Hello World

It’s been awhile…a long awhile. Actually it’s been one month since my last post. It’s been really busy for me between work, school, and home stuff. I was out one week in Vegas for a work conference, AutoDesk University. Got up to speed on the latest version of AutoCAD, took some classes to expand my knowledge of AutoCAD, and ate a lot. It was really one big geek convention for AutoCAD users. I now see why I don’t have the desire to vacation there, unless you’re a pagan there’s not much there….I don’t gamble, I don’t drink, and I’m not into prostitutes.

School is finally finished. I took my last exam last night and we’ll just say that I never been so happy with a low grade. It was my math class and it was just one of those classes I am thankful is over. I had two big papers to write for my Intro to the Gospel of John and my last paper I had about a week to write. But I’ll probably end with a B in that class.

Last night, in celebration of school being done and also it being 70 degrees in December I went on my first night ride. Really cool stuff. It’s a different sport all together when done at night. We have a light but it can only light up so much. It was definitely something I will do again. Believe it or not it’s been about a month since I’ve last ridden so it felt good to get out again.

As of right now I can’t think of anything else to add. I am sure more will come to me. Hopefully I’ll post again before another month goes by.

By the way only 12 days left until Christmas

Quickly

So I was going through the grocery store today and saw some bananas on sale for -6x>-18 per pound. Then I thought I am so happy I’m taking that math class because we just went over on how to solve this. I was thinking when in the world would I ever use this? Almost 25 years old and I have never come across this type of problem and do not think I ever will. But if I did I would not even bother to solve it because it’s to much of hassle. I got a headache just listening to the lecture on how to solve it. So I of course did what any college student does when they feel defeated….no I did not re-watch the video I gave up.

So fall is officially here I guess you can say. It’s a real nice change in weather. I realized two things one being that the fall here is like the winter in Florida and two that I have no jackets. I’ve been putting it off as long as possible so we went this weekend and bought me a decent jacket.

Sneaky Jen did something that really surprised me. I mentioned in a prior post about a helmet cam well Jen surprised me with one. I got a package at the office last Tuesday and figured it was for my boss. Saw the company name and never thought of checking who it was addressed to. Got a visit from the office secretary Friday asking if I got the package. Oops. So needless to say I was excited…kinda like this kid. That Nintendo 64 kid sure does bring a smile : D to my face every time I watch him. Back to the camera. So I was breaking in the new camera this weekend. A buddy I ride with, by the way he knew I was getting this and did not say anything to me, said this about the camera “It’s kinda like your black box for when everything goes wrong”.

The camera itself is about the size of my hand (length wise) and does not weigh much at all. I just attach it to my helmet or my handle bars and I’m good to go.  My first video is below and there will be more to come.
My First MTN Biking Video

Nothing Clever

Right now I am at work looking at my office phone flashing its little heart out letting me know I have a message waiting for me. Unfortunately I can’t check it because, well, I forgot my password. That is how little I get phone calls at work.

So this past weekend was a pretty laid back, but it had potential to be more. I was protesting for a nice relaxing weekend, but Jen kept trying to thwart that. Sorry Jen. Friday we went to the Greek Festival which I love going to and I really wanted to go to. There is nothing like a good Gyro and there desserts are something else.

Saturday morning Travis and I took Quentin mountain biking. Got to test out the new bike and it’s everything I expected plus more . I figure once Travis and I are done we’ll have the whole church hooked on mountain biking. We just don’t go out there and ride and that’s it. Riding is really only 50% of it. There are times when Travis and I will just pull over and talk for like 45 minutes or so. Other times we’ll talk to people and share the gospel.

Back to the subject at hand, it did not take long for Quentin to fall in love with it. It was a great time us three out in the words…it was peaceful. However, as soon as we got in the truck to leave the phone calls started…pick this up, get this, and so on. Saturday was Quentin’s daughter, Melanie, birthday party so because Quentin and I were already out they, Jen and Marie, figured it would be a good idea to call us. I said earlier it had potential to be a busy weekend because Jen volunteered me to dress up as Spiderman for the birthday party….done laughing? Plus she was adamant about wanting to go bowling. Anyways, neither panned out they were never able to find a costume and some of the people cancelled the bowling trip.

Shopping is mine and Jen’s thing to do together. We have others, but it’s just always been “our” thing to do ever since we were dating. So this week we heard of a different store called Bloom and the way it works is you actually scan all of your own groceries as you shop. You have a little wand and you scan and shop and when you’re done you scan a card associated with the scanner and the register tallies everything up.

I’m at the half way point for my theology class and it’s been actually really good. Better than I thought. I’ve had to write two papers so far one on biblical inerrancy which I got a 100 on and the one I’m working on now is if God Can Change His Mind. Math so far has been easier than I thought, but I still have twelve weeks left in the semester.

Keep Jen in your thoughts and prayers we are fast approaching her PE Exam date. I believe October 25 is the exam date and this test is huge. For those who do not know this is the exam that will determine if she will remain an E.I. (Engineer in Training) or P.E. (Professional Engineer).

I’ll keep you updated. Till next time folks.

A New Addition to the Family….

Probably not what you thought.  Thought I would post up a few pictures of the new bike.

Bike

Bike

Tattoo’s For Everyone

So this weekend was get your family tattooed. So this weekend Jen and I went and got tattoos. For about 3 months we have been very diligent to keep to a budget and because we have done so well we felt we would treat ourselves. I’ve been wanting to get my Hebrew name, but because of one of the many hurricanes we received back in Florida my mom thinks the certificate was destroyed when she lost her house in the hurricanes. I tried checking with the temple where I was named, but I have little faith in them having it. So I found the Alpha and Omega sign and found Adonai in Hebrew to put under it. I told the artist he could do whatever he wanted with the design of it. Jen got on her right wrist “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine” in Hebrew.

Jen’s Tattoo

Bobby’s Tattoo

This weekend I kind of bought a new mountain bike. I say kind of because I have to return it for another one or get my money back. Here’s what happen. Sunday morning Travis came up to me and said “Kendra told me not tell you and Jen this but I’m going to do it anyways.” Great way to start a conversation! When Travis was at Sun & Ski Outdoors he saw the mountain bike he bought for half price and he just had to tell me. Half price is an excellent deal for the bike he has, so of course he had to tell me. Jen who I love says “well go get it Bobby” ::cue singing angels:: So right after church we head over to Sun & Ski with Travis and his wife in tow to go and get the bike. I did a short test ride and it seemed to ride alright so I buy it. Travis and I throw the bikes in the back of his truck and head up to Lake Norman State Park to ride. Remember it’s supposed to be the same bike as Travis’ well as we look closer we start to notice a few things different on mine. We don’t think any more of it and start to ride and then I notice that the bike is kind of tight. Basically I was really close to the handlebars. We finish the course and Travis and I are looking over the bike and then ::goodbye singing angels:: we realize the bike’s frame is only a 14 incher instead of an adult 20 incher. I got a bike for probably a teenager instead of an adult. Never would we have thought to check the actual frame size. Update: I called Sun & Ski and they do not have any others in stock, but can order me one in my size and have it in 2 weeks . This is how much of a great deal this bike: It was mountain bike of the year for 2006 and listed originally for… I never thought I would’ve spent this much money on a bike…actually I even said I wouldn’t…but bike of the year! Honestly I don’t think I would’ve bought it if it wasn’t for such a supportive wife…Shout out to my loving wife.

I did not realize that Labor Day was right around the corner and this is important for me to know because we’re going to Tennessee for the long weekend. Every Labor Day Jen’s family, on her mother’s side, gets together and goes camping. You know what that means…I get to go mountain biking in Tennessee. Mountain biking has seriously become like a drug I’m always itching to go.

Last Wednesday night church service we had a very interesting conversation. It wasn’t a sermon or him preaching anything it was literally a conversation on something that churches do not ever tackle. He asked us how we are doing in studying our Bible. Usually all you hear is read your Bible and pray rinse and repeat. Well there are a lot of people who do not know how to read there Bibles. Heck I’m going to school for it and I still get confused while reading it. So we had a nice open discussion on why it’s hard for some and what are some methods to reading it and understanding it. Wednesday night made me wonder do other Pastor’s not do this. Why is it always just read your Bible and pray, why is it always a message on 7 steps to get out of debt or 7 steps to live close to God…why is it topical messages all the time? Whatever happened to just reading the Word of God and then tackling the issues as it comes up in scripture. The Bride of Christ is in such a sad state and Christians do not even realize it. We wonder why Christianity is attacked in the media well look at ourselves. As Matt Chandler, a pastor out of Texas states it “We as Christian are leaning up on the Cross all smug and pointing at people telling them they need to be kneeling at the cross and repenting. Instead we need to be kneeling at the cross and telling people to come there is room for all of us.”

Supersize Me!

This weekend was pretty laid back for the most part. Saturday morning I went mountain bike riding with Travis (what else is new?), and then we went and had a good ol’ fashion North Carolina breakfast…not sure what good ol fashion North Carolina breakfast is, but it just sounded good. Then Jen had lunch with some girlfriends of hers.

Sunday we had church and we’re starting the book of Jude. Ah yes, the small one chapter book right before Revelation. When was the last time you heard a message from Jude, if ever? Read through it and you may know why. I’ll post more on that once we get into it more. We watched a small 6 minute video that had the whole church in tears and once I find that I’ll post it up here. After service I needed to get out and ride. I went up to the White Water Center and did about 4 miles in 45 minutes, which is pretty good for me for that course. I was telling Jen I can actually tell a difference in my body from when I originally started to now. Before I thought I was going to lose a lung every time I rode, but now I can finish pretty strong.

Last night Jen and I watched Supersize Me. If you ever want to stop eating fast food this is the movie for you. It is a documentary on the McDonald’s/fast food industry and the sad state of obesity in America. Morgan Spurlock, the genius behind this movie, goes on month long diet of only McDonald’s…breakfast, lunch and dinner. The results are astonishing. You’re probably saying to yourself, “of course they’re astonishing Bobby he ate McDonald’s for a month long.  Did you think he would get in great shape?” Well you’re right, but as he states in the movie, in the society we live in today there are people who eat like that. So yeah, I’m done with fast food….don’t think your salads from there are safe as they contain as many calories as a Big Mac….scary, I know. In the month period, his body weight went from 185.5 to 210. In addition he almost destroyed his liver. One doctor actually said his liver looked the same as someone who drank alcohol.

This problem roots itself all the way into children as far back to first grade. At one point of the movie, Morgan sat down with a group of 1st graders and flash card of some pretty famous people, at least I think so. George Washington….no idea and Jesus…..no idea, actually one child said “George Bush”. But when he got to the Ronald McDonald they knew right off the bat who he was.

Here is a link to a summary of the movie. I usually don’t recommend movies, but this movie is a really must see type thing, even for kids. Here are some facts from the movie.

FYI. I know there are people who read this because you’ve told me and I check my stats. If you ever want to comment on anything you have that ability and you don’t need any sort of account. If you click where it says comments it will bring you to a comment page.

Practice Makes Permanent

Well this weekend was quite a busy one. Jen and I finished unpacking finally….at least for the most part. I go t the surround sound and TV hooked up and Jen went to a cat show (has not one thing to do with moving). Saturday morning Jen, Mike and I went played frisbiee golf in addition to hiking. Frisbiee golf or Disc Golf and the professionals call it is basically just like golf, but you use frisbees.

Sunday we finished up our Discipleship I class and next week we will give our testimony in front of the congregation. One of the things that Travis kept hitting on in relation to churches in America was “practice makes permanent” and as I reflect on that I realized that is very true. This was the illustration he shared with me when first started going to church.

Every time this woman made ham her husband noticed that she would cut off the end of the ham and finally after many years of not knowing why he finally asked his wife. “Why do you always cut off the end of the ham”? She said “honestly I don’t know why it’s something my mother always did when she would cook ham”. So she called her mom and asked her “Why did you always cut off the end of the ham”? She said “honestly I don’t know why it’s something my mother always did when she would cook ham”. So she called her mother who was still alive and asked her “Why did you always cut off the end of the ham”? She said “I always did it because the ham didn’t fit in my pan I don’t know why you kids still do it.”

When this happens the churches are ever more like the Pharisees that Jesus spoke out against in His time on Earth. We begin to become religious and forget about grace that Jesus has given us.

Funny story time. Travis, the pastor, his wife, Kendra, Jen and I went to the US National Whitewater Center Sunday after church, which by the way is the official training site for the US Olympics. Travis and I went mountain biking riding of course and Jen and Kendra went walking on the trails (6 miles). On with the story, there are these ginormis power lines that run through the trails that I suppose are used to transfer power to sub-stations. They’re so big you can actually hear the humming of the power, pretty cool and scary at the sametime. So Travis is riding in front of me and he slows down to get readjusted on his seat and his hand gets shocked, shocked so bad that he hits his front brakes and flips over the handlebars. Apparently, this is a common problem in this area because a lot of people are getting shocked in this area. I’m not sure why this happens, but everyone I’ve talked to said it’s not that bad kind of like static electricity.

Oi Veh!

Dear North Carolina Vehicle Inspection Team. Because I am man that cannot hate an individual. I am writing you a harsh note, which you will never see because it is on my blog. Still the fact remains I strongly dislike you and your vehicle inspection laws. The End (for you Jen)

Finally after a month of putting it off I had my vehicle inspected for the state. I am fighting off the tears as I write this, but I was putting this off so I could get the most use out of my 180.00 window tint. The state said my tint was too dark (It was legal in Florida) and I needed to take it off.

Some new news, Jen and I have found an apartment and we will be relocating this week…yay for us. It’s 2 bedroom/2 bath and we’re excited. This weekend we will be moving, that is July 10, 2007 all day *hint hint* so if anyone wants to come help please feel free. I will provide adequate drinking water and possibly food at the end.

Also, because me and Jen are cutting back everywhere so we can get this apartment I am taking up a collection so I can continue to mountain bike. Please feel free to send your tax deductible charitable gifts to the current address you have for me. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated and honored. I miss you all and can’t wait to see everyone. Till next time cats.

I Lost My Legs Back On The Trail

So after visiting Creeper Trail I got an itch to experience mountain biking in its purest form. Turns out my pastor is really into mountain biking and he offered to take me out one day. So this evening we hooked up and went out and boy let me tell you something I thought for sure I was going to die out there. But I will say it was fun and I’m hoping I can get out there and do it more often. I was little concerned at first because right out the door Travis and I come across a dude who laid flat out and in pain. He said he felt like he broke his collar bone and wasn’t sure how long he’s been out there. He kept asking where he was, how we found him (Travis about landed his bike on him), and then asked where his bike was (after Travis told him he was taking his bike back.). Apparently, he hit his head pretty good.

The whole not having mountains in Florida can really keep on from getting into mountain biking so we will see how it turns out.

I registered for my fall classes today and I figured I would step it up a bit. Before I was only take 1 class per 8 weeks (1 semester) and not I’m taking 2 classes per 8 weeks. First I will be taking Math (16 weeks) and Bible 323 (8 weeks) Intro to Gospel of John, and after I complete Bible 323 I will be taking Theo 102 Intro to Systematic Theology along with the Math.

Some other things going on:

• Great news for Jen and I we were able to get a renter in the house this week. Hopefully, they’ll be good people.
• Only a couple more days until Transformers and Die Hard come out and I can not wait. Since this post I have seen Transformers (see post above for review) and Die Hard. Die Hard was not all that I thought it was going to be. Bruce Willis lied because this was not the best Die Hard of the series.
• The job is still awesome.

Cooking and Mountain Biking

So Saturday Jen and I went to Virginia Creeper Trail. It is a 17-mile bike ride down a mountain on old rail road track. Throughout the trail you can camp, fly fish, horse riding, or even take other trails if your an experienced bike rider.

So you pay one of the many bike shops to take you and your bike to the top of the mountain and you ride back to your vehicle. Jen and I get up to the top with the in-laws beach cruisers (google beach cruiser if you don’t know what it looks like) and get this, some 40 year old dude makes fun of us. He says to Jen “those are some wide handle bars” and then rides over to me “where did you get those bikes from, did you rent them?”

With about 1 mile left I was able to put to use my military medical training. Jen and I are riding when we hear a girl screaming and crying as if her arm just fell off. So I stop and turn to see a girl 13 or 14 what looked like she wiped out. So I ran over there to see how bad it was. She said her shoulder hurt really bad, but there was no blood or nothing out of place. Her elbow had a nice gash on it so I bandaged her elbow up and I told the people she was with they may need to have her shoulder checked out by a doctor.

So lately I’ve gotten into this thing called cooking. It’s where you take food and spices and actually prepare stuff. Weird I know. But I’ve been cooking up a storm one night I made home-made meatballs for spaghetti, stuffed peppers the other night, and then Friday I made home-made salsa.

Some pictures below for your viewing pleasure.

Till next time kids.