My friend, Brad, jumped at the opportunity to design the Team Zoë Tough Mudder tee shirt.  I originally approached him to complete this task, because I recognize Brad as a kindred warrior spirit, battling for honor and integrity in a tough world.  He also has a strong understanding of Japanese culture and the historical Japanese warrior clans, which I personally find appealing and exciting.  While Team Zoë continues to grow, seven ambitious members are raising awareness of Malignant Rhabdoid Tumors and improving their health by training for the Tough Mudder and other "mud" races.  We need a powerful mascot to guide us through the obstacles and challenges of the Tough Mudder and through life.  These two warrior owls are our candidates for a limited edition Team Zoë Tough Mudder tee shirt.  Your vote will help us determine the 2013 Boston Tough Mudder Champion!  Please vote and share with your friends!

I read once that if you woke up today, you are having a good day.  No matter what--if you have a flat tire, or your team didn't win the big game, or anything.  If you woke up, you are alive!  Yet, so many people are stuck in the past, or a prisoner to fantasies of the future.  You cannot unlock days gone by, and the future holds unfulfilled promises.  Are you living in the moment?  I am not talking about going off the handle and quitting your job or quitting life and doing every fancy you have at any given second, or changing mental directions as quickly as the wind turns.  I mean, are you aware of yourself in the moment.  Do you know what makes you happy and actively pursue that happiness?  If you are in a place in life where you do not feel happiness or appreciation, get out of there right now!  Life is too short and too precious!!  Life is too short and too precious!!  I am repeating myself with a good reason.  If you didn't catch my message, let me repeat it again.  Life is too short and too precious!!  Start living.  Right now!  Carpe Diem!  Every day you wake up.  You don't live once!  You live every second of your life.  Every moment offers you a choice.  Which one are you making?

18 Months ago, my wife taught me how joy and fulfillment felt when she delivered my first daughter, Zoë.  Three days ago, Laura delivered my second daughter, Esmée Skye Young, and let me tell you, she is beautiful!!  How is it possible to set eyes on another human and know with all your heart that you love that person with every fiber with your being! 

Well, I will always remember driving Zoë home in my car that first time, listening to Jack Johnson cover The White Stripes, "We are going to be friends."  Moments ago I wiped down the car seat mount with Lysol wipes and am getting ready to chauffeur my wife and daughter home from UMass Memorial.  How good it feels to know that once again my home will be filled with the sounds and love of a child.  Two times now, my wife has shown me the beauty and wonder having a family.  My heart is truly full of joy and fulfillment.  I love you, Laura!  Thank you for being my counter part, my better half!

Three months ago, I felt extremely unhappy about my weight. I used to be able to eat anything I want and burn it off before the extra calories had the opportunity to register on the scale. Those days passed when I turned thirty. Each year, I added on extra pounds. It bothered me and I would try to eat smarter, and workout a little harder. I didn't receive the results I wanted because in my twenties I conditioned myself to eat massive plates of food, and of course seconds. I just can't out train my diet anymore. When I weighed in at 220, I thought, "hey,look at me, I CAN gain weight." and I liked that I had a pudgy stomach. I thought of myself affectionately as the "Fat Elvis." But then I weighed 230 and I thought, oh, any day now, I'll walk this weight right off. At 240, I felt concerned, but didn't take the necessary steps to getting back on track. 250, I felt like my weight and my eating habits were in a crisis. I felt out of control. 260 came and I surrendered to complacency and accepted that my weight was just a part of my daily life. But when I weighed 267 three months ago, I decided to make changes and commit to my decision. I started P90X. In 90 days, I slimmed down noticeably, I can fit in clothes that i bought brand new in 2009 and quickly outgrew. Unfortunately I didn't take the before pictures of my body, but I know from looking at myself and the comments I get from people that I have lost a lot of body fat, and gained muscle. I can do more push ups now  then I ever could in "the best shape of my life." I lost 24 pounds in three months. I am not finished yet. this personal victory empowers me, and I'm glad that I can announce it on the year anniversary of my daughter killing her cancer. I am not going to stop here. Today is my first day of P90X round two!!! Bring It!!!