Thank You

Thank You

I'm thankful for a warm bed to sleep in at night.

I'm nothing special, in fact I'm a bit of a bore
If I tell a joke, you've probably heard it before
But I have a talent, a wonderful thing
Cause everyone listens when I start to sing
I'm so grateful and proud
All I want is to sing out loud.

So I say 
Thank you for the music, the song I'm singing
Thanks for all the joy they're bringing
Who can live without it, I ask in all honesty
What would life be?
Without a song or a dance what are we?
So I say thank you for the music
For giving it to me.

"Thank You For The Music"
- ABBA

Still Life

Still Life

Every picture in a special frame
They remain the same
Still life
Dawn breaking through a silver sky
You and I
Still life.

Before my eyes,
I see you like, an alibi
It's not like it used to be.

You see what's right and what's wrong
A kiss to drown in
Sweet child of paradise
Each eye cuts it's own diamond.

"Still Life"
- David Wilcox

Grow

Grow

When my hair's all gone and my memory fades
And the crowds don't remember my name
When my hands don't play the strings the same way
I know you will still love me the same. 

'Cause honey your soul could never grow old, it's evergreen
And baby your smile's forever in my mind and memory
I'm thinking 'bout how people fall in love in mysterious ways
Maybe it's all part of a plan.
Well, I'll just keep on making the same mistakes
Hoping that you'll understand
But baby now.

Take me into your loving arms
Kiss me under the light of a thousand stars
Place your head on my beating heart
Thinking out loud
That maybe we found love right where we are.

"Thinking Out Loud"
- Ed Sheeran

Reflection

Reflection

A little candle and mirror action. 

Through the mirror of my mind
Time after time
I see reflections of you and me.

Reflections of
The way life used to be
Reflections of
The love you took from me.

Oh, I'm all alone now
No love to shield me
Trapped in a world
That's a distorted reality.

Happiness you took from me
And left me alone
With only memories.

"Reflections"
- The Supremes

Well this morning I hit the wall. I didn't sleep well at all and when my alarm went off at 4:50 this morning, I knew I was not in good shape. I got out of bed and was unsteady on my feet. I knew that if I wasn't at least awake, that I might end up hurting myself at the gym.

So I made the decision to sleep in, and it paid off. I was able to at least get some shut eye and it kept me functional at school.

We also had a snow system move through today which caused the district to let school out at 1:30, so I was able to come home and take a long needed nap. Of course, that means I also get to go out and shovel tonight, so that missed gym visit will be made up for.

Speaking of snow shoveling, it's time go out and get busy.

Love you Awesome Nerds,
Robert

12 o'clock

12 o'clock

Yeah, here I am sitting on this bar stool,
Talking like a damn fool
Got the twelve o'clock news blues
And I've given up hope for the afternoon soaps
And a bottle of cold brew
Is it any wonder I'm not crazy
Is it any wonder I'm sane at all.

Well I'm so tired of losing
I've got nothing to do and all day to do it
Well I'd go out cruising, but I've no place
To go and all night to get there
Is it any wonder I'm not a criminal
Is it any wonder I'm not in jail.

Is it any wonder I've got too much time on my hands
It's ticking away with my sanity
I've got too much time on my hands
It's hard to believe such a calamity
I've got too much time on my hands
And it's ticking away, ticking away from me.

"Too Much Time On My Hands"
- Styx

Short blog posting today.

Thanks to everyone who's hung with me during my Pic-A-Day for the entire year.  :-)

Today is the long day. I was up at 5 to go workout at the gym, then a full day at school, followed by parent/teacher conferences until 7:30, then it's off to see the ISU women's basketball team play. The game starts at 7, so I'll be a little late getting there.

I was surprised that another guy at the gym made mention of my absence and told me that he was glad to see me back.  I guess I did make an impact there of some kind.

Okay, time to get more work done.

Love you Awesome Nerds,
Robert

Fix

Fix

Solving Algebraic equations actually makes me feel
good. It's my fix. :-)

I'm not alone
I wish I was
'Cause then I'd know I was down because
I couldn't find a friend around
To love me like they do right now
They do right now.

I'm dizzy from the shopping mall
I searched for joy, but I bought it all
It doesn't help the hunger pain
And a thirst I'd have to drown first to ever satiate.

Something's missing
And I don't know how to fix it
Something's missing
And I don't know what it is
No I don't know what it is
At all.

"Something's Missing"
- John Mayer

Well, Day 1 of parent teacher conferences in the book.

And I'm exhausted.

But it has been a long day. I was up at 5 to go work out. My hottie, Le Sigh, actually welcomed me back and told me that he had missed seeing me.

Le Sigh INDEED!

School was good, and conferences went well. Unfortunately, my ear infection has not gone away and in fact has spread to my right ear - YAY!

So now I'm getting ready to put hydrogen peroxide in my ears to hopefully help clear out the infection.

Wish me luck.

Love you Awesome Nerds,
Robert

Macro

Macro

Close up of a Better Than Sex cake in the making.

Thundering rhythm
Pounding within me
Driving me onwards
Forcing me to see
Clear and enlightening
Right there before me
Brilliantly shining
Intricate beauty.

See the microcosm
In macro vision
Our bodies moving
With pure precision
One universal celebration
One evolution
One creation.

"Macro"
- Depeche Mode

Today I made a Better Than Sex cake for a school potluck tomorrow. This was an interesting experience for me as I don't plan on having any of the cake.

Right now I don't need those kinds of temptations in my life. Coach Nate told me the following...

"Temptation doesn't own you. It has no stock in your well being. Temptation doesn't care if you live or die. If you don't give temptation any power it has no control over you. You have to allow yourself to give in to it."

I had a great workout today and am going to an Oscar party this evening.

The upcoming week is parent / teacher conference week and I'm determined to meet it head on and not allow it to derail my health goals.

Getting my sweat on. 

Going to the gym for me now isn't about anyone else. It's about me giving myself permission to find that guy that is hidden under all the blubber.

It's time to shed the cocoon.

Love you Awesome Nerds,
Robert

Matching

Matching

To make a chain of fools
You need a matching pair
One hypocritical fool
And a crowd that's never there
There's anger in the silence
There's wheels upon the jail
A black train built of bones
On a copper rail.

Company conductor
You need the salt of tears
Falling on a ticket
That no one's used in years
Non-commercial native
It's tattooed in your veins
You're living in a blood bank
And riding on this train.

The spirit's free, but you always find
Passengers stand and wait in line
Someone in front and someone else behind
But passengers always wait in line. 

"Passengers"
- Elton John

Today was my first day back at the gym in a loooong time.

I took it easy and just walked on the treadmill for 45 minutes. My first couple of weeks back are just about setting a routine. It's about being comfortable at the gym again.

And I have to say, the eye candy today was outstanding. Lots of silver daddy hotness.





Now next week, well next week is going to be the challenge.

Next week we have parent teacher conferences at school. On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday I'll be at school from 7:30 am to 7:30 pm. Add in that conferences are very mentally exhausting and the thought of going to the gym just seems to get pushed to the background.

But not this time.

I realize that if I can make it to the gym each day during one of the most physically and mentally draining weeks of the year - then there's no stopping me.

Love you Awesome Nerds,
Robert

This Is So Me!

This Is So Me!

It's where I learned about livin'
It's where I learned about love
It's where I learned about working hard,
And having a little was just enough
It's where I learned about Jesus
And knowin' where I stand
You can take it or leave it
This is me
This is who I am.

Give me a tin roof, a front porch, and a gravel road
And that's home to me, feels like home to me.

I feel no shame
I'm proud of where I came from
I was born and raised in the boondocks.

"Boondocks"
- Little Big Town


Years ago at a retail store that I was working at, our staff sat around and figured out which Muppet represented us best.

The staff looked at me and it was pretty obvious - Fozzie Bear.

And I couldn't agree more.

Fozzie is warm-hearted bear who loves telling jokes (usually bad ones). He's loyal to his friends and always willing to put others before himself. He's a little bit gullible, but always tries to look on the bright side of any situation.

I can't say that I'm all of those things all the time, but yeah, I'm Fozzie.

No question.

Love you Awesome Nerds,
Robert

Fresh

Fresh

I've been thinking about the way you walk
Baby, I like the way you talk
Tell you something I really can't hide
Heaven must have sent you to be by my side.

Fresh and lovely like a dream come true
I'll give anything to spend the night with you
What a feeling and I can't stop it baby
Miss frisky lady take me away.

She's fresh, exciting
She's so exciting to me, yeah
She's fresh, exciting
So inviting to me, yeah

"Fresh"
- Kool and the Gang

Bedside

Bedside

This is actually next to the bed in the guest
bedroom. Not much to photograph next to our actual bed.

I keep looking for something I can't get
Broken hearts lie all around me
And I don't see an easy way to get out of this.

Her diary, it sits by the bedside table
The curtains are closed, the cat's in the cradle
Who would've thought that a boy like me could come to this?

Oh I, I just died in your arms tonight
It must've been something you said
I just died in your arms tonight.

Oh I, I just died in your arms tonight
It must've been some kind of kiss
I should've walked away.

"I Just Died In Your Arms Tonight"
- Cutting Crew

I'm starting to have a little fun with Instagram. Since I'm really not able to get out take photos outdoors (it's kinda freezing outside), I'm playing around with filters and other digital tools on the Instagram app.

But I'll be happier when it warms up and I can start taking some outside photos!



Getting old sucks.

The cold that I have been suffering from for over a week now continues to linger. Due to an overtime basketball game last night, I got to bed much later than I had planned and paid for it this morning. I woke up late and still felt stuffed up and achy. As the day went on, I felt "better", but just wanted to find a corner of my room to curl up and take a nap. It'll be an early bed time tonight.

I didn't go to the gym today, and I'm completely okay with that. My plan is to take a couple more days to recover and visit the gym on Saturday.

Love you Awesome Nerds,
Robert

Routine

Routine

Hey I was going to seed
Spreading out like a cornfield
I had so much denial to feed
I was full of nothing real.

I had to get away from
My old routine
Let a new day come
Start over again.

I'm on my way
I don't know to where
But I'm gonna get there.

On my way
Look at the world
Through my brand new eyes.

I can't believe I get to feel
So good
So high tonight. 

"On My Way"
- Styx

I felt better today - about 75% of normal.

It did feel good to be back at school, but given the choice, I woulda taken another day to rest. By this afternoon, I was really hitting the wall energy wise. Of course my appetite has taken a huge hit from being ill, which has resulted in me losing about 7 pounds.

Tomorrow I'm making my return to the gym, part of setting a new routine of being healthy. The first couple of weeks will be for me to just get into the habit of being at the gym.

I have to confess, I am nervous. But in a good way.

Love you Awesome Nerds,
Robert

No Weddings and A Funeral

On Saturday morning I said goodbye to some unhealthy habits.

As part of my health plan with Coach Nate, before I could truly being to reshape my body, I had to let go of those thing that I used as comfort foods. He referred to it as "having a funeral" for something that is unhealthy for me that I need to leave behind.

After careful consideration, I decided to say goodbye to my Casey's habit. I would often stop at Casey's General Store for breakfast - doughnuts, breakfast sandwich, ice coffee.

When I would get stressed from work, or life in general, I would find a reason to "go get gas for the car", or stop for something to drink, etc. Casey's was a crutch for me. It was there when I was at my low points.

It was time to say farewell.

What I have loved about working with Coach Nate is that he's working hard to reshape my thinking about health and being healthy. Nate isn't a personal trainer by profession, but if he were, he would be AMAZING! He's a combination trainer and counselor combined.

I was disappointed that I couldn't hold the "funeral" out at Ada Hayden Park. But it was simply too cold and windy to do that (I about froze putting gas in my car), so I held the memorial service in my kitchen. I texted Nate about this and here was his response...

"Don't put so much emphasis of how it was pictured in your head, rather focus on what it means going forward. What's important is you have come to an understanding that the old ways were unhealthy and you cannot continue down that road. That you have decided to start a healthier way of living and you know that all that way to your very core. That old ways of coping were killing you in the mid and long-term and it's time to do something different."

I almost started to cry when I read this. This journey is about letting go of those things that I have held on to for far too long. As a kid growing up struggling with his sexuality, I used food as a comfort mechanism. Years of self-esteem and self-image doubts only served to strengthen that relationship between food and comfort.

My journey to a healthier Me starts with making small changes - drops in a bucket - that over time will add up to big changes. The road is going to be difficult at times, and I know there are going to be moments where I will doubt myself. But instead of letting those roadblocks and doubts defeat me, I'm putting a support system in place that will encourage me to stay on a positive path and help defeat those self-doubts.

Love you Awesome Nerds,
Robert

From Where I Stand

From Where I Stand

Funny day, looking for laughter and finding it there
Sunny day, braiding wild flowers and leaves in my hair
Picked up a pencil and wrote "I love you" in my finest hand
Wanted to send it, but I don't know where I stand.

Telephone, even the sound of your voice is still new
All alone in California and talking to you
And feeling to foolish and strange to say the words I had planned
I guess it's too early, 'cause I don't know where I stand. 

Crickets call, courting their ladies in star-dappled green
Thickets tall, until the morning comes up like a dream
All muted and misty, so drowsy now I'll take what sleep I can
I know that I miss you, but I don't know where I stand
I know that I miss you, but I don't know where I stand.

"I Don't Know Where I Stand"
- Joni Mitchell

Well if it didn't already suck that I've had a cold and an ear infection, today I had to have a cavity filled. I have a huge crush on my dentist, but with me being under the weather, I wasn't even able to enjoy being in his company.

Fortunately it the filling was quick and easy and I was able to head back home and crawl into bed to sleep. I feel like all I've done over the past 3 days is sleep.

Tomorrow it's back to work, but fortunately my student teacher has been taking care of things for me. I owe him big.

Love you Awesome Nerds,
Robert

Spot

Spot

I'm too hot (hot damn)
Called a police and a fireman
I'm too hot (hot damn)
Make a dragon wanna retire man
I'm too hot (hot damn)
Say my name you know who I am
I'm too hot (hot damn)
Am I mad 'bout that money, break it down.

Girls hit your hallelujah (whoo)
Girls hit your hallelujah (whoo)
Girls hit your hallelujah (whoo)
'Cause uptown funk gon' give it to you 
'Cause uptown funk gon' give it to you
'Cause uptown funk gon' give it to you
Saturday night and we in the spot
Don't believe me just watch (come on)

"Uptown Funk"
- Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars

My weekend of Hell continues. Even with a hit of NyQuil, I slept poorly, waking up multiple times throughout the night. This morning I felt even worse and, with a stabbing pain in my ears, realized that I should go to Urgent Care.

An ear infection was diagnosed and antibiotics prescribed. I've spent the rest of the day napping and feeling rotten. I've decided to take tomorrow off from school.

I'm also visiting the dentist tomorrow to have a cavity filled.

Oh the fun never ends.

Love you Awesome Nerds,
Robert

Love

Love

Well I know there's a reason
And I know there's a rhyme
We were meant to be together
And that's why,
We can roll with the punches
We can stroll hand in hand
And when I say it's forever
You understand.

That you're always in my heart
You're always on my mind
But when it all becomes too much,
You're never far behind
And there's no that comes close to you
Could ever take your place
'Cause only you can love me this way.

I could have turned a different corner
I could have gone another place
Then I'd of never had the feeling
That I feel today, yeah.

That you're always in my heart
You're always on my mind
But when it all becomes too much,
You're never far behind
And there's no that comes close to you
Could ever take your place
'Cause only you can love me this way.

Only you can love me this way.

"Only You Can Love Me This Way"
- Keith Urban

It's going to be a quiet Valentine's Day around here. The cold I picked up has been kicking my ass, and I'm writing this post from the warmth of my couch. But the Hubby and I don't usually make a big deal about Valentine's Day.

The song lyrics above are special - it's the first song that the Hubby and I danced to as a married couple. We had been going round and round trying to find a song that would work for us. As soon as I heard this on the radio, I thought it might be the one. When he heard it, the look on his face told me that it was our song.

So I think it's time for a nap. Until next time.

Love you Awesome Nerds,
Robert

Temptation

Temptation

Her wild-eyed innocence is just a game
But just the same
My head is spinning
She's got a way to keep me on her side
It's just a ride
It's never ending.

Tonight with me she'll be so exciting
I want her all for myself

Oh, temptation eyes
Looking through my, my, my soul.
Temptation Eyes
You better love me, got to love me tonight. 

"Temptation Eyes"
- The Grass Roots

Oh the bakery counter at Hy-Vee (the local grocery store chain). They are doing more and more "gourmet" pastries, and they are incredibly tempting.

My new health regimen starts on Monday and this weekend I will be doing the final prep work along with saying goodbye to some old friends (comfort foods) that I will no longer be seeing. It's an exciting and scary time.

I'm still under-the-weather with a cold. Today at school was pretty miserable and I was grateful that a friend suggested showering with Eucalyptus Oil in the tub to open up my sinuses. It worked wonders. This weekend is going to be all about rest, napping and tea sippin.

Love you Awesome Nerds,
Robert

Pointy

Pointy

It took so long, well I treasure now
The love you gave to me
And when you smile, it warms my heart in need
Oh, baby, can't you see?

I, I'd like to feel the passion
To the point of no return, oh, baby
I will be in full reaction
I'm gonna take you in my arms.

You're taking me to the point of no return
You're taking me to the point of no return.

I wanna be with you, baby
I'm gonna be by your side
I wanna be with you, baby
I'm gonna love you every night.

"Point of No Return"
- Expose

Well it's not strep.

I know, I know, you were all waiting on pins and needles to find out what was wrong with me.

I went and saw our school nurse this morning. I figured she would be able to tell me if I needed to go home. Fortunately she didn't see any of the tell-tale signs in my throat. So most likely, the sore throat is due to sinus drainage.

I always seem to get the sexy diagnoses.

Tonight - THE THEATRE!!!!

I'm seeing a local production of one of my favorite shows - "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare - Abridged (Revised)".

Love you Awesome Nerds!
Robert

Further Inspiration

So before the cough syrup kicks in, I wanted to present a few of the men that inspire me to be a healthier man.  As you can see, I have a bit of a thing for silver daddies. :-)

 

 
 
 
 
 
 

On The Wall

On The Wall

When the world is on your shoulder
Gotta straighten up your act and boogie down
If you can't hang with the feelin'
Then there ain't no room for you this part of town
'Cause we're the party people night and day
Livin' crazy that's the only way.

So tonight gotta leave that nine to five upon the shelf
And just enjoy yourself
Groove, let the madness in the music get to you
Life ain't so bad at all
If you live it off the wall
Life ain't so bad at all (live life off the wall)
Live your life off the wall (live it off the wall).

"Off the Wall"
- Michael Jackson

It's gonna be a short post tonight as I am continuing to fight my health.

And now I'm worried I might be coming down with strep throat (trouble swallowing... minds out of the gutter).

yay me.

I'm taking a tablespoon of cough syrup with codeine to help me sleep tonight.  Hopefully in the morning I'll awake feeling better.

Hopefully.

Love you Awesome Nerds,
Robert

This Inspires Me

This Inspires Me

On the avenue, there ain't no curfew, ladies work so hard
Such a melting pot, on the corner selling rock, preachers pray to God
Hail a gypsy cab, takes me down from Harlem to the Brooklyn Bridge
Some will sleep tonight with a hunger for more than an empty fridge.

I'ma make it by any means, I got a pocketful of dreams
Baby I'm from New York
Concrete jungle where dreams are made of
There's nothing you can't do
Now you're in New York!
These streets will make you feel brand new
Big lights will inspire you
Hear it for New York, New York, New York!!!!!

"Empire State of Mind (Part II) Broken Down"
- Alicia Keys

I love this quote, and while I don't use it all the time, it resonates with me.

On Monday, I take that first big step. My friend Nate, who is also a huge inspiration to me, is coaching me on becoming healthier. He is my sherpa and I've committed to giving him 100% effort. He's gonna call me on any bullshit and encourage me throughout. He's promised me that I'm going to hate him at times, and I'm okay with that.

I'll be honest. I'm scared.

I've tried and failed so many times before that there's always this little voice inside my head telling me that I can't do this.

Nate and I had a long heart-to-heart about what my goals, fears, anxieties and dreams were about being healthier. It was one of the most honest conversations I've had in a long time. Nate reassured me that my concerns and fears were valid and that we would deal with them.

I'm starting on Monday. But this week I've had homework to do to prep.

More about that later. :-)

Love you Awesome Nerds!
Robert

My Favorite Grammy Moment

Let's fact it - last night's Grammy Award's were just awful.

There were no memorable performances, it was just short of depressing.

Which led me back to my favorite Grammy performance of all time - Aretha Franklin's "Nessun Dorma" from 1998.

Luciano Pavarotti was to perform the number before receiving a Lifetime Achievement award, but due to illness, was advised by doctors not to do the number, not leaving producers much time to find a replacement.

Enter Aretha.

Franking had performed the song a couple of days previously at a Musicares Benefit. She graciously stepped in with little notice to perform the aria from the opera "Turandot".

And she nails it.

To this day listening to it still sends chills up my spine.

Enjoy.

Energy

Energy

Zappin' it to ya
The pressure's everywhere
Goin' right through ya
The fever's in the air
Oh yeah, it's there!
Don't underestimate the power
Of a lifetime ahead.

Electric Youth
Feel the power, you see the energy
Comin' up
Coming on strong.
The future only belongs
To the future itself / in the hands of itself
And the future is
Electric Youth
It's true you can't fight it
Live by it
The next generation.

"Electric Youth"
- Debbie Gibson

Energy - what I have little of today. :-(

I woke up this morning with a pretty nasty cough and a wicked headache. But today being the start of Iowa Assessments, I dragged myself outta bed and went in. I'm supervising a student teacher for the next few weeks and he has taken over my classes, but I felt that since it was the first day of assessments, that I really needed to be there.

When I got there Zach, my student teacher, knew that I wasn't feeling well (I think the hacking cough might have given it away). I think he knew that I was gonna need to go home. I put in for a sub and my favorite one grabbed it immediately (felt blessed).

The morning passed, my sub showed up, and I headed to Wal-Mart for drugs and Powerade. I pretty much crawled into bed as soon as I got home and napped.

And napped HARD!  (minds out of the gutter)

The meds and the sleep certainly helped as I awoke feeling much better, not 100%, but certainly a lot better than this morning.

Tomorrow I'll be taking my Mathletes to a competition, so I'll be out of the building all day. I'm always nervous for my kids before a competition, but we've prepared, so I know we'll be fine.

Love you Awesome Nerds!
Robert

In My Bag

In My Bag

The gym bag is ready to go!

All my bags are packed
I'm ready to go
I'm standing here outside your door,
I hate to wake you up to say goodbye.
But the dawn is breaking, 
it's early morn,
the taxi's waiting He's blowin his horn.
Already I'm so lonesome I could die.

So kiss me and smile for me,
tell me that you'll wait for me,
hold me like you'll never let me go.
'Cause I'm leaving on a jet plane,
don't know when I'll be back again.
Oh, babe, I hate to go. 

"Leaving On A Jet Plane"
- John Denver

I'm tired.

I spent 3 1/2 hours watching the Grammys.  3 1/2 hours that I won't be getting back.  It was soooooooo boring!  It felt like nothing but slow songs for the entire show.  At least I won't have trouble getting to sleep.

I had a great afternoon visiting with my friend, Nate. We've only known one another for a little under a year and he's already one of my very best friends. He's someone that I have truly connected with and I've found it refreshing that I'm able to open up to him about anything.

One area that we've talked about a great deal is my goal to be in better shape. Nate is working with me to help me reach my health goal. He's taking courses through the local community college and I'm really encouraging him to explore counseling as he's a great listener and can see through bullshit pretty easily.

I've shared my goals with Nate and we talked today about how I can get there. It's not going to be easy and there are going to be bumps along the way, but I truly feel that this is the year. This week I'll be planning some things out and letting go of others. I'm excited to be starting on this journey.

Love you Awesome Nerds!
Robert

Stripes

Stripes

You were lyin' there with nothing on
But a goofy little grin and a platinum blonde
I can't believe you'd do that on our bed
I got a pistol and I got a bullet
And a pissed off finger just'a itchin' to pull it
The only thing keepin' me from losin' my head

Is I hate stripes and orange ain't my color
And if I squeeze that trigger tonight
I'll be wearin' one or the other
There's no crime of passion worth a crime of fashion
The only thing savin' your life 
Is that I don't look good in orange and I hate stripes. 

"Stripes"
-Brandy Clark

It was a busy day.

One that I'll tell you about tomorrow.

:-)

Love you Awesome Nerds!
Robert

A Rubdown and a Beatdown

Yesterday was a weird day. I was in a funk for most of the day and I just felt "off".

All day at school I felt cranky, irritable. on edge.

Nothing bad happened, it was just me.

So after school I had three things that put me in a better mood.

And no, none of them was the 3:15 dismissal bell. :-)

First up was a session with my counselor. We had a great talk, and he called me out on being evasive about going to the gym.  He challenged me to write down EVERYTHING I eat.  That's my homework for the month - to just track everything I put in my mouth (minds out of the gutter guys).

I left my session feeling better.

Then it was off for a massage with Nick. He's been my masseur for the better part of a year now and I love going to him. He's pretty damned amazing (and he's kinda cute in an adorkable way).

90 minutes with Nick and I was feeling incredibly relaxed.  Nothing hurt and brain felt like it was perking up.

A quick shower and then it was off to rec league volleyball. Now yes, I realize that it's probably not the best idea to get a massage and THEN go play volleyball, but that was just the way the scheduling worked.

Last season we played in the B-/C+ league and were the kings. We lost all of 1 set the entire season and swept the playoffs. So as a "rewards", we were moved up to the B level, where the competition is better.

Yup, a lot better.

We did play last night with some subs, and we were competitive. But in the end, we got smoked, losing all 6 sets in the 2 matches.

But we had fun.

I got home feeling so much better. My mood was elevated and I felt more like myself.

Maybe it was the endolphins.

Today, I'm accompanying student to math competition at Iowa State. Pretty much while they're testing, I'm sitting around being bored.

But I've got my laptop, so I'm sure I'll find something to occupy my time.

Love you Awesome Nerds!
Robert

Makes Me Smile

Makes Me Smile

Harold, Cy and Harold make me smile. 

Smile though your heart is aching
Smile even though it's breaking
When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by
If you smile through your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You'll see the sun come shining through for you.

Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear may be ever so near
That's the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what's the use of crying?
You'll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile.

That's the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what's the use of crying?
You'll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile.

"Smile"
- Nat King Cole

Today was a long day, for no other reason than I was in a funk.

This was the first time since I've been on anti-depressants that I've been "down". I have to admit, it's been a strange experience. Maybe I'm just coming down with something.

I'm not sure I've written about them before, but the two hedgehogs and cardinal in the photo are our boys.  The hedgehog on the right is Harold (he's Hubbys), the one on the left is my Harold (yes, they are both named Harold). The hubby discovered them when he worked at the University of Iowa bookstore. I saw his and thought he was adorable, so he got me one. The cardinal, Cy, was adopted from the Iowa State bookstore.  Cy is the ISU mascot.

We've had the hedgehogs for close to 20 years. They are our boys and we take them with us when we travel. It certainly makes for interesting photos when we take pictures of them in famous places. I think my all-time favorite was when we sent them overseas with a friend of ours to England and had their picture taken in front of Stonehenge.

I'm headed for a massage in a bit, so I'm hoping that will help my mood. That and a good night sleeps will (crossing my fingers) do the trick.

In the meantime, I'm going to post a video from last year's Emmy Awards of Sara Bareilles singing "Smile".  Hands down it's my favorite version of the song - EVER!

Love you Awesome Nerds!

Robert

Something Blue

Something Blue

I feel so bad I've got a worried mind
I'm so lonesome all the time
Since I left my baby behind on Blue Bayou.

Savin' nickels, savin' dimes
Workin' til the sun don't shine
Lookin' forward to happier times on Blue Bayou.

I'm goin' back someday, come what may, to Blue Bayou
Where you sleep all day and the catfish play on Blue Bayou
All those fishin' boats with their sails afloat, if I could only see
That familiar sunrise thorough sleepy eyes how happy I'd be. 

"Blue Bayou"
- Linda Ronstadt

I'm sitting here staring at my computer screen.

When I got home from school today I laid down on the couch and fell asleep. It wasn't a bad day by any stretch, but for some reason I came home in a funk.

I crashed for a couple of hours. Maybe I've been staying up too late and not getting enough sleep, and this is just my body telling me to take a break and sleep.

I've got a busy Friday and Saturday, so it will be an early night for me.

Love you Awesome Nerds!
Robert

Reward

Reward

My reward for losing weight

Father I didn't really know you
Mother you are so very far away from me
Hopeless birthdays made me cry
My heart kept saying, "it's alright"
Obviously, that's the way it was meant to be.

Now I know
There was a reason for it all
And I am not lonely any more
I got my reward
That's why I am loved.

I have you
A lover and a friend
You are everything I need
You are the sun, the air I breathe
Without you, life wouldn't be the same
Please never go away
And if you go then don't forget to take me with you. 

"Reward"
- Basia

I think of a reward as something you get for doing positive things. I bought the shirt in the photo as a reward for myself, but I haven't worn it yet.

And there's a reason - I don't feel I've earned it yet.

Stepping on the scale this morning I saw 237.  Ugh.  I've made the decision not to wear the shirt until I see less than 220.

I know, weight is just a number, but it's a goal.

Tomorrow will be the first day for me on the bike trainer.  I've had stuff going on every day and haven't had a chance to break it in yet.  I'm excited to get started.

I promise a photo of me in the shirt when I reach that magic number.

Love you Awesome Nerds!
Robert

Water

Water

I've looked everywhere I can just to find a clue
Oh to get to you and make you want me
And I've run circles around the sun chasin' after you
Oh but it's no use.

Can't you see that I'm going out of my mind?
Trying to find a way to get through to you
Oh, you don't know how hard I try and I try and I try
What do I gotta do?

Do I gotta get water from the moon?
Is that what I gotta do to make you love me, make you love me?
Do I gotta turn the sand into the sea?
Is that what you want from me, I've done everything I can do
But get water from the moon.

"Water From The Moon"

- Celine Dion

I tried something new today for my photo. I put my cell phone in a ziploc bag and filled the kitchen sink up with water. I put the sealed ziploc bag in the water and took a few photos.  I got some interesting results. The one I posted was my favorite.

It's almost a bit disturbing. It's what I would imagine someone would see if they were being drowned.

Yup, that's me - dark and macabre.

It was a busy day with school, then physical therapy for my back, followed by dinner with friends at Buffalo Wild Wings (it's Wings Tuesday Y'all!).  Oh and I caught up on last night's episode of "Castle".

"She wants to lead the glamorous life..."

Tomorrow night it's bowling league night.  I'm just doing it part time this season, as it starts at 8, which is a little late on a school night.

So it's off to bed.  Until tomorrow...

Love you Awesome Nerds!
Robert

Mail

Mail

Gimme a ticket for an aeroplane
I ain't got time to take a fast train
Lonely days are gone, I'm a-goin' home
'Cause my baby just wrote me a letter.

I don't care how much money I gotta spend
Got to get back to my baby again
Lonely days are gone, I'm a-goin' home
'Cause my baby just wrote me a letter.

Well, she wrote me a letter
Said she couldn't live without me no more
Listen, mister, can't you see I got to get back
To my baby once more?

"The Letter"
- The Box Tops


Today my new bike trainer arrived in the mail. This will allow me to ride my bike indoors and prepare for RAGBRAI in the summer. Essentially, the trainer turns a street bike into a stationary bike.

I got it set up in the basement and will be trying it out tomorrow!  Every day RAGBRAI gets closer and I get more excited for it!

Love you Awesome Nerds!
Robert