Tuesday, August 31st, 2010

Namaste,

Did not sleep very well because of my cat. He slept in between my feet and every time I move he attacks my feet. Anyway.... Up at 5:00 for shower, coffee, and some reading. I dropped Trey off at school, then hit Starbucks. Off to work.... I jumped into the day and began the arduous journey through the day. Jodi and I ran to Jason's deli at lunch and I have to tell you, they have the best salad bar in town. I load up on olives, and mushrooms, then top it off with some organic raspberry vinaigrette dressing. It is wonderful, and burns more calories than what you consume. They also have healthy desserts. They have a fruit salad, with apples, grapes, and pineapple, in a whipped cream base. It is really good too. I would eat lunch there everyday if I could. Back to work... We had an in service this afternoon about, pain, pain control, and pain documentation. It took a few hours out of the afternoon. I bounced out at 4:30 and headed over to the gym. I was going to take the night off, but I ended up going to open the gym. I started cleaning the mats when Josh Crosby showed up. Josh is our gym cleaner, and also a great Muay Thai fighter. I helped him clean the gym, then we got in the cage and fought for four, five minute rounds. I have to tell you I think I won two rounds and Josh won two rounds. I took a knee to the rib cage. Last night I think I separated some cartilage in my ribcage, and Crosby caught me right when it smarts the most. We had invited mom over for dinner, and so I left the gym, and came home. She had made some guacamole and Sherrie made some chicken taco's. I am really tired and ready for sleepy time. Just got text and have to go into work. Pictures are from the zoo.

Love you all!

Mat

Monday, August 30th, 2010

Namaste,

Not bad for a Monday! Up early for some coffee, and a bit of reading. Dropped Trey off at school, then headed to Starbucks. Busy morning of clean up from the weekend. I had a quick Doctors appointment at 8:20 and was only gone 20 minutes. I met with John, and Jason Klinka at lunch. We went to Louie's of course. John buys a few basketball tickets from me each year, which is good! 45 home games a year is a lot. It becomes a job trying to get done with work, get the kid's homework done, get parked, fed, and to the game.... Battle travel, get home kid's in bed and ready for the next day..... Anyway... Back to work for the afternoon, and it continued to be busy. I busted out about 5:00 and ran to the gym. I was suppose to take pictures of Tim Elliott in the cage, but he was invited to work out with Matt Grice tonight, so we are going to do it tomorrow. I led the class tonight.... We did two in one out sparring. You go for two rounds and sit one out. Each round you are going with a fresh guy, so it really wears you out. I also did two five minute rounds in the boxing ring with Mike Messina. He could have put a thumping on me, but took it easy! Home to get ready for tomorrow! I love getting hit in the face. Pictures are from Yellowstone, and Mt Rushmore, in South Dakota. Taken in 2006!

Love you all!

Mat

Sunday, August 29th, 2010

Namaste,

So if you read the earlier blog, I said it is going to be a busy day. Our church added another Sunday service, so we had to be at the church at 8:00am. We work from 8:00 to 8:40 then into the service. On my way to church I had to pick up my lawn trailer at the hospital, and then swing by Starbucks. Oh I forgot... Had to go by mom's and pick up Trey. Church was good, then I headed over to Midwest City. I picked Brent up on the way, and we did a great job, and even trimmed some bushes, and cleaned up 100 pounds of pine needles. I dropped him off then headed home. I put the trailer back in the storage building at the hospital, and then came and got Sherrie. We headed over to mom's house to put up her fence panels. We got everything set up, and then started putting up the wood. HOLY CRAP! The panels were obviously custom made, and they are taller than the post. I am going to have to cut them down to make them fit. After being in the heat all day, I just didn't have the energy to do it today. Next weekend is a three day weekend, and I will get it done then. We had our Fantasy Football draft, and for the first time in 4 years I did not pick first! I picked 6th, but got all of my players anyway! Time to get ready for the week!

Love you all!

Mat

Saturday, August, 28th, 2010

Namaste,

Well it was a good day! Started off at 6:00am heading over to mom's to work on her back fence. We did her side fence 22 panels worth back in May. Her neighbor gave her 10 panels to do the back fence, but we have not had a chance yet. Sherrie and I went over to get the post done, and it went really well! Sherrie and mom went to Home Depot at 8:00 and rented an auger. I was going to hand dig the holes, but the ground was really hard. We got all of the post set, and had breakfast. We managed to get home by 11:30. I took a shower, and was suppose to help Sherrie with her homework, but ended up taking some Lortab and falling asleep. My back is killing me, and I needed a little rest. We jumped up at 2:30 and got ready for Mike Champlin's birthday party at Red Pin. Red Pin is a night club with bowling alleys. It has 10 lanes, and a bar in the middle. Mike's girlfriend Jamie had ordered a buffet for the group, and it was yummy! The party was from 4 to 7, and then on the way home, we ran by mom's to check the post. We were going to do some of Sherrie's homework but went to bed about 9:00. I'm gonna say, that's the most sleep I have had in years. Today is going to be busy. Church, mowing, house cleaning, a photoshoot, and Fantasy Football draft. Better get going!

Love you all!

Mat

Friday, August 28th, 2010

Namaste,

Well I have been battling this pinched nerve in my back for several weeks now, and it really seems to act up when I am under stress. I have so much going on, and just never seem to get to that point of caught-up-ed-ness! (New word! Like it?) I got up at 5:00 and headed out. I got to the hospital and had all of the weed eating and clean up to do. I took my climbing headlamp, and did my weed eating by headlight. There had been so many pine needles and dead leaves gather in places due to the dry, hot weather. I went in at 8:00 and got cleaned up. I went to Starbucks, and saw my girlfriend Kari Coffee.... We were teasing each other, when I noticed my Pastor Herbert Cooper sitting right there. I talked to him for about 15 minutes. He had to run to his son's "howdy" rally at school, but we are going to meet soon, and put together a program to teach "Healthy Living." On to work! It was ridiculously busy. This is how it goes! Very slow, then very busy! The picture I dropped off to be framed on Tuesday was ready, so I went to pick it up. It came out pretty good. It is waaaaaay bigger than I had originally expected. Back to work, where it was crazy. We have some really sick patients right now, and the IV load is bigger than I ever remember. I took pain pills all day, so I was in no mood to do anything. I laid in the bed for about an hour, the we ran to the market to get some food. I had a salad, and turkey wrap, then just took it easy. We went to bed around 9:30, and crashed hard. It is going to be a busy weekend.... The picture is what I had framed for Mike's birthday. It is Mesa Arch in Moab, Utah. This is my place of Zen!

Love you all!

Mat

Thursday, August 26th, 2010

Namaste,

What a busy day! Sherrie had to be at work by 5:00, so when the alarm went off at 4:30 I jumped up like the bed was on fire. I laid here while Sherrie was in the shower, then I got in. I had a cup of coffee, and then decided to go on in to work. I of course stopped at Starbucks. I went straight into the IV room and did not come out until lunch. I wanted to get ahead and maybe leave for a while and go mow Midwest City, but we were way too busy! We ran and got some Chinese take out the right back to work. We ran around like chickens for the rest of the afternoon, here, there, do this, do that..... I got quite a bit done, and at 5:00 I ran out and got on the mower. I spent 4 hours out there, until there was no way I could do anymore. It was just way to dark. Sherrie came to check on me and I put her to work. She mowed the court yard, and cleaned up the driveway for me. I really appreciate her help. She didn't have to help me but did it out of the goodness of her heart. Random pictures.

Love you all!

Mat

Wednesday, August 25th, 2010

Namaste,

I hate it when you wake up just before the alarm goes off, and you just lay there waiting on the clock to turn.... I got my shower and my coffee, then started sending emails looking for some sponsorship for the pancake breakfast we are holding on October 30th. I dropped the boy off at school, then to Starbucks. Work is pretty busy right now.... I had a few projects to finish for the month. By 11:30 I was starving, so I ran to Qdoba and picked up a taco salad. Back to work.... The afternoon went really quickly. I took a little break at 2:30 and picked up a loaner mower from the guy who is fixing my mower. He is waiting on parts to get mine put back together. Back to work....e left at 5:00 and I headed straight to the gym. Coach Parker was teaching tonight, and I was worried when at 6:00 there was only three of us. By 6:30 we had about 15. It is funny to see people drag in, and know that we have been working our butts off, and they have some catching up to do. Class was amazing! Coach Parker was doing a drill and kicked me in the rib cage. It was my fault that I did not have the pads in place but he is soooooo fast! Home for a shower, salad, and rest! Tomorrow will be busy! I am working, and mowing..... Should be fun! A couple of random pictures!

Love you all!

Mat

Tuesday, August 24th, 2010

Namaste,

I was exhausted last night, but Jordan had her TV on so loud I got up at 3:00 and turned it off. When I tripped over Boomer, he wanted to go outside, so then I laid on the couch for 15 minutes until he was ready to come in. I don't think I ever got back into REM sleep before the alarm clock went off at 5:15am. I got my shower, coffee, and reading while watching the weather. Yesterday we were 104 degree's. Today we had a cold front come through and the high was 79 degree's. Off to Starbucks, then work. Work continues to be pretty busy right now! I had made arrangements to meet Mike's girlfriend Jamie at Hobby Lobby to pick out a frame and mat. On the way to Hobby Lobby, I lost my credit card. I spent an hour looking for it, and when I got back to the hospital, Pam Grimes came up to me and said look what I found. I guess I pulled my phone out of my pocket and my card came flying out. I hope the frame looks good with the mat.... It should! The afternoon was killer busy. We didn't leave work until after 5:00. That's the first time in a along time that we have worked until 5:00! I came home and Sherrie had a big chef salad ready. She wanted to eat dinner early, and the get to the park. I loaded the bikes, and we headed out. She decided to run, while I rode. Her goal was to make one loop, by the time I made two. She almost did it. She is running very well, and will be ready for her first 5k pretty soon. We came home to get ready for tomorrow, and help Trey with his homework. Pictures from Nepal!

Love you all!

Mat

Monday, August 23rd, 2010

Namaste,

Well it was a very busy day. I had no idea how many people really read the blog, but I had a ton of people call and text about my post from this morning. I still have a heavy heart, but I know there are so many people who really care! We had the typical Monday morning except for the fact that I threw a bunch of trash away out of the car this morning, and then I couldn't find my phone. I looked for twenty minutes, and then heard it ringing from the trash can! I dropped Trey off at school, and then off to Starbucks. Work was typical, a bunch of clean up work from the weekend. Huge IV load, and then I met a friend of mine at Louie's for lunch. I met Neo Tamang at Starbucks. He is a awesome guy, who always has a smile on his face. He is retired from the Air Force, but still works at Tinker. He is going to Iraq for a year to work on a new communication system in Baghdad. Neo is also a photographer and we talked about working together when he returns. The afternoon was equally busy, and then at 4:45 I had to blow out and pick up a print that I had ordered. I headed to the gym, and Cole Province came in. We talked a bit, then several other guys came in. We had a great workout.... We had two brand new guys come in, and Danny and I worked with them individually. They did very well for brand new guys. I came home and had several things to do here around the house, and had Sherrie make me a chicken wrap. I am exhausted, and think I will sleep! Picture from Nepal!

Love you all!

Mat

Monday, August 23rd, 2010 Early Morning!

Namaste,

Did not sleep worth a crap! I have a heavy heart, and don't know what to do! I found out a couple of days ago, that my Uncle Junior has lung cancer. My Uncle Gerald is not doing well, with his COPD, my mom is suffering from her arthritis, and there is nothing I can do! My Uncles live 625 miles away and it takes 10 hours to drive one way. I guess what I am writing about is an open prayer. As you all know I am a christian, but I am very open to the same thought process as our founding fathers.... Freedom or religion. So if you are Christian, Catholic, Mormon, Muslim, Jewish, or Jehovah's Witness I'll take your prayers for my family! Pictures are Uncle Junior with his car.

Love you all!

Mat

Sunday, August 22nd, 2010

Namaste,

So I have been thinking about my trip to Nepal last year, and the one year anniversary of my trip is coming up. Everyday I will post small stories from my journal. I want to go back so bad it hurts. We slept in this morning.... I didn't get out of bed until 7:00. I was awake at 5:30, but just laid in bed thinking about all of the things I could be doing. I got my shower, and a cup of coffee, then Sherrie and I went to mom's and picked up Trey. We went to church and worked in the parking lot. After church we went to the market to get our weeks groceries. We were starving while we were shopping so we bought everything in the store. We came home and had lunch, then Trey and I had a meeting at church. We have a new program starting and had to get our sign in. When we got home I loaded the lawn equipment up and headed over to mom's. I had nothing but trouble... The weedeater wouldn't run, the mower handle was bent. I got it done but it was a chore. I went to Home Depot and got some parts, then home. I worked on the equipment and then did my lawn. I took a shower then Sherrie fixed dinner. I made some grilled veggie, and chicken taco's then we loaded up the bikes and went for a ride. I stopped to put air in my tire and the tube had a hole in it. We ran by Wal-Mart and I changed the tube in about 10 minutes. We rode the first three miles in about 15 minutes, and then I made another lap in just under 10 minutes. I was soaking wet. The humidity was unbearable. Time for a small snack and then zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz! More pictures from the zoo yesterday!

Love you all!

Mat

Saturday, August 22nd, 2010

Namaste,

So I knew we were going to have a very busy day. I had ask Sherrie to cook breakfast so we would not spend a million dollars on snacks at the zoo. We needed eggs, milk, and bacon, so I jumped on my bike and rode to Crest. There were two stores closer, but the weather was beautiful. I took my small backpack so I would have a way to carry everything. I made it the three miles very quickly. So quick I didn't even work up a sweat. When I got back I jumped in the shower, and did some straightening around the house. We left for the zoo around 9:00am.... We got unloaded and started walking around the Oklahoma exhibit, on to the gorillas, and then big cats. The animals were not as active as last week.... Probably because the heat was stifling. We had a good time but, the heat took a toll on all of us. We came home and everyone laid down. When I got up at 2:30, the Rays were ready to head home. They had a 6 or 7 hour drive ahead of them. Sherrie and I helped them out, then we came in and cleaned up. We love having the Ray's here. We love to do so many of the same things... Mainly eating, but really they love to workout, We love sports, and kid's. Well I should say we love our kid's.... Don't want anyone to think we are pedophiles! (Just Kidding!) We did a few things around here, then headed down to Big Truck Taco's for a bite. We had eaten their taco's before at a Edmond Fine Art's event, but had never been to their restaurant. It was very eclectic. Kind of a hippie place, but the food was off the chart. The taco's are all gourmet, and things you would not expect in a taco.... I had a grilled veggie, and a tilapia.... Sherrie had chicken and barracho beans. We left and had no real plans. We talked about a movie, or walking around the mall, but we drove through the Paseo art district, Heritage Hills, Western Avenue art district, and then towards the house. We went by family video and picked up Cop Out. It was pretty funny. We crashed hard. Even though it has been a pretty lazy weekend, by my standards, the heat is killing me. We are going to have a full day of laundry, and house cleaning, but I am sure we will get in a run or bike ride. Pictures from the zoo!

Love you all!

Mat

Friday, August 21st, 2010

Namaste,

Did not really want to get up! Got up at 5:30 and jumped in the shower. Had some coffee, and hooked the trailer up to the Rover. I had to return the stolen (Borrowed) mower today. I came in and got ready for work then dropped Trey off at school. He is already having a great time at school. I stopped by Starbucks and one of my coffee buddies was there. His name is Neo and he is being deployed to Iraq next week, so he had a cup of coffee waiting on me. We are going to lunch on Monday, before he ships out. I got to work, and I have not ever had this big of an IV load for as few patients as we have. I was in the IV room from 8:00am until 2:30pm. We did take a quick lunch break to go return the mower. Again... If I did not have Gaymarie's help with the mower over the last two weeks, I would be out of business. I left work just before 5:00pm and had to stop by Starbucks for a frappachino, then home to get Bruce, Tracy, and Sherrie. We were heading down to Iguana lounge to meet Ben and Kinsey Crocker for dinner. We had a few drinks, some great Mexican food, and great company. Ben and Kinsey had some function to be at so they had to leave after dinner, and we were going to go down to the canal and walk around, but Mike and Jenni Giroux called and wanted us to meet them at a local pub. We went over there and had a drink with them, then came home. Bruce and Tracy have to head home today, so we are going to spend the morning at the zoo! Better go! Couple pictures of hot mama!

Love you all!

Mat

Thursday, August 19th, 2010

Namaste,

Good Morning,

Today was the kid's first day of school. I jumped up at 5:15 and turned off the alarm clock, except I turned off the wrong one! It went off at 5:30 and woke everyone in the house up. We had three girls sleeping in the living room so I was trying to be quiet, but it was impossible. I got dressed had my coffee, and did some reading. I dropped Trey off at school and headed to Starbucks. It was crazy busy! The line was out the door! I got my coffee and headed to work. I had all of my IV's done in a few hours, so I made a deal with Jodi. I wanted to take part of the day off to hang with our company, but they decided to go to the Cowboy Hall of Fame, so I decided to get my mowing done at Midwest City. I hooked up the trailer and headed over to pick up my partner in crime.... Brent was already at the property, and ready to go. We hauled booty, and knocked it out in three hours flat! If I didn't have Brent's help I would probably still be there! I came home and cleaned up then Bruce and I headed up to the gym. We had three pro fighters working out when we got there, and so Bruce and I just rolled a bit, then Morgan Hawkins came in a taught Jui-Jit-su. We got a great workout..... Home for the third shower of the day, and a salad. I got a new phone today. My Blackberry has hit the floor one too many times, so I broke down and got an IPhone. It will take some getting use to! Thanks to Ben Anderson for helping me get the upgrade process done very quickly! Ben is the man when it comes to cell phones. If you need a new one, go see him at the Wal-Mart in North Edmond!

Love you all!

Mat

Wednesday, August 18th, 2010

Namaste,

I have a pinched nerve in my back, so I took a muscle relaxer and a pain pill! I was out like a light. I slept through the night and jumped up just before the alarm clock went off at 5:30. Shower, coffee, and a little reading. Off to work, after a stop a Starbucks, of course. Work is about the same as usual, with the exception of my friend Alexis deciding that she after all did not want to work there. Oh well.... It's not for everyone! I met my good friend Joy Brown at Louie's for lunch. Joy is awesome, she is an exceptional nurse. She was on her way to get her hair did, after just having her car in for service, so she was in the neighborhood. After lunch the afternoon seemed to drag on forever! We were waiting on a late admit to come in, and had a computer tech there fixing Jodi's computer. Sherrie's brother Bruce, his wife Tracy, and their three kids drove up from College Station. As soon as I got home from work, I started grilling burgers.... We had a bite to eat, and then we all went to Mitch Park. Courtney and Trey watched the younger kids, and Bruce, Tracy, and Sherrie ran , while I made two laps on my bike! The weather was beautiful! We came home cleaned up and I am getting ready to take drugs and go to bed! The pictures are my good friend Joy Brown, and a random picture of a public cremation from Kathmandu!

Love you all!

Mat

Tuesday, August 17th, 2010

Namaste,

Well I woke up at 4:30 and decided it would be a good morning to go get Edmond's property done. I loaded up the trailer, and headed out. I had to stop and get gas.... On to the hospital! I edged first, which only takes 30 minutes. I started with Dave's mower and did the front 1/2 before going in and cleaning up! I had plenty to do for the majority of the day. I wrapped up at 3:30 and went back out to finish up. I have been battling a pinched nerve in my lower back, and I am in a great deal of pain. I mowed until 7:00pm and could probably mowed for another hour but my left hip, and lower back could not take anymore. On the way home I noticed I had 7 missed text. Two were from my cousins in Tennessee. My cousin Sherry Wilson passed away due to an aneurysm. Sherry was only 53, and I just talked to her, not to long ago. She managed the business office in my families hardware store. Sad day! A few more pictures from the zoo!

Love you all!

Mat

Monday, August 16th, 2010

Namaste,

Got up at 5:30 and had my coffee, while watching the weather. We had a small cold front come through and instead of it being 110 degrees everyday, it will only be 99 degrees. I left for work a little bit early today, because I had a lunch meeting with Jenniafer Walters today. We are moving forward with our Flapjack Fundraiser. Jenniafer is awesome, and has a huge heart! Jodi came and had lunch with us. I am glad she had a chance to meet Jenniafer. We met a Applebee's of course, and I had a chance to talk to Stephen the manager, and then my pastors wife Tiffany came in. Yesterday in church, Pastor Herbert preached from a giant high chair to demonstrate how some Christians are babies. I had Stephen talked into taking a high chair over to their table if Pastor Herbert came in. He did not, and I went by and told Tiffany what I had planned. We had a good laugh. I took a call mid-morning from my cousin Tina. I knew if she was calling something was up. My cousin Sherrie had an aneurysm and is doing very poorly. Sherrie is such a sweetheart.... She is always in a good mood, and always has a smile. Sherrie managed the business office of my families hardware store. She use to sneak my free soda's out of the machine. PLEASE pray for her. We were kinda busy at work today.... I really like it when we are busy. The day seemed to fly by! I acme home about 4:45 and got dressed for the gym. I was wearing my hello kitty boxing shorts and I had about 15 cars honk at me! I really pushed hard to get to the gym before Coach Parker. I like to get there and get things opened up and cooled down before class starts. We did bob, and weave drills, then shadow kick drills.... I did get bumped in the nose one time and my eyes started watering like I was cutting a bucket of onions! I am leaving early in the morning. I am going to mow a bit in the morning! More pictures from the zoo!

Love you all!

Mat

Sunday, August 15th, 2010

Namaste,

Well I had expected to get up and go ride around the lake... Guess what? I overslept by two hours! I did not get up until 7:00! I jumped up and got my shower, while my coffee was brewing, and got ready for church. I had to pick Trey up at mom's house, and then get to church. We worked in the parking lot, and then into service. On the way home we had to stop at Home Depot and get a few things. We got home and Sherrie had an brunch fixed for us Turkey wraps, and salad. Trey, Sherrie and I went to the zoo to walk around. We are zoo friends members, but our membership has expired so we had to go into the office to renew it. I saw a familiar face in there.... My niece Crystal works in there, and I had no idea. She could sooooo easily pass as my sisters twin, when she was that age! She is a cool girl and I would really like to spend more time with her. We only stayed a couple of hours! It was pretty hot, and my back was killing me! Since I was running so far behind this morning, I forgot to take my drugs! I came home and took a pain pill, while Sherrie took Trey for a hair cut, and ran by the market. I passed out for about two hours, then went out and put the starter in Jordan's truck. I had made arrangements to meet Mike Giroux at the gym and workout for an hour. I wanted to ride my bike up there so I took off, after asking Sherrie to pick me and my bike up at 8:00! Mike and I were going at it pretty hard, when I shot in and he kneed me in the nose. I started gushing like crazy. Luckily Sherrie showed up a little while later.... I think my nose may be broken? It is definitely bruised really good, and I will be surprised if I don't have a couple black eye's by morning! Sherrie's brother Bruce and his family are coming to town Wednesday, so I started cleaning and dusting the house. It is going to be a crazy week! I have no idea when I will get my mower back, so I am kinda just gonna wing it! The pictures are from the zoo today!

Love you all!

Mat

Saturday, August 14th, 2010

Namaste,

What a busy day! We got up just before 6:00am, and got ready for a run. We were going to do a 1/2 marathon, but Sherrie has a pulled muscle in her stomach, so we only did about 5 kilometers. Back to the house where I pulled the starter from Jordan's broke down truck. Then in for a shower and some coffee. We were in desperate need of a clothes dryer. We got a paper and found an estate sale.... We stopped by a few garage sales on the way, but there was nothing. We got to the estate sale and the had a washer and dryer. They were in exceptional shape, and they only wanted $75.00 for the dryer.... I told them I wanted it, and they said they would sell them together for $125.00.... That's hard to beat! We loaded them in the Rover and headed by Starbucks. Molly and Grant were working, and so I chatted with them for a bit. Molly needs a dryer so we told her she could have our old one..... We stopped by mom's house to see Trey for a bit. Turns out mom's washer went out and we just happened to have an extra one in the Rover. I unloaded it and installed it. Worked like a charm! We stopped at Academy to get a few things, like a bike rack for the Rover, and Sherrie got some shorts and shirts to workout in. It was time for lunch so we stopped at Qdoba and got a Taco Salad... It was yummy! We went to Mercy Hospital to see Sherrie's Nanny. We left there and went to Autozone to have Jordan's starter tested. Sure enough it was bad. We came on home and got Jordan's lazy butt out of bed. I put brakes on her truck so it was up to her to buy a starter. I installed our new dryer which I may add is quite as a church mouse! Then I laid in the bed for a bit. At that point I had done more in 1/2 a day than most people do in a week! I actually took it easy for a couple of hours, then we went to the market to get a few things. We needed lunch meat, and trail mix. Sherrie got a bike helmet, and a lock for the bike's. We came home and waited out the heat. It was 107 degrees today, and at 7:00 it was still 100! At 8:00 we headed to Mitch park and rode their bike trail. It is only about four miles, but it is very hilly! I loved it. I would push real hard past Sherrie, and then turn around and ride back to her.... It was nice. My legs look great! I was up on my toes when I was attaching the water supply to mom's washer, and Sherrie said "Dang look at your calves!" My right calf looks like a body builders! It is cut! My left calf is not as big, due to two different surgeries I have had on it! We came home cleaned up and are laying in bed watching a movie, and trying to make a plan for tomorrow. The kids go back to school Thursday, and we have company coming to town Wednesday. I don't know what my mowing schedule will be this week, until I find out when I get my mower back! A couple pictures from Nepal!

Love you all!

Mat

Friday, August 13th, 2010

Namaste,

Well it was Friday the 13th.... Big morning.... Coffee, news, and editing a couple of pictures. My buddy Chad needed a picture of one of his employees head, shopped onto a ballerinas body! It came out looking very cheesy, but oh well. Off to Starbucks then work. Work was actually quite busy, for a change. The morning went by really fast. I met the Daniel, the environmental services guy from Edmond at lunch.... Of course we went to Louie's! Back to work, where the afternoon continued to be busy. We left at 4:30, and I ran by Al's Bicycles to look at bike racks. WOW! They must think their stuff is made of gold! Came on home, and laid in the bed for 1/2 an hour. Sherrie and I were meeting Mike Champlin and his girlfriend Jamie at a new restaurant here in Edmond for dinner. It is called the Manhattan, and Oh my!!!!! Everything we tried was great! The owners made their way around to welcome everyone and they were very nice. They also decorate with local artist work, and I gave them the information to my website to see about getting my stuff in there. If you would go to http://www.matjones.net/ and send me suggestions on you favorites? Dinner was great, the company was great, and our dates were smoking hot! We drove around looking at the meteor shower for a bit, then came home. I put on a movie, and the next thing you know..... It's 5:30am! The pictures are of Mike on our last two trips to Utah. Mike is one of the most generous, kind, compassionate, brilliant people on the planet! I am really glad he is a part of our lives!

Love you all!

Mat

Thursday, August 12th, 2010

Namaste,

It's hard to believe that this month is flying by sooooo fast! I slept in till 5:30 this morning. Did my shower, coffee, and had several emails to respond to. The Epilepsy Association of Oklahoma is having a "Flapjack Fundraiser" October 30th, at the Applebee's in Edmond. Myself and Jenniafer Walters are organizing the event, and part of my job is to find some local celebrities to come sign autographs. I talked to one of my Pro fighters last night, and not only would he agree to do it, but he was honored to do it. Cole Province is a four time National Champion wrestler, WEC Cage fighting Veteran and one hell of a nice guy. Cole fights Mike Brown (The number 3 ranked fighter in the world) September 30th, in Denver. I have not ask my other buddy Jared Hess, but I hope he will participate. Anyway.... I emailed some of the key people on the Association to let them know our status on the fundraiser. Off to Starbucks, and then work. We are still fairly slow, but the IV count has picked up. Thursday's are our busy day getting prepared for the weekend. I met Mike Champlin at Louie's for lunch. We had a good chat, and we are having dinner with he, and Jamie tomorrow night at some new upscale restaurant. I don't even know the name..... Back to work, where I had a few minutes to visit with a new employee.... Well not really new???? Alexis Mayfield came back to work. This is her 3rd (Third) go-round at ESH! I guess she just doesn't learn. She is a real firecracker, and will be working in our marketing department, because God knows we need someone out there marketing our facility. Alexis has twenty years experience in case management and social work, which makes her perfect for this job. Alexis also has a way of telling you to go to hell, and make you think she is paying you a complement. Something else about her is the way she is not scared to tell you exactly what is on her mind! We actually had to stay at work until 5:00 today. I ran home and changed into my Muay Thai trunks and headed up to the gym. We had a brand new student start tonight. His name is Scott, and he is a veterinarian..... He has never been in a fight in his life, but wants to stay in shape and learn how to defend his self. We had a mini-clinic with Ajarn Mike Parker tonight. We did a solid two hour workout. I am spent. Tomorrow is no panties Friday, which is my favorite day of the week! Time to get ready for tomorrow! Top picture is Cole working over Tim Elliott. The second is the lovely Alexis Mayfield and her dad Ed.

Love you all!

Mat

Wednesday, August 11th, 2010

Namaste,

Well after yesterday, I had no idea what to expect. I started the day at 5:30 with a little coffee, and some research on rental companies, and possible solutions to my mower problem! I went by two different rental companies and even though the Internet says they rent ZTR's they don't. I stopped by Starbucks, and Grant gave me my coffee and acknowledged the fact that I am the Mayor. I got to work, and busted out the morning stuff. When Gaymarie got to work she had a phone number of a friend, of a friend, who is retired and works on mowers as a hobby. I called this guy and he told me to bring it on over! I dropped it off, but was still very unsure of how I was going to get the Midwest City property mowed. I started sending out text messages to anyone and everyone who I though may be able to help me push mow that property. I was having a panic attack when Gaymarie suggested that we go get her dad's big mower. He is in Germany and does not use it even when he is here! We went to his house and the tire was flat and battery was dead. We got it on the trailer and headed back to work. We did our afternoon stuff, and headed out. I picked Brent up and the thermostat on the Rover said it was 115 degree's? We hauled butt and got the property looking really nice in 4 hours. I have to Thank Gaymarie, for her help today. I was really stressing about getting that job done, and having a week to 10 days before either of the big properties will need to be done again. I was on the verge of a breakdown. If she had not stepped up and helped me find a guy to repair my mower, and loan me her dad's mower, I'm sure I would be in a real pickle. I also have to thank Brent! Brent is a hard worker, and does everything I ask him to do, and never complains or questions my decisions. I wish I could pay him what he is worth, but that is not in the budget! I ran by the gym on the way home and checked in. Looked like a good Jui Jit Su class. Tomorrow night we are having another mini-clinic with Arjan Mike Parker. He will be teaching us some super awesome Muay Thai. The pictures are of Gaymarie and I, and the super duper John Deer mower she loaned me!

Love you all!

Mat

Tuesday, August 10th, 2010

Namaste,

Well what started out to be a great day turned to crap! I left the house at 5:00am to do the Edmond Hospital Property. I got started at 5:15 and did the edging first... I got on the big mower and did the front 1/2 in a couple of hours. I did the push mowing and then cleaned everything up. The mower had been running OK, but not great. I had to stop a couple of different times and make some adjustments. I parked the equipment and went inside to clean up and do some real work. Our IV load has picked up quite a bit, and our order was running way behind. We ran to Qdoba at lunch and I got a Veggie burrito. It was yummy! The afternoon was fine. We did a narcotic inventory, and had a few other things to do. I went back out at 4:30 and my mower was sitting in a giant pool of oil. I could not for the life of me get it to run. There is oil everywhere.... In the carb, air filter.... Covering everything! I had to push mow the rest of the property. What should have taken two hours, took four. What should have been a nice ride on the ZTR at 15mph, turned into four hours a sweat and pain. I took a 15 minute shower when I got home, had a bite to eat then ran by a friends house to get her mail for her. I am going to have to find a mechanic and place to rent a mower for a few weeks! If you know any small engine repairmen, or lawn equipment rental facilities please let me know! Couple random pictures from Utah!

Love you all!

Mat

Monday, August 9th, 2010

Namaste,

It was Monday! Sherrie is off this week, so I had to be quiet this morning. I got up at 5:10 and got my shower. Read a little, left some feedback on ebay, and the headed to Starbucks. On to work, where I did the usual Monday clean up and then did the monthly clean room sterilization. I made Gaymarie go to lunch with me. We had a salad, and then I went to pick up my mower parts. I got to the welding shop, and the guy said... "Oh I forgot about those!" I told him I had to have them done and installed tonight. He promised he would have them done by 5:00. Sure enough I got them back. The afternoon was OK. We had plenty to do. I ran to Jodi's house to get her mail, and put her trash can at the curb. When I got home, I decided to ride my bike to the gym. I got there and opened the gym, then a few guys showed up and we started a good workout. We did some conditioning, and then two on one off drills. You do Jui-jit-su for two five minute rounds and then get one off. It is awesome. I feel like I did really good, even with a very sore neck. I had Sherrie pick me up at they gym and we clocked the mileage back to the house. It was exactly 6 1/2 miles from here to the gym. Sherrie grilled pork for dinner, and left me a plate! It was awesome! I am going to bed very early. Mowing very early in the morning! A couple random pictures from Nepal!

Love you all!

Mat

Sunday, August 8th, 2010

Namaste,

Sherrie and I had planned on going to Mt Scott, and doing some hiking today. Since we got our new bikes last night, we decided to load the bikes up and go to Lake Hefner. We were going to ride around the lake trail, which is 10 miles, but 1/2 way around Sherrie decided her seat was really uncomfortable. I said what do you want to do? She said we should head back..... What was funny is it would have been the same distance if we would have continued on! :-) We made our 10 miles!!!! It was pretty nice out this morning.... Probably about 82 degrees, but the wind was straight out of the south at about 30mph. We decided to head out to El Reno and pick up my mower. We stayed at Curtis' house for about 30 minutes, then headed home. We came in and cleaned up then Sherrie made a tuna salad. My neck is bothering me from the Muay Thai clinic yesterday, so I took some Tylenol and laid down. I jumped up at 2:30 and went to organise the lawn equipment. Sherrie took Trey and Jordan to Old Navy to pick up a few last things for school, and I went ahead and mowed the lawn. I finished then watered my dying grass. It has been over 100 degrees everyday for about 20 days now. Everyone's grass is turning brown, all the leaves are falling off the trees, which means fall will be ugly because it's the moisture in the leaves that help with the color change. Anyway..... I did some painting in the entry way, and then we went to Wild Wings to meet Mike Champlin, Jason Klinka, and the Van Sickles. We watched the first 1/2 of the Hall of Fame Game. This is the first Preseason NFL game of the year, and what makes me happy about football season is... It is almost fall! A couple of pictures from one of last years Moab trips!

Love you all!

Mat