Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Tuesday, December 29th, 2009

Good Morning!

Tuesday was quite busy, as is everyday of my life! It's funny to think back to just a year and a half ago..... I would come home from work, and sit on the couch, because I was in so much pain I could not do anything else. Now I go out everyday, and find pain! Work continues to be very steady. There are a few signs of it slowing down in here over the next week, which is good since I will be gone for a few extra days. Jordan had to work at the ice cream store last night so I left work and took her to work. I headed over to the gym, and it's a good thing I went last night because none of the other instructors showed up. We had a great warm up, then straight to the ground and pound! I was sparring with one cat, and even though we were only doing stand up.... He threw a leg kick that I blocked with my forearm. I said since when did we start kicking? His answer was "UUhhhhh" so I proceeded to show him why he should keep his hands up! I forgot to mention that I had lunch with Ben Crocker.... He is a great young man, who is wise beyond his age! Overnight the temperature stayed at 33* so the road were not that bad this morning. I had mom drive herself to work, and I followed Sherrie to work in her car. Better get to work!

Love you all!

Mat

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Monday, December 28th, 2009

Namaste,

Monday started early! Our neighborhood is still a pretty big mess, as is most of Edmond. There are still spots where the snow drifts are 5 feet or more tall. Sherrie's little sports car sits so close to the ground that it would rip the bottom out if she tried to drive it, so I took her to work at 5:40. I went to the other side of town and picked mom up and took her to work. Her street is still a solid sheet of ice too. On the way to work I stopped at Starbucks and got my cup of bold. Work was quite busy, and if I might say.... It sucked! There are only four of us here in the office, and yesterday, Cindy (Our work mother) told us she is taking a full time gig at the new Norman Health Plex. Cindy has been with us for 7 or 8 years, and there is no way we will ever be able to replace her. She has always been a great friend and supporter of mine, in any and every endeavor I set out for! Cindy is also one of the best cooks on the planet! (Especially pie's) I took my mom home from work at 3:00 and the roads were looking better so she was going to run to the store.... She got in her car and it backfired, and started smoking so she called me balling. I told her I would come look at it.... After work I ran to the auto parts store and bought some carb cleaner. That did not work.... On the way to the gym I ask my brothers opinion, he told me to go get a PVC valve. I stopped at the parts store again... It was $4.00, and after a great hour and a half workout, I went over changed out the valve and "Boom goes the dynamite!" It fixed her car! I headed home and had a sweet potato, and some roasted pork, then a hot shower a couple of Lortab, and to bed! My back is still bothering me! Tonight will be my last workout until I get back from Utah. I started getting my clothes organised for the trip. I am taking way too much stuff, as usual, but I have no idea what the weather will do! Time for work!

Love you all!

Mat

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Decembr 25th, 26th, and 27th, 2009

Namaste,

Christmas morning the family woke up and we opened up presents. We tried not to go to overboard this year, but it always happens anyway. After the traditional stuff, Sherrie fixed a big breakfast and it was really good. I tried not to eat too much, but I did. I went out and started shoveling my driveway. I had one drift that was probably five feet deep. I got most of it cleared off, but because my house faces North the sun does not shine on the upper half, and it was a sheet of ice under the snow. My mom had buried her car in a snow drift at work on Christmas Eve, so I drove up there and drove her car right out of the drift and back to her house. I was in my Arctic gear so I started walking back to my car, where I had left it at her work. It was about two miles and there were drifts of three to five feet all the way back. I rescued an elderly man stuck in his Toyota Prius. He was stuck and had no way out, so I dug him out and he wanted to give me a ride back to my car but I was having too much fun. When I got back to the hospital I realised that my coworkers had been snowed in too so, I started digging them out it took me over two hours to dig Jodi's BMW out. I came home and took a shower, then Miriam and Tommy came over and we did our Christmas with them. Sherrie made soup, and it was yummy. Saturday morning, I took Sherrie to work at 6:00 am, and Jordan to work at 8:00am. In between I took down both Christmas tree's and the rest of the Christmas decorations. After I dropped Jordan off at work I went out to the lake and looked for some things to take pictures of. I got a couple of nice shots of some birds in the snow. I got stuck once but worked my way out of it. I went over to mom's and shoveled her driveway, then went to El Reno to help Curtis move for a couple of hours. I had to get back and pick Sherrie up at work, then over to Miriam's to take pictures of Santa and Tommy. We hung out there for a while, then home. Jordan babysat my friend Mike Messina's daughter for a few hours, last night. Her name is Live and she is a real cutie. They did hair and watched movies. I got up early this morning, and picked up mom for church. Her church cancelled services this morning due to the snow. I worked in the parking lot, then went in for service. After church I took mom to the store, then helped run errands. This afternoon I cleaned my neighbors driveways, and stayed outside until dark. We are watching a series on Mt Everest. It is making me want to get back to Nepal. This week is going to be busy. Mike and I are leaving for Utah on Friday morning. We will be doing some cold weather hiking and climbing in the La Sal Mountains. I need to get some good workouts in this week. I ate like a pig this weekend, but it was Christmas????

Love you all!

Mat

Friday, December 25, 2009

Thursday, December24h, 2009

Merry Christmas!

Even though the title of this blog is December 24th.... I am writing this at 6:00am Christmas morning. Yesterday was insane. We had an arctic winter blast roll through Oklahoma, and it all started yesterday morning at 5:00am. I took Sherrie to work because it was sleeting and she does not do well in her little sports car. I ran into Wal-Mart and picked up a few essentials... Dog treats, Hot Dogs, and a loaf of bread. I stopped at Starbucks then on to work. I went straight into the mixing room and did not come out until noon! Jodi ventured out and picked up some sandwiches. A little after two we had about a foot of snow on the ground. I let work to pick Sherrie up, then took Jordan to work. We were going to church, but all of the services were cancelled. When I got home two panels of my back fence had blown down, so I put on my Arctic gear and went out to fix the fence. The wind was gusting 40 to 50 miles per hour, and the drifts were 3 feet deep. Funny thing is Boomer, my English Mastiff loves the snow! I would throw a tennis ball into the snow drifts and he would bust through them face first and find his ball. I took a few pictures of him and I will post them. I picked Jordan up at 7:00 and we hung out, and watched TV until 10:00 when the Midnight Mass came on TV. I am not Catholic but always love watching the Midnight Mass. I actually use to go on Christmas Eve when I was a kid. I got up early this morning, and was going to go out and take pictures of the sunrise with the snow drifts, but there i a five foot drift in my driveway. I am going to shovel snow all day after we open presents.

I want each one of you to know how much of a blessing you are to me! Take a minute to think about all of the things we are so lucky to have here in this country. I am saying a special Christmas prayer for each and everyone of you!

Merry Christmas, and God Bless you!

Mat

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Tuesday and Wednesday, December 22nd and 23rd, 2009

Namaste,

Tuesday was a great day, work was fine. Then I headed to the gym. We did not have very many, but that was fine. I rolled a little with some of the young guys and still got good work in. My brother Curtis and his family came over around seven and we had Christmas with them. He also brought his friend Billy who works for him. Billy also worked for him in Atlanta and just moved here. Mom cooked dinner and it was pretty good. I didn't eat much, and everyone took the leftovers home!:-( Wednesday started early! 3:07am! Boomer woke me up and I never got back to sleep! Work has really picked up and it was crazy busy! On Wednesday it is just Jodi and I and it seemed every Doctor that came in changed every order. We had a ton to do last night, so we hung around here, and even went to bed early. Up at 4:30 to get started again. I am editing pictures from a friend of mines trip to Africa. She took 688 pictures and I bet there will be 400 or so that are pretty nice after some work. It has been fun but time consuming. This morning we are in a blizzard. I have to take Sherrie to work, then head to work. Pick Sherrie up at 2:00, and try to be at Church at 2:30. Get Jordan to work, and be at Mariam's at 6:15. I don't see any way to get to the Isbell's tonight for our traditional Christmas Eve party. Mike invited me to go to Moab with him over New Years! Looks like everything is falling into place! I love Moab, and have never been there in the winter.

Love you all!

Merry Christmas!

Mat

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Monday, December 21st, 2009

Namaste,

Happy Monday! Started off the day by driving out to the lake to see if anything was stirring??? I found a big White Tail Deer, but it was still very dark, and I had the wrong lens on my camera to get any good shots of her. I stopped by Starbucks on my way back to work, and grabbed my cup of bold. I don't know why, but if I don't stop in "My Starbucks" my world is just not right. It's not that their is anyone in particular in there.... It just sets the day! Anyway, work was still there, same ole, same ole. Not that that's a bad thing. I am glad I have a job, but as I have stated before, I would love to be doing something that makes a difference. I talked to my good buddy Clark last night. He recommended I read a book that he had me purchase a couple of years ago. It's called "Cracking the Millionaire Code" I will read it again, and see if there are any pearls in there I can use. I went to the gym last night. It was my first session since last Monday. I am really beat up and thought I could use some rest to heal my body. I do plan on fighting my first fight February 27th. I have a long way to go. The one thing I can say is no one I ever fight has any better cardio than me. I want to see them train in the highest mountain range in the world. Tonight My brother and his family are coming over for Christmas. I am going to the gym as soon as I get out of work to get a sweat, and then I will run home to celebrate with my extended family. Have a great day! If you read this blog sent me a comment! (Hi Ben!)

Love you all!

Mat

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, December 18th, 19th, & 20th, 2009

Hello,

Friday was a crazy day as are all Fridays. We have a pretty big IV load at the hospital, so preparing all of the piggys for the weekend, was an all day task. I ran out to the lake before work.... Got a couple pretty nice shots of a pelican swimming through the sunrise reflection. After work I met Sherrie over at Ben and Kinsy Crockers house, and we went to the Thunder game. I was going to take pictures at the game but I have so many Thunder pictures right now.... We had dinner at La Luna, then walked over to the game. After the game we walked through the Myriad Gardens. They were beautiful. Sherrie and I came home and crashed out. She went to work at &:00am Saturday, and I went driving around Arcadia, and Luther looking for things to take pictures of. I picked Trey up and we went shopping for his sister, and mothers presents. We were at the mall and I thought it would be nice to take him to see Avatar... I bought the tickets and then found out it was three hours long. The movie was pretty good, but I kept looking at my watch. Jodi text me while I was in the movie, and needed help at work. So I dropped Trey off and went to work for a while. When I got back Sherrie and I went to finish our Christmas Shopping. It really sucked! This morning Trey and I went to church. It was a very nice service. We went home and I cleaned out my storage building, mowed the eaves up, and cleaned up the pond. I even swept the leaves up out of the street. I had a photo shoot with my friend Crystal and her family. They are great, and the pictures turned out pretty good too! Jordan has a friend over tonight so I need to go supervise!

Lets have a great week!

Mat

Friday, December 18, 2009

Thursday, December 17th, 2009

Namaste,

It was a very crazy busy day. I start each morning by writing this blog while enjoying my first cup of coffee. I get the kids up and take them to school. Then I stop at Starbucks. People may say...."Why do you go to Starbucks everyday? Is it not expensive?" No.... I spend less than two dollars a day, and it is like taking a shower for me. It is part of my crazy routine. If I get out of my routine it screws everything up! Yesterday.... I dropped the kids off at school then picked Mike Champlin up at Swedish Imports, and took him back home, but we stopped at Starbucks for my morning cup of clarity. We have really picked up at work. I went to Hobby Lobby at lunch and bought more stretcher bars. As soon as I left work, I came home and cleaned up, headed down to the Petroleum club to take pictures of the Midwest City Specialty Hospital Christmas party. That was very nice and the view of the city from up there is amazing. I came home and stretched two more prints. They came out very nice. One is a gift and I am keeping one of them. Anyway.... Today is going to be busy again. Friday's always are! I am taking my friends Ben and Kinzy Crocker to the Thunder Vs. Pistons Basketball game tonight, then we are going to walk through the Myriad gardens. They are decorated very pretty right now with all of the lights etc....

Have a great day!

Mat

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Tuesday & Wednesday, December 15th & 16th, 2009

Namaste,

Been very busy lately... Just stuff really. Tuesday was just a lot of running about. Work, then errands, I spoke at Foundation Bariatric Hospital and that went very well. I had a big group, and they were very receptive. I came home and worked on some pictures. Wednesday, was a blur... I am working on which pictures to have done on canvas next. My buddy Wolf sent me his exhibition plans.... His poetry along with the images he selected to display. I am committed to helping him with three venues here in the states. I was suppose to have lunch with my girl Miriam yesterday, but she just had a bit of surgery last week and was not feeling too chipper. Miriam is on the Board of Directors for the Edmond Fine Arts Institute. She will be instrumental in getting the gallery for my show as well as one for Wolf. After work I headed down to the Thunder Vs. Mav's Basketball game. I got some great shots.... Getting ready to edit them now.

Much Love!

Mat

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Tuesday, December 14th, 2009

Namaste,

Very busy Monday! Before work I dropped the kids off at school, then went to pick up my watch that had been in the shop since I got back from Nepal. After that I dropped my Christmas cards back off at the printer to have them re-trimmed. Hit Starbucks for a cup of Bold. At lunch we had our Pharmacy Christmas lunch. We went to a very nice restaurant called Lottinvilles. I had Lobster Nachos. Awesome. We also exchanged gifts. I gave Cindy one of my prints from Nepal, on canvas, stretched. I love that image and I had one printer for myself as well. Gaymarie drew my name and she got me a new Oaktree Golf shirt. The afternoon was quite busy. I headed straight to the gym, and worked with "T" Sumlin. He has a fight January 23rd, and his kicks are awesome, but his stand up needs work. I took a shot to the left knee that put me down. I iced it and it is better this morning. My back is a little tender, but I took some pain meds this morning. I heard from Naba yesterday. I am considering putting together a group and maybe guiding them in Kathmandu, and an Everest Base camp trek next year. Could be a revenue producing venture.

Love you all!

Mat

Monday, December 14, 2009

Sunday, December 13th, 2009

Namaste,

Very quick.... Sunday morning went to church and worked the parking lot. Back home and then over to help Ben and Kinzy Crocker at their new house. Ran home cleaned up, and went to the mall to do some Christmas shopping. It was very depressing! Not to be a Grinch, but we are so worried about buying this and that, and there are so many people out there, here and abroad STARVING TO DEATH. Anyway, I brought Sherrie home, and headed back out to pick up a few things she wanted, that I could not buy with her there. I stopped by Micheal's and bought a bunch of stretcher bars. I stretched four of my prints, last night and although they look OK I need more practice. Today we are having our pharmacy Christmas party today so I am dressed to the nines! Feels good to wear a suit every once in a while!

Much love!

Mat

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Friday, and Saturday, December 11th & 12th, 2009

Good Morning,

Busy couple of days! Friday morning, I was finely able to catch the guy who I was spying on in the act. It was beautiful, my set up was perfect, and I took 30 pictures of him. On to work, which was quite busy then to drop off one of my prints to be stretched, get to the gym by 4:00 to make sure my fighters had everything ready to go. They had to be at the venue by 5:30, so they came to the gym to warm up and get a sweat going. I ran home by 5:00, got Sherrie and the kid's and we headed to Bricktown. I dropped the off at Roosters, and went to the venue to check in. Everything was in order so I jogged back to Roosters, and we had dinner. We walked back to the Coca Cola Events Center, and went in. We had a whole section reserved for the club. I had told everyone that I was no nervous, but I was a wreck. When the fights started I relaxed.... We went 4 - 0! Only one of our matches even went to the second round. We were dominate! What a relief that is over. Saturday morning came early. I got up and went to the gym. Mr. Griffen and I did a strength and conditioning circuit, and the Tim and Trisha, showed up. Tyler and I were rollin a bit and he started cramping, so Tim jumped in the cage with me. 12 hours earlier, Tim had just won his fight by rear naked choke. We went for a couple of rounds, and it was pretty even. I feel good about where I am right now, conditioning, and ground and pound. My back was a little tender last night, but I took some drugs, and did heat and ice. I left the gym and went to the house that Ben Crocker is remodeling. I helped him for a bit. Ben does everything that anyone ask him to do, so a few hours here and there won't hurt anyone. Back home to clean up. then Sherrie and I went to do some Christmas shopping. How depressing! When we were done I came home and started working on Christmas cards. I picked them up from the printer Friday, and half of them will have to be reprinted. They trimmed them wrong. Getting ready to go work at church, then back over to Ben's.

Love

Mat

Friday, December 11, 2009

Thursday, December 10th, 2009

Namaste,

What a crazy Thursday! I had so much to get taken care of.... Tickets delivered, prints picked up, etc..... Oh yeah, did I mention work? Well it all got done, including having lunch, with the girls from work for Cindy's birthday. Today should be more manageable. Work, drop off one print to be stretched, and get to the fights in Bricktown tonight.

Thank God it's Friday!

Mat

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Wednesday, December 9th, 2009

Namaste,

Well... Went to do my spying and the trailer was not there sooooo..... I am on my way back this morning. Went to work, and it was work. Nothing exciting, but at least I have a pay check coming in. It's not at all that I don't like my job, because I do. It's that since my trip, I think there is so much more I can do to make the world a better place, but helping the starving children in Kathmandu won't get the mortgage payment made here! I am suppose to pick up my prints this morning. I am so excited to see them on canvas. When an image is printed on canvas, it looks 3-D! I have sold 87 tickets for the Bricktown Brawl. My goal was to sell 100! When I get rid of the last 13 I am done. Weigh in is at 5:30 tonight, and I need to be there for pictures. I also have to have someone go to the mall and pick-up the shorts. Busy day, better get going!

Love you all!

Mat

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Tuesday, December 8th, 2009

Namaste,

Another busy day! I am doing some spying for a friend of mine who is involved in a lawsuit with his HOA, so I went to his neighborhood to take pictures of some things that violate the covenants. Then to work. After work I has to drop two pair of shorts off to be embroidered, and to the gym to work the office, sell tickets for the brawl, and sign people in. Home to work on pictures, shower, and bed!

Another busy day today!

Love you all!

Mat

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Monday, December 7th, 2009

Namaste,

Monday was a pretty busy day. Work was fine. I had a bunch of errands to run at lunch. After work I had to be at Deer Creek middle school. Trey was selected to be on the Scholar Squad for his school, and his first competition was yesterday afternoon. They were 2 and 2 with a bye in the 5th round. If Belle Isle lost in the 5th round, then Treys school would have won. We will find out today. They had accumulated 220 points more than any other team. We came home and I got on an ice pack right away. My back is feeling much better, but I might have been on my feet a bit much yesterday. I need to sit a little more today, than yesterday. I have to pick up my canvas prints today, get some shorts to be embroidered, and work the office at the gym tonight. I talked with my buddy Wolf from England yesterday. I had ask him several questions related to packaging my prints for display and sale; as well as, what to display for the Arts Festival! If you get a chance check out his amazing work at www.wolf-photography.com.

Love you all!

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Saturday & Sunday, December 5th & 6th, 2009

Namaste,

Saturday was kinda blah. I laid around and just rested, while watching football. Miriam, and her boys brought a great lasagna over for dinner, and Chad Lovett and his family stopped by to pick up their Christmas portraits, so we ended up with a houseful. Miriam's little boy Tommy, decided he wanted to spend the night with "Jorgen" so he stayed.... Until 4:00am, when he decided he wanted his mommy! Sunday morning, Trey and I went and worked at church. Because it was so cold, we ran a little late. (on purpose) Then I came home and Sherrie fixed brunch. Leftover lasagna! We took Trey to get a winter coat and then I laid on the couch for the rest of the day, well until I had to go to mom's and unplug her toilet. I use to love the cold, but I really have mixed emotions now!

Love you all!

Mat

Friday, December 4, 2009

Thursday & Friday, December 3rd & 4th, 2009

Good Evening,

Just wanted to write a short note... I finely went to the doctor yesterday. We did x-rays, and all kind of test. I have had disc problems for a couple of years, and I have aggravated it with all of the physical exercise I have been doing. I had a bad case of sciatica, and it moved after I ran in the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving. I could not even stand up straight yesterday, so I decide it was time. Dr. Siler put me on bed rest until Monday. We were suppose to go to the Thunder Vs. Celtics game tonight, but the walking and cold would not be good right now! Sherrie and Jordan spent all night in the Mercy ER last night. Jordan has something going on with her girl parts, and I even took her for an ultrasound of her gallbladder today. So over all it's been a crappy couple days!

Love you all!

Mat

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Wednesday, November 2nd, 2009

Good Morning,

Tuesday was cold and rainy.... I felt like I woke up in England! Made a stop by Starbucks on my way into work. I highly recommend the Christmas blend. Work was fine, It was hard to generate motivation yesterday. I met with Ben Crocker at lunch. Ben has applied to the MBA program at the University of Central Oklahoma, and needed me to write a letter. The afternoon went well.... After work I was suppose to take Trey to the OKC Thunder basketball game, but I could hardly stand up, due to my back problems. I came home and worked on pictures, and helped around here. We switched back and forth between the Thunder game, and the OU game. I slept on the heating pad, in a chair in the living room, and feel like I rested better, but prolly need to go to the doctor today.

Love you all!

Mat

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Tuesday, December 1st, 2009

Namaste,

Tuesday was a great day. I was plenty busy at work. At lunch I finished my journal! 26 pages, and 15, 897 words! It took 60 days to complete, but it was a huge task. After Sherrie edits it, I will post it on my blog, web site, and hopefully publish it. After work I came home and took a 15 minute nap, then headed to the gym. My back is not any better, but I am afraid to take any time off, during the holidays. We did ju-jit-su, and it was good. I got busted in the mouth, and so when I saw blood.... It got nasty! I came home and my little buddy Tommy was here hanging out with "Jorgen" Tommy is Miriam's baby boy, he is 3 and full of energy! He comes and hangs out for a couple of hours, just about every week! I crashed out before 10! Does that mean I am getting old?

Love you all!

Mat

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Monday, November 30th, 2009

Namaste,

Monday was a pretty good day. Work was busy, as are all Mondays. After work I headed straight to the gym. I hung myself upside down from the cage to try and straighten out my back. It didn't work, but the pain was so intense, that it made standing up not so bad. We had a great sparring class. We went 15 rounds of straight stand up, then 8 rounds of kickboxing. I came home and took a hot shower, ate an egg, and worked on some pictures. I have sooo much to get done this week that does not involve being at work, but until I hit the lottery..... I guess I will!

Love!

Mat

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Thursday, Friday, Saturday, & Sunday, November 26th - 29th, 2009

Namaste,

Thursday was Thanksgiving.... I got up at 5:30 and went to downtown OKC. There is 5k race that is run every Thanksgiving day called the Turkey Trot! I did well finishing in 32nd place. I came home and we relaxed most of the day. Friday morning, I went to Wal-Mart at 3:30am to stand in line for a PS3 for Jordan's boyfriend. Then I headed to work. At 8:30 I went to Dr. Waltons house and did his family pictures. Around noon, one of our Med Dispense units blew up, and then I got a call that Sherrie had been hurt at work. We spent the rest of the day in the emergency room. She busted up her hand, knee, and shin, but she is going to live. I went back to work for a while, and then came home to take care of her. Med Dispense flew a part in from Florida, and had a tech at our hospital at 9:00pm to fix the unit. Saturday morning Sherrie and I went to Garden Ridge, and got a new Christmas tree, then watched OU beat the crap out of osu. Then we did a little Christmas shopping. Today... Trey and I went to church, then came home and I cleaned out some cabinets, while watching some football. Then Trey and I went to "Roosters" and then the Thunder game. It has been a very busy weekend, and I am not ready for tomorrow! Better get busy!

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Wednesday, November 25th, 2009

Namaste,

Wednesday was a pretty good day. We were suppose to be extremely busy due to the fact that today is Thanksgiving, but it didn't really pan out that way. We left a little before four o'clock, and I came home and took a couple of Lortab, and laid down. I never imagined this back problem would be so difficult to overcome. I got up at 5:30 and went to the gym. There were several guy's there so I decided to stay and help Giroux with the class. It was really good and I got a good workout. Home for a hot shower, and more pain pills. This morning I will be running in the "Turkey Trot" in downtown Oklahoma City. It's a 5k race that is run every Thanksgiving. It is very cold outside and I am crazy or doing this, but it's something I really want to do. I will be wearing spandex in public! I deserve it!

Love you all!

Mat

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Tuesday, November 24th, 2009

Hello all,

Just a quickie.... Busy day at work, after work I spoke at Weight Wise. I feel really good about how it went. I had a great group, and things flowed really well. After I left FBH I went by the gym to see how things were going. It looked like a great class, so I changed and mixed it up. We did a pretty good MMA class, then several of us stayed around and rolled for an hour. I got some really good work! I have pictures to finish, and need to get to work early, so good night!

Love you all!

Mat

Monday, November 23rd, 2009

Namaste,

Monday at work was really busy! We had a lot of catch-up work from the weekend. After work I headed straight to the gym and got my workout on! I had sent Mike Giroux a text earlier in the day and told him we should have fight night! He agreed! We warmed up and then paired up, then mixed it up! We had 22 guys in class so we went one two miute round with each guy straight stand-up, then we went one two minute round kickboxing with each guy. I feel really good about how I did. Funny thing is battling this back injury.... When I am getting hit in the face my back does not hurt. Came home after class, and started working on pictures. My buddy Wolf posted his pictures from Nepal on his site. Here is the link please check them out!
http://www.wolf-photography.com/albums/Villayat Wolf Sunkmanitu - Stock Photography - Travel - Kathmandu - Nepal/index.html

Love you all!

Mat

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Friday, Satuday, Sunday, November 20, 21, & 22, 2009

Namaste,

I'm gonna make this short and sweet because I am so far behind! Friday at work was very busy. As soon as I got off I came and got Sherrie.... We went to a friend of mines new restaurant in Bricktown. It's called "Rooster's Chicken & Beer". That's what they serve Chicken and beer. Very good chicken! They also have okra, fries, and a few other things, but not much else! We headed over to the Thunder game, then home for sleepy time. Saturday morning I got up and went to the gym for an awesome workout. Then home for a couple of hours. Sherrie and I went to the grocery store, then home to get my gear for a photo shoot in Bricktown. We took pictures of my friend Paige, and her girls. It was a lot of fun and we did awesome. Sherrie and I went by Chelino's for some nachos and then I brought her home. I met about 40 people from our gym at "Roosters" for a UFC watch party, then came home. Jordan was asleep in my bed, so I crashed on the couch. I got up early and went to work in the parking lot at church, then Sherrie and Trey met me for service. I left there and met my friends, Brian and Melissa Wells, and their girls for pictures, then the Brummitt clan! I came home for an hour then met the Lovett clan at Hafer park for a photo shoot! I went to the gym and helped Mike Giroux for a couple of hours. Then home for dinner and to start editing pictures. I have Paige's, and the Well's pictures done. Still have the Brummitts and Lovetts to do!

Love you all!

Mat

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Thursday, November 19th, 2009

Hola,

Thursday was a pretty good day! We have plenty to do on Thursdays to keep us busy. After work I had a photo shoot in downtown Edmond. I took 118 pictures, but only kept about 30. The sun was going down which was what we were trying to do.... But it made lighting difficult. After the shoot, I headed straight to the gym. Class was good. We worked on sweeps from side control, then I came home and worked on pictures. There are a few that are really good!

Anyway Time for bed!

Love you all!

Mat

Tuesday & Wednesday, November 17th & 18TH, 2009

Namaste,

Well the back is not getting any better, as a matter of fact.... I think it may be getting worse! I prolly need to take a few days off and just stay down, but there is too much to do. Work is work. Nothing exciting going on. The new gym is very cool. It looks like a gym, and not a storage building with mats and cages. Anyway.... I am still trying to figure out a way to make a difference in the world. If anyone knows of any mission work going on please let me know. I am not really interested in evangelizing, but more building, or working in a clinic, or logistical type work.

Love you all!

Mat

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Monday, November 16th, 2009

Namaste,

Monday was blah! I have been fighting a very bad back problem. It makes me grumpy! Maybe today will be better!

MJ

Monday, November 16, 2009

Staurday & Sunday, November 14th &15th, 2009

Namaste,

Saturday was a busy, busy, day. Bruce and I went to the gym and got our workout on. Mr. Griffen had a serious case of let's sweat going on! It was great. After our strength and conditioning, we rolled a bit, then it was time to head home and get our game faces on. We watched a little football, and just hung out. At 3:00 we got our stuff together and headed to Norman. We got there a little early but I wanted to walk through "Campus Corner" and a little around the campus. We went into the stadium around 5:00 and got to our seats. I took a few pictures before the game, and some are pretty good. The sun went down and it got downright chilly. It was prolly only 50 degrees but the wind was in our faces and I was under dressed. The game was pretty good for the first quarter, then I don't know what happened to A&M. I guess they forgot what they were doing???? We left in the middle of the third period, and headed home. We stopped at Applebee's to get a snack, and then back to the house. My back was killing me so I took some drugs and went to sleep. Sunday morning Sherrie got up and cooked a ginormous breakfast. The Ray's left for College Station at about 8:45. I laid down on the couch and fell into a drug induced coma. I slept through Church, and most of the morning. I got up and had a couple of bites of lunch then went back into my drug induced coma. We left for the Thunder game at 3:45.... We dropped Trey off at mom's because he has been sick as a dog for several days and I didn't want him alone. There was a section party at the Jack Daniels club, then we went to our seats. The game was pretty even, but we left at the beginning of the fourth, so we could get home and get stuff together for the week. Trey is still sick, and so we may have to get him back to the doctor. I know he doesn't want to miss school, but I'm not going to send him feeling bad!

Much love!

MJ

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Thursday & Friday, November 12th & 13th.

Namaste,

Thursday was great work was plenty busy.... At lunch Cindy, Gaymarie, & I went to Panera it was yummy. After work I went straight to the gym and mopped the mats, and stretched real good. I hung myself upside down in the crunch rack to see if that would stretch my back out. Gotta tell you it felt good until I stood back up. We had a straight ground and pound class, and it was really good. My family from College Station came in and Bruce came up to the gym to workout with me. We worked on Scissor sweeps, and moving that into a choke from bottom. Friday morning I got up at 4:30 and got a shower, then headed to the car wash to clean out my turkey fryer. Then I went to work to get started. I kicked butt, for a couple of hours, then I got really hungry, and had to run to Wal-Mart to get some trail mix stuff. I saw an old friend from Metro youth... Chad Huffmeyer. He is a really nice guy and made me feel really good about myself. Back to work, to fight through the day. At lunch I met Sherrie, Bruce, and Courtney at Blue Moon for lunch. Blue Moon is Bruce's favorite restaurant and every time he comes to town he has to eat there. I went back to work and we had somethings to finish up. I bailed at 3:00 to come home and get the turkey ready to fry. If I didn't mention it we had Thanksgiving last night due to the fact that Bruce and Tracy came up for the OU/Texas A&M game tonight. I know without a doubt that I have to get a nap today! Bruce and I are getting ready to go to the gym and work out with some of our pro fighters. I am laying on a heating pad right now and my head is about to explode, but I can't wait to get in the cage!

Love you all!

Mat

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Wednesday, November 11th, 2009

Good Morning!

Wednesday was a good day.... I stayed at work for lunch and finished renaming my slide show pictures so they would run in the order I wanted them in. It has been a pain in the butt, but it's done, and at this very moment the file is being saved. My goal is to have the slide show put on disk and go out with our Christmas cards. That is my next project! After work I headed straight to the gym. I have been suffering from some serious lower back pain, so I took some Tylenol, but it still was killing me. Most of our trainers are still sick, so I decided to stick around and help Giroux with instructing. Tyler Griffen was working one of our fighters who has a fight in less than one month, and after they were done, Tyler ask me if I wanted to roll one. Let me tell you this.... After taking a few punches to the face, my back did not hurt so bad! Travis Chyzy came in and after he warmed up real good, he jumped into the cage and we went hard for five or six rounds. I really think if I could just go and jump in the cage and mix it up every night, I would be happy. Anyway, still have a lot of back pain. Never could get comfortable last night so I came into the living room and slept on the couch! Time for work!

Love you all!

Mat

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Tuesday, November 10th, 2009

Good Evening!

Tuesday was a great day. Work was fine. I met with a couple of buddies at lunch. They are both rock climbers, and we talked about going for a climb on the 22nd of this month. Justin does some base jumping and I need to get into it! After work I headed to the gym, Mike Giroux called me and all of our trainers are sick so I ended up setting up a circuit and helping train instead of working out. I did run and ride the bike. I started editing pictures for copper Lake at 5:00am, worked, went to the gym, then when I got home from the gym, I put out some work lights and mowed the lawn and raked leaves, then headed over to Copper Lake to take a few more pictures of the dinning room.... I am tired and going to bed!

Love you all!

Mat

Monday, November 9th, 2009

Namaste,

Monday is over! It was not too bad! We still have a big IV load at work, but it makes the day go by really quickly. At noon, I headed back over to Copper Lake to shoot the building for their web site. It was pretty good.... Took a bit longer than I thought it would but what are you gonna do? The young lady that was working with me was very nice, and we have some friends in common, so it was nice. After work I headed to the gym and got a great work out! I felt good about class, then I rolled with a couple of the new guys, before I came home. I stayed up until almost midnight editing pictures, so it is going to be a long day. I will not be teaching tonight but, participating in ground and pound class. Then home, to mow the lawn in the dark!

Love you all!

Mat

Monday, November 9, 2009

Friday, Saturday, & Sunday, November 6th, 7th, & 8th, 2009

Good Morning!

Friday was crazy busy.... We have a big IV load at work right now, so getting everything done for the weekend was a chore. As soon as we were done, I raced home and picked up Trey. we headed out for Canton. Curtis took off work at 1:00 and had been texting me all afternoon to see if we were on our way yet. On the way down highway 33, the sun was setting and Trey and I stopped several times to take pictures. We got into Canton at about 7:00 and Curtis and the boys had camp set up. I set up my tent and got my stuff organized, then we started a fire. We roasted hot dogs, and marshmallows. We set around the fire and played around the camp grounds. We agreed to get up at 5:00am, so we went to bed at 10:00. Curtis and the boys had been in the woods earlier so they knew where they wanted to be. I grew up in those woods, so I have several places where I am comfortable. Trey and I headed South to the wheat field, and found a big tree to sit under. He did really well for the first couple of hours, then he started getting restless. We got up at 8:00 and went scouting, there were plenty of tracks! We headed back to camp and got in the truck to go scout a place behind the damn, where I use to hunt. We got over there and it was gone! The army corp of engineers is building a secondary spillway, in my hunting spot and they have bulldozed the whole area. We went back to camp and Curtis and the boys were back. We peeled off a couple of layers and headed back into the woods. They saw a doe, and a buck, and the boys were pretty excited. I took Trey and Lathan, and we headed for a big field a couple of miles down the road.... We all got pretty hot, as the temperature was unseasonably warm. We saw Curtis and Logan coming up the road, so we crossed over and walked back to camp. When we got back to camp we decided to head into town, and get a sandwich. When we got back to camp we started gathering wood for the fire. It took most of the afternoon, and we had soooo much fire wood, that I didn't think we would get through it. At about 4:00 we headed back into the woods. I took Trey and Lathan up the road to this little hill that had a great view. A few minutes after we got set, Trey was asleep, and Lathan was flat on his back! At dark we headed back to camp, and started the fire. At about 8:00 Trey and Lathan went to the tent , and crashed out. Curtis, Logan, and I, stayed around the fire to burn all of the wood we collected. At about 10:00 we had a pack of coyotes come around camp to check us out. We went to bed with the idea of getting up at 5:00 to go into the woods. I woke up at 4:50 and could not get anyone up. I went back to my tent and started getting my stuff packed up. We broke down camp at 7:30 and were ready to head home by 9:30. I had a great time and I think it stretched Trey, having to go to the bathroom outside, and cook his own food, over a fire. Now that we have everything organized, and together, it will be easier to get back out in the woods, even if it is just for one night. We got home at 11:00 and took a shower, then crashed out. I had to be at Oak Tree at 3:30 to re-shoot some pictures, then swung by Copper Lake to take some pictures of the outside of the building. I came home and we loaded up to head to the Thunder game. They were playing Orlando, and the Thunder beat them by 30 points. As soon as we got home I started editing pictures, and then went to bed. It is going to be a very busy week.... Lot's of pictures, and we have company coming in this weekend. We are having Thanksgiving on Friday, and then Travis is fighting Saturday afternoon, OU plays Texas A&M Saturday night, sooo.... Here we go. After I drop the kids off this morning I have to be at Copper Lake for more pictures, then off to my real job!

Love you all!


MJ

Friday, November 6, 2009

Thursday, November 5th, 2009

Namaste,

Work was actually pretty busy yesterday! We have four patients on TPN so getting ready for the weekend, I had to make 20 bases. It took most of the day. At noon Sherrie and I met with Jenniafer Walters from the Oklahoma Epilepsy Association. We discussed the direction of the Association, and fund raising opportunities. After work I headed to the gym to get the doors open, and then when Tyler, and Mike Mussina got there I came home to get loaded for the trip. We are taking soooo much crap.... I have tents, sleeping bags, fishing poles, guns, bow & arrows, cameras, and enough clothes for a week.

I will post pictures when we get back Sunday!

Mat

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Wednesday, November 4th, 2009

Namaste,

Wednesday was hump day! We got really busy at work.... Our patient count is still really low, but our acuity is picking up. After work I had a pretty big photo shoot, then Trey and I went to the store to buy food for our camping trip. I think all we are going to eat is roasted hot dogs, marshmallows, and pop-tarts! I got the rest of my stuff gathered in the garage. Funny thing. We will only be gone for two nights, but I packed like we are going to Nepal for a month!

Have a great day!

Mat

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009

Namaste,

Tuesday was a good day. Work was crazy, but it always is.... I had to run to Guthrie at lunch then, head to South Oklahoma City, to borrow some drugs we did not have. When I got back it was time to wrap up and head down to the Ford Center for the Thunder Vs. Lakers game. We were playing a pretty good game, and Trey decided he didn't do his homework soooo we left in the middle of the 4th period. The game went to overtime, and we lost by 3 points. I took some great pictures of Kobe! I will post some under the sports tab on my www.matjones.net website.

Love!

Mat

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Sunday, & Monday, November 1st, & 2nd.

Hey....

Sunday morning I worked in the parking lot at church, then came home and picked up Sherrie. We headed over to Lake Hefner, and ran 4.6 miles. Sherrie is doing very good running... She will run for a quarter of a mile, then walk a quarter of a mile. I would get ahead of her by 1/2 a mile or so, and stop and do crunches or push ups. Sometimes I would look back to see how close she was, and she was walking really slow, just to make me do more crunches. We came home and got cleaned up, then had four photo shoots. We met Curtis, Lisa and the boys, at Lakeside fish grill for Mom's birthday dinner. It was OK.... Yesterday, started early it was a typical Monday. Got things done at work and went to the gym. Ran for 20 minutes, then ran a few circuits. Then helped with the beginner striking class. I had to bail, due to the fact that I have sooooo much going on right now! Today, will be very busy! Work, then the Lakers are in town tonight. We are meeting the VanSickles in Bricktown for Kim's birthday before the game.

Love you all!

Mat

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Thursday, Friday, & Saturday, October 29th, 30th, & 31st, 2009

Good Morn,

Thursday was a good day despite the early morning thunderstorms. I met with one of my friends and advisers, Chad Lovett at Starbucks. We usually meet fora cup of coffee, and talk a minute, then we have to get going. We talked for a couple of hours.... It was good. I went to work and knocked it out. At 11:30 I went to meet another friend, and advisor, Clark Mitchell. We met a Swadleys Bar-b-Que. I have to tell you.... I had a piece of chicken, and a salad. It was wonderful! Very good! I went back to work, and it was a little slow. At 4:00 I went to the gym, and started running, ridding the bike, and ran my own 6 station circuit. I got a great workout, then Josh showed up. We rolled a bit. By 7:15 I was ready to go, so I came home. Friday was pretty slow at work as well. Gaymarie and I went to Louie's at lunch. Randy the owner picked up our tab, which was very nice. Friday night, Sherrie and I had "date night" I cooked leftovers, and then we went grocery shopping. Then we moved the big chair into the middle of the living room, and watched a movie. Well I watched a movie, and Sherrie, went to sleep at 8:15. Saturday morning, I had to have Jordan at work by 5:30am then we cleaned house for a couple of hours before I had to be at Foundation Bariatric Hospital for a seminar. It was good, but I have done better. I think from now on I need to make talking points. Some notes. I feel like, I skipped around a little too much, but that was my first talk since I have been back from Nepal. I came home and got Sherrie, and we headed out East. I wanted to find some fall colors, and there is not much left. We went to the Bald Eagle Rescue in Perkins and took the tour. I have been there before but Sherrie had not. We took some pictures, then headed back towards Edmond. We stopped by Mike and Marilyn Isbell's house and saw them for a few minutes. Then headed home. I sat down and took about a 45 minute nap, then started getting ready for Halloween. Ben Crocker brought his little brother Dakota over, and Sherrie's friend Michelle came over. We had some pizza, and the girls and kid's went trick-or-treating. Mike and Marilyn brought their grandkids over, and we watched football, while passing out candy. It was a good night. Ton's to do today!

Love you all!

Mat

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Wednesday, October 28th, 2009

Namaste,

Significant things that happened today? I applied for a spot in the Edmond Arts Festival... $300.00 application fee... (Crap) Is there anything that does not cost hundreds of dollars? Took the family to opening night of the Oklahoma City Thunder basketball game. To be honest... I enjoyed meeting Mike, and Jason & Mattie, for dinner before the game. I also saw Dr. Underhill, Riccardo, AJ, and Jeff Darnell. I did not enjoy the game very much. The Thunder blew out the Kings, and we left with 3 minutes left in the game. Then it was time to get my stuff together for today. I am burned out on the gym, but all night I was thinking about getting in the cage, and crackin some heads. We are in a severe thunderstorm this morning. I need to get the kid's ready for school!

Love you all!

Mat

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Tuesday, October 27th, 2009

Good Morning,

Tuesday was a good day.... Work was fine! After work I went straight to the gym, and ran for 20 minutes, then rode the bike, and ran stairs. I sat at the desk as the students started coming in, and passed out the new schedules. I don't know how well it is going to work.... Most of these guys just come and go, and don't follow our curriculum. We will see. I'm a little disappointed, in the lack of excitement. I have so much to do right now, I feel like I am spinning my wheels. I need help picking three images to submit to the Edmond Fine Arts Council, as I have applied for a spot in the Edmond Arts Festival. Look at my web album on www.matsquest.com and send me an email with your favorites from Nepal.

Love you all!

Mat

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Monday, October 26th, 2009

Namaste,

Monday, was well Monday! We are still pretty slow at work, but there are always projects to do. We actually ended up decorating our door for a contest. It will help with overall morale at the hospital. After work I went to the gym, and ran for 20 minutes, rode the bike for 10, which I may mention.... That seat sucks! I have not cushion on my butt, and it hurts. I ran stairs and then worked with a few of the young kids before class started. I only got to roll for three minutes, but it was with a pro-fighter, and I feel like I held my own. Today I have to bail as soon as another teacher gets to the gym. I am nursing a few injuries, and Sherrie is going to help me with a project tonight.

Love you all!

Mat

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, October 23rd, 24th, & 25th, 2009

Hello everyone,

I am going to be very general in catching up the last three days. Friday work was OK... Pretty busy getting the weekend set up. After work the Executive Committee from 805 met with Mike Mussina, to discuss bringing our programs together. Sherrie and I had dinner with Ben and Kinzy Crocker, at Bellini's then home to watch a movie. I fell asleep, and was in the dog house. I had to take Jorgen to work at 5:00am Saturday morning, so I came home and worked on the journal, until I left for the gym at 8:00. Tyler Griffen really put us through a great work out.... I lost eight pounds in an hour and a half work out. I was wearing a thermal suit and it was all water weight. We went to Fire Lake to watch my boy Travis Chyzy fight last night. Travis lost a split decision, but it was by far his best fight. He dominated from stand up! I am very proud of him. It takes some man sized balls to get in the cage, and mix it up! Sunday morning.... The alarm clock went off at 5:00am. Jorgens boss picked her up for work, but after he alarm clock went off I never went back to sleep. I got up and worked on the journal until it was time for church. Church was great!!!! Then home to watch a little football. We had a board of directors meeting at 805 at 1:00, and like usual, everyone did not show up until 1:30. I had to be gone by 2:30.... Had a photo shoot at 3:00! Went to Hafer park to do some photos, and then home to edit, and fix. Sherrie grilled pork chops for dinner. Yummy! We also carved pumpkins! Miriam's little boy Tommy came over to help, it was fun!

Love you all!

Mat

Friday, October 23, 2009

Thursday, October 22nd, 2009

Good Morning....

Thursday was plenty busy. Work was fine. After work I ran home and picked up Sherrie and the kids. Then dropped them off at Zio's, so they could get some dinner, then walk to the Thunder game, while I went to my Board of Directors meeting for The Oklahoma Epilepsy Association. We started the meeting at 6:00, and I thought we would be done by 7:00 or 7:30, but because of some changes in the office.... We didn't get done until 8:30. I went to the game and the fourth period was starting. They were already tired, and the Thunder were getting beat by 30 points, so I stayed for all of 5 minutes. We hurried home to get ready for work today. Now here is something cool! ***I HAVE BEEN INVITED TO JOIN AN EXPEDITION TO THE VINSON MASSIF IN ANTARCTICA IN JANUARY*** THIS IS THE HIGHEST PEAK IN ANTARCTICA, AND I WAS INVITED TO JOIN THE EXPEDITION BY ED VIESTERS, THE WORLDS NUMBER ONE CLIMBER! WHAT AN HONOR!!!! ALL IT TAKES IS $40,000.00 AND 22 DAYS IN THE COLDEST HARSHEST ENVIRONMENT IN THE WORLD! Anyone interested in funding this trip call me now!

Love you all!

Mat

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Wednesday, October 21st, 2009

Namaste,

Work was fine today... I met a friend for lunch who does some PR work. We talked about where to take "The Quest" next. Not location as much as continuing to keep the message going. I am goal oriented, and feel like I need a goal, or vision, to strive for. After work I headed to the gym, and cleaned the floors. I went up to the weight room and lifted for about an hour, then got on the treadmill. I was just walking at a fast pace, and my leg was feeling better, so I ended up running for twenty minutes. After that I worked with Travis for an hour. I think he is ready for his fight on Saturday. The only thing he has to do is stay busy. Anyway.... Gotta get ready for work!

Love you all!

MJ

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Tuesday, October 20th, 2009

Namaste,

Tuesday was a pretty good day considering.... I feel like crap! Work was fine, we are still doing special projects, to stay busy. Our census is still down.... After work I headed over to the gym, and cleaned the floors.... Some of the young guy's showed up around five, and went up to the weight room. I went up front to the office and started working on my journal... At 6:30 sherrie sent me a message that she had a nail in her tire soooo I came home to take care of it. She made me a salad for dinner, and then I went to bed. I still don't feel great but, I'll make it!

Love you all!

Mat

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Sunday and Monday, October 18th & 19th, 2009

Namaste,

Just a little bit behind.... Sunday morning Trey and I worked in the parking lot at church, then stayed for service. It was very good. Jordan was house setting for Jenni and Riccardo, and she was not answering her phones, so Sherrie had me go by there and check on her. Jordan talked me into running to Taco Bell, then trey and I went home. Thursday night I was messing around on Ebay, and won a pair of tickets for the Black Eyed Pea's and U2, Sunday night at OU. Sherrie and I left the house at 3:00 had to drive to Mustang to pick up the tickets. We were going to get to Norman and get a little bite to eat before the show..... I guess all 90,000 people that were going to the show had the same idea. We ended up going to Freebirds and getting some nachos. We got there and about 5 minutes after we sat down, the line extended out the door into the middle of the parking lot. I overheard some of the workers saying, "There is no way were are going to have enough food!" Anyway.... We had some nachos then walked over to the stadium. They were already letting people in, and from campus corner you could see the top of the stage sticking out. So I was curious to see it. We went to our seats, and saw the Duke's. They were my neighbors growing up and I had not seen Grant in over twenty years. It was really windy, so Sherrie and I continued to walk around. We went to look at T-shirts, but there is not a T-shirt that I am willing to pay two times the ticket price for! The show was amazing, and in the middle of the second encore, we decided it would be OK to leave. We ran from the stadium to the car, which was parked way North of Campus Corner. We got out of the lot, and on I 35 in no time. As many of you know I am 1/2 Nascar driver, so we were home pretty quickly. It was still very late for a Sunday night! Monday morning came really quickly! After dropping the kids off at school, it was time for work. We are still pretty slow, but we started doing some projects to keep busy! There are always projects. I went to the gym straight after work, and cleaned the mats, then went for a run. It was beautiful outside.... I ran a couple of miles to my Aunt and Uncles house, but no one was home! When I got back to the gym, Mike Giroux, and Tyler Griffen were in the cage. We took turns rolling, with each other. I felt really good about my skills, until Mike and I went some stand-up.... His kicks are second to none. He leg whipped me a couple of times, once catching me in the back of the knee. After that I could not feel my left leg. Then he caught me flush against the side of the head, then out of no where he kicked me square in the back of the head. I never saw it coming. I got beat-up pretty bad last night, and don't know if I can go tonight, but my gear is in the car! Here is a list of my injuries...

Left leg! (It's dead, no feeling from my knee down)
Left shoulder! (8 inch gash in my back)
Left eye! (Black eye with nice swelling)
Both Thumbs! (Don't know but can't make fist)
Back of my head! (Mike's right foot)
Ribs! (All of them! Ground and pound, got pounded!)

Anyway.... It's my own fault! I love pain!

Love you all!

MJ

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Friday and Saturday, October 15th & 16TH, 2009

Hey Y'all,

Friday was a busy day at work, as you know getting everything done for the weekend. Sherrie and I met my brother and his new wife Lisa at the Purple bar, above Nona's in Brick town for dinner. We ordered several appetizers, and had a drink. We went out on the patio and Curtis got out his laptop and showed us the video from their wedding. It was very nice! Dinner was great! We had to go get Jordan at Riccardo and Jenni's. She had to be at work at 5:30 this morning, soooo we got her and came home and went to bed. Sherrie woke me up at 4:45 this morning, and after I took Jordan to work, I came home and ran three miles, cleaned my garage, then we went to the lake to watch the sunrise. Sherrie and I went to take care of Jeni and Riccardo's dogs, then back home. We stopped at Wally mart and got some groceries. We watched the OU/Texas game, and I wish we would have won, but I am not disappointed. After the game I went out and cleaned up my storage building, then did our lawn. I cut it really short, maybe that will be it for the season. Curtis and Lisa came by to see some pictures from my trip, then we went to Ted's to feed the girls. I am enjoying spending more time with them. It is something that is very important to me. Curtis and I are planning a camping trip for his boy's, and Trey and I! It will be fun!

Love you all!

Good Night!

Mat

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Thursday, October 15th, 2009

Good Evening Everyone,

Today was a good day. We are still a little slow at work, but Thursday's are always full of projects. Right after work I went to the gym. I cleaned the mats real good, then ran for 20 minutes, ran stairs for 6 minutes, rode the bike for 6 minutes, then hit bags in a circuit for six or seven rounds. I took a break to work on some pictures, then jumped into class. We had prolly 40 students. I rolled with Nigel, and Travis for well over an hour, then ran home to get a shower and dinner. Sherrie told me we were having fish for dinner so I put tartar sauce on my chicken. She went to the store to get some fish and didn't like the way it looked so she grilled chicken. It was not very good with tarter sauce on it. Anyway I need to finish the pictures for Concordia, so good night!

Love you all!

Mat

Wednesday, October 14th, 2009

Namaste,

Wednesday was a great day! Work was good.... Everyday, I have people I have not seen yet, who want to know about the trip. It is fun to think back at where I was just a few short days ago. I need to get a review written, and sent to Naba. I also need to get some disk made and sent to Prem, and Naba. Last night was my first night back in the gym, and true to form.... I had not been in the building for 10 minutes before I was in the cage getting crazy. I rolled a little with Ben, before he had to go, then Ryan Chyzy, who's skills have improved so much. Then I worked with Travis Chyzy for an hour and a half. Travis has a fight on October 24th, and wanted to work hard. My mouth is beat up, and I think I dislocated a rib, but I felt good. We have a bunch of new guy's in the gym, and It was good to see some new faces. Tonight I will go over straight from work, and do my own thing, then see what happens when class starts. If there is someone to teach, I will bail, so I can be home by 8:00. Have a great day!

Love you all!

Mat

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Tuesda, October 13th, 2009

Good Morning,

Tuesday was good! Back into the flow of things. We are still pretty slow at work, but there is always something to do. As usual.... We had nothing going on for most of the day, and then at 3:30 they tell us we have an admit coming, and can't give us any information? I hope it went well. Cindy was going to stay and wait on orders.... I came home picked up my camera equipment and headed over to Concordia Retirement community, to do a photo shoot, of their Board of Directors. We ended up being there for a couple of hours, and the pictures are OK.... Not my best work, due to the lighting. Have I ever mentioned my love for landscape photography? Tonight will be my first night back in the gym since I left for Nepal. My feet feel good, but I will tape them well. Can't wait to get back in the cage and mix it up.

Have a great day!

Love you all!

Mat

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Monday, October 12th, 2009

Good Morning Everyone!

Monday was a good day.I had several errands to run before I even headed to work. I had to take Jordan and Trey to school, then drop by FBH and drop off a package to Dr. Walton. I gave him a disk, with some pictures, a slide show, and some prints. Then I stopped by Starbucks to get a cup of Anniversary blend. I got to work and luckily.... Things are pretty slow right now, and that helped me get back in the swing of things. I met Ben Crocker, and Mike Giroux for lunch. We talked about the gym, potential schedule changes, and other possibilities. It was good to see them. Mike is letting his hair grow out, and he looks good with hair. The afternoon felt like it lasted forever... As soon as I left work I came home and picked up Trey and his friend Herman, then we headed down to Bricktown for the Thunders first preseason game. My season ticket rep. Mellissa Owumi, upgraded our seats last night and we were in the lower bowl. The Thunder were playing the Phoenix Suns. I saw my buddy Greg Brunghardt, and talked to Blake and Taylor Griffins dad. The game went into overtime tied at 99 and the boys were restless so we took a rickshaw back to the car and listened to overtime in the car. Tonight I have a photo shoot, for Concordia Health. I haven't mentioned my toes lately.... My pinkie toe on my right foot is great. My toe on my left foot will lose the nail, but there is only pain if I step wrong. Time to get ready for work.

Love you all!

Mat

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Sunday, October 11th, 2009

Hello Everyone....

Just a few thoughts this Sunday night. As I mentioned yesterday, Jordan and I went to a very nice dinner at the Melting Pot last night. Our reservation was at 7:45, so after the OU game was over we got all dressed up, and headed down to Bricktown. It was really cold out so we parked really close. We did not have to wait on our table very long at all, and we ordered "The Big Night Out" which has four courses. The first is a cheese course, that is served with a basket of bread, pickles, sausage, veggies, and granny smith apples. The second course is a salad, third, the entree which we had chicken, two kinds of steak, shrimp, and some ravioli. Then the best.... Chocolate. This is flambeed, then served with strawberries, marshmallows, brownies, pound cake, and a piece of cheesecake. I was already sick when the dessert came. We were suppose to go see a movie after dinner but, Jordan looked at me and said... "Your never gonna make it through a movie!" She was right. I let her drive home, and when we got home I crashed out. We got up early this morning, and went to Journey Church. It was great! Then I matched up with Mike Champlin to watch some football and hang out. The rest of the afternoon, I worked on a slide show, my website, and watched a bunch of football. I go back to work tomorrow after almost a month off. It's gonna be difficult to adjust, but until I win the lottery, I guess that's the way it is! You can see a bunch of pictures at www.matjones.net click on Nepal. :-)

Have a great week, I Love you all!

Mat

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Friday, October 10th, 2009

Namaskar,

Namaskar, is the more formal greeting. This also means to bless the spirit inside you, but is usually reserved for a higher cast of Nepali. In this case if you read my blog you are as high a cast as possible. I have so much to tell you all, that I don't know how or when, but know.... I missed each one of you. I have not had an opportunity to start converting my journal to electronic form, but maybe today, while I am trying to figure out what is going on in college football. I do know that Texas A&M, host osu, and Baylor is at OU. I just saw on sports center that Sam Bradford is going to play. I don't know if you saw the picture, but I carried a Sam Bradford jersey all the way around the planet, to wear at base camp. If you are in the Edmond area today.... Please call me or come by. I plan on being here working on my journal, pictures, and loving on my family, and watching some football. I made several commitments while I was gone. #1) Spend more time with God. (The thing we do when we feel vulnerable) #2) Spend more time with the family. (What we do when we are lonely) #3) Love everyone! (What we do when we look internally and don't like what we see!) Tonight.... Jordan is taking me on a date! We are going to the Melting Pot and then to a movie. Monday night Trey and I are going to the first pre-season game of the Thunders season. Should be a blast!

More later today!
All my love!

Mat

October 8th, 2009

Namaste,

I am still having a lot of trouble sleeping when I am suppose to. I woke up at three this morning, and could not go back to sleep so I got up at four, taped my toe's very good, and ran 2.4 miles. Came in took a twenty minute shower, and then worked on pictures for most of the morning. I think i started with over 3,000 and have it down to 1,500. My equipment was very dirty, so most pictures I had to remove dust spots from. I lost 26 pounds while I was gone. I was dehydrated, and went totally vegetarian while in Nepal. You will see why in some of the pictures. I was not a big fan of the Nepali bathrooms. So my goal was to reduce my exposure to them. Overall.... I stayed very healthy. I crushed a toe nail on my left foot, and have a touch of frostbite on the baby toe, of my right foot. Other than that.... Everything is great! I am going to take an Ambien tonight and try to sleep. My email is still down. I have sent Yahoo, five emails. I had better have an answer in the morning.

I love each and everyone of you!

Mat

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Wednesday, October 7th, 2009

NAMASTE,

Hello Everyone! I am home! I have actually been home for almost 24 hours, but my internal clock is really messed up. I took 2,000 pictures, and have 70 pages of a journal I kept. I have started editing pictures, and Sherrie is reading my journal. I have some really great stories! I can't wait to see you all. I missed each and everyone of you! Can't wait to see you!

I Love you all!

Mat

Friday, October 2, 2009

October 2

Hello everybody,
Mat is doing well and back in Katmandu. He very much wants to get home asap, but the earliest looks like Tuesday around 10:30 so he is currently working on that. He misses everyone and I'm sure he will have great stories for us when he gets back. Have a great Friday!

Love, Sherrie

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

September 30

Happy Wednesday everybody!
I got a few texts from Mat today and an email. Basically he is three days ahead of schedule and leaving Island Peak. He will probably have to chill out in Lukla for some R and R because his plane doesn't leave until Oct.4 to get back to Kathmandu. He will be talking to Naba as soon as he arrives in Lukla to see if he can get away earlier. Thats Mat though no patience and he is all about getting things done faster than normal. He appears to be doing just fine and I know he misses all of you blog supporters. If I hear more I will pass it along. Have a great day and be well.

Love,Sherrie

Saturday, September 26, 2009

September 26

Good Morning!

Just received a short 15 second phone call from Mathew. He reached Everest base camp and is heading for Island Peak in a few days. He sounded really good. So that is the latest and I will write again as I get new information. Have a great weekend and thanks for all the thoughts and prayers.

Love,
Sherrie

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

September 23

Hi everyone,
I did not hear from Mat yesterday, but I did receive a short email today. Basically it said that he did ot have any communication service in Tengoboche. He traveled 5 hours straight up today to Pheriche. The weather is not cooperating. He has met some great people and may not get to write again for a few days.
Well that is all I have to report on Mat's status for now. Have a good evening everyone and good night.

Love, Sherrie

Monday, September 21, 2009

September 21

Hey everyone and thank you for being patient with me as blogging is really Mats specialty. I received an email from Mat today and for those of you who did not get it here is what it entailed: Everything is well, Mat is currently in a village called Namche Bazar and it is at 10,885 feet. He will spend a total of 44 hours there to get used to the altitude. He struggled a bit yesterday because the trail consisted of huge stones. He went down several hundred feet from Benkar, then on to Namche. He brags that he was 5 hours faster than the Korean group. His guides name is Prem and he is soft spoken and very nice and all of 42 inches tall. The Sherpa is Diel who is quiet and 20 years old. Mat had a huge blister on his foot so he will climb to Pherich tomorrow which is probably our right now. He met a couple from Sweden yesterday who were on their way back from Island Peak and said they could not summit due to a huge crevass that opened up on the head wall. Mat's tour manager in Kathmandu, Naba, said he will contact the Nepal Moutaineering Association and have them build a ladder over the crevasse so we shall see. He is still 10 days out from that. He has seen Everest the last two days, the weather is clear in the mornings and clouds roll in during the afternoon. Mat sebds his love,

Sherrie

Sunday, September 20, 2009

September 20

Good evening to all who follow Mat's blog. I received a text from Mat this morning at 1:18. It said that he arrived in Namche Bazar and saw Everest. He will be in the village for another day. I also received another text just a few minutes ago that said he will be resting today under Prem's advice due to a blister on his right foot. Mat sends his love.

Sherrie

Friday, September 18, 2009

September 18th

Hi everyone, I talked to Mat tonight! He is homesick already, but otherwise doing well. He called me just as he was getting on a Plane to Lukla. He will be climbing soon. It will be difficult for him to communicate for the next few weeks. I will update the blog as new information comes in. Mat sends his love.

Sherrie

Thursday, September 17, 2009

September 17th

Mat finally arrived in Kathmandu and went sightseeing. He said things are good and it was like stepping back in time 50 years. His hotel is very western and the nicest in Kathmandu. He had dinner with Naba at the Napail Cushion restaurant. Took a nap and plans to do more sightseeing. I will write when I receive more information.

Love, Sherrie

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

September 15 cont.

Hey everyone! Its Sherrie and I am going to do my best to keep everyone up to date on Mats progress as I receive the information. Mat arrived in NYC around 10am our time and did a little sight seeing, Statue of Liberty etc...He got back to the airport around 5pm and boarded his plane for Delhi around 7pm and headed out. That is when it all became real for me and I'm a little teary but it is such an incredible opportunity and he will only be gone for 23 days so we will make the best of it. Its gonna definitely be an adventure here at home as well because for the first time I am in charge of bill paying (they are sure to get paid on time now) just kidding, but anyway he left me a list and I'm sure its not as tedious as he makes it out to be. Mat sends his love and have a great night.

Sherrie

Monday, September 15th, 2009

Good Morning!

Well.... After 6 months of planning, fund raising, and training, it is finally here. It is 4:22am and my brother is on his way to pick me up for the airport. I will have most of the day in NYC today, before my flight to Delhi. I am excited and scared at the same time..... I already miss all of you, and have not even left yet. I bought Sherrie a card yesterday, and it says "I wish you were going with me to explore all of the wonders..." I wish you all were going with me, but I will do my very best to document every step of the way. I am taking two cameras, 144 gig's of media storage and a journal to write in. Yesterday was an awesome day. Sherrie and I ran errands all day, then went to lunch, rented a couple of movies, and just hung out. I ran by the gym and said bye to Mike, Ben, Trav, Adam, and some of the young guy's. When I got home Mom came by and gave me some very special things. She gave me one of my Memaw's nd Pepa's handkerchiefs. She also wrote me a letter, that brought me to tears. Anyway..... (Big Baby!) Miriam and Tommy came by to get some of the leftover veggies from the party, then it was time to put everything in the backpack, and go to bed. I slept with one eye open..... Worried about oversleeping. Well, it's time to go. I will update the blog when I can, but Sherrie is going to write something everyday!

I LOVE YOU ALL!

Mat

Monday, September 14, 2009

Saturday & Sunday, September 13th & 14th, 2009

Namaste,

Saturday was a whirl wind.... As I mentioned in an earlier blog, we had a ton of errands that had to be run Saturday morning. We got them all run, then I ran to Wal-Mart with Miriam to get the veggies for the party. I came home and watched a little bit of football. At 6:00 OU came on and the weather was horrible, so we got the pay-per-view. Ben and Kinzy Crocker, came by, and Miriam and Tommy came over. I grilled some brats, and hot dogs. OU killed Idaho State 64 - 0. After everyone left we cleaned up a bit, and then off to bed.

Sunday was equally busy... We got up at 5:30 to take Jordan to work, then home to get ready for church. Service was great. We came home and fixed some lunch. Then had to load up and head to the Edmond Fine Arts Institute. We got there and started setting up. Miriam's mom did a fruit tray, and Applebee's brought chips and salsa, and brownies. We made giant lemonade pitchers, and giant fruit trays. We also had an awesome raffle. My friend Stacy Owens spent all day Saturday picking up donated items, and we sold raffle tickets for $5.00. We sold 108 tickets. Anyway came home after the party and kinda vegged out. We watched some football, and had some visitors. Sherrie and the kids gave me an awesome new dog tag... It is black (Like my heart) and has the Chinese symbol for "Live your dreams" on the back it says "Love Sherrie, Jordan, and Trey" 09/15/2009. Miriam gave me a St. Christopher pendant from James Avery, and Mike and Marilyn Isbell gave me a St. Christopher necklace. In addition to that I am wearing a 805 Fight Club dog tag, and my dad's dog tags from the Air Force. I kinda look like Mr.T right now. Each and every piece means something very special to me. My friend Chad Lovett brought me a couple of gifts from some Native American Medicine Men. He also gave me specific directions and what to use them for. I also got a card and donation from my friends Mark and Mickey. I am truly blessed to have so many great friends. I am going to spend the next few hours with Sherrie... I will write tonight about everything we have done today!

Love you all!

Mat

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Friday, September 11th, 2009

Namaste,

Friday started a little crazy! I took the kid's to school, and then headed to Norman to finish some business with one of my clinic's. Then of course traffic on Broadway extension was bad. I swung by Silverhorn to pick up a certificate for four rounds of golf and cart, for our raffle on Sunday. Then I had to hit Starbucks on the way to work. Work was busy. There was plenty to get done, being as it was my last day of work for about a month! After work I came home and got Sherrie, she took me to Red Lobster for dinner. I has a small piece of Salmon. It was good, but I could not eat very much. We stopped by the ghetto Wal-Mart, and they had the water bottle that I was looking for. Then Sherrie and I went to the Edmond Santa Fe, Edmond Memorial game. We stayed into the fourth quarter. My personnel opinion is Santa Fe's coaching staff needs a kick in the pants. We came home and I took a shower, then crashed. I slept until 8:00 this morning. We are heading over to the Farmers Market this morning. Then we are suppose to pick up a gift certificate at Jon Ric, Pick up my pictures at Framing Gallery, and meet up with Miriam this afternoon. Time to get started.

Love you all!

Mat

Friday, September 11, 2009

Thursday, September 10th, 2009

Namaste,


Thursday was very busy! Took the kids to school, then Starbucks for that cup of bold! Got to work, and got busy. Thursdays are the busiest day of week. We have to make sure we have everything we need for the weekend. I also had a few projects that I needed to see completed before I leave town for a month! Anyway.... I worked until almost six, then home, i did some research on PLB's, personal locating devices. I think it may be too big of a chance they are not going to work in the Solo-Kumbu, soooo, I guess I won't try it. It would cost $257.00 to buy a SPOT and with no guarantee????? I watched the first NFL football game of the year. Turned out to be a great game, even overtime. I woke up at 3:30 this morning.... Just could not sleep! Time to get ready for work!


Love you all!

Mat

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Wednesday, September 9th, 2009

Namaste,

Wednesday, was a good day. Took the kid's to school then hit Starbucks for my cup of bold. Headed to work, we had plenty to do today. We had Pharmacy and Therapeutics, and a conference call this afternoon. My friend Miriam came to see me today. She wanted to let me know where we were with the send off party. Anyway.... After work I headed to the gym and ran for 20 minutes, rode the bike for 20 minutes, cleaned the mats, and the did some boxing with a couple of younglings... One of them is a young lady with a mean hook.... I will have a few sore ribs tomorrow. Time for bed....

Love you all!

Mat

Tuesday, September 8th, 2009

Namaste,

Tuesday was good. There was a lot of catch up from the three day weekend. I have been doing a bunch of clean up work.... Like organizing bills, and just buttoning up little things. Anyway, after work I headed over to the gym, and mopped the mats, then went upstairs and ran, rode the bike, and then rolled with Tyler, Brad, and a couple of new guy's. I came home showered and worked on some new pictures. I was pretty darn tired so I crashed out early. Time to get ready for work. Love you all!

Mat

Monday, September 7, 2009

Monday, September 7th, 2009

Trey and I headed to Starbucks at 8:00 this morning. I had a Venti bold, and Trey had a Hot chocolate and Apple fritter. We headed down to the zoo, and got there 15 minutes before the zoo opened. It was really nice out this morning.We headed over to where the big dogs are, then around the Giraffe's, Oklahoma country, Great Ape's, Big Cat's, over to the pachyderms, aviary, then we stopped for a pik-nik. Trey made us some sangwhiches this morning, and I threw some granola, and trail mix in the bag. After lunch we headed to the butterfly garden, and up by the sea lions.... It was almost 1:00 and the zoo was soooo packed, it was time to go. Trey told me his day was about a 9.7 so I took him to Pink Swirl for so yogurt, and that put us over the top. We came home and I downloaded our pictures. We watched Transformers, and at 5:15 I headed to the gym. We had a board of directors meeting at 6:00 and then an awesome workout. I came home at 8:00 and Sherrie had made some Chicken. I am going to workout tomorrow night, Wednesday night, then that will prolly be it other than some running Thursday, Friday, and Saturday mornings. I have a few bumps and bruises that I need to heal up. I have had a bad pain in my left foot for a couple of weeks. It may be my new shoe's. I am going to wear them to work tomorrow and see if they just need a little more breaking in. I wore them to the zoo today. I may just have them too tight. Anyway.... Heading to bed!

Good night! Love you all!

Mat

Saturday & Sunday, September 5th & 6th, 2009

Namaste,

Good Morning! It is Monday, but I'm not going to work!!!! It's Labor Day! Why do we not work on Labor Day? Seems counter intuitive? Anyway... Saturday, was a great day... I went to the Farmers Market and picked up a few things, some beans, squash, and some whole grain pizza crust. Went to the gym and cleaned the mats, then Tyler showed up, and we decided to do the class together. Turn out was weak but we all got great workouts. After class I came home and we had some shopping to do. We made it home and spent the rest of the afternoon watching football. We had a couple of friends come over for the OU disaster. We made sangwhiches, and I re-packed my equipment bag, and inventoried it. Sunday morning I worked in the parking lot at church, stayed for a great service, and then home. Sherrie mowed our lawn, then we headed to Ricardo's.... He and Jenni get back from Spain today... So I wanted their lawn to be in shape when the get home. One less thing for them to worry about. I brought Sherrie home, and went to do my mom's lawn. I cruised through it. Once I got it in shape this summer, it is pretty easy to maintain. When I got home Trey and I ran to Wal-Mart, so I could pick up a few things. I needed a new notebook, and three hole punch. I came home and started organizing my clothes bag. We had family dinner together, then to the book store. I wanted to pick up a couple of books for my trip, but could not find anything that peaked my interest. We relaxed the rest of the night. Trey and I are going to the zoo this morning. I want to spend some time with him today. Jordan has to work or I would make her go too.

Love you all!

Mat

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Friday, September 4th, 2009

Namaste,

Friday! Yea..... Got up at five and put on my running gear. Took off at a pretty good pace. It was not too chilly, so I kept my pace for about thirty minutes. I ran 5k, and felt pretty good. My recovery time is great. I was not even winded, and my legs felt great. I took the kids to school, and stopped at Starbucks.... It was yummy! After work came home and got Sherrie. We stopped at Louie's and shared a pizza, then went to the Santa Fe game. It was ED-LAM and Santa Fe was playing Edmond North. Well..... Santa Fe is always good, and North always is not! Santa Fe, played like crap. Were coached like Crap, and executed like crap. We left after the third quarter and North was winning 14 - 0. I guess Santa Fe got some things rolling and scored a couple of touchdowns but, lost 14 - 13. Came home and crashed out. Alarm clock went off at 5:00 this morning. I don't know why???? I took Jordan to work at 6:00 and came home and started dusting! I am going to get dressed and head to the farmers market then to the gym. I am teaching some ladies this morning. Tyler is having a jui-jit-su class, I want to get a little piece of that too!

Love you all!

Mat

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Thursday, September 3rd, 2009

Namaste,

Good evening! Thursdays are pretty busy.... Especially with a three day weekend coming up. I have to make sure we have everything ordered because, we won't get an order before Tuesday. After work I went by the gym, and mopped the mats, picked up trash, and met my buddy Justin Booher. Justin owns Vital Signs, and he made a vinyl decal for our front door at the gym. He stopped by the gym and put it on for us. From there I went over to Mike Champlin's house to watch the South Carolina Vs. NC State. It was a horribly played game, but Mike's dad brought Billy Simms Bar-B-Que. Mike Sr. is one of the most intriguing individuals I have ever been around. He is also one of the most intelligent people I have ever met. We talked mostly about football, religion, life, love, and more football. It was a really great night. I have my running gear laid out and plan on running four miles in the morning! I hope it's not as chilly as it was this morning. I have all of my long sleeve shirts packed!

Love you all!

Mat

Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009

Namaste,

Wednesday was good.... It was just Jodi and I, so there was plenty to do. We have monthly audits due, so I worked on them for most of the afternoon. After work I headed down to the Chase Building.... I did the 70 flights in fourteen minutes flat. That was one minute and twelve seconds faster than my last time. It was good.... My legs are not sore this morning which is a good sign for me. I headed to the gym, where several guys were already there in the cage. I jumped in and we did two minutes rounds, just take downs. I felt pretty good bout my rolls. I went hard, and felt great. We had several new students in class, so the flow of class was off. I rolled with Wes Tull a couple of times. He is strong as an ox, and very wiry! Came home and had some pasta filled with fat free ricotta cheese. Yummy! Time for work!

Love you all!

Mat

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Tuesday, September 1st, 2009

Namaste,

Good Morning.... Tuesday was a good day. Work was fine, not to busy. I ran to Summit Co. at lunch to give the guy's there an invitation to the send off. The have some soap, body wash, and hand cleaner that comes in little dissolvable sheets like Listerine breath strips. I got one of each. They have 50 "Leaves" each. I went back to work and added a couple of links to my website. I added the newspaper story, and the Great State Report, it makes it easier for people to find them. Anyway... After work I headed straight to the gym, where I cleaned the floors, then my friend Stacy Phillips came and we did a cardio circuit, then we did combos, and started working kicks. At 6:30 I left and came home... Sherrie had grilled some Turkey Burgers, and after a little clean up, I finished some Senior Pictures, and copied a DVD for a lady at work who made a very generous donation to "The Quest" yesterday. Time to get ready for work!

Love you all!

Mat

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Monday, August 31st, 2009

Namaste,

Good morning! My phone and email continue to blow up, which is what the whole Quest is about. I spent 2 and a half hours before work, answering emails. Hit Starbucks for a cup of coffee, then to work. Work was not bad.... After work I headed straight to the gym. It was a mess. Mike and Travis finished the boxing ring and had cement dust everywhere. Tyler and I cleaned the mats, and I went upstairs to the weight room. I ran for 20 minutes, rode the bike for 15 minutes, and lifted for 30 minutes. When people started to show I went downstairs, and helped with class. I took all of the women and kids, and we worked 3 punch combo's, 8 count combo's, clinches, and knee's. It was a pretty good workout. I came straight home showered and headed to bed. I did watch a little bit of the Vikings preseason game. My number one draft pick Adrian Peterson took the first snap from scrimmage and went seventy five yards for the touchdown. Very Nice!

Love you all!

Mat

Monday, August 31, 2009

Sunday, August 30th, 2009

Namaste,

Sunday was great... My phone started going crazy at 3am, I jumped up to see what was going on and there were contact forms from my website, telling me how my story was inspirational, so I woke Sherrie up and told her the story must be in the paper. My great friend Clark, was adament we attend church at Journey Church in Norman, so I called Peoples Church, and let them know Trey and I would not be there to work in the parking lot. We got to church right about the time church was starting and set down after praise and worship... Clark held up the paper and had me stand and honored me. I got a little teary.... After church, I had hundreds of people come up and shake my hand. Pretty cool! Trey, Sherrie and I stopped by Quail Springs to try and find Mike a birthday present. You can't find basketball jerseys in Oklahoma in the middle of summer! We have a pro team here now for the love of all that's holy! Anyway... Headed over to my buddy Jason's for the Fantasy Football draft. I picked #1 and went with...... Adrian Peterson! Not my style, but everyone including the girl at 7 - 11, told me to go with Peterson. Sherrie made a great baked Tilapia for dinner, then Ben and Kinzy stopped by. When they left, Sherrie and I went for a run. We ran around our whole neighborhood two times, and then walked a third. We almost got carried away by mosquito's. I have at this point had at least 50 emails about my story. I have been ask if I would like to talk to a writer, and have been ask about doing some more speaking. This is what the quest is all about! Time for work!

Love you all!

Mat

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Saturday, August 29th, 2009

Namaste,

Saturday was quite busy. Started off really crappy. Sherrie and I attended my friend Kelly's memorial service. The service was nice, but very sad. Her kid's are so beautiful, and while her eleven year old son Mason, was inconsolable, her daughter Morgan who is five probably could not comprehend the magnitude of what has happened. At the end of the service, I shook Kelly's husband Robert's hand. I want to say something but I could not get words to come out of my mouth. I really, really wanted a glass of wine, but that was not to be..... Sherrie and I went to have a bite for lunch. We went to Charlestons, by the airport. We ordered and neither one of us ate much, so we brought it all home. Guess whats for lunch today? We stopped by Epperson photo, and picked up a lens cap for my 2.8, 18 -55 lens. It is one of my favorites, and I lost my lens cap somewhere in Utah. Anyway we came home and loaded up the car and headed over to mom's to do her lawn, then home to do ours. Shower.... Then time to head to Brick Town to do a photo shoot for a family. They have three small boys, and shooting children is a challenge! We stopped by Chelino's and saw Sherrie's mom. Shared some nachos then home to start editing pictures. Some of them are really cute. Anyway time to get ready for church!

Love you all!

Mat

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Friday, August 28th, 2009

Namaste,

Friday was ridiculously busy.... Took the kids to school, then stopped by Starbucks, then on to work. Got everything going and things were pretty smooth. At 2:00 I took off and went to Edmond Hospital to be with my mom before she went into surgery. She has a couple of fingers that are not working, and the doctor wanted to open a little tunnel to release a tendon. She did great, but when I was leaving the hospital... The Edmond police had the road blocked and a helicopter was coming in, but he couldn't find the helipad. Soooo I sat on Bryant for 20 minutes. I went back by the hospital, and checked in with the girls then headed over to mom's to meet Sherrie and Trey. We had to be in Del City by 5:30 for the Oklahoma Epilepsy Association fund raiser. Sherrie was working the registration table, and I took pictures. We had musical entertainment. We had bagpipers, singers, country cloggers, tap dancers, and some other crazy stuff. Anyway....Stopped by mom's to check on her then home to sleep! I don't even remember my head hitting the pillow. Today is going to be tough. We are heading to my friend Kelly's funeral here in a little bit. It is going to be difficult to see her kids.

Have a great day!

Mat

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Thursday, August 27th, 2009

Namaste,

Thursday.... My buddy Ricardo came by the office this morning... I had his "Pimp" hat and poker chips. Ricardo and Jenni are leaving for Spain on Saturday, and I wanted to get his stuff back to him before they leave. I did take the kids to school this morning and made my stop at Starbucks. Work was fine. My friend Miriam came by the hospital, and we ended up going to lunch. We went to????? That's right Louie's! We had a good talk. The afternoon dragged along very slowly. So slow I mopped the floor in the pharmacy. I headed to the gym right after work. I ran for 20 minutes, rode the bike for 10 minutes, worked bags, jumped rope, and sweated my boy's off! We had some family obligations to take care of so I came home showered, and we took care of that stuff. Anyway... Working on wills, and other family stuff... Going to bed early!

Good Night!

Mat

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Wednesday, August 26th, 2009

Namaste,

Wednesday started out pretty good! I took the kid's to school then a stop by Starbucks for a cup of bold. Today was Sumatran.... When I got to work, I kicked it old school style. Got a lot done early, and thank God.... Our State Board of Pharmacy Inspector came by for our yearly inspection. He is a pretty good guy. It helps that he is a huge OU fan. We passed with flying colors. At lunch one of our Doctors brought us food. I did have to run to ERMC and pick up a few items. The afternoon went pretty slow. I went straight to the gym and started cleaning. Then put it on! I ran, rode the bike, ran stairs, crunches, and lifted. Once other people showed up we started setting up for class. Sherrie called me and let me know.... A good friend of mine, Kelly Parr lost her three year battle with liver cancer. Kelly and I worked together for several years. She was a beautiful woman, mother, and wife. I knew she was struggling but I did not know she was this sick. I am broken inside. I know she was a woman of faith, and she is in a better place, but do her children understand? Sometimes life sucks! I wish I could have a drink right now!!!!!

Good Night!

Mat

Tuesday, August 25th, 2009

Namaste,

Tuesday was pretty slow at work. Our patient count is still up, but the acuity is down. I met Ben Crocker for lunch. We went to Which-Which, while we were sitting there, DJ White from the OKC Thunder came in. While he was waiting on his sangwhich, I introduced myself and thanked him for the basketball he autographed for me. That's a funny story in-itself. My buddy Mike Giroux installs electronics for Ultimate. One day he called me and told me he was going to install a TV for some Thunder Player. Turned out it was DJ. He told DJ my story, and he gladly signed the ball for me. Went to the gym straight from work. It was hotter than H-E- double toothpicks! I went upstairs to the weight room, and ran for 15 minutes on the treadmill, then did three minutes of crunches, then 6 minutes on the recumbent bike. Tyler Griffen came in. I ask if he would hold pads for me... We did 5 rounds, of Thai Pads. Pretty intense. When the guy's from class started showing up, I started getting my stuff together. I wanted to be home around seven. I have so much going on right now, I just can't afford to be at the gym until 8:30 or 9:00 every night right now. Anyway, Brad Suggs came in and wanted to roll. We rolled for a couple of rounds until they were ready to start class. I came home showered, made a turkey pizza, and did some research on the Himalayans. Time to get ready for work! Love you all!

Mat

Monday, August 24, 2009

Monday, August 24th, 2009

Namaste,

Monday was a good day. I slept in today... didn't get up until 5:30! Got my shower, and watched the news. Took the kids to school, and then headed to work. No stop at Starbucks this morning. I had a Dr's appointment at 10 this morning, and I knew I had to weigh. I got to the Dr office at 9:50, and didn't leave until noon! I got nine prescriptions, and they took 10 vials of blood. My blood pressure was 110/55 and my heart rate was 50. My body mass index was less than 1/2 of my last visit. After I left the Dr office, I stopped at Starbucks, and got my cup of bold! Went back to work and had a few IV's to make. After work I went straight to the gym. There was still a lot of work to do to get ready for the first night at the new gym. We had a good turn out, it was a little discombobulated, but we made it through. I had a pretty good workout. Got a good sweat. Came home and had a lean cuisine. Time for bed!

Love you all!

Mat

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Saturday & Sunday, August 22nd & 23rd, 2009

Namaste,

Well Saturday was a good day! Started by speaking at Foundation Bariatric Hospital at 9:00am. It was great. It was a small group, prolly only 30 people, which makes it like a Q & A session. After that, I came home changed clothes, and Sherrie and I met Travis Chyzy, at the Chase building. It was freaking awesome. Travis ran all the way up, while I tried to maintain a steady pace, because I was wearing my pack loaded with 55 pounds. Sherrie went to the 17th floor. I made it to the top in 9:15, and round trip in 15:12. That's a minute and a half faster than last time, and last time I did not have my pack. Sherrie and I went to meet with Stephen at Applebee's then out to Micheal's looking for a basket, for the Epilepsy Foundation. We went to the mall to return a shirt that Sherrie had bought. Then back to Wal-Mart to get stuff for the basket. I came home and got my lawn equipment, then headed to mom's. I knocked her lawn out in under an hour. That's edging, weed eating, and mowing. I came home and started edging ours, and Sherrie jumped in and did the mowing. It was awesome. We got it done. This morning, Trey and I worked in the parking lot at Peoples Church. We stayed for the service, and I'm glad it was awesome. We came home, I changed into work clothes and headed o the new gym. It was a nasty, freaking, crap hole. I spent six hours, cleaning! It is still a nasty crap hole. I came home and showered.... Grilled some veggies, chicken, and Sherrie made a big salad. I am not suppose to eat salad, but I did anyway. After dinner, we made our basket and Boomer took me for a walk. We were just going to go around the block, bu he had another agenda. He pulled out of his collar, and ran about mile. I finely got him back on his leash, and we came home. I am really, really tired and ready for bed! I am excited about getting to the gym tomorrow and training. I have a Doctors appointment in the morning. Just have to get shots and stuff for my trip.

Love you all!

Mat