Weight Watchers week 3 FTW

Well, I just got back from week 3... Annnnnnd I lost 7.6 lbs for a grand total of 16.0 lbs!!! W00T! This is off to a great start. I know every week will not be as good as this, but for the time being I shall savor my victory while I can. The lighter side of this is my goal of 100 lbs by September 5th continues to be within my reach....

Here's hoping...

Later Dayz,
Ken

Weight Watchers week 2

Alright, week two. I had to weigh in early this week as I am working this thursday which is my usual day.

And the verdict is..... In 4 days I lost another 3.2 lbs, totalling 11.6. Can you say awesome?

Customer Service Fail and I joined Weight Watchers!!

Ok, I am mad as hell right now >:(

This past summer I took a trip out to Marens family's place in MI where I wrecked my right knee a bit. I wound up going to the emergency room for it and they said I pretty much jut hurt it and the pain would go away. Well, time has come and gone and the pain never went away. It did get a LOT better but it never really went away. Well, something slipped tonight and it really started hurting. Fortunately I was able to push back into place whatever it was that slipped over my kneecap (you may cringe here) and get back to walking normally... but if that isn't a red flag I don't know what is.

So I call my doctors office to make an appointment at about 4:50 knowing they close at 5:00. I am on hold when I call so i don't mind waiting. I wait and wait and wait... finally I get to 4:58pm and the pone comes on and say I will be switched to the on call nurse. I don't care as long as I can make my appointment. So at about 5 she picks up and does the whole "can I help you" thing. I say i would like to make an appointment. She informs me that she can't do that because she is the oncall nurse. I can't fault her for that she did nothing wrong.

Seriously?!? I was kept on hold and then just cut off? What kind of rinky dink phone system are they using there? I know at work, our phones automatically shut off at closing time - 8:00. However if you get through the gate at 7:59:59 and there are three calls holding in front of you, we will take your call and the service will be excellent! We will not cut you off and hang you out to dry like you don't matter. What a bunch of garbage. Epic Fail Fairview! Thanks a lot!

On a much happier note, last Thursday I joined Weight Watchers. My goal is to loose at least 100 lbs by September 5 (my wedding day) I just weighed in yesterday after week one and I am down 8.4 lbs almost one tenth of the way already!! I'll call that a win.

Later Dayz,
Ken

What moves you?

So I have things to share with you... About Music! I have discovered three new songs recently that I want to share because I think they are pretty amazing for various reasons! Below you will find lyrics as well as links to the videos on Youtube. I make no promises to how long the videos will be active. The links could be dead in a day or in months...

What I like to do when I hear new music is to try and find a point in my life that the music could apply to and personalize it so I can try and experience what the artis might have been feeling as they wrote that song. I gives the music so much more feeling inside me, and really helps me appreciate and identify with the song.

Better - Guns n Roses - This addition in no way serves as an endorsment of their new album. I personally don't care for it, but it does have a couple good tunes on it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4r97GNE3V8

No one ever told me when I was alone
They just thought I'd know better, better.
No one ever told me when I was alone
They just thought I'd know better, better

The hardest part this troubled heart has never yet been through now,
To heal the scars that got their start inside someone like you now,
But had I known or I'd been shown back when how long It'd take me,
To break the charms that brought me harm... that,
all but would erase me

I never would nor thought I could
No matter what you'd pay me
replay the part
You stole my heart
I should have known you're crazy

If all I knew was that with you
I'd want someone to save me
It'd be enough, but just my luck
I fell in love and baby all that I wanted was

Now I know you better
You know I'd know better,
Now I know you better

So bittersweet, this tragedy wont ask for absolution,
This melody inside of me, still searches for solution,
A twist of fate, the change of heart kills my infatuation,
A broken heart provides the spark for my determination.

No one ever told me when I was alone
They just thought I'd know better, better
Ooh, no one ever told me when I was alone
They just thought I'd know better, better

All that I wanted was
I know you know you know better
You know I know you know better
Now you know me better

I never wanted you to be so full of anger,
I never wanted you to be somebody else
I never wanted you to be someone afraid to know themselves
I only wanted you to see things for yourself

All that I wanted was
Now I know you better
Now we all know better
All that I wanted was

If I were you, I'd manage to abhore the invitation
Of promised love that can't keep up with your adoration
Just use your head, and in the end you'll find your inspiration
To choose your steps and won't regret this kind of aggravation

No one ever told me when I was alone
They just thought I'd know better, better
No one ever told me when I was alone
They just thought I'd know better, better

The Raging Storm - Wasp My Brother Randy introduced me to this just earlier today. A HUGE voice on Blackie Lawless! I hope you enjoy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4sqk3lg5qs

A storm is come
One war of sun and rain - within me
A raging storm
Lost crossroads thundering - in the wind
Dark and son
Who's the only one
To lay claim of me
Altars of store
Righteous temptations
Here at my feet

Give me love
To rage in me can you see?
Only love
Is saving me
Give me love, oh love
That rage in me

It rages on
Of mourn and memories
In the wind
A warring storm
My soul is bargaining - in the end
Is there no sun?
With only love in vain - and it's pain
Hear me oh Lord
Cleanse me evermore with
Your blood of rain

Holy war for my soul
Scars of memories remain
Oh, tell me why am I here
Storms of crossroads and rage

A storm is come

One war of sun and rain - within me

A raging stormLost crossroads thundering - in the windDark and sonWho's the only oneTo lay claim of meAltars of storeRighteous temptationsHere at my feetGive me loveTo rage in me can you see?Only loveIs saving meGive me love, oh loveThat rage in meIt rages onOf mourn and memoriesIn the windA warring stormMy soul is bargaining - in the endIs there no sun?With only love in vain - and it's painHear me oh LordCleanse me evermore withYour blood of rainHoly war for my soulScars of memories remainOh, tell me why am I hereStorms of crossroads and rage

Dream Catch Me - Newton Faulkner This was introduced to me by my coworker Ryan. I am really grateful for discovering this. Just really solid pop music.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DB6Wv1wEDw0

Every time

I close my eyes

It's you

And I know now

Who I am

Yea yea yea

And I know now

There's a place I go

When I'm alone

Do anything I want

Be anyone I wanna be

But it is us I see

And I cannot believe I'm fallin

That's where I'm goin

Where are you goin

Hold it close won't let this go

Dream catch me, yea

Dream catch me when I fal

lOr else I won't come back at all

You do so much

That you don't know

It's true

And I know now

Who I am

Yea yea yea

And I know now

There's a place I go

When I'm alone

Do anything I want

Be anyone I wanna be

But it is us I see

And I cannot believe I'm fallin

That's where I'm goin

Where are you goin

Hold it close won't let this go

Dream catch me, yea

Dream catch me when I fall

Or else I won't come back at all

See you as a mountain

A fountain of God

See you as as a descant soul

In the setting sun

You as the sound

Just as silent as none

I'm yours

There's a place I go

When I'm alone

Do anything I want

Be anyone I wanna be

But it is us I see

And I cannot believe I'm fallin

There's a place I go

When I'm alone

Do anything I want

Be anyone I wanna be

But it is us I see

And I cannot believe I'm fallin

That's where I'm goin

Where are you goin

Hold it close won't let this go

Dream catch me, yea

Dream catch me when I fall

Or else I won't come back at all

So, that's kinda what moves me.... What moves you?

Apples to Icebergs and the Wonderful World of Warcraft

Greetings Sports Fans

Well, Thanksgiving has come and gone and the official start to the 2008 Holiday season is well underway! Parties and friends and family... Who could ask for more?

I went to Iowa with Maren, Rachel, Brian and Jane. This is quickly becoming a favorite tradition of mine as it provides a nice weekend to unplug from the hustle and bustle of life and plug into the hustle and bustle of young children and family. It is always a bit of a system shock to me as I have no young kids in my close family any more. Oliver doesn't count as he is too young to get into any trouble... so far.

When we are down there the whole family crams shoulder to shoulder playing various board games with each other. The main game of choice this time around was Apples to Apples. First let me start with this is a GREAT party game! However I am ashamed to admit that I along with every other adult at the table were brutally Pwned by an 8 year old. Just an fyi the definition for Pwned (pronounced Powned) is Stupid Squared + Witness = Pwned. Pwned = Power owned. Basically there is loosing, Owned and Pwned in that order.

For those who don't know I will briefly explain Apples to Apples. You have one person who draws a green card which is usually an adjective such as explosive. In your hand you have 7 red cards with various Nouns both proper and improper. Your job is to pick the noun that matches the best to the green card laid down and hand that card to the one who pulled the green card. The trick is most cards don't line up all that well so the person who drew the green card is usually left picking the least worst of the cards available to them. That is where the strategy comes in as you have to pick from your red cards the one you think the green card puller will pick form the pile. You would be wise to keep in mind their personality in choosing your card...

Jon, Marens 8 year old cousin was playing Apples to Apples with us. Marens mother Jane had decided to alter the rules on her turn which is fine, everyone was doing it and it added a great dynamic to the game. The rule was she wanted you to play the card that best described Jon. So people played cards like energy, and personality and whatever...

It came down to the last three cards left were My friends, The Superbowl and Icebergs (as someone just didn't have a match) Jane in all the best intentions was seeking feedback from Jon as to which card suited him the best. Jane says "Well, Icebergs has nothing to do with you" and discarded that card.
Jon replied with "No, I love Icebergs!"
So Jane put the card back in and asked "which one do you think we should get rid of?"
Jon then suggested that his friends should go followed quickly buy Superbowl, leaving us with just Icebergs remaining.
So after seeking feed back from Jon and with icebergs remaining Jane asked the table whose card that was so the winner could get their point.
A reply came brimming with excitement from Jon "It's my card"

A moment of dead silence followed by raucous laughter as we all -a table of adults- realized we were Pwned by an 8 year old kid. Bravo Jon!

The whole weekend was absolutely great! good food and good times to be had everywhere!

The second thing i would like to talk about is the World of Warcraft (From here on out called WOW) I have been playing a trial version of the game for a while now and I must say, the game is fun. It is a GIGANTIC amazing world to explore full of hidden gems to enjoy and see. the scenery is beautiful and it is very immersing.

Here is the thing though... It doesn't play all that great. the pace is kinda slow and for a lesser dedicated person or someone with less time on their hands this game would be a real turn off. Here is what really does it for me. My brother Randy plays this fairly often as does my nephews Nathan and Brandon. I cannot possibly explain how cool it is to have family members that I get to play games with. I know it sounds so childish and trivial but video gaming is important to me. i truly enjoy it and it makes me really happy. I like the accomplishments and the stories. Not to mention the time to dollar ratio I get out of a video game is ten to one against DVDs.

I cannot tell you how it feels to be stuck in these larger than life situations with a team of actual people on your side against the computer who represents some great evil. It is often said that people who game have no social life. This is usually said by people who do not game and have never gamed online. What is a social life? I email my brother many times throughout the day and we talk online at night. How is that not social? It is not the only thing I do with my time, i still like to get out to Smokescreen on weekends when I can. I love going to see Maren and even better if I can blend the two. However my weeknights as a result of my work schedule don't offer much in the way shape and form of free time to go out with friends, so I rely on alternative forms of entertainment.

anyways, in spite of the grueling pace of WOW I love playing it with my friends and family. But I still love Maren more ;)

Later Days,
Ken

Go Vikes!!

Fable 2

Fable 1 aimed to make a game where everything you could imagine you could do within the realms of good and evil. after 10 years in development the game was released. While it was a solid game it could not be ignored that the game failed to really deliver on its promises. Does Fable 2 achieve what Fable 1 could not or is it another forgotten tale lost to the sands of time?

Design

Fable 2 like Fable 1 starts you in the world of Albion 500 years after the first game. If you were familiar with the first game you will undoubtedly notice things have changed. However this is not necessary to appreciate all that is going on in the world. From the outset of the game you are given chances and choices of how you want to approach the world of Albion. Will you be good or will you be evil? The choice is up to you. The game starts in a fairly linear story mode that takes you from childhood up to adulthood. More than anything this will serve as a tutorial mode. This is a valuable experience as the controls have indeed changed slightly since Fable 1. Once the tutorial ends the linear game play is over with. From there it's up to you what you want to do. There is a story to play through but the pace of which you tackle that is up to you. There are numerous side quests and distractions to enjoy in the world of Albion. Perhaps a job chopping wood or blacksmithing to earn money appeals to you? Maybe you like spending time in the pub and playing games. There are also quests that have nothing to do with the main story, although these are integrated so well you may not be able to tell the difference. Another thing that needs to be mentioned is the inclusion of your canine companion. Your dog serves a couple of purposes, first he can aid you in battle attacking downed opponents and secondly he hunts for buried treasure and out of the way treasure chests. Both of these skills can be improved with training manuals purchased from book stores.

Game Play

In the early portion of the game the learning curve can be a little steep. The lack of a healing spell in this game combined with health potions being difficult to come by can make survival a bit of a challenge. The walking controls and targeting leave a little to be desired as well, particularly when working with ranged weapons. However after a little bit with the game you do get used to this quickly. The game does make it a little easier finding your way around by replacing the mini map in the corner with a gold trail you follow. The trail can be a little distracting as it makes it difficult to branch off your trail and explore your environment.

When it comes to battle the enemies do not show any real resistance to one choice of weapon over another which leaves you at your discretion as to how you want to tackle the game. Will you be a close combat weapon specialist? A ranged weapon specialist? Perhaps a Will (magic) user? Any choice will get you through the game; however combining the three will have the best results as there are several skills which aid the other two categories.

Presentation

Fable 2 looks about as beautiful as any game you will find on the XBOX 360. The colors are lush and vibrant as well as drab and dreary where they need to be. The frame rates are great with the exception of going into and coming out of mini games. The people in the game have a tendency to look like marionettes a bit. However you do get accustomed to that all too quickly. The sound in battles is about what you would expect, nothing too spectacular. Where the game really excels for sound is conversations with the towns’ people. The voice acting is done really well and the conversations are rather humorous. Fable 2 will make you smile if not laugh. The mechanic of showing off for the towns’ people to make friends and gain notoriety is back and the music is exactly what you would expect from the genre.

There are many things that are right with Fable and couple things that are not. There doesn't seem to be a whole lot else they could have included in this game that isn't already there. The story is good. The choices between good and evil are fun to make. There are times when you are backed into a corner and you feel like you have to make a choice you really don't want to. Granted both options are open, but there are consequences. Fable 2 is a fantastic game that offers hours of entertainment beyond just playing through the game. I would highly recommend this game.

Design 9.3
Game play 8.8
Presentation 8.6

Overall 9.1

Lessons learned...

I was in Lutzen for a wedding over the past weekend. The vacation was both an educational and spiritual one for me for a lot of different reasons.

The first thing I learned was that you get an opportunity to reeducate yourself on how to love in a relationship with every wedding that you go to. Plus it never hurts to try and take away something new as well. The wedding I was at this weekend the reeducation I got to enjoy was "Forgiveness". Overall this is something I - and forgive my seeming lack of modesty - feel that I do very well... On little things. On larger thing I am really good at holding onto grudges until they boil over and make a huge mess.

The hard part of it is letting go of what ever caused you to be upset in the first place. That takes a lot of practice to achieve that sort of balance. It really boils down to giving up being right even when you know that you are. Sometimes I am so right about something and the other person thinks they are too, the only payoff from us being so right about everything is that it introduces stress and strain into the relationship. These are not solid foundation blocks to build love and happiness with.

So I challenge you - my readers. The next time your friend or partner or family member or what ever does something that just makes you madder than hell. Let it go. Say to yourself that does not bother me and move on past it. The truth is this what is upsetting you is not the incident itself, it's the story attached to that incident and all the pain and suffering you have tied to it. The moment is just the moment and it has came and went. after that the only thing causing suffering is all the things you make it mean.

Enough of that...

The second thing I learned this weekend was that nothing in this world will make you appreciate your own bed more than sleeping in a hotel/cabin bed..

It never occurred to me how uncomfortable it would be to sleep with my feet hanging off the bed until I had to do it for a couple nights.

Finally I must say how beautiful the wedding was this weekend. Lots of good family and friends to have fun with. It was a lot of fun staying with Marens family and getting into trouble with them. Everyone was dressed to the 9's for the wedding. The ceremony could not have gone better. Bianca did a knock out job on the decorations. The party was great, the food was great. The actually served breakfast for dinner. At first I couldn't believe it. I thought Bianca had gone off her rocker. As dinner approached I was really getting in the mood for it though. One of those deals where you are thinking about a food for a couple of days and you think you will explode if you don't get that food. Now that the meal has come and gone I declare Bianca and Ken Visionaries for their Breakfast for dinner. With the cocktails beforehand and and breakfast after it was a lot like going out for drinks and then heading to Perkins or Denny's late night.

The night ended with a great bonfire on the lake shore. I took a little bit of time and ran off by myself right to the waters edge and looked at stars and watched the tides come in for a bit. Yes, Lake Superior does have tides that come in and go out. That was really cool. I think I need to go to the ocean now...

Later Days,
Ken