Well it's been a while, so I guess I'll update this site again. To start I had gastric bypass surgery on April 13th of this year. To date I've lost 85 lbs.!!!!!!! This time last year I was 420 lbs., and just before the surgery I weighed in at 410 lbs. As of today I'm 325 lbs. I have dropped from a 54" waist to a 46" waist. None of my clothes fit, and I gave my beautiful wife all my pants to take to the Goodwill. I feel like a whole new person. It was one of the best decisions I ever made. I feel great!
With all this weight loss I can finally do things that I struggled to do before. On Saturday me and the family went hiking for the second time in a week. I was able to do the entire 5 mile hike without having to stop and rest my back, knees, ankles, or feet. I love it!
I'm really looking forward to getting back into backpacking, hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities that I had trouble doing, or was unable to do before. If anyone is interested in joining me on any of these just let me know. I'm always up for a new challenge.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Sunday, June 27, 2010
My Review of Esbit Pocket Stove
Ideal for your home or auto emergency kit, this pocket-size stove folds down to a small, compact size.
Good deal.
By SunDevil98 from Winder, GA on 6/27/2010
Gift: No
Pros: Stable, Compact, Lightweight, Durable
Cons: Doesn't Do What it Says
Best Uses: Backpacking, Hiking, Car Camping
Describe Yourself: Military/Law Enforcement
Thsi is a nice lightweight backpacking or survival stove. It's extremely compact, and appears to be very durable. My biggest complaint is that it did not do what the package claimed. The box claims the unit will bring 1 pint (2 cups) of water to a rolling boil in under 8 minutes. I tried this out on my back poarch today. after 11 minutes the fuel tab was almost gone and was losing heat. I had the water in a tin backpacking cup, and the most it did was a series of light bubbles at the bottom of the cup. I never saw a rolling boil.I think if I had used two tabs of fuel I might have gotten the rolling boil, but that kind of defeats the purpose to me as a backpacking or survival stove. If your water is already clean then this would be perfect to cook with, but without two or fuel tabs you're out of luck for purifying. I would still recommend this product due to its sturdy, lightweight design, and a cost of only $10!!! Plus, the fuel tabs can be used in a survival situation to start a fire. Had it brought the 2 cups of water to a rolling boil I would have rated it 5 out of 5 stars, but as it is I only give it 3.
Begining of trial.
Tags: Using Product
End of trial @ 11 mins plus.
Tags: Using Product
(legalese)
Sunday, February 21, 2010
It's about time...
Ok, so I haven't been the best at keeping this blog up to date. I shall not make excuses, but it wasn't always something I could help. However, we now have a new computer, and Internet, so I will do my best to update as often as I can (maybe).
So let me cover the time from last last post in July of 2009. Since then my beloved grandmother, Francis Kimmie Phelps, passed away. It actually occurred at the end of July and was very difficult on the family. She was a wonderful woman, and my grandfathers only true love. They were married on December 25, 1940, and stayed so since her death. How many people can say they were married to their true love for 68 years!!! I remember asking one day when I was young how they stayed married for so long (both my parents have been married 4 times). She responded saying "We didn't give up." She explained how she and my grandfather never quit on each other because they made a vow to God that through good and bad they would stay devoted to each other. We will all miss her. I love you Momma!!!
Well while we were out in Texas for this unfortunate event we found the time to drive to Arizona to celebrate my friend Bob's birthday. It was a loooong drive, especially since we had already driven from GA to TX, but it was all worth it. We had a great, although rather hectic time, in AZ. I got to see a lot of old friends. My dear friend Suzie from CA came out, and I got to see my old college buddy Timmy G. Plus I got to see the Tim's, and Bob Sr., and of course the only woman that can truly deal with Bob, his wonderful girlfriend Jen. It was a great time!!!
While out there we were able to go to the Grand Canyon (Jennifer and Winston had never seen it before). We also saw meteor crater, Montezuma's Castle, and my Alma mater Arizona State University!!!
We had a wonderful time in AZ, and it was great to see everyone. Thanks Bob and Jen for having us.
After that Jennifer and I celebrated our 7th anniversary in October. I can't believe we've been married that long, and she still puts up with me!!! I have a great wife, and I'm very lucky to have her. I love her very much!!!
We had a great Christmas. I gave the wifey a real deal SLR digital camera. I got her a Nikon D-40. Thankfully she loves it. I gave Winston a ghillie suit and a 20 gauge shotgun. What more could a 10 year old boy ask for??? I love getting them stuff.
It is now February and work is the same. Jen is in her second year of homeschooling Winston. They both seem to really enjoy it, and the more stupid things I see school boards across the nation doing, the more I'm glad he's home schooled. We have one more payment left on the Honda, and then it's just the student loan to go. I can't wait! If it all goes according to plan I should have that paid off in 24 months. I am striving to live a debt free life. Oh the joy that would bring!!!
Well I believe that is all I will write for now. I would go into political ramblings, but I think I will save that for another time. Maybe tomorrow.
So let me cover the time from last last post in July of 2009. Since then my beloved grandmother, Francis Kimmie Phelps, passed away. It actually occurred at the end of July and was very difficult on the family. She was a wonderful woman, and my grandfathers only true love. They were married on December 25, 1940, and stayed so since her death. How many people can say they were married to their true love for 68 years!!! I remember asking one day when I was young how they stayed married for so long (both my parents have been married 4 times). She responded saying "We didn't give up." She explained how she and my grandfather never quit on each other because they made a vow to God that through good and bad they would stay devoted to each other. We will all miss her. I love you Momma!!!
Well while we were out in Texas for this unfortunate event we found the time to drive to Arizona to celebrate my friend Bob's birthday. It was a loooong drive, especially since we had already driven from GA to TX, but it was all worth it. We had a great, although rather hectic time, in AZ. I got to see a lot of old friends. My dear friend Suzie from CA came out, and I got to see my old college buddy Timmy G. Plus I got to see the Tim's, and Bob Sr., and of course the only woman that can truly deal with Bob, his wonderful girlfriend Jen. It was a great time!!!
While out there we were able to go to the Grand Canyon (Jennifer and Winston had never seen it before). We also saw meteor crater, Montezuma's Castle, and my Alma mater Arizona State University!!!
We had a wonderful time in AZ, and it was great to see everyone. Thanks Bob and Jen for having us.
After that Jennifer and I celebrated our 7th anniversary in October. I can't believe we've been married that long, and she still puts up with me!!! I have a great wife, and I'm very lucky to have her. I love her very much!!!
We had a great Christmas. I gave the wifey a real deal SLR digital camera. I got her a Nikon D-40. Thankfully she loves it. I gave Winston a ghillie suit and a 20 gauge shotgun. What more could a 10 year old boy ask for??? I love getting them stuff.
It is now February and work is the same. Jen is in her second year of homeschooling Winston. They both seem to really enjoy it, and the more stupid things I see school boards across the nation doing, the more I'm glad he's home schooled. We have one more payment left on the Honda, and then it's just the student loan to go. I can't wait! If it all goes according to plan I should have that paid off in 24 months. I am striving to live a debt free life. Oh the joy that would bring!!!
Well I believe that is all I will write for now. I would go into political ramblings, but I think I will save that for another time. Maybe tomorrow.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
I'm back!!!!!!!
Well, with the recent purchase of a new computer, and the installation of the Internet at our home, we are back on-line. Our old computer crashed about a year ago, and I haven't really been able to post much unless I was at work. So, now I'll have to be playing catch-up. Of course I will do this later as I don't feel like covering everything right now. Focker out!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Boston Butts and Cross Dressers...Oh Boy!!!!
Well the Boston butt was a huge success!!! I bought a 10 lbs. butt and smoked it on the smoker for about 15 hours. It began to literally fall apart as I cut in to it. Jennifer loves pulled pork, but usually I am unable to cook it so that that is possible. I have, however, figured out the secret...cook it low and slow. I usually smoke stuff for about 6 to 8 hours. That is enough time for the meat to cook, but not enough time for it to become really, really tender. The longer the time the more tender it will be.
I really enjoy the whole smoking process. It allows me to just separate from the whole police life. I can focus on making the best meal possible and have a nice cold Sam Adams Cherry Wheat beer (or several) in the process. It's very relaxing. And the end results are quite tasty!!!
Now I know most of you are intrigued by the title of this posting so I won't keep you waiting any longer, The Cross Dresser...oh boy!!! As I was working the other night I responded to a call at the interstate rest area. When I arrived on scene I found a 50 yo male hiding behind a tractor trailer. He was a good ole boy, welder by trade, who just so happen to be dressed a bit odd. And by odd I mean he was wearing white women's high heels, pantyhose, a blue jean mini-skirt, a women's tank top, and a bra filled water balloons to simulate breasts. But what really topped it off was the mustache and mullet! In 10 1/2 years of policing this was a first for me. I didn't know how to respond other than to laugh. He told me "I'm not gay, I just like to play dress up". Right... Whatever you want to think buddy. Needless to say I arrested him for loitering & prowling, and then later found drugs on him. When I took him to the jail the jailers just looked dumbfounded then did like I did earlier, and had a good laugh. When I told Winston about it he responded by saying "What is wrong with people today? What is this world coming to?". If a 9 yo can figure it out, why can't everyone else?
Onto other subjects, I have been in political limbo lately. I do not share the beliefs of the Democratic Socialist Party (as I refer to them now), and I have been very very disappointed with the so called "conservative" Republican Party. They have become a real wet noodle in my opinion. They are too eager to compromise, and are not willing enough to fight for traditional values. I looked into the Libertarian Party, but I am just not able to follow the party line. I have had a real feeling of helplessness when it comes to our political choices. However, I have think I have found my political silver lining in the cloud. The Constitution Party is my new choice. They believe as I do that the Constitution and the Bill of Rights is what this country was founded on, and that is what we need to follow. They also believe in a faith based foundation for conservatism. Finally a party that's not afraid to say what they think despite how they may be perceived by others. Check them out at http://www.constitutionparty.com/ . See what you think.
I really enjoy the whole smoking process. It allows me to just separate from the whole police life. I can focus on making the best meal possible and have a nice cold Sam Adams Cherry Wheat beer (or several) in the process. It's very relaxing. And the end results are quite tasty!!!
Now I know most of you are intrigued by the title of this posting so I won't keep you waiting any longer, The Cross Dresser...oh boy!!! As I was working the other night I responded to a call at the interstate rest area. When I arrived on scene I found a 50 yo male hiding behind a tractor trailer. He was a good ole boy, welder by trade, who just so happen to be dressed a bit odd. And by odd I mean he was wearing white women's high heels, pantyhose, a blue jean mini-skirt, a women's tank top, and a bra filled water balloons to simulate breasts. But what really topped it off was the mustache and mullet! In 10 1/2 years of policing this was a first for me. I didn't know how to respond other than to laugh. He told me "I'm not gay, I just like to play dress up". Right... Whatever you want to think buddy. Needless to say I arrested him for loitering & prowling, and then later found drugs on him. When I took him to the jail the jailers just looked dumbfounded then did like I did earlier, and had a good laugh. When I told Winston about it he responded by saying "What is wrong with people today? What is this world coming to?". If a 9 yo can figure it out, why can't everyone else?
Onto other subjects, I have been in political limbo lately. I do not share the beliefs of the Democratic Socialist Party (as I refer to them now), and I have been very very disappointed with the so called "conservative" Republican Party. They have become a real wet noodle in my opinion. They are too eager to compromise, and are not willing enough to fight for traditional values. I looked into the Libertarian Party, but I am just not able to follow the party line. I have had a real feeling of helplessness when it comes to our political choices. However, I have think I have found my political silver lining in the cloud. The Constitution Party is my new choice. They believe as I do that the Constitution and the Bill of Rights is what this country was founded on, and that is what we need to follow. They also believe in a faith based foundation for conservatism. Finally a party that's not afraid to say what they think despite how they may be perceived by others. Check them out at http://www.constitutionparty.com/ . See what you think.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
My Family.
I was looking here at my Blog and thinking the title I have for it "My life..." might seem a bit self centered to those who don't know me. It may even seem that way to those who do. When I thought it out and titled it I meant for it to encompass my life. By that I mean not just myself but my wife, son, dog, and everything that concerns us and our extended family. It also was meant to include my thoughts on an array of subjects. Anything from the weather here in GA or the current political activity going on around us. So I think after much thought I shall keep it titled "My life...", because after all the reason you check this site out is to find out what is going on in my life.
Now to update what's up. I was out of work for a few months. I injured my shoulder arresting some chuckle head, and was on light-duty (taking reports over the phone) for two months. It was horrible!!! I was bored out of my damn mind. I am a street cop, and I love being a street cop. That is where the fun is. There is no fun sitting in front of a computer for 8 hours a day 5 days a week for two months. I was ready to eat a bullet!!! Then, just as I was getting released to go back to full-duty status, I had an emergency appendectomy, and viola another month on light-duty!!! However, I'm back at work and loving it!!! Salvation at last!
Another big plus is that my family is back from vacation. They went down to Tybee Island and enjoyed two fun filled weeks at the beach with the in-laws during the first two weeks of June. All the while I was here at home all alone (I did have Bolo to keep me company) and working. I missed them VERY much. It was a great day in Winder when they returned!!!
So now life in the Williams family is back to normal. Winston is back to karate, he's got his brown belt test coming up on July 11, and Jennifer is preparing for next year's homeschooling adventure. In the meantime they spend several days a week a Hurricane Shoals Park in Jackson County. It's a natural slide rock in a small river. Winston loves it. He's a real water bug. We spent father's day at the in-laws. It was a really good time. I have the best in-laws possible. I smoked a beef brisket the day before to take over. It was fantaboulous!!! I cooked it on the smoker for 18 hours!! It was very tender and quite tasty. I think for the 4th of July I will be smoking a Boston Pork Butt. Yummy. I can't wait! Well that's about all for now. I let you know how the pork butt turns out.
Now to update what's up. I was out of work for a few months. I injured my shoulder arresting some chuckle head, and was on light-duty (taking reports over the phone) for two months. It was horrible!!! I was bored out of my damn mind. I am a street cop, and I love being a street cop. That is where the fun is. There is no fun sitting in front of a computer for 8 hours a day 5 days a week for two months. I was ready to eat a bullet!!! Then, just as I was getting released to go back to full-duty status, I had an emergency appendectomy, and viola another month on light-duty!!! However, I'm back at work and loving it!!! Salvation at last!
Another big plus is that my family is back from vacation. They went down to Tybee Island and enjoyed two fun filled weeks at the beach with the in-laws during the first two weeks of June. All the while I was here at home all alone (I did have Bolo to keep me company) and working. I missed them VERY much. It was a great day in Winder when they returned!!!
So now life in the Williams family is back to normal. Winston is back to karate, he's got his brown belt test coming up on July 11, and Jennifer is preparing for next year's homeschooling adventure. In the meantime they spend several days a week a Hurricane Shoals Park in Jackson County. It's a natural slide rock in a small river. Winston loves it. He's a real water bug. We spent father's day at the in-laws. It was a really good time. I have the best in-laws possible. I smoked a beef brisket the day before to take over. It was fantaboulous!!! I cooked it on the smoker for 18 hours!! It was very tender and quite tasty. I think for the 4th of July I will be smoking a Boston Pork Butt. Yummy. I can't wait! Well that's about all for now. I let you know how the pork butt turns out.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Happy Mothers Day!!!
It is Mothers Day today, and I want to tell my wife, my mother, my mother-in-law, and my grandmothers that they have all influenced me in a positive way. i want them to know that I love them all very dearly, and I am thankful for them not just today, but every day. I love you all.
As I write this my beautiful wife is asleep in our bed, and our son is sawing logs on the air mattress in the living room where he fell asleep last night. Thumb in mouth, and snoring. Very cute. We have had a fun filled weekend. Winston's friend came to spend the night on Friday. I set up a tent outside so they could camp, and I built a camp fire for them. We all roasted hot dogs over the fire, and then the boys toasted marshmallows. Once they got in the tent I told Jennifer they wouldn't last all night, and I would be waiting for them to come inside eventually. Well it only took 2 hours before they decided they'd had enough of the backyard wilderness. They came inside and stayed downstairs. I told the boys they could eat whatever food they wanted they just needed to keep the noise down to a dull roar. When I came down yesterday morning around 7:00 I found an empty tray of Jell-o Winston and I had made, and about 8 empty M&M packets. When the boys woke up they indulged themselves with cupcakes for breakfast. Oh to be young again!
Since I last posted a lot has occurred. I was injured trying to arrest some stupid drunk, and was put on light-duty for 2 months!!!! Well, as fate would have it just as I was nearing coming back to full duty I had an emergency appendectomy, and was put on light-duty for another month! I am soooo tired of taking reports over the phone. I can't wait to get back to regular duty status. I was also notified that the DA's office took my shooting case to the grand jury last week, and they ruled it a good shoot. I knew I had done the right thing, but that is a very heavy burden to carry around until the word is handed down.
Aside from those few things all is well here in the Williams household. Winston is finishing up his first year of home school, and Jennifer is preparing herself for what she will be teaching him next year. I have put in for day watch, because after working a normal schedule for a few weeks Jennifer has decided she no longer wants me on the midnight shift. Now I just have to wait for an opening. I will say that it has been very nice being home at night. I've been able to watch Winston at his karate class, and spend more time with the family. That is the most important thing to me. I love my family very much, and want to spend as much time with them as I can. I also like being able to sleep at night in my bed next to my wife. Plus, as I get older, I find it increasingly more difficult to work midnights. I just don't have as much energy as I did when I was in college, and staying up all night was fun. I hate getting old!!!
As I write this my beautiful wife is asleep in our bed, and our son is sawing logs on the air mattress in the living room where he fell asleep last night. Thumb in mouth, and snoring. Very cute. We have had a fun filled weekend. Winston's friend came to spend the night on Friday. I set up a tent outside so they could camp, and I built a camp fire for them. We all roasted hot dogs over the fire, and then the boys toasted marshmallows. Once they got in the tent I told Jennifer they wouldn't last all night, and I would be waiting for them to come inside eventually. Well it only took 2 hours before they decided they'd had enough of the backyard wilderness. They came inside and stayed downstairs. I told the boys they could eat whatever food they wanted they just needed to keep the noise down to a dull roar. When I came down yesterday morning around 7:00 I found an empty tray of Jell-o Winston and I had made, and about 8 empty M&M packets. When the boys woke up they indulged themselves with cupcakes for breakfast. Oh to be young again!
Since I last posted a lot has occurred. I was injured trying to arrest some stupid drunk, and was put on light-duty for 2 months!!!! Well, as fate would have it just as I was nearing coming back to full duty I had an emergency appendectomy, and was put on light-duty for another month! I am soooo tired of taking reports over the phone. I can't wait to get back to regular duty status. I was also notified that the DA's office took my shooting case to the grand jury last week, and they ruled it a good shoot. I knew I had done the right thing, but that is a very heavy burden to carry around until the word is handed down.
Aside from those few things all is well here in the Williams household. Winston is finishing up his first year of home school, and Jennifer is preparing herself for what she will be teaching him next year. I have put in for day watch, because after working a normal schedule for a few weeks Jennifer has decided she no longer wants me on the midnight shift. Now I just have to wait for an opening. I will say that it has been very nice being home at night. I've been able to watch Winston at his karate class, and spend more time with the family. That is the most important thing to me. I love my family very much, and want to spend as much time with them as I can. I also like being able to sleep at night in my bed next to my wife. Plus, as I get older, I find it increasingly more difficult to work midnights. I just don't have as much energy as I did when I was in college, and staying up all night was fun. I hate getting old!!!
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