3-21-08
Easter Weekend
Just wanted to say that I hope you all have a great Easter weekend no matter where you are and what you'll be doing. If you are in town (Atlanta) you are welcome to come by my church tonight for our Good Friday service. It will be a music and arts presentation that you will not want to miss. the service starts at 8:00pm and run time is about 90 minutes. Don't forget Easter Sunday morning -- we have two services at 9 and 11:15 with a buffet lunch following the second service that's being catered by Proof of the Pudding. Details and reservations for lunch can be found at www.mountparan.com. Sunday morning service is broadcast live each week so you can tune in even if you're not in the same building. And since I'll be singing with the choir, you really can't miss that!
You are all in my prayers and thoughts as I know a few of you are having some tough situations to face this week with family illnesses, loss of a loved one, or that you live and work with the unknown just outside the front door. I hope you too take time this weekend to remember that Christ came to earth with the sole intention of dying a brutal death on a cross so that we don't have to face an eternity of torture and separation from God. It was no accident or decision of man that put Him there. That's how much God loves each and every one of us. Oh yea, and He doesn't care how messed up we think we are - He already knows that. The great thing is simply this: God accepts us -- and all of our baggage -- no matter what. I don't know anyone here on earth that does that all the time. Parents forsake their children; friends cut each other down with spite or simple meaness; people we care about don't accept us completely, but God does. We don't have to do anything, pray the right way, pay money or anything -- God, through His infinite grace, accepts us and loves us.
Ok, I know some of you tuned out a minute ago, but I wanted to share that with you this Easter weekend. Please take care in your travels this weekend and know that you're all very important to me and I appreciate the friendship and love you have shown me.
On another note, I have a post about a ride that I did last weekend with Jono Senk of Hairy Scary Evolutions located at http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=393396. There are some pictures posted as well for those who like them. I would post them up here but it's just been a crazy week here in a lot of ways so I've not gotten around to it. Chief Hairy Scary and I will be doing the Cohutta 100 together, but I fear he may have a higher pain threshold than I which should make for a great race.
That's it for now. Gotta get moving with the day, ya know. Thankfully my black tea and honey is still warm in my stainless steel Starbucks travel mug!
Friday, March 21, 2008
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
3-5-08
Cohutta Planning
As I stated yesterday, I have decided to go ahead and race the Cohutta 100 mountain bike race on April 19. This will be my first 100 mile race but I am getting some good training so I'm confident that I'll be prepared for it physically.
Mental preparation is always the hardest for these endurance events. A couple days ago, someone mentioned that I should dedicate each mile to someone and use that as motivation throughout the race. Well, that's where you come in. I have decided to dedicate these miles to members of our Armed Forces and contractors who are working in Afghanistan and Iraq. I'm saving some space on the list as well for a couple friends that I have working as missionaries in different parts of the world like India and the Ukraine. I plan to write these names on a new jersey from Primal Wear Clothing with the US Army logo on it and wear it for the race. That way I have the list with me during the race and I can look down and see the names of these
folks and after saying a prayer for their safety, keep on with what I'm there
to do. Here is what the jersey will look like (http://www.primalwear.com/Catalog/index.cfm?DIN=1659&catid=18&secID=1).
Therefore, if you know someone who is serving in Afghanistan or Iraq --whether they are a contractor or military -- and you'd like me to add them to the list, please send me their name and location. Same goes if you know a missionary you'd like to add. I will put this info on the jersey like this "Elbert Hwang, Afghanistan." The week before the race I will post a picture of the jersey covered with these names on this page. If I need more space, then I'll get the arm warmers as well!
I know this is a bit different, but thank you for your time. I'm sure that our
folks overseas appreciate our thoughts and prayers so let's not forget them!
Thank you!
Cohutta Planning
As I stated yesterday, I have decided to go ahead and race the Cohutta 100 mountain bike race on April 19. This will be my first 100 mile race but I am getting some good training so I'm confident that I'll be prepared for it physically.
Mental preparation is always the hardest for these endurance events. A couple days ago, someone mentioned that I should dedicate each mile to someone and use that as motivation throughout the race. Well, that's where you come in. I have decided to dedicate these miles to members of our Armed Forces and contractors who are working in Afghanistan and Iraq. I'm saving some space on the list as well for a couple friends that I have working as missionaries in different parts of the world like India and the Ukraine. I plan to write these names on a new jersey from Primal Wear Clothing with the US Army logo on it and wear it for the race. That way I have the list with me during the race and I can look down and see the names of these
folks and after saying a prayer for their safety, keep on with what I'm there
to do. Here is what the jersey will look like (http://www.primalwear.com/Catalog/index.cfm?DIN=1659&catid=18&secID=1).
Therefore, if you know someone who is serving in Afghanistan or Iraq --whether they are a contractor or military -- and you'd like me to add them to the list, please send me their name and location. Same goes if you know a missionary you'd like to add. I will put this info on the jersey like this "Elbert Hwang, Afghanistan." The week before the race I will post a picture of the jersey covered with these names on this page. If I need more space, then I'll get the arm warmers as well!
I know this is a bit different, but thank you for your time. I'm sure that our
folks overseas appreciate our thoughts and prayers so let's not forget them!
Thank you!
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
3-4-08
A lot has happened since my last post. I got a new job working with a mid sized commercial general contractor in Atlanta, I moved this last weekend into a new apartment, my nephew, Isaac, had yet another surgery (thank God there were no complications at all this time), and my social life is not suffering either. I’ve also been presented an opportunity to go mountain biking in Tibet for a few days this summer. Of course, after all this starts happening, I get an email today from a firm that I wanted to work for about a job in Kabul that they are looking at me to fill.
The last two months have been an absolute whirlwind of happenings and emotions. At the start of the year, I was planning to put my life on hold and head back to Kabul and here I am back in Marietta where I have family not far to the north and south, friends, my church, my job (relocating in April to 10 min from my apartment) and, oh yea, a great trail that’s a 3 minute ride from my front door. I live next door to the Chattahoochee National Recreation Area, aka Sope Creek. Sope just happens to be one of my top 3 favorite places to ride. There are some challenging technical climbs backed up with fast sketchy descents and if you clean everything you try, well, it was a great day! I can get a 13 mile loop there so with (6) of these technical climbs tossed in there, it makes for a great workout.
Along those lines, I’ve decided to do my first hundred miler. I was planning to do this race last year before I went overseas so to get the opportunity this year is great. I’ll be doing the Cohutta 100 which is just up the road a piece in beautiful north GA, with the start / finish being at the Ocoee Whitewater Center near Ducktown, TN. This will be a good precursor for the Tibet trip and will be a big accomplishment. Of course, I have done centuries on the road, but a mtn bike century is another deal indeed. I’ve been getting some great workouts in that include running, swimming, weight training, and riding so I believe that I will be prepared physically. My goal is to complete this race in 10 hours, while being happy with 12 ;) Of course, I’ll keep you posted here with a race report and pictures.
No back to our regularly scheduled program.
A lot has happened since my last post. I got a new job working with a mid sized commercial general contractor in Atlanta, I moved this last weekend into a new apartment, my nephew, Isaac, had yet another surgery (thank God there were no complications at all this time), and my social life is not suffering either. I’ve also been presented an opportunity to go mountain biking in Tibet for a few days this summer. Of course, after all this starts happening, I get an email today from a firm that I wanted to work for about a job in Kabul that they are looking at me to fill.
The last two months have been an absolute whirlwind of happenings and emotions. At the start of the year, I was planning to put my life on hold and head back to Kabul and here I am back in Marietta where I have family not far to the north and south, friends, my church, my job (relocating in April to 10 min from my apartment) and, oh yea, a great trail that’s a 3 minute ride from my front door. I live next door to the Chattahoochee National Recreation Area, aka Sope Creek. Sope just happens to be one of my top 3 favorite places to ride. There are some challenging technical climbs backed up with fast sketchy descents and if you clean everything you try, well, it was a great day! I can get a 13 mile loop there so with (6) of these technical climbs tossed in there, it makes for a great workout.
Along those lines, I’ve decided to do my first hundred miler. I was planning to do this race last year before I went overseas so to get the opportunity this year is great. I’ll be doing the Cohutta 100 which is just up the road a piece in beautiful north GA, with the start / finish being at the Ocoee Whitewater Center near Ducktown, TN. This will be a good precursor for the Tibet trip and will be a big accomplishment. Of course, I have done centuries on the road, but a mtn bike century is another deal indeed. I’ve been getting some great workouts in that include running, swimming, weight training, and riding so I believe that I will be prepared physically. My goal is to complete this race in 10 hours, while being happy with 12 ;) Of course, I’ll keep you posted here with a race report and pictures.
No back to our regularly scheduled program.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
20JAN08
It's a nogo
Here's a funny little story...so I accept this job back in November with the Army Corps of Engineers to go spend 13 months working in Kabul right? I turned down a couple other offers for jobs here in ATL so I could take this one, btw. My first deployment was scheduled for 06JAN then it got pushed back to 21JAN (tomorrow) because of the holidays. This last week they played a wicked game of tug o' war -- you're cancelled. No, you're going. No, you're cancelled. No, you're going. Finally on Thursday afternoon I was advised that the folks in Kabul rescinded the offer and my deployment was cancelled.
Here I am, got rid of my TV, mattress, box spring, dishes, pots and pans, etc because the plan was to buy new ones when I got back in a year. The remainder of my stuff is in storage and I have no job. Pretty funny huh?! At least now I still have time to salvage some time for training for a few races this season!
Well....maybe. I still have a couple options with contractors -- not the US gov't -- to work in Kabul again. Meanwhile, I'm just leaving it up in God's hands to take me where I'm supposed to go. I mean, what better time than now to start something new right? We'll see what happens. I had an interview on Friday that went pretty well and I'll hear back from that firm by Tuesday. I'd be working in the ATL metro area with little travel outside of it for work. Plus, they're building a new office like 2 minutes from where I was living so YIPPEE!!!! Of course, I'd have to find a new place to live but I'd stay in that area. I needed to get out of that old house anyway.
In the meantime, I think I'll go ride tomorrow...or take the dog for a hike...in the middle of the day....just because I can!
It's a nogo
Here's a funny little story...so I accept this job back in November with the Army Corps of Engineers to go spend 13 months working in Kabul right? I turned down a couple other offers for jobs here in ATL so I could take this one, btw. My first deployment was scheduled for 06JAN then it got pushed back to 21JAN (tomorrow) because of the holidays. This last week they played a wicked game of tug o' war -- you're cancelled. No, you're going. No, you're cancelled. No, you're going. Finally on Thursday afternoon I was advised that the folks in Kabul rescinded the offer and my deployment was cancelled.
Here I am, got rid of my TV, mattress, box spring, dishes, pots and pans, etc because the plan was to buy new ones when I got back in a year. The remainder of my stuff is in storage and I have no job. Pretty funny huh?! At least now I still have time to salvage some time for training for a few races this season!
Well....maybe. I still have a couple options with contractors -- not the US gov't -- to work in Kabul again. Meanwhile, I'm just leaving it up in God's hands to take me where I'm supposed to go. I mean, what better time than now to start something new right? We'll see what happens. I had an interview on Friday that went pretty well and I'll hear back from that firm by Tuesday. I'd be working in the ATL metro area with little travel outside of it for work. Plus, they're building a new office like 2 minutes from where I was living so YIPPEE!!!! Of course, I'd have to find a new place to live but I'd stay in that area. I needed to get out of that old house anyway.
In the meantime, I think I'll go ride tomorrow...or take the dog for a hike...in the middle of the day....just because I can!
Thursday, January 03, 2008
03JAN08
Deployment Delayed
So it appears that for whatever reason, I am not leaving next week. Something came up and I've been pushed back two weeks. I'm actually good with this but now I must review the IRS regulations on my time allowed in country and such. I may have to do my trip "home" to the UK, Bahamas, or someplace else. Drats! I'd hate to come home and have to spend a couple weeks in the Bahamas for holiday. Who wants to join me?!! That's what I thought ;)
Things fell into place with getting packed up in Pensacola and Marietta. I'm officially unemployed until I report so I'm going to take advantage and get some riding and running in. I've been a slug since I got back from Pensacola and I need to work out. At least this delay gives me time to burn off a couple pounds before I weigh in for my new clothes.
Right O' then. I'm off. Much more slouching to do today.
Deployment Delayed
So it appears that for whatever reason, I am not leaving next week. Something came up and I've been pushed back two weeks. I'm actually good with this but now I must review the IRS regulations on my time allowed in country and such. I may have to do my trip "home" to the UK, Bahamas, or someplace else. Drats! I'd hate to come home and have to spend a couple weeks in the Bahamas for holiday. Who wants to join me?!! That's what I thought ;)
Things fell into place with getting packed up in Pensacola and Marietta. I'm officially unemployed until I report so I'm going to take advantage and get some riding and running in. I've been a slug since I got back from Pensacola and I need to work out. At least this delay gives me time to burn off a couple pounds before I weigh in for my new clothes.
Right O' then. I'm off. Much more slouching to do today.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
12DEC07
Phone Calls
As I mentioned earlier, one phone call can change your life. A relative passes. You get a new job. An old friend calls to say hello. All of these open a new chapter in our lives while closing a previous one. Some calls we look forward to. Others we dread. Some are freeing, taking a weight off our shoulders. I had a call like this the other day. It took awhile for everything to process in my head but by the time I left work the next day, it was all pretty clear. I went for the most freeing run of the year last night. Words like stronger and liberated have defined the last couple days. I've slept better than I have in probably two months. I've had this neverending pain in my left shoulder....and it's gone - literally overnight. My phone has been ringing with texts and messages and calls from friends. I've gotten emails from old friends this week. I'm not sure if they know how much the calls and messages mean.
It's just nice to know that certain people in your life want to be there. I hope you have friends who let you know that you're important. And don't forget to let them know it as well.
Phone Calls
As I mentioned earlier, one phone call can change your life. A relative passes. You get a new job. An old friend calls to say hello. All of these open a new chapter in our lives while closing a previous one. Some calls we look forward to. Others we dread. Some are freeing, taking a weight off our shoulders. I had a call like this the other day. It took awhile for everything to process in my head but by the time I left work the next day, it was all pretty clear. I went for the most freeing run of the year last night. Words like stronger and liberated have defined the last couple days. I've slept better than I have in probably two months. I've had this neverending pain in my left shoulder....and it's gone - literally overnight. My phone has been ringing with texts and messages and calls from friends. I've gotten emails from old friends this week. I'm not sure if they know how much the calls and messages mean.
It's just nice to know that certain people in your life want to be there. I hope you have friends who let you know that you're important. And don't forget to let them know it as well.
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Sunday, November 04, 2007
04NOV07
Swayback Bridge Trail
Instead of driving 10 hours to Charlotte for the 2nd annual Treeshaker 12 hour race, I met up with a couple friends, Charlie and Chris, for a ride at Swayback Bridge in Montgomery. The weather was perfect at 74 degrees and sunny. We got in about 20 miles (18.6 on Chris' computer but I think he shorted the trail somewhere ;). Swayback has a good mix of everything except BIG hills. There's some climbing, some great downhill runs, rocks, roots, fast swooping hardpack dirt, and well, lots of good places to stop and chat with friends. I got a couple of videos too and I'll try to get 'em posted up with the pictures. It felt great to be on the bike, since this was my first ride in about 3 weeks. It was very much worth the drive up there and getting to spend some time with the guys.
Swayback Bridge Trail
Instead of driving 10 hours to Charlotte for the 2nd annual Treeshaker 12 hour race, I met up with a couple friends, Charlie and Chris, for a ride at Swayback Bridge in Montgomery. The weather was perfect at 74 degrees and sunny. We got in about 20 miles (18.6 on Chris' computer but I think he shorted the trail somewhere ;). Swayback has a good mix of everything except BIG hills. There's some climbing, some great downhill runs, rocks, roots, fast swooping hardpack dirt, and well, lots of good places to stop and chat with friends. I got a couple of videos too and I'll try to get 'em posted up with the pictures. It felt great to be on the bike, since this was my first ride in about 3 weeks. It was very much worth the drive up there and getting to spend some time with the guys.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
18OCT07
Ever notice how just a simple telephone call can make the world seem different? Well, in the midst of severe thunderstorms and a tornado here in Pensacola today, one phone call made things seem a lot less cloudy. Sorry, but that's all I'm going to say about it right now except that I'm really excited about what that one call meant.
Ever notice how just a simple telephone call can make the world seem different? Well, in the midst of severe thunderstorms and a tornado here in Pensacola today, one phone call made things seem a lot less cloudy. Sorry, but that's all I'm going to say about it right now except that I'm really excited about what that one call meant.
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