Brain's need worked out too!

    I've been working a lot lately, between my side gig driving for Uber and my main job at the bank. I'm putting in about 60 hours a week, which is starting to take a toll on me. Although the bank job will soon be over, I'll have to increase my hours doing ride share. Plus, I'm also a dad and trying to pursue other side hustles, so it's getting to be a bit much! Writing and story-building are a few ways that I can relax for a bit and let my creative side blossom. I particularly enjoy participating in creative writing exercises and mental puzzles like Wordle and Sudoku, which can provide several mental health benefits.

Here are some of the benefits of engaging in mental games:

• Reducing stress and anxiety: Engaging in creative writing or mental puzzles can be a relaxing and calming activity. It can be used as a tool to distract you from any stress or anxiety you may be feeling. Sometimes the best way to deal with anxiety is to try and trick your brain out of a non-helpful "what if" circle.

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• Boosting mood: Creative writing can help you express your emotions and process any difficult experiences you may be going through. It can also provide a sense of accomplishment and pride when you complete a piece of writing or solve a challenging puzzle. Success drops little serotonin bombs into our brain. Likewise, we get a sense of accomplishment from working through our feelings. I know that I feel a hundred times better when I can communicate something to my partner that bothers me, when I understand it more myself. Decoding my personal emotions is like a puzzle in itself, which can boost my mood!

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• Improving cognitive function: Mental puzzles like Wordle and Sudoku require critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which can improve cognitive function and mental agility. Creative writing exercises can also challenge your mind and improve your memory and verbal fluency. Your brain is a muscle, and training it with simple exercises is going to help keep you sharp. I know I am at my best when I'm feeling in tip-top shape.

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• Building self-confidence: As you practice creative writing or solve more challenging mental puzzles, you may feel a sense of self-confidence and self-esteem. You may feel a sense of pride in your abilities and accomplishments, which can boost your overall mood and mental well-being. Everyone enjoys being a winner. It's human nature. Accomplishing small things helps you build up to bigger things. Knocking out your puzzles for the day and crossing them off your list leads to doing your small chores, which leads you to completing pieces of a project, which leads you to finishing a book! Or at least that's how I'm going to picture it!

    If you're interested in trying out writing prompts, try going on Twitter or Reddit to find writing prompt groups. Fan fiction is also a legitimate form of creative writing, although I try to avoid the over-the-top, world-breaking ones. There are prompts all over the spectrum, from horror to action, to subverting character tropes. However you do it, it'll get your creative juices flowing to try and weave a tale or at least a character or scene.

    As for mental puzzles, Wordle obviously has its home over on the New York Times, but there are variations like Qourdle, Worldle, and Heardle. There are tons of options for people to do puzzles to recharge their batteries. Sudoku is a bit more immersive, so I usually combine it with a DuoLingo lesson to start my day. All in all, it may seem like a lot to do each day, but it's a fun way to try and organize. I work best with lists, and these games make for a fun bit of change on the check list.

Take a chance on some prompts this week and let me know if you find any interesting ones! It might even give you inspiration to complete a chunk of your book or other project.

Baby steps baby!

I don't have any book updates for you today, but I've been continuing to record my observations of creatures in real life. The most peculiar creatures by far have been the other humans on a weight loss journey with me. As someone who is a little overweight and looking to stay healthy, I can attest to the power of small changes that can lead to big results. Making sustainable changes to your daily routine can be key to achieving your weight loss goals. Here are some examples of how I've incorporated small changes into my own routine, and how they've built up over time:

Exercise: One of the most effective things I've done to increase my activity level is to take daily walks with my dog. At first, this was just a 10-15 minute walk around the block, but over time I've gradually increased the duration and intensity of our walks. I've also started incorporating other forms of exercise into my routine, such as bodyweight exercises and yoga.

Diet: Making small changes to your diet can also have a big impact on your weight loss goals. For me, this has included things like swapping out high-calorie snacks for healthier options like fruit or nuts, choosing more nutritious meal options, and packing my own lunch instead of eating out. I've also been paying closer attention to portion sizes and trying to eat more mindfully, which has helped me feel more in control of my eating habits.

Intention: Finally, setting intentions and goals has been crucial to staying motivated and focused on my weight loss journey. This can be as simple as setting a goal to drink a certain amount of water each day, or aiming to take a certain number of steps each day. By setting small, achievable goals for myself, I've been able to build up my confidence and momentum over time.

When it comes to setting intentions, I take these four steps:

• Be specific: Set a specific goal to achieve rather than a vague one.
• Make it realistic: Set goals that are challenging but attainable given your current lifestyle and circumstances.
• Keep it positive: Focus on what you want to add to your life, rather than what you want to take away.
• Be consistent: Follow through with consistent action to make real progress.

Overall, I've found that each small change I've made to my diet, exercise, and intention has built on the previous one, creating a solid foundation for a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. While there have certainly been setbacks and challenges along the way, I've learned to be patient and kind to myself, and to focus on progress rather than perfection.

Another key component of my weight loss plan apart from my diet is hydration. Drinking plenty of water is essential for staying hydrated and can also help with weight loss by reducing hunger and promoting feelings of fullness. I've also made an effort to cut back on high-calorie beverages like alcohol, which can quickly add up in terms of calories and sugar.

The most important thing is to make small, sustainable changes to your daily routine. Rather than trying to overhaul your entire lifestyle overnight, focus on making small changes that you can stick to over the long term. This can include packing healthy snacks to take to work, choosing more nutritious meal options, and finding ways to incorporate more physical activity into your day.

The result of these small changes for me has been a total weight loss of 13 pounds this year, bringing me down to 249 pounds. While this may not seem like a dramatic transformation, it's a testament to the power of small, sustainable changes. And I know that by continuing to focus on my health and wellness, I can achieve my weight loss goals and enjoy a happier, healthier lifestyle.

Remember, weight loss doesn't have to be a daunting task. Small steps make great strides! it all starts with baby steps!

Little critters!

    Something happened that I can take directly to write in my book! an encounter that will allow me to expand and add to my fantastical world! It all starts with armadillos. Walking at night with my dog has been amazing for stress relief and weight loss. These also can also lead to some interesting encounters with creatures that are typically hidden away during the day. On this night I ran in to quite a few creatures that sparked some interesting ideas for my book.

    This brings me to the armadillos. These fascinating little mammals are known for their unique armor-like shells, which are made up of overlapping plates of skin and bone. They are primarily nocturnal, so spotting them during the day is a rare occurrence. The damage that they have done to the ground and the fences in the area is always the talk of the neighborhood. I don't begrudge them for doing it, because I know they are just living the way that small critters live.

    But Armadillos are just the beginning. Walking at night has also allowed me to see other creatures that I might not have encountered otherwise. Bats, for example, are a common sight in the night sky. Watching them dart and swoop through the air is truly mesmerizing. I would love to create a bat house to bring a few more to the area. They are fun to watch and the ones near me also eat bugs. If I had to have something flying around, I definitely don't want it to be mosquitos!

    And then there are the bigger creatures that roam the woods at night. Deer are a common sight, and I've had the pleasure of seeing them up close as they graze in the moonlight. Large owls are also frequent visitors, and their hoots and calls are hauntingly beautiful. Which is what brings me to the experience that translates to my book. The haunting call of the owl mixed with the light crunch of the deer's hooves, all happening just outside of my range of vision. My skin tightens in to goosepimples just thinking of it. That's what I want to create in a couple moments of the book. Moments that translate in high stakes. That I create an expectation of danger and then follow it with a worthwhile creature, character, or challenge.

    The creatures that I want to create will be heavily influenced from my walks. Taking the animals I meet, editing them slightly, and then placing them in a fantasy world. Using the armadillos as an example. I want to mix them with their current appeal, an armored body, wiggling body and mix them with something larger. Having a medium sized dog (45-65lbs.) armadillo would be very alarming. Given their nature they wouldn't be aggressive, but their propensity to dig and burrow could cause major damage in populous areas. Their armored bodies protecting them from most predator's, which gives me the chance to create monsters that will be able to call these massive armadillos prey.

    Hopefully I don't come fact to face with anything like that! Walking at night does come with its own set of risks. It's important to be aware of your surroundings and stay safe. But with the right precautions, it can be a wonderful way to connect with nature and experience the world in a whole new way. Overall, my nighttime walks have allowed me to appreciate the natural world in a new way. From armadillos to deer and everything in between, there is always something new and exciting to discover when you take a walk after dark. If you're looking for a unique way to explore the world around you, I highly recommend taking a nighttime stroll and seeing what kind of creatures you might encounter along the way! Whos knows, you might even find something for your book!

Walk about

    If you're looking to get in shape, walking the dog can be a great way to do it. Not only does it benefit you, but it's also great for your furry friend. As someone who has been taking my dog for a long walk every night, I can attest to the benefits of this routine. Honestly the biggest takeaway is not just physical health but mental health. Having a few moment of quiet as you're just carrying on with a menial physical task, is amazing.

    Walking is a low-impact exercise that can help you burn calories and improve your cardiovascular health. Let's be honest everyone can use a bit a boost after Covid. For me getting up and walking is also a big deal because my job is currently pretty sedentary. Walking is a great way to relieve stress and clear your mind after a long day. Taking the dog for a walk ensures that you get this physical activity in every day, without feeling like you're sacrificing time with your pet.

    Keeping a nightly schedule can be challenging. Right now that is what I have available to me. I don't love that I cant go to bed with my spouse every night. Prioritizing this event each night is strictly short term. In a few months I will be leaving my day job to stay at home and do gig work at night. When that switch happens I'm planning to switch to long morning walks instead. This way, I can start my day off on the right foot (or paw) and get my exercise in before the demands of the day take over. I have to get my health in check and I cant wait on that!

    When it comes to walking for exercise, it's important to set realistic goals for yourself. You don't have to start with a marathon-length walk – start small and gradually increase your distance and pace over time. You can also mix up your walking routine by taking different routes, exploring new neighborhoods, or adding some hills to your route for an added challenge. Personally one of the things that keeps me moving on my walks is Pokémon Go. I know its not as popular as it was, but I'm a nerd and I gotta catch em' all. Setting a timer in the game with incense so I make sure I'm moving for at least thirty straight minutes is big.

    Lastly walking the dog can also be a great way to connect with your pet and strengthen your bond. My pup is moving on in years. One of my main motivations for owning a home was to make sure she had a yard we could play fetch in. She's been such an important part of my life for so long I'm hoping these walks can show a little bit of love and appreciation to my girl. I know she loves it and I hope it gives not just me a few more years but her as well!

    Seriously people, walking the dog is a great way to get in shape and spend quality time with your furry friend. By setting realistic goals and finding a routine that works for you, you can enjoy the benefits of this simple yet effective form of exercise. Whether you prefer a morning or evening routine, make sure to prioritize your health and your pet's health, and enjoy the journey together. Getting a bit more fit will help all of us stay around a bit longer. Keeping going forward everyone!

Here’s your sign to take some time

    Being a parent is so rewarding, but it can also be exhausting and overwhelming at times. A lot of parents find it hard to make time for themselves and it's understandable; care for our children overrides pretty much all else. Self care is is so important to keeping yourself sane and straight. It really is so important to take care of yourself as a parent, so that you can be there for your children and partner. This is a call to action that you deserve some time for you!

    One of the best ways to do this is to find a hobby that helps you recharge your batteries. I'm lucky in that cooking for my family is one of them, but not everyone get lucky with a chore being something that brings them joy. Whether it's reading, painting, hiking, or playing an instrument, having a hobby that you enjoy can be a great way to take a break from the demands of parenting and recharge your energy. It's important to schedule time for your hobby, just like you would schedule any other appointment. This could be a few hours a week, or even just 30 minutes a day. Exercise is always a great choice because of both health benefits, and the feel good endorphins it releases. Not every one wants to work their muscles as a form of relaxation though, sometimes you want to complete space out! My wife enjoys the chance to hang out with her friends or catch up on a tv show. I Personally enjoy video games and reading. It's also important to make sure that your partner gets alone time as well. Making sure they have a chance to pursue their own hobbies, spend time with friends, or simply relax and recharge.

    When it comes to finding a hobby, it's important to choose something that you're passionate about and that brings you joy. This could be something you've always loved, or something new that you've been curious about trying. Don't be afraid to experiment and try new things until you find something that really resonates with you. A lot of people in the writing and creative sector tend to leap from activity to activity. Trying new things can be a hobby of it's own! Sampling a little bit of all that life has to offer can broaden and give you countless stories to tell and enjoy. I like exploring new hobbies from leatherworking to glass blowing, to simply see how things are made. It makes me a more rounded person and helps a lot with my writing.

    Writing is another huge fun way to recharge. Taking a moment to add a few more lines to my book is always a blast. Journaling like this is just another form of writing. It can be therapeutic and cathartic to let out your feelings in to book that wont judge or respond to you in a way that brings more stress. Writing is also probably one of the cheapest hobbies one can indulge in. So if you're looking for a quick ten minute task to really get going, I suggest writing!    

    Remember, taking care of yourself is not selfish – it's essential for being the best parent and partner you can be. So, make sure to prioritize your own well-being and encourage your partner to do the same. By taking the time for yourself and supporting each other, you can create a happy and healthy family life. Make a plan to take turns watching the kids, so that each of you has the opportunity to take a break. Solo time can make or break someone's week.    

Weight for it...

    As a dad, I know how easy it is to let our health take a backseat while taking care of our families. However, I've realized that taking care of ourselves is just as important as taking care of our loved ones. That's why I've decided to start a diet and exercise plan to improve my health and reach my goal weight. I want to be around for my family for a long time, and improving my health is the way to do it.

    My main priority is to stick to a set number of calories each day and get a few workouts in each week. I'm starting slow with simple free weight exercises, walking the dog, and using a stationary bike. The monthly core plan is to start with ten reps of simple exercises like push ups, sit ups, and jumping jacks. Every day I add one rep until I end the month with around 40ish of each. At the start of the next month I drop back down to ten but add a new exercise. Turning it in to a game is going to be the way to keep it interesting and on course. Losing focus and bored of routine is what derails a lot of parents. Simply establishing the routine in the first place is hard. If you like maybe you can do it with me!

    The diet plan is not a specific diet like Keto or Paleo, but one that focuses on calorie deficits. I downloaded a tracker to help me on pace with calories and water intake. It's honestly surprising how many calories you can consume when you're not planning a meal properly! I'll be making sure that my meals are focused on having less carbs, more fiber and avoiding sugary snacks in-between. One of my biggest challenges will be snacking, especially with my toddler who needs to eat regularly throughout the day. However, I'm determined to practice self-control and make sure I'm not joining in on snack time with him. This is also putting me in a position where i am making sure all the snacks we are having are not only healthy for me but also healthy for my family! Fruits and nuts are a lot healthier than chips and candy!

    My goal is to lose two pounds a week until I reach my target weight of 215 pounds. I've tried losing weight before and the only true blue method that has worked for me is tracking calories and creating a deficit. Sticking to the diet will keep me plateaued, the workouts will lose me weight. If I stick to my plan, I should be able to achieve my goal by the beginning of August. And that's perfect timing because my wife and I will be attending Taylor Swift's concert in LA. I'm calling this my weight loss era, and I'm excited to see the results.

    Combining this weight loss regime with writing my book will be a challenge, but it's a challenge that I'm willing to take on. I know that improving my health and reaching my goals will be worth the effort. It's important to prioritize our health and well-being so that we can be the best versions of ourselves for our families. I hope that my journey can inspire other dads out there to take care of themselves too. A lot of things happen when you're on a weight loss journey. Maybe we'll find something fun to add to the book?

Food for thought!

    Fatherhood comes with many responsibilities, and one of the most important ones is ensuring that our families are well-nourished. As a dad, I take pride in preparing healthy meals for my two sons and my wife. However, this can be a challenge, especially when my wife isn't a big fan of vegetables!

    To solve this problem, I have come up with a simple solution. I prepare the veggies in a separate pan so that I can eat them, and my wife doesn't have to. This way, she can still enjoy the main meal without feeling like she's missing out on anything. For the most part it is just leaving out veggies but every now and again shell try something new! It's all about respecting her boundaries when it comes to meals.

    When it comes to feeding my sons, it's a bit different. My toddler eats whatever we have, but in smaller portions. I try to make sure that every meal includes a variety of vegetables, proteins, and carbs. I also try to limit processed foods and sugary drinks, as these can have some negative impacts. With kids however a lot of the easy snacks are processed. Looking at labels is important knowing what is in there. Feeding the baby is the easiest part of mealtime. He's still on milk, so I don't have to worry about preparing anything special for him. All props to my wife though because she is the one busting her ass to make milk for the little one!

    Making healthy meals for my family is not always easy, but it's something that I'm passionate about. I believe that good nutrition is essential for our overall health and well-being, and it's important to start instilling healthy habits in our children from a young age. I've spent several years not eating healthy and its led to some health issues. I don't want that for my boys and I want to set them up with habits for success early.

    I also understand that not everyone enjoys the same foods, and that's okay. Finding ways to compromise and accommodate everyone's preferences is key. It's also important to remember that healthy eating doesn't have to be boring or tasteless. There are plenty of delicious and nutritious recipes out there that the whole family can enjoy. And if you're not in the mood for something super healthy take out is always on the table!

    One of the fun things when learning new recipes is learning about the culture or history they come from. One day I hope to share this with my boys as they help me make meals. For now I'll just jabber with the toddler and hope he learns a word or two! This connection with history and food has been an important part about writing for me. It is adding flavor (pun intended) to the book and really helping to flesh it out. One of the things that makes a world feel fleshed out are the little bits of culture like food and music.

    Being a Dad means taking on many responsibilities, including providing healthy meals for our families. It can be a challenge, especially when dealing with picky eaters, but finding ways to compromise and accommodate everyone's preferences is essential. By prioritizing good nutrition, we can help our families thrive and live healthier, happier lives. I personally know that food is the ultimate binder of families and people. I will keep doing my best to use it to create great memories for my family, and also to flesh out my book! If I find a fun recipe ill talk about it some! Who knows it might even be something funny on the way to the book.

Soft launch into blogging again.

    Being a dad is a blessing that comes with its fair share of challenges. I have two boys, aged 21/2 and 5 months. Every day is a new adventure. From changing diapers to managing tantrums, being a parent requires patience, resilience, and a whole lot of love. I want to share a bit of that and see if I cant help build a community of like minded parents.

    One of the biggest challenges of raising two boys of different ages is trying to balance their needs. My older son is at a stage where he's learning new things and testing boundaries, while my younger son requires constant attention and care. It's not always easy to find a balance that works for both of them, but it's important to prioritize their needs and find ways to make it work. Each one requiring something special is what makes parenting fun. It's like solving a little puzzle everyday.

    Another challenge of parenting is dealing with the unexpected. Children can be unpredictable, and even the best-laid plans can be disrupted in an instant. Being flexible and adaptable is key, whether it's changing a schedule to accommodate a nap, or dealing with a sudden meltdown in public. What might be a favorite meal one week is a crying fit the next. always changing always moving.

    Despite these challenges, being a dad is also incredibly rewarding. Seeing my boys grow and develop into their own unique personalities is a joy that can't be matched. Watching them learn new skills, make friends, and discover the world around them is an experience that I wouldn't trade for anything.

    Recently, I've also taken on a new challenge: writing a book. It's something that I've always wanted to do, but never quite found the time for. With the support of my partner, I've finally started putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard, rather) and working on my first fantasy novel. That book is part of the reason why this blog exists. An opportunity to flex out my writing chops. To really get my creative juices flowing!

    Writing a book while raising two young children is no easy feat. Finding time to write between naps, meals, and playtime requires a lot of discipline and focus. But I've found that it's also a great way to unwind and exercise my creativity. It's a different kind of challenge than parenting, but one that's equally rewarding.

    Being a dad of two young boys has its challenges, but it's also one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. It requires patience, resilience, and a whole lot of love, but the joy of watching my boys grow and develop is worth it. And now, with the added challenge of writing a book, I'm learning new skills and finding new ways to challenge myself. Parenthood is a journey, and I'm grateful to be on it. So come along with me on this journey and we'll see if something funny happens on the way to the book!