French Thinking

30 Days to Change My Life?

erik@neparis.com — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 04:33:59 GMT

For my birthday, my parents talked with Julie to determine a good gift idea. Julie made a good recommendation and I received EA Sport Active. I only received the gift this past weekend, and I have to admit, I made an excuse on Monday morning and did not start using the program. So Monday evening I set up my profile and I no longer had an excuse.

Tuesday morning I began the 30-day Challenge. Granted, I started with the “Light Intensity” but I figure this is enough for my current level of activity. Hopefully in 30 days I can try out the “Medium Intensity” level.

After two mornings, I can tell you this is not a simple game. It really does challenge me. The blasted Wii knows if I hold the position long enough, if I kick my legs high enough, etc. Sometimes this is frustrating. I mean, come on, I squatted and jumped but the rollerblade dude on the screen didn’t do these things! Oh well, I will get more used to the program and get better.

Honestly, this morning I found myself saying, “I don’t have to go do that. After all, I am starting to catch a cold and sleep would do me some good.” But knowing that I would have a gaping hole in my 30-day Challenge gnawed at me.

You guessed it. I got up and did the workout.

I expect to be able to add bike riding to my daily routine pretty soon. It has been warm enough the past couple of mornings to go for a ride. I expect I will be out there starting this weekend. I have to do a few more preparations on my bike and that will happen on Friday.

So, things are falling into place. I have a 30-day Challenge thanks to EA Sports. I have a bike to ride. Yep, time to get in shape.

I will see where the next 28 days take me. I will keep you posted.

This is totally true!

erik@neparis.com — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 05:08:17 GMT

I’ve heard it called “Man speak” and a bunch of other stuff. But here it is, plain and simple:

My Utopia Shrinks

erik@neparis.com — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 22:15:54 GMT

It is my birthday and my utopia is crumbling all around me. To be more precise, it is melting all around me! It is currently 42 degrees, and there is not a safe place in sight for my lovely snow.

See, if you didn’t know, I love the cold weather. Big surprise – I was born in the winter during a snowstorm, after all. So the big dump of snow right after Christmas was wonderful! Sure, it caused some problems with traffic and schools were closed for two days longer than planned. But overall, it was cold and there was plenty of snow. Whoopee!

Then it started. That nasty warm wind just had to mess with things. Pretty soon we started seeing green grass where wonderful white snow was showing only the day before. In the past two days we have lost three inches in snow depth. And the trend is to stay warm for a few more days.

I guess nothing can last forever. However, I found out Calvin agrees with me. So at least there is one other snow lover out there.

So, whether you are a crazy warm weather fan or one of the true believers in the icy grasp of winter, I hope you have enjoyed the day. Birthdays are worth celebrating and I am thankful to spend the day with my friends and family even if the snow is leaving me.

Friendly URL test

erik@neparis.com — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 03:54:00 GMT

We turned on "Friendly URLs" on the web site and I have noticed a few issues with the blog posts. So, here is a test to see if I have everything corrected.

One of the reasons why I work here

erik@neparis.com — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 18:05:54 GMT

Within the past twenty minutes I have been visited by our Chief Executive Office and our Chief Information Officer. The day before Christmas and these two (and the others on the Executive Board, I am sure) are out and about talking with the employees and wishing them well during the holidays.

Yeah, there are many reasons why I am thankful I work at CommunityAmerica Credit Union. Having a great group of executives is just one of them.

Wisdom from Dilbert

erik@neparis.com — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 05:12:06 GMT

More...

Holiday Fun from the IS Division

erik@neparis.com — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 17:41:38 GMT

You will not know these people; I get that. But what fun JibJab helps us create! Take a look at people from my IS Division helping to tell a Christmas tale.

Joys of the Holidays

erik@neparis.com — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 21:04:32 GMT

One of the things I enjoy about the holiday season is the food. Who doesn’t?!? This weekend I received one of my favorite candies: ribbon candy.

Such a simple delight!

What’s better than snow in Olathe?

erik@neparis.com — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 04:25:15 GMT

As you may have read, there is snow in Olathe. I can only come up with one thing better: Star Wars in Concert! Justyn, Carter, and I will be going to the Sprint Center tomorrow to attend.

I cannot wait!

This is my early Christmas present. Julie says not to expect anything else under the tree.

Soooooo worth it!!

Snow in Olathe!

erik@neparis.com — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 04:09:27 GMT

This evening we received our first “real” snow fall. I put that in quotes because we did receive snow a few weeks ago but it burned off within 24 hours. The snow we have now will not. When it lasts for more than one day, that is a “real” snow.

It does sound like most everyone to the north of us is getting some of the coldest weather known. While we do not have the cold-to-the-bone weather they do, it is cold and I am loving it!

The kids, of course, think school should be cancelled tomorrow. Carter received a snow sled for his birthday and he really wants to try it out. I do not think that will happen as he will be going to preschool just like Justyn will be going to school. Ahh, the fun they can have at recess.

My co-workers have already told me I am not allowed to gloat about the weather too much. I guess I can see their point. But on a wonderfully cold morning like tomorrow will be, I cannot be held responsible for my cheerfulness.

Enjoy the cold! Enjoy the snow!