It's Over! ... and ... I'm Out!

I'm cleaning house on the old blog this morning, because two significant challenges are behind me. That's right, I said two.

As you know, Mustache May ended this past weekend and I couldn't be more pleased.

As you may not know, I also bowed out of the Mountain Dew Challenge this weekend and I am only moderately pleased.

My daughter's birthday party was too much for me. I actually held off most of the day and drank only water, but once we started the campfire I couldn't resist the Aldi brand Root Beer floating in the cooler any longer! Then, Sunday night I had the real thing - Mountain Dew - with some amazing pizza from Danny's Sports Bar at the Barbee Hotel in North Webster.

So, the Mountain Dew Challenge is down to four competitors: Jeff Simpson, Todd Owens, Jon Andrews and Dan Erickson. You'll have to check out their blogs if you want to find out who wins!

The good part about not being in the challenge anymore is that now I get to find out if I've developed any self control - which was my ultimate goal in the first place. We'll see how well I can resist temptation now that I don't have the motivation of beating Jeff (and the other guys).

Mustache May is Almost Done!

This is most likely the last picture you'll see of my mustache. Tomorrow is the last day of the month and I've promised my daughter I would shave it off for her birthday party, which is also tomorrow. So, take a good look, but don't look too long or you might get a little nauseous.

You can see the full progression in the slide show on the right side of the page - if you like that sort of thing.

I've learned a few lessons from Mustache May:

1. I don't like growing a mustache - not only does it look creepy, it's itchy.

2. Before I commit to a month-long challenge that involves my personal appearance, I should probably consult my wife.

3. When you commit to something, you stick with it, no matter how insignificant it may seem.

4. Don't take yourself too seriously.

A Very Random Post

Things have been quite busy at work lately. There are several big projects intermingled with the usual stuff intermingled with trying to get everything set for while I'm on vacation, so I haven't had much time to post.

But, I just got done with one of the bigger projects (the church newsletter) and have a few minutes, so this is going to be sort of a random thoughts post. Ready? Try to keep up.

Reading/Watching/Listening To:

I haven't done one of these in a long time, mostly because I haven't readm, watched or listened to anything new in a while. But, now I've got some things to share!

I've been listening to a new singer named Brett Dennen a lot lately. I discovered him while listening to a Jack Johnson mix on Pandora. He's classified on iTunes as a folk musician. I like him because he's got a very unique voice combined with some fun acoustic music.

I've also been listening to the new album from Shawn McDonald, called Roots. This new album is definitely worth a listen.

After reading Celebration of Discipline with Dan, I've been struggling to find anything I really wanted to read. Well, that struggle ended today when I found the website for Francis Chan's new book, "Crazy Love." Then I found out that we have a few extra copies here at the church and I can borrow one. I'm thinking I'll start it soon and hopefully finish it up on vacation. We may actually visit Chan's church while we're in California, so that could be pretty cool.

As far as what I've been watching, there's not much to share. I watched a little bit of American Idol, but never really got into it enough to care about who won. Though, I think David Cook could have a great career.

I am planning to go see Prince Caspian with my wife soon - maybe this weekend. I also want to see the new Hulk movie and Hancock. I guess I'm becoming a fan of comic book movies!

Family Update:

My daughter, Hanah, has become very fond of the nature around our house, especially turtles.

My son, David, has become a big fan of Legos. We plan to visit LegoLand while in California.

My wife, Katie, suggested we go fishing the other night - yet another example of why she's awesome!

Our dog, Gus, has developed cataracts on both of his eyes. He is mostly blind, but has some peripheral vision. We found out yesterday that the surgery to fix his eyes will cost around $6,000. Anybody know of a good veterinary school with students that need practice doing cataract surgery (for free)?

Vacation planning:

After the feedback from this post, I've decided to leave the laptop at home and not blog while on vacation. I appreciate your advice, for and against, the idea of chronicling our trip!

Link Love:

Dan got creative while doing some yardwork.

Biz is learning from his son.

Corey is always good for some great videos and this one is fun.

Here's another one from Corey that got me even more excited about the new Hulk movie.

Mustache May update:

If you've been following the slideshow on the right side of this page, you've noticed that I've trimmed off the handlebars. They were itchy and pretty pathetic, so I'm going with the 'stache and soul patch look for the rest of this week!

Mountain Dew Challenge - Part Deux update:

We're currently in the 31st day of the challenge, and it has gone by incredibly fast. I think it's because it's been such a busy time of the year. There have been some tough days, but I've been quenching the cravings with other sweets - not exactly a beneficial practice. So, I've got to work on that.

The end.

No More Mustache Picture Posts

After a critique from my wife, I've decided to stop using posts for pictures of my mustache progress. From now on, you'll be able to see the progress in the slideshow on the right side of the page. Enjoy.

Mustache May Slideshow

Mustache May Day 16

I thought the new 'stache might make me look tough. But ...


I just look confused, hungry and a little annoyed.

Oh well.

Coming later today: Mustache May slideshow!

Mustache May Day 15

Well, here it is. The moment you've all been waiting for ... or dreading.

Right now I'm torn between, "Check out the stache!" and, "Is this thing really on my face?"

Hey, at least I'm not alone in this thanks to Derry! Stay strong brother!


Just in case you're feeling the need to point out the gaps on either side between the mustache and the handlebars, rest assured my wife has beaten you to it.

Mustache May Special Guest

While not an official participant in Mustache May, Biz decided to do a mustache cameo. I'm so proud of him! This is how I'm hoping my mustache looks - except mine is not nearly as dark as his, so that could be tricky. I only wish I would have thought of growing the sideburns!!

Mustache May Day 14

Here is the last day of chin hair. Tomorrow I have to switch to mustache mode and keep it that way the rest of the month - so get ready for some creepiness!

On a side note, some who originally committed to participating in Mustache May have not exactly stayed committed (Jeff, Rodney, Griggs).

It's very disappointing. Yet, it is a good chance for those of us who have not wavered (Derry, Marty and me - possibly others) to be an example of how to "let your yes be yes and your no be no."

Mustache May Day 13

Are you bored with this yet? I am.

Mustache May Day 9 - Post No. 200

I was trying really hard to make post No. 200 something very profound - worthy of commemorating this milestone. Then I realized there probably couldn't be a much better way to commemorate this occasion than sharing my mustache journey with you. After all, it's quite a significant time in my life.

As you can see, the stache is filling in nicely. If my hair were darker, you could actually see it!

If you come back to my blog after seeing these pictures of me day after day, I promise to seriously try to write about much more meaningful topics. Please don't dump me because of Mustache May! Embrace the movement - it will be over soon!

Mustache May Day 8

Today was the second trim-down of the month. Everything but the mustache and the patch are gone again. Fear not, however, I will be letting the handlebars grow from here on out so I can look like Joe Theisman!

I tried to crack a little smile today, but when your nose appears to be getting bigger every day it's hard to be truly happy!

In an unrelated note, this is my 199th post! I'm trying to think of something really great for post No. 200. Stay tuned!

Mustache May Day 7

Mustache May Day 6

Not much to report, except that I'm rather enjoying this!




Some of you are probably saying, "Is he really growing a mustache? I can't see it."

That's totally understandable, and expected. Just to show you that I really am making an effort to grow hair between my nose and mouth, here's a closeup.

That's kind of creepy, huh?

Spring Resolutions

I have established something of a tradition on this blog by announcing sets of resolutions at the outset of each season, rather than at the beginning of the year as most people do.

I'm a little late in announcing the resolutions for this spring, but summer doesn't officially start until June 21, so there's still quite a bit of time to accomplish the following goals.

1. Spend as much time investing in and leading these people (and dog) as possible.

2. Capture many memories from the lake where we live because this is going to be our last summer there.

3. Learn to surf during our vacation to California. My wife is heavily against this one because of the recent shark attack near San Diego - but I think I'll probably figure out a way around that.

4. Get fishing again!

5. Run! I really want to make a habit of running because I know it's great for my health. I miss the time when I could enjoy physical activity without wondering when the next timeout was so I could catch my breath and get a drink. I need to get myself back into good shape.

6. Grow a mustache that looks something like this!

7. Win the Mountain Dew Challenge - Part Deux. Or, at least still be in the running to win it.

What could you accomplish this spring?

Mustache May - Day 5

Mustache May - Day 4

I trimmed everything but the mustache and the soul patch today, although you probably can't tell they're still there. I'm kind of giving those two areas a head start because they grow the slowest. Now I'll let everything grow out for a while then trim it down to the final shape - which should be pretty interesting!

Mustache May - Day 3

I'm actually quite impressed with how well my facial hair is responding to the challenge of Mustache May - which is pretty pathetic, if you think about it!

Mustache May - Day 2

I've got an all-day meeting today, so I had to take this picture first thing this morning. So there is only about a 15-hour span between the Day 1 picture and this one.

Mustache May - Day 1

In an effort to show just what an incredible feat growing a mustache is for me, I'm going to take a picture of myself each day of Mustache May to track my facial hair's progress. I'm guessing somewhere around day 25 you'll be able to start seeing the mustache.