7.11.2007

Stress Levels Lowering

I've been failing miserably the last few days. Less working out, more eating out. The stress has been KILLING me, and Becky. It's been tough. Long nights, wet eyes, anxiety attacks...and I'm not making any of that up. It's been rough.

But our stress level will be lowering, soon.

I was just offered a job as the Editor in Chief for Colorado Hockey Insider. It's part time, with good perks, but it'll take care of our financial needs. And adding in the fact that they'd like Becky to do some of the design, that's extra pay to help us take care of our needs, and then some.

I thought to myself last night that one of my biggest personal issues is that my daughters had no real reason to be proud of me. I was a diaper-changer, and part time HTML editor. Not much to look up to. But this gives me the opportunity to make them, and my wife, proud.

It's just what I've been needing to relieve us from our stress, and to take care of things we badly need to have taken care of. Our truck needs tires - BADLY. Our kids are growing out of more clothes every day. My wife is shrinking out of hers every day. And daddy needs some contacts, baby.

And with less stress comes more focus on my weight loss. And better control over my eating.

For the first time in a LONG time, things look good for us.

I'm a happy guy tonight.

11 comments:

Kristen said...

I'm so happy for you guys, but I just wanted to say that I don't think your daughters are disappointed in you at all. You are giving them exactly what they want already - love and attention.

Btw...I used to always think my dad had the coolest jobs when I was little. I'm sure he thought otherwise.

Anyways...Congrats!!!!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations!
I can really relate to the anxiety that comes with stressful situations in your life.

I agree with Kristen, your kids think your cool...that is unless they are 13 year old girls. Then all bets are off.

Kevin A. said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

You don't give yourself nearly enough credit. Sure, things have been tough and you're in a spot you're not proud of, but that's not what earns respect. Those girls completely look up to you. They don't know what you do and, to be completely honest, they don't care what you do. All they know is that you take care of their needs, hug and kiss them just because and show them so much love.

I have the utmost respect for you. We've been through hell and back, yet I can count on like one finger the number of times you've let it get the best of you. And even then, you got right back up and kept fighting. It reminds me of that scene in Rocky IV when Rocky's fighting Drago. Drago was so overwhelming and strong, and it looked like he would win the fight. However, Rocky didn't give up. He took the hits, as painful as they were, and kept punching back.

Like Rocky, you didn't let this beat you. It was stronger than you and so overwhelming so many times, but you didn't give up. You not only stayed strong yourself, but you were my strength (oh gosh, that sounds so cheesy) and that helped me get through it as well.

Wow, sorry for the book. But you brought it on yourself by thinking for even just a second that the girls or I weren't proud of you. :)

Rob Tucker said...

I think Beck already covered it - and she's got the best vantage point, but when I see you talking abuot how you don't ahve anything to be proud of - I think you're worrying too much about the job, and not enough about what really matters.

Who cares if you're an editor, president or the guy who washes the toilets? That's not where pride comes from.

I've known you long enough to know that you do the right thing, you honor your word, and you take care of those that you love.

That's something to be proud of - much bigger than any job.

Candy Girl said...

sharon is my mother. she knows about 13 year old girls. j/k! i am sure your girls think you are just the bees knees, and remember, look for the good in all things. out of work? you got to spend more time with your family!

Ripx180 said...

Congrats on the new job and things looking up. I have to agree with what everyone else has said. My wifes father was the primary care giver in her younger years (he was going to college while mom was paying the bills). I can honestly say they have one of the coolest relationships I have seen a father/daughter have. My guess is your kids never knew you where struggling financially. Life is so much more simpler to them with no worries. From what you wife said it sounds like you are doing one hell of a job and spending quality time with your daughters that many men don't get to.

As always "Good things happen to good people". Enjoy the happy night, makes me happy to know you guys are well.

Rebecca said...

CONGRATULATIONS! I'm SO happy for you guys!

Not to get too deep, but my dad has a Harvard Law degree, and has done many different things, running a radio station, pastoring a church, and much much more. I should respect those things, but I don't. Because he was so busy doing other stuff that he was never at home. And when he was there he often made us feel like an intrusion, or a bother. He had insecurity issues, equated himself with what he did, and made me feel like I was/am my accomplishments. I'm more than that (and so are you). You know what? I haven't talked to my dad in over a year, and I don't miss him. In spite of all he tried to accomplish, he missed out on our lives and has nothing to show for it. It may not feel like it, but you are doing THE most important thing for your girls - being there. And they will ALWAYS love & respect you for it. Believe me...

Anonymous said...

Kevin:

Congratulations on the new gig. You're a good guy, you deserve it.

Second, interesting new site you have going here. You want to keep shedding those pounds, the bike's a good way to go.

Good luck.

Kevin A. said...

EJ!

How did you find me?? Not that I'm complaining.

What's new, man?

Anonymous said...

I was curious whether you had written anything lately. A Google search brought me here. As I said, a very interesting site with a very positive message. A site you may want to check out is www.beachbody.com. My wife and I do the Power X series which combines a lot of different exercise routines with a diet. A lot of motivational stuff there and ways to keep you on track. Keep up the good work.