Slushie weather...

It wasn't very pleasant outside today. Overcast and all the snow and ice had turned to slush, so it was just a nasty day weather wise. I went and worked out did legs and abs today. Squats suck, but you gotta do them! I picked Geordie up and headed back home. Had some lunch. I did some reading and then got showered to go meet Joe at his house. We met for a little bit then had dinner with his family. It was delicious! His wife made fried chicken, peas, and potatoes. And I have to admit she actually made some good fried chicken... For a Yankee atleast! I'm kidding:) I headed to after care, and it was an awesome group. It made me feel so much better afterwards. I came home and ate some more chicken "but not fried", and watched the movie The Fighter with some of the guys. Great movie... I have a busy day tomorrow. Better get some rest. Until mañana...
-Mike

Icey and rainy...

I woke up and felt a little sore. I put my workout clothes on and had a little breakfast. I talked to Bill and he said he wasn't going to be able to workout until later in the day. I did some reading and talked to Chase. I'm going to do some day work for his dad on Friday! I had some lunch and got on the phone with dad to go over some things on my computer. We did what we could! Bill called and said he wasn't going to be able to make it up there today. So I decided to just go ahead and go. I worked out really hard. Feels good to look in the mirror and see the differences and progress your making. I got home and took a shower, and started a loud of laundry. Liv called me and we talked for a little bit. I'm so proud of how great she is doing! I had some dinner, and I'm going to make sure I get in bed early tonight! Until tomorrow...
-Mike

Pretty day in MSP...

I woke up to Bill calling me. I got up and threw my work out stuff on. I did a few quick things around the house and then headed out to snag Bill and go to Anytime. My legs were pretty sore this morning. It was chest and back today. We worked out for about an hour and a half. It seriously feels incredible to get in good physical shape. I dropped Bill off and headed home to shower. I showered up and was in need of groceries and Geordie was too. We went grocery shopping and took our time. It's nice to not always be in such a hurry and running around. Got home and put all my groceries away. I cooked up three chicken breasts and two beef patties for the next two days. I wasn't in the mood to go to a meeting, but I made myself go to one with Geordie. And of course once it was over it made me feel good. I am doing really well, at times I feel like I'm not doing enough. But I'm doing exactly what I should be right now. And I'm content with myself! We came home and I had a piece of chicken some rice and a salad for dinner. Ashton found out that she got accepted into the College of Education today! I'm so happy for her, and proud of her! She has been working so hard, and it paid off! I know I'll look back on my time here and feel the same way one day:) I'm going to get some good rest tonight, because Bill and I are going to get up early and work out real hard! I love and miss y'all. Mañana...
-Mike

Another sunday...

I got up and going today. Joe texted me and asked if we could bump up our meeting time. So I got showered and headed over to his house. We had a great meeting. We did some reading in the book. And spent the rest of the time talking about life in general. Always makes me feel good. I went home and then decided to go work out. I got up to Anytime and got a really good work out in. It was legs today. Which I don't like to do, but is a definite must. Getting a good work out made me feel good too, especially after taking a day off yesterday. I got home and took a nice hot shower. Then decided to do my chore. I had the kitchen this week, so I did a thorough job of cleaning and finished in 20 min or so. I hung out for a little bit and then we had our house meeting. Had a good house meeting. Then turned the NBA All-Star game back on and still sitting here watching it. It is an amazing game btw. Lebron James is popping off! Gonna work out with Bill in the morning. I'm looking forward to another good day. So until tomorrow...
-Mike

A rest day...

I slept in and contemplated whether or not to take a day off today from working out. My body needed a break, so I had some lunch and then Brooks called me; my buddy that was at Auburn and I met again when I got to the Retreat. He has been out in Colorado at J-Walker Lodge, and he is back up here for a few months. So I went and picked him up and we hung out for awhile. It was great to see him and catch up with him. I dropped him back off and headed home. I got home and had to read a little and take some notes before Joe and I meet tomorrow. Then Landon and I went to a meeting at West End. I got home and made dinner. It was good as always:) I am tired and have a full day tomorrow. I'm missing ash. Until tomorrow...
-Mike

Great Friday...

I'm about to fall asleep what a great day though! Mañana...
-Mike

Authentic Mexican food & Heat win...

I woke up and picked up Bill to work out. Went hard at the gym for about 2 hrs, then dropped him off at home. Rushed home and got a quick shower, then ran out the door to meet Craig for lunch. He took me to this really authentic Mexican place. It was extremely delicious! And of course our conversation was amazing too. I seem to just keep amazing him in how far I have come. And honestly I amaze myself. It's truly a blessing. Can't be grateful enough. After lunch I went he and hung out for about an hour then Geordie and I went up to Sholom to volunteer. We spent a few hours up there. It was really fun today. I say and talked with Raaz for awhile and then we participated in a dance activity they had going on. She is limited to a wheel chair, but I know it made her feel good me holding her hand and moving around and what not. Anyway left Sholom and came home to watch the Heat-Knicks game. All this hype about Jeremy Lin, which I love for him. But I knew once Lebron got a hold of him, it wasn't going to be pretty. And in the end it wasn't the Heat blew them out! Which is what I love to see. I made some dinner and enjoyed that. Now I'm about to shut my eyes. So until mañana..
-Mike

Long, but successful...

I got up at 8; called Bill and threw my workout stuff on. And then made my way to his house on Summit Ave. We got to Anytime and worked out hard for an hour and 15. I got home showered and started a load of laundry. I made a bowl of spaghetti o's for lunch. Reminds me of childhood; Meg absolutely loved her some spaghetti o's! And rightfully so, bc there delicious. Laundry finished so I put it away and hung my shirts up. I watched some sportscenter, and did some investigating on the computer about opportunities in Colorado and Cali. Exciting to think about:) I headed over to my sponsor Joe's house to meet with him before I had my aftercare for the night. I got over there and we got into talking about how I was and he was. The whole time I just had this wave of contentness and peace come over me. I really enjoy meeting with him. He gets me and that's awesome. His wife was making some pork chops, mashed potatoes, and corn. Joe offered me a plate and after saying nah twice bc I was pressed on time he insisted on it. I was very glad I did! It was fantastic and I enjoyed the time with his family. I left there and headed straight to my aftercare. I got there 2 minutes before 6! We had a great group tonight. I shared plenty and listened plenty. It's always good when you walk out and you feel great about what your doing in your life and how your living it. So I went by Target on the way home to pick up some chicken breasts. Went home cooked my chicken for the next day or two and hung out for a little bit. And now it's off to bed so that I can wake up and keep going. Love and miss y'all. Until mañana...
-Mike

Out to Minnetonka...

Woke up and jumped in the shower. Grabbed a Gatorade and a hand full of turkey and ran out the door. I got out to Kevin's by 845-9ish, but it took atleast an hour to get out there this morning. The studio is really coming along it looks so much better. I got in a good 5 hrs off work, then headed back home. Got home and had a chicken breast for lunch. So good:) I called Bill and we went up to Anytime Fitness where he is a member to work out. I enjoyed it, a much smaller gym so not as many people. Which is really nice. So I got a deal for two months. Very cheap, right up my ally! Worked out really hard, and then went home to crash. Watched some tv then went to the mall to see if Nike had the socks I was looking for. And they did! I picked up Geordie on my way home. Got home and made rice, chicken, and mixed veggies for dinner. It was a good dinner. I'm getting up early to lift with Bill again. I'm really tired so off to bed for me. Until tomorrow...
-Mike

Snow storm...

I got good sleep last night. I threw my workout stuff on and Geordie and I went to sholom to work out/ volunteer for a little bit. Got in a good hour workout. Then headed home and made a turkey sandwich for lunch. I ran a few errands after lunch. It was sunny and pretty mild all day long. I got back home and thawed some chicken breasts out for dinner and to have for whenever. I started feeling anxious for some reason, and felt like I needed to do something active. So I went up to LA Fitness and used a 7 day free pass to workout. I worked out hard and did a fair amount of cardio. It makes me feel so much better to relieve stress and anxiety and just anything by working out. Not to mention how much healthier it makes you too. Right before I walked into LA it started snowing a little bit. And by the time I walked out snow was everywhere. And it hasn't stopped since! Guess this is more like Minnesota winter. I made one stop on the way home to purchase my first car snow brush/ice scrapper! Got home and made some dinner. And now I'm about to close my eyes bc I am going out to Kevin's to work in the morning. So until tomorrow...
-Mike

I hate goodbyes...

Dad and I slept in for awhile today! It was much needed. Got up and lounged around for a little bit. Then got showered and went to a delicious lunch. We had some great conversations this weekend. It was such an amazing surprise that he showed up like he did this weekend! After lunch we meandered around grand ave, and decided to go throw the football! I have not done that in awhile. It was such a pretty day out; it was perfect to throw the ball. We went to the big ass mall to spend our last hour or so before I had to say goodbye, and drop him off at the airport. When that time came, I didn't want him to leave. But it was such a fantastic weekend. After dropping dad off; I went back home then went to a meeting with Geordie. It was a really good one. I'm about to fall asleep. Such an amazing weekend with dad. More memories made! I could not of asked for a better birthday! Oh yeah and today I have 3 months, whoop whoooop. Until tomorrow...
-Mike

Birthday...

Sorry I fell asleep last night, I had such a wonderful day. It was perfect, dad and I drove around downtown Minneapolis to get a feel for it. It's such a pretty downtown area. Then we walked around at the massive mall! Grabbed some lunch, and came back to the hotel to take it easy for awhile. It was such an enjoyable time with him. It could not of gone any better. I'm still in shock that he drove all this way:) I'll write more tonight, I love y'all, thank y'all for the birthday wishes!
-Mike

Greatest birthday present ever...

I woke up a few times throughout the early morning hours, but managed to fall back asleep, and get some much needed rest! When I finally woke up for good at around 1. My body felt so much better, and I went downstairs to try to keep some soup down. Dad had been texting me normally like he does, I was just standing in the living room and he walked through the front door!!! I was in total shock! I'm still shaking my head:) What a fantastic birthday gift. On top of all that, I went outside with dad and took a glance at what I thought was his rental car, and looked again and realized he drove this whole way with my car! Such a special birthday and so many things to be grateful for. Dad is amazing:) And it could not of come at a better time. I was feeling lonely, and then this happened! God works in mysterious ways. We got to the hotel and had a good dinner, and I'm feeling much better one more night of sleep and I'll be great; I hope anyway. What an amazing day. So until tomorrow...
-Mike

Stomach bug...

I woke up feeling so awful. It progressed throughout the day. I can't keep any liquids or food down... My whole body hurts and my fever comes and goes. Trying to go to sleep now. Until tomorrow...
-Mike

Thank God for my sisters...

I popped out of bed this morning, but not before texting Happy Birthday to meg and posting it on her wall. I'm so glad she is my sis along with Kate & Liv:) Such a blessing really. Got dressed called Brandon to wake him up, to tell him to get over to my house so we could hang out. After talking with him; I called Meg but no answer so left the happy birthday voicemail. Brandon came and got me, we had lunch at Subway and talked for awhile about everybody and how he was and vice versa. It was great getting to catch up with him. Later I investigated some opportunities online for help needed at different places. And sent them an email explaining my situation. Tonight was the first night of the second half of my after care program. I am now in what they call "phase 2". I liked the new group and everything it was really laid back but in a good way. I came home made a little dinner, and watched some basketball on tv. It's off to bed now, I rescheduled my crossfit for tomorrow so I'll let y'all know how it goes. Until tomorrow...
-Mike

Feeling good...

I woke up tired at first, so I dozed back off for 10-15 min. And got dressed and packed my back pack with a change of clothes and headed up to the sholom home. I got a hard work out in, then took a quick shower. Went up to the 4th floor to say hi to Lilly an older black woman that lives there. She's such a sweet heart. And then I went and got information and signed up to do cross word puzzles every other Thursday. Which made me feel good that I could help do something fun like that. Decided to head home after awhile, and made some chicken with rice for lunch. I have been eating extremely healthy lately. It's making my body recover quicker from working out. Physically, mentally, spiritually, emotionally, I feel better right now than I think I ever have in my whole 20 almost 21 years of life.. Not too much longer, whoop whoop. I watched the Kardashians on tv, I love stuff like that as weird as that sounds. Which makes me think did any of y'all see what Nicki Minaj did at the Grammy's? Really disappointing bc I'm a huge Minaj fan, but that was just beyond odd. Anyway I made my bed and put away towels. Then read some in my book. Geordie and I went to a meeting at 8, and then came home. I made some more chicken and broccoli for dinner. We watched a movie called "What's Your Number" it was really good actually. But I like stuff like that. Now it's off to bed, I'm going to meet with my buddy Brandon in the morning, and then I'm going to do a free trial workout at crossfit. So until tomorrow...
-Mike

Snow, & more snow...

I got up and going, Geordie and I set out to the shalom home. We made two stops along the way, the bank to get quarters for me; for laundry... And then by the book store for him to grab a book. Luckily everything was within a mile radius or so of each other so the trekking around wasn't too bad. And the snow was not falling hard yet. It was just like a slight mist of snow. We got to shalom and worked out for about an hour. I had to get creative to stay active that whole time because there is not much equipment in there. I found this new place that's even closer to my house that I'm thinking about pursuing. It's called Timberwolf Crossfit. I had heard of Crossfit before but I've never done it. So I'm going to investigate that some more. Working out and being active is making me feel so good right now. Anyway we got done working out got a shower then went to volunteer. I sat with an older lady named Raaz "probably spelled it wrong" it was really nice to sit and talk with her. I learned all about her son and daughter, what they do, where they live, etc... Spent about an hour with her and then said hello to a few more people. Then I got back home in time to throw some laundry in before my aftercare. Got done with aftercare and made some chicken and rice for dinner. Gotta get to bed now. Until tomorrow...
-Mike

Breezy Sunday...

I got up and showered, and Joe was waiting outside for me. We had a great meeting today. It was very thorough and good for me. After we were done I was feeling good. He has a way of getting the message across to me, and generally every time by the end of our meetings I am feeling good about myself and what I'm doing up here in this frozen tundra. After I got home and did my chore, just some vacuuming. I walked with Geordie to return a movie to redbox. It's so different up here. How the houses look, how everything seems to be on top of one another, and obviously the weather. But I'm making the best of it. After our house meeting I turned on the Grammy's. I love watching the Grammy's and seeing all the great artists perform. Then watched Mr. and Mrs. Smith. Now about to get in bed. Until tomorrow...
-Mike

It's getting cold...

Sorry for not writing last night. I kind of forgot and just went to sleep. I had a great day and night yesterday though. And a solid day today as well. I slept in, and then got a quick shower. I went with Geordie and Mikey to the grocery store. It was a much needed trip to the store. I got enough groceries to last me the next week or so. I'm getting back into working out and running a whole lot, so I decided to help myself out as much and start eating as healthy as I can. I got a bunch of fresh chicken breasts and a whole lot of frozed and canned vegetables. Lots of water lately. Which I have been able to tell a difference in my everyday health. Overall I feel a whole lot healrhier than I have in a whole long time. And it feels really good. So we got back from the grocery store, and I put my things away; then watched some college basketball for a little bit. I read some in my book, and then went to the west end meeting. Geordie and I walked over there. It was a good meeting. I kept finding my mind to be other places for some reason. I came home and made some rice and chicken for dinner. It was really good. Now were watching this movie called The Tree of Life... I dont like it, its all over the place for me. I have to get up early to meet with Joe "sponsor" in the morning. So until tomorrow...
-Mike

One more day at a time...

Woke up and went up to the Sholom Home. I got in a good work out and run. Then I visited with a few people, and then walked on home. I hung out for a little bit, then went and met Geordie at the West End meeting. It was a good meeting, I was really glad I went. Gotta get to bed early tonight because we're supposed to work in the morning. Haha I guess we will see. I miss and love y'all. Until tomorrow...
-Mike

Getting chilly...

Had a great day today! I woke up to a very encouraging text from my dad. There's not a better way to start the day than with words of encouragement. I did some plyometrics exercises and then took a shower. Trying to do atleast a little bit of something every day that I don't get the chance to go run. It makes me feel so good. Got showered and caught up on some emails. Made some chicken noodle soup and a turkey sandwich. And I pretty much just watched Keeping up with the Kardashians for about an hour or so, then got ready for my aftercare. Aftercare went well, we had a speaker named Tim tonight. He was good, his story was a pretty intense one. It had a whole lot of hope in it. Which is really refreshing. Came home and got some dinner. And now closing my eyes. Until tomorrow...
-Mike

One day at a time...

I was supposed to work today, but it just didnt work out. So I got up and going. Did some reading, and then decided to go meet Geordie up at the Sholom home. Once at Sholom I worked out, and ran for awhile. It felt good to get some exercise in. I met Geordie up on the third floor for the group activities with the old people. It was an enjoyable time. It felt good to help out some older people that really appreciate the time you spend with them. I got home and took a shower. Nick is leaving to move back home to Nebraska in the morning. I know thats exciting for him. No work tomorrow either, I talked to Kevin and were going to get back to work on Thursday. Which will be really nice to get active again. Now I'm just hanging out watching tv. I talked to mom for awhile tonight and that helped with some of the things I'm dealing with right now. Just got to stay positive. So until tomorrow...
-Mike

Sunny and beautiful...

I slept in so that I would be well rested for the reamaining week. Got dressed and made some ramen noodles. I really didnt do a whole lot in a since of going and doing. But I got a good amount of things accomplished at the house. I spent about an hour or two on my computer reviewing my transcript from Auburn, and just looking at all my options for when I return to school. Atleast as far as changing my major and what would be my best overall option as well as choosing something I could be happy doing. I got over to my aftercare later; for my 10th session. I only have 2 more then im half way done! It was a good session. We had an Al-Anon speaker come talk to us. Honestly my first reaction when I hear that someone from Al-Anon is coming to talk it makes me slightly dissatisfied, but after they start talking it intrigues me to hear as much as I can, because I can relate so much to it. With my whole journey I affected many people from my choices. So naturally I would think someone could imagine why hearing about how "we" affected this persons life and hurt them, is not the most fun thing to do. But I really enjoyed what she had to say, and it made me really think about my relationships. I'm extremely happy to say that my relationships today "from my point of view" are night and day better than they ever have been before. Sorry for the ranting. Had wings for dinner; that always makes me happy:) And now I'm just writing this before I close my eyes. Back to work in the morning, so that will be nice. I love yall. Until tomorrow...
-Mike

Super Bowl Sunday...

I slept in again today. It has been really nice to catch up on sleep. I got up showered and dressed by 11, and then my sponsor Joe came to pick me up. We had a great meeting today. We actually started going through the Big Book today. Joe is so knowledgeable of pretty much every word in the book. I am really happy with picking Joe as my sponsor. He is such a genuine guy and seems to have my best interest at heart. I got home and made some chicken gumbo soup for lunch. It was really good; Campbell's makes good soup... I did my chore for the week, and waited on Josh to come pick me up to go out to Chase's parents house to watch the Super Bowl with a bunch of the guys that I was at the Retreat with. It was such a good time. Chase's mom made burgers and hot dogs. And tons of yummy appetizers. The game was so awesome. Luckily the Giants and Eli pulled it out. Ive never been to fond of Bill Belichick and the Patriots. It was Josh, Chase, Kyle, Daniel, Zack, John, and me. It was nice to do something fun like that. Josh drove me home, I just took a shower and got ready for bed. Now I am about to hit the hay. I miss yall more than you know. Until tomorrow...
-Mike

Much needed restful day...

I really needed some sleep. So I slept in until noon today! It has been a long time since I have slept in that late. It was really nice to have the whole day with nothing really planned. I finally got up and showered. Then made myself some chicken noodle soup with a grilled cheese. I just hung out and did some things on the internet. I've really been looking at new back packs lately. Trying to find a good deal. The two brands I have narrowed it down to are North Face and Patagonia. I really like the Patagonia back packs that I have looked at. I got Mikey to run me by CVS after that. I needed to money gram my paycheck to dad. Got done with that and went back to the house. After hanging out for a little bit Whitey, Paul, Nick, and I decided to go to Old Country Buffet. It was good, but extremely filling. And I must say nothing like how southern food is truly supposed to be made... I got home finished up my laundry and put it away. Now Nick and I are just hanging out watching tv. My plans for the Super Bowl is to go out to Chase's parent's house and watch it with him, and a few other guys that went to the Retreat with us. It should be a good time. So until tomorrow...
-Mike

Another end to the week...

I did not want to get out of bed this morning at all; when my alarm clock went off all I could imagine were the back of my eyes. But I got up and took a shower instead. Swung by and picked up Chase, and Kyle then headed out to Kevin's to get a day's worth of work in. Today was a very productive day in getting some of the big things done in the studio done that needed to get done. We finished mudding and sanding, so we set in on the painting. We pretty much finished the whole studio with one coat. We finished for the day around 430, and headed back to SP. Kevin came to my house; while I took a shower and got dressed. Then we went to this awesome Italian restaurant called Cassetta's. It was down by the Xcel Center in downtown St. Paul. It was a unique kind of place. They had a butcher shop area inside; that had fresh made riccotta cheese, home-made italian sausage, and meatballs. Along with fresh baked bread and etc... After dinner I came home and have been watching basketball ever since. It's been a pretty good Friday. Im very glad I get to catch up on some sleep, and sleep in some tomorrow. I'm missing everyone a whole lot right now. Just makes me want to be home... Someday:) So until tomorrow...
-Mike

Grey, but not to cold...

It was an overcast day, had a great work day. Worked until around 430, and then headed back to SP. I went to look at mountain packs when I got back. Went to the north face store as well as the patagonia store. Found some cool things, but held off.. I'm too tired to write more. Oh yeah new kid moved in today his name is Landon. Seems to be an alright guy. Haven't talked with him enough to know more. Will write more tomorrow night...
-Mike

Back to work...

With yesterday's excitement out at Kevin's, chase and I went out to Kevin's to work. Chad is no longer working there. It's a long story... But everything is fine, and I still have some work for now. It was a productive day. We left Minnetonka at 4:30 so that I could have time to get back in time for my aftercare. I dropped chase off in Kevin's car, and went home real quick and got a shower. Swung by and picked up Adam for our aftercare session. Yet again it was a great night at the retreat's aftercare program. We had a speaker again and it was very interesting, and helpful. I got home and made a bowl of soup. Then Geordie and I decided to go see a movie. We agreed to go see The Grey, the new movie with Liam Neeson in it. It was pretty good. Not that good of an ending if you ask me. Got to get some sleep. Until tomorrow...
-Mike