Day 9 - Righting the Ship

In 1999, while I was at the University of Alabama, I was hired as a web content manager by Randall Publishing. My boss, who would later become a lifelong friend, was a wily Australian named Darryl King. He was fresh off the boat. Really nice, witty, and sometimes misunderstood guy.

I would eventually become business partners with him in an upstart web development business. I left UA with 5 classes incomplete to start the business. Throughout our relationship over the years, he preached an unorthodox message of "writing your life's story." I always thought it was sort of stupid, after all God would determine where I went and what I did, right? Nevertheless, he stayed on me until I sat down and halfheartedly wrote some outlandish life goals.

It wasn't until 2008 that it all clicked. I wasn't happy with my life, despite having an awesome family, loyal friends, and a job that was secure.

It was truly time for me to write my life's story.

I identified the things in my life I wanted to change.

1. Finish my degree - Leaving UA without a degree was haunting me. I knew it was stupid to be so close and not "put the icing on the cake," as my wise grandfather might say.
2. Lose weight at all costs - My struggles have been fairly well documented in the last few days
3. Get back into church - I have had some bad experiences with church "family." I pray daily, have been saved, and try to live right. But I miss being part of a real church family.

Just like that, the "Taylor Improvement Plan" was born.

In the fall of 2009 I went back to school at UA. The first semester I was able to complete remotely through correspondence courses. But the second semester required me to travel to Tuscaloosa once a week for the entire semester. In May of 2010, I finally graduated. It was the first weight off my shoulders.

Obviously, the second chapter of improvement is now underway.

Soon we will be looking for a new church family to join. One that doesn't bicker and nitpick. One that just wants to worship the Lord and look after their brethren.

On Monday, I decided to expand the improvement plan by an additional chapter. I want to learn to play an instrument. Either the acoustic guitar or the banjo. I'm leaning toward the Banjo right now. As soon as I gain a little more range of motion, I'm going to try to find someone who gives lessons.

Have you written your life story? Are there things in your life you want to change?

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Now for the personal update.

Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would enjoy Sugar Free Chocolate Pudding as much as I did yesterday. That, coupled with some potato soup last night made for a nice change of pace from the Phase 1 clear liquid diet.

Right now I'm struggling to get enough protein. The nutritionist has recommended I intake 100gr of protein a day. Right now I'm struggling to see how that is mathematically possible given the limited quantities I can intake at a time. I'll eventually figure it all out.

In addition, I was finally able to get a little rest last night. Restless nights Sunday and Monday had my ass dragging by yesterday evening.

Blood pressure continues to be laughingly low. I had a blow up on the kids last night and thought it would be a good time to check it just to see if it had risen because of the incident. 112/72. :-)

Weight this morning: 395 (-46lb)

And last but not least, here is a video of one of my new favorite bands and one of their best songs. Stupid video, but great song. Hope you enjoy.