Sunday, October 31st, 2010

Namaste,

Crazy busy day! Well the Halloween party we ended up going to last night was not a Halloween party at all... They have a fall celebration/cookout because they do not believe in Halloween. Whatever.... They had a bonfire and cooked out! We got home at 10:30 and I went straight to bed. I got up at 6:00and got ready for church. I had to go to Edmond and unload the trailer, then hit Starbucks before picking Trey up. We went to church, which was off the hook! Then headed straight to Midwest City. We were going to remove three trees, and clean up about twenty more. I started cutting limbs down and Brent and Trey were loading them on the trailer. We had about 6 or 7 loads of tree limbs we cut down. There is a wooded area just behind the Hospital so we drug the branches off in the woods. My back was KILLING me! We cleaned everything up and dropped Brent off. Trey and I stopped and grabbed some chicken before we got home. When we got home I took a shower then laid down for a few minutes or an hour! Sherrie wanted me to go to the market with her, so I got dressed and went. We bought everything in the store! When we got home we unloaded the groceries and went to mom's to hang her picture I had framed for her. It looks really nice! Since we have been home, Trey and I have been watching football, and I have been looking at Wolf's pictures waiting on the images from Egypt! Take a look at http://www.wolf-photography.com/. My favorite photographer in the world! Time for sleep!

Love you all!

Mat

Saturday, October 30th, 2010

Namaste,

Happy Birthday to my mother! I really don't know how old she is because, they didn't make calendars back then! Not Really... She is 66 today! I did not sleep, because I was afraid I would oversleep and not get the garage sale set up. I left here at 5:45, and ran by Starbucks, then on to mom's. I got everything set-up and signs made. It was very, very slow until probably 9:00am, then people really came out! We probably made $500.00 towards Trey's trip. We cleaned everything up around noon, and then went by Jason's Deli and got a salad. When we got home, I laid down for a while. I am exhausted, and have been going really hard for soooo long. We have been invited to two different parties tonight, but this is Trey's last year to Trick-or-Treat, so we are going to stay home and let him go out with his friends! Trey dressed up like a boxer! The top picture is Trey with the Laskeys!

All my love!

Mat

Friday, October 29th, 2010

Namaste,

Got up at 4:45 and got my shower... Read some, and worked on emails. I left here at 6:10 and headed out to Chad and Shannon's house to pick up some tables I had loaned them for a Halloween party. I needed the tables for the garage sale this weekend. I got out there and loaded the tables, then headed to south Edmond to drop them off at moms. I dropped by Starbucks and then on to work... I was running around crazy, but got everything done, by 11:15. I was meeting Jenniafer Walters for lunch to discuss some fund raising for the Epilepsy Association. Lunch was good. Back to work where the clock was moving really slow. When I left work at 5:00, I came home and got Sherrie, Trey, and my bike and we headed up to Mitch Park. I made two and a half laps, while Sherrie was running it. We left there and picked up mom and took her to Johnnies which is right by her house. Trey and I had grilled chicken and the girls had hamburgers. I gave mom the print that I had done. It came out really nice. I wrote a few thought in the back, and then signed and dated it. Back home to shower and relax! Picture is Jenniafer Walters and me!

All my love,

Mat

Thursday, October 28th, 2010

Namaste,

Holy crap.... I slept for about an hour and a half. Tossed and turned, woke up one time with a cat between my feet and a remote in my butt crack! I got up about 4:30 and read for a while. I left for work at 6:10 and stopped at Starbucks. I decided to go in and work on my website for a while. I added five pictures from Misty & Marshall's wedding. So far I have had great reactions to them! Work has started to get busy.... Sherrie and I are going to two Halloween parties Saturday so I went to try and find a costume at lunch! I guess I will have to be a boxer again! The afternoon was busy! I was suppose to teach class tonight, but when I got to the gym, Tyler Griffin was there and we decided to grapple for a while. We ended up grappling for two full hours. Tyler is an exceptional teacher, and he is strong as an ox! I entered the Submission Grappling World Championships in Dallas, Texas December 18th. I know there will not be anyone there that will be as conditioned as me! That is a promise! When I left the gym, I picked up Sherrie and we had to go get the print I sent to be framed, and then drop it off for the frame. We had to stop at the market and get a few things.... I am soooooo Tired!

Love you all!

Mat

Wednesday, October 28th, 2010

Namaste,

Woke up at 4:50 and got around.... Had a ton to get done yesterday, so I started with my morning ritual. Coffee, writing, reading, responding to emails.... I dropped Trey off and hit Starbucks. Off to work... I was going to get ahead and keep up due to the fact that I don't know what is going to happen this week with Jordan??? Sherrie called me and Jordan was running a fever and in a lot of pain, so I sent Dr. Walton a text and ask if he could see her today, and of course he told me to bring her in! He examined her and thinks there is more going on than just her Gallbladder and wants to run some more diagnostics before he just cuts her open. Jordan has a fear of needles and freaked out!!!! I had to leave because, it really drives me nuts that she can pierce her ears, and nose, but can't let anyone draw blood? I ran to Academy and got Sherrie a new Thunder Shirt. We picked up Jason and Sophie, then headed downtown to meet Mike at Chelino's for dinner. We finished up, and walked over to the game. We were playing the Chicago Bulls, and the was some electricity in the arena. We played well and won the game. We did not get home until, 11:00, and I have a ton to do over the next three days. Mom's birthday is on Saturday, and I have not even thought about what to do for her yet??? I think I am going to get her a big print made and framed... I guess I better get started! Top picture is opening tip. (Is Jeff Green really holding his junk?) Second picture is Sherrie, Mike Champlin, Trey, Jason, and Sophie Klinka!

Love you all!

Mat

Tuesday, October 26th, 2010

Namaste,

I slept like a log last night! The alarm went off at 5:20 and I could not figure out what the heck was going on???? I needed to shave this morning, as I hate shaving I only do it every three days or so! I responded to some emails and worked on my website some, then took Trey to school. I stopped by Starbucks then on to work. Work was plenty busy, then on to lunch. I ran to Louie's and got a wrap, then back to work. I spent much of the afternoon on the phone trying to get Jordan's surgery set up. I am having my friend Dr. Greg Walton do her surgery. We go see him on Thursday afternoon, to get everything arranged. In the afternoon Gaymarie came in to help us, and I left at 5:00. Trey had an orchestra program tonight. It was off the hook! It was only 8 songs, and only lasted a hour! I need to finish some pictures and hit the hay!

Love you all!

Mat

Monday, October 25th, 2010

Namaste,

Happy Monday! (or not) Got up and worked on my questionnaire/application, edited pictures.... Coffee, and news.... Same old routine! I don't change the morning up very much.... Don't want to throw off mu Chi! Anyway, dropped Trey off and hit Starbucks. Work was crazy busy... Mondays are like that! I ran home at lunch to get Jodi's bike that I brought home from the challenge. Sherrie and I had a salad, and wrap, then back to work! The afternoon continued to be busy! We left at 4:30, and I helped Jodi pick up a grill that she won at her daughters school... Dropped it and her bike off at her house, then came home and put on my riding gear. The wind was sustained at 25 to 35mph, and straight out of the south. The gym is 4.18 miles straight south of us. I jumped on my bike and rode to the gym. It was a real struggle to get there with winds gusting to 50mph! I made it!!!! Was there ever a doubt! I rolled with Mike Giroux for two rounds, then Tyler Griffin for one 15 minute round, then a new guy named Trent for about 30 minutes. It was starting to get dark so I jumped on the bike and rode home. It was so different riding with the wind Vs. against the wind! When I got home Sherrie told me the Doctors office had called and Jordan's Gallbladder has to be removed! MAJOR DRAMA! As always! Today, I have to find a surgeon and schedule that! Sherrie has to go enroll in next semesters school, and Trey has a strings festival tonight! Busy day!

Love you all!

Mat

Sunday, October 24th, 2010

Namaste,

Did not want to get up this morning, but had things to get done! I edited pictures from the Halloween party, and sipped some coffee. Trey and I made a run to Starbucks, and then worked the parking lot at church. Our house was a WRECK, so Sherrie stayed home and cleaned my house! Church was awesome!!!! As soon as we got home I decided to go up to the Edmond property and do a few things there! I did a little mowing, a little weed eating, picked up a few leaves, and then Sherrie called.... We were suppose to do a photo shoot of one of her friends family. Her son fell in church and hit his head, so they canceled. Well.... They decided to go ahead and do the pictures... Three young boys!!!! OMG!!!! Anyway, as soon as we finished there, we headed to Midwest City to give Misty and Marshall, their final disk from their wedding, and then Sherrie and I stopped for some dinner. When we got home I had to begin prep for the upcoming week. I'm going to try and train Tuesday night, we will see how I feel then!

All my love!

Mat

Saturday, October 24th, 2010

Namaste,

Well after the horrible weather for our garage sale on Friday, Sherrie and I got up super early and headed over to mom's. I loaded my bike, and took my riding clothes with me. We got everything out and started getting customers, but it was overcast and sprinkling. About 8:00am I took off on my bike. I rode out to Memorial, and east past Lake Arcadia, around the the east side heading north to HWY 66, and then down Pops! When I was about 4 miles away from Pops I called Sherrie and ask her to meet me there. My knee is still very painful, and the giant open wound was causing me grief. She picked me up and we headed back to mom's. All in all we made about $500 for Treys trip to Germany, but we are going to do it again Next Saturday too. It started to rain so we packed everything up and headed home. I was exhausted, so we laid down for a couple of hours and watched some football, then headed out to Chad and Shannon Lovett's house for a Halloween party. Sherrie was Little Red Riding Hood, and Trey and I were boxers.... The party was great, and the food was off the hook.... Shannon cooked for two days, and Sherrie made an awesome salad, and Veggie tray! We came home and passed out! Busy day!

Love you all!

Mat

Friday, October 22nd, 2010

Namaste,

Hello everyone! Just to let our new readers know.... I start every blog with the greeting "Namaste", which means bless the spirit within! This is a simple greeting exchanged all over Asia. The proper pronunciation is "Nam-a-stA". OK... On to Friday. This time last week I had just begun my 24 hour challenge! I know exactly where I was as the first group was turning around and heading back to Louie's! Five of us continued for the next 30 minutes, and then there were two! I am still a little sore. My knee gets better everyday, and my back is improving.

I got up late today.... I woke up at 5:49, and freaked out! I wanted to be at mom's at 6:00, so I jumped in the shower and woke Trey up. We have been planning this garage sale for weeks, and weeks, but just as my luck would have it.... We got set up and the rain moved in.... It rained buckets, and buckets! I finely went on to work, because no one in their right mind would be going to garage sales in that kind of weather! Since I had not planned on working today, most everything was done, so we just did some weekend prep! I came home at 4:00, and took an hour nap. Then mom came over for dinner. Sherrie made an amazing dinner, of roasted pork loin, and sweet potatoes. I did absolutely nothing for physical activity today! I plan on riding 30 miles tomorrow, and Sunday. I was looking at riding my bike to New Mexico over Thanksgiving, but would have to have a support vehicle. We need another fund raiser real soon! We did not reach our goal.... But donations continue to come in everyday! Today I received $132.00, and was told that a corporate sponsor was going to donate an additional $400.00. I am not counting that until I see the check.... Tomorrow morning we have to be back at moms for the garage sale, so I am turning in soon!

Love you all!

Mat

Thursday, October 21st, 2010

Namaste,

Got up at 4:50 and got my shower.... Coffee was good, and worked on Thank you cards! Responded to several emails. I continue to receive emails asking for help. My knee continues to improve everyday, and I hope I can start training again next Tuesday. I am looking for something to do over Thanksgiving. I will have 5 days off and want to ride, or hike somewhere??? Any suggestions???? The kids are out of school for Fall Break, so I stopped by Starbucks and then on to work. Work was fine.... Kept busy for the most part..... I left at 4:00 and came home. We were going to the Oklahoma City Thunder's last preseason game. The regular season starts next Wednesday! I would love to ride some this weekend, but don't know when, I would be able to fit it in!

Love you all!

Mat

Wednesday, October 20th, 2010

Namaste,

Typical morning, with shower, coffee, and returning emails. I dropped Trey off and hit Starbucks. Work is not too bad right now. I went ahead and started some weekend prep a day early. Jordan is having a IVP test on Friday. It test gallbladder functionality. I am going to work after that, but don't know when it will be! I came home at lunch and had a salad. I needed to pick-up a few things for the garage sale this weekend. I don't know if I wrote about it recently, but Trey was selected to go to Europe for a study abroad program in March, and I am going with him. My mom and sister are having a giant garage sale this weekend to help him with the expense. that is really sweet of them to do that! After work I hauled the lawn equipment over to mom's and knocked her lawn out. It looks the best it has all year! We picked up some tables, and then I ran by the gym to pay coach Parker. He recognised what I did last weekend and had everyone congratulate me. Made me really happy! I went back to mom's and helped get set up for the sale. Trey was about to starve to death so we ran to Johnnies and got a chicken sandwich. Trey is a nut..... He makes me smile. Sherrie and her best friend are at a Papa Roach concert. I am home... Just me and Boomer! How peaceful!

All my love!

Mat

Tuesday, October 19th, 2010

Namaste,

Still having a hard time sleeping. Every time I move my knee I feel like stabbing someone in the eye with a pencil! I got up at 4:00 and did some research, and read some! I went to work, at 6:00 after a stop at Starbucks. I got everything going, and we continue to have issues with of computer system. I worked on it forever! Luckily Trey made me a sandwich because I had a meeting at Midwest City, and since I was going to be there, I thought I might as well clean up the lawn, and trim some hedges. I came home about 6:00, had a shower. A Lortab, and some left overs! Sherrie had a test in medical terminology.... I helped her with that, and now I am going to respond to a few more emails before bed! Here is a crazy picture of my swollen knee!

Love you all!

Mat

Monday, October 18th, 2010

Namaste,

I had a terrible night sleeping! Every toss or turn was brutally painful. My knee is about three time its normal size and I could just not find a comfortable position. I came in the living room at 4:00am, and found Jordan's friend Josh asleep on the couch! I had no idea he was even here! I went back to bed for an hour before getting in the shower. I worked on emails for a couple of hours before heading out to take Trey to school. I hit Starbucks, and saw George, and Erin.... When I got to work, I unloaded T-post and then went inside. There was a huge mess, due to the fact that the computer system was down all weekend! What a disaster! I did what I could.... Jodi was running late, and then when we ran out to get a sandwich at lunch, Jodi's daughters school called and Kaedyn was sick, so Jodi had to go get her! I ran Justin's stuff back to Vital Signs, and then back to work to continue working on the computers. After work, I had two loads of stuff to take to mom's for this weekends garage sale. All of the money we make on this deal goes towards Trey's trip to Germany! I continue to get inspirational emails... The fuel I need for my fire!

All my Love!

Mat

Sunday, October 17th, 2010

Namaste,

Man was I tired. I got up at 7:00am and got my shower and then limped around trying to get my stuff organized from the weekend. Rolling up banners, putting things away, slowly drinking my coffee. Other than a really sore knee, back and swollen feet.... I really don't feel that bad! We picked Trey up at mom's and went to the second service. It was great! We went by the market to get our groceries, and try and walk off some of the soreness... Back home for a salad, and nap. The afternoon has been full of answering emails, and continuing the clean up efforts! I have been thinking about everyone who participated, donated, anticipated, and prayed for us during the Quest!

Love you all!

Mat

Saturday, October 16th, 2010

Namaste,

So when I left off yesterdays blog..... It was 11:00pm. I made Sherrie come home because, I needed her back at 6:00am. My sister was going to sit at the table until then. I might mention that I have a pinched nerve in my back, and it was really barking at me before I even started. I decided to give my back a break, I would ride the second lap. My original plan was to walk throughout the night, but there were several people riding on the trail and about 1/3 of it is lit! I took off an my bike with my climbing headlamp on, and made that loop in under an hour. When I got back to the table, Bryan and Sondra Goodpasture were there. They are my next door neighbors, and Bryan goes to school with Jordan. It was midnight, and Bryan wanted to ride so we took off on the bikes. My nephew Rodger showed up and rode with us. Chad, Shannon, Gannan, and Nathan Lovett came out in the middle of the night and walked for two hours. We ended up making two laps and at 2:00am, I was by myself for the first time! I decided to walk the next lap so I took off and headed north. This was opposite from where we had been going, but most of the trail traffic was heading that way. It took me three hours to make that loop. When I got back, there was some fresh Starbucks brewing and it really hit the spot! I had just completed 50 miles, and had 15 hours to go! Ricardo showed up at 5:00am and we rode three laps together, then my buddy Chris Easton showed up and we rode three laps together. A friend from high school sent his brother out to ride with me a couple of laps, Ed Krepps from work came out and rode a couple of laps, Cindy Enix, my co-worker came out and walked a lap, Ricardo came back out in the early afternoon and rode some more, my little nephew Brent came out and rode a lap, a guy named Jerry, who works with my buddy Tyler Griffin came out on his recumbent bike and rode 100 miles. The list goes on, and on, and on! At one time around noon, I was feeling it and when I got back to the table I started getting sick! Thank God I had a nurse and respiratory therapist/Massage therapist there! They got me re hydrated and massaged out! Thanks Sharon, and Paula. I hit the trail again, and at 4:00pm I knew I had time for one walking lap and one riding lap. My back was cramping so I decided to ride along side Sherrie as she was walking the trail, I would ride ahead and then come back to her essentially riding three laps at one time. At the 1/2 way point on that lap..... I was really having a hard time keeping my eyes open, and I was a good mile ahead of Sherrie and I fell asleep on my bike. I was probably going about 10mph. I woke up when I smashed my knee on the sidewalk! OMG!!!!! I was rolling on the ground, when a couple that was riding by stopped and told me to lay still! I couldn't! I got up and could bend my knee even though it was bleeding like crazy! Sherrie caught up to me and wanted me to call it and have someone come get me, but that would have defeated the purpose! I got back on my bike and finished the lap. When we got back I headed North so I would turn around after 30 minutes and come across the finish line at 8:00pm. I met my Lady Stallion cheerleaders about 1000 yards from the finish line and they walked in with me! I was elated to come across the line and have so many friends,and family members there. I was hugging people and kissing baby's, and the whole team really jumped in and broke everything down. Febe brought the truck and trailer home, and Sherrie, Ben Anderson, Paula Jennings, Julie Schwartz, Dustin Forgue, and their kids went inside for a quick bite. When I got home I got straight in the shower, and brushed my teeth. I do not remember laying down.... What an experience! I covered 170 miles in 24 hours, Sherrie did 30 miles, Jerry did 100 miles, Ricardo did 40 miles, Chris Easton did 30 miles, Ed Krepps did 40 miles. I can't remember everyone right now, but we logged some miles for sure. I will continue to tell stories from this Quest for weeks! I have no idea how much money we raised??? I will get a number over the next two weeks! Pledges will continue to come in for a couple of weeks! There are soooo many people to thank! I don't know where to start! I will list them in the next blog.... A couple pictures from the Quest!

All my love!

Mat

Friday, October 15th, 2010 500th Post!

Namaste,

This is my 500th post on this blog! I am grateful to all of you who read it! Writing everyday, helps keep me accountable!

I knew Friday was going to be crazy. I dropped Trey off at school, and hit Starbucks. I needed to run to Wal-Mart to pick up a few things I had forgotten. I was walking through the store when a lady stopped me and ask, if I was the guy in the news paper last week? I told her yes, and she said she had that article in her locker in the back and she looks at it everyday to remind her to get her exercise! That is what the Quest is all about! Off to work. I had most of my stuff done, and just needed to get out and run a bunch of errands. I had to go to Starbucks, and pick up the coffee they were donating. I needed to go to the Zoo and pick up their banner, and meet the lady Dana, who runs Zoo Friends. Then I headed all the way to the other side of OKC to meet Sarah from the Stallions. She gave me their banner, and introduced me to some people. I headed home to make a sandwich, then checked in at work. Things were crazy so I went in to make some IV's. I was suppose to meet the reporter from channel 9 at 3:00. He called me and said he was going to be late. He was assigned a shooting at Penn Square he needed to cover, but would be at Louie's ASAP! We got there and started putting up banners, and tables! Tom Simpson from Mom's church came out to help with banners, and Thank the lord for him. At 5:00 Sherrie, Trey, and I went in for a bite to eat, and then people started showing up! I was ready to get started, but had to wait until 8:00pm. Dr. Walton, Dr. Broussard, and their families, my sister and her family, a bunch of my friends from work, and their families, Ricardo and Jenni Villrreal, and many, many people who read the story in the paper, or knew someone who read the story came out! The reporter showed up at 7:50 and we had to rush through the interview. Steve Raines from Heritage Baptist came to say a prayer over us, then at 8:00 we took off! The first lap there were 15 or so of us to start! People started falling off, and at the 1/2 way point, it was just Sherrie and I. We made the first loop in three hours. My lower back was already killing me, due to the pinched nerve, but it was way to early to start whining!

All my love!

Mat

Thursday, October 14th, 2010

Namaste,

Again no sleep! Just laid there thinking about how to take this Quest to the next level. I got up at 4:30 and made my coffee... I thought about running, but decided to relax, and work on organization. I laid it out, and now I just need to play it out. I dropped Trey off and hit Starbucks. It was very nice outside.... I should have walked, or ran, but was going to let my old body rest. I did all of my work fairly quickly, and even did some of the weekend prep. I made Jodi go to a Mexican restaurant at lunch... I wanted to get some chicken fajita meat,, so I did. It was OK..... We ran out to Jodi's house to pick up her bike. She wants to ride when she comes out on Saturday. Back to work. I had to remake 1/2 of my IV's..... I left just after 4:00 to come home and start working on things.... We had to go to the store and get fruit and some protein bars. When we got home I started working on bikes. I had to fix brakes, and replace a couple of tires. I loaded everything up, and came in to shower, and get my sleep on! I got a letter from Dr. Walton today... It thanked me for my participation in the Dance from Obesity ball! Who is he kidding??? Really! I owe that man my life! He is truly one of my hero's!

Love you all!

Mat

Wednesday, October 13th, 2010

Namaste,

I woke up at 4:30 and got my shower..... So much running through my head that it was useless to try to get back to sleep. I finished what I could on Misty's wedding pictures. I sent a few to my buddy Jeremy's wife to refinish for me. After I get those back, I will be done with them. I took Trey to school and then hit Starbucks. Starbucks is going to give me 10 pounds of coffee for the Challenge! My buddy Grant at my Starbucks (15th and Bryant) hooked me up! I got after it at work, and the ran by Vital Signs at noon, to pick up a Red Rock Landscape sign for Chad Dugan. Jodi and I stopped at Kang's and got some Sushi. Our waitress was really awkward. She had a big eyeball tattooed on her arm. I ask her about it and she said "It represents my spirituality on a linear consciousness!" WHAT? I looked at Jodi and she looked at me, and we had to bite our tongues to keep from busting out in laughter. We ran by Weight Wise after lunch and picked up the water, and their banner. Back to work.... It was a pretty slow afternoon so we bailed. I brought the trailer home, and when I got her I started loading it up with everything going to the Challenge, bikes, ice chests, T-post, sledge hammers... I loaded my bike up and headed up to the gym to get the 805 banner. Tyler ask me to roll two rounds with Timmy, so I did! I went to the Lake and did my laps. I downloaded a new application for my IPhone that tracks where you go. I did the first lap in 39:56. Three minutes slower than yesterday, but I had a hell of a headwind for about 5 miles. The GPS tracker told me it was exactly 9.51 miles around the lake. I came home and cleaned up then went to Academy and found some biking shorts. Then home for some Oyster Stew. I am really tired! A couple more random pictures!

Love you all!

Mat

Tuesday, October 12th, 2010

Namaste,

Sherrie had to be at work at 3:00am this morning, so when she got up, I had a hard time going back to sleep. I got up at 5:20 and worked on the challenge. I took Trey to school and then hit Starbucks. I am lucky that I am the mayor, because Sherrie took the Rover this morning and my wallet was in there. I would have had a bad day without my java! Work was OK.... Enough to keep me busy.... I came home at lunch to get my wallet, and really didn't want to go back, but I had to! I received several emails throughout the day... This continues to motivate me. We got slammed and I did not leave work until 6:00. I came home loaded up my bike changed clothes and headed to the lake. I did the first lap in 36:54. That is 9 minutes faster than last time. After 20 miles my Taint could not take anymore. I came home to a house full of women! Sherrie was having a jewelery showing, and there were 20 people here. Best part was they left me a cookie! I might add that on the north end of the Lake Hefner Dam.... There was no wind, and I ate 20 pounds of bugs! That is what I had for dinner! A couple random pictures!

Love you all!

Mat

Monday, October 11th, 2010

Namaste,

Well it was the beginning of what will be a very busy week. I edited pictures for an hour or so, and the took Trey to school. I hit Starbucks, then straight to work. I continued to get emails all day from the news paper article. I received some emails from people I have not seen in 20 years, high school friends, and old co-workers. It is really inspiring to read some of the comments..... Work was fairly busy in the morning.... Had all of the weekend clean-up to do. I had the lawn trailer with me, so at lunch I went to Home Depot and bought 25 bags or 50 cubic feet of pine mulch. I needed to weed and mulch all of the flower beds at the Midwest City building. The afternoon started to slow, so I left and picked up Brent. We started weeding, and mulching, and realized that we did not have close to enough mulch. We had to go to Home Depot and get 25 more bags of mulch. It really dresses up the place. I dropped Brent off and headed home. I ended up taking the trailer back to the Edmond building, where I have been storing it. It is nice to have all of my equipment stored in a large building and out of my way. I made a salad, had a shower, and then started working on the challenge. Sign in sheets, donation sheets, information sheets.... List of things to do..... I tried to watch a little football, but had heavy eyelids! A couple pictures of my smoking hot wife!

Love you all!

Mat

Sunday, October 10th, 2010

Namaste,

Man the rooster crowed early this morning! That is a country way of saying that it was a short night! I had a hard time sleeping due to the crazy crap that happened yesterday, but I will survive. I got up and had to really rush to pick up Trey and get to church on time. We had to go take care of Gaymarie's dogs after church, and her garage door opener would not work. We headed over to Academy to get some accessories for the new bike, and then home for brunch! On the way home I started getting calls about the article in the paper. So I had to stop and get one. Pretty cool article. I love the picture! Anyway.... I worked on the bikes, lawn mowers, and then Tyler, Kim and Gracelynn Griffen came over for a photo shoot! We had a good time with that! We had to be at the Giroux's new house at 5:00 for a house warming party then home to get my crap together for the week. I have been answering emails about the challenge, and exchanging emails from different reporters. Here is a link to the story in the paper. You will probably have to cut and paste it! Picture from today's shoot!

http://newsok.com/ken-2.0-edmond-man-is-a-perpetual-motion-machine/article/3503166?custom_click=lead_story_title

Love you all!

Mat

Saturday, October 9th, 2010

Namaste,

I woke up at 3:30 and did not go back to sleep. Sooooo I edited pictures for a couple of hours. I went to Ricardo's at 7:30 and really cleaned up his lawn. I went to check on a couple others but they did not need anything. I took the trailer to the hospital to store it, and then came home and cleaned up my lawn. Sherrie and I met Miriam at Louie's Lakeside at noon to get some organization done. We planned everything out, and then went to Wal-Mart to pick up a few things. I talked them into selling me a returned hybrid bike fr $100. I have had my eye on it for months, but waiting on the opportunity to haggle them down. We came home and I napped for a bit.... While I was laying down, I got a disturbing voice mail from someone very close to me (At least I thought?) basically telling me to F-off! Wow! That was a big shock.... It really hurt, but I guess it reinforces the fact that people often disappoint us! I apologize for whatever I did... Don't worry, it won't happen again.... Funny thing that's the fourth person this week that I deleted off my phone! Anyway.... While I was resting Sherrie went and had her hair done, and then Jordan fixed it! I got dressed, wrote my speech, and then we left for the "Dance from Obesity Ball!" What a blast, they had photographers, and the food was amazing. I followed Bob Barry Jr, and spoke for 15 minutes or so, and I think it was OK.... Other WLS patients were ask to speak, and one lady stood up and said it was an honor to be in the same room with me. She read my story in the paper, and pinned it up in her closet, She uses it for motivation everyday. That makes all the hard work worth it! After the ball, Dr. Walton invited us back to his house, and the whole group from Weight Wise was there, and we had a blast. Crazy day emotionally! Pictures are from the ball!

Love you all!

Mat

Friday, October 8th, 2010

Namaste,

Did not want to get up this morning! Worked on Misty's pictures for an hour or so, then Starbucks. Work was workish.... I had to wait on our delivery before I could do much.... We ran out at lunch and grabbed a salad, and then back to work. We left at 4:00 and I had a couple of errands to run, then Sherrie and I were working at a elementary school fall carnival at 6:00. We were running a photo booth. We would take the pictures, and then run over to our table and download them and print them. We only did 20 or so, but the carnival overall was great. I am really starting to stress about next weekend. I guess I need to get through this weekend, before I worry about next week!

All my Love!

Mat

Thursday, October 7th, 2010

Namaste,

Wow! What a day! I started out at 4:30 and headed out around 5:45. I hit Starbucks and then on to work at 6:00. I had to appear in Traffic court at 8:30 to dispute a failure to stop ticket. I plead not guilty and the was given a trial date. The officer looked at me like I was crazy, but I have photographic evidence that he could not see me stop! I went back to work, and then met my buddy Justin Booher at Louie's for lunch. Justin owns Vital Signs and he made me the worlds coolest banner for the "Quest!" I went back to work and at 4:00 I went to Weight Wise to drop off the banner. I ended up meeting with Dr. Broussard, and Sarah Evans.... They told me about a VERY, VERY Generous donation they (Dr. Walton & Dr. Broussard) are going to make to this years "Quest!" In addition to that they are going to donate their services for anyone I bring in as a scholarship patient! HOW AWESOME IS THAT?????? I wish there were words to describe how I feel about that. It really makes all of the hard work, all of the hours in the gym, all of the miles running, and biking are paying off. Weight Wise had a Nike Dryfit shirt made for me and they are donating bottled water with their label on it! They really have stepped up to the task! I love them all soooo much! On the other hand... I was told by someone very close that all of this "Quest" stuff was alienating me from people???? WTF??? I have made it a point to offer this to people, and if they do not want to participate.... No sweat! I understand, it's not for everyone, but Alienating???? I don't know! I got the lawn trailer and went and did mom's lawn. It will probably be the last time of the season, but wanted to get it done! I need to do mine, Ben's, and Riccardo's, in addition to the Edmond property, and the Midwest City property.... I have too much to do to let people get under my skin! I am attaching two pictures from my ticket. Top picture is the view from the stop sign, second picture shows where the officer was.

All my love!

Mat

Wednesday, October 6th, 2010

Namaste,

Got up extra early and worked on Misty's pictures for an hour. Off to Starbucks then work. I kicked it hard core, then went to the doctor at 8:30. All of my labs that I had drawn on Monday were perfect, like there was ever a doubt!!!!! I went back to work, and then at 11:30 I went back to the mall and bought Sherrie the dress that I liked versus the dress that she bought..... I decided to get her the dress and then make her try both on and let mom and her friends help make the decision. In the middle of the afternoon I got a call from a reporter at the Oklahoman and he interviewed me for a story about the Quest, then we made arrangements for his photographer to come to the gym at 4:30 to take some pictures of me! We got busy at work but I snuck away. The photographer was there when I got there.... I put on my gym clothes then she shot 30 or 40 pictures. After she left I worked out hard for an hour with Mike Giroux. Today was Sherrie's friend Kristie's 40th birthday, so Sherrie cooked her dinner. Jodi came by to see Sherrie's dresses and guess what???? EVERYONE LIKED MY DRESS BETTER!!!!!!!! What does that say about my style???? Never mind don't answer that question. Anyway.... I need to get busy on Misty's pictures! Picture is of the fence at the Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial.

All my Love!

Mat