Today, I Begin!!!

Today I begin some things…

Well, at least I begin one thing in particular:  I begin my 2013 goal of Living a Healthier Life.

I’m going to begin by using the Body for Life work-out routine, and eating regimen.

I was blessed with a gym membership by some family members, which couldn’t have come at a better time.

You see, I need to get into shape as part of my goal to enter into the Air Force.  Since I’ve been released from my physical therapy (I had sprained my ankle and popped my knee), it is now up to me to get it done.  While I have the capability of working out at home, I really enjoy going to a gym.

I also took some “before” pictures…  (No, you aren’t going to see those.  At least, not unless there has been a dramatic change some time in the near future!)

UGH!

I’m skinny and plump in all the wrong places.

Ok, so why the BFL routine?

I’ve actually used it before but, I didn’t finish my goal.  At that time, I had a goal of doing it for 12 weeks.  I think I had some other goals in the midst of it; like a certain weight and body fat %.  But, I don’t remember those in particular.

I do remember this though: I went from 25% body fat to 15% in about 7 weeks of doing it.  I remember loosing 12lbs of fat, and replacing it with about 7lbs of muscle.  I remember dropping down to around 185lbs, and getting back into a 32″ pants (I had been at 36″).

Now, I’m sitting at 204lbs, 37-38″ waste and feeling Blah.  I’m not very energetic, which isn’t good being the dad of two very active young children.

I’m so tired of that!  So, here are my physical goals:

1. FINISH THE FULL 12 WEEKS OF EATING AND WORKING OUT!!! That is my top priority.
2. Get back to 15% body fat.
3. Be able to run 1.5 miles (without quitting), under 14 minutes. (USAF specific)
4. Do 27 push-ups within 1 minute. (USAF specific)
5. Do 39 sit-ups within 1 minute. (USAF specific)

There you have it! Zwingli’s first goal of 2013 spelled out.  I’m sure I’ll come up with some more.  The trick is getting them done, no?

Do you have some goals (in-game or real life)?  

If so, let me know what they are. I want to cheer you on!

Z

………………………………

Post work-out update.  It turns out that things weren’t as bad as I feared.

Per the trainer and scale at 24 Hr Fitness: I weigh 202lbs, and I’m at 27% body fat.

At least we have a baseline!

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Waxing Not So Eloquent

I’m going to take a moment, and just “be” with you.

I’ve spent the day with my wife and kids. We went on a “poor mans safari” at our local Cabela’s.

While there were points where I wanted to strangle the little rascals, I’m really happy that we spent this time together. I hung out with my wife and kids. Life just doesn’t get any better.

I’m also horribly aware that there are some who’ve recently lost the opportunity to hang out with their kid(s) or parent.

I have nothing of value to say when it comes to the Connecticut School shooting. I have no answers to the tough questions.

The worse question of all is, “why.”  I’ve no answer for that one in particular.

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve a Master’s Degree in all the right answers to the tough questions.  But, I’ve learned something about tragedy over the past 15 or so years.

There never is an answer good enough…regardless of the question.  It just turns to ashes in my mouth.

However, I’ve found value in the “being” of others. When I hurt, I mean really hurt, I don’t want to hurt alone.  I don’t wish my pain upon another, but it sure is nice to have someone with me while I’m in the midst of it.

I’ve spent countless hours with grieving families, hurt individuals, times when emotions are either exploding around us or being locked up tight behind an iron facade. At the end of that time, no one can remember what I said.  But, everyone remembers that I was there with them.

“Being” counts.

Thanks…

Thanks for “being” with me.

Thanks for reading my little blog.

Thanks for playing WoW with me, and letting me be a part of (y)our WoW community.

Thanks for just “being.”  I really appreciate it.

Z

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Phase 2 Update

Z, you’ve not updated us on your journey to enter the Air Force! What’s up, man?!

I’m nearing the end of “Phase 2″ of my recruitment.

All of my paperwork is in for this phase.  All of my recommendations are in.

Now, I’m waiting on a “Major Command Interview” to be scheduled.  This will be an interview with a Colonel (06) or above, and may happen sometime in mid-December.  If not, then I’m probably looking at it happening in January.

After the MajCom Interview, the recruiting office will decide if my application gets to go before a Review Board.  Successfully making it through the Review Board puts me at the end of Phase 2, and the beginning of Phase 3.

What does “Phase 3″ look like?

I have no idea what happens in Phase 3.  I’ve asked the recruiter, and his reply has been: “Well cover it when we get there.”

It’s in the bag, yes?

This is my Worried Face.

No, not really.  I’m a little nervous about it all.  You see, the position(s) I’m trying for are some what competitive. While I don’t know exactly how many people are making applications to the USAF in this area; I do know this:

• They are losing 53 folks from this spot due to attrition/retirement/etc.
• They are only hiring around 23-25 to fill those open slots.

Sounds like they are trying to do more with less.

Yes, they are doing more with less.

So, Z. Why are you trying to be a part of this? You think you’re special!?

Yes, I believe I’m one of those qualified and gifted to excel at this position.  Perhaps I’ll tell you why I believe this someday.

Z

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Phase 2

I’m making application to the USAF (as an Officer).

My application process has now entered into Phase 2!

There are three phases.  Phase 2 includes:

• References (3-5)
• School transcripts
• Lots of paperwork
• A “Major Command” Interview.
• and my Application goes before a “Review Board” at the end.

Yes…I’m excited!

And a little bit scared.

Z

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Zwingli’s Real Life Cooking Daily!

Thursdays are a special day in the Z household. Mrs. Z has to work a split shift at work, which means I get to feed the little ones!

On the menu for tonight, Pigs in the Blanket!

I know.

Impressive, right?

Z

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Attacked for Gaming

I’m never first to the table, so I’m sure you’ve already heard.  I first heard it on Be Mop.  You can also find an article at the WoW Insider.

Colleen Lackowicz is a is running for a State Senate spot in Maine.  However, the Republican Party ran an attack emphasizing that she is a WoW Player!  No, I’m not linking the attack

Ok, she is a Rogue.  Does anyone like Rogues?  She should have rolled a Hunter!

Anyway, I find this whole thing really sticking in my craw.

For full disclosure, I’m a Texan. I tend to vote Republican.

Does that shock anyone?

What the Main Republican party is doing is surreal!  I just don’t get it.

I would hate to be attacked based on my WoW playing.  Can you imagine the “Huntard” jokes playing the airwaves?  How many times have any of us said something in jest, that someone else will spin into something it wasn’t?

What about our WoW specific language?  As one person already pointed out “Progressive” in WoW means something different than in our polarized political climate.

In my gut, I feel that the Main Republican Party is wrong in what they are doing.

Can I just be honest and say, contemporary politics are getting more and more absurd?

I wonder if they ever met Stephen Gillett. He is in leadership at Best Buy, and had been the CIO of Starbucks.  Apparantly, playing WoW has been a plus for him!

And finally, I want to leave you with this Colbert Video of Jane McGonigal.  She also believes that gaming has positive effects in the real world.

WordPress doesn’t allow the video to be viewed in the blog, so you have to just click the link and see it on the Colbert website.

Here are Colleen Lachowics social/websites.

Main Website:  www.colleenlachowicz.com and Facebook

I’ve been unable to find a paypal button to give to her campaign.

If someone figures out where to send a check, please let me know.
Z

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BACON SHORTAGE?!?!?!?!

Bacon Makes Everything Better

I. Can’t. Believe. It!

According to this article there will be a Bacon Shortage come 2013!

Something about Droughts, Lack of Rain for grains that Pigs eat, blah blah blah…

THERE’S GONNA BE A BACON SHORTAGE!?

I…

I don’t…

I don’t have the words.

I’m numb all over.

I need someone like Rades or Bear to speak to this.

Please…Someone…DO SOMETHING!

I’m still in shock.

>.<

Z

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Totally Hypothetical Question…Totally…

I’ve a hypothetical question for ya… totally hypothetical…

What if someone (hypothetically) was entering into your favorite nation’s air force/military organization as a…say…a Paladin.

Could you think of a good blog name for this hypothetical person’s journey into said military organization?

I want a name… I mean, the hypothetical person would want the name to illustrate both a general protestant (hypothetical) identity and air force (hypothetical)/military organization.

——————————————–

Ok, we both know this isn’t hypothetical.

I’m beginning a journey into the US Air Force as an active duty Chaplain.  I want to make a blog to:

1) chronicle my journey through the process of entry, and

2) use it as a communication tool with family and friends when I’m deployed/separated from them.

My Friend Kelly gave me these recommendations:

@zwinglisblog "Clearly Lost My Blessed Mind", "God Gave Me Free Choice And I Gave It Away To The Military", "Bless Me Father,For I Am A Nut"—
Kelly (@bootypantsbear) September 24, 2012

I identify greatly with the last one! But, it’s a bit long for a URL.

Do me a favor, don’t ask about my faith orientation in the comments. I won’t answer.  I don’t play WoW to share my faith. As a religious professional, I use it to get out of my daily work related stress. Feel free to email if you “just have to know” at:

rptexan[at]hotmail[dot]com

I will delete comments that demean faith in general, FYI.

I hope posing this question doesn’t lessen our relationship just because some religious kook/bigot/blowhard gave you a bad experience.  If anything, this should be a step up from my normal Huntard Persona.

Though, I still think Elune should have her own Paladins.

Elunidite Tankadin For The Win!!!

K?

Thnx!

Z

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Fatherhood, Cost and Benefit

While having a DQ Dude and fries for lunch, my ketchup was pilfered by my 4 yr old!  That is when I started thinking: exactly how much has my life changed…what things have I lost in becoming a father.

I know, that sounds horrible.

The Cost

1. Well, obviously I’ve lost my ketchup rights. 

Actually, I’ve lost all aspects of ownership concerning dipping sauces of all types.  Did I mention that my 2 yr also old stole my other ketchup today?!  It turns out the 4 yr old is teaching my 2 yr old.

Actually, I’ve lost my basic rights to sustenance, period.  Anything in my hands, or on my plate belongs in their mouths.  They are like little birds, mouth all a-gape.

Little beggars!

2. I’ve lost the ability to sleep in.

Seriously, what’s up with this?  My eldest gets up on a regular basis around 5:30-6:00am.  Instead of having the decency of taking the opportunity to watch some TV, turning his brain to mush, the kid has to come into our room, crawl into bed, and eventually wind up sprawled all akimbo…at times, even laying on top of me!  /RunOnSentence

3. Oh, and I lost all quiet time in my own house. 

No matter how early I get up, being all silent and covert…attempting to read…one of my kids always wakes up.  It’s like they smell that I’m awake.  They have this desperate need to invade my quiet time.

I’m an INTROVERT! I Need My Cave!

4. Oh, and S.E.X. 

Let’s not forget about sex.  We have to lock our room on the off chance that the little snots will decide that they need some snuggle time.

Have you ever tried the Boinga-Boinga with a kid knocking on your door saying, “Mommy…Daddy, wake up!”

OMGOSH!  /KillsTheMood

The sheer paranoia of one of our little princelings walking in on us is enough to scare a guy into celibacy. /srsnod

Look, my kids are going to be emotionally scarred because of me.  I know this.  However, they don’t need THAT mental image in their head.

But…What about the Benefits?

The Benefits

The tl;dr is that they’ve given me a deeper capacity to love in all areas of my life.  The first time I held my firstborn in my arms, I knew that everything had changed.

But wait, I’ve got more to write.  I can’t have a tl;dr yet!

1. I get to see them try it.

I get to watch their face light up as they try new things. No only do they try new things, but they intrinsically want to try whatever it is that Daddy has.

They want what I want, do what I do; aka: They want to be like me!  /ProudPapaMoment

Oh, and the first time they had a pickle…and scrunched up their noses when that sour taste hit their taste-buds?  Yeah baby!

Heck, we gave them a second piece of pickle so we could get a picture of the face! /FaceBook

When they had their first brain-freeze because they were scarfing Dad’s ice cream to fast?  Priceless! /Justice!

2. I get to see them first thing.

I get to be awakened by a precious soul who’s first thought in the morning is, “I want to be with dad.”

Think of that for a moment.  That is the first thought, that is the inclination, that is his greatest desire.  I am blessed of God with these early morning moments.

3. Quiet time, shmy-it time

While I may loose my early morning quiet times, I gain children that naturally bring me out of my shell.  No matter what I may want to do, there is nothing better than my child snuggling up next to me on the couch.  /SeePreviousBlessing

4. God, I love my wife!

Lastly, I have a deeper and more meaningful love for my wife.  We truly are partners in this grand journey.  We have a common bond that goes beyond physical attraction. We have unified hopes and dreams, and a struggle that we are whole heartedly fighting for together.

We will scrape, claw, and fight to make sure our children have the best chance possible at a great life. Period.

Final Words

Back when we were pregnant with our eldest, an elderly gentleman took me aside.  He was well into his 90s, having been married for well over 60 of those years. He and his wife had raised three beautiful daughters.

He took me aside and said, “Do you want to know what your boy is going to need the most?”

Of course I said, “Yes, Sir!”

He said, “Give him a Daddy that loves his Mommy.”

I don’t have the time to go into it here; but I think that is the best advice I’ve ever been given.

Having children has changed my life in dramatic ways. It has completely changed, been utter turned over and inside out.

However scary that may sound to non-dads out there, I can honestly say that it is worth it.

As said before, they’ve given me a deeper capacity to love.

Z

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Feeling Kinda Sad…

I’m feeling kind of sad at the moment.

It’s just been one of those weeks.

I find out that one of my healer friends is basically gone from the game. Not that she dislikes it. No, not at all. It is just that her MS has gotten to bad for her to play any more.

Next, I read this post by my most favorite of Bears.  Precious and Soft will be terribly missed in the WoW universe.  At least, in my WoW Universe.

Today, I got to read about at least one of her dreams coming true, here and here.

But, I was finally hit by Ratters latest post.  It seems that he won’t be blogging as Ratshag anymore.

Oh, he’ll still be writing. But, the Ratshag that I’ve come to know and love over the last few years will be no more.

…

…

…

So, I’m sad.  I’m not asking to be cheered up.

I enjoyed all of these people.  My sadness is just the flip side of all the joy they brought to my WoW life.

I think I just want to be sad for a bit.

Z

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