“It's no light thing to know that we'll all one day stand in that place of Judgment. That's why we work urgently with everyone we meet to get them ready to face God. God alone knows how well we do this, but I hope you realize how much and deeply we care. We're not saying this to make ourselves look good to you. We just thought it would make you feel good, proud even, that we're on your side and not just nice to your face as so many people are. If I acted crazy, I did it for God; if I acted overly serious, I did it for you. Christ's love has moved me to such extremes. His love has the first and last word in everything we do.
Our firm decision is to work from this focused center: One man died for everyone. That puts everyone in the same boat.” II Corinthians 5:11-14 MSG
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Monday, December 26, 2011
THE BUCK STOPS HERE
The First Decision For Success - The buck stops here.
From this moment forward, I will accept responsibility for my past. I understand that the beginning of wisdom is to accept the responsibility for my own problems and that by accepting responsibility for my past, I free myself to move into a bigger, brighter future of my own choosing.
Never again will I blame my parents, my spouse, my boss, or other employees for my present situation. Neither my education nor lack of one, my genetics, or the circumstantial ebb and flow of everyday life will affect my future in a negative way. If I allow myself to blame these uncontrollable forces for my lack of success, I will be forever caught in a web of the past. I will look forward. I will not let my history control my destiny.
The buck stops here. I accept responsibility for my past. I am responsible for my success.
I am where I am today—mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally, and financially—because of decisions I have made. My decisions have always been governed by my thinking. Therefore, I am where I am today—mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally, and financially—because of how I think. Today I will begin the process of changing where I am—mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally, and financially—by changing the way I think.
My thoughts will be constructive, never destructive. My mind will live in the solutions of the future. It will not dwell in the problems of the past. I will seek the association of those who are working and striving to bring about positive changes in the world. I will never seek comfort by associating with those who have decided to be comfortable.
When faced with the opportunity to make a decision, I will make one. I understand that God did not put in me the ability to always make right decisions. He did, however, put in me the ability to make a decision and then make it right. The rise and fall of my emotional tide will not deter me from my course. When I make a decision, I will stand behind it. My energy will go into making the decision. I will waste none on second thoughts. My life will not be an apology. It will be a statement.
The buck stops here. I control my thoughts. I control my emotions.
In the future when I am tempted to ask the question “Why me?” I will immediately counter with the answer: “Why not me?” Challenges are gifts, opportunities to learn. Problems are the common thread running through the lives of great men and women. In times of adversity, I will not have a problem to deal with; I will have a choice to make. My thoughts will be clear. I will make the right choice. Adversity is preparation for greatness. I will accept this preparation. Why me? Why not me? I will be prepared for something great!
I accept responsibility for my past. I control my thoughts. I control my emotions. I am responsible for my success.
The buck stops here.
From this moment forward, I will accept responsibility for my past. I understand that the beginning of wisdom is to accept the responsibility for my own problems and that by accepting responsibility for my past, I free myself to move into a bigger, brighter future of my own choosing.
Never again will I blame my parents, my spouse, my boss, or other employees for my present situation. Neither my education nor lack of one, my genetics, or the circumstantial ebb and flow of everyday life will affect my future in a negative way. If I allow myself to blame these uncontrollable forces for my lack of success, I will be forever caught in a web of the past. I will look forward. I will not let my history control my destiny.
The buck stops here. I accept responsibility for my past. I am responsible for my success.
I am where I am today—mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally, and financially—because of decisions I have made. My decisions have always been governed by my thinking. Therefore, I am where I am today—mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally, and financially—because of how I think. Today I will begin the process of changing where I am—mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally, and financially—by changing the way I think.
My thoughts will be constructive, never destructive. My mind will live in the solutions of the future. It will not dwell in the problems of the past. I will seek the association of those who are working and striving to bring about positive changes in the world. I will never seek comfort by associating with those who have decided to be comfortable.
When faced with the opportunity to make a decision, I will make one. I understand that God did not put in me the ability to always make right decisions. He did, however, put in me the ability to make a decision and then make it right. The rise and fall of my emotional tide will not deter me from my course. When I make a decision, I will stand behind it. My energy will go into making the decision. I will waste none on second thoughts. My life will not be an apology. It will be a statement.
The buck stops here. I control my thoughts. I control my emotions.
In the future when I am tempted to ask the question “Why me?” I will immediately counter with the answer: “Why not me?” Challenges are gifts, opportunities to learn. Problems are the common thread running through the lives of great men and women. In times of adversity, I will not have a problem to deal with; I will have a choice to make. My thoughts will be clear. I will make the right choice. Adversity is preparation for greatness. I will accept this preparation. Why me? Why not me? I will be prepared for something great!
I accept responsibility for my past. I control my thoughts. I control my emotions. I am responsible for my success.
The buck stops here.
Seven Decisions
I finished reading Andy Andrews’ book The Traveler’s Gift: Seven Decisions That Determine Personal Success.
I am not into self-help books. However on the good advice of someone I trust, I was told this was a fun story to read that had some great lessons and advice for personal growth. Years ago a dear friend told me something similar about Og Mandino and was right - so I read this book with equal trust.
I am not disappointed.
I am going to post each the Seven Decisions, starting with the first one in a few minutes, posting each new decision as I begin it through the coming months.
I also recently started using Benjamin Franklin’s 13 Virtues, which I learned about in his autobiography. You will see those posted at the beginning of each week as well.
These posts are notes and action items, but maybe you will get something from them too.
I am not into self-help books. However on the good advice of someone I trust, I was told this was a fun story to read that had some great lessons and advice for personal growth. Years ago a dear friend told me something similar about Og Mandino and was right - so I read this book with equal trust.
I am not disappointed.
I am going to post each the Seven Decisions, starting with the first one in a few minutes, posting each new decision as I begin it through the coming months.
I also recently started using Benjamin Franklin’s 13 Virtues, which I learned about in his autobiography. You will see those posted at the beginning of each week as well.
These posts are notes and action items, but maybe you will get something from them too.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Hey, Wait A Minute Mr. FedEx Man
If you have ordered something and it is being shipped from FedEx and your are tracking it online, it can sometiems be very confusing to see the package progress.
I am in California and sometimes I will order something from not too far away. For instance I have ordered items from less than two hours' drive away in Nevada but through FedEx tracking I will watch in amazement as my package travel all the way to Memphis, TN and then back to me. And yet somehow it will still almost always arrive right on time just as promised. It seems crazy, doesnt it?
I decided to do some research on the internet(Thank you Al Gore!) to get to the bottom of this. So here you have it - Memphis is their major hub so most often you will see your package go there before it comes to you, no matter the location of the shipper. At one point Memphis was actually the only hub they had and they still got the job done.*
You see, because of their hub in Memphis FedEx already has flights going from Memphis to everywhere. Therefore, if they add a flight from Honolulu to Memphis then your package can go anywhere. If they wanted to send the package more directly, they would have to have flights from your city to LA, and to Chicago, and to Boston and to New York...
In any given day during the normal year, they don't have enough packages to fill up all those planes.
With a hub, every destination city must have two flights - one from that city to Memphis, and one from Memphis to that city. Without a hub (or with many hubs) every city would have to have a lot of flights. Putting all the packages onto two flights is cheaper rather than spreading them out.
Why is the primary hub in Memphis instead of LA? Because it is massive in size and real estate is much cheaper in Memphis.
Below is a video from FedEx on the Memphis hub. It is pretty amazing.
*Sure we have all been frustrated a time or two that they did not leave a package we were anxious to get and had to wait until the next Tuesday or whatever. Which is a really stupid thing to get upset about. If it was that important to you then you would have paid for the next day shipping and. Not just dropping the package on our doorstep if they miss us is in our best interest. Besides if you are proactive you can do what I do and just go to their website and make arrangements ahead of time to have them leave it at a FedEx retailer and pick your package up their instead of missing the delivery.
I am in California and sometimes I will order something from not too far away. For instance I have ordered items from less than two hours' drive away in Nevada but through FedEx tracking I will watch in amazement as my package travel all the way to Memphis, TN and then back to me. And yet somehow it will still almost always arrive right on time just as promised. It seems crazy, doesnt it?
I decided to do some research on the internet(Thank you Al Gore!) to get to the bottom of this. So here you have it - Memphis is their major hub so most often you will see your package go there before it comes to you, no matter the location of the shipper. At one point Memphis was actually the only hub they had and they still got the job done.*
You see, because of their hub in Memphis FedEx already has flights going from Memphis to everywhere. Therefore, if they add a flight from Honolulu to Memphis then your package can go anywhere. If they wanted to send the package more directly, they would have to have flights from your city to LA, and to Chicago, and to Boston and to New York...
In any given day during the normal year, they don't have enough packages to fill up all those planes.
With a hub, every destination city must have two flights - one from that city to Memphis, and one from Memphis to that city. Without a hub (or with many hubs) every city would have to have a lot of flights. Putting all the packages onto two flights is cheaper rather than spreading them out.
Why is the primary hub in Memphis instead of LA? Because it is massive in size and real estate is much cheaper in Memphis.
Below is a video from FedEx on the Memphis hub. It is pretty amazing.
*Sure we have all been frustrated a time or two that they did not leave a package we were anxious to get and had to wait until the next Tuesday or whatever. Which is a really stupid thing to get upset about. If it was that important to you then you would have paid for the next day shipping and. Not just dropping the package on our doorstep if they miss us is in our best interest. Besides if you are proactive you can do what I do and just go to their website and make arrangements ahead of time to have them leave it at a FedEx retailer and pick your package up their instead of missing the delivery.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Hello
I hope you're all doing well. I haven't updated in awhile so decided to check in. Things are going alright. I've not been able to get much saddle time but enough that I don't become lethargic.
This week has been a sickly one around here. I spent most of it home with Randi who cant go to school or daycare with a fever. Both of us feeling pretty rough still but she is improving. Angela isn't on her A-game as far as health this week either. But it is easier on our budget if one of us has to stay home that it be me.
I guess that is all for now.
Peace.
This week has been a sickly one around here. I spent most of it home with Randi who cant go to school or daycare with a fever. Both of us feeling pretty rough still but she is improving. Angela isn't on her A-game as far as health this week either. But it is easier on our budget if one of us has to stay home that it be me.
I guess that is all for now.
Peace.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Team Traveller 2012
Earn your stripes in 2012
California based bicycle racers Category 4 or higher, contact me about joining Team Traveller - CA
Cat 5 racers intent on consistent racing to win & getting upgraded quickly will be considered as well.
Slackers need not apply.
If you are interested in sponsoring a winning cycling team, contact me and I will get a 2012 sponsorship information packet to you.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Thursday After Dark
Tonight I had another great ride after sunset. Despite the fairly heavy traffic, it was safe and I was able to just wander around aimlessly on my bike and enjoy myself. It was warm, but not hot. I put in a couple of little sprints but that was about it for any kind of efforts tonight.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Blowing Kisses
I rode up to North Auburn, then had a flat tire. I went to fix the flat and the "Air Kiss" inflator I had started spraying the C02 out everywhere even though I had not activated it yet. Luckily, I was just a block from my wife's office so I went there and got the car and was able to get home.
That was the end of my ride for the day because I just did not feel like going out again once my momentum was gone.
It is definitely time for me to get some tire liners. Especially with all these goat-head thorns around here. One of my friends who is a Cat 1 racer uses liners all year, except for races. His stated opinion is that the minimal amount of extra weight does not matter, and that no one cares about a little extra weight on a training ride anyway, except for poseurs who can't post a decent time without stripping down every extra gram.
I do not recommend the "Air Kiss" from Planet Bike. Sure it worked fine for three flats, but now it is worthless. Spend your money on something reliable from Genuine Innovations. Their products have not stranded me anywhere - ever.
That was the end of my ride for the day because I just did not feel like going out again once my momentum was gone.
It is definitely time for me to get some tire liners. Especially with all these goat-head thorns around here. One of my friends who is a Cat 1 racer uses liners all year, except for races. His stated opinion is that the minimal amount of extra weight does not matter, and that no one cares about a little extra weight on a training ride anyway, except for poseurs who can't post a decent time without stripping down every extra gram.
I do not recommend the "Air Kiss" from Planet Bike. Sure it worked fine for three flats, but now it is worthless. Spend your money on something reliable from Genuine Innovations. Their products have not stranded me anywhere - ever.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Over River, Up Hill
Wow, what a beautiful ride!
I left Auburn across the famous Forresthill Bridge (you might remember Vin Diesel driving a car from it in the movie xXx.
Then I climbed about 800 meters up to Foresthill. I then turned around and made my way home.
Being unfamiliar with the route, I paced myself very conservatively for the entire trip.
I took time to enjoy the amazing creation which surrounded me, even taking a couple of pictures.
There was, of course the obligatory flat to change.
By the time I was making the last kilometer or so toward home, my legs began to take turns cramping on their respective downward pedal-strokes.
I have to remember to hydrate better; I knew going in to it that two bottles is definitely not enough for a ride like that.
I left Auburn across the famous Forresthill Bridge (you might remember Vin Diesel driving a car from it in the movie xXx.
Then I climbed about 800 meters up to Foresthill. I then turned around and made my way home.
Being unfamiliar with the route, I paced myself very conservatively for the entire trip.
I took time to enjoy the amazing creation which surrounded me, even taking a couple of pictures.
There was, of course the obligatory flat to change.
By the time I was making the last kilometer or so toward home, my legs began to take turns cramping on their respective downward pedal-strokes.
I have to remember to hydrate better; I knew going in to it that two bottles is definitely not enough for a ride like that.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Tuesday the 13th (in 3-D)
20 Minutes in saddle Heaven.
I only had about 1/2 hour to allot for training tonight.
I made it count with some nice, short hill intervals.
I only had about 1/2 hour to allot for training tonight.
I made it count with some nice, short hill intervals.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Friday, September 9, 2011
Friday Night Lights
1/2-Hour around Downtown and Old Town.
There were people everywhere making a good hard workout close to home kind of tough.
I noticed all the hullabaloo was due to the fact it was the last Auburn Cruise Night of the year, so Angela and I went up and checked out all the awesome old school hot rods after my ride.
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