View Profile  /  Photos  /  Videos  /  Blog  /  T-Friends

Richard's Blog

You Are Not Alone!!

One of the things I like to do, is  go through my friends list and send messages to my friends, to just check on them. I think it gives me a one on one connection with them. I have often been surprised at the heart felt appreciation that is returned. Often times  the people who I have wrote, have felt misplaced and lost here on the board. The find themselves  Living in the dark abyss of loneliness and depression, fee...

October 29, 2008 | comments (6) | Uncategorized

We all have done it

A few weeks back I had to work on a Saturday. My wife had also worked. She went in at 4:00 a.m. and got off at 1:00 p.m. I didn't get home until about7:00 p.m.When I got home I noticed that my wife had  mowed the yard and left the gas can outside in the yard. I went and put it away and went inside. A couple of hours later my wife said " Oh I forgot to put the gas can up" I said "I already put it up". My wife was surprised...

October 17, 2008 | comments (4) | Uncategorized

As I SEE IT: A Review of Champions Weekend

Awhile back someone sent me a copy of Bill's original "As I See It" Letter he had publicated in Muscle Media years ago. I really liked the concepts and thoughts. As I was going over the wonderful people that I met for the first time, and old friends I was able to see again, the thought hit me to do the same thing about Champions Weekend.So,AS I SEE IT : Body for Life/Transformation Members are some of the best people aroundSte...

October 15, 2008 | comments (4) | Uncategorized

Having a Target

I will be 43 years old next month. When I am at Tae Kwon Do class, I still get frustrated that I don't have the flexiblility that I had when I was younger. When we are doing kicking lines, alot of the time I am thinking to myself, "oh man my form stinks",BUT, BUTBut Oh, when there is a TARGET in front of me, my form is excellent, my body's ability to be flexible and kick higher is improved by 30%, the energy that  my body releases ...

October 15, 2008 | comments (5) | Uncategorized

The Last Freedom

Freedom. It is a great word. To be honest one that is taken for granted. Depending where you live, your list of freedoms will be longer than others. No matter where you live, or what your circumstances, there is one Freedom that every human being has in common. One Freedom that can never be taken away.Dr. Viktor Frankl was a Viennese psychiatrists who survived being a prisoner in the German concentration camps of World War II. He lost his Fa...

September 29, 2008 | comments (1) | Uncategorized

Push/ Pull Workouts

Most of you are probably familiar with the concept of "Push/Pull Workout"Push - Exercises that Push away from your body (i.e Bench Press)Pull -  Exercises that Pull towards you (i. e. Bicep Curl) Well I would like to talk to you about "Push/Pull" in a different aspect.Here is the Question:Are you Pushing people away from you, or are Pulling them towards you?Is your attitude positive and happy where people say "o...

September 18, 2008 | comments (6) | Uncategorized

A Great Truth by Dr. Phil

A few weeks ago when I came home my wife had Dr. Phil on. They were doing an anniversay edition and had replayed some former shows and updated their outcomes. There was one segment that really got my attention.A lady was on there, and she was stuck in the grieving process. Her daughter had died at the young age of 18 years of age. It had been a couple of years and the mother was unable to function. She was so depressed and devastated by the death...

September 9, 2008 | comments (7) | Uncategorized

I am just a Happy Guy

Last Friday, while practicing Hapkido techniques with my partner, He asked "Whats so funny?"I replied "Nothing"He asked "What are you smiling for?"I replied, "You need to remember, I have been dead twice, I am just happy to be alive"He smiled, and said "I like that, that's good" So are you smiling?You just might cause someone else to smile. Rico...

September 9, 2008 | comments (7) | Uncategorized

Roses For Gina

I wanted to take this opprotunity to give some"Roses" to someone that is well deserving. That person would be my wife Gina. She takes care of alot of things, so that I don't have to.Prime example, Gina works on the weekends from 4:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., starting on Friday morning. Thursday night instead of being in bed sleeping so that she could get up at 2:00 a.m. she was up preparing breakfast for the next morning for her Grandmother ...

September 7, 2008 | comments (6) | Uncategorized

Being Real #2

The First movie that I went to see in a theatre after my heart attack was Pirates of the Caribbean. For those of you, who have seen it, you know it is a long movie. I’ll never forget the struggle I had that night. There I was, I was with my family, in a crowd full of strangers in the dark, and   BAM!! BAM!!  I felt the anxiety begin to attack, the questions began swirling in my mind;   What If you have another heart atta...

August 28, 2008 | comments (6) | Uncategorized

Appreciating Your Gift

A few months ago I heard an interview with one of the memebers of the band Mercy Me. The interviewer said something like, you have written one of the all time great songs, (I can only Imagine) is there any songs out there that you wish you would have written? The guy said yeah, "streets with no name" by U2.I remembe thinking, there is no comparison I would love to have written I can only Imagine, and be able to sing. I always go ar...

August 15, 2008 | comments (7) | Uncategorized

I Never Knew

I ran across the video of Coach Stoney yesterday entirely by accident.Very Impresssive....

August 15, 2008 | comments (24) | Uncategorized

Being Real

There are many benefits of being real. When you are REAL,others can RELATE.When people RELATE,they RESPOND.When they RESPONDThere is REVITALIZATION.So I am going to be real with you. Very Real.Imagine you are running, running as hard as you can run; now imagine that the scariest axe murder is chasing you. That is the way my heart was pounding the night of my heart attack. It was pounding so hard that you could see it beating and I could feel...

August 10, 2008 | comments (23) | Uncategorized

Need some Friends?

 Proverbs 18:24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.Often times we all feel left out. We wonder does anyone really care. Well the verse says if you want friends YOU have to be friendly.I challenge you today to quit waiting on others to reach out to you. You start reaching out and see if you don't develop some new friendships.Rico ...

July 31, 2008 | comments (9) | Uncategorized

Dedicated to a Tigger

   Most of my life, I was an eeyore. I always had an eye for the problems, or the potential problems that might arise. It wasn't until I had my heart attack and died that I became a Tigger. I appreciate every moment,every breath and every heart beat that the LORD blesses me with.I watched the Primetime special last night about one of my HEROES. It was about Randy Pausch. Randy is the Professor who did the last lecture and he recent...

July 30, 2008 | comments (12) | Uncategorized

Coach Stoney

Just in case you missed it. Here is the link for Coach Stoney's blog on friday. It is a must read.http://www.transformation.com/Coach-Stoney/blog/Gods-Game-Plan/More-Will-be-Revealed/3477 Rico...

July 28, 2008 | comments (0) | Uncategorized

WHAT IF?

Several years ago Garth Brooks had a hit song "If tomorrow never comes" The song was about a mans love for his wife and how he wondered if she knew just how much he loved her.Well my question to you is:What if tomorrow doesn't come?Are there loose ends that you have left undone? Loved ones to share your love with??Please don't misunderstand me, My point is not to get you thinking about death,OH NO! not at all,My point is to get you to t...

July 24, 2008 | comments (5) | Uncategorized

Sympathy Vs Empathy

Here is my illustration;I am have been a Father for 24 years. I have 5 children. I have been there for there births. I am fully versed, and received my Doctorte Degreee in  the 3 P's1. I  have been peeed on2. I have been pooped on3. I have been puked on.I have been a boyscout leader, been to football games, cheerleading, basketball,girlscouts,doctors office, dentist office, emergency rooms, climbed under cars to get cats,...

July 11, 2008 | comments (5) | Uncategorized

Through My Eyes

One of my missions in Life is to share the lessons that God has taught me through the experience of having a heart attack and actually experienceing death. I want people to be able to see Through My Eyes and not have to walk where I have walked, to experience the pain that I have experienced.I was listening to one of my favorite preachers Dr. J. Veron Mcgee yesterday. He went home to be with the LORD in 1988. He was talking about how that it wasn...

July 10, 2008 | comments (7) | Uncategorized

HEART THOUGHTS

The Bible says that "as a man thinks in his heart so he is".Your attitude will reflect your altitude. If you think you are going to fail.       You Will.If you think you are ugly.                  You Will be.If you think things will never change,  They Wont. LISTENYou have to get rid of all the negative junk.If y...

July 9, 2008 | comments (5) | Uncategorized

My Motivation

Bill has said "The greater the reason for your Transformation, the greater the result will be". This statement is so True.The reason my Transformation was so successful was because I had the greatest reason of all.I WANTED TO LIVE.MY LIFE DEPENDED UPON BEING TRANSFORMED.My goal wasn't to have 6% body fat, with abs so chiseled you could wash you clothes on. It wasn't to win a Bodybuilding competition, It wan't to look great in pictures, ...

July 4, 2008 | comments (4) | Uncategorized

Bucket List Challenge

Over the last couple of days, I watched the Bucket List  with Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholsan. I have always admired both of the abilities as actors. I thought it was a really good movie, however I will warn you that I have a language filter on my DVD player and it did bleep a few times, so if you decide to watch it you need to be weary for the little ears.My question is why does everyone wait until some Doctor in a white coat to say, &quo...

July 3, 2008 | comments (4) | Uncategorized

Selfish Jerk

Yesterday I was reminded of just how selfish I use to be. While at work one of my employees walked with in a few feet of me with a cigarette in his mouth. I told him he needed to take it outside the warehouse and remind him that he should give them up for his health. He smiled the (what I call the smokers grin) and nodded.It reminded me of me, except I was worse. To be quiet honest I was an arrogant, selfish, jerk. I would smoke in my office...

June 27, 2008 | comments (9) | Uncategorized

Letting Go

In July 2002 I lost my mother to cancer. She was 58. She lived with us the last year of her life. I watched her go from being able to walk her dog(which was her very best friend) to not being able to get out of bed. I really don't know which was worse the cancer itself or the chemo and radiation treatments. After she passed I had all her stuff at my house, all her pictures, all her knick knacks. None of my brothers wanted anything. That was sad f...

June 24, 2008 | comments (6) | Uncategorized

Where is Kevin's Pictures??????

Well in talking to Kevin, not very many people emailed him encouraging him to get some pictures up. So just  thought I would throw this out here again. Lets Flood the "mystery man" with messages to get some pictures up. ...

June 23, 2008 | comments (3) | Uncategorized

Staying on Track

Life has a way of throwing a monkey wrench in to your plans. When it does you have to be flexible and improvise. The main thing is DON'T QUIT, AND DON'T SAY I'LL START OVER NEXT WEEK.If life happens and you have to miss a workout, try to improvise and sneak one in with what you are doing. For example, If you are on the side of the road broke down and you are waiting on a wrecker to come tow your car. (Get some where safe) do pushups, walk briskly...

June 23, 2008 | comments (1) | Uncategorized

Reminder to Keep it Simple

There is a wealth of information on the net. You can find Arnold's workout, Frank Zanes workout, and on,and on.Listen just a reminder to Keep it Simple. Follow the basics. Follow the program. You will succeed. People get off the beaten path by worrying about what someone else did, then they get disheartened and then they don't see the  same results of  the person they are trying to follow, and then they quit.Listen, your body is your bo...

June 23, 2008 | comments (1) | Uncategorized

The Often Overlooked Key

Want some advice on Transformation?You will always hear everyone preach about  nutrition and exercise and as well as everyone should they are two very important keys. However, there is  another key that is often overlooked but is crucial to success.That key is REST. It is vital that your body,your mind, and your spirit, get the proper rest needed for a successful transformation. As you plan your meals, and your workout, make sure that y...

June 21, 2008 | comments (2) | Uncategorized

What are you waiting For?

Well Folks, wasn't Marty's Transformation Amazing? You can't help but become excited when you watch the episodes.Marty's Transformation is so inspirational in so many ways. I hope everyone here learns from it.Now ITS YOUR TURN,IT IS TIME TO MAKE A DECISION,IN YOUR LIFE, A DECISION TO,CHANGE, AND BE THE CHANGE,.Everyone has obstacles, Marty had his and yet he rose above those obstacle and made the change.Let me encourage you to accept Bi...

June 20, 2008 | comments (1) | Uncategorized

The Truth About My New Friend James (Please Read)

Let me start out by saying the following:I am not sharing this story for any glory of my own,or for people to think wonderful things about me.I am just a man, a man that is very flawed. I am sharing this story for two reasons:A. Sometimes people are telling the TRUTH and really are just hungry and could use our help.B. I was blessed by the experience and wanted to share the blessing you. Okay, I went to gym for lunch like I always ...

June 19, 2008 | comments (6) | Uncategorized

Just the Basics

It has been 4 years since my transformation and over the last 4 years I have obtained some helpful accessories. I now have a Sony Mp3 player, and a Ipod Video, I have 6 pairs of jogging pants, numerous shirts,  and other fitness realted assessories. All these things are nice, however when I went through my transformation I had none of these. I didn't have all the brand name clothes, I didn't have any mp3,mp4, or anthings else.Listen all...

June 19, 2008 | comments (8) | Uncategorized

I Told Him I Would

Well I think it would be pretty safe to say that most people on here know of Kevin(A. K. A. Humdinger). I have been after him for awhile to post up a "real" picture  for his avatar and pictures of his family. Now I know Kevin is busy, (and belive me folks this guy really is busy), however, I told him that if he didn't get any up within a couple of weeks, that I would blog about it and get people to email him to gently encourag...

June 18, 2008 | comments (2) | Uncategorized

They Really Don't Know

How many times have you admired someone, or been appreciative of someone, but never told them. There are alot of reasons why we don't.1. They are to busy for me to tell them.2. They are so popular, and everybody tells them these kind of things anyway. 3. It really won't mean that much to them4. They will think I'm crazy.5. They already know it. All these are myths. Everybody, and I mean everybody needs encouragement. Whether it is the unknow...

June 18, 2008 | comments (2) | Uncategorized

Simple Pleasures

One of my favorite things to do is when I go to Wal-Mart with my family, is to ride the shopping cart back to the truck. Needless to say it is not their favorite thing. It embarasses them. I hear "Dad" "Your to old to do that, People are going to think you are crazy" But you know I love it. You have got to enjoy your life. Have a little fun. Who care what people think.So the next time you go to Wal-Mart. Take a Spin.Richa...

June 18, 2008 | comments (4) | Uncategorized

A Debt of Love

 April 4 2004 was the day that changed my life forever. It is quite humbling to come face to face with mortality. I think we all have the idea that we will live until were are in our 70' and then begin to worry about our health and try to make it to our 80's. Not many people think about dying at 38. I sure didn't. That night I knew I was going to die. To say it was scarry would be an understatement. From the time the call to 911 and the time...

June 16, 2008 | comments (3) | Uncategorized

My Dad- My Hero

I have many heroes from all walks of life. One of my Heroes is Roy Brown. He is my Dad. I have learned so much from my Dad. He is such a great man. He is not a bodybuilder, but yet he is the strongest man I have ever known. He has always been there when I needed and always let go when I needed to walk on my own.He is much more than my Hero, much more than my Dad, He is my BEST FRIEND.HAPPY FATHERS DAY DAD!!I LOVE YOU!Richard...

June 15, 2008 | comments (3) | Uncategorized

The Eyes

Today is the 5th Fathers day that I have been blessed to be able to be alive since my heart attack  and see the eyes of my children. God has been so gracious and kind to me. It was thrilling to be able to stare in to their eyes and say Thank You LORD, for another day of life.Today embrace your life, look into the eyes of those around and  Say Thank You for another day of life.Richard...

June 15, 2008 | comments (1) | Uncategorized

Acceptance A Key to Success

One critical point that most people miss is Acceptance. What do you mean? you ask.Well what I mean is this. I would love to be about 6' 2" tall. You know what I'm not I am 5' 9" tall. I can't change that.When looking at physical transformation, your first and foremost goal should be to be healthy. Then you should evaluate your strengths and weaknesses and make a plan of attack. Accept your limitations and embrace them and use them ...

June 13, 2008 | comments (2) | Uncategorized

The Uniform

I was extremely proud to see Justin in his uniform and proud for his graduation, but I was proud most of all with another uniform that he wore. The uniform of Dad. He was very excited to see his daughter. He stayed with her the whole time. I was very proud that he takes be a Dad seriously....

June 12, 2008 | comments (0) | Uncategorized

Lessons from Jonnae

We are back home from Oklahoma. It was a good trip, but at times it was very trying and tiring. It took 17 hours to on the way there and 14 hours on the way back. There was six of us on the trip, Me, my wife, my other 2 sons, my granddaughter and her Justin's girlfriend.There was a couple of times on the trip Jonnae's words came into my mind. I got to be with my family, I got to travel and see my son graduate from basic training, I got to live an...

June 9, 2008 | comments (2) | Uncategorized

Lessons I have learned

I have learned alot in the last four years. One thing I had to learn was to listen. Oh I always heard, I just wasn't a good listener. Sometimes that is all people need is just for us to listen. They don't want us to fix their problem, they just want to be heard, acknowledged that they are in the world, and that their feeling and troubles matter to somebody.I have learned that I can't fix everything. There is no need to even try. Stop worrying abo...

June 6, 2008 | comments (1) | Uncategorized

Being Your own Cheerleader

I have often seen people ask about the age old question of "How do you do it, How can you transform when you are getting resistance from your family and friends?"Well, it can be difficult and disappointing. I remember showing my pictures to someone I thought who would be happy for me and give me a little of encouragement. Well I was quite shocked and hurt with their response. They wouldn't even look at my photos. They were very rude abo...

June 5, 2008 | comments (3) | Uncategorized

Family Day

Well it is 9:00 p.m. eastern. We are back at the Hotel. We had a wonderful day today with Justin. Tomorrow is the graduation and he will be leaving on Sunday headed to Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri.I have much to say about today.I have one that I will keep until I can put the picture up with the blog.I can't wait it is a good one.So I will cover another topic. Today as we signed Justin out I saw a couple of young soldiers, I looked into their eyes, ...

June 5, 2008 | comments (1) | Uncategorized

Dream Stealer

I spoke with a good friend yesterday. He thanked me for always being supportive of his dreams and offering encouragement. Sadly to say I haven't always been that way.I was what I call a Dream Stealer, I would always find the negative to what aspect to a situation. Always looking at the struggle instead of the success. I remember  so many times I stole my kids dreams. I was busy working 80 hrs a week, wrapped up in my career "providing f...

June 4, 2008 | comments (6) | Uncategorized

Wichita Falls, Tx

Well it is 9:04 eastern time. Here in Wichita Falls, we will be driving in the morning up to Fort Sill. Tomorrow is family day with Friday being actual graduation day. Total time for the trip 17 hours. Needless to say, pretty tired....

June 4, 2008 | comments (0) | Uncategorized

Forest City Ar

Well it 6:43 a.m. and we are in Forest City. We are a little over half way there on the way to Wichita Falls.Yesterday was a pretty good day.  Richard ...

June 4, 2008 | comments (1) | Uncategorized

Lessons From Marty

I watched Marty's week 10 video last  night. Wow! He is doing so great. 36 lbs that is awesome. Marty is truly an inspiration to many people. As I watched the video, I hoped that everyone who watches the video saw more than the scale, heard more than the 36lbs. I hope everyone sees Marty working out with his son.That is the real accomplishment. Marty exercising, eating right and losing weight bring the end result of being healthy, being heal...

June 3, 2008 | comments (1) | Uncategorized

Fort Sill

Tuesday we will be heading for Fort Sill, Ok. My son Justin will be graduating from Basic Training in the ARMY.I am looking forward to seeing him, however I am not looking forward to the long drive. I don't know if I will be online much after today. If not Have a great week. Richard...

June 2, 2008 | comments (2) | Uncategorized

Heart

As stated before, My favorite films are the Rocky films. They just have so much heart. All week on WGN it has been Rocky week. From Rocky V, Rocky has been dumped by Tommy Gunn. Rocky his watching the title fight at home with his family, as he watches, he his into it hitting the bag as the fight goes on. Tommy wins and at the end he thanks his new manager for where he is at.Rocky is hurt, Adrian tells Rocky you can train, But you can't give him y...

June 2, 2008 | comments (1) | Uncategorized

Lifes One More Round

One of my favorite movies is the Rocky movies. One of my favorite parts is in Rocky I. They are down to the last round and Apollo and Rocky and both just spent. Rocky has just gotten up from being knocked down and is in his corner, bruised, battered, bloody, barely ablle to see or stand. He looks at Apollo and gestures with his hands, come on, bring it on. The the look on Apollo's face is "oh man you have got to be kidding me".He i...

May 30, 2008 | comments (5) | Uncategorized

The ONE KEY to Success

If one studies successful people very long, you will find that all of them have one thing in common. You will be surpised about this one common factor. It is one that most people overlook. Everyone thinks to find success you have to be; talented, skilled, educated, goodlooking, financially blessed, in with the right crowd, etc, etc. Well all those things are nice and can help, but they are not the determing factor.Are you ready?The Key to Success...

May 30, 2008 | comments (1) | Uncategorized

Who I am Makes A Difference

I received an email the other day. It was called "Who I am Makes a Difference". It was a story about a school teacher who brought each student up individually and gave them a blue ribbon with the phrase on it, and specifically told each one of them why she admired them. They were then given 3 ribbons to pass on to people. By the end of the story, A very busy and not so pleasant business man gave one to his son. The ribbon ended up ...

May 30, 2008 | comments (2) | Uncategorized

Heroes

In my life, I have had many Heroes. The ones that stick out the most for me are the ones that despite tremondous obstacles, live their life. Not with bitterness and anger, but with joy and peace. I could spend the rest of the day typing away naming them one by one, but today I will just list one of my favorites. Her name is Tabita. She was a young girl that I use to go to Church with years ago. She suffered from Dwarf Syndrome along with some oth...

May 27, 2008 | comments (1) | Uncategorized

Steven Curtis Chapman

One of my favorite Christian Artist has lost is 5 year old daughter  Thursday in an accident. She was accidentaly ran over by his son while backing out of the driveway. I would ask that we pray for that family as they go through this difficult time. I have attached the youtube video of his song cinderella, which is about his children and the interview of why he wrote it. May we all appreciate every single moment that we h...

May 23, 2008 | comments (1) | Uncategorized

Being Thankful

Well this week has been very,very,very stressful. Monday especially was rough. It was one of the days,when everything literally went wrong. It was a day like JOB's. One thing after another. One phone call after the other with problems. I had another day like that yesterday. Problem after problem. Yet despite all my problems, they are nothing compared to what some of my brothers and sisters in the world. When things are bad we need to look for the...

May 23, 2008 | comments (1) | Thoughts to Ponder

What Would You Do?

Yesterday my cousin sent me the following email. It has so many wonderful points to ponder with questions to ask ourself. What would I do? Sometime we need to get over ourself, and just meet the need of the individual. People don't need ot hear about our love, they need to see it and feel it. I hope you enjoy the  story and that it moves you to reach out to someone today. Remember Jesus said in Matthew 20:26-28 "26But it shall not ...

May 17, 2008 | comments (2) | Uncategorized

Stick to What you Know

"Stick to What You know" That has stuck with me for the last 15 years. I was working in the receiving department at Lowes, and it was a very busy day. The store hadn't opened yet, so the amount of freight we received was tremendous, and it was very stressfull with trucks backed waiting in line to be unloaded. My boss at the time was a lady named Debbie. She was a strong woman, and very good at what she did. She was on one forklift and I...

May 15, 2008 | comments (0) | Uncategorized

The Difference of One

I received the video yesterday. A true example of how ONE person can make such a difference in the lives of others.I can't get the video to work here so here is the link. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaeuIY1JZdw...

May 14, 2008 | comments (1) | Uncategorized

Roses

Sunday was Mothers Day. I went to the cemetry and placed a rose on my mother's grave. She died in 2002 with cancer. The last 9 months of her life, she lived with me and my family. My wife was gracious,kind and loving enough to take care of her. My mother wanted to live so badly. She enjoyed life. We place a baby monitror in her room to hear if she needed anything. Many times we heard her pray thanking God for the pain. We asked her one time why s...

May 13, 2008 | comments (1) | Thoughts to Ponder

8 x 10 Glossy

One of my favorite movie scenes is the court room scene in "A Few Good Men" with Tom Cruise and Jack Nicholson. Most everyone is familiar with the "You can't handle the truth" scene. I love that part, but there is the scene right before that has imacted me. It's right before that when Cruise is making the point about the travel habits of the Colonel and of the victim. Jessup fianlly replies."Now are these really the quest...

May 13, 2008 | comments (2) | Thoughts to Ponder

Richard

Categories

Uncategorized (57)
Thoughts to Ponder (3)