18 with Joe...

I got up and showered then dressed this morning. I ran out the door to get over to Joe's house so we could leave to play golf. I got over there and we did a few things around the house, like letting Duke out to use the bathroom. And then loaded our clubs up and headed down 35 E. It was overcast and a little brisk at 50 this morning. And for much of the morning the cloud cover stayed. We got out to one of the most beautiful courses I've ever played. It felt like we were in Ireland the way the course was set up and all the luscious grass. We hit em pretty good on the front nine, and snagged a gatorade and candy bar for the back. The back was very enjoyable. The sun popped through the clouds and it warmed up into the 60's. Just prime golf weather. I had a birdie on the back 9! Being out there with Joe was just amazing. We had a great time together cutting up and enjoying each others company! I'm really going to miss him. It has been just a godily thing between us. We finished up and headed on home. I got home and ate some chicken. Then got dressed to workout. I dropped Brooks off at House of Hope meeting, and then headed to Anytime. I got a solid hour workout in and then headed home to shower for dinner. I headed up to this Mediterranean restaurant called Shish. I met Brooks, Adam, John, Genni, and Mary up there all people from my aftercare. And we had a great time visiting for hour and a half. I'm sitting here now writing this, and it's hard to believe that all I have is one more day up here in St. Paul. This experience is one that has had such an everlasting impact on me and my hardwiring in such a positive way that it blows my mind. I have some errands to run tomorrow! So until tomorrow...
-Mike

A day at the ball park...

I got up and showered this morning. And headed on over to Joe's house. We shot the shit for a little and then headed on over to Minneapolis. We parked a a few blocks away from the stadium, and walked through downtown. It was a perfect day for baseball. A little cloud cover and in the high 50's to low 60's. We had lunch at an Irish pub outside of the stadium. We walked into Target Field, and man I was blown away. Such a nice place and real modern design to the stadium. It was really cool. And Joe's seats are pretty much the best that money can buy. It was such an enjoyable game, and to both of our surprise the Twins played incredible! And came out with the win. We headed out after the game. I got home and was lazy for the rest of the evening since today was my day off from working out. It felt good to give my body a rest. I had my last house meeting tonight! Whoop whoop! Getting down to the last 2 days! It's getting really close that's for sure. Joe and I are getting up early tomorrow to go play at a really nice golf course about an hour south of here called "Legends"! Hopefully I'll hit them straight. Until tomorrow...
-Mike

4 more days left...

I slept in today for awhile. I got up and moving then showered. I did a few things around the house, and then had some lunch. The usual turkey sandwich and veggies. I had a real good talk with Billy today. One of my best friends from back home. He is moving out to Telluride. I am so proud of him for being willing to make a decision like this. It is going to change his life forever. And im so happy for him as well. It just re-enforced everything I have done and continue to be doing for the past 6 months. I went and worked out with Al and Adam. It was a tough workout today. I felt really good when we finished. I went by the grocery store on my way home. I got home and made a veggie stir fry with turkey ground in it. Real high in protein and something different than chicken finally. I hung out and watched the second night of the NFL draft for awhile. And then headed back up to Anytime for a quick 40 minute shoulder workout. I went home and took a shower. Landon and I whipped up some chicken and rice for dinner. We watched some of the NHL playoffs and have just been hanging out. I dont have a whole lot planned for tomorrow. This is my last weekend in St. Paul! So until tomorrow...
-Mike

A round of golf...

Got up this morning and showered. Then got dressed for a brisk, windy day on the golf course. Landon, Geordie, and I went out to the Highland golf course and got 18 in. It was sunny and pretty, but pretty chilly when we got out there this morning. It warmed up to high 50's by the rounds end. It was really fun to get out there and play some golf. I havnt actually played in months. I'll admit my game was rusty, but I was able to hold my own and make some good shots. After we came home, and I made a sandwich and rested for about an hour then went up to Anytime for my workout. I worked out with Al the personal trainer up there for free today. It was awesome, and really hard. I was whooped by the end of it. I came home and took a shower and did my laundry waiting for the draft to start. We picked up some wings and sat in front of the tv for the entire first round of the draft. Nice to see 9 SEC players go in the first round, even though not a one of them was from Auburn. And mostly Alabama boys... The clock keeps ticking towards may 2. Not much longer at all. Until mañana...
-Mike

Almost done with aftercare...

I slept in some today. But got up and showered then dressed. Landon and I watched sportscenter for awhile, the draft is tomorrow and so there doing draft specials and what not. I'm excited about the draft and to see where all the players are gonna go. We tossed the football around, and then had lunch. I got in a late afternoon workout, and came home to get ready to go see Joe and then aftercare. My meeting with Joe went excellent as always. We read some in the book. I headed on to aftercare. And had a great session like normal. Adam graduated tonight, so it was good to say a few words to him, and then realize that I'm graduating in 6 days. That's exciting! I went back to Anytime once aftercare was over, and did cardio for 20 mins and did my ab work. It felt good to run and sweat. I came home and had chicken and veggies. It was delicious. We hung out and watched the end of the Twins-Sox game. I need to get some good rest tonight, so I will be full of energy for golf tomorrow! I havnt played in a few months, so well see how I do! Until tomorrow...
-Mike

A visit to the zoo...

I got up and going. It got so hot for Minnesota today. It got up into the high 70's. I took a shower and got dressed. Landon and I headed out to get my oil changed, and afterwards decided to go to the zoo. It was so much fun and I got some good picks of the animals. It was something unique and fun to do. After the zoo we stayed in the park right outside the zoo and threw the football for awhile and got some sun. It felt so good to have hot sun hitting my pale white skin! We headed home for a late lunch. After letting lunch settle I headed up to Anytime for my first workout of the day. Chest today, and I went hard for an hour, and then headed back home. I got home and then took Landon to his aftercare. Then came back home to kill sometime before my second workout at 8. So I watched the Twins-Red Sox game. The Twins are not very good this year. I headed up and worked out for an hour. I got in shoulder's, cardio, and ab work. I saw Bill up there and Chase. I picked Landon up on the way home. I ate dinner and showered, and then we popped in the Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol movie. Tom Cruise was awesome as always. I gotta get some rest, I'm beat from working out today. Only 6 more days! Until mañana...
-Mike

Hot and sunny...

It was hot today, well at least for Minnesota. I got up and going. Had a bowl of cereal, and then Landon and I went out to a nice grassy turf football field and ran routes, and threw the football around for an hour. It was good exercise and fun to get out and do. After we went by the grocery store so I could get my groceries for the week. We got home and had some lunch. And I made my hard boiled eggs. I let my food settle and then headed up to Anytime for a good back workout. I got a good hour in and called it quits. I ran a mile after I finished lifting. I went over to Brook's house and we tossed the football around and talked for awhile, and then headed home to shower up so I could meet Joe for dinner. We had a fantastic conversation at dinner, about my recovery plan when I get back and everything. It's scary but exciting. Scary in a good way if that's possible:) I went home and hung out for the rest of the night. We watched We Are Marshall. That is such a great movie. Gotta get some rest now. So until tomorrow...
-Mike

Last full week...

I got up and going. Showered and dressed then headed over to Joe's house. We had a good meeting, and got a tee time in slot for next Monday at a nice golf course called Legends. I'm really looking forward to it! I came home and had some lunch. Landon has really got me interested and having fun watching hockey! The NHL playoffs are going on right now. It's actually pretty entertaining. We watched the Penguins and Flyers. Then decided to go get a workout in. We went hard for a little over an hour and then came home. We threw the football around for awhile until bout 7 and I took a shower and got ready for our house meeting. We had a good house meeting. Had some dinner after and just hung out watching movies and stuff until now. This is my last full week up here. Im getting really excited. Can't wait to be back home in the south! Until tomorrow...
-Mike

Sunshine...

It was gorgeous today. Sun was shining, and I thought it was supposed to rain. So it was a nice surprise. I went and worked out after hanging at the house for a little bit with the guys. After I worked out I went to Barnes and Noble to do some reading. I got there at 3, and didn't leave until 5! The time flew by. I read close to a 100 pages in New Moon. Almost finished it. I'll finish it up tomorrow. I left there and went home to eat before the fellowship meeting. I took a shower and picked Brooks up from his house and we went to the meeting at 7. After I went home and changed then went to Bill's house to pick him up to go workout. Bill is a very smart guy, and my best friend up here. It's funny too bc he's old enough to be my dad. He's 37, but that dosnt change much when we're interacting. Anyway after working out we went and had some dinner at Cafe Latte. Salad and soup place. It was pretty good. I can't wait to get home and have some Zoe's! I came home and took a shower, and then LC, Geordie, and I went to Walgreens to snag a movie. We watched some movie called Flypaper. Tomorrow I am meeting one of the Retreat counselor's to help him with a project he is doing for one of his classes at the U of M. So well see how that goes. Until tomorrow...
-Mike

Rainy...

It was a good day, even though it was dreary all day. Worked out and ran a few errands with Landon. I'm really tired and need some rest. I'll right more tomorrow night. Until mañana...
-Mike

Summer is close...

It got up to the high 60's today! It felt so nice outside. It was a little overcast during the morning, but really cleared up and turned out to be a beautiful day. I went and worked out after lunch time, spent atleast an hour or so at the gym, and then headed to Barnes and Noble to do some reading. My book started getting really good, so before I knew it an hour had passed! I rushed home to make some food before I took a shower. Had a sandwich and some hard boiled eggs. I showered and then met Joe over at his house. We talked for a little bit, and went into some detail on how I should propose the questions I need to ask the people that I've harmed on this journey. It was really good. I then headed up to my after care. It was a great session as usual! And very enjoyable as always. Steve is just amazing at running that group. I left there and went straight to the gym for my evening workout. I went hard and finished with some cardio. Felt good to run again. I came home and showered then made dinner. We watched The Sitter tonight. It was really funny. I am getting excited about bringing this journey/ adventure of my life back south in less than two weeks now. It's getting close! Need some rest. Until tomorrow...
-Mike

Mild but sunny...

It stayed in the 50's all day. I got up and got dressed. Then I realized I needed a few more things from the grocery store. So Landon and I made our way up to Target. I got cheese and sliced turkey and bread for lunch for the rest of the week. We got home and had some lunch. After letting my food settle; I headed up to Anytime for my first workout. Did my leg's and ab's. I do ab's everyday, but do a few extra exercises on my legs days. I left there and went to a Barnes and Noble store to have somewhere quiet to sit and read. It was really nice to sit for an hour and read like that. I am getting real close to finishing the second Twilight book. I went home after, and Landon and I threw the football around for a little bit. I had a good talk with mom and dad today. Made me feel good to hear their voices. I dropped Landon off at his aftercare, and came home with an hour to kill. So I watches the Twins play the Yankees on tv. I got a text from Bill saying he was headed to the gym, so I met him up there for my evening workout. I did shoulder's and ab's. After I finished, I went and snagged LC from his aftercare and came home. I showered and then made dinner. We put on a movie. The Descendants, with George Clooney. It was really good, but really sad. I'm hanging in there. Just taking it one day at a time, or at least trying to! Until mañana...
-Mike

Cold Monday...

It was freezing today. Got down in the high 30's! Landon and I got up and went to the grocery store for groceries for the week. Got home and did my usual cooking of my eggs and chicken. Then had a sandwich before my workout. I went up to Anytime and got a good workout in. I came home and showered up and got dressed. Then headed over to Joe's house and we talked for a little while, then headed over to the House of Hope meeting. It was a good meeting tonight. I really enjoyed it. I said bye to Joe and headed home. Changed and went back to the gym for round 2. After close to an hour Landon called me and asked if I'd come snag him from work. So I did and then went home and had dinner. It was a good day. I'm cant wait for May 2nd! I miss and love y'all! Oh yeah, congrat's to John Gregg on kicking ass up in Boston! Until tomorrow...
-Mike

Stormy Sunday...

I slept in until 11 this morning! It was awesome:) I got up and showered then dressed to meet Joe at his house. We had a really good meeting. We went over my 8th step that I finished up Friday for us to have today. It felt really good to put down on paper the things I need to take care of. And his input and thought, suggestion on it was incredible. Truly blessed to have him in my life. I left there and went home to hangout for a little bit. Then I picked Bill up for a workout. We had a good workout for a little over an hour. Felt good after taking a day off yesterday. I dropped him off and then came home. I watched tv for a little and read in my book. Trying to finish the Twilight series right now. Love those books for some reason. At about 6 I decided to go for a run, something I havnt done in awhile or atleast run outside of the gym by the house anyway. It was awesome listening to my music. I was fueled by it for some reason today. So glad I did it! But of course it started down pouring so had to make it home quick. I showered up and we had our house meeting. Went well as always, and then Geordie, LC, and I got a bite to eat. Then we went and saw a movie. It was a good Sunday. Not much longer and dad and I will be on the road:) Until tomorrow...
-Mike

A night in Minneapolis...

I slept in and then got up. It was gorgeous today! 70 degrees outside. I got dressed and made some lunch. I watched the Twins-Rangers baseball game on tv for awhile, and then took a shower and got ready for the night. I picked Bill up and we headed down to Minneapolis. The Twins game had just gotten over once we parked and were walking around looking for a place to eat. Everywhere was packed, it was fun though to be out and about downtown. We finished eating and walked around for a little bit. And then went into the Target Center for the game. It was a great game. The thunder won, which is who I was pulling for I guess. I didn't really care. I just wanted to see Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook play. And both of them had great games. Durant with 40 something points and Westbrook with 30 something. It was a great to get out with Bill. We grabbed some food after and then I dropped him off. I'm so tired. I'll write more tomorrow night. Miss and love y'all. Until tomorrow...
-Mike

Not a cloud in the sky...

I had a really good day. Got my workouts in and took Geordie shopping for some work clothes. I'm real tired and have to get some rest. I'll write more tomorrow night! Until mañana...
-Mike

Warmer and Sunny...

I got going today. Didn't sleep all that well last night. I kept waking up. But I got up and had a bowl of honey bunches of oats with fruit, and got dressed to workout. LC wanted me to drop him off at the grocery store on my way to the gym, and so I did. Put in about an hour at the gym, and then headed back home. Made myself a late lunch and then LC and I went to GNC. Stuff gets expensive, but really does make a difference. Well the protein does. We got home and I took a shower and got ready to head over to Joe's house. I got over there and we visited for awhile. Always have really good visits with him. I headed up to my aftercare, and that went really good too. Steve Crane is just a fantastic guy and so knowledgeable in recovery. I'm gonna miss him when it's all over with. I left aftercare and went straight to Anytime for my evening workout. Bill was up there. We talked for a little bit. He printed off the tickets I emailed him for Saturday's T'wolves-Thunder game. I'm so excited about that. It's gonna be awesome. We're gonna go downtown early and have dinner, and then walk over to the Target Center for the game. Should be a really good time. Got home from working out and made some dinner, the usual... Hung out with the guys for a little and now off to bed. So until tomorrow...
-Mike

Feels like winter...

It was sunny and beautiful, but only 39 degrees today. Not the kind of weather I like. I got up and got a good workout in. And came home to start in on my 8th step. Landon called me when his plane landed, and I left to go pick him up. I snagged him and we went to have lunch. He told me all about his time in Hawaii, and how awesome it was. I'm glad he's back though. He's my buddy. After lunch we went home and hung out for awhile. I left around 4ish and went to the driving range to hit a small bucket of balls. I'm ready to get back out on the golf course! I came back home, and then took Landon to his out patient thing. For back home in time for the tip of the Miami Heat vs Boston Celtics game. The heat didn't win, which sucks, but on the other hand Lebron had 36 points. He's making a good push for the MVP! They will be just fine though. And also in sports tonight Bobby Petrino getting the boot from Arkansas! I bet Gus Malzahn's phone has been ringing off the hook... Well see how that turns out. Anyway I left to go for my second workout around 8 and met Chase up there. Got a good one in and then picked Landon up from out patient. Went home and had dinner. And watched a movie. Good day and night. So until tomorrow...
-Mike

Chilly Monday...

It was sunny out, but very brisk. Geordie called me at 830, in desperate need of a ride bc he took the wrong bus trying to get to his training for a new job. So I went and got him and dropped him off. I came home and had a little breakfast, then got ready for my morning workout. I felt real good throughout my workout. I went straight from there to the grocery store. I got a few things, and then went home. I cooked up my chicken for the week and hard boiled eggs. Had a late lunch and then took a shower. I hung out for a little bit. Doing some investigation online for this weekend. Instead of going to Duluth. Bill and I decided to go to a T'wolves game. I really want to go bc there playing the Oklahoma City Thunder. Can't wait to see Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook play some ball. I went over to Joe's house. He was starved so we went to Punch pizza. We must of sat there for an hour or so, talking about everything from the Master's to how he thinks I'm absolutely ready for the next step. It was a very good meeting. A whole lot of meaningful stuff was said. The good shit! I left there and came home. I sat around talked to Geordie for a little, and then went up to Anytime for my night workout. Put in about 45 min and had to go home. I'm really tired, and didn't get good sleep last night for some reason. Hopefully I will tonight! Until tomorrow...
-Mike

Easter...

I woke up and got dressed, Easter Sunday! The final day at the Master's! And what a way to finish, I am so happy for Bubba Watson. He played so well, and deserved to win. I watched the whole thing, really entertaining what those guys can do with a club and a ball. Unreal honestly. It was a good day though. I got in a late workout after the Master's was over, and then got home for the house meeting. Had a good house meeting, and then made some dinner. Geordie and I went to our usual Sunday night movie which was American Reunion. It was funny but cheesy at times. It was just good to get out of that house for a little while and get away! I keep wanton to just pack my stuff up and leave. I'm not real sure what it is that's keeping me from doing it, yes I want to finish, but honestly I already have in my opinion, it's like I won't let myself leave unless I have someone's approval. And the thing is I know I can if I want to, but I guess I feel like I'd be letting whoever down. I don't know just wanted to write that stuff out. I'm tired gonna get some rest. Until tomorrow...
-Mike

Much needed rest...

I rested up and took a day off from working out today. It was much needed. I was just exhausted from going hard all week! I was lazy and watched Gone in 60 Seconds, and then hung out until going to our evening meeting at West End. Bill called me after the meeting and asked if I wanted to go to dinner. So I picked him up and we went over to Minneapolis and I got him to take me around on the U of M's campus, I got to see the SAE house up here. It was really cool. Glad that we did it. Dinner was good too. We are going to go to Duluth this upcoming weekend. So I can see some of Northern Minnesota before I leave! I'm excited. Tomorrow for Easter I am going with Joe and his family to Joe's moms house in Wisconsin. So I'll let y'all know how that goes! So until tomorrow...
-Mike

Passover dinner...

I slept in today. Felt good to sleep in. I got up and folded my laundry and put it away. I went and picked up Adam to go workout. We worked out and then he took me on his route he runs. It was so pretty outside we ran all the way from Lexington to Snelling and back. Felt good to do a long run for a change to my mile here mile there. I went home and had a quick late lunch. Then Geordie and I went up to the Sholom home for the Passover dinner. We went and got people and brought them down. It was an enjoyable event. I got to meet Roz's son, and turns out that him and his sister lived in Birmingham when they went to UAB for medical school. Small world... We left there and went home. I got my workout stuff on and went up to Anytime for my second round. After I snagged Geordie up from the house and got a bite to eat. We came home and hung out for the rest of the night. I don't have too much planned tomorrow. I hate it that I won't be able to make it to Papa George's party. I'll be there in spirit! Miss and love all. Until mañana...
-Mike

Trip to Red Wing...

I got up early and dressed. Then Geordie and I left for Red Wing. It is a little over an hour away. And the drive there is through windy countryside and beautiful farmland. It was really awesome. A much needed trip for me. We went by where he used to work. Red Wing is a very unique and pretty place. It is surrounded by rocky bluffs. Great rock climbing apparently. It is also right on the Mississippi river, as well as right on the Minnesota/Wisconsin border. I took some pics I'll leave at the bottom. When we got back I went and worked out, and then went by Dick's Sporting Goods for some compression shorts. Then went back to Anytime for my round 2. I am exhausted and must shut my eyes. Another gorgeous day. So until tomorrow...
-Mike

Driving range...

I woke up and got going this morning, there was a little chill in the air, but it got warmer as the day went on! I went and worked out. Got a good chest and back workout in. Jeff and I left straight from there and went to the driving range. It was really awesome to swing the clubs again! And I hit em pretty straight. I dropped Jeff off and then went home. I got some lunch and them decided to go shoot baskets. Which was also great to get out and do. I came home and got ready for my aftercare. We had a good session, and after I went back to Anytime to get my second workout in. I came home and had some dinner. It was a good day! I have to get some rest, Geordie and I are going to Red Wing tomorrow. He has court. Well see how that goes. So until tomorrow...
-Mike

Sunny Tuesday...

I got some good rest last night, and slept in some today. I woke up and got dressed. Then Geordie and I went up to sholom to volunteer. It was so pretty outside. Not a cloud in the sky and sunny. It was in the mid 60's. After sholom I came home and got ready for the gym. Went up to Anytime and got a good workout in. It was leg's today, and I do not enjoy doing that. I spent some time on the bike before I left. I have been in the mood to get on with my life lately, and just wanting to move on from this stage of my life. But I guess it's not time yet... It's getting old I can say that much. I came home and watched some tv, and had some food. Geordie and I threw the football around for a little while. Chase and Bill called me and I met them back up at the gym at 8. I went through my workout again, and ran after. It felt good to exert some more energy. I came home, and made my dinner. After eating Geordie and I went to Walgreens to get a movie to watch. It was a good day in all, I just have to stay positive and keep pushing. Gonna get some rest now. So until tomorrow...
-Mike

Early morning...

I had trouble falling asleep last night for some reason, I didn't actually shut my eyes until 330 and woke up at 530 to take Landon to the airport. Im glad I could help him out. I'm not gonna lie I wished it was me getting out of the car and going to Hawaii this morning:) But it will be one day. I went back home and got back in bed and tossed for 30 min until I fell asleep until 10. I got up and went to workout. I worked out for an hour or so and finished with cardio. I went by Dick's Sporting Goods on the way home. I just wanted to look at a few things. When I got home I was hungry, but without food. That's bc I was waiting on Geordie to get home so we could go to the grocery store. We finally got up to the grocery store and I made my purchases for the week or so. Groceries add up! We got home and I made my hard boiled eggs and grilled my chicken for the week. Nice little routine I have. And it's really simple. I sat down to watch the National Championship. Of course I was pulling for Kentucky. SEC, and of course they won. That basketball team played the whole year like the Alabama football team did, they were just so much more superior athletically, physically, and so well coached. Good to see the SEC doing so well. Now if it could just be Auburn or shit even Tennessee... At halftime I went back up to Anytime and went through a quicker version of my workout. But man it pays off. My muscles are tired, but a good tired! Oh yeah I dont know why I have not said anything yet, guess I didn't want to speak too soon, but it's been a week now since I quit smoking! And I can honestly say it feels really good! Shit Minnesota is just kicking all my bad habits:) I'm exhausted though so I'm going to get some rest now. I love y'all. Until mañana...
-Mike

Gorgeous Sunday...

I got some good sleep, and got up to go over to Joe's house to meet with him. We had a great meeting. We sat out back and read some in the book with the warm sun on our skin. It felt nice to be in shorts and a t-shirt. We finished our meeting, and I headed home. Had a snack, and then met Chase up at Anytime for my first workout today. We went hard, and focused mainly on shoulder's. I finished up with some good ab work. We went to Chipotle after and got some food. Good after workout meal. I went home and hung out until our house meeting. Geordie, Landon, and I threw the football before the meeting for awhile though. It was fun throwing it around and laughing. Had a good house meeting, and then Landon and I went up to the gym to get another workout in. I hit my shoulders again. They are sore really bad right now. I am working my ass off right now, and I think it's starting to pay off! We came home and I made some dinner. I got to try to go to sleep early tonight, bc I have to wake up and take Landon to the airport at 545 in the morning. He is going to Hawaii for a week. I can't say I'm not a little jealous:) So until tomorrow...
-Mike