White Squirrel Tales

Awaken to you...

2012-02-01T21:01:00.001-06:00

You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.

– Buddha

you can lead a herring to water, but you have to walk really fast or he'll die.

2012-01-16T19:38:00.000-06:00

Just a few moments ago I was sitting on my living room floor folding laundry. Dinner was delicious and the dish washer was running. My evening was starting to slow down and I was getting ready to relax. But then I was taken by a sudden flood of emotion. While I had been mindlessly watching TV the programming turned to Betty White’s 90^th Birthday Celebration.

No lies. I’m a huge Betty fan. I always have been. I got excited when I started to see all the stars that were going to be on the show. With a few more shirts left to fold I started watching….and then I started crying…soon I was sobbing. Betty White has always reminded me of my grandmother. My grandmother introduced me to two television genres that I still hold dear. The first is the quickly dying art of the day-time Soap Opera. The second was sketch comedy in the style of The Carol Burnett Show. Of course, it was the many seasons of The Golden Girls that I cherish the most. I can remember Granny letting me stay up late just to watch…often times curled up in her lap. There was no harm, right? After all I couldn’t possibly understand the humor.

This post is not able to sum up this wild mix of emotions I’ve had in the last hour. My grandmother passed away in March of 2011. Her last few years were pretty special. Her life without Granddad was tough, but you never would have known that by watching her. Even when she was living in long-term care at the hospital she was the life of the party. More than once I would get a phone call that started like this, “Did you see that? Its my favorite episode! You know, honey, the one where Rose poses for a sculpture….” We would talk and laugh, but only until the commercial break was over.

Two weeks before she passed away the whole family came to see her. With all of us gathered in her room she looked at us and said, “Oh God…am I about to die?” After that weekend…after seeing all of us and talking to each of us…she relaxed.

Thank you, Granny. Thank you for being my friend.

Cheers.

But it still takes Courage...

2012-01-11T21:37:00.001-06:00

Each morning, I get an Esther Hicks quote sent to my inbox. Admittedly, much of it is a bit over my head – but some of it really resonates. And today was one of those day. The quote, in part, read as follows:

"Being in love is so good for you. Often when people are newly in love, things that have been bothering them for a long time get better. Something wonderful is calling the majority of their attention."

There are a lot of things that are good for you. Like eating your veggies, flossing and wearing your seat belt. But love certainly trumps them all. To be in love is to fill your heart with the best stuff the universe has to offer. And that can only do wonderful things for you and your life.

What you’ll put your attention on is always your choice. You can spend countless hours bemoaning this or that, expressing regret or cultivating spite. You can be a person that brings others down through your words, actions or energy. Or, you can make the choice to put your attention on something more much more deserving. And you can become that ray of sunshine that brightens up the world by your very presence. When we’re in love, it’s a whole lot easier to do that.

So please, fall in love. If not with another person, fall in love with yourself and the world around you. The world needs more sunshine.

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams!

2011-12-18T21:10:00.001-06:00

It’s easy to fall into the rut of letting life happen to you.

If three options come your way, for example, a great many people will pick that option that seems to be make the most sense. There’s nothing intrinsically wrong with this strategy – but there is an alternative approach.

Create a fourth option. And a fifth. And hundredth. Rather than live the life that others created for you, I think it’s infinitely more fulfilling to create the life that you want for yourself. Instead of letting life happen to you, happen to life.

Each of us can be an active participant in life and shape and influence our situation, circumstances and the world around us. When talking about this approach, Steve Jobs once said, “You realize that when you push in on one side, something pops out on the other. You can change it. You can mold it.”

As human beings, we are very powerful. And yet when we’re reminded of this power by others, we often use our power create excuses for doing nothing (i.e., “I’m not ____ enough”) rather than living to our full potential.

Everyone can make excuses to settle, but let’s try making excuses not to settle.

Ink it?

2011-12-11T21:23:00.002-06:00

Tattoo. Not the little guy from Fantasy Island…but the ink.

A tattoo is either sexy as heck or the most revolting addition to the human body. Because of my own definition I have yet to decide if I want one. No. I DO want one, but I am in no shape to get one. I don’t know what. I don’t know where.

I have had friends and gifted artists draw some very nice designs, but I keep talking myself out of it. I came up with a design of my own only to discover that it is very similar to Jane Seymour “Open Hearts” jewelry design. Still not out of the question.

My second choice was something that I came up with in college. It shows my inner nerd and my love for academia.

I suppose if I want one…I should just get one. After all, it is for ME.

"...and straight on till morning."

2011-12-05T21:24:00.000-06:00

I have a problem. I’m not a fan of this whole getting older thing. While I wouldn’t classify it as full blown Peter Pan Syndrome, I would say that I have issues with associating myself with like-aged peers. I always have. In high school my best friends were in college. Now my best friends are a few years older and a few years younger. One age group makes me feel like the kid I want to me and the other age group makes me feel like the kid I am.

Sometimes I set myself up for failure. I attempt to remain athletic with guys much younger than me. I engage in competition well out of my age group. I participate in groups where I am the young talented one while at the same time trying to keep up with those just a shade younger.

Alright…I’m done complaining.

Confession Time

2011-11-29T21:28:00.000-06:00

I know most of my facebook friends. Some are high school friends, most are college friends, several are friends that I work with, go to church with, ride bikes with, socialize with, and then there are just the friend friends. There have only been a few occasions where I have not added someone due to not knowing them well enough in person. And there have been a few occasions where I have added someone after only one or two meetings in person.

However, I have one facebook “friend” who I have only met once. This person is an athlete/celebrity who I “met” at meet-and-great held at a mall. After a little facebook creeping I decided that I should add this athlete/celeb. Within the hour I was added back. Thus the start of my obsession. Now, this person has over four thousand friends. Facebook only allows five thousand friends for a personal page. It is clear that I am friends with the actual person and not some random fan page.

Last night I got on facebook chat. I seldom use it. Like this was the third time…ever. Who was there? Yes, my athlete/celeb crush…um…I mean friend. I didn’t. I couldn’t. I was so close. I just don’t think I could take not getting a response to my simple, “Hi.” So…I’ll just enjoy our cyber friendship. I don’t even chat with my real friends. I’m okay. Right?

Happiness and Enlightenment

2011-11-07T20:58:00.000-06:00

If you want the world to be more loving,
then be a more loving person.

If you want the world to be kinder,
then be kinder.

If you want the world to be more peaceful,
then be more peaceful.

Though it’s probably the most over-quoted wisdom of all time, Gandhi advised us to “be the change we wish to see in the world.” Gandhi’s words convey a two-fold truth that inspires me and yet reminds me that I am small.

For one, there is only one person in the world over which you have control. That person is, of course, you. We might expend tremendous amounts of energy and effort trying to control the people around us, but such efforts are usually done in vain. At the end of the day, you can’t force someone else to change except, perhaps, superficially. True change comes from within. Since we can’t force change on other people, it makes much more sense to turn our efforts inward. If you want more of something in the world, cultivate that special something in your own heart and mind.

Second, each of us has the power to lift up the world. Scientists are beginning to discover what sages have been telling us for ages: That we are all deeply connected – and I’m not talking Facebook or your local watering hole. A massive endeavor at Princeton University called The Human Consciousness Project, for example, is one of the many experiments attempting to prove just that. And so as you express more love, kindness or peace in your own life, the implication is that you lift the consciousness of all of us. Moreover, you’re inspiring change in others through the example of your life – rather than trying to create change through force or manipulation.

So as you go about your day, it’s just another reason to be more loving, a little kinder and a bit more peaceful. Through each thought, word and action, you’re changing the world.

Wordless Wesnesday: Naples

2011-11-02T21:33:00.002-05:00

Where I would rather be. :)

Even the Squirrels are leaving...

2011-10-31T21:21:00.001-05:00

Last weekend I traveled to north central Indiana to attend a friend’s wedding. This is a quick weekend trip that involved more time in the car than out of the car. I arrived in Wabash, Indiana with just enough time to find my hotel and get ready for my role as Guest-Book-Boy. I shared this position with another friend of the bride and former classmate.

As I drove from my hotel to the church I entered the center of a town that can only be described as Story Book Beautiful. My heart was captured. Wabash has a population that is not much bigger than my hometown of Olney. But what made it so captivating and beautiful? Was it the ever-changing topography? Was it the broad streets lined with local stores? or was it simply because it wasn’t Olney?

After a beautiful ceremony and a wonderful reception I stepped outside to a freshly rained street and realized what Wabash had over Olney. Pride…and maybe a little self respect. For as long as I have lived in Olney I have always been a little ashamed to admit it. Well, that isn’t entirely true. At least I’m not from Newton or God forbid Flora.

I love Olney. But that love alone cannot change a thing. I’ve joined groups, coalitions, non-profits, philanthropic organizations, and even attended a few local and regional board meetings. But I still live in a town that cannot pave streets, clean medians, paint stripes, change lights, encourage industry, and most important KEEP LOCAL BUSINESSES.

When I returned to Olney after my Wabash weekend I left the post office and turned the corner of our only business intersection to see a horror waiting before me. My heart stopped and a lump came to my throat as I saw a large “Going Out of Business” sign hanging from the side of my favorite store. After 49 years our last local clothing store and haberdashery was calling it quits. My emotion quickly turned form heartache to outright anger! Olney had shut down this store, and I no longer wanted to live in a town that would kill an institution that had served generations.

I’m still not happy. This town needs to change. I am from Olney, but I am not of Olney.

Recycle This, Lady. (Hand gesture here)

2011-10-10T20:26:00.002-05:00

As i was walking into my new house today (80% moved in) I was stopped by the Crazy Neighbor Lady (CNL). I am in the process of moving...but not nearly far enough away from CNL. I'm moving all the way across the street in an effort to get into a larger house and no longer rent.

I have mentioned in previous blogs that CNL has a habit of going through my curbside recycling container that I leave under my carport. I first noticed this when my plastic salad containers started to show up on her front porch being used as little tiny greenhouses for her heirloom tomatoes. Whatever. But it got worse. One afternoon she had a computer question that required me to go into her house. What was on her coffee table? MY magazines!!! I'm not talking about anything dirty...but it certainly wasn't Time or People.

So today CNL was talking to me about baking in a Bundt pan. She seemed shocked that I had done it before. When she asked me my favorite type of cake to bake in a Bundt pan I responded with, "I have only made rum cake." CNL said, "Well I should have guessed that from going through your recycling bin."

I turned and walked away. Anger rushed upon me. As i was cleaning out things from the previous residence I formed the following letter in my mind. I printed it out and placed it...yes you guessed it...in my recycling bin. :)

**********

Dearest [CNL],

I have not said anything to you before when you admit to going through my recycling/trash mainly because it angers me to the point that I just need to walk away. Please stop. It is mine to do with what I wish. I do not need you going through my waste. There are things that I DO NOT recycle mainly because I know that you go through it. I’ve seen my magazines on your coffee table. There are magazines that I subscribe to in private and wish to dispose of in private. There are bills, and statements, photos, notes, and other personal items that I do not want you to see. Why? Because they are MINE.

I am requesting that you stop going through my recycling now and at my new address. Please excuse my means of communication; I am generally more direct than this. But more than direct…I am private. I intend to keep it that way.

All the Best,

Andrew

Round 2

2011-09-25T21:15:00.000-05:00

Can we talk about fashion? Yes? Thank you.

Alright. This is going to be a bit of a bitch blog, so be ready.

~~I cannot buy jeans~~. I cannot buy jeans at any retail store without going to the BOYS section. That’s right. I wear a size 16H. That is not even the biggest of the little boy jeans. Even worse…most stores do not carry that size. Bigger? Oh sure. But not MY size. I’m left to find jeans online.

I know I’m short. Enough people tell me, enough people (7^th graders) are taller, and even a few public urinals are too tall. (It is true. ALL of the urinals on the West Virginia turnpike are designed for men 6’ and up.) Despite my outward insecurities of my lack of height, I’m really okay with it. But I’m really starting to get tired of not being able to buy clothes.

In order for me to be able to walk into Abercrombie, American Eagle, The Gap, or any store in the world and find jeans in the correct length (28’’)…I need to have a 28’’ waist. Possible? Yes. Achievable? We’ll see…

Three years...

2011-09-23T22:52:00.001-05:00

The Burden of the World's Divine Regret

2011-09-06T20:13:00.001-05:00

Sooner or later, the time will come when we all must become responsible adults and learn to give up what we want so we can choose to do what is right. Of course, a lifetime of responsibility isn't always easy. And, as the years go on, it's a burden that can become too heavy for some to bear. But, still, we try to do what is best - what is good - not only for ourselves, but for those we love.

Yes, sooner or later, we must all become responsible adults. No one knows this better than the young.

I told you this would happen.

2011-08-30T19:58:00.000-05:00

Competition…it means different things to different people. But whether it’s a friendly rivalry...or a fight to the death...the end result is the same. There will be winners...and there will be losers. Of course, the trick is to know which battles to fight. You see, no victory comes without a price.

There are three people. Two will win. One saw it coming.

Scuro

2011-08-27T23:17:00.002-05:00

Fall in love or fall in despair. Get inspired or be depressed. Speak the truth or lie and cheat. Walk through the middle or the room or sit in the corner. Life is chaos. Embrace it. Forgive yourself. Breathe and enjoy the ride. Most important…have no regrets.

I love shaking my foot when I sit. I love nodding my head when I don't pay attention. I love coloring on paper table cloths with crayons. I love observing people and getting scolded for staring. I love taking on your body language. I love making you smile without moving your mouth. I love pausing in the middle of a kiss and saying "Hi." I love knowing that there is always something bigger to catch. I love you thinking that you aren't beautiful until I know you are. I love keeping things sacred. I love being for just one person. I love watching your hands move when I should be listening to you speak. I love knowing I'm saying more when nothing's coming out of my mouth. I love having a tight grip. I love feeling your expressions change when your face is buried in my neck. I will spend more time looking at your hands than I will looking at your face.

My hip is in the corner. My leg is on the other side of the room. And my arm is just outside of reach. But my heart is still right here. And I'm still little.

Too Normal?

2011-08-09T20:49:00.002-05:00

Last November I auditioned for America’s Got Talent. This was about as far from my comfort zone as I could get. So far in fact that I blew the audition in the first five seconds, had to restart, and shook from fear for the rest of the afternoon. At least the little mousy TV producer/intern didn’t “give me the hand,” like he did to a few of the other acts in the room. You know, when he interrupts the act with a Supremes “Stop in the Name of Love” style hand in the air while shouting “Thaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaank you. We’ll be in touch.”

Anyway…It was a wonderful weekend in my second city with good friends.

Even though I have been TV free for several months now, I still catch up on my favorite shows thanks to Netflix and hulu. Tonight, as I was watching America’s Got Talent I realized that there is no way I could have made it to the next round. I’m too normal. Nothing more than your average Joe singing your average song while wearing an average grey sweater….with fantastic hair.

The acts that made it through the first round fall into three categories: Freaks who draw ratings, cute kids the judges can’t resist, and omg jaw on the ground amazing talent. It is the last category that I cannot ever break into.

For example, Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr walked onto the stage for his first audition looking like anything but the next big thing. (I’m a few weeks behind…and have no idea if he is still on the show.) Murphy did the one thing that I cannot do. Okay…not the ONE thing, but certainly the most important. He had the ability to totally blow away any expectations held by the judges. Is he the best singer? No. Is he entertaining? Mildly. Does he throw his entire being into 90 seconds that will blow your socks off? Heck yes.

Its true....what they say...

2011-07-25T21:08:00.001-05:00

Have you ever been told, “something better will come along,” or “it just wasn’t mean to be”? Over the last four months I have heard that more than I care to recall. While always said with the best intentions by friends and family alike…I just got tired of it.

In April I completed my student teaching and applied for a job in my home town. Things were looking good. I felt very confident. The teachers in the department were very supportive and even went as far as to say “you’re the one we want,” and “you’re the perfect fit.” These teachers were ever a part of the interview team. But in the back of my mine I just didn’t feel like I would end up with the job. Since it was April, there were not many jobs postings on the state job bank. I walked into the interview nervous as hell. The secretary who took my back to the principal’s office squeezed my hand and said, “…this job is your honey, we’re all rootin’ for you.”

It was my first interview…ever. (Not counting my interview with The President’s Own USMC the day after I graduated from college.) I’ve never had to interview for a job before. They’ve always been offered. Anywho…it was a great interview, at least until the end when the principal said, “nobody starts off with their dream job.” That comment replayed in my mind for the two long weeks I had to wait. When I got the phone call I was on a walk. I was cutting through the middle school parking lot when my phone rang. I didn’t get the job. They gave it to someone with “more classroom experience.” I put my phone back in my pocket and I heard an 8^th band student say to his mom, “that’s going to my new band director next year,” as he waved while getting into his mom’s car. I smiled and waved back.

That was the longest walk back to my house ever. I had no direction. No job leads. No career to fall back on. (I refused to return to the previous one.) But what bothered me the most was that I had no confidence as an educator or a musician. One phone call ripped that confidence from me.

Long story short: After 28 applications and only 5 interviews I am finally hired. And you know what; something better did indeed come along. I am very pleased and excited to be the new middle school and high school choir director in Robinson, Illinois. This job opened on a Friday. I had an interview the following Tuesday and was offered the job on Wednesday. It happened so fast that it just does not feel real yet. Today, while in the unit office getting all official and whatnot, I met several colleagues who welcomed me to the team. Of all the jobs I applied for this is the best fit for me as an educator and a musician. Confidence restored. However, I’m an all sort of new terrified.

Cheers . . .

2011-06-25T21:51:00.000-05:00

Tonight, while attending a going away party for a friend, I ran into a long time friend of my grandfather. I usually only see Don at the post office where we chat about the weather and complain about all the junk mail that fills our boxes.

But tonight, Don told me a story about my grandfather. I’m not sure when this took place (guessing c1950) but Don hired my grandfather to take pictures of oil production equipment that was about to go up for auction. His job was simple: Take pictures of each lot around the field. Don handed him the camera and granddad got to work. It took him nearly all day to take the pictures. When he finished he handed the camera back to Don who had to run all the way to Terre Haute, Indiana to have the film developed in order to have them published in the auction brochure. Don opened the camera to remove the film only to find that there was no film in it!

When Don told me this story I could only laugh and say, “It must be genetic then!” I continued . . . when I was in high school I fancied myself a sports photographer. A friend who worked at the local photography studio would develop my film for free as long as she could use my work in the high school yearbook. Worked for me. My junior year our football team was playing for the state title. I was stoked to be standing on the sidelines with the team beside me and busloads of fans behind me. It was cold. It was snowing. It was the best night of my high school life. I took some fantastic photographs. There was only one thing worse that our team not winning that night . . . yes, you guessed it; I didn’t put any film in the camera!!

When I told Don that story I thought he was going to die from laughter. I guess it is genetic. As I started to walk away Don told me how much he missed my grandfather, and I agreed. Before we parted he said, “I hope your grandfather also taught you the art of enjoying a good martini.” Indeed he did, Don. Cheers.

The roots of education are bitter...

2011-05-15T20:01:00.001-05:00

It is the spring time of the year when kings go off to war and students leave their institutions of matriculation. Instead of imparting congratulatory remarks to those graduating this year I would like to provide you with a few quotations. Even if your graduation has long past, take a moment to reflect on wise words from our society’s brightest.

“Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams” – Eleanor Roosevelt

“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” – Henry David Thoreau

“All our dreams can come true…if we have the courage to pursue them.” – Walt Disney

“If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.” – Milton Berle

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.” – Dr. Seuss

But maybe I don't want to know . . .

2011-05-13T22:17:00.000-05:00

In the last year I have learned more about food and nutrition that I ever thought I would…and I’m not finished yet. One of the most interesting topics I have read about is why we eat what we eat when we eat it. The number one reason people eat specific things is…tradition.

One aspect of food tradition is nostalgia. Now, if you know me you understand that I am the most nostalgic person you’ll ever meet. I have had family on my mind recently. It has been a tough year for us. We have lost family members and we have had some move. At one point, my whole mom’s side of the family lived on the same street! (Minus the grandparents who were three blocks off of the same street.)

But back to food… While I was dropping off some donations to be taken to Alabama I saw a guy eating some Vienna sausages. My first thought was a memory of my grandfather sitting in his chair eating Vienna sausages with mustard and a Martini. (We did have some class.) I started talking with this guy and I mentioned that I hadn’t had Vienna sausages since my childhood. He threw me a can and thanked me for bringing so much stuff to the donation center.

I didn’t bother to tell him that I am a vegetarian, or that I don’t think meat should ever come in a can. I took it. So tonight, in the name of nostalgia, I opened the can, rinsed them off, found some mustard, and made a Martini. It was nice. However, I’ll not do it again for a very long time. First, I need to know what “mechanically separated chicken” is.

The Time Has Come . . .

2011-05-10T21:11:00.001-05:00

Ask any college musician how to make some quick cash AND gain valuable performance experience and you hear two words: Weddings and Funerals. The pay is good and the audience is not paying much attention. Perfect. While in college I had wedding and funeral packages that I could do at a moment’s notice. After college I got out of the wedding business. Too much hassle. But funerals I continued to do. It was a pretty smooth transition since I worked at a funeral home. When a family wanted a musician but didn’t know who to pick I would step in and offer my services. I cannot begin to tell you how many times I have done the first and last verses of How Great Thou Art. (Commonly referred to as How Great the Wart.) I would step out of my funeral director duties for two minutes to sing, and then jump into the funeral coach for the slow drive to the cemetery. It was never personal. It was never special…to me. (But hearing comments like, “That was mom’s favorite hymn,” always made me feel good. Another satisfied family.)

Now, I have not worked in the funeral industry for five months. I have, however, still been asked to sing a funerals. On Friday night I was approached by a long time friend who asked if I would mind singing. A funeral didn’t cross my mind. He asked me outside of the high school as I was watching the Prom Walk-In with some friends. When I said yes I just assumed that the local Rotary club needed some entertainment for their upcoming All-American Picnic or something. But when this long time friend mentioned that his father was not going to make it through the weekend I knew that this was going to be something different.

Maybe it is because I am familiar with funeral services, or maybe it is because I am a musician, but I have frequently thought about what music I would want at my own funeral. Just so more people than me know I will share this with you. At the graveside I want a Drum Corps style group to play Amazing Grace. Now, this isn’t your average rendition. If you’re not a DCI fan I encourage you to Youtube The Phantom Regiment’s version of Amazing Grace.

Okay . . . so the funeral I’m doing this week does not involve a Drum Corps . . . or even Amazing Grace. I have been asked to sing the one other song that I have always envisioned to be done at my own service. I rehearsed it today. Honestly, it was the first time I have ever done the song. You see, it is a little sacred to me. A creed. This is not something that I take lightly, and I still have yet to get through the song without crying. But I know that come Thursday morning at 10:00AM I will be able to say that I did it . . . My Way.

Eat This

2011-04-25T21:22:00.002-05:00

For the very first time in my blogging life I have had a blog buddy request a topic! I’m honored. So, at the request of my friend over at Sticky Feet: Part Deux I am going provide some encouragement and tips on starting out and sticking with the Eat to Live plan.

Sticky Feet’s comment was this: “…can you tell me about what you eat each week? Like a menu plan type of thing? What about at school? I read Eat to Live, but it just seems impossible for me to actually make it happen (and feel full!).”

The hardest part of the Eat to Live lifestyle is sticking to the six week plan. The book explained that I would most likely be experiencing the feeling of “true hunger” for the first time in my life. When I read this I snickered at the thought of feeling true hunger. I figured that I would still be able to grab something here and there to not let that feeling happen. But after seeing the results of the plan in my co-workers and reading the life changing material myself I knew that I had to stick with it.

During the initial six week plan I would do the following:

Breakfast: Steel cut oats with seasonal berries, or some fresh fruit. Coffee with a shot of soy milk.

Lunch: Large salad, usually a “Spring Mix.” On top of the generous portion of greens I would put ½ a cup of my own “bean salad.” To make this I would mix 1 can of chick peas, 1 can of black beans, half of a red onion chopped, green onions chopped, two cloves of fresh garlic chopped, two chopped carrots, and a variety of spices. Then I would add some sort of a nut mix. I found a great nut mix at Wal*Mart that had soy nuts, almonds, and pumpkin seeds with ZERO SODIUM! I think it is called “good health mix” or something like that under the Wal*Mart brand. For a salad dressing I would use balsamic vinegar. No oil.

Dinner: Another salad, but this time not as large. Steamed vegetables with rice and on occasion half of a baked sweet potato.

With Lunch and Dinner I would eat a serving or fruit. Sometimes this involved taking an apple back to work with me, but I always tried to eat it close to my meal if not right after it. When I started to feel hungry between meals I would drink water, tea, or coffee. No sugar added. I tried to not drink any calories.

After the six weeks was over the weight loss was very noticeable. I would walk through the store and know that there were entire aisles that I couldn’t walk down because there was nothing down them that I needed. Because I was seeing results I knew that I was doing something right. I was no longer feeling the hunger that I had felt when I started and it was easier to eat less at meals and feel gratified.

Eat at meals, not between.

One Year!!

2011-04-18T21:36:00.001-05:00

This time last year I was returning from a wonderful weekend in Chicago with one thing on my mind: Food. But it isn't' what you think. I walked into my house and purged my kitchen of just about everything.

A few weeks before my Chicago trip I started reading Eat to Live and I knew that I had to change my eating lifestyle or I was going to die. I’m not being dramatic. I was well on my way to extreme obesity and until reading the book I didn’t even know how much damage I was causing. I’ll spare you the details and just share the facts. In the last year I have lost, and kept off, 45 pounds! I have not been sick. My allergies are gone. My skin is much improved. My hair is no longer falling out with every shampoo. I feel fantastic!!

I am one year a vegetarian. (Trying to be as Vegan as possible) Dairy free. Animal product free.

But you know what? I’m not done! I still have weight to drop. (Don’t believe me? You haven’t seen me naked….I think.) But it is no longer about weight. It is about HEALTH! I am at the beginning of a food revolution. I’m growing my own food. I’m buying local food.

I want you to join me. Not for me…for you. I want you to join me so badly that I will even buy this book for you. Just tell me.

Powered by YOU

2011-04-05T09:19:00.002-05:00

It’s that time of year again, friends. It is time for Andrew’s Community Support pledge drive.

Andrew can only succeed to the extent that his friends and community members become engaged in his life. When people like you join together to make a change in Andrew’s life it not only improves his ability to lead a lifestyle beyond his means, but it also give YOU the satisfaction of helping someone else.

The future unfolding before us is vast, dynamic, and filled with challenges. But with supporters like YOU it is possible that these challenges can be transformed into opportunities by working together with intelligence, creativity, and compassion. It is your responsibility to make sure that Andrew can make it another year. And he can with your continued support.

Andrew’s lifestyle comes with high annual fees. Your direct financial support is essential to maintaining his high-quality standards. Like a museum or a library, Andrew Flynn is sustained through special gifts from friends like you who value his companionship. By naming Andrew Flynn in your will or trust, you can invest in the future of witty humor, intelligent talk and great entertainment. Leave a legacy and ensure the future of Andrew.

Supporting Andrew means you are supporting all the qualities you like about him and yourself. Can you imagine a Wednesday night at church without his quirky looks from the back row, or a Friday night where he didn’t lose his shoes? I certainly don’t want experience a day without him.

A variety of thank-you gifts are available when you pledge your support to Andrew Flynn!

With your donation at the $45 level: Select 1 tee-shirt from Andrew’s dresser!

With your gift at the $60 level: Select 1 generous 16oz coffee mug from Andrew’s cupboard!

With your gift at the $90 level: Select 1 insulated travel mug from Andrew’s cupboard!

With your gift at the $120 level: You can borrow one of Andrew’s sturdy canvas tote bags!

With your gift at the $140 level: You can borrow an umbrella from Andrew’s trunk!

With your gift at the $250 level: You can select 1 of Andrew’s polo shirts from his closet!

With your gift at the $500 level: You can be an Andrew Flynn “Sponsor of the Day.” This includes each of the generous gifts above AND the peace of mind that you are helping one of this community’s most treasured citizens.

...and also with you

2011-03-09T20:57:00.004-06:00

And so begins the period of asceticism...

Will to Power

2011-03-03T20:34:00.003-06:00

“On the mountains of truth you can never climb in vain: either you will reach a point higher up today, or you will be training your powers so that you will be able to climb higher tomorrow.”
- Friedrich Nietzsche

Hope Held Strong

2011-02-20T21:52:00.000-06:00

A few times in my life I've had moments of absolute clarity, when for a few brief seconds the silence drowns out the noise and I can feel rather than think, and things seem so sharp and the world seems so fresh. I can never make these moments last. I cling to them, but like everything, they fade. I have lived my life on these moments. They pull me back to the present, and I realize that everything is exactly the way it was meant to be.