Good Morning,
Sunday.... Well Sunday started off with a drive from Monticello, to Moab, just 54 miles to the North. Along the way, we stopped on the side of HWY 191 to take some pictures of Mt. Peal. It has been completely socked in with weather all week. It was shrouded with clouds and just beautiful. We arrived at Navtec, and met our river guide, his name is Brian. Brian is 29 years old and lives in an RV behind Navtec. He guides here in the summer and then goes somewhere else to guide in the winter (Panama, or Central America). Mike and I were already packed in our river bags, so we went across the street to get a coffee. We had been ask to go a day early to accommodate four other boaters that were going down. With the water levels as high as they are right now the more people you have in a group the safer. We met the first couple, Mark and Mickey. Mark is from England, and a Cameraman, producer for the BBC. Mickey is from Germany, and is the Head Public affairs Officer for the IMF. They live in Washington DC, and have been married for 7 years. I can not tell you how awesome this couple is. Mickey has this quick wit about her and was by far keeping up with Mike in the comedy department. Mark is a very large teddy bear, very even keeled. The other's that joined our group, were Lisa, and Aimee. They are both Orthopedic Surgeons in Minnesota. Mark, and Mickey met Lisa, and Aimee, last year while dog sledding in Minnesota. They are awesome, as well. You would never had known they were doctors if Mark did not tell us. Soooo.... Off to Potash were we put the boat in the water. We loaded all of our equipment, and headed down in the sport boat. The difference in the sport boat is it has a small motor to get us 50 miles down to our first camp ground. Along the way Brian and Mike pointed out all of the river features we were seeing including Anastazi ruins and pictographs, and petrogliphs. We stopped in a grove of Tamirisk trees and went for about a mile hike, while Brian fixed a smoked Salmon lunch. We found more Anastazi ruins and took lot's of pictures. After lunch we motored on down to Spanish Bottoms, the campground where we stayed the first night. Spanish Bottom, is directly over the top of the first set of rapids. It is also on the canyon floor just 2000 vertical feet below the Dolls House. We set up camp and did a little exploring. All six of us now know as the rock group "Doll's House", hiked down to look at the first and second set of rapids. GNARLY!!!Water was pushing at 55,000 cubic feet per second!! It started raining on us and we headed back down to camp. When we got to camp Brian had started dinner. Grilling chicken, ribs, potatoes, and brownies, all on a camp fire. Mickey loves Bear Grylis, and bought a magnesium fire starting kit. She built a small fire next to the pit and we all huddled around it as it began to pour. We all held a tarp over the top of the fire to keep the food dry. We ate when it was ready, and took turns holding the tarp. We all ran to our tents after dinner except Mike, and Brian, who decided to sleep under the stars, or in this case rain. I thought I would be the first up at 5:00, but Mike's sleeping bag was empty and he was way down the canyon. I broke down my camp site and, got dressed for the day. I took some really beautiful pictures of the cliffs reflecting off of the Colorado river. Brian cooked blueberry pancakes for breakfast and everyone else started breaking down their campsites. I started up the very steep (2000 vertical feet) Doll's House climb. I was moving quite fast, and stopped to take several pictures. Once I reached the plateau on top I found a shady spot, and waited on the others. I took pictures of each of them as they came over the rim. We continued on through the Doll's house to Beehive arch, and did some slot canyoning, and spelunking. Then Brian led us back to a cave Butch Cassidy used as a hideout, and we had lunch in there. We then went on a side hike to Surprise valley. BEA-uitful! I took the lead down to camp and ran down the hill, working on foot placement and eye foot coordination. Once down to camp the other two support boats were there. The paddle boat guide Collin. Cass in a safety boat, and Cass's friend Josh. All of these guy's were freaking awesome. We inflated the paddle boat, and loaded our stuff then Mark, Mickey, Aimee, and Lisa, got in the 13 footer, and Mike and I were in the sport boat, we hit the first set of rapids, and holy crap!!!!! I was not prepared for the shock... It was comparable to a car wreck at 25 mile an hour. I came off my spot and ended up in the bottom of the boat. Mike helped me back to my seat, and we waited in the eddy for the paddle boat. The guy's cruised through Brown Betty, like she was nothing! Very impressive. We continued down 15 more sets of rapids, us leading then waiting in the eddy for the paddlers. At the 1/2 way point we camped at a beach just above "Big Drop One"! OK.... I have to go get dressed, Mike and I are going with Dessert Highlights rappelling in 30 minuted it's a guided tour through "The Fiery Furnace" wit two rappels one of 120 feet and one of 60! I will work on the blog when we get back!
Love you!
Mat
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Update!
Hey!!!!
Just wanted to drop a note! Mike and I survived the largest white water rafting trip in North America. We did one day in a sport boat, and today I was with a group who needed an extra paddler in a 13 foot paddle boat. By far one of the coolest things I have ever done. We have hiked around 30 miles, and rafted 140 miles and it's only Tuesday. I can wait for you all to see the pictures. I have made some great new friends, and expect to see them again soon on another crazy mission. I will detail the last 3 days tomorrow. Right now I must SSSLLLEEEEEEEEPPPP!!!
Good Night!
Mat
Just wanted to drop a note! Mike and I survived the largest white water rafting trip in North America. We did one day in a sport boat, and today I was with a group who needed an extra paddler in a 13 foot paddle boat. By far one of the coolest things I have ever done. We have hiked around 30 miles, and rafted 140 miles and it's only Tuesday. I can wait for you all to see the pictures. I have made some great new friends, and expect to see them again soon on another crazy mission. I will detail the last 3 days tomorrow. Right now I must SSSLLLEEEEEEEEPPPP!!!
Good Night!
Mat
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Thursday, Friday, Saturday May 21st, 22nd, and 23rd.
Namaste,
Thursday was busy. I had all of my lawn equipment loaded up in my mom's truck. At lunch I ran over to Cindy and Roger's to do their lawn, before they got home from vacation. I took a change of clothes with me and just changed into some jogging pants, and lawn shoes. I did their lawn in just about an hour, including a very discreet shower with their water hose. After work, I jammed home and got the family. I shot my friends, Stacy and Ted's wedding reception, (More of a party) it was at Thunder Road. A biker bar just a couple of miles away from the house. Got home and edited the pictures. Got up early Friday, and got straight to work. Made the IV's for the holiday weekend, and then got out about 10:00. When Mike pulled up to the house, I was in the garage waiting we jumped in his Rover and hit the highway! As always we got pulled over in Texass! Mike got a ticket from a redneck, backwards highway patrolman. We got into Gallup around Midnight. We looked for a hotel, and ended up at the Roadrunner! DAMN! What do you expect from a $26.00 per night hotel. One sheet, chalk outlines on the carpet, other unmentionables on the carpet. The bath tub was so rusted that I thought i was going to fall through. The water pressure was more like cool air coming out. I will post some pictures, it was gross. We motored on to Moab at 6:00 this morning. Arriving about 11:00. We took some side highways for some photo op's. We went to Navtec to check in, and to Moab Brewery for lunch. I eat there every time I come to Moab. We hit a couple of shops in town then out to canyon lands. We did the confluence overlook trail 5.5 miles each way. This was some of the most intense hiking I have ever done. We jumped over 100 foot crevasses, scaled 200 foot rock walls, and stopped to take lot's of pictures. We did the whole hike in 3 hours and 51 minutes. It was amazing. I got some beautiful pictures today. One has the most beautiful purples, one has pinks. Anyway, We are staying in Monticello tonight. We have to be at Navtec tomorrow morning at 8:00. I will be out of cell phone service for 4 days. I will update the blog as soon as we get back to civilization. Love you all!
Mat
Thursday was busy. I had all of my lawn equipment loaded up in my mom's truck. At lunch I ran over to Cindy and Roger's to do their lawn, before they got home from vacation. I took a change of clothes with me and just changed into some jogging pants, and lawn shoes. I did their lawn in just about an hour, including a very discreet shower with their water hose. After work, I jammed home and got the family. I shot my friends, Stacy and Ted's wedding reception, (More of a party) it was at Thunder Road. A biker bar just a couple of miles away from the house. Got home and edited the pictures. Got up early Friday, and got straight to work. Made the IV's for the holiday weekend, and then got out about 10:00. When Mike pulled up to the house, I was in the garage waiting we jumped in his Rover and hit the highway! As always we got pulled over in Texass! Mike got a ticket from a redneck, backwards highway patrolman. We got into Gallup around Midnight. We looked for a hotel, and ended up at the Roadrunner! DAMN! What do you expect from a $26.00 per night hotel. One sheet, chalk outlines on the carpet, other unmentionables on the carpet. The bath tub was so rusted that I thought i was going to fall through. The water pressure was more like cool air coming out. I will post some pictures, it was gross. We motored on to Moab at 6:00 this morning. Arriving about 11:00. We took some side highways for some photo op's. We went to Navtec to check in, and to Moab Brewery for lunch. I eat there every time I come to Moab. We hit a couple of shops in town then out to canyon lands. We did the confluence overlook trail 5.5 miles each way. This was some of the most intense hiking I have ever done. We jumped over 100 foot crevasses, scaled 200 foot rock walls, and stopped to take lot's of pictures. We did the whole hike in 3 hours and 51 minutes. It was amazing. I got some beautiful pictures today. One has the most beautiful purples, one has pinks. Anyway, We are staying in Monticello tonight. We have to be at Navtec tomorrow morning at 8:00. I will be out of cell phone service for 4 days. I will update the blog as soon as we get back to civilization. Love you all!
Mat
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Wednesday, May 20th
Namaste,
Wednesday was pretty slow all together..... After work I made a mad dash to Academy to get one more pair of board shorts, and a sun glasses retainer. Hit the turn pike and hauled out to Okarche for Caleb Brown's Birthday Party. I got there about 20 minutes early and my stomach was about to eat it's self so I ordered nachos. When Caleb, Joy and their friends showed up, I wasn't hungry and only ate 2 bites of chicken. I had to meet Ashley and Blake here at the house at 8:30 to see their wedding pictures. I think they really liked them. After they left I reorganized my electronics bag, and camera bag. I am so excited tomorrow is the big day! Colorado, and Utah.... Here I come!
Love you All!
Mat
Wednesday was pretty slow all together..... After work I made a mad dash to Academy to get one more pair of board shorts, and a sun glasses retainer. Hit the turn pike and hauled out to Okarche for Caleb Brown's Birthday Party. I got there about 20 minutes early and my stomach was about to eat it's self so I ordered nachos. When Caleb, Joy and their friends showed up, I wasn't hungry and only ate 2 bites of chicken. I had to meet Ashley and Blake here at the house at 8:30 to see their wedding pictures. I think they really liked them. After they left I reorganized my electronics bag, and camera bag. I am so excited tomorrow is the big day! Colorado, and Utah.... Here I come!
Love you All!
Mat
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Monday, & Tuesday, May 18th & 19th
Namaste,
Monday, came and went... As I mentioned, I am pretty much packed for my trip next week. Just trying to keep up with my laundry, and stay focused on training. I went to the gym directly from work. With Mike Giroux in Thailand, and Ben Crocker in Tennessee, I lead class until Tyler Griffen drove in from Tulsa. We had a great turn out. We started with some stretching and a light jog. I set up a circuit, and it was pretty intense. After the circuit, Mr. Griffen showed us some ground and pound, and we started "King of the Cage!" KOC is when someone is up against the cage, and another guy shoots in. As soon as the shooter makes contact, the other guy tries to turn him into the cage or take him down. If you get turned.... Your on the wall, until you turn someone else. Most of the time once it goes to the ground you keep working until submission or exhaustion. I had several good turns and one awesome one against Tyler. Tyler is one of our professional fighters, and a solid human being to boot. Tuesday, after work Jordan had her last vocal concert. Since she was accepted to cosmetology school, it will take all of her electives. I wanted Sushi for dinner, so Trey and I went to Mr. Sushi.... Out of business.... So I drove to Buddha Tao..... Private Party.... Not open to the public. I guess it wasn't meant to be. Came home and had Bennie weenies! Oh well! Have a great day!
Love ya!
Mat
Monday, came and went... As I mentioned, I am pretty much packed for my trip next week. Just trying to keep up with my laundry, and stay focused on training. I went to the gym directly from work. With Mike Giroux in Thailand, and Ben Crocker in Tennessee, I lead class until Tyler Griffen drove in from Tulsa. We had a great turn out. We started with some stretching and a light jog. I set up a circuit, and it was pretty intense. After the circuit, Mr. Griffen showed us some ground and pound, and we started "King of the Cage!" KOC is when someone is up against the cage, and another guy shoots in. As soon as the shooter makes contact, the other guy tries to turn him into the cage or take him down. If you get turned.... Your on the wall, until you turn someone else. Most of the time once it goes to the ground you keep working until submission or exhaustion. I had several good turns and one awesome one against Tyler. Tyler is one of our professional fighters, and a solid human being to boot. Tuesday, after work Jordan had her last vocal concert. Since she was accepted to cosmetology school, it will take all of her electives. I wanted Sushi for dinner, so Trey and I went to Mr. Sushi.... Out of business.... So I drove to Buddha Tao..... Private Party.... Not open to the public. I guess it wasn't meant to be. Came home and had Bennie weenies! Oh well! Have a great day!
Love ya!
Mat
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, May 15th, 16th, 17th, 2009
Hello Everyone!
What an amazing last few days. Let's start with Friday, The first "Mat's Quest Golf Tournament". What a exhausting challenge. We pulled it off with a ton of help. Starting with Ricardo Villarreal, who lead the charge. Crystal Cox, who I call my assistant, "Big Ben" Crocker, my friend and training partner, Brandy Stewart, my cheerleader, My family for putting up with my OCD, My co-workers for putting up with my OCD, all of my friends, and training partners for putting up with my OCD.... Do you see a pattern? We were semi-successful, with only about half of our golf teams showing up. I don't know what happened, but it was just fine the way it worked out! Friday after the tournament Sherrie and I came home chilled, and watched a movie. (I crashed) Boomer woke me up at 4:30 Saturday morning. I never went back to sleep, so I got up and cleaned up the garage. I took my signs from the golf course and stapled them to the wall. It's my wall of support. I cleaned the kitchen, living room, and game room, got a shower, then took Sherrie shopping.... I met Lindsay Hall at Dillard's in Penn Square at 1:15 so she could get her make-up done, then down to the Myriad Gardens for her bridal portraits. They look great. After the pictures I brought Sherrie home grabbed a shower, then jetted down to the south side to see my good friend Joy D. Brown graduate from nursing school. I am really proud of Joy, she is very goal oriented and she always gets what she wants. I met Sherrie at BJ's after that we had some Avocado Egg rolls, and then home. I got up at 6:20 this morning.... Slept in! To the church by 8:15, then home by 10:30, then off to mow my friends Roger and Cindy's yard. It looks great! Home to do my lawn, and then, and then, I took a 45 minute nap. Off to Crest for groceries. Lindsay came over to see her bridal portraits, and Joy and Caleb came over to watch some basketball. Going to bed! I leave Friday for Utah, and Colorado. I forgot to mention this afternoon I packed everything for my trip, laid out my clothes for work this week, and clothes for the gym this week. And my family calls me OCD!
Good Night, and God Bless!
Mat
What an amazing last few days. Let's start with Friday, The first "Mat's Quest Golf Tournament". What a exhausting challenge. We pulled it off with a ton of help. Starting with Ricardo Villarreal, who lead the charge. Crystal Cox, who I call my assistant, "Big Ben" Crocker, my friend and training partner, Brandy Stewart, my cheerleader, My family for putting up with my OCD, My co-workers for putting up with my OCD, all of my friends, and training partners for putting up with my OCD.... Do you see a pattern? We were semi-successful, with only about half of our golf teams showing up. I don't know what happened, but it was just fine the way it worked out! Friday after the tournament Sherrie and I came home chilled, and watched a movie. (I crashed) Boomer woke me up at 4:30 Saturday morning. I never went back to sleep, so I got up and cleaned up the garage. I took my signs from the golf course and stapled them to the wall. It's my wall of support. I cleaned the kitchen, living room, and game room, got a shower, then took Sherrie shopping.... I met Lindsay Hall at Dillard's in Penn Square at 1:15 so she could get her make-up done, then down to the Myriad Gardens for her bridal portraits. They look great. After the pictures I brought Sherrie home grabbed a shower, then jetted down to the south side to see my good friend Joy D. Brown graduate from nursing school. I am really proud of Joy, she is very goal oriented and she always gets what she wants. I met Sherrie at BJ's after that we had some Avocado Egg rolls, and then home. I got up at 6:20 this morning.... Slept in! To the church by 8:15, then home by 10:30, then off to mow my friends Roger and Cindy's yard. It looks great! Home to do my lawn, and then, and then, I took a 45 minute nap. Off to Crest for groceries. Lindsay came over to see her bridal portraits, and Joy and Caleb came over to watch some basketball. Going to bed! I leave Friday for Utah, and Colorado. I forgot to mention this afternoon I packed everything for my trip, laid out my clothes for work this week, and clothes for the gym this week. And my family calls me OCD!
Good Night, and God Bless!
Mat
Friday, May 15, 2009
Thursday, May 14th, 2009
Hellooooooo....
Yes it's 4:30 in the freakin morning! Today is golf tournament day! Yesterday was buck wild. Signed Chili's, and Louie's, as sponsors. Nothing like waiting till the last minute. Had 32 more signs made. Went to the beautiful Kristi Brummitt's 40th birthday surprise birthday party, ran 3 miles in my new skids, put together the registration sheet.... Slept for two hours! Let's do this thang! I'm ready to get it on!
Love ya!
Mat
Yes it's 4:30 in the freakin morning! Today is golf tournament day! Yesterday was buck wild. Signed Chili's, and Louie's, as sponsors. Nothing like waiting till the last minute. Had 32 more signs made. Went to the beautiful Kristi Brummitt's 40th birthday surprise birthday party, ran 3 miles in my new skids, put together the registration sheet.... Slept for two hours! Let's do this thang! I'm ready to get it on!
Love ya!
Mat
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Tuesday, and Wednesday, May 12th, & 13th
Good Morn!
Been a very busy past two days! Focusing on the Golf tournament. Tuesday, I had planned on working on the yard, and getting some of the tournament stuff organised. Ran to the mall after work to find some new scrubs, ended up finding a nice pair of running shoes on sale. Ran back to the hospital to pick up one of my notebooks I needed, and while on the way home got several phone calls saying there may be no one at the gym to teach. Ran home changed, and got there quickly. We made up a awesome circuit. Had a really good turn out. We worked the circuit then broke up into smaller groups for ground and pound, and kick boxing. Wednesday.... Had a meeting with Big Ben Crocker at lunch. After work we ran to Sam's to pick up the supplies for the cook out. We spent 36 cents over budget. Ran to Ricardo's house to match up with him, we brain stormed on golfers, then worked on hole signs after that.... Should be done with that! Here we go!
Love ya'll!
Mat
Been a very busy past two days! Focusing on the Golf tournament. Tuesday, I had planned on working on the yard, and getting some of the tournament stuff organised. Ran to the mall after work to find some new scrubs, ended up finding a nice pair of running shoes on sale. Ran back to the hospital to pick up one of my notebooks I needed, and while on the way home got several phone calls saying there may be no one at the gym to teach. Ran home changed, and got there quickly. We made up a awesome circuit. Had a really good turn out. We worked the circuit then broke up into smaller groups for ground and pound, and kick boxing. Wednesday.... Had a meeting with Big Ben Crocker at lunch. After work we ran to Sam's to pick up the supplies for the cook out. We spent 36 cents over budget. Ran to Ricardo's house to match up with him, we brain stormed on golfers, then worked on hole signs after that.... Should be done with that! Here we go!
Love ya'll!
Mat
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Monday, May 11th, 2009
Monday,
Monday..... Well Monday! Right now we are focusing on signing golf teams. WE NEED GOLFERS! I never imagined how difficult it would be to sign golfers! In a town of 100,000 with 67 golf courses, and friends who work at golf courses, it should not be that hard. We lost two teams yesterday, due to this guy has to work, or this guy doesn't like that guy, but we also signed two new teams. Delta Cafe donated four $10.00 gift certificates, and Academy donated a $50.00 gift card. Had a great run, then helped teach a great class last night. We worked on 3 punch combo's then a little ground and pound. We have raffle tickets on sale for a $1300.00 Serta perfect sleeper mattress, $5.00 each!
God bless!
Mat
Monday..... Well Monday! Right now we are focusing on signing golf teams. WE NEED GOLFERS! I never imagined how difficult it would be to sign golfers! In a town of 100,000 with 67 golf courses, and friends who work at golf courses, it should not be that hard. We lost two teams yesterday, due to this guy has to work, or this guy doesn't like that guy, but we also signed two new teams. Delta Cafe donated four $10.00 gift certificates, and Academy donated a $50.00 gift card. Had a great run, then helped teach a great class last night. We worked on 3 punch combo's then a little ground and pound. We have raffle tickets on sale for a $1300.00 Serta perfect sleeper mattress, $5.00 each!
God bless!
Mat
Monday, May 11, 2009
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, May 8th, 9th, & 10th!
Good Morn!
Friday was Sherrie's Birthday. We met Mike Champlin, and Michelle Beaugard, at Longhorn Steakhouse for dinner. Had a great time chit chattin, and being goofy. After dinner Sherrie and Michelle went to see Star Trek, I went home took a shower, and went to bed. The kid's were at mom's...... Got an early start Saturday morning, Blake and his groomsmen, had an 9:15 tee time at Kickingbird. I went and took several pictures. We had a thunderstorm come through as we were on the first tee box, and that caused a thirty minute delay. I took pictures on the first three holes. Ashley sent me a text to let me know they were on their way to the salon to do hair and make-up. Drove over there and took several hundred pictures. Came home and got a thirty minute nap. Got dressed and headed over to Choctaw were the wedding was going to be. A beautiful place called "I cross my heart!" I got there at 5:45 and shot until 10:30. Made it home by 11:00 and started editing pictures until I left for church Sunday morning at 8:00. Worked in the parking lot at church until 9:15 then went to the early service. I have to tell you I had a hard time keeping my eye's open. After church I came home and started editing pictures again. When I could no longer keep my eye's open, I laid down for an hour. When I got up I ran out to Sam's. I needed to look at food for the cookout after the golf tournament. I ended up finding a backpack I needed for the Quest. It is a huge 70 litre pack, and it had a matching mummy bag. On the way to Sam's I had a flat tire. I had to get my car to Wal*Mart where they told me my tire was ruined. Met Curtis, Lisa, Logan, and Lathan at Outback for Mother's day dinner. Of course we took mom. Had a nice dinner, and then home to????? Edit more pictures. Fell asleep on the couch at midnight. When the laptop hit the floor, I jumped up turned it off and went to bed. The alarm clock went off at 5:00 and here we are! This is golf tournament week. Need golfers!
Love you all!
Mat
Friday was Sherrie's Birthday. We met Mike Champlin, and Michelle Beaugard, at Longhorn Steakhouse for dinner. Had a great time chit chattin, and being goofy. After dinner Sherrie and Michelle went to see Star Trek, I went home took a shower, and went to bed. The kid's were at mom's...... Got an early start Saturday morning, Blake and his groomsmen, had an 9:15 tee time at Kickingbird. I went and took several pictures. We had a thunderstorm come through as we were on the first tee box, and that caused a thirty minute delay. I took pictures on the first three holes. Ashley sent me a text to let me know they were on their way to the salon to do hair and make-up. Drove over there and took several hundred pictures. Came home and got a thirty minute nap. Got dressed and headed over to Choctaw were the wedding was going to be. A beautiful place called "I cross my heart!" I got there at 5:45 and shot until 10:30. Made it home by 11:00 and started editing pictures until I left for church Sunday morning at 8:00. Worked in the parking lot at church until 9:15 then went to the early service. I have to tell you I had a hard time keeping my eye's open. After church I came home and started editing pictures again. When I could no longer keep my eye's open, I laid down for an hour. When I got up I ran out to Sam's. I needed to look at food for the cookout after the golf tournament. I ended up finding a backpack I needed for the Quest. It is a huge 70 litre pack, and it had a matching mummy bag. On the way to Sam's I had a flat tire. I had to get my car to Wal*Mart where they told me my tire was ruined. Met Curtis, Lisa, Logan, and Lathan at Outback for Mother's day dinner. Of course we took mom. Had a nice dinner, and then home to????? Edit more pictures. Fell asleep on the couch at midnight. When the laptop hit the floor, I jumped up turned it off and went to bed. The alarm clock went off at 5:00 and here we are! This is golf tournament week. Need golfers!
Love you all!
Mat
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Thursday, May 7th, 2009
Salaam Malekum!
How we doin? Thursday..... Wellllll, Started early. Went to work at seven, due to the fact that I know I need to leave early today. I was shooting a wedding rehearsal out in Choctaw. My friend Ashley Bell, is getting married Saturday. I'll get to that in a minute! I ran downtown OKC at 11:30 and picked up some pints I had done on canvas! I must say, I was blown away! They are great! I left there and went to talk to Joel at Epperson video. I needed a second body, for shooting weddings and things. When you have two bodies, you don't have to switch lenses. You have one with a telephoto, and the other with a wide angle. (Make sense?) I got down to the camera store and Joel talked me into a factory demo from last year. It's a D200, and I freakin love it! Soooo, Joel talked me into a D200, and I talked him into giving me a discount (Cost) for the Quest! I used the 200 tonight at the rehearsal. It is so crisp! Anyway, Took a couple hundred pictures at the rehearsal, then home to edit and crop! I have 73 left! Pretty good ratio for me! I need to get in bed! I want to be in the office by 7:00 in the morning. Tomorrow is Sherrie's birthday! We are going to Louie's for lunch if'n you want to go! Love you all!
Mat
How we doin? Thursday..... Wellllll, Started early. Went to work at seven, due to the fact that I know I need to leave early today. I was shooting a wedding rehearsal out in Choctaw. My friend Ashley Bell, is getting married Saturday. I'll get to that in a minute! I ran downtown OKC at 11:30 and picked up some pints I had done on canvas! I must say, I was blown away! They are great! I left there and went to talk to Joel at Epperson video. I needed a second body, for shooting weddings and things. When you have two bodies, you don't have to switch lenses. You have one with a telephoto, and the other with a wide angle. (Make sense?) I got down to the camera store and Joel talked me into a factory demo from last year. It's a D200, and I freakin love it! Soooo, Joel talked me into a D200, and I talked him into giving me a discount (Cost) for the Quest! I used the 200 tonight at the rehearsal. It is so crisp! Anyway, Took a couple hundred pictures at the rehearsal, then home to edit and crop! I have 73 left! Pretty good ratio for me! I need to get in bed! I want to be in the office by 7:00 in the morning. Tomorrow is Sherrie's birthday! We are going to Louie's for lunch if'n you want to go! Love you all!
Mat
Wednesday, May 6th, 2009
Namaste,
I'll get right to the point! Ricardo, Ben and I, met a very nice young lady from the PGA at lunch today. She has a ton of marketing tools to maximize the income potential of golf tournaments. They have mulligan games, and hole-in-one prizes.... Anyway, if we had met her several weeks ago, we would jump all over it! She is going to donate a couple of PGA Passports for prizes. Former OU basketball player, and coach Terry Evans, was in Louie's having lunch. He was there Monday too, but I chickened out! I had a basketball in my car, and I had him autograph it for the auction! After work I went straight to the gym. Had a great three mile run, then a great class. Home for a shower, dinner, and finely some rest! Tonight I have Ashley's, wedding rehearsal! I hope the weather stays nice!
Love you!
Mat
I'll get right to the point! Ricardo, Ben and I, met a very nice young lady from the PGA at lunch today. She has a ton of marketing tools to maximize the income potential of golf tournaments. They have mulligan games, and hole-in-one prizes.... Anyway, if we had met her several weeks ago, we would jump all over it! She is going to donate a couple of PGA Passports for prizes. Former OU basketball player, and coach Terry Evans, was in Louie's having lunch. He was there Monday too, but I chickened out! I had a basketball in my car, and I had him autograph it for the auction! After work I went straight to the gym. Had a great three mile run, then a great class. Home for a shower, dinner, and finely some rest! Tonight I have Ashley's, wedding rehearsal! I hope the weather stays nice!
Love you!
Mat
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Tuesday May 5th, 2009
Happy Cinco De Mayo!
We had a death in the family today! Tic was floating in his fish bowl this morning! Trey scooped him out of his tank and said a few words before sending him out to sea. We will get Tac a new friend this weekend... I'm sure his name will be toe! Pretty crappy day..... Don't really want to get into it but, went to the gym and got some really good work. Did a bunch of ground and pound. Really tired.... Going to bed!
Love you all!
Mat
We had a death in the family today! Tic was floating in his fish bowl this morning! Trey scooped him out of his tank and said a few words before sending him out to sea. We will get Tac a new friend this weekend... I'm sure his name will be toe! Pretty crappy day..... Don't really want to get into it but, went to the gym and got some really good work. Did a bunch of ground and pound. Really tired.... Going to bed!
Love you all!
Mat
Monday, May 4th, 2009
Good Morn!
Very short and sweet! Picked up Premier Martial Arts as a hole sponsor yesterday. Trey went to PMA for several years, and the owner Jason Epps is a great guy. They have an outstanding martial arts program. Check them out at www.edmondkarate.com. Received a call from Jessica Clayton director of sales and marketing from the PGA passport. Ricardo, Ben, and I, are meeting her tomorrow for lunch. Jessica knows how we can maximize the tournament for our benefit. Went to the gym straight from work... Got an awesome two mile run in, then set up an obstacles course for the class. Class went very well! Promised Sherrie I would be home at 8:00, jumped into lawn mode, and even though we have had rain for the past nine days, I had to mow the jungle. Did the whole lawn in 40 minutes! Not bad for mowing in the rain, and dark! Meeting with WorldVentures today at noon. Still trying to get the hook-up for my travel! God Bless!
Love you all!
Mat
Very short and sweet! Picked up Premier Martial Arts as a hole sponsor yesterday. Trey went to PMA for several years, and the owner Jason Epps is a great guy. They have an outstanding martial arts program. Check them out at www.edmondkarate.com. Received a call from Jessica Clayton director of sales and marketing from the PGA passport. Ricardo, Ben, and I, are meeting her tomorrow for lunch. Jessica knows how we can maximize the tournament for our benefit. Went to the gym straight from work... Got an awesome two mile run in, then set up an obstacles course for the class. Class went very well! Promised Sherrie I would be home at 8:00, jumped into lawn mode, and even though we have had rain for the past nine days, I had to mow the jungle. Did the whole lawn in 40 minutes! Not bad for mowing in the rain, and dark! Meeting with WorldVentures today at noon. Still trying to get the hook-up for my travel! God Bless!
Love you all!
Mat
Monday, May 4, 2009
Sunday, May 3rd, 2009
Namaste,
Sunday, was a pretty busy day. Got up early and headed to church, to serve in the parking lot! I help direct traffic from 8:15 to 9:15. We were having the first service in our new building, and there was a lot of confusion, due to the fact that the new entrance is on the opposite side of the building. I left there and headed down to Norman to see Clark preach. In between services, we went into his office for a little counseling..... I saw a couple who I have known for 27 years.... Walt & Cherri Strong. I visited them for a while, then headed back to Edmond... Picked up Sherrie, and Trey and went to the Edmond Art's festival to meet Chad Lovett and his family. Mike Giroux called and we met Ben Crocker up at the gym, we needed to do a few things and make a plan for the week. Ricardo & Jenni came over for dinner. They have been so instrumental in getting the golf tournament going. We are coming down the home stretch on this thing, and it will be a blessing, when it's over. Not that we are ready, but the stress is overwhelming right now! We still need golfers! Time to get ready for work! Love you all!
God Bless
Mat
Sunday, was a pretty busy day. Got up early and headed to church, to serve in the parking lot! I help direct traffic from 8:15 to 9:15. We were having the first service in our new building, and there was a lot of confusion, due to the fact that the new entrance is on the opposite side of the building. I left there and headed down to Norman to see Clark preach. In between services, we went into his office for a little counseling..... I saw a couple who I have known for 27 years.... Walt & Cherri Strong. I visited them for a while, then headed back to Edmond... Picked up Sherrie, and Trey and went to the Edmond Art's festival to meet Chad Lovett and his family. Mike Giroux called and we met Ben Crocker up at the gym, we needed to do a few things and make a plan for the week. Ricardo & Jenni came over for dinner. They have been so instrumental in getting the golf tournament going. We are coming down the home stretch on this thing, and it will be a blessing, when it's over. Not that we are ready, but the stress is overwhelming right now! We still need golfers! Time to get ready for work! Love you all!
God Bless
Mat
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Saturday, May 2nd!
Namaste,
Wow.... Saturday was amazing! As I mentioned yesterday, Sherrie and I went to Applebee's to serve breakfast for the Epilepsy foundation. We walked in the door and they were not expecting us. They gave us a tour of the kitchen, and told us just to hang out and wait for people to show up. The Oklahoma City Yard Dogs sent three players out to serve the breakfast, so Sherrie and I ended up seating people, taking their drink orders, and busing tables. We met a bunch of great people. Beverly Young from the Foundation was instrumental in helping me network with some very influential people. Applebee's does one of these pancake breakfast every month, and we will be doing one very soon. We supply the pancake eaters, and volunteers to clean, and seat people, they supply the food, and cooks for a very reasonable price. We left Applebee's at 10:00, Sherrie, and Jordan had a mother, daughter brunch at Heritage Baptist Church. Trey and I ran out to El Reno to Burger Day. We were suppose to meet a friend of mine at the Edmond arts festival but it was raining cats and dogs. Trey and I hung out at the Crimson Creek booth for a while. He won a Gold Fish in the putting contest. Trey named him Tic. After Burger day, Trey and I headed home for a bite to eat, and to get prepared for the Limb's for Life 5k. My goal was to run the 5k in 29:59 or less. I have to tell you, and Sherrie can attest to this.... I started way, way to fast. I started up with the elite runners, and tried to keep up with them for the first kilometer. Bad idea. The first two kilometers were straight uphill, which meant finishing would be nice. I struggled through the first two kilometers, then hit my stride. Everyone that had passed me.... I started passing! I had some great music cranked on the old Ipod, and making the turn at the 2.5k, felt great. I smoked the last 1/2 and finished at 30:01! TWO seconds slower than my goal. If I could do it over, I think I would not have screwed around singing, and acting goofy for the course photographers. We got home I took a quick shower, and had dinner. Then to Wal-Mart to pick-up a few items. Trey needed a fish bowl for his new friend. We ended up getting Tic, a brother his name is Tac... Get it Tic, and Tac. We got home around nine. Sherrie decided we needed to get some house work done so we cleaned house for an hour, then crashed out! Today, we move into our new building at church. I have to be in the parking lot at 8:15, then I am going to jet down to Journey Church for their service. I need to see Clark. I will be home around 1:00, then Jenni and Ricardo, are coming over to discuss the golf tournament. Yesterday, Ricardo signed Oklahoma Therapy Institute, and Serta Mattresses. I think I signed Professional Recyclers.... Time to get started! God Bless! Have a great Sunday!
Love you all!
Mat
Wow.... Saturday was amazing! As I mentioned yesterday, Sherrie and I went to Applebee's to serve breakfast for the Epilepsy foundation. We walked in the door and they were not expecting us. They gave us a tour of the kitchen, and told us just to hang out and wait for people to show up. The Oklahoma City Yard Dogs sent three players out to serve the breakfast, so Sherrie and I ended up seating people, taking their drink orders, and busing tables. We met a bunch of great people. Beverly Young from the Foundation was instrumental in helping me network with some very influential people. Applebee's does one of these pancake breakfast every month, and we will be doing one very soon. We supply the pancake eaters, and volunteers to clean, and seat people, they supply the food, and cooks for a very reasonable price. We left Applebee's at 10:00, Sherrie, and Jordan had a mother, daughter brunch at Heritage Baptist Church. Trey and I ran out to El Reno to Burger Day. We were suppose to meet a friend of mine at the Edmond arts festival but it was raining cats and dogs. Trey and I hung out at the Crimson Creek booth for a while. He won a Gold Fish in the putting contest. Trey named him Tic. After Burger day, Trey and I headed home for a bite to eat, and to get prepared for the Limb's for Life 5k. My goal was to run the 5k in 29:59 or less. I have to tell you, and Sherrie can attest to this.... I started way, way to fast. I started up with the elite runners, and tried to keep up with them for the first kilometer. Bad idea. The first two kilometers were straight uphill, which meant finishing would be nice. I struggled through the first two kilometers, then hit my stride. Everyone that had passed me.... I started passing! I had some great music cranked on the old Ipod, and making the turn at the 2.5k, felt great. I smoked the last 1/2 and finished at 30:01! TWO seconds slower than my goal. If I could do it over, I think I would not have screwed around singing, and acting goofy for the course photographers. We got home I took a quick shower, and had dinner. Then to Wal-Mart to pick-up a few items. Trey needed a fish bowl for his new friend. We ended up getting Tic, a brother his name is Tac... Get it Tic, and Tac. We got home around nine. Sherrie decided we needed to get some house work done so we cleaned house for an hour, then crashed out! Today, we move into our new building at church. I have to be in the parking lot at 8:15, then I am going to jet down to Journey Church for their service. I need to see Clark. I will be home around 1:00, then Jenni and Ricardo, are coming over to discuss the golf tournament. Yesterday, Ricardo signed Oklahoma Therapy Institute, and Serta Mattresses. I think I signed Professional Recyclers.... Time to get started! God Bless! Have a great Sunday!
Love you all!
Mat
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Wednesday,Thursday, Friday April 29th, 30th, May 1st!
What an amazing week! Staying really busy..... This golf tournament is soooo much more work than I ever imagined! Very rewarding! I have been signing teams, and sponsors and even receiving money. What a blessing! We have signed, Journey Church, MWC Specialty Hospital, Edmond Specialty Hospital, Kindred Specialty Hospital, Red Rock Landscape, 805 Fight Club, and yesterday.... I met with the management of Applebee's... They are interested in doing something LARGE! God Bless! I am meeting with them in an hour! Yes! It is only 6:00am on Saturday morning, but as I have stated... I'll do whatever it takes! Applebee's is hosting a fund raiser for the Epilepsy foundation and Sherrie and I are going to cook pancakes. Tonight at 5:30 there is a 5K in Bricktown. It is for "Limbs for Life!" I am running the 5k and Sherrie and the kids are doing the one mile fun run! It finishes on home plate of the Bricktown Ball Park. After the race you get to stay for the Redhawks game. That will be a blast.... We are getting hammered by thunderstorms right now, so I don't know how much I will like running in the rain! The Spandex will be out again! I had a photo shoot scheduled for this morning, but that got cancelled due to weather. Curtis is working a booth for Burger Day in El Reno... I need to get out there, and Edmond is having their Downtown Art;s Festival.... I went yesterday afternoon for a while, but it was very cold and rainy. I am suppose to meet Chad Lovett and his family at noon, to walk around if the rain let's up! Got to get in the shower, get ready for Pancakes! Love you all!
Mat
Mat
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)