Sunday, May 30th, 2010

Namaste,

Took it easy most of the day....Sherrie, Trey, and I went to church with the Sanders, and the Ray's, then back to the house. Wesley plays the drums in the church band. I grabbed the weed eater and worked in Uncle Gerald's lawn for a couple of hours. We had people out and in for moist of the afternoon. Later in the day, I went down to Uncle Juniors house and we played with his 56 Chevy for a couple of hours, then Brent and I took it out for a spin. It is raining right now, but we are expecting 50 people for a cookout today. Uncle Gerald has been cooking for days. I need to finalize the rental car and then back up to the house. People will start showing up at 9:00 this morning!

Love you all!

Mat

Saturday, May 29th, 2010

Namaste,

After 3 hours of sleep I was wide awake.... I laid around for another 30 minutes, and I heard uncle Gerald stirring... I went and had a cup of coffee with him. He is one of my favorite people in the world. He is hilarious, and keeps me rolling. I put my running clothes on and took off. It is two miles to Uncle Ben's house... That is not that bad! What is crazy is that they both live on mountain tops. Running downhill was not that bad, but when you run downhill, it usually means you have to go back uphill. It was beautiful outside, and took my mind off of our immediate vehicle trouble! I ran to Uncle Benny's house and 1/2 was up his mountain, he passed me... I waved, but he kept on driving. I made it to the top of the hill and went to his door... He was surprised to see me. I told him about the car trouble and he told me my cousin Doug was on the square with the boy scouts. Doug is a Ford mechanic and would know what to do. I took off like I was shot out of a cannon, and found him. I described the problem, and Doug said... "Your not doing anything till Tuesday!" I was resigned to the fact that here in small town America they have their priorities right, and everything shuts down for the Holidays. I ran back up the mountain to Uncle Gerald's and showered. He made one of his world famous breakfast, and then I laid down for an hour. We went to Colombia to watch Boston play baseball, and then back to the house. My cousin Brent was racing in Lawrenceburg last night, so Sonya picked us up and took us to the track. Brent put a bunch of new electronics on his race car and needed to get them dialed in. He kicked butt in the first and second round, but broke out of the third at seven one thousands of a second. Tough luck.... When we got back to the house, I died. Sherrie and I came down to McDonald's to use the wifi, and try to figure some things out. Looks like we can rent a car in Nashville, and drop it off in OKC..... That is the plan for now. Then we have to figure out how to get Curtis' truck fixed and get back here to get it! Pictures are Boston Ray playing baseball, and Brent Quillen in the race care!

Love you all!

Mat

Friday, May 28th, 2010

Namaste,

Well the morning started at 4:30, and I popped out of bed and headed to the kitchen for a cup of coffee.... I went to work at 6:30 to get everything started.... By 9:30 I was wrapping up. There was a luncheon that was at Adam's parents house..... I went back home and loaded Curtis' expedition, then laid down for an hour. At 2:15 Sherrie decided to go pick Trey up at school. Jordan called while she was there and said she was done with her finals. We left the house at 3:30 and left mom's house at 2:45. The GPS said we would arrive at Uncle Gerald's at 12:14am. I was trying for that, to include food stops, and gas stops. We stopped in Arkansas and got some food to go, and the gas stops were like a well oiled pit crew. I would warn everyone 10 minutes in advance of gas stops and make sure everyone had their shoes on! We were 15 miles away and on perfect time, when trying to go up a small grade, the truck just didn't have any power, and the oil pressure gauge came on. Before we could pull over in a construction zone, she blew up! BIG TIME! Not being a mechanic, I called my cousin Terry, and they said our cousin Sherrie's husband owned the only wrecker service in town. We called him, and the Terry, Sonya, and Brent came to get us. I stayed with the truck, and then Terry took me to Uncle Gerald's house, and Mark towed the truck there. Terry told me there was no chance we were going to get it looked at this weekend. Everything is shut down for the holiday. I got in bed around 2:30.....

Bad day!

Love,

Mat

Thursday, May 28th, 2010

Namaste,

Dropped the kid's off then Starbucks.... On to work. I had a few errands to run in the middle of the day so I busted butt, all morning. I met my brother off of Hefner Parkway and we swapped cars for the weekend. His giant, gas guzzling SUV will suit us better for today's road trip. It has room for eight which means I can separate the kid's and they can sit far enough away from me that I would have to use a stick to beat them. The girls and I met Ben Crocker at Louie's for lunch. It was good. The afternoon was busy with trying to get everything ordered for the long weekend. Sherrie called and told me that the air conditioner was not blowing air, which indicated the A coil was frozen. I took it apart, and thawed it off.... The drain was clogged and the coil was filthy. I degreased it and...... OH MY GOODNESS! It stunk to high heaven! The air flow is so much better, but it smells like gasoline in the house. It will disperse if Sherrie will quit turning the system off! I am going to work for a couple of hours, then home to tend to some pre-trip stuff, and Adam Murray's funeral is today. We are leaving for Tennessee at 3:15.... The minute Jordan gets out of school! It will be a very long day! The picture is the truck my grandfather was driving the day he took me fishing..... He had a massive heart attck and passed away right there at the pond. It now sit's behind My Uncle Ben's house in Tennessee. I go walk around it everytime I go there. It gives me a connection to my Pee-Paw!

Love you all!

Mat

Wednesday, May 26th, 2010

Namaste,

Wednesday started early... Boomer got me up at 4:30am. I did not go back to sleep! I got up and jacked around on the Internet, and had several cups of coffee. I have been doing some research on Trey's trip to Germany. Dropped the kid's off at school then went to Starbucks. On to work.... As it has been the last week, we are quite busy in the morning, and then kinda slow in the afternoon. I took the opportunity to edge and weed eat at lunch. After work, Garrett came up and we knocked it out in 3 hours. My mower was smoking so bad, that I thought the fire department was going to show up! I think I over filled it with oil? I am exhausted, and can barely keep my eye's open! I am going to bed! Picture is me and Mike Isbell on a bike trip! He was the leader! (Yep, we ran out of pavement!)

Love you all!

Mat

Tuesday, May 25th, 2010

Namaste,

Well.... With all of the air conditioning issues we have had I slept with the windows open and a fan blowing at high speed.... I got so cold, you would have thought I was back in Nepal! I didn't get up and close windows or turn off the fans.... I just covered up and shivered! It was about 4:30 and so I just laid there until 5:00 then got up.... I have a great book going and sometimes I just lose track of time! Dropped the kid's off then Starbucks.... On to work, to get it started. Morning was fine, as it went by quickly. Met Mike Isbell here at lunch, and he charged the A/C unit, and boom shockalaka, it works like a charm. I guess we got lucky, but I did make God a bunch of promises! Thank you Mr. Isbell! You are a life saver! I took the lawn trailer back with me. The afternoon was interesting.... I did a deep clean on the IV room, then bailed out. Headed over to MWC to do the property there. Garrett has been helping me, and he is doing a very good job! We finished in 3 1/2 hours. Home to put the equipment up, and get ready for bed! On a sad note.... Adam Murray, a young man I have know for a couple of years now from the gym, passed away Sunday. I believe he was 24, and has had several issues since being hit on his bicycle a year ago.

Love you all!

Mat

R.I.P.

Adam Murray

We will fight in your

memory!

God Bless

Tuesday Morning, May 25th, 2010

Namaste,

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE...... If you read this blog, PLEASE sign in as a follower! It does not email you or give your information to anyone. I need to use statistics from this blog for sponsorship. I need 250 blog members in the next couple of months. There are 20 or more people out there that read this crazy thing everyday, but are not signed up as followers. Ben Anderson? PaPa Randy.... Come on.... If you have an email address, or your family members have email address sign up!

Thank you guys sooooo much!

Mat

Monday, May 24th, 2010

Namaste,

Well this was a very Monday.... Monday! Dropped Trey off at school. Jordan was not feeling well so she slept in... Really? There's only 5 day's of school left! Get up and get your butt ready! Anyway... Stopped at Starbucks, and Erin bought my coffee... Thank you very much!!!!! On to work! I was expecting to be very busy, but our patient count, and IV load are down a bit. I still had plenty to do. The morning went pretty quick, and I was going to work through lunch, but Mike Isbell called and wanted to look at our air conditioner, as it has been under performing. We could not get the compressor to come on, and so here we go... As I started freaking out, I had Sherrie calling people, and I was calling people, and a suggestion was made to put a high start capacitor on it. I found one, and picked it up at 4:30... It took me 30 minutes to get it on, then I threw the power to it, and it came on! Now all we need is freon, and I think we will be up and running! Ben Crocker met me up at the gym, and we went several rounds with the pads, and then I rolled a couple of rounds with Mike Messina, and then home to get ready for the rest of the week. It is warm in the house, but not unbearable! I have to pick up my friend Stacy Phillips at the train station tonight, and then home for sleepy time! Pictures of me in the gym!

Love you all!

Mat

Sunday, May 23rd, 2010

Namaste,

So after a very long day yesterday, we went to bed early. I woke up at my usual 5:20 and had a cup of coffee. Just relaxing when Sherrie came in the living room, and said "Hey tough guy, let's go for a run!" I was up for that so, I changed into my running gear and we took off. We did a three mile run, then walked another mile or so.... When we got home, I mulched the front three flower beds, then put out 50 pounds of rye seed. I had to come in and get ready for church. We worked in the parking lot then into service. After church, Trey and I headed to mom's house to continue breaking down the old fence panels. We filled up her three dumpsters, and the loaded up the back of the truck. We had to cut all of the wood into 3 foot lengths to get them to fit in the dumpsters. 4/5 of her old fence is broken down and removed. Trey worked harder than I have ever seen him work. He is so motivated to work right now, with his upcoming trip to Germany. After we broke down all the fence we could... We replaced the transmission pan in Mike's Rover! It was a real pain in the butt! Some of the bolts were directly above the exhaust! Oh well, what are you gonna do. I came home and had to break down more fence panels and get them in our trash dumpsters, and the I hauled off the post. There is a spot out in the woods, where people take trees, and wood, and whoever owns the property burns it... The gate is always open and I have dumped there several times???? Sherrie cooked some tilapia for dinner, and I have drank about two gallons of water. I took off my shirt at mom's and got roasted. I am getting ready to take my third shower of the day! Danny Howell called me and there are a couple other parts to be replaced on the drive shaft, so I will have to track them down tomorrow. Sherrie has to work overnights this week, so she has been resting most of the afternoon. We are leaving for Tennessee Friday after the kid's get out of school, so there is a lot to get done! Picture of Trey, his best friend Herman, and Sherrie at Dealy Plaza in Dallas. This is where JFK was assassinated. Hermans mom is from Spain, and they are leaving for Spain tomorrow. They will be gone a month...

Love you all!

Mat

Saturday, May 22nd, 2010

Namaste,

What a short night! I woke up at 4:00 and could not go back to sleep, so I got up dressed, and headed out the door. I stopped at 7-11, and grabbed a cup of coffee and then headed over to Midwest City. The new Director of Plant op's, gave me some projects that had to be completed by Monday. I had 6 huge shrubs, to take out.... And then trimming about 20 other hedges that have been growing wild for three or four years. They had overgrown the water main, the generator, and four air conditioner condensing units. I started with the removal of shrubs, and then started trimming the hedges.... I was suppose to have two helpers show up before six..... It would be safe to say they did not make it on time. Sherrie showed up at 6:00 and helped us. We finished around noon, and came home to shower. I fell asleep for about an hour, then we went to mom's to help Curtis and Lisa hang fence panels. We finished about six and her new fence is really nice. It was a big team effort, and although we still have to do the back to do, I am glad we got her privacy back. We stopped at Chelino's and shared some Nacho's, then home to chill! I am beat, and my back is killing me! Here are a couple of pictures of Hindu, Sadhu's.

Love you all!

Mat

Friday, May 21st, 2010

Namaste,

I did not sleep at all! I went to sleep at midnight and moved to the couch at two. My legs were cramping all night. I got up at 4:00 and started having coffee, then started reading my new book.... I decided to go on to work and get some things done, and make up a couple of hours I miss yesterday. I ran to Starbucks at 7:00 and got my coffee.... I made fun of Erin because she was running late. The morning was good, then the girls and I went to On The Border at lunch and then back to work.... The afternoon seemed to drag on for ever. When I left I had a couple of errands to run. I had to pick up parts I ordered for Mike's Rover, then to the bank, gas up the car and then meet mom here at the house to go buy her fence panels. We had dinner at Swadleys, which is Bar-B-Que, but we had fish? We took the panels to her house then Sherrie and I dropped the drive shaft from Mike's rover off at Danny Howell's house. He told me I was missing an important part.... So I guess I will have to run back to Blumenthals on Monday. We got home at 8:30 and I decided to mow our lawn, and get it marked off the list. Ben Anderson is house sitting, and Boomer sitting for us next week, so he came over to meet Boom and hangout! I have to be in Midwest City at 6:00am, and then back at mom's by 10:00. Better get to bed!

Pictures of Boomer!

Love you all!

Mat

Thursday, May 20th, 2010

Namaste,

Thursday started with some really sore thighs.... I have not run as hard as I did yesterday in quite a while. I had some good upbeat music going and the weather was impending, so I pushed hard. Dropped the kid's off and hit Starbucks.... Went to work and knocked it out.... I had a part being held for me to pick up for Mike's truck. I took a quick break and went and got it. At lunch I came home and got the lawn trailer. Back to work, where before I went back in I went ahead and edged the property. I had the same two guy's who were helping me in MWC coming at 3:30 to help again.... Only problem was Jesse disappeared, so it was just Garrett and I. He is a good worker, and we knocked it out in just under 4 hours. Came home and ate 60 shrimp, took a shower, and the passed out. I started a new book... "Dead Lucky" "Life after death on Everest. So far it's got me hooked. Lincoln Hall was a year away from an Everest expedition and decided to take his whole family on a trek to base camp.... Something really exciting happened yesterday. Trey's scholar squad, has been invited to compete in Germany next March! ;-) I have NEVER seen him so excited. What does this mean???? Time to raise another $6,000! It's an eight day trip and there is no way I could let my baby travel to Europe without me. They are visiting Munic, Salzburg, and Vienna! Cool Stuff! Top picture is me preparing to climb Mt Scott's boulder field in an ice storm, and the second is me and my buddy Jason Klinka running in the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon.

Love you all!

Mat

Wednesday, May 19th, 2010

Namaste,

Dropped the kid's off and then Starbucks.... Off to work, where we continue to be busy.... I sent a text message to Ben Crocker today.... I knew he was off the rest of the week. He responded with, "Today is Kinsey and my three year anniversary, and we are spending it looking for a new house to spend the next three!" Congratulations Kinsey.... I don't know how you do it! We have had severe weather for the last 14 hours. Several tornado's, and lightning storms. Our kid's are so use to running to the tornado closet.... Trey keeps a flashlight and books in there to occupy his time. He is terrified of tornado's! At lunch I went over to mom's house and worked on Mike's Land Rover. I needed to get the broke side of the drive shaft out. The other night I think Ben and I were turning the bolts the wrong way. I pulled it off in about 10 minutes after I got set up. I wore two surgical gowns, and surgical gloves. It was wet outside so I put down a big piece of plastic.... I took the broken shaft to AutoZone, and the guy behind the counter said what is that off of? I said a Rover.... He said.... "Your F*&$#@!" I said what... He said call the dealer.... I did.... $930.00, ouch! I called Danny Howell and he hooked me up with a company here in the city that builds drive shafts, and they think they have the part I need for $45.00. I will go down tomorrow morning and see if they can help. I did see where the transmission pan was knocked out of whack.... Need a new gasket for that. When I got home from work, the weather forecasters were saying we had an hour window in the storms. I put on my spandex running pants and took off.... I ran my 5k circuit, which takes me through my neighborhood into Fenwick, and over to Penn, and then back..... I have not worn those running pants in sometime, and when I wear them there is nothing under them if you know what I mean..... I was 3/4 of the way back, and felt a breeze, my ass was hanging out! Thank God no one was around! I did the 5k in about 26 minutes which is way above my average. It felt great to get out there and lose myself! The humidity was 100%, and the wind was gusting in my face at 30mph, but I enjoyed it! Sherrie made breakfast for dinner, it was yummy! We have been watching coverage of the tornado's dancing around the state and I am sick of spring already! I am attaching a picture of the Thunderhead that was going vertical, and a picture of the Lillie's in my front flower bed!

Love you all!

Mat

Tuesday, May 18th, 2010

Namaste,


Dropped the kids off on their heads.... Jordan was really nice this morning..... Because she wanted $20 to get her hair done today. Then hit Starbucks, my crew was there but I didn't tarry.... To much to get done at work. I had a hidden agenda.... Get in knock it out and try to bail before four O'clock. I had made arrangements with a couple of young men to help me with the Midwest City property... We headed over and although no one will ever out work me, they did an OK job.... For me to say that means a lot! We could have done more but ran out of daylight. I met the new Director of Plant Op's over there.... Pretty nice guy.... He took a bunch of pressure off of me by assigning me special projects, so he will be prioritizing them instead of me. I feel a need to get everything done ASAP. The property over there has been abused for several years and it will take a while to get it back in shape! I also saw my Girl PJ! Paula is a big supporter of "The Quest!" and a blessing to men who love low cut tops! :-)Home for a bite, and a shower. I did more research on Mike's truck today... If I have to replace the drive shaft it could cost up to $600.... Still better than $1500.

More random Pictures! The top is Mt Peal.... My toughest solo climb so far. Mt Peal is located in the Manti La Sal range in south East Utah. The second is Mike Champlin and myself doing dishes on the banks of the Colorado River Last May. That day was the highest flow of the year. The river was running 55,000 cubic feet per second. I went down in a rubber paddle boat. The rapids were 30 feet tall! Exhilarating! I have video... Ask me to see it!
Love you All!

Mat

Monday, May 17th, 2010

Namaste,

Typical Monday.... Took the kid's to school and the hit Starbucks... It was busy in there, but Grant had my drink ready in 30 seconds! Work continues to be very busy.... It seems like I spent half my day remaking IV's. I have committed to take my lunch everyday this week, which will #1 save a little cash, #2 Tends to be a little healthier, and #3 saves some time, so I can try and get out a little early to do some lawns in the evenings. Early in the morning Mike Champlin called me and told me his Land Rover had broken down and he was tired of pouring money in it. The U-Joint had broken while his girlfriend was driving it, and it scared her to death. The Rover shop here want $1500 to fix it.... I looked on line and the joints are only $55 each. I ask him if I could work on it for him. Soooo last night after work I came home and got the lawn equipment, went to mom's, did her lawn, broke down a bunch of the old fence panels, then Ben Crocker came over and we dropped the drive shaft out of it and towed it over to mom's. We only had to make a couple of trips to the auto parts store to buy a couple of wrenches. Thank you Ben Crocker!!!!! I pray to God, that I am able to fix this thing really cheap. I have a ton of great memories in that Rover. It is the vehicle Mike and I take on os=blsp-spelling-error>ur trips. He has done sooooo much for me in the last 15 years I have no way of paying him back, so I think a little sweat may show him my appreciation. (By the way... I need to get back to Moab, real soon!) We have found a house sitter, for our Tennessee trip. Ben Anderson, who works with Sherrie and is a big supporter of "The Quest" is going to stay here and take care of "Baby Boomer!" Thanks Ben!

A couple of random picture! One picture is me Canyoneering in Utah, and the second is me and Ben Crocker.

Love you all!

Mat

Sunday, May 16th, 2010

MAT'S QUEST UPDATE!

I have been vacillating about the "Quest" this year..... My goals were to climb Mt Rainier, and then Mt Blanc. Adding these peaks to my climbing resume, will make me more attractive to expedition leaders in the future. I received an email from my climbing guide buddy in Italy yesterday. Enrico and I met in Namche Bazzar last September, and he guides on Mt Blanc. He may have a spot open for me the second week of July. I am waiting on confirmation today from his office, but it is looking good. That means Mt Blanc this summer, and then a trip into the UK... If this happens fund raising will have to begin immediately! I had an idea yesterday, that I will start with... 24 hours of physical activity. I would walk, run, and bike for 24 straight hours to raise awareness to obesity in America, and get people to pledge money per hour. I will need a ton of help! Please call or email me if you can help. I will be assembling my team this week. In the book I am reading I came across a paragraph I want to share... "The prodigious mass that is Everest seems to hang in the heavens. It is supported aloft, not only be an imposing base, but by some unseen, unmistakable force. No photograph, film, or videotape I have seen comes close to capturing it's magnitude. It is indescribably huge, and it's preeminence has as much or more to do with its spiritual dimension as its physical dimension. It transcends the physical and simultaneously the metaphysical. There is such a presence to the peak, that it speaks directly to your soul. There, it moves and touches you, deeply!" "Quote from "Everest to Enlightenment" by Alan Hobson. Picture of Mt Everest by me!

Love you all!

Mat

Sunday, May 16th, 2010

Namaste,

I had great plans to get up early and run.... Here in Oklahoma (Tornado Alley) we have frequent violent storms that pop up, fast and hard, which was the case yesterday. We woke to a lightning filled thunderstorm, and when it passed Trey and I went for a ride to take some pictures and spend some quality time together. We went out past the lake to a new development that has some open areas. I have been looking at Wolf's bird pictures... http://www.wolf-photography.com/ He does amazing work.... I have been looking for birds to take pictures of around here, but have not mastered the skill... I guess that's why I like landscape photography.... It does NOT move! We stopped for a bite of breakfast before church. It was still raining pretty good, but I served my time, and then joined Trey in the service. After church, I was feeling a little under the weather..... I have been taking so many drugs to combat the poison ivy, that I just felt bad. I laid down and took a three hour nap.... It was during that nap that I had an epiphany.... I had a dream that I was a long way from home, and I was trying to run..... I just could not make any headway, and when I turned around and looked behind me.... I was dragging a giant moving van! When I woke up, I started thinking about that... I am dragging a giant moving van. That van is full of stuff.... That van represents me, and the fact that I may be spread so thin... That nap I took was the first one in a long time... I said yesterday that I wanted to start running, but my van has been so full, that I just don't have time. I get out there a couple miles from home, and start thinking about everything I need to be doing. I have to prioritize my van and unpack it. Put some things on the shelf and get them out one at a time. I think it's just the fact that we only have so much time here on earth, and I want to do everything I can to maximize my time here, and try to make a difference. Sorry for the crazy diatribe.... When I got up from the nap I went to lake Hefner to run.... As I was approaching the lake, the sky's started darkening, and tornado sirens started blaring.... Trey was here at home by himself, and he hates storms... I flew home at 100 mph, and when I got here they were saying there was no tornado, but the hail coming in was baseball, to softball size and this will kill you if you get hit. I called Sherrie and told her to get home, made Jordan come home, and put the cars in the garage.... Luckily.... We missed the largest hail.... We got golf balls to a little larger, but just two miles south of us, they had hail the size of a large grape fruit. We spent the rest of the evening, watching the storm coverage, and recovery.... We have very violent weather here in central Oklahoma.... I think I may start photographing it, but only if the situation is safe.... look at http://www.kfor.com/ for pictures of the hail storm! A couple of pictures from yesterday morning!

Love you all!

Mat

Friday & Saturday, May 14th, and 15th, 2010

Namaste,

Friday morning was typical.... Dropped the kid's off and hit Starbucks. Back out to the lake to see if anything was stirring.... A few crows, in an old tree, and a few deer. I will attach the pictures. On to work to occupy my 325 square feet of pharmacy space. We have been really busy, but I was out of IV supplies, so I had to scramble to borrow enough to get us through until our order came in. I have been wanting Chinese for a couple of days, and so the girls obliged me and we went to an old school Chinese restaurant.... It was great! The afternoon was equally busy, and so we cranked it out! After work Sherrie and I did our grocery shopping and then came home and just chilled out. We went to bed early and since I have been taking steroids.... I did not sleep at all! I got up at 3:35am, and wrote a few emails, then loaded up the truck and headed over to Midwest City. It has been pouring rain for days, so I pruned trees, put down 38 bags of mulch, and trimmed the hedges in the nursing home courtyard. The plan was to get all of that done come home crash out for a few hours, and then head to Tulsa to watch one of our fighters fight for the 185 pound X-Treme League Title. I hate to say... I just didn't have it in me. I am just exhausted. I feel guilty, but it is a two hour drive, and then getting home at 2:00 in the morning would have made for a very, very long day. I guess, I made the right decision, and I am sure under the circumstances Jeremiah will understand. We are suppose to get 2 more inches of rain over night.... Tomorrow Sherrie has to work so I had planned on spending the day with Trey..... I know I am going to make him get up early and we are going out driving around in the morning looking for something to take pictures of. That is what really makes me happy! My plans for Mt Rainier are changing.... I am probably going to Climb Mt Blanc in the Summer and wait on Rainier. I have to climb both, but some opportunities are opening up for Europe sooner than Washington.... That happens when you are working with sponsors and guides working for free, trying to fit me into open slots. Anyway, I am going to take some drugs and try to sleep until 5:00am. Sherrie and I are starting a training schedule tomorrow. I have not run in several months due to the back, but it starts tomorrow! I am going to do 2 miles in the morning, and two with her in the evening. I need to be up around 13 in the next 60 days. Should not be a problem..... I have this crazy thing with goals. I am also looking for some kind of adventure to do in the UK.... I was considering a swimming challenge, but I don't really swim that much? Any suggestions would be appreciated, and we are still looking for a house sitter for Memorial weekend!

Love you all!

Mat

Thursday, May 14th, 2010

Namaste,

Dropped the kid's off then hit Starbucks.... My crew was there, and so it starts the day out with a smile. MMMMMmmmmmm..... I love coffee! I ran by the lake to see if anything was moving. On the way out I saw a doe, with a brand new fawn. By the time I slowed down the car and reached in my bag for the camera they were gone. On to the lake where there were tons of song birds, but the weather was cloudy, and rainy, so no real good shots. The geese have hatched, so there were a few young goslings. On to work, where I wanted to get the weekend stuff done, and make sure I have everything.... I had lunch with Ben Crocker, and we discussed the gym, and the fact that neither of us has been there for weeks. I am just so busy right now something has to give, and he has sold both of his houses, and is trying to get closed on them, and find a new house to live in. The afternoon was pretty slow, because I had used all of our IV supplies in the morning, so I actually came home a bit early and took a nap. Trey had his end of year, orchestra concert last night.... It was brutal! Not the music but, the time it took in between groups. for 12 songs it took 3 hours. Luckily I took a book that I have been reading for weeks. From Everest to Enlightenment." It has been about fund raising, and organizing expeditions to Everest up to this point... I reached the part of the story, where he reaches Nepal, and his impressions of Lukla, and the trek to Base Camp. I laughed out load a couple of times. Especially when he was talking about the airport at Lukla. He called it a postage stamp on the side of a mountain. I loved Lukla. It was the beginning and end of my trek, and climb. Anyway.... In this book the author quotes famous climbers throughout the book. Awesome read. We came home at 10:00 and I headed straight to bed. I am dog tired. The poison ivy is better but not gone. We are suppose to get 4 inches of rain over the next two days. I don't know what that means for lawn service this week, but I guess I can do some special projects in the rain? We are confirmed to go to Tennessee over Memorial Day weekend. It is a 10 hour drive each way, but mom has a reunion she really wants to go to. I also have a couple of uncles that I really enjoy being around who will not be around in a couple of years. I will take my opportunities while I can. We are looking for a house sitter, if you know anyone?

Love you all!

Mat

Wednesday, May 12th, 2010

Namaste,

Dropped the kid's off then hit Starbucks. Erin was running late so I was chatting with her.... She is going to teach drivers education this summer. If you know anyone who needs drivers education this summer, here is your one time opportunity to get a great deal! Erin bought my coffee, which is very nice of her, but when I try to pay her back she always says.... "Let someone do something for you, and don't feel like you owe them something!" I'm still gonna get hers today! ;-) I went on to work and it was busy as usual.... Matt Lowrey has taken a new job with the ATF. He will be going to Georgia for two months, and then moving to El Paso, TX. Matt and I were best friends for 10 years, and then we had a small falling out over a woman. (Not mine) Long story short.... I regret letting that happen, and have learned so much from him, and that experience. He called me yesterday morning, and I was telling him what I needed to that afternoon. I needed to get the big blades changed on my mower, and Sherrie had her last final last night, severe weather in the area... etc.... He said bring the mower to me and let me do the blades. I ran to the house loaded the mower, and dropped it at his house. At lunch we had a presentation on a new antibiotic called "Doribax" it is a last line carbipenim, which means if you are getting Doribax..... You are very ill! The rep is Michelle Mason who I talked about last week. She is also a photographer. http://www.michellemasonphotography.com/ She brought in lunch, and although the sandwich was not bad, the cookies were off the hook! The afternoon went by kinda slow. After work, I ran back by Matt's to get the mower, and he was still under it. I said uhhhh hooo! He went over every square inch of the mower and replaced bolts, and tightened nuts, oiled, and lubed everything! No way I could have imagined him working that hard on it. It runs, and cuts like brand new. The weather started moving in, so I hunkered down and played domesticated house husband. I changed the sheets on the bed, did two loads of laundry, fed the kid's dinner, did dishes, took a shower, and straightened my bathroom. I have been wanting to get back in the gym, but my poison ivy, acts up when I sweat. We had severe thunderstorms all night, so no one slept very well. Trey has an Orchestra concert tonight and he is very excited. He has made such a dramatic improvement in the last three months. I think something just clicked. He now picks up my guitar, and just starts playing or we will hear him in his room on his piano. It's not even annoying anymore because it actually sounds like something! I am posting a picture of a little birdy I saw yesterday morning.... He was very fast, and I wish he would have give me some more time....

Love you all!

Mat

Tuesday, May 11th, 2010

Namaste,

Tuesday was quite busy. Dropped the kid's off at school, and then hit Starbucks. Saw my people Erin, and Neo... As I have mentioned in the past I think I am the Mayor of my Starbucks. I actually pass two other coffee shops to go to mine! I ask Erin when she was going to take me to Spain.... She was raised in Madrid.... She told me she would take me as soon as she was sure there was not a warrant for her arrest! ;-) WOW! Funny story.... Nothing bad though! On to work where it has been ridiculously busy! At lunch Jodi and I went to Louie's and met Joy Brown! I have not seen Joy in a while.... She stays as busy as I do.... She has let her hair grow, and she looked great! Joy really wanted us to go shopping with her, but we had sooooo much to do at work. The afternoon was crazy! Jodi, Gaymarie, and I, went to a presentation on MRSA in Complicated skin structures. MRSA orMethicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus , is a deadly infection that in 2005 killed more people than HIV/AIDS. This infection is running rampant in hospitals, and can now be community acquired. MRSA can only be treated by two drugs, and once the have mutated to where these drugs are no longer effective, we are in big trouble! The talk was hosted by Pfizer drugs, who promote Zyvox. We use Zyvox at our hospital, and it is the last line for MRSA. Once MRSA mutates, it becomes VRE (Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci) This is essentially a death sentence in the elderly. When we use Zyvox we have to do a MUE (Medication Utilization Review) to justify the use. The drug is expensive, and we want to ensure it is being used correctly! The presentation was at Juniors in OKC. The wine was flowing like water, and the Salmon was wonderful. I ate like a pig yesterday, but I am happy to say... I weigh exactly what I did yesterday morning! We are expecting more violent weather today.... Sherrie has her last class of the semester tonight, and she has ask me to take her... I need to get the blades changed on my big mower, and then Trey has his orchestra concert tomorrow. Gotta get the day started! More random pictures!

Love you all!

Mat

Monday, May 10th, 2010

Namaste,

Sherrie took Jordan to school so I would have a good start to the day. Sooooo that means I took Trey.... For some reason he would not sit in the front seat so we started off fighting. So I guess it doesn't matter.... My day will probably start with conflict. I went by Starbucks and they had made an extra skinny caramel, so I took it to mom. Work was fine, my goal was to knock everything out and then get to the dump to empty the trailer. I had 3/4 of mom's fence that we took down on it, and I need it later in the week to haul the mower. I got to the dump just as massive thunderstorms were moving in. Our landfill sits about 300 feet up on top of a hill, and the wind was gusting at 70 miles per hour. The dirt and sand from the dump was being embedded into my skin. I unlatched the straps on the trailer and the fence panels flew off like giant sails. I wish I would have had a camera with me it was incredible. I hurried to get everything off and get back in the truck before the hail started. The tornado sirens were going off all over the city, and everyone was calling me asking where I was. Traffic was crazy! I made it home and jumped in the shower with this giant thunder storm going on outside, and tornado's dancing around the city, but I did not want to die dirty! The experience of sitting here in the living room and watching the coverage on TV, and driving through one like Jodi and I did a couple of weeks ago, was so different! With four network television stations, Internet, and radio coverage of the storms.... You know exactly where they are, and where they are going. The other day when we got caught in the storm on I-40.... We had no idea what the hell was going on. I just know Jodi jumped in my lap and we were yelling at each other. We have been through some real battles together! I think it has really strengthened our friendship. However, she is still the boss! I know my roll, and we are a good team! I am adding some random pictures of my super hott wife for your enjoyment!

Love you all!

Mat

Sunday, May 10th, 2010

Namaste & Happy Mothers Day,

Did not sleep well due to the poison ivy! I itched all night! Working outside all day and sweating did not help, so I got up and took a bunch of medication. The steroids I am on keep me wired anyway! They also make me eat like a pig, but I have actually lost 10 pounds in the last couple of weeks? I was up and ready for church, so I grabbed the camera bag and drove out to the lake. It was windy and overcast so there was not much moving. There were a few Scissor tail Flycatchers, and a few deer, but didn't get anything good! Went on to church, and Sherrie met me there.... I came home and took some drugs, then passed out for an hour. Sherrie cooked a Mexican fiesta for lunch. Sherrie's mother, and my mother came over for lunch. I went out in the garage and put the new pulley, and new belt on my mower, then cut the lawn. We are going to have severe weather the next two days, so I needed to get it cleaned up! Came in and pretty much vegged out the rest of the evening. Sherrie has finals tomorrow, so she worked on algebra until late last night. We have a busy week.... Something every night! I did finely get some checks in, which means I can hire some help this week! :-) I am adding a couple more pictures from the concert, and a bird from yesterday morning!

Love you all!

Saturday, May 8th, 2010

Happy Birthday Mrs. Jones,

Today is Sherrie's birthday, and I didn't even buy her a card! Her gift was the concert last night, and I am taking her shopping for some clothes here in a couple of days! I had to have Jordan at work before 7:00, so I dropped her off and headed over to mom's to continue tearing down the old fence. All of the old panels came down easy, but the post and concrete were an all day task! Curtis and Lisa came over about 11:00, and I took off to get my mower parts, and put them on! I came home a fooled around with the mower for a couple of hours, then headed back over to mom's. We decided it was time to go buy post and concrete.... When I got back with the supplies, we got busy installing them. We got all of the post set and will let them cure for a few days before we hang the panels. Mom cooked Sherrie a birthday dinner, and a German chocolate cake. We cleaned up the huge mess, and came home to relax for a little while. I am attaching a couple more pictures from last nights concert! The top picture is Seether in action, and the second is me with my "SUPER HOTT" wife!

Love you all!

Mat

Friday, May 7th, 2010

Namaste,

Well Friday was a longtime coming! Dropped the kid's off at school, then hit Starbucks! On to work.... As it has been lately, mornings are very busy.... I came home at lunch and got the mower and took it to the shop! I was asking the mower fixer guy, how long he thought it would be, and when he told me a week and a half to two weeks.... I lost it! No way I can be without my mower for two weeks! I came on home and made some phone calls. I got a guy who told me what I needed to do, so I went back and picked up the mower.... I told the guy, that I had to try myself, because of the time involved. He was cool with that! We had VIP tickets to Katt Fest 2010. There were 10 bands playing at the Zoo Amphitheater and the show started at 3:39pm. The weather was very nice, and the first two bands were local guys.... The second band was Violence to Vegas. Jordan knows the lead singer, and so it was cool to see them. Other bands were Hell Yeah, Puddle of Mudd, Papa Roach, Seether, and Three Days Grace. Sherrie knows the drummer from Seether. His name is John Humphrey, and he lives here in Edmond. He comes in her store all the time and brings her autographed tour merchandise. We got to hang with him for a little while. He seems like a pretty cool guy.... Very down to earth. It was cool when he was on stage, he set two chairs up behind his drum kit, and his little boy's sit back there and play air drums! We left as Three Days Grace was coming on stage... I was beat! I am posting a couple pictures from last night! I did not take a camera but my friend Ursala snuck hers in... It was a cheap point and shoot, but I got a few shots! The first picture is Jacoby from Papa Roach. He came out in the crowd, and the second is Jordan talking to her friend Jake... He is the lead singer from the band Violence to Vegas.

Love you all!

Mat

Thursday, May 7th, 2010

Namaste, (Again)

Just wrote the blog and it disappeared! Morning was good... Dropped the kids the met my buddy Chad Lovett at Starbucks. Chad keeps me grounded. We talked about Work, Family, Friend, etc... My friend Erin came in she was running late, but I love seeing her! She has one of the most positive attitudes of anyone I have ever met! On to work to bust it out! After work I came home and grabbed the equipment and headed over to Midwest City! I was doing a great job, and then the deck on my big mower blew up! I will get it to the shop today. With everything I have going on this week, I was going to subcontract that property out. The guy I had bid on the job wanted two and a half times what I make, so I decided to knock it out myself! I got home around 11:00 and am just beat. We have an incredibly busy weekend coming up. Katt Fest today.... Sherrie's birthday tomorrow, and Mothers Day on Sunday! That is why I wanted to get all of my mowing done! Oh well, maybe I can get the mower in at lunch today! This picture is a self portrait of me! :-)

Wednesday, May 5th, 2010

Happy Cinco De Mayo,

Hola.... Dropped the kid's off then Starbucks.... I took a camera with me in case I ran by the park, but didn't.... Also took my dry cleaning, but forgot to drop it off too... Got to work and it was a mess... Our patient count is still up, so we have a ton of IV's. I have been spending 1/2 of my days in the IV room lately. I came home at lunch, and sat around for a little bit, just trying to figure out a strategy for the weekend.... I have to get MWC Hospitals property done, Friday concert, Saturday is Sherrie's birthday, Curtis wants to replace mom's fence, and Sunday is mother's day! I also have a horrible case of poison ivy! I will figure it out! My good friend Stacy Phillips was having some headache's over the weekend... Turns out she had two strokes.... I ran to the hospital after work yesterday to see her. She is doing fair... Not any lingering effects other than, headaches, and muscle pain. She is expected to make a full recovery. Came home changed clothes then went to mom's to take down as much of her fence as possible. Got about 3/4 of it down and stacked. What a huge mess! Time for work! The picture is Lhotse from the south side. We met a climber from Korea, who was trekking back through Chhukkung to Namche for supplies. They were camped at 6,500 meters when we met him. I wish I would have got his contact information...

Tuesday, May 4th, 2010

Namaste,

Tuesday.... Well it started off good, because since we got Sherrie's car back, I got mine back too! My CD player, DVD player, and air conditioning. Stopped at Starbucks got my "Skinny Caramel", and headed off to work. Knew I had a ton to do, so I busted it in the a$$! At lunch Jodi and I ran to Panda Express, and then I ran to Lowes to get some weed eater line. Back for the afternoon of craziness. After work I went to talk to mom about some upcoming projects, and then took some car parts back to O'Riely's. Home to work on the big mower, and weed eater. Sherrie is getting ready to do a presentation for school, and I have been helping her with that. I cooked Trey dinner, and took a bath in colloidal oatmeal, to soothe the poison ivy!

Love you all!

Mat

Monday, May 3rd, 2010

Namaste,

Dropped Jordan off then hit Starbucks... Straight to work.... Had to really kick it in the butt to catch up from the weekend. Came home at lunch and decided to take the trailer back with me to get Edmond done. This week I am tearing down Mom's fence on Thursday, we have a concert on Friday, Sherrie's birthday on Saturday, Mother's Day on Sunday.... So the landscaping has to be done during the week. We were through with work at 4:30 so I went out and started mowing... I quit at 9:30, mowing the courtyard in complete darkness, it will be interesting to see what it looks like this morning. I have poison ivy all over my arm's, which in my case goes systemic, and I swell up like a balloon. I am going to call the doctor this morning and see if they can get me in to get a shot ASAP! Sherrie's car is done! It was only $2,018.05. Almost $200.00 less than they estimated... When has that ever happened? The picture is a collage of some of my climbs... I always take a picture of my feet.... Enjoy!

Love you all!

Mat

Sunday, May 2nd, 2010 Part two

Namaste,

So you could probably tell I had a bad day Sunday. It all started out good, after I picked up Trey at mom's house and we headed to church.... We were a bit early so we stopped by "The Mill" to see if there was anything to take pictures of? Well I was wearing my good climbing glasses and when I looked over the rail my glasses fell into the pond. I freaked out and went running down the sidewalk to a flower garden and jumped the fence. That's when it got crazy. I had a goose attack me! Don't laugh! I did not see the nest that the geese were protecting. They came after me like a Spider Monkey, A Spider Monkey! I ran back to the top of the rail and looked over the edge. It was about a twenty foot drop, so over the edge I go! I shimmied my way over the edge, and dropped to the ground.... I grabbed my glasses and then had to find a way back up before the geese attacked again. I reached the bottom of the rail and pulled myself up, then threw a leg up in a rock climbing maneuver....Boom I was up and out! Church was good, then Trey and I went to the Art's Festival. It was OK.... He ate some chicken, and got pissed off at me when I made him pose for some pictures. We came home and I started doing a brake job on the truck. I did it three times to get it right! Then mowed the lawn. We have developed a leak in between the shower and the wall to our bedroom...I had to tear out part of the wall to find out where the source of the water was coming from. It was a small hole next to the tile and wall board. Sherrie has finals this week so, between all of the crap, with her car, the mower, working 100 hours a week, kid's, bills, stress, stress, stress, we have been kinda hateful to each other.... That didn't help either! I was exhausted so I went to bed... Pouting like a little baby!

Love,

Mat