Author: simplyintentional

* Jedd Thoughts, * Life Updates

Work in Progress

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By most people’s standards I’m pretty easy going and laid back.  However, due to life circumstances and happenstances like moving, and doing a workout challenge, being intentional about gift-giving, learning how to be a better husband, my natural tendency to be a people pleaser and accommodator, and my God given personality of being sensitive and emotional, there tends to be seasons (such as now) in which am confronted head on with the things I think of as weaknesses (or things I would like to work on myself personally). Specifically I have come to see that when pressed with a deadline or thinking that I am caring or thinking of others, I often find myself to be inflexible with my own plans or way of doing something, or, on the flip side, I just give up completely and don’t follow through. A good example of this is my theory on how to answer calls on my cell phone.

If you have ever called me you might have realized that I don’t answer the phone as often as I probably should or would like to. The reason for this is not that I don’t want to talk to you, it’s just that I hate answering the phone and not being able to give my full attention or devote my time to that person calling (I know, the people pleaser in me). I believe that if it’s extremely important they will either leave a message or call back again immediately.  My intention is to call the person back when I have the time to have a solid conversation with someone. Of course I know this logic is flawed, extremely flawed, especially when I mean to call someone back after they left a message and I don’t for awhile saying that, “I couldn’t find the time”. Again, this a good illustration of me not changing my way of thinking, and of course not being a good person by calling people back sooner.

Of course since my life also seems to play out in themes. P90X (which, for whatever odd reason, I decided to start during the holiday season) has also been a perfect compliment in my life to help me to see that I need to continue to work on these areas. As I mentioned in previous updates, part of the struggle with p90x is keeping up the motivation to continue, especially when you are stressed and tired. But it was a challenge that I undertook, that I agreed to, and on the days that I don’t want to work out, it is so easy and tempting to just not. Sometimes, I will also find myself giving up in exercises rather than putting more effort into it.  As my aunt said to me recently, “Actions speak louder than words” and while I agree with this, actually doing what you say you are going to do is not necessarily easy, for anyone.

So here is my gift to my friends and family this Christmas: I am going to continue to work hard to answer my phone and return calls in a prompt fashion. I’m going to honor important relationships with love and with flexibility, meaning: being willing to grow and let people encourage and support me, even if it is difficult. But most importantly, I will not let myself give in to complacency and the perception that this “work in progress” (thanks to Gwyneth for this title) is for show. Instead I will use this time in my life as a real opportunity to honor the gifts, blessings, and people God has given me by being authentically and truthfully me, even if that means it will take some time.

On another note, one thing that we have completed is operation “Move the Changs”. We have moved from our friends’ house (whom we will miss) to a small, fun, and manageable apartment in North Portland. For pictures of the craziness that was this weekend, see the before and after pictures below:

* Jedd Thoughts

Day 27: Update and Results

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My results after 27 days:

Well everyone, the streak is alive at 27 and nearly 1/3 of the way completed with my P90X challenge and I’m excited to share that the results so far look as good if not better than the picture above. Of course I’m just joking, but not really, well..I don’t look like Bruce Lee and don’t imagine that I will after the challenge is done, however, I wanted to share two pictures that show some results in the area of flexibility:

Before the start of the challenge:                            Day 27 of the challenge:

Now my goal is not necessarily to become more flexible, but this is a huge perk and I’m sure that this will be good for me in the future. 🙂

This past week has been the extremely difficult. While it’s been great to see and feel some results, waking up at 5am to work out is taking its toll. I’m finding that its hard to wake up (especially with the cold winter settling in) and by mid-day I am crashing (specifically around 2:30pm).

While sleep is an important factor of success, I’m also starting to notice that diet plays a big role in our health, (duh!) especially when doing a program like this. I haven’t really changed my eating habits or really know what I should be doing (I’d welcome any advice). I don’t think I’m getting enough protein, I think I’m still eating to much sugar and fats (love my fries), and probably not drinking enough water as I should. Again, my results is not to lose tons of weight or to become a body builder. However, I wonder what my results would be if I changed my diet (I guess there’s still 60 days too).

I noticed that my motivation this week was severely tested. As you become stronger, more flexible, and more comfortable with exercises, I have found that it is difficult to increase intensity and easy to find ways to cheat your way through exercises that you know will be difficult. There’s a temptation to go through the motions but more importantly, avoid the hurt or discomfort, but its important to fight through this in order to be successful. To just be complacent, to not work hard is essentially giving up which defeats the whole purpose of the challenge and actually hurts me in the long run. It teaches me that it’s ok to be lazy. It’s one thing to stop if you tried to work hard and you cannot do it. It’s another thing to not try or intentionally give up.

Overall, I’m pretty stoked that I’ve completed an entire month, a little overwhelmed thinking that there is still two months to go. Yet, I am encouraged by little victories like being able to stretch down to the floor, able to wake up at 5 in the morning when the weather is below 32 degrees, and working out especially on the days (and there are many) when I don’t feel like it. I am thankful for Michelle for waking up early to exercise with me or  the way she speak words of encouragement to me when I wake up. But most of all, I’m just glad that I haven’t given up because again, if you know (the old) me, doing something-anything- intentionally for even a couple of consecutive days is a challenge, let alone 27 days….

For this week: Core, Cardio, Chest-Shoulders-Triceps-Ab Ripper, Yoga, Legs-Back Ab Ripper, Kenpo, Stretch

Thanks everyone for the encouragement.

* Jedd Thoughts

A Long Overdue Post

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I was struggling last night working on a post about being thankful. I looked over the words and felt sick and uninspired by my written garbage. To be honest, I just felt it wasn’t very truthful and it wasn’t very me.

We just watched the movie “Julie and Julia” (a movie I didn’t think I would like so much) that shared the lives of two remarkable women. I was impressed by their stories (won’t spoil the movie) that in good times or bad, we must be who we are, do what we love, and above all, do what my dad has always said to me, “Just be thankful.”

I left the movie reflecting and convicted that often, I am not as grateful for the life I have as I should be. I wonder if I tell and show the people who are most important to me that I love them enough, I wonder if they know. I wonder about the people who I haven’t spoken to in years, or loved ones that have passed on, whether or not they knew how much they mean to me. Of course I also think about those that have also hurt me, whether they knew or not, if they know how much they affected my life, the memories I cannot forget, the forgiveness that was hard to find. And finally, I think of those that I have hurt, and whether they know how sorry I am, whether I meant to hurt them or not.

Yet, I am constantly reminded by others and God that in my life, that all of it, the good and the difficult, is my life. Each hurtful comment, each hug of support, each difficult choice, each hair on my head lost, each treasured and also painful memory makes me who I am, and while there is a lot I am not proud of, I do find hope in where I am now and I truly am thankful for my life and the people in it.

I want my Dad’s words of “Just be thankful,” to be my mantra and life goal. I think of the other movie I saw today, “UP”, (it’s vacation….you are allowed two movies on vacation). I am deeply touched how they showed that no matter how painful it is to lose someone you love, that the gift is to treasure every single moment.

Thank you God for the life I have lived so far, please help me to be thankful for all of it, and for whatever is to come. Please help me to be thankful and show my gratitude everyday for those that I love and for those that are difficult to love. Thank you for movies like “Julie and Julia” and “UP”, and thank you for making me, me.

I leave you with one of my favorite poems that truly speaks to me about who I am, and what I would say if someone wanted to know about me.  Thanks William.

 

Ask Me

Some time when the river is ice ask me

mistakes I have made. Ask me whether

what I have done is my life. Others

have come in their slow way into

my thought, and some have tried to help

or to hurt: ask me what difference

their strongest love or hate has made.

 

I will listen to what you say.

You and I can turn and look

at the silent river and wait. We know

the current is there, hidden; and there

are comings and goings from miles away

that hold the stillness exactly before us.

What the river says, that is what I say.

-William Stafford

 

ps. I really appreciate everyone’s support with my P90X challenge. Day 19 and still going strong… J

* Jedd Thoughts

“The Challenge” Update: Review of Week 1

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Mount_Everest

They say that after doing P90X for 90 days that you’ll be in shape to climb  Mt. Everest. Great. While I doubt that is true, it still sounds cool. That’s definitely not the goal though. Anyways, week 1 has come and gone, still feeling good, and still able to get up early to work out. Here’s some thoughts after the week:

1. It is kind of a luxury to “work out” –  To find the time to work out is difficult, especially if you are working a typical 8-5. You either have to work out before or after work and depending on your commute and other commitments, this can be tough.

2. Set realistic goals – For many of the work outs I can’t do each exercise. In fact I have to take many breaks while the people on the video plow through. I think the most important thing I learned from Michelle is to not give up and just jump back in when you can. I’ve often just given up but this week, knowing I have 83 more days to go, I just have to believe that you start slow and get better and better.

3. Results are slow and steady – I keep asking Michelle if she sees any noticeable results to which of course she just laughs. I’ve only done 7 days (not to mention haven’t changed too much of my eating habits). What do I expect to see??? I will tell you this though, I feel stronger, more flexible, and overall just better in general. I’m hurting on the days after but I just see that as a sign that I’m working decently hard enough.

4. Yoga, totally sucks and is super awesome all at the same time – I would like to apologize to all the people I made fun of for doing Yoga. It’s the hardest part of the program and probably one of the most beneficial. If you haven’t tried any type of Yoga, I strongly suggest it.

Well….7 days down, 83 days to go. Thanks for the encouragement and support, especially to those of you who understand that by 9pm these days I’m wiped and not going to be a good contributing member of society at that point. If you are following along with the P90x schedule, note that it’s the same as last week

* Jedd Thoughts, * Life Updates

The Challenge (P90X)

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lightbulb idea For many of you who know me, you know that I am an idea guy. While some of my ideas are pretty creative (at least I think they are) and some might be considered good or even great, I do have a pretty good streak of idiotic or crazy ideas. This “Challenge” is probably one of them.

What is the “Challenge”?: Starting Monday, November 9th 2009 to Monday, February 7th, 2010 I will be doing the lean version of the P90X workout plan. Essentially, everyday, I am committing to workout for about an hour a day. Many of you might be thinking, “Meh, what’s so hard about that?” For you, maybe not so hard, for me, definitely a challenge:

1. Time: Many people don’t work out, simply because of time…an hour a day (at least) is a pretty big commitment. With commuting each morning, work, and then weekends usually busy, just finding some down time is a struggle already. Finding the time to work out, to add another hour of committed time is going to be difficult. Right now, it’s looking like early morning workouts or right after dinner….

2. Motivation: I wish I could just say that I would like to be healthy. Sadly, that’s not good enough motivation for me. It should be. It isn’t. For this challenge, Michelle and I have put into place personal incentive to motivate me. Of course, proving to myself that this is something I can accomplish is huge (remember, I couldn’t even do my pushups and situps challenge everyday for a month). Finally, the health and looks benefit is icing on the cake (I’m hoping after this I’ll feel and look better) :).

3. Finally, the “Challenge” is a test of discipline, which most of you know is something that I lack. As an idea person, when one idea fails, you just think of something else to replace it. I never really thought that I had a problem, but after meeting, falling in love, and marrying an amazing woman who thrives on discipline, it dawned on me (another idea/thought) that maybe there was a lot to life that I was missing out on simply because I never followed through, I didn’t take the right approach, or simply, I just gave up. As a team we were able to finish two half-marathons in the last two years, feats that I never thought, ever, that I could accomplish or do (in the years prior, the longest run I did was a mile and a half in high school).

So, I could really use your support during these next couple of months. Hold me accountable, ask me how I am doing. I promise you, we will post results. Heck, if you have P90x and want to do the program with me, here is what the first three weeks look like:

Monday: Core

Tuesday: Cardio

Wednesday: Shoulders and Arms, Ab Ripper

Thursday: Yoga X

Friday: Legs and Back, Ab Ripper

Saturday: Kenpo

Sunday: Stretch

For those of you who don’t have it, you can search for it on You Tube, get a copy, or even just commit to working out each day for 90 days. Either way, the “Challenge” (really not as dramatic as I am making it) has begun….

* Jedd Thoughts, * Life Updates

Lost, Glee, and P90X: a life update

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NXi5Bg

gleep90x_3

So I’m on the road for work and Michelle has reminded me that it’s been awhile since i’ve last posted. Since i’ve already caught up with all the LOST episodes in the last two months,  can’t watch GLEE anymore because it reminds me too much of my high school experience (see the video post that Nick posted on my FB profile), and I’m gearing up for my P90X challenge (which means i’m enjoying being lazy this week), I’ve decided to use the TV episode theme to catch you up on what has been going on with us.

It’s been a crazy last couple of months in the Chang household. Let’s recap this last season (pun intended) shall we?:

Episode 1 – Co-Housing with the Kerr’s and the Le’s:   As Michelle and I transitioned from on-campus living to “what the heck should we do, real world living” we were fortunate to be taken in by amazing friends and we found how amazing living with others truly is.* Fore shadow alert

Episode 2 – Jedd gets two new jobs?: After leaving employment at a small private university in Portland, I was fortunate to be taken under the wing by branding manager guru Andy ofRelevant Studios and was able to do some creative marketing. I loved it, but sadly needed to find something full time and was blessed to be hired at a large public university in Portland. Needless to say, work has been great  (both the people I work with and what I do) but my only complaint is still the 8-5pm schedule. I have a new goal in life to find away that everyone can be on flexible work schedules….

Episode 3 – To buy or not to buy a house:  To learn more about this episode, check Michelle’s post here. Long story short, no house, better understanding of who we are and what we want.

Episode 4 – Where do we live now and in the future: So two big things here that are very different and very relevant (no pun intended this time). Channeling my wife’s direct and concise communication style, we have decided to look into possibilities of serving and living abroad (out of country) for awhile(meaning at least a couple of months, preferably, a couple of years). This has affected the second thing, looking for a flexible housing situation. We have moved back to the Kerr’s (I told you from the co-housing fore shadow) but are still looking for a future home. More importantly, we are focused (at least trying) and being intentional about looking at future possibilities (if you know of any, please let us know). If you could please keep this in your thoughts and prayers we would greatly appreciate it.

Episode 5 – The holiday challenge: About three years ago, I made a deal/bet to do push-ups and sit-ups everyday with my friend Cory for the month (which was dumb because he thrives on disciplined challenges, while I, have no discipline). He won in convincing fashion. Needless to say, Michelle has slowly taught me to believe that I can be more disciplined, so….I’m doing a 90 day, P90X challenge. I’ll give you more details in the next couple of days. I will need your support….

Future Episodes: Who knows….I recently told people that life seems to change so fast year to year. Than I’ve realized life changes fast month to month. Now it just seems daily that big things, life is constantly changing. Keep tuned in for more updates!

* Jedd Thoughts

Case of the Mondays(or Tuesdays): Reflections on Work

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Dream Job Its been awhile. Sorry. We really have meant to be better about posting (thanks for asking and checking) about what is going on, especially for those of you following. As the title indicates, two major things have happened recently for us. First, summer is officially over for us. Boo. Second, I (Jedd) have started a new job. 🙂 Commuting and working has given me some new thoughts that I wish to share but hope you share your thoughts too…

Jedd’s Reflections on Working:

1. It seems strange to me that many people’s dream job (including myself) is not to work. Let me re-phrase that. What I mean is that many of us (again, not everyone) works 40hrs (sometimes more) just so that one day, we don’t have to work. We work so we don’t have to work. I say cut out the middle man (if possible).

2. Time is money. Supposedly, the more time you spend working, the more money you make. However, I’ve come to value and love summers and free time so much that time seems to be more valuable than money for me. I’m trying to find that right balance where I’m getting paid a fair wage for the time I spend working but not work so much, not matter what the wage that I don’t get to enjoy life.

3. What is our purpose for working? I really had to think about this one. What is your purpose for working? Is it to make money, to afford a life style, to make a difference in the world, to do something with your time, etc…??? Purpose will usually dictate how we feel about our jobs. Without meaningful purpose, work can be, well…..work (reference Office Space for more examples of this).

4. We should as a country do one or all of the following things: invest in an hour each day for a siesta time, shorten the work week to Tuesdays-Fridays (everyone already hates Mondays so that will make people happy), or shorten the work day from 9am-4pm(with half-an-hour lunch).

5. The best type of work is engaging and refreshing. What I mean by this is that repetition in work may seem comfortable but always learning, always discovering is the best way to appreciate what one does versus dreading it.

* Jedd Thoughts

Jump

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Jumping into Crater Lake About two weeks ago, Michelle and I went to Crater Lake in south central Oregon for some R&R. The  water was bluer than any I have ever seen (bluer than Hawaii) and in many ways very magical, and also  very cold. The picture on the left is one that I took of a man who decided to jump in. What’s interesting is  that he was very hesitant before going in and after doing it, said that he’s not the kind of person to do  something like this. What convinced him to finally jump in?

July was a strange and bittersweet month as it seemed some of life’s biggest events were ever more present. There were loved ones that passed and strange diagnosis of health issues. There were announcements of pregnancies and friends sharing that they were about to become engaged. As Michelle and I have been in transition and trying to plan our future, we realized how important and also extremely hard living in the present is. We can plan all we want, but our lives can change in an instant and things will never be the same.

It got me thinking of this man jumping in, how I remember being scared of marriage and what that would mean to risk unavoidable lost and potential hurt, all for joy and love. It brings back many memories of things that I’ve always wanted to do, but instead of doing them, I’ve let fear and excuses hold me back, convincing me otherwise. It seems that there are many things in life that involve risk. Raising a child, getting married, traveling and serving in another country, simply loving others, and i’ve seen people commit to these things, knowing, and not knowing what they are getting themselves into, but never regretting their decision for the amazing blessings that these experiences have brought.

So my questions today are simple:

What is it that you want to do with your life?

What are things that you’ve always wanted to do but fear has held you back?

When are you going to jump?

* Jedd Thoughts

Intentionally, well thought-out cities….

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So Michelle and I are up inVancouver BC Vancouver BC on a quick road trip (to escape the Portland heat if you can believe that) and we have loved the way the city has developed itself into a fun, artsy, and outgoing community. We started with bike riding around Stanley Park and marveled at all the people taking advantage of the multiple playing fields, beaches, rollerbladers, picnics, and the spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, bridges, and Vancouver skyline. The park sits on a point and has miles of fun things to do and see (rose garden, horse carriage rides, playgrounds, outdoor pools, and hidden ponds).


We then went to Granville Island, a re-developed area of Vancouver that is like Pike’s Market, but better (sorry Seattle). The public market has amazing food vendors and merchants (cheese, produce, chocolates, seafood, fresh pasta). Also on the island are cool shops and boutiques, restaurants, art galleries, a special kid’s section of shops, playgrounds, and a wrap around walkway. Again, we were fascinated by all the people there, the beautiful surroundings and the well designed walkways used by the residents of the area.


Finally, we stopped by “Night Market” in Richmond (an area close to Vancouver). This was an amazing event with hundred of merchants selling artistic and random goods, a main stage for performers, and tons of food vendors with lots of interesting food. Richmond is very culturally diverse and so the things you see and experience at Night Market will be fun and memorable. We knew we were in another country, but for a moment, it was hard to remember which country we were in. We were also shocked that it starts around 8pm and ends at 3am!!!! If you visit Vancouver between June and August, you have to visit this event. Granville-Island-Map.mediumthumbWe really love cities like this, cities that feel as if a lot of planning was involved to make it fun and sustainable. It got us thinking, a lot of you have traveled around, what other cities are awesome that you think are planned out really well for residents and visitors and provide a unique experience that truly reflects the cultural identity of the city? Please give us a few suggestions of places we should go on our next trip. Thanks everyone!

* Jedd Thoughts

Learning about humanity from animation…

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So I have a guilty pleasure, a tiny obsession, a blatant passion for Pixar movies.forthebirds

There I said it.

I know it’s not weird to love Pixar movies. Many people enjoy their story telling, the humor, their pure entertainment value, and most of all their endearing characters. But to love Pixar movies, animated movies that feature fictional, fantasy based characters (talking fish, monsters, cartoon people, cooking rats, robots in-love) because they teach us what it means to be human? Crazy talk…

2750_wall_e_preview_image_1186184869

But it’s true….


I’m thankful for Pixar because they truly know how to capture emotion, telling stories about life that we can relate to through stories that take place to these crazy characters. Follow me if you will…..

–    a father in search of son who wants to be free of being held down (Finding Nemo)

–    a greedy monster seeks to hurt and scare people instead of thinking about a creative, innovative way to       power his nation (Monsters Inc.),

–    a robot that is curious to think and act for himself, to serve others, and ultimately puts himself at risk for others he loves (Wall E.),

– a rat being true to his vocational calling to be a chef and helping others to be true to themselves (ratatouille),

– a story of love, saying goodbye well, and letting go (UP). pixar_up

It’s not a magic formula or anything. Just stories that talk about real life experiences, told through a fictional, magical perspective, and maybe that’s why we can make that connection with them. No one would believe that kind of magic actually exists in real life among humans today. But it does and as cliche as it sounds, maybe we just need to believe.