Updates!

Hi!

So yes, I suck at not updating, but when you don't have the internet it's a little difficult to update on a regular basis. I would put "Getting the internet" on the list, but that would mean that I pay money that I don't feel like spending. I'm not too big on hawking in on others' wireless because that's stealing. Instead, I rock out at coffee shops and bookstores. I love the environment, I enjoy coffee, and I meet interesting people. Most of all (and maybe this is a little strange) but I do a lot of people watching. Not like stalking where I follow them around, but if I see a character, then I write down everything that I can observe from what they look like all the way down to how they walk and the mannerisms that they have (this helps with writing stories...if you want to be a writer, I'd suggest going to an airport or the mall and give it a shot...subtly of course!).

But yeah...in the last few weeks I've accomplished a few things, so without further ado...
I've added more to the list...


Number 4 - Read 25 novels
Just read another awesome book by Colum McCann called "This Side of Brightness". If you want to check it out, I'd suggest looking it up here.

If you want to check out "Let The Great World Spin" then click here.

So for Number 4...I'm 2/25. Currently I'm reading "The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao" by Juniot Diaz...heard it's a good one, so I'll let you know once I get it complete!

Number 8 - Get rid of my debt
I took a hit in my savings, but it was something that had to be done. The economy sucks. Everyone knows it, and the last thing you want is debt on your record right? So I got rid of it...for about three weeks and then went Christmas shopping. So while I technically did pay off my credit card, I now have a small amount to chip at. So I guess Number 8 gets an asterisk.

Number 10 - Volunteer once a week
There is no asterisk here so far. I've been doing a great job at volunteering at least one time per week. The goal is to do more, and in line with those that are within the list. But for now it's a start. Still having a beast of a time getting up early for the bread ministry at my church, but I definitely enjoy being a positive influence in the community! These events have included: Giving away Christmas trees, passing out toys, the coffee run on Black Friday, and passing out food. It's been friggin' joyous! In maybe another month, once I have two months under the belt, I will have an official list. Not so much a "HEY LOOK AT ME!" thing, but a resource for those who live in my area in case you want to get your butt off the couch and get involved somewhere.

Number 74 - Go on a mission's trip
I signed up for a trip to El Salvador. Pretty soon, once I'm officially on the roster, this blog is going to go uber public (ie Facebook) because I'm going to fundraise for my trip. I don't mind dipping into my own wallet, but my thinking here is that if I ask for money, it won't just help fund my trip, it'll also spread the word of Jesus to those who may or may not know Him. I'm pretty sure I'll be working with children over there, bouncing from school to school, although there are other options. Once I get more info I'll post what is all available for me to do. But truth be told...the dream after college was to join the Peace Corps. It's still a dream...and this would be the best test drive that I could ask for outside of backpacking through a third world country.


Number 76 - Decorate a Christmas Tree
So this might be a cop out (if you think so leave a comment :p) but the tree was already decorated. It was a resident who I help take care of...her tree was already trimmed...so we made paper decorations (a long colorful chain that we wrapped around). It was fun, and a great way to kick off the holidays.

Fitness check (this covers a few)
I can do...
-10 chinups (1/3 of the goal)
-25 dips (1/2 of the goal)
-Benchpress 270 (30 pounds shy of the goal)
-Run 4 miles straight without stopping (9 short of a half marathon, 22 short of a full...although I'm waiting for a 5k to roll around so I can dress like a luchador)

So that pretty much does it. A lot of stuff in a few weeks.

I hope everyone's holidays were awesome! I used to be one of those guys where Christmastime was depressing and all I wanted to do was crack open a sixer and watch "It's A Wonderful Life" over and over and over. This year was a little different. I enjoy it more because I've learned to appreciate the days that are given to me rather than dread them. When I see couples walking everywhere holding hands, I don't grimace and wonder why I can't have that. I actually appreciate seeing that because it shows me that love and humanity are still very real things in a world that's completely bonkers. I wish that there was more of that around (don't eat each other's face in front of me...that wouldn't be fun to look at...you look like you're both eating a pie...tilt your head to the side, open wide and nom nom nom...).

But anyway...that's all for now. I'm going to keep plugging along. I hope you do too. And as always, if you have suggestions for the list, books, training tips, cooking tips, or mountain tips then leave a dang comment!

Take it easy!

Matt