Subway (the old cut)

When I first started working at Subway, summer of 2000!  It was the "old Subway".

We had White or Wheat bread.
We didn't have breakfast.
We had stamps that could get you free sandwiches.
We didn't have pizza.
We didn't have a toaster oven.
And we definitely didn't cut our bread on only one side of the loaf!

By year 4 of me working at subway, all the above had changed!
(even though I was still eating frozen cookie dough in the freezer)

Subway was making it harder on the customer, more sandwich options that were paired with a variety of different kinds of bread.  But no customer ever complained about any of the changes.  My friends would complain about the no stamp movement just because this meant I wouldn't be rolling out 24 stamps for every six inch sub they bought.

But one change did happen that most customers would always still ask.

"Are you able to do the old cut"

It made me so proud to know that I could, that I had worked at this joint long enough that I could do "the old cut"  Many of you may know what I am talking about.  The perfect cut V all they way around so everything is placed in the middle and doesn't fall out, what all sandwich consumers crave to this day!
When a "newer" employee would get hired, I use to love the question...
"Hey Chris, can you come down here and give this person "the old cut".

So I am using this post to announce, I STILL HAVE IT!
Last week Morgann and I made steak and cheese sandwiches at home, and I didn't hold back.
Old Cut it was!  Good enough to even take a picture.  Old cut to perfection!

Monthly Challenge - May Edition

Made it through April's challenge.  I would say it was the most "challenging" so far.  Yes the push up month and floss month wore me out but month of "NO" was rough sometimes.

To hit a little bit on each "NO" that happened during the month...

NO TWITTER
I am actually going to write a whole post about going no twitter for a month because there is more I would like to write about it, but in a quick gist.  It was actually more difficult than I thought.  I didn't know before the month how much I rely on Twitter for news, and updates, and links to things I am interested in.  So from that aspect I definitely missed Twitter.

NO YOUTUBE
To rate the effect this had, I would have to go with medium.  I use a Chrome Cast to watch TV shows through YouTube on my TV since I don't have cable and I thought this would be a challenge as I feel like I have been using it a lot in the prior months, but come to find out I guess I don't use it as much as I thought, or I guess don't "need" it as much as I thought.  The hardest part for me was I had to take a break from watching football highlights of recruits and NFL draft prospects.

NO INSTAGRAM
I really don't know if I missed this or not.  It isn't really something that I feel like I am missing vital information if I don't have it.  So all in all, didn't really miss instagram.  Don't get me wrong, I love looking at pics and what others are up to but definitely not a pressing thing.

NO CELL PHONE USE AFTER 7 PM
With the above three items being a no go, this didn't really effect me too much.  I really don't look at my phone that much after 7 anyway since it takes me forever to text on my phone, I really just don't like my phone, so I am never really on it that much anyway.

NO Ipad
Wasn't too difficult.  1.  Because I would just use our laptop if I needed to look at something. and 2. I think my only use for the Ipad is to watch a show or just look up something quickly online. So I guess really all in all the Ipad isn't needed in life and since it is a work item and I didn't pay for it, I know if I left my current job for some reason I wouldn't buy one.

NO SWEETS AND CANDY
Really wasn't that difficult because I am not a huge sweets guy (loves some chips and salsa instead).   But got through it and don't think this really effected my life too much.

All in all, TWITTER, definitely the hardest part of the April challenge!!!

On to May... (what I think will be the hardest yet)

NO CEREAL 

If you know me, you know how much I love cereal.  I really don't know if there are many days in my whole life that I haven't eaten cereal.  Public Speaking class in college I did a speech on how Cinnamon Toast Crunch is healthy for you (backed by tons of research obviously).  When I go to an all you can eat breakfast buffet, I still get cereal.  HUGE FAN HERE!

What will I do?

Well, I plan on resorting to eggs, bacon, breakfast burritos, Eggo waffles, and fruit! (One Rule - It has to be made in my kitchen, no Bojangles or Chick Fil A!)  This should be interesting...  

Super Center SAVIOR

Review of Jeff Noble's book - Super Center Savior

"I will mail you a book, if you write a blog post review about it"

This was the tweet from author Jeff Noble.  So obviously I hopped on this opportunity for several reasons.
1)  I have been wanting to read his book.
2)  I have a blog where I have the opportunity to write a book review if I wish.
3)  Last but not least, the obvious - a free book?  Come on now!

So after several messages back and forth, Jeff was a man of his word.  Received a copy of his book in the mail.  Being in the middle of several books at the time I waited a month to pick it up, so being a man of my word.

My review of the book...

The book has an all around metaphor of comparing Wal-mart to the life of a Christian and the church itself.  At first my mindset was a little prejudgmental on this comparison and how it could actually relate.  But Jeff does a great job in the beginning and throughout explaining the concept.  As he describes it late in the book as a "loose" analogy.

"Now I realize that some of you are "green" behind the ears and suggesting that the Wal-Mart corporation should be held up as an analogy like this makes your internal Prius stall out.  This book is not here to address the inequities of corporate growth or environmental concerns.  If that's the only way you can view life, and it's your passion , you probably will want to either tear this book up then recycle it, or go read this book out in a pasture with a kitten"

Jeff states in the beginning that he wants the reader and a usual church attender "to move from the idea of simply being present in church on Sunday to discover the radical joy of reflecting His presence while living between Sundays"  after reading this book I believe that is what can truly happen as Jeff truly relates to "real life" situations of a believer.

When thinking and looking back over a book I just read I like to think about two things.
1)  Where did I feel like the author was really talking to me?
and
2)  What questions can I be asking myself to improve my life after reading this book?

To hit on #1
He talks about church actually "sucking the life out of us".  I believe Morgann (my wife) and I can relate to this so much, as members of a church sometimes it can be draining and we begin to just be going through the motions and not even thinking about relationships, we just begin to participate and go to activities "just because" we are members of the church and that is what it is "suppose to look like" when you are a member.  "investing in religious activity rather than authentic relationships"

"The troubling reality is that the more involved in church we become, the more we want Wal-Church.  We want our church to offer us everything.  To meet all our needs.  To cater to our ministry and personal preference.  BUT IT'S NOT ABOUT US.  IT'S ABOUT HIM."

To hit on #2
One of the best things about this book is that Jeff will challenge you.  (Challenges you in that it is a long, really difficult book to get through?...NO, not at all.)  Challenge in the fact that I might see a topic that leads to a great question to continue to ask myself everyday!

-  "What would it look like if Christians lived their lives in a way that made them as accessible, convenient and beneficial as Wal-Mart?"
-  "Are we prepared to be obedient?" (Titus 3:1)
-  Do you have time to love your neighbor or are you too caught up in "church activities"?
-  Are you being intentional to notice your surroundings?
-  Why would people who aren't Christians come to our stuff if we never go to theirs?
-  When you hear the words of God, is this actually leading to ADJUSTMENTS in our lives, decisions, attitudes and relationships?
-  Are people a priority in your life over "things" and "experiences"?

Jeff does a great job of adding in scripture throughout the book, and it great to see where Jesus and his words speak through Jeff.

Recommendation:
I would absolutely recommend this book to all Christians.  I think the concept will really hit home with everyone and if you liked what I mentioned above then you will thoroughly enjoy this book.  It is a very quick read (small, 100 pages) and you can get it done in a weekend!

Hats off to Jeff for the great read and being an awesome guy to just send this my way down here in South Carolina! Hope I did the book justice in my post but at the same time didn't want to write too much so people wouldn't go read it themselves!

CLICK HERE TO PROCEED TO AMAZON TO PURCHASE!

Top 5 Smells (EVER)

Something I have always thought about and love to ponder, in order...

1)  New Shoe

No doubt my number one smell!  I might go out on a limb and say that this may be a little associated with the fact that when I am getting to enjoy the amazingness of new shoe smell I have just purchased or received a brand new pair of shoes.  But with that aside, nothing beats this smell, hands down.

2)  Mulch
Once again, could possibly be associated with other factors, being Mulch = Spring has arrived and nice weather is here!  The first time I ever remember coming to the realization that I loved the smell of mulch was the first I ever went to pick up mulch with my dad in a truck.  I am standing there looking at all different kinds and I thought to myself, I could stand here all day and smell this.  (Freshly Mowed grass - not in the top five because to associated with mulch but still feel like it should be mentioned in this category)

3)  Christmas Cookie Yankee Candle
Just something about it, by far my favorite candle smell.  My mother-in-law buys me one every year for Christmas and it is one tradition that I love!  It is the smell of cookie, sugar, home cooked baking, and Christmas all mixed into one, it really doesn't get much better than that.  (Would also like to mention in this category that I do enjoy smelling most candles in a Yankee Candle store or a Cracker Barrel, but this one is by far the best around!)

4)  College Football (Particularly Lane Stadium)

If you love college football then you know what I mean by this.  If you do not, you may be thinking, how can a sport have a smell.  Well just so you know, it does, it is that smell of tailgating, fresh cut grass, grills cooking, sweat, turkey legs, and competition all rolled into one.  I really just can't describe it any other way.  But I love that smell.  When walking into a college football stadium, I love just being able to stop at the top of a tunnel before going into your seat, looking around, taking a deep breath, and saying "now that smells like college football".

5)  New Can of Tennis Balls

Thinking about this actually makes me want to play tennis.  When you pop the top on a can of tennis balls, I get more excited than if I had just popped the can of a pringles tin.  I actually don't even know but smelling this smell could possibly be bad for you, because sometimes as soon as i pop the can I immediately hold it up to smell and it almost feels like sometimes it is so good that their could be some kind of chemicals involved.  (New Camp T-Shirt - Fresh out of the box, a new camp t-shirt definitely needs to be mentioned here, you just can't beat the smell of new Beefy-T two sizes to big draped over you unwashed, classic good smell)

Books Read in March 2014

Books Read in March 2014...

Digital Photography FAQ

Actually had been reading this one for several months but just so happened to finish it in the month of March so this where it falls!  One of the most random photography books I have read to date.  One page you read about how take night pictures with a high ISO setting and then on the very next page it will tell you what kind of lens to buy.  Very random but actually helpful.  Not a buy kind of book but a great get at the library to skim through to learn more about photography.







Emotions
By Charles Stanley

I had actually never read a book by Charles Stanley and really have no idea why I decided to make this one the first of the many he has written.  But it was GREAT!  Would really just recommend it to everyone.  At first I was thinking, why am I reading this I feel like I have a pretty good grasp on my emotions and knowing how to deal with them.  But the more I read I realized it is about so much more than that...what you ask? Pick It up and check it out!




The Power of Habit

By Charles Duhigg

One of my top three Psychology based reads I have read.  (the others being anything by Malcolm Gladwell, and Quiet By Susan Cain)  This book really hits how we can actually succeed in certain areas of our life when we know what are usual patterns are and how to change them in a positive direction.  Some of my favorite topics in his book are; starting with habits in the brain and he tells a story about a man with severe dementia but goes on walks every day and can make it back home but doesn't how, and how companies and retailers manipulate our habits to make us buy more, example; putting fruits and vegetables at the front of the grocery store knowing if you pick those things up first you are more likely to buy more "junk" food later in your shopping because you have bought the "healthy" stuff first.



Coaching Confidential

By Gary Myers

I probably wouldn't recommend this book but it is a quick read if you enjoy hearing some insights into NFL coaching.  How certain coaches decided to step down or what they do when they get fired.  If you are interested in the stories of the coaching careers of Bill Parcells, Jimmy Jones, Sean Payton, or Joe Gibbs then this would be a great read for you.  If you aren't I would not consider it.  But a fun quick read if you have extra time on your hands and you love reading about the football coaching profession.



Going Deep

By Cris Carter

Being a Vikings fan I sorta felt like this book was a must read.  Well, I really wouldn't even suggest this book if you are vikings fan.  Chris really just talks this whole book about how the wide reciever in the NFL is the best position there is and all WR's don't get enough credit.  The confidence/cockyness that Chris Carter has always had/portrays definitely shines in this book.  So if you love Chris Carter then I would read this but if you really have no interest in reading his opinion on every wide receiver that has ever been good in the NFL then I suggest that you do not every consider picking this book up.




Proof Of Heaven

By Eben Alexander

Saw this as a top seller on the shelf at Target so I figured I would get my hands on it first chance I got at the library.  About a neurosurgeon who goes through a dramatic near death experience.  I have read books in the past that talk about people seeing heaven in near death experiences but it was great to read from the aspect of a neurosurgeon who gives great detail to what is actually happening in the brain during his and others experience.  A short book, so really not a bad read for a weekend.





Sports from Hell

By Rick Reilly

Honestly the only reason I read this book is so that I could have some laughs.  I started to get in a little reading rut that everything I picked up was so serious that I really wanted to sit and laugh.  Rick Reilly tells the stories of 10 sports that he goes and tries around the world that are actual sports.  He has rules that he explains that the beginning of how he picked these.  Honestly thought the first one was hilarious (world sauna championships) but then after that it just sorta went down hill.  But not a bad read as Rick Reilly is a good writer.

2014 Monthly Challenge - March Complete

Monthly Challenge for the year update...

January - Floss Every Day (check...flossed once since then)
February - Pray on Knees Every Day (check...need to continue this more)

March - 200 Push Ups Every Day!

I would say out of all the monthly challenges so far.. this was the most "fun".  (Well obviously since I started out the year with flossing)

The fun part was just the challenge itself in how I would divide it up each day.
Sometimes doing them at home.  While cooking, during timeouts of basketball games, losing to Morgann in UNO.  Whatever it may be.
Sometimes doing them at work.  (20 between each meeting, etc)

All in all, this is a challenge I look forward to doing again!  Nothing but beneficial and would love for anyone else to do it as well!!!  I do feel like my form improved as well.

On to April - 4 days in already...

This month is JUST SAY NO month.
Where I just say NO to things...

Examples:
No Social Media - Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube (I don't think writing this blog counts?)
No looking at my cell phone after 7 pm at night.
No getting on the iPad/Internet at home.  (Which will be difficult since we don't have cable in the first place)
No sweets/candy.

So here we go!!!  I think it will be done and I will report what I like and dislike about it when May hits... I can already tell 4 days in I really enjoy the no phone after 7 but the no Twitter so far is a struggle.  So maybe a wake up call in my life.  But the last time I went no Facebook for a month I never got back on and that was 7 years ago.

Comparison/Values

I am beginning to research topics that I am going to be talking about in the class I am teaching this summer and the fall, one of the big topics I am going to hit on is "COMPARING".  

How we all compare ourselves to others so much, but what truly matters is what WE VALUE.

Hopefully in my class I will be able to get the point across that you will always have less than someone and you will always have more than someone, but the key is to focus on what you are doing with what you have been given/blessed with, and not what others are doing with what they have been given. (it is the reminder that I need everyday and definitely one when I started college so hopefully I can get the point across with my students)  

So in doing so I came across a story that hit home so much that I thought it would be perfect to share on my blog. (the author is unknown)  So I am going to tell it in my own words the best I can...

There is a man who is a fisherman in a small coastal village in the Gulf of Mexico.
  
One morning when returning to the port he notices an American tourist standing there watching his boat come in as he has several large fin tuna in his boat.

The American complimented the fisherman on his catch of the day and asked him how long it took to catch them.

The fisherman replied "Only a little while"

The American then asked "Why didn't you stay out longer and catch more fish" 

The fisherman replied "with this catch I have more than enough to support all of my families needs"

The American then asked "What do you do with the rest of your time"

The fisherman replied "I usually sleep as late as I want, fish a little, I play with my kids, take a siesta with my wife in the afternoon, then we stroll into the village in the evening to sip wine, and play guitar with my amigos, I live a very full life"

The American then scoffed at this, "I have a Harvard MBA and could really help you!  You should spend way more time fishing, with the proceeds of your catches you can buy a bigger boat, with the proceeds of the bigger boat you will be able to buy several boats.  Eventually you can grow and have an entire fleet of fishing boats and instead of selling your catch everyday to a middle man you can sell it straight to the processor.  Eventually even opening your own cannery.  You would get to control the product, processing, and distribution.  You would then need to leave this small coastal village and move to Mexico City, then L.A., then NYC where you will run your ever expanding enterprise."

The fisherman then looked at the American rather excited and said "how long will all this take"?

To which the American replied "15 to 20 years"

"OK, but what will happen after I have accomplished that?" The fisherman replied.

The American laughed "That is the best part!  When the time is right you will announce an IPO and sell your company stock to the public and you would become very rich, we are talking millions!"

"Millions... then what?" The fisherman replied.

The American said... "Then you would get to retire, you can move back to a small coastal village, where you can sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids, take a siesta with your wife, stroll into town at night for some wine and play guitar with your amigos"

With that said...
What a great time to ask yourself...
What do you value most?

Time to start being DRIVEN by what you have been GIVEN!  (not comparing yourself to others)

Laughter during Frustration (A Story)

I love the times when you are frustrated and then a week, a month, sometime later you realize how "dumb" it was to be frustrated in that moment and you just have to laugh about it.

Well, on Saturday I had one of those moments.. the difference was the laughter didn't come a week later, or a month.  During the frustration Morgann (my wife) is laughing at me while I am frustrated.  Did it help?

The situation:

Morgann and I have been researching to buy her a new car for well, ultimately you could say this research started a year and half ago when we decided instead of buying a car and making payments, lets just save up so we won't have to make payments when we buy one.

Well, Saturday was the day.  We found the car we both wanted and the perfect fit for Morgann.  The car with the best deal just so happen to be in the middle of nowhere in Georgia.  A 5 1/2 hour drive from our home.  So we are 5 hours in and on a random back road when the road we are on gets detoured, come to find out gets detoured in the complete opposite direction we need to go.  (40 miles in the wrong direction)

So my words at the peak of frustration:

(Also would like to add to this situation so you can picture it - Morgann is driving since I have had a headache for the past 2 hours of the trip so I am trying to sleep it off.  Not happening.)

So I say... (in a non Library type of voice is the best way to put it)

"There are three things that are really really upsetting me right now..." (this is where I really begin to heat up)

"Number one. (I really did say the numbers) We are on a back road in the middle of nowhere with no signal and now on curvier roads than they have in Virginia"

"Number two.  I feel like there is someone sitting in my forehead doing a french braid with the back of my eye socket"

"and Number three.  I feel like I am about to throw up" (As you can imagine, with each number my voice began to get louder)

Morgann has allowed me to get through all numbers without saying a word.  When I finish I look over at her hoping she will be in complete agreement with me...well instead I find her looking out the window away from me trying to hold in laughter.  I can tell on her face she wants to laugh so bad.  So I just cover my face with a pillow and go back to dealing with the person doing braids to rear part of my eye socket.

At dinner that night, on our way home I got to laugh all about what I had actually said in the heat of the moment.  But made me realize how awesome it is to have a wife that would be willing to just laugh at me in that moment!  So thank you Morgann for your laughter, patience, and lesson to me in this situation!

LAUGHTER REALLY IS AWESOME EVEN IN THE MIDDLE OF A FRUSTRATING TIME!