Week 2

Lesson learned...No days off salaam

I Don't Suffer From Insanity, In Fact I Quite Enjoy It

60 Day Insanity Workout Journey

So I am starting this 60 workout program called Insanity and have decided to Vlog about it. Today will be my intro post, and I "plan" to regularly post updates. Pray with me....Salaam

The Program

*note my current weight is 234lbs*

Long Division

Divisional Round

The Divisional round in the NFL playoffs can be more of a precursor to the Super Bowl than the Conference Championship games. The Divisional round shows us which top seeds benefited from the BYE, and which ones were hindered by it. It shows up which Cinderellas still have time left at the ball, and which ones carriages are becoming pumpkins. Quite frankly this is the round where the men get separated from the boys.

Ravens at Steelers

What happens when the biggest meanest kid on your block, pick a fight with the biggest meanest kid on the next block? Well the NFL equivalent of this fight is the Ravens/Steelers game(s). Boasted as 2 of the most physical teams in the league on offense and defense this matchup is traditionally one of the greatest competitions ever. I believe though that the "finesse" game of either team is what will make the difference. We know that both teams want to be physical and aggressive and attack the line of scrimmage. However I think who ever can get a screen game or some kind of underneath passing game will gain the edge on the other teams aggressive approach

Packers at Falcons

I will try my best not to let my emotions infiltrate this analysis. The Packers have been proving their backers right in the way they dismantled the host Eagles last week. The big question for Green Bay is can they do it again. They do boast one of the most stout defenses in the NFC, however during the regular season the Falcons multi-faceted Offense gave the Packers D, fits. The X factor this time will be running games. Whichever team can establish a consistent running attack will be in the drivers seat early.

Seahawks at Bears

The Seahawks were a remarkable story last week, even though with the victory they still maintain a sub .500 record. The cards were stacked in the Seahawks favor last week, this week they have to literally win this game. They have beaten the Bears before, however it was early in the season. Now the Bears have looked much better with much more consistency since that game. However they have still had the customary Bears stretches of looking terrible on Offense. The difference in this game is mental. Which team can come with a intensity and desire to win that is greater than the others.

Jets at Patriots

Another game where I must put my emotions aside, because I'd love to see a situation where both teams lose but it's not possible. I have always said that the 2 teams in the AFC that run an Offense designed to counter act the Jets D are the Colts and The Pats. Last week The Colts were not running on all cylinders and were knocked off. I don't think the Patriots will be as unprepared. If the Jets can overcome the Home Field advantage, and the preparedness and still repeat last weeks performance then they can leave with a win, if not then we will have a repeat of the regular season matchup in the Meadowlands

He Ain't Heavy

He's My Brother

On the night of January 9th I had the pleasure(and I use that word loosely) of unloading a 75ft truck that contains the entire life(in possessions) of he and his fiance. It was a long and tedious process. it was physically strenuous. Not to mention we then proceeded to unpack the massive amount of boxes and bins that we had just unloaded. I was physically and mentally exhausted, however there was nothing I would rather do that evening(I only say that because you weren't there ;-] ) or any other night of my life. Why you may ask? Well quite simply because he is a friend that I consider to be a brother. I didn't do this because I am waiting for my turn, or because I owed him one. I did not do this because I desire him to owe me one. It is simply because we are friends and that is what "FRIENDS" do for one another. it boggles my mind how people throw the term around these days. No one understand what the true meaning is anymore. It does not mean that you go out of your way for a person, or that you stretch yourself beyond your means. It does mean that you do what you can, that you do what is within your means, and your power. It simply means, that without apology or expectation you consider with love another human being as much you desire yourself to be considered with love. One of my(only lol) readers is a perfect example. She on a daily basis gives a friend that works in the same complex as her rides home from work. This adds extra time to her departure and eventual commute but she does it because she is a great friend. These are just a pair of examples of to me how true friendship is supposed to be, and how it should be expressed. If you don't think you can live up to these criteria then that's fine, just know that I only have real friends because at 25, I am too old to have "imaginary"ones.

But there are still those in darkness
who cannot understandWhy I would share the burden
which belongs to another man.When asked, "Why weigh yourself down
with the load of another?"
I simply smile at them and say,
"He ain't heavy...he's my Brother!".

Playoffs?!?! Playoffs?!?!

Playoff Time

Today is the kick off of the NFL's second season. After what seemed like way to short a season, it is playoff time. I will not be making any picks, only cheering for my team because quite frankly the NFL has some of the most unpredictable playoffs in pro sports. I just felt like giving my opinion on what I feel are the interesting intricacies of the Wild Card Week-End match ups.

NFC

Saints at Seahawks

My emotions aside I truly feel that the visiting and favored Saints do not have a gimme game against the hosting Seahawks. Yes the Seahawks backed into the playoffs with a gaudy 7-9 record, but I actually consider that an advantage for them. They have nothing to lose and that makes them dangerous. Also consider the Saints who are a little beat up, had to travel across 3 time zones and will be playing outside in the most hostile outdoor stadium in the NFL. There is a reason they raise the 12th man flag at Qwest Field, because it is the NFL equivalent of a college stadium and its Saturday....

Packers at Eagles

I have always been a Michael Vick fan. I felt that his redemption story started, when he and his agent decided to reach out to Tony Dungy for mentorship, and should not be so invested in his W/L record as a starting QB. I think the fact that it is, puts a lot of undue pressure on the guy in his first Playoff start since 2005. Not too mention that it appears that nearly everyone is predicting the Wild-Card Packers to go all the way. I think the Pack has the defensive edge, but the Eagles have the(slight) Offensive edge. If it comes down to QB play though consider this Vick is 2-2 in the playoffs Rodgers is 0-1

AFC

Ravens at Chiefs

This game in my opinion is the biggest toss up of them all. The Chiefs are an enigma this season. They have looked Unstoppable at times and Inept at others. They kinda do everything well Run/Pass/Defend Run/Defend Pass but they do nothing great they lack a real identity. We all know that the Ravens bring an old but still world class defense to the scene but I think the lack of a Chiefs defined identity could be a problem. When you know what a team wants to do you can stop it, but when a team(like a woman) doesn't know what it wants, it can be frustrating. To me the difference in this game is the ability of the Ravens offense(which features some amazing weapons) to play on the same level(consistently) as the defense.

Jets at Colts

I will once again attempt to throw my hatred of the visiting team out the door as I analyze this game. The Jets defense is billed as one of the more stout ones in the league however as the Pats exposed they are not built to defend the kind of offense that the Colts are masters of running. That is small ball. Quick little guys running crossing routes and slants all over the field. The Jets offense is erratic but also built to give the Colts defense fits, because it is big and strong. Of course the Colts win the QB edge is an EPIC LANDSLIDE, but take this into consideration, the Jets start two players who have historically given the Colts trouble in the playoffs, Ladanian Tomlison, and Antonio Cromartie

Spotlight Friday: Digging The Well

I wanted to post this little musical photo gallery to show you some of what I have been doing over at the Well Of Hope. There are a few pics of the progression of the building remodel and a few pics of what I have been up to with the youth of the church. Hope you enjoy =)

Taboo: Tupperware

Tupperware

We all have them, In some way shape form or fashion. They have been acquired through various means, and serve a myriad of purposes. Yes I am talking about those airtight re-sealable plastic containers that we all keep in that special drawer, cabinet, or shelf. Most of the ones I own were secured of Shen-Long Chinese restaurant and their insanely delicious hot and sour soup. Others I purchased, and some were just kept after someone gave me food in them. Nevertheless they are now permanent fixtures in my life. Now if you have ever read any of my previous posts you already know that this post is not about plasticware. It is in fact about a characteristic of said plasticware, that being its airtight sealing ability. It's the biggest draw to these containers, after them being both microwavable and dishwasher safe.Their airtightness is what gives them the ability to preserve and protect what is inside of them. Which brings me to the core purpose of this post. That airtight protection, and how it is achieved. No not for your food, but for your alibi! If you have ever been late somewhere. If you have ever not met a deadline, or been caught speeding, or caught in any situation where you would be required to get yourself off the hook then you have created an alibi before. Some alibis(i.e. the dog ate my homework) are terrible and predictable, and will probably never work. However there are some alibis that ate lead pipe locks to work. Now the vast majority of these require proof for validation purposes. Like if you say you were ill, you may need a doctors note. If you were mourning a passing, you may be asked to present a death certificate, or Obituary. There is an upper echelon of alibi though. Ones that will be believed with no proof necessary. An airtight, solid and dare I say perfect alibi. I securely know of only one of these and there are only a handful of persons that can use it. Those persons being my male friends, and that Alibi being "I was with Ian"(I pray none of my buddies ladies read this lmao). Now it has been a blessing and a curse that every woman any of my friends has been with has taken to me. Some have even gone as far as to say I'm their favorite Bro In Law(awww). However this comes with great responsibility, see these women trust me with the care of their guy, when they are not around. I get a lot of, "Ian keep him out of trouble ok" or "Ian you'll look out for him right?" from them. It's actually quite amusing at times. It can be advantageous because I can use myself as a trump card. If we are having trouble getting a buddy out of the house, we(or I) simply tell his lady that I will be there and she folds. Its almost like a golden ticket. I guess the thing that makes this all so humorous is that up until maybe recent history(the past year) I was the "wild child" in the group. I guess the thing that set me apart was that all of these women understand the seriousness by which I approach relationships, and their sanctity. The downside is that the alibi also works, when I don't know whats going on. Yes "I was with Ian" has been used without my knowledge. It can be frustrating to find out after the fact but I suppose there is not much I can do besides at my buddies to at least give me a heads up. I don't really want to ruin my place as the airtight alibi, I just want to actually be there when we are all hanging out with me ya know? So fellas if you didn't realize this before know ya know, and ladies I am still to be trusted! Salaam