Morning by morning ....

So this morning I was able to get a nice workout in, some light lifting, and about 25 minutes of pretty intense Cardio (460 Calories Burned) . I think working out in the morning is best, helps you clear your mind before the day and make a mental game plan for the day.  I woke up with about 5-6 smaller things that I knew I had to get accomplished today, got into work early, and realized I had a bout 3 more things to do. But all in all, its all good. 

I was thinking this morning about how truly good God is .... and how everything takes place in due season, due time and always how it should. Often times we don't understand the action or the timing, but every now and then He reveals just a sliver of what his intentions were.  Talking to one of my grandmother's Sunday, I had to step back and realize how God works things out.  My grandfather passed in February, after about a 2 1/2 year battle with cancer.  The summer before I had began dating my now wife to be, and we were able to come and visit them a few times.  My grandmother always tells me how my grandfather instantly loved her, and told her I had done a good job. I think about what a blessing it is for God to place people in your lives at just the right moment.  Though neither of my grandfathers will be at the wedding, I know they both approve and for that I can only thank God for giving me grandfathers, a father and uncles who have set the standard and example of how to treat a woman.  *Steve Harvey-like dating advice of the day* - Usually what you put out is what you will receive.  If your putting out that you all you need is a huge rock and cash and cars, and not much else, or all you put out is negativity, what do you expect to attract?  If you leave rotting meat on your doorstep, what do you expect to attract ---- you will get the scavengers! Instead, try being positive, with fresh food for thought each day. -- just my thoughts.


This morning I'm vibin to one of my favorite musicians, Robert Glasper, check out the video below and see if you like ...

"Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us'' Romans 8:37

So everybody has advice ....

Had a chance to go to dinner last night, and the question was brought up about what's some good advice for married couples. Here are a couple quotables from last night:

"Marriage is not about ownership, it's about freedom. I don't belong to you, and you don't belong to me."

"If your not wiling to accept someone the way they are now, don't get married. People don't change, the bad things will only get worse"

"Have thick skin, and always have an open forum to communicate."

"Be ready to deal with little snot-nosed kids."

" I don't believe in the whole engagement period.  What do you need a year to talk yourself out of being married?"

"Just go to the judge and have a party. The wedding is for the guests, because they are going to eat."

What are all of your thoughts???

What about the video below:

I need a vacation ...

As the new semester starts today, I figured I would get started early today. Another nice workout on the Arc Trainer, going to try and get another one in this evening. Listened to Meek Mill - Dreamchasers ... Nice one, will have to use it again as a workout mixtape ...

Wedding topic today is honeymoon -- Were thinking cruise, preferably somewhere in the Caribbean, and so far the prospects are looking good.  Good thing about cruises are you can pay for them over time, so that is a plus.  My boy Marty Mar recommended this spot below:

I'm Out!

Imma thank the Sender ...

Whooo .... been a bit before I last spoke to everyone, but its good to be back.  Busy trying to get everything ready for the return of America's hope, and now that they are back the schedule is a little more consistent. So as I am now about 280+ days until the wedding day, things are progressing nicely.  Wedding Lists are coming along, still difficult to figure that out.  I was talking to someone today about how if I hit the Lotto today, i would do a shotgun wedding in Vegas .... But it's interesting the advice you receive from people about weddings. Some say hire a wedding planner, some say as the groom, stay away while some say to get involved, that you will appreciate it more \_O_/  .... I will figure out some type of balance. 

On the workout vibe, definitely getting into a better groove ... Just 30 minutes a day to start .. and easy on the menu choices.  keeping it real simple.  I recommend the Arc Trainer - definitely a great workout. I have been doing the interval workout- and in just 25 minutes have been burning 460+ calories.  If you see one at your local gym, try it out, more of a burn than the traditional elliptical.

On the music scene, definitely been bumping some new music.  Listening to Median - The Sender - some refreshing rap, away from the "imma kill ya whole family" flow. And for the workouts just checked out Jae Millz - The Flood: Category 5 Mixtape -- I like it, helped me get through the workout.

I need more music to workout too, so please hit me up with suggestions!

I'm out .....

Aint nuthin like the real thang. Baby. ........

So its been in a minute but I'm back.  Took a nice little visit to the hometown and visited the folks. Always a good time to see them.  It's weird coming home now, seems like things are always changing so quickly. Its also becoming more apparent that this whole wedding invitation thing is going going to be the hardest part of all.  I think going home made me think oh, I forgot to add that person to the list, or I forgot about this person.  then when you add in who your parents think you should invite, then suddenly your list expands exponentially (GRE Word of the day) .  But I guess you have to count it a blessing that so many people would like to be a part of your special day.  If all these people show up, this might be the food and drink menu below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Apy6Wv7O3mE   <----- REAL LOVE, through thick and thin!!!!!!!

Was it all good a year ago ....

Today marks entering a 3rd year of my life in SW Ohio.  Looking back, when I moved here, not knowing a soul, no family no nothing. In a job where there was no manual on how to do things, no 1 person o ask for anything I needed just an open canvas. Literally an pen a pencil and a computer on my desk.  And to look now at some of the things I've learned, been able to do and have the opportunity to do --- and I can do is say I'm Blessed.  (WARNING - this is going to be  Christian point of view, so if your not a Christian don't be offended, this is what i believe)

It just amazed me how faithful god is to us.  And when you really understand that you don't deserve any of it, it makes you that much more thankful. Something I read says Grace is getting something that you don't deserve. i certainly am no better than anyone else to receive the many blessings I have received.  the same reading said that Mercy is not getting something negative that you most certainly deserve. That is certainly true for me. 

I look at my fiance, and think what a dynamic woman and great person. and to think all I had to do was move away to a new city . But God does what he sees fit and all I can do is be thankful for all his blessings.

My thought for the day is this ... Those days when your feeling down, just think how blessed you are ...

"Lord, it's too heavy... Please cut it a Little ...."

"Lord cut it down a little more, I'll be able to carry t better..."

Fresh dressed like a million bucks ...

I'm starting my morning off listening to this 'Watch The Throne' ... its good,a couple tracks definitely bang, but I'm not totally blown away like some have been saying. Call me getting old, but it just ain't rockin' like it used to \_O_/   ....

So today is 297 and counting, and still in good spirits.  Still formulating a list, and wedding party details and all that.  i actually started thinking about tuxedos yesterday as well- what kind of style I want to roll with. Do i go with the overly formal ascot-morning coat, Detroit style with a electric blue zoot suit and gators, bow tie vs. tie, black vs white vs. grey vs. seersucker?   Well a couple of them have been vetoed by the fiance before they even start .. but should be cool to find something.

Any ideas - hit me up ....

Enjoy the quote and clip of the day, I'll check in later ....

Adversity is the diamond dust heaven polishes its jewels with. Robert Leighton

298 and Counting ....

So its down to those last pivotal 298 days before the wedding, its getting down to crunch time! the world will end if the exact angle of the rows of chairs are determined today! If it isn't obvious that I'm being foolish, then chances are you have been around, or been your a major Bridezilla! thank the Lord above that my fiance is NOT like this ... just one of the many things that I love about her. But for some of you other brothas out there ... not so lucky.  In talking to a friend yesterday she explained how I was definitely being a man in laying low when it come to making decisions about wedding stuff . Well, she's right - but I know things will get done and I trust the people doing them.  But one thing I am definitely learning is that you do have to trust someone that will make sure that You ( but more importantly HER, the Bride) stays stress free and has nothing but a smile on her face.  Now in the days leading to eternity after that, the majority is going to fall on you.

So I have to confess, definitely didn't do much working out , but tried to stay somewhat healthy in my eating. Only eating one bread/starch a day isn't quite as bad as I thought. When you eat a little more protein and double up on the vegetables its pretty good.  My only concern is going home this weekend --- the land of gluttonous eats ---- but Ill survive, have done it before.


So for those of you thinking about getting married, or are in the process and find yourself being enveloped in all of the stress and craziness, get some help! And from someone not in your family. Please check out the good friend, and fellow double alumnus from the greatest institute of higher learning ever established, Stacy Ross, who is headquartered out of Atlanta.  Even if your not in the Metro ATL, hit her up and tell her I sent you! rosscranfordevents@gmail.com


Enjoy The Clip - (of my fiance's uncle ... lol)

If Heaven was a mile away ...

Hope you all had a wonderful day. I have been MIA today , got a chance to see my parents. It was the first time seeing myself and the new wife to be. By the reaction of mom, I guess I did a good job on the ring selection. Fellas, word tobthe wise, do your research when selecting a ring. You dontvhave to spend a milky on it. And if your girl  will flip if its not a huge rock, then reconsider. The ring is simply a symbol of your  devotion and commitment to her. Ladies understand the concept of upgrading. Would you rather have a 5 carat boulder diamond and live out of the Camry, or a more modest ring and be able to get cheese on your Rally burger? Realize that it has taken every ounce of him to find a ring just right for you.

Ill check in tomorow

Summer Breeze makes me feel nice ....

Today decided to switch it up a little - some treadmill then the Arc Trainer ... nothing too heavy but definitely a good workout. The Insanity has you real sore when first starting out, so it was good to switch it up a little. Tomorrow will be back at it on the Insanity.

So having some time to reflect on this concept of two separate lives that once married will come together as one.  Interesting concept.  How do you go from making decisions purely on what's best for you, to having to make them in conjunction with someone else ... I guess looking back I always figured I would married to a lady in my hometown, and live and work there , just like my parents.  But of course the best laid plans never really quite work out, do they. God always has a way showing you that he is Laughing At Our Plans .... I was seriously questioning why I had moved to a new place where I knew nobody, in a new position.  Now I can see that if nothing else, God has sent me to find my companion.  And I am content with that, turned out pretty nice for me , I'd say ....

Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude.
--Thomas Jefferson

Play your Part ....

It is finally Friday and sunny here in SW Ohio, and I am definitely ready for the weekend.  I'll post later today on my workout, but for now here's some food for thought:

In my profession I deal with 18-22 year olds and help them find their passions in life.  With that also comes helping them sort through their journeys to authenticate their experiences and the idea of their own identity.  And undoubtedly, relationships find their way into the conversation.  Its interesting to hear some of their comical stories, but its also quite the sight to see their outlook from one year to the next.  Parents - be careful of what you do, say and expose your children to. because they will imitate what they see, they may even be doing it unconsciously.  Men - treat your wife/girlfriend like a queen, it will help your daughter. Too often (1 time is too often) I've seen young women not really understand their worth and sense of purpose. Now there are obviously other reasons, but having a positive male model in the household helps.  Women - take time to speak to your daughters about all the little things - hygiene, "becoming a women" (you figure that one out), healthy nutrition and excercise etc ... Those talks will go along way.  Just a couple of my thoughts ....

Check out the video link -------> Is that what women really want - Authenticity?


Listen to the lyrics, and hit me up tell what you think

I'm out -

New Day New Challenges ....

Morning folks, hope everybody is up and at 'em .... Well got through the warm-up of the 2nd Insanity DVD, and then had to do something else, but make sure I ate only 1 starch/bread and did some extra walking around.  This afternoon will be the cardio recovery, so definitely will get that done this afternoon.  I've been feeling better in the past few days, there is something about working out that gives me a mental edge, knowing that while others say they want the results, I am actually putting something to action.

I was in a meeting yesterday and someone spoke about speaking truth to power, a term credited to the works of the late Manning Marable . Well, sometimes, you have to speak truth (you need to be more healthy, lose weight, etc...) to POWER (Your actions of actually making the right nutrition decisions and exercising).  I challenge you to speak truth to your power, and as Outkast said "you need to git up get out and get something "


So as I mentioned before I'm also getting married next year .......  And everyday it gets realer.  There are so many things that go into it - location, reception, favors, save the dates, announcements, registering, invitations, tuxedos, limos ... and the list goes on and on.  Everyday it seems like something else! But I have been more concerned about is what happens after that day, like every other day after ... Am I doing everything I can do to prepare for this life journey to be the best husband and , eventually father .

Today's Steve Harvey style quote:

Ladies, be careful when you deal with a man who doesn't have steady work.  I'm not talking about the hard working brotha who simply is a little down at the moment, and just doing what he can to survive before he finds another steady job. I'm talking about the brotha who hasn't or ho has no intention of finding a steady career. Don't expect him to be able to give you full-time attention, affection. Odds are - if he does odds-n-ends then that's what you'll get ... Just something to think about.  Let me know if you agree or disagree...

I'm out!

After the morning after ....

Definitely a struggle to get out of bed this morning --- The rain is great at helping you fall and stay asleep, not so much waking up.  Well, I'm not sore yet, but I'm sure I probably will be later today, expecting my calves to feel a little tight by lunch.  But feeling good, going to find something for breakfast this morning and drink plenty of water.  

So this morning I'll talk a little on the marriage piece.  Even though its been about 3 weeks of engagement, it's still a cool feeling.  Coming from someone who at some points figured that marriage might have gone away with that hope of playing in the NFL.  Its a great feeling to know that you have a Friend, a companion - someone who feels mutually about you.  I must say, it is great feeling. 

I will try and impart some lessons I've learned through this blog, without overwhelming you with anything but I will leave you with this quick one:

Ladies: the man you've always envisioned riding a white unicorn wearing a open linen shirt and pants with now boxers on, whose chiseled like the Rock, and looks like Denzel's brother, and drives a Maybach and has a summer home in Malibu that will sweep you off your feet ........ Well, sometimes he's wearing a suit he got from his older brother, driving a '04 Camry with 10's on it (but he keeps them clean though), is working on losing that freshman 25 he put on in college, and is just cracking his way into management in his profession.  Always keep an eye out for the man who has the things that wont change: integrity, intelligence and ambition ---- just my couple cents, Steve Harvey style ---

                 Enjoy the clip above ^ I will check in after Day 2 of Insanity later tonight ....

Another crack at it ...

Today's workout was Insanity Plyo-Cardio workout. I could definitely feel the effects of not having dome it for a while ... quads sore, with calves surely to be in the morning.  But feels good to have done something.  It especially feels good because it would have been an easy day to not do anything....

Sometimes the first step is admitting that you have made excuses not to do something.  Its so easy to say your tired, you'll do it in the morning or any other excuse.  Our minds are the hardest thing to convince that we can do something.  Brett Favre is always being mocked not seeming to realize that it's time to retire. I never count those last couple years of Michael Jordan with the Wizards, they don't count towards his overall legacy.  But what elite level athletes figure out is that there mind state, the simple fact that they know they can do it, and have prepared accordingly, (combined often with freakish talent and athletic ability) makes them elite.

So my challenge is to be ELITE ... in being disciplined in working out, continuing to strive upward in my profession, eating healthfully and putting God first always.

I will check in again in the morning .... Enjoy the clip below!

The Greatest

Strength in Numbers ...

Its been quite a while since my last post, so I have a little filling in to do. Your boy is now engaged to the most wonderful, dynamic woman on the planet.  What a difference a year can make ... With that being said, I need to get myself together to look as good as possible before THE Day .. so I figured what better way than to blog to about, hopefully another brother from another is out there in the same boat -- So here is my challenge, since I have about 300 days left, my goals are as follows:

1> Make good decisions, nutrition wise

2> Go HARD in all my workouts.

3> Pray everyday to make sure I am staying in tune spiritually

That's it.  In the past, I have tried to set certain standards, but I am keeping it real simple nowadays.  I have enough motivation for myself right now, and hope I can help you to find whatever motivates you.  Sometimes its you want to fully enjoy life, you want to be around for your kids, you may want to land you a date!  Whatever the case may be, you have to find something that will make you workout on that Friday afternoon when your colleagues are going to get wings at 4:30 .  not saying you can't join them, but not before you get your workout in.

So follow me, I am going to post everyday on the workout and, you know me, a inspirational message ...

Put yourself in a state of mind where you say to yourself, 'Here is an opportunity for me to celebrate like never before, my own power, my own ability to get myself to do whatever is necessary'.





Martin Luther King