WIXY's Gone Bananas

As most of you know, I'm a radio geek. And I'm not shy about making it known when I make an acquaintance of someone who is, or has been in the industry. About 6-1/2 months ago, I started contacting former WMMS  host, Jeff Kinzbach, via Facebook. I had found out he was going to be the band announcer for Highland High School, where I had graduated. His daughter was playing in the marching band. We had some good exchanges back and forth. I gave him some advice that he had probably known already, but thanked me anyway. A few weeks later, Rittman and Highland played in the same band show. Jeff came looking for me and introduced me to his wife, Patty. We had a good conversation, probably things he had discussed ad nauseum with countless others over the years. He messaged me the next day, telling me that he enjoyed the Rittman Band's performance and gave me kudos over my announcing style. About 5 weeks later, after I broke my ankle, Jeff sent me well wishes via Facebook. Saf...

I have been accused of doing much of what I do here on the internet purely for the attention it brings me. Sometimes that's true. But when you see some of the things posted on Facebook, I have to admit that what is posted by myself and others who have a blogging backround is much more original than the usual "repost this if you love Jesus" posts that we all have the tendency to see. And believe me, I don't have to prove I love Jesus by reposting a message. Now that I have my rant out of the way, let's get to the subject of the post. I have noticed others around me are wanting to start working out. I was told by one coworker that I have inspired her to come to work early and spend about 15 minutes working out. Another coworker wants to check into Weight Watchers. I received an email last week from a friend who reads this blog. He told me that he joined Weight Watchers. Top all this with my wife wanting to get walking, but not with me at 4:30am, and I feel that ...

I'm writing this post after returning from a 14 mile bike ride. One I've taken before. But this time I thought I had bitten off more than I could chew. We will back up to my workouts. I had spent the prior 3 days utilizing the fitness center at my work. My aim is to be working "in the zone", or working up a good sweat at about a level 7. With several machines at my disposal, I could mix a variety of exercises, all designed to build up my legs and drop pounds along the way, that is if I can manage to eat right, and believe me I've also been working on that. Yesterday I went in the fitness center about 7:15am. I wanted to get a good workout in before I started work at 9. I decided to reverse the order of machines used, and got on the treadmill first. I ended up spending 25 minutes on the treadmill, then after a rest, 30 on the stationary bike. Then after a shower, off to work. In my mind, a good workout. Today is the first day of daylight savings time, and wit...

It's been a while since I've introduced a new blog. A former coworker of mine named Courtney, also known as Zombie Mommie, has started a blog called "The Charm of Nail Polish." Courtney is a single mom of 2 and she is going through some changes in her life. She has decided to go to school to become a nail tech, which has been a passion of hers for some time now. Anyway, above is an example of Courtney's work. Check out her blog and say "Hi" while you're at it.

In the past 5-1/2 years since I began blogging, I have encountered many people with their share of of esteem issues. And I'm sure those of my friends who write recovery blogs have documented their own. One of the descriptions of myself that I have had to promise myself I would quit using is when I have referred to myself as "the fat kid from the other side of the tracks." To be honest, I used to think this would get me some points. At least one of my friends called me out on it. Problem is sometimes overweight people serve as comedic foils for other people dealing with their own self esteem issues. And as a Christian, I think this sort of behavior is as wrong as slandering your fellow man. Really serves no useful purpose. Food is too often used as a recreational drug. Can give you a false sense of satisfaction when you are dealing with feelings of guilt or when someone causes you hurt. When I was growing up, I used to take out many of my frustrations on my stomach. ...

While in the washroom at work today, I noticed something: My clothes are starting to grow. Makes me glad I've been taking time to exercise, but guilty I have been missing my walks for the past couple of days. Also makes me glad I've been taking the time to read nutrition labels and to actually taste the food I'm eating instead of shoveling it down. Lately I've been eating to live instead of living to eat. And now I'm starting to encourage other people.

Four years ago today at 3:07am, I was getting ready for work when the phone rang. It was the nursing home where my brother, Richard had resided for the past 4 plus years. the nurse had informed me that Ricky had passed away. He was 49 years old and my second sibling to have died before the age of 50. For the next several days I wrote several posts, introducing those who read my blog to my brother, who had been wheelchair bound the last 20 years of his life. He was probably either borderline or mildly retarded. My parents never had him diagnosed and my mom was in denial. Many in my family have this inherited condition called neurofibromatosis. with Ricky, it caused splotches on his skin. It also caused him to have seizures. He could never have what would be considered a normal life. Ricky managed to make the most of it. The following is a post I originally wrote March 7, 2008. FRIDAY, MARCH 07, 2008 An adult with the mind of a child and a heart of gold We had moved to the west sid...

This day will really be so great The man above is one oh eight What did I do to mark this day Go to Whattville , go I say

I woke up this morning and my hip was hurting. I've been suffering off and on with bursitis in my hips for over 30 years now. Thought there was no need to walk, as the bursitis would probably be aggravated. Then I got to thinking. Sometimes that can't be a good thing. Today it was. I got to thinking about my employment situation, how I've never been close to achieving my true passion. How I've let other people and environmental situations mold my life. How I've been ridiculed out going for what I've wanted in life. Needless to say, I'm not satisfied. I decided not to let a hurting hip keep me from taking a walk. If it get aggravated, so be it. I only work 4 hours today and it's 4 hours sitting on my down. I loaded Dan Miller's latest 48 Days to the Work You Love podcast in my iPhone, hooked up my ear buds, and took off walking. I found that it took 14 minutes to walk around the block, so the next walk will include the 3 cul de sacs which I...