It’s been far too long since I’ve actually been in shape. I love the feeling of having energy and knowing that my body’s not going to let me down in any potential physical situation (needing to lift something, needing to defend my family, needing to race to the last chicken wing).

I’ve tried before to start slowly getting back into shape, by doing push-ups and sit-ups before bed, or walking to work (this was before we moved to Dalmeny), but I never really had a clear plan, and just did it whenever I felt like I couldn’t take being out of shape anymore. When trying these things, I usually end up getting sick, which stops me in my tracks. It takes me months before I realize I’ve lost the daily groove and haven’t done anything about it.

So now I’ve decided to actually have a plan (how novel) and try the one hundred push-up challenge. Of any one exercise, the push-up is probably the most well-rounded. It helps build your arms, legs, abs, chest, and back. Your entire core gets a good workout. I would call it the ultimate exercise. If you choose only one exercise this summer, choose the push-up. So anyway, this plan is a 6 week plan that will take you from fat lazy couch potato into a perfectly sculpted muscle machine with little effort. Okay, maybe not – but one can dream, can’t he? I expect, though, that if I’m able to do 100 pushups (consecutively) in 6 weeks, that I’ll probably feel better and regain a lot of strength that I’ve lost over the past few years.

Anyone else want to try to do it too?

I love when old Hymns are “upgraded” to modern rock songs.

Here’s such an example. It’s from the band, Team Strike Force, who play at Mars Hill Church in Seattle (I’ve become a big fan of this Church recently, if you can’t tell already).

play song

Right Mouse Click to Download the song Here

Here are the lyrics:

I sing the mighty pow’r of God, that made the mountains rise,
That spread the flowing seas abroad, and built the lofty skies.
I sing the wisdom that ordained the sun to rule the day;
The moon shines full at God’s command, and all the stars obey.

I sing the goodness of the Lord, who filled the earth with food,
Who formed the creatures through the Word, and then pronounced them good.
Lord, how Thy wonders are displayed, where’er I turn my eye,
If I survey the ground I tread, or gaze upon the sky.

Oh Kings of earth and everything
Lift now with us sing
Lord let your glory reign
Over every mountain Crest
Creation has confessed
You have given breath
From heaven to the depths

There’s not a plant or flow’r below, but makes Thy glories known,
And clouds arise, and tempests blow, by order from Thy throne;
While all that borrows life from Thee is ever in Thy care;
And everywhere that we can be, Thou, God, art present there.

Oh Kings of earth and everything
Lift now with us sing
Lord let your glory reign
Over every mountain Crest
Creation has confessed
You have given breath
From heaven to the depths
(repeat)

Men are wusses. There, I said it. What are you going to do about it? Nothing? I thought so, cause you’re a wuss!

Well, maybe you’re not a wuss, but most men are. Here are some signs that you’re a wuss:

You’re affraid of commitment – Today’s men aren’t big on making commitments to people or to organizations. They’re too busy trying to “find themselves” in order to commit to anybody or anything. They hop from job to job, girl to girl, and only add baggage to any future relationship. The rate of “common law partners” seems to increase every year. Many men would say “it shows commitment if we move in together. It’s just a test to see if we’re compatible.” I say it shows commitment if you tell her that you’re going to spend the rest of your life with her – and you prove it to her with a ring and some vows in front of your family and friends! This living together garbage just shows you’re a wuss and want an easy way out if things aren’t perfect all the time. Commitment is more freeing than enslaving. Commitment gives freedom in a realationship, freedom in a job, and freedom to be yourself around those you’ve made commitments with. Man-up moment: If you’ve been “dating” for over two years, make up your mind already and either ask her to marry you or let her find someone else who will!

You’re affraid of rejection - Just as bad as the commitment guy above is the guy who’s too affraid to even try anything. “I’m not good enough”, “What if she says no?”, “There are better applicants for the job”. All lame wussy excuses. You want the job? Go for it. Like the girl? Ask her out already! If you aim at nothing, you’ll hit it every time. Man-up moment: Ask a girl out on a date. If she says no, then nothing’s been lost. You get the same result as if you didn’t ask. But if she says yes, then you win.

You don’t respect your parents – A real man respects family. It’s rediculous how often I see teenagers embarassed to be seen with their parents, or talk poorly about them behind their backs. They gave you life, they provide for you, and they love you. In the rare occasions where they fall short in one of those areas, show some forgiveness and respect them anyway. That makes you the better person. Man-up moment: Hang out with your parents and enjoy it!

You run from confrontation – Real men deal with problems. If you keep ignoring a problem, it will get bigger, it won’t (usually) just go away. Man-up moment: When you see someone being pushed around, stand up for them.

There are other examples of what a wussy man looks like, but I think you’re starting to get the picture. It’s time to show the world what a real man looks like. If you’re a male, but still not a real man, then quit whining about life and just man-up already!

Saturday was our big move. We had a whole shwack (It’s a word…I swear) of people help us with our move. Lots of family and friends came out to help. It went extremely well. From start to finish our move probably only took 6 hours (not including all the packing Kim had done the week before).

The house – I mean trailer – was not quite as awesome as I remembered.  The biggest problem was/is the smell from the bathroom. There’s a musty, soapy smell that is trapped in the walls, sink, and tub. It probably wouldn’t bother most people, but for someone who has extreme scent allergies, I can’t say it’s enjoyable to spend time in the bathroom.

Another crazy thing about our trailer is the fact that we can’t get Farmer Vision (over the air antenna) reception in our trailer. I’m pretty sure it’s because of our metal roof. So now we’re toying with the  idea of cable or satellite. Unfortunately, the cheaper option (Star Choice Satellite) only has local channels for Regina, not Saskatoon (except Global). So we’d be forced to watch Regina TV for our “local” news…yuck. So I might just have to take a look around for a good outdoor antenna that won’t make the trailer look even more hillbilly-like.

Even though the trailer isn’t the most awesome place to live, we’re hoping we get to build a new house and move in by fall next year. The town is great, and we have great neighbors.  I just have to keep hoping that I can finish Trainer 2.0 ASAP so we can build our house sooner as opposed to later.

Like a lot of people out there, I’m sure you’re tempted by “get rich quick” schemes. Most people want an easy way to increase their standard of living while their work-load either stays the same or decreases. It’s a dream that I’m sure most people are willing to admit to at some level or another. Here’s the problem – most of these schemes are in-fact too good to be true. Try as we might, most of these ideas or programs just fall flat. So how are we supposed to get rich? Work hard? Invest? Win the Lottery? I’ve come up with three ideas that may or may not work for everybody, but have the potential to give your bank account some wiggle room: Read the rest of this entry »