My New Hugo Project

Do the Hard Stuff

Sun, 25 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

I recently had a major life update. My house finally went under contract. Two years ago, I moved from my house in Edmond, Oklahoma to downtown OKC. Hands down, this was one of the best decisions I have ever made. My main motivation for moving was to be closer to work, which is now a seven minute walk. And for at least a short season, if anything, I wanted to experience life downtown.

Why I am a Thunder Fan

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Growing up, I never watched sports. Until college, I watched less than 5 football games all the way through. My childhood self had no desire to enter the sports world. As an Ohio native, our family would watch the annual Ohio State/Michigan football game. We would sit on the couch and eat our chocolate covered peanut butter balls that resembled the fruit of a buckeye tree, and then I would sneak away and play Call of Duty. One can safely assume that my interest in sports was minimal at best. During Covid, I surprised myself when my interest in sports took a big shift.

Emerging from the Flood

Sat, 10 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Life has been a doozy lately. But emerging from the stress-induced flood, I see the sun, my family, my friends, my church. I am deeply loved and honored that people care for me. The selflessness of people brings me to tears. I wish I could be as selfless and soul-giving as some of my friends and family.

For those who don’t know, the last few weeks have sent me through the wringer: house vandalism, a car accident, moving, selling a house, a busy work schedule, concerning medical tests. My body has been screaming for a breath of fresh air while also simultaneously shouting, “Bring on the rain!” I know I need rest but if life is throwing curveballs, I may as well take all the strikes in one season. Next season, I’ll recuperate.

How Can We Slow Down Time?

Tue, 28 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Time moves by so quickly. I wish I could pause it. When I was younger, I wished I was older. I dreamt of freedom from my parents and being able to do whatever I want. Boy, was I stupid. My Dad used to say, “You don’t want to grow up; life only gets harder.” Those words rang on deaf ears. The truth of that statement didn’t hit me until much later.

I'm Not Better Than Crashing

Mon, 27 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

I rode my bike to church like any other Sunday. 200 feet from my destination I wiped out. No one saw it. I hopped back up and acted like it was part of my Sunday routine.

Only when I sat down inside did I realize I was in pain and bleeding, but where? I wore long sleeves and pants. I can’t check myself in the middle of the auditorium. I go to the bathroom. When I open the door, I’m greeted by two cops surrounding a homeless man. I graciously wave and act like I don’t have any pressing needs and head back to my seat.

What Led to the OKC Bombing

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

While the OKC bombing took place 29 years ago, some of the events that led to the bombing started much earlier.

In 1894, Cyrus Teed, a physician, alchemist, and self proclaimed Lamb of God, founded a commune in Florida. He changed his name to David Koresh and preached that he would break the Seven Seals described in Revelation, preceding the second coming of Christ. Teed amassed hundreds of followers and called his teachings Koreshanity.

The Cost of Greatness

Sat, 16 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This is a story of self-wrought destruction. I hope you will learn from my mistakes and avoid the same pitfalls I created. Allow me to share how I contracted a sickness that began last Tuesday night. The scene is set in the backhouse of a cigar lounge, smoke in the air, and scotch being served. A fine 4-course meal of steak, lobster, risotto, and chocolate cake, all culminating with a glorious game of poker.

2023 Year End Book Review

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000

2023 Year Book End Review - only 41 days late

Is it too late to post a year-end book review? Definitely not. In fact, I’m 41 days wiser than last year, and this year’s review will be 41x better because of the added wisdom that comes with age.

Favorite Book: The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larson

Larson writes a biography about one of the most unique world leaders from our modern era: Winston Churchill. Churchill led a fascinating life, from his heavy drinking and smoking to his daily bath routine and famous all-night dinners at Chequers. He was odd and peculiar. He hated people who whistled, he was emotionally intense, and he was very persuasive. Most notably he was able to convince one of his friends, Lord Beaverbrook, Minister of Aircraft Production, not to resign on 14 different occasions.

2021 Year End Book Review

Sat, 15 Jan 2022 00:00:00 +0000

After listening to Malcom Gladwell’s podcasts, the time came to dive into his books. I thoroughly enjoyed the ones I read this year – Blink, Outliers, and Talking to Strangers. Of those, Talking to Strangers was the best. Along with Blink, both books really transformed my thinking. Gladwell dives into stories and topics detailing how natural human tendencies can turn into evil acts without the actor even being aware. Can’t stress enough how influential these books are.