Day of rest...

I slept in pretty late today! It felt so good to catch up on rest and let my body get what it needed. I hade some chicken for lunch. I was a bum around the house until Landon and I decided to go shoot baskets up the street. We got back to the house and watched the rest of the Kentucky-Louisville game. So glad Kentucky is headed to the national championship. We went and saw Wrath of the Titans tonight. It was an alright movie. I'm gonna get some sleep now. So until mañana...
-Mike

Helped Adam move...

I woke up and got dressed to get over to Adams apartment to help him and his wife get their stuff into the Uhaul. I helped out for about an hour and a half. I left there and went home. I was exhausted for some reason, I think the two a days were catching up to me. So I had some chicken for lunch, and then watched tv taking it easy for a bit. Landon got home and wanted to know of I'd go to the mall with him, he is getting ready to leave on Monday for Hawaii for a week! His girlfriend lives out there. We had a good time, and got back home around 330, I went and picked Bill up from work at 430. Waited on him to get changed and then went back home for me to change. Then we went up to the gym for hour and a half. Worked out really hard, since I was only getting one in today. I dropped Bill off at his place, and went home to get showered. Picked Bill back up so that we could go to dinner. We went to a nice steakhouse named Mancinis. It was delicious. Had good conversation at dinner and then decided to call it a night bc of us both being so tired. I got home and Geordie, Landon, and I went to Walgreens and got a movie. It was a good day and night. I'm going to try and get into the gym up the street to shoot some hoops tomorrow. Well see how that goes! I miss and love y'all. Until tomorrow... Papa George is in my prayers and on my mind
-Mike

The circus comes to Sholom...

I woke up and got going today. I had to go pick Brooks up from a hotel he has been staying at, because he had a slip up, and relapsed... It was a unique situation and he handled the right way after the fact. He was honest and everything. So I went and picked him up, and we drove out to the Retreat. It was sureal being back out there. And definitely under the condition I was. It was even more weird that I was leaving someone that was at the Retreat with me back in November there and walking away like I did. It just re-enforced everything that I am doing. And it was really good to see all the people that work there. I left the Retreat, and headed back to St. Paul. I ran home and grabbed a change of clothes. And then went up to the gym to get a quick 40 minutes of lifting in before I met Geordie at Sholom to volunteer for the the circus event they had going on today. I got there and it was just starting. They had a magician, and clowns etc... For the last little act they did. One of the clowns picked me to come up in front of everyone. It was funny, and I enjoyed it too! I took Lilly back to her room. She is an elder black woman is from Mississippi. It was nice visiting with her. I left Sholom, and went by walgreens and GNC. Then came home to start some laundry, and then went up to Anytime for my second workout. I spent over an hour at the gym, and then had to leave to get a quick shower in order to get over to Joe's house for dinner. He ordered a pizza for us, and we watched the Heat game. It was a good day and a good night. Tomorrow I am going to help Adam a counselour from the Retreat move to his new house. Atleast I'm going to help him for an hour or two. And of course get a good two workout's in tomorrow. My roommate Tony is on a two week vacation with his family.. Yes! Room all to myself... So until tomorrow...
-Mike

Rock climbing for free...

I got up and had a sandwich. I then got dressed to go check out this place called Midwest Mountaineering. It was over in Minneapolis, but turned out to be a cool set up. It's a store like an Alabama Outdoor, but have a bouldering cave in the basement. And it's free! I went down and tested it out for a little bit. It was challenging. I started talking with a guy that was down there his name is David. He gave me a few pointers and we talked for 20 minutes or so. Seemed to be a really cool guy. I left there and went to workout. I got in about an hour with the knowledge that I would be coming back for round 2 at 8. Which is exactly what happened. I went to the grocery store in between and made my bed with clean sheets. I picked Bill up and we went up to Anytime. Got another good workout in, and then came home to eat some chicken, rice, broccoli, and for dessert some oatmeal! Gotta get that fiber. I have to get some rest now. Thinking about going hiking in the morning before volunteering. Well see if it works out. Until tomorrow...
-Mike

The cold came back...

It was in the upper 30's today! So pretty chilly for most of the day. But isn't supposed to last long. I got up and went to work out. Got a good work out in and then picked Brooks up. We went and checked out this huge rock climbing place called Vertical Endeavors. It was nice, but way to pricy. So gotta keep looking, although I think I found a really cool place that's free, all you have to do is pay for shoes. Got some lunch after that at Subway, and then dropped Brooks off. I took a quick shower, and then went over to my sponsor Joe's house. He just got a new dog that is so cute. His name is Duke. We then left and went to a meeting "House of Hope". It was a really good meeting. I saw a lot of people I havnt seen in awhile. This meeting has about 200 people at it generally. So it was a good experience for me. I left there and went home to change into work out stuff. I went and picked Bill up and we went up to Anytime. I'm starting two a days now for 2-3 weeks. Same workout both times that day except the one at night finishes with 15-20 minutes of cardio. I'm gonna be sore tomorrow... It was good visiting with Bill though. I came home and made some dinner, the usual. Hung out with the guys, and watched some tv. Sleep time now! Until tomorrow...
-Mike
:here is Joes dog!

Safely back to MSP...

I woke up and had breakfast with Mom and Liv, and of course it was delicious. I went over to Dad's to return him his car and to say goodbye. Once back to momma's I closed my suitcase, and we headed to the airport. Said our good byes and I was on my way. I got to Memphis and grabbed a barbecue sandwich. They know how to make em in Memphis. So dang good. Left Memphis and headed to MSP. Joe picked me up from the airport and it was nice visiting with him. When I got back to the house, before un packing I three on my shorts and shoes and went to Anytime to get a workout in. It felt good to be working hard again. I came home and showered then un packed. We had our house meeting at 8, and it went well. Made my chicken breasts, mixed veggies, and rice. Back in the routine. Geordie and I decided to go see a movie, well actually we go see one every Sunday night. We saw 21 Jump Street. It was funny and a good one to see! Tomorrow my plan is to work out, hang out with Brooks and go check out St. Paul's climbing options. Well see how it goes. I had such an amazing time while I was home. It was such a blessing to spend the quality time I feel like I got with everyone while I was there. Made some good memories. Thank y'all.. Can't wait to make more. Gonna get some rest now. Until this time tomorrow...

Back to MSP tomorrow...

I'm too tired to write much, but dad and I went to the lake early today and really enjoyed each others company. A much needed trip for me. We stopped at Golden Rule on the way back home. Got some ribs:) Such a meaningful trip to the lake, and things are starting to come together down there. We got back and I rushed home to change then go meet Katie and John to go climbing. It was very fun as always. I said bye to them and jumped in the car to head out to Oak Mountain for dinner with Jeff and Connie and Courtney, and Liv and mom. It was such an enjoyable wonderful time as well. I just finished packing and I'm about to shut my eyes. Don't really feel like leaving Bham, oh well gotta do what you don't wanna sometimes I guess. So until tomorrow...

Trip to Pinson/Trussville...

I woke up and got showered bc Mimi was to pick me up at 9. We headed out to Trussville to Adam and Meg's place. Once we got there Meg showed Mimi the house, and then we got in the car to head across town to see the property that Mimi's grandparents lived and farmed on. It was really cool. We stopped by her cousins house and visited with them for a little bit. Olivia's allergies were acting up each time we got out of the car. We stopped by where her grandparents are buried, it was such a gorgeous day. We decided to have lunch at this place called the Chocolate Biscuit. It was extremely good. Great chicken salad and great broccoli salad. Then we went and saw Adam at work and took a tour of the whole warehouse and how the business operates. It's really cool shit if you ask me. We left there and stopped by another store, and then made our way home. It was such a fantastic day. It's been awhile since I've spent quality time with Mimi and my sisters for that matter, something I'm gonna note to make happen more. Got home and liv was with me bc we were waiting on Katie to come pick us up and go run. It was great getting to see her and spend some time with her. I've missed her and John a lot. I've always had a special and unique relationship with them. Anyway felt great to get back into the cardio side of working out. Katie dropped liv and then me off, and I went downstairs to lift some weights. Then showered up to go have dinner with Dad and Kathy at La Fiesta. We ran into the Black's while we were there. They were extremely nice.. Got home and dad and I got in the hot tub. We had some good convos about important things to me. And now I'm here about to read as much as I can in the book The Hunger Games to try and finish it before Thursday! Well see. So until tomorrow...
-Mike

Loving being home...

I had a great day today. This weekend was amazing, getting to spend so much time with Ashton like I did. It couldn't of been any better! I worked out and then showered up for Dad to get home. Then we went and visited with Mimi and Papa George for awhile. It's so great to sit and listen to there stories and things that have happened in there lives. We left there and went by the grocery store to get some stuff for dinner. Dad grilled some chicken and we had squash and zucchini and bread and mashed potatoes! Delicious... Jake came by after and said hello and talked for a bit. It was awesome getting to see him, it's had to of been atleast a year or so since I have seen him. He looks great! After he left Dad and Kat and I played some spades. I'm getting pretty good at it, I think so anyway. I'm about to get some shut eye. Mimi is coming to pick me up in the morning and were going to go see her cousins out in Trussville and see Meg too. Then running with Kate in the afternoon! So until tomorrow...
-Mike

Beautiful day, & Auburn trip...

I woke up early this morning and took a shower. Dad came back to the house and picked me up to grab some breakfast and go back to the office to swap cars. It was good seeing Doug and Toy. I headed back home and threw my workout stuff on. Kat went and got liv and the boys out of school to come home early. I worked out downstairs with all the dumb bells, and got a good one in. Then played two intense games of basketball with the boys. Liv gave me my birthday gift, which I have to say is amazing! I showered up and packed an over night bag and headed to auburn. Ashton is getting back from Nicaragua tonight and I'm meeting her here in auburn so we can go to her lake house for the night. So I came down early to see Brad and spend sometime with him. It's been really amazing being back in auburn on such different terms than before. I'm absolutely loving every second! Such a wonderful place to be. I'm waiting on ash to get here and then were headed to the lake. It's John Gregg's B'day tomorrow! So until then...
-Mike

Night flight...

I woke up excited to be coming home today. I hung out and did a few things, and then went and picked up the first of the Hunger Games series books. I started it on the plane, it's really good. Anyway I went home and then went to workout. Got a good workout in, and went home to shower and close my suitcase up. I did all that and then had an early dinner. The usual chicken, rice, broccoli! Joe called me and we left early to get some coffee. Then he took me to the airport. I went through security and got ready to get on the plane. Boarded and took off around 740. It was a quick flight right around 2 hours. I got off the plane and was so happy to be in Birmingham. The air just smelled so good. I'm convinced there is a difference in the two places and their scents they give off.. Dad picked me up! It was so good to see him. I love being home, and am truly blessed to have people that love me! Mañana...
-Mike

Leaving tomorrow...

I slept in, when I woke up I put my workout stuff on and went downstairs. It was so gorgeous outside today! It got up to 76 degrees!! This is what I'm talking about. I had two hard boiled eggs and protein shake for breakfast. Then Landon "LC" and I went outside and threw the football around for a bit. It was amazing to be soaking up some sun rays:) I hung out for a bit longer then went to Anytime and got my cheat and back workout in. It was such a good workout. I went hard until I couldn't lift my arms. By the time I got home it was 330, and so I jumped in the shower and got dressed to go meet Joe. On my way he called and canceled bc he had some kind of food poisoning. He said he would deff be better by tomorrow to take me to the airport! So talked with Geordie for a little bit, and then I headed to aftercare. It was another good session like last week. Once it got done I picked Geordie up and we went to Tav on the Ave. I splurged for once in a month. I got wings and fries. Both of which I havnt had in a little over 4 weeks. So it was a nice treat. We got home and I started my laundry and started packing. I just finished packing and now I'm about to get some shut eye. Gonna workout tomorrow and then fly back to my roots! I'm so looking forward it. I'll be writing my next blog from Alabama. So until then...
-Mike

A unique trip to Target...

I woke up early this morning, so Geordie and I headed up to Sholom so that we could go help some people go to Target. There were 5 old people residents going and 5 volunteers so it worked out good. Anyway we got there and I got stuck with this lady named Deloris. I'm pushing her around the store and naming off what's on each shelf and she just freaks out, she was completely out of control haha. So Geordie took her back out to the bus and I finished taking Roz around! Anyway we finished up with that and left Sholom, we decided to go to this well known deli shop that has great lunch sandwiches. And man did they. I got there reuben, and it really hit the spot. We got home and I let my food settle for awhile then threw my workout stuff on and got a decent leg workout in for the day. Came home and watched tv with Geordie for a little, and then we went outside to throw my popped football. It was so nice out it motivated me to go snag a new one! So we did, and went by Dick's Sporting Goods. Got a nice Nike football for a smoking deal. We threw that around for a little bit when we got home. It got up to 65 today! It was just awesome. I took a shower and then made some dinner. No surprise chicken, rice, and broccoli:) delicious as always though. I am getting really excited about coming home. It dosnt feel like it should be here already like it is. Only a day away now. Laundry, workout, and pack are my plans for tomorrow, along with meet Joe, and aftercare. So until tomorrow...
-Mike

Rainy but warm...

I slept in some today. And finally got up and showered. I headed out for a few errands, and dropped a housemate off named Mac. I got my hair cut. It was growing back weird from when I shaved it, so decided to shape it up a little bit. Although its still in that awkward stage. Oh well, then I ran by the grocery store to pick up chicken and rice for the week, or atleast until Thursday! It's not far away now:) only two more days. I talked to Meg on the phone for a little bit. I can't wait to see her and have the chance to spend some time with her. Been missing her a lot. I mustered up the will to go work out. And it's like once I get up there and start working out I don't want to stop! So I worked out for close to 2 hours and then talked on the phone with my sponsor Joe for a little bit. And called Mom on the way he. It's always comforting to hear her voice. I also had her educate me on how to make hard boiled eggs. Loads of protein in them, so had to learn. And I'm happy to say that they came out just fine! I got made some dinner after the success of making hard boiled eggs. I ate dinner and watched the Bulls vs Knicks basketball game. I love pro basketball. I took Geordie and Whitey to Walgreens after so they could get a few things, and we got movie from the redbox. We watched Hugo tonight. It was slow, but really good. Geordie and I are getting up early to go to Sholom and ride in a van with some of the old people and take them to Target. Gotta be there at 830, so I better get some rest. Only 2 more days and I'll be in sweet home Alabama. N'oubliez jamais, Jusqu'à demain...
-Mike

5th Stepping...

I woke up early and went to Joe's house. I jumped in the car with him and we went to this delicious cafe for breakfast. We finished breakfast and headed up to his office to do my 5th step. We got there at 9 and didn't leave until 12:45. It was extremely intense and so amazing. Big, no huge mountains started to move today for me. And a whole lot of credit for that goes to Joe. It was such a great experience though. We left there and I got my car and headed home. I went up stairs to be quiet for awhile and pray. Then I went to work out. After not working out yesterday I had to go really hard, and I did. Spent almost two hours at the gym. Headed home and showered up to go bowling with the house, instead of having our usual Sunday night house meeting. It was a fun time to get out with everyone like that and do something fun. We got a redbox movie Jack and Jill on the way home. It was pretty funny, but really stupid I gotta say. It was a blessed great day for me! So until tomorrow...
-Mike

Spring is in the air...

I woke up and decided to let my muscles and body rest today. So no workout. I spent most of the day finishing up my fourth step, bc I am meeting Joe early morning for breakfast and then to his office for my 5th step. And apparently tonight is when our clocks jump forward from dst, so I'm not going to get as much sleep as planned. I can't stop thinking about flying back home. All I wanna do is jump on the plane! Went to a meeting at 7 with Landon, and Whitey. Basically just hung out and watched tv the rest of the night. I have to try to go to sleep now, or I wont wake up in the morning in time for my meeting! I love and miss y'all.. Until tomorrow...
-Mike

Days are going bye...

Woke up and got my workout stuff on. I went down stairs and spent some time on my computer trying to mess with the security and looking at old pictures and videos:) I then went and worked out, and got a really good work out in. I left straight from Anytime and headed out to rescue Brooks from watching tv out in Minnetonka. He is going to move into St.Paul soon.. I picked him up and we went back to my house so I could shower, and figure out what we were going to do. We decided to go see Act of Valor, about the Navy seals. It was incredible. They did are really good job with it, but before the movie we grabbed some dinner at this Mexican restaurant that was pretty good. It was nice to do something fun like that, anyway I took him back home after the movie and then headed back home myself. It was a good day though. I have a little writing I have to do for Joe and I to meet on Sunday morning, it's a big meeting! So I'm going to work on that tomorrow and of course go work out! But sounds like a good day to me, Thursday will be here before I know it, atleast I hope so.. Until mañana...
-Mike

One week until Bama...

I slept in some, bc Geordie and I stayed up late watching the movie 50/50. Anyway I threw my work out stuff on and headed up to Anytime and got a good work out in. Chest and back today. I worked out for a little over an hour and then hustled home to get a shower so Tony and I could go volunteer up at Sholom. We headed up there and spent sometime with a few people, and then they had this celebration service. Since its a Jewish old folk home they were celebrating Purim. It was really interesting and fun. I sat and visited with Ros the whole time. She's so funny, and I'm just happy I can make her smile. We left there and went home. I made some dinner and watched this really good movie I'd never seen called Rounders with Matt Damon in it. It was a good day, and this time next week I'll be writing this from Birmingham:) I can't wait and look forward to a little get away. Here is a picture of Ros and I from today! So until tomorrow...
-Mike

Good day, weird ending...

I got up and went to the grocery store, I worked out and had a great day. I'm just going to cut to the chase, because I'm falling asleep, I had an amazing session at aftercare. I got home and made the usual, chicken, rice, and broccoli! It was delicious. Rob one of the newer house mates walked in and was drunk, so I got Whitey and we took him to detox. Just weird to see it happen. I have to get some sleep! Until tomorrow...

Feels like spring came early...

It got up to 58 degrees today!! It felt so nice outside! Chase called me early this morning and said it wasn't going to workout today for us to work. So I slept in a little and got up threw my workout stuff on and headed to work out. I really didn't feel like working out, but I managed to push myself through another intense session! I ran a few errands and got home. I had a healthy snack and showered. When I got back down stairs Geordie had just got home. We hung out and watched some tv. And decided to not go bowling tonight. "bowling on Tuesday's is $2 a game so real cheap" We instead put on a good movie and watched it. He made us some dinner tonight that was so good! Some pasta with chicken in it, but it was damn good. And I talked to Mom and Liv for a little bit, so glad they are safely in Orlando! Ash and I got to spend awhile facetiming tonight which was really nice. I really miss her. Only 8 more days till I'll be in the air headed back to sweet home. So until tomorrow...

Getting warmer...

It was 36 degrees today! Which was really nice, I got up and put my laundry away. I told Geordie I would drop him off at his appointment in downtown SP. I got done with that and went back home to relax for a few minutes; then I went to workout. Chest and back today, and I went until I couldn't push or pull anything anymore. I finished with some ab exercises and some cardio. I love working out. It gets me feeling so good. I spent atleast 2 hrs at anytime. I got home and had a snack.. Chicken! I read a letter I got from Mimi. That also makes me feel so good, she manages to send me letters all the time. Such a wonderful person to have in my life:) I took some time to just relax and think about some things in silence for a little bit. Don't do it much but it's nice every now and then. I made some dinner and watched tv with Geordie and Landon, and now I'm writing this about to go to sleep because I'm going to work for Chase's dad again in the morning for the day. Gotta be up early! Oh yeah last night Geordie and I went to see Project X, and it was awesome! Well that's it for tonight. Hasta mañana...

Peaceful Sunny Day...

I had a great day and I'm literally shutting my eyes as I'm typing this. I'm blessed to be where I am in my life and it all goes to God. Talk more mañana...
-Mike

Wonderful day...

I got up and took a shower. Then got ready to go meet with Joe. We had a great meeting. We read in the book, and I talked with him how I have been feeling so ready to leave MSP lately, and go home. He said that is completely fine that I feel that way and that I'm doing great. I have so much trust instilled in him. I got home and threw my workout stuff on. I worked out so hard today, and couldn't get tired! I went hard for 2 hrs. It felt so good! I came home and showered up as well as cleaned tony and my bathroom. Geordie and I headed up to the West End meeting at 7. It was a good meeting. We left and headed home. I made some dinner once home. Then just hung out and watched movie. Another wonderful night in the Sota. I don't have much planned tomorrow other than working out. I'm ready to get on a plane and come home! Until mañana...
-Mike

Work for Chases Dad...

I woke up early at 645 and got ready for Chase to pick me up. We worked hard all day. We put together these big machines that print different things. It was a whole lot of wrench work and handy work. It was a really good experience for me though. I got home and picked Bill up from work, and then we picked Brooks up and went to a meeting. It was good spending time with them. I dropped Bill off and had to drive Brooks all the way home to Minnetonka. I'm just really glad he is up here. I got home and made some dinner. I am extremely tired and am getting back to working out tomorrow after taking my one day off! And I am meeting with Joe tomorrow. I miss and love y'all. So until tomorrow...
-Mike

Living life and loving it...

I woke up and got dressed to work out. My work out was cut short bc I committed to helping my friend Adam go look at a car out in Hopkins that he is looking at buying. I thought it would only take 45-1 hour. It turned into a wild goose chase.. I picked him up at 12 and we got back at 3! But atleast I could help him. I then took whitey and Geordie to target for them to get some things. Got home and Bill called me, so I met him up at Anytime to workout. I needed to finish from this morning anyway, so it worked out well. I came home and made dinner. I'm being real brief bc I have to go to sleep. Chase is coming to get me at 7 tomorrow morning to work for his dad all day. Should be interesting! I'll let y'all know how it goes. Tomorrow...
-Mike