I am going to start off this blog with a history of my life. For anyone that comes across this blog, I think it would be beneficial for you to know where I am coming from, and some of the things that have gotten me to where I am now. By no means is this an autobiography, but it will hopefully provide some insight into my life - from my perspective!!
I was born on Thursday, 25 August, 1981. I have a twin brother, and one-year older sister, and two great parents. My family has lived in the same general area of Metro-Detroit my whole life, except for a one-year "trip" to Germany while my dad worked for VW.
I graduated valedictorian from Stevenson High School (UCS) in 1999 and went to Oakland University to pursue higher education. I received a BS in math and physics in 2002 and a MA in math in 2003. When a job offer I was pursuing fell through, I continued working on my Ph.D. I eventually had to leave this program and find a job, so I went for my secondary teacher certification program in math and physics. I was unable to find a job in the general area I was living, but was lucky enough to land a job as a US Army civilian cost analyst. I have been working at this for nearly 4 years now and actually love my job. I do miss teaching from time to time, but realize that with the way the education system is run, it is not a job I will probably enjoy in another 5 years.
I have always been overweight, and it has always bugged me. In elementary school and junior high I was "husky". I continued to be chubby in high school, and it wasn't until senior year that I decided it didn't matter what others thought and opened up a lot more. While I didn't have many friends, I did have a lot more kids that were fun to be around, but academics always came first for me. I attended all the dances and social activities of the like alone, but didn't go to prom. At the time I didn't care, but I realize that it would have been fun had I been with someone in a relationship.
During the summer following my senior year I met my wife, Jess. We met online (AOL IM!), and after several months of chatting decided to meet. She was more beautiful than her pictures, and after a couple months of dating, we became boyfriend/girlfriend. Jess is honestly one of the best things that has ever come into my life. I say "one of" because I now have children - which are a direct result of her, so maybe she is the best thing... Oh well!
Jess is very thin and beautiful, and it amazes me to this day that she is with me. I know I treat her the best I can, but a guy like me and a girl like her only get together in those romantic comedies. She has brought about many healthy changes in my life - mostly dietary - like drinking water and getting out and walking more. These few changes, however, haven't been enough to change my health around - more needs to be done than drinking water and occassionally going for walks.
We were married in September 2005 and lived in a nice condo. We did a lot of work inside the condo, but after that was done in a couple of months, there was no more work to do. Perhaps if I had a lawn to mow or snow to shovel it would have helped out more, but we couldn't afford houses at the time we got married. We have since moved into a house, and I really like having a lawn to mow and snow to shovel. There is a lot of landscaping work scheduled for this spring/summer, so that will be a lot of time outdoors!
After I got my job as an analyst, we saved up enough money and decided that we could start trying to have kids. The reason we had to wait was that we both had talked at length (before and after marriage) that we wanted Jess to stay at home with the kids. Both of our parents had created this family type and made it work and we felt that the sacrifices were well worth it. So much so, that we wanted to do the same. Living on one income presents its difficulties, but we just do what we have to do to keep it possible.
Our first child, Madeline Grace, was born on 29 August, 2008. She was so beatiful and perfect!! After about a year, we decided to start trying for a second kid, and sure enough our second is due on 16 April, 2010. We don't know if it is a boy or girl - we loved the surprise with Maddie - and just love not knowing until the birth. The nursery is getting set up, and there will be tons of stuff to do in April. Another reason for getting my health goals in place now, getting a schedule in place, and trying to get all the good habits before my life is turned upside down again!!
Well, I think that is pretty much it. My next post (tonight or tomorrow) should hopefully include some photos of me and my family, some of my overall goals and what I want to achieve, my current status/measurements, and the plan that I hope to follow.
Thanks to everyone that provides me with daily support, prayers, and suggestions!
RPK
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