to admit that), the Sunday morning round tables.

This year I was more into the primaries than before. I mean, history was being made either way on the Democratic side. My choice - no shame in my game - was Hillary. I was on board 100% - even chased down Bill at a Hill rally (pic to prove it) with my boss one day. I watched the primaries closely and was excited and hopeful for a Hill comeback after Super Tuesday. The comeback didn't happen and I was stuck with two candidates that didn't excite me at all - McCain v. Obama.

I don't trust Obama. I was on the fence until the deal with his Reverend came out and that pushed me over. I have a very hard time believing that you can sit under someone's preaching and teaching for years and years and then say you don't believe anything he (and your church) believes. Doesn't add up, people, doesn't add up.

Why am I on the fence with McCain? Four more years of the GOP?? And, to be honest, that whole getting labeled thing mentioned above (I know one vote doesn't make me one, but still).

So, I was waiting for the VP picks - would we have an Obama/Clinton ticket? Nope - he goes with Joe Biden (change...what? where?). Who in the heck would McCain pick to steal some of the Hillary supporters not on board with Obama? Much to everyone's surprise - Sarah Palin.

I'd never heard of her before. I was not immediately impressed. I mean, a no-name from Alaska is supposed to draw my vote that was going to go to Hill? I must admit, though, after reading about what she's done and hearing her story...I'm getting impressed. She's tackled corruption, cut some crazy spending, had five kids, won a beauty pageant and a state basketball championship. That's busy for a 44 year old.

I haven't officially decided, but I'm leaning a little to the right. I might even be watching some of the RNC. Maybe.

Sunday, August 31, 2008

Checkin in...


I thought it was about time to check in on the blogosphere since my last post was pre-Olympics. I will admit some Olympic withdrawals this past week because I thoroughly enjoyed the games this time around - swimming did not disappoint! Michael Phelps is the man!
(Just for fun, the link below gives instructions on how to blog like Michael Phelps. :)

http://www.kokasexton.com/word/2008/08/14/how-to-blog-like-michael-phelps/)

Other Olympic highlights: Women's gymnastics - Shawn and Nastia specifically. (China's team gold = Further proof that cheaters do in fact win despite what our parents might have told us.)
Beach volleyball - Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh. Amazing how quickly they can get around in that sand.
Dara Torres - She's 41. Enough said.
The Redeem Team - I surprisingly didn't care to watch much. Glad they got the gold and all, but I have a hard time sitting through and enjoying games that involve Kobe.
For some reason I don't seem to get as jazzed about the winter Olympics, but I'm sure summer in London in 2012 will not disappoint!

Thursday, July 24, 2008

08.08.08

Those who know me would be able to tell you that I'm a sports fan - basketball (Go Mavs), football (Mr. Favre), and tennis (no one compares to Steffi Graf) are among my regular favorites. But, I must admit there is an event that I look forward to much like little kids look forward to Christmas - and that would be the Olympics. I love them - particularly the summer Olympics.

I remember the Olympics being a big deal when I was little. My dad, also a sports person, even taped some of the events back in the days of VHS. Why do I love them, you ask? There are a few reasons - I think it is amazing to see the athletes that have been so devoted and dedicated that they train day in and day out year after year just for their shot to be the best in the world. You see athletes that play for the love of their sport, not for the love of money. I think in general, you tend to see more sportsmanship in that setting as well.

I don't think any other sporting event effects me quite like the Olympics do. I will watch events that I have no interest in whatsoever and then get hooked by the story (yes, NBC, you appeal to the sucker in me). But, there are two Olympic moments that will stick with me forever. I remember seeing both and just being blown away by the courage of the athletes. The first was in the 1996 Atlanta games when Kerri Strug nailed her second vault on one leg because of the torn up ankle. Everyone remembers that one, right?




The other moment was in the 1992 Barcelona games when Derek Redmond was running the 400 meters. He pulled a hamstring about half way in and fell to the track for a second and as others ran up to him to check on him, he hops up and starts to hop his way to the finish line. With about
100 meters left, his dad runs down from the stands and brushes past security, puts his arm around him, and finishes the race with him. I challenge you not to tear up when you see that footage - YouTube it!



So what am I looking forward to most in these games? Swimming. I can't wait! DVR will be in overdrive come 08.08.08! :)

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Pics from Cali




I'm sitting in SJC airport playing and passing some time. I accepted the offer for a travel voucher to take a later flight, so I've got some time to kill. My trip was great - fun to see a new place and learn some new things. I went in to San Francisco for a little bit Thursday night and snapped some pictures. The weather was awesome - 60 degrees on a summer evening. It stopped being 60 degrees in Dallas a few months ago!

Sunday, June 22, 2008

Creativity Issues

So I decided to start my own little blog to, well, blog. I have some creativity issues, though, in that I'm not. Not even a little bit, so when it was time to name my blog my brain just sort of seized up. My working title is now, "I dunno." I'm open to suggestions. :)

God of this City

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d61LamkXfwk