Day Thirty-Two to Thirty-Nine...

This comes as difficult to me to write, because I don't feel as though I've been totally committed to this endeavor. Without ruining an apology with an excuse, my life as of late has been a little hectic, hence the fake rationalization to not stick with this as much as I promised I would. I would like to post an excerpt from a story I'm writing. The story is entitled "Steven & Bubblegum"... You'll understand why when it's finished...


In his cell, with darkness all around, Steven had all but given up. A fragment of hope was all that remained, and it was slowly fading away. His essence would cease to exist in a world that wasn't even his home, for a group of people he didn't even know. He had fought so hard and was beginning to question the purpose for his struggle. He began to believe the enemy's lies. Abandoned, he felt lost, when a ray of light appeared in the distance. The majestic sight of a being he had never laid such splendor eyes upon, appeared. "Who is it?", his cracked voice stuttered the question. All at once, a divine voice spoke out to him. "The Creator has sent me to inform you... You're not done yet.", the powerful voice spoke out like thunder. "Be still for help is on the way.", it continued. The angelic being brought a new found hope to Steven's soul. "What's your name?", Steven asked. "My name is Uriel... As sure as the Creator was with Javin, He is also with you and Bubblegum. Your friends will be here soon as I have guided their horses to this place of despair that would rescue you in your darkest hour.", said the angelic being known now by Steven as Uriel. All at once, Steven felt his strength returning. His faith was renewed. Arklan would soon be purified from the evil that sought to destroy it.

Steven & Bubblegum are unwilling heroes that venture to another land. They end up taking the call, but it's not easy for them. I feel this even now in my own life. This excerpt comes from the 2nd book in the trilogy I'm writing. It's meant to be an Christian apologetic, which is the defense of the Christian faith. It can be so hard because our own life is under the microscope, including the will to want to stuff your face, or be healthy. How can someone be such a hypocrite? Can it be because we are "fallen" finite beings? The only difference is God has forgiven us, and is perfecting His children. So yeah, I'm not perfect... yet

I start fresh tomorrow, and will keep you all updated on the book. I actually ordered some animation software to learn that process because it's movie quality. Thank you so much and God Bless!

Philippians 1:6 - being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Rich Jones
www.richjonescomedy.com

Day Twenty-Eight To Thirty-One...

Busy is an exaggerated word I will tell you I have been... Slacking is more like what I've been doing... The past week hasn't been as easy as I hoped. I haven't weighed myself in a while, but I'm trying to motivate myself by focusing my attention toward more of my professional goals and even some hobbies. Yesterday my video editing software finally arrived!! I've been busy with that since I first opened it. I must say, so far it's been well worth it!! I can easily rip home-made DVD's that I converted from VHS to DVD to the PC and fix them up. It's awesome!! This will hopefully help me in building more presence on with comedy on the web. I also bought a few web domains this week, hoping to capitalize on a few stories I'm writing. I love how godaddy makes buying domains so affordable.

Throughout this process of focusing my life towards things other than stuffing my face, I'm come to realize how much I love reading for fun. I recently finished reading "The Godfather" by Mario Puzo (a wonderful gift that was given to me by my awesome girlfriend!!). It's so different from the movie, which I totally love as well. The book focuses a lot on Johnny Fontaine, as well as a few other lesser mentioned characters. I also purchased "The Sicilian" by Mario Puzo last weekend to read. It's one of the sequels to "The Godfather." I have no desire though to read any of the sequels that aren't written by Mario Puzo. I kind of feel like the author who wrote them just stole someone else's work. I'm also reading C.S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia books. My awesome Girlfriend's wonderful Sister got the complete series for me in one book for Christmas in 2008. It's awesome!

The point of my rambling, is that there's so much more to do then just worry about food. Life is full of so many opportunities, that any other time you might not see yourself doing. It's fun to make the most of it, and get as much as we can out doing it. Thanks, and I will keep you posted!!!

It should be up soon but stay tuned for an awesome site my girlfriend will be coming up with that is craft related!! GO LION!!!

Psalm 91:8-10

8 You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.

9 If you make the Most High your dwelling—
even the LORD, who is my refuge-

10 then no harm will befall you,
no disaster will come near your tent.

Peace Out...
Rich Jones
www.richjonescomedy.com

Day Twenty-Three...

Somehow I've managed to get my hands on a laptop here at school. I'm just sitting, guarding the restrooms, while every high school student walks by me here asking "WHAT SITE YOU ON?!?" Like I'm on a bad one... Sure brings to mind the lack of great role models that young people have today to think I'm surfing the net looking at questionable material.

I also just got accused of telling a teacher that resembles a student to "get to class" the other day. I don't recall it, but I find it hilarious to think I would do that, since I probably get it more then anyone else here.

So I'm still hanging at 245 pounds, which is 10 less then when I started. I'm thinking I should intensify my workout a little more. I haven't been eating out at all. I actually turned down going out to eat with my Dad the other day, (wrestling was on), and I don't trust all the nutritional value charts at restaurants. I fought off the biggest craving of all yesterday. I was contemplating going to Chipotle for a chicken fajita burrito, which according to my friend Tim Hawkins, is an example of how we've given up on the human size portions... Mitch Hedberg, my hero also says how a burrito is a sleeping back for meat...

Sad as it is, when I lived in Columbus a few years ago, I was going in at least twice a week to Chipotle, and usually I got two burritos each time. It felt like such a treat to go there as much as I did, but while some may like it, I get turned off to a place when they start to know me. There's only once place I can go where that isn't a problem, and that's this Chinese Restaurant near me called Chop Suey. At first I was creaped out by it, but it makes it a whole lot easier when there's a long line there, so I don't mind it so much. I'm sure they miss me right about now, since I haven't been there in like 2 months.

So what's new to talk about? Summer is coming soon. I only have about 2 more weeks where I can substitute teach, then it's make or break time, hoping to find plenty of gigs for the summer. Thanks for keeping up with me on this journey! Not too much excitement going on at the moment, or it's just too early.

Revelation 4:11 - "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being."

Days Eighteen Through Twenty-Two...

Yeah, what can I say? I'm a slacker. There's a T-shirt I have that says "Procrastinators of the World Unite... Tomorrow". I should be wearing it as I type this blog entry. Actually, I was away from home most the entire time this past weekend, and been working non-stop since then. My apologies. Opening for Mike Williams was a total blast!! Thanks again to Mel Mendoza for hooking me up with that gig. The only downside, is I semi-cheated on this quest... No lying here. The theme of the event was comedy & sweets. I fit in the comedy category of that equation, and there were plenty of good sweets there. So I had a few small ones, but I managed to bring some home for my girlfriend in order to overcome my guilt, kind of like Adam & Eve with the roles reversed, except the guy doesn't bring back fruit... He brings back sweets!!!

With all that said, I've been back on this journey since that little slip up, and still going strong. I thank you guys for keeping me going with all your encouraging words. You probably noticed the ads on my page are gone. That's for the best, because I don't want this journey of mine to seem like a fad or trend, which all those diets listed were.

My Grandma tried to explain this diet to me one time that was like really weird. Basically all you ate were hard boiled eggs all day. No thanks!! For some reason egg whites make me sick, especially by themselves. Some of you on facebook may have noticed I'm performing at this outdoor Christian Music festival in Middletown, OH on June 5th. It's known as Freedom Fest, and is at Smith Park. Everything is free, including food, and fun times. It goes from 12-8pm, if you guys can make it!

In case you're wondering about the KFC picture, I took it in Frankfort, KY, when I went to work with Mike Williams. Thanks again and have a blessed rest of the week!!

Isaiah 40:31 - but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Peace,
Rich Jones
www.richjonescomedy.com

Day Seventeen...

So day seventeen is over. I weighed myself tonight, and I'm still at 245 pounds. That's still 10 pounds less then when I started. Rather then P90X, today I did 30 minutes with heavy resistance on the elyptical. For some reason I exercised at night, which I'm going to wake up early enough tomorrow morning to do it before I actually go to work.

Just want to let you know, I worked on my book today. Easier said then done, but I'm writing a fictional story, that I've had the idea for, for at least five years. It's interesting, that this life change has made me more determined to finish it than anything. I don't want to go into all the details of the story just yet, but it compliments the apologetic work of C.S. Lewis & J.R. R. Tolkien. Hopefully you guys will dig it, once it's finished.

As mentioned numerous times, I'm opening for Comedian Mike Williams this Saturday in Frankfort, KY. I'd be surprised if a big contingency of you guys was actually from that area. Needless to say, if you can make that show, if you happen to be near bye, it should be awesome! Kudos again to Melman for getting me the gig, since he was originally supposed to open.

He may not admit it, but Mel Mendoza is hilarious!! If you guys get a chance go check out his website www.melmancomedy.com

Looking forward to the weekend! This quote was posted by me on Facebook already, however, I don't know what it is but there's a mystic force that draws us in everytime we're in the mall and someone behind a counter motions us over, holding nothing but a mystery meat on a toothpick...

Thank you guys for allowing me to take the stage in your heart as you encourage me to go for it!! Have a great weekend!!

Hebrews 12:28 - Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,

Thankfully,
Rich Jones
www.richjonescomedy.com

Day Sixteen...

So it's Day Sixteen already!! You guys are awesome to have stuck with me this long! You never would've heard me say this about six months ago, but the idea of constantly thinking of food has actually got me focused on other more important things that I want to accomplish. Today for instance, I worked hard on a story that I've been wanting to write for the last five years! I may be starting a separate blog on it before too long to help raise money for producing it into an actual movie. More on that later.

I am thrilled to be working with Comedian Mike Williams this weekend in Frankfort, KY. Mike is awesome, and was one of the first Christian Comedians who responded to me when I was first starting out, and I emailed anyone I could find online to get ideas for how to break into comedy. Mike sent me an eBook he had written specifically on the topic! Very helpful! I worked with Mike and Paul Aldridge last year at my church in Mason, OH, and I'm excited to be working with him again. By the way, Mike taught me how to say "working with..." a specific comedian, and not just "opening for..." which was what I used to say.

This week has been awesome so far! I've had a lot of people say encouraging remarks to me. I mowed the lawn earlier today, and wasn't wheezing by the end. Four years ago, before I starting exercising at all, I would die this time of year because I have terrible allergies, that at one time would bring on asthma. I remember praying to God that He would heal me from it, since there's really no official cure for it. A lot of people grow out of it, and it's become a lot more treatable. I can honestly say God has healed me from it. Even when I'm around cats, the allergies bug me, but the asthma is gone! Another answered prayer, as this change in my life will be as well. Thank you guys, and have a blessed rest of the week!

Romans 12:12 - "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."


Peace Out,
Rich Jones
www.richjonescomedy.com

Blogger Buzz: Blogger integrates with Amazon Associates

Day Fifteen...

No sooner did you read Day Fourteen, did you get Day Fifteen thrown in your face. Today I just finished Day Fifteen. Can you believe it's been that long since I started? Another week, and this becomes a habit!!! So far as I reported recently, I've lost ten pounds. If I drop another eight-five pounds I will be at my official ideal weight for someone my height. So I guess you can see where I'm headed to.

Most people I've actually shared that with think it's unrealistic by August. Even if I don't reach it by then, I will continue on. I once heard a funny joke from Norm McDonald on SNL's Weekend Update. He was talking about how researchers determined that in order for a woman to achieve the image of a Barbie Doll proportioned body, among the changes necessary were for the female to increase 24 in. in height, 5 in. in the chest, and 3.2 in. in neck length, while decreasing 6 in. in the waist. Then he said "Well ladies, you have your mission, now get to it..."

It's so much easier said than done for sure. Through all this change however, I'm feel as though I'm allowing the change to occur from the inside out. As God looks more on our heart, rather then our physical appearance, He's still concerned with how we take care of ourselves. The body is indeed the Temple of God. Oh what a temple some of us have! Thank you guys for your faith in me, and your encouragement!

1 Samuel 16:7 - But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."

Blessings,
Rich Jones
www.richjonescomedy.com

Day Fourteen...

This is actually an update for Monday May 3rd. As I reported yesterday, I got a gig to open for Comedian Mike Williams this weekend! Kudos to Mel Mendoza for hooking me up, and to my wonderful girlfriend for being understanding enough to let me do a last minute gig Mother's Day Weekend...

Speaking of that, I still haven't bought my Mom a gift for Mother's Day. I know my Mom loves the Olive Garden, which isn't the healthiest place to eat, but there's a ton of people who go there. I actually used to work there for about four years while I was in college. Of course I only went to college for two terms... Clinton & Bush...

It's funny how many people go gaga for the unlimited bread sticks at Olive Garden. I can give you the complete recipe if you're interested. Yeah, you got it right, a blog specifically designed to help someone lose weight is about to give away the recipe for something that's bound to bring on the pounds. It's not as complicated as the recipe so many Americans craved to know in the 70's & 80's known as KFC's fried chicken. All they use for the famous Olive Garden bread sticks is Nickles' Bread Sticks with liquid margarine and garlic salt. You put the bread sticks in the oven on high for about a minute, then brush the liquid margarine over them and shake a bit of garlic salt on top. I still have a scar on my arm from where I was accidentally burned making a batch, so there's no way I could ever forget the experience and how they make them.

With that lesson learned, all I can say is in the immortal words of Ben Parker, "With great power, comes great responsibility." I had to slip the movie reference in. Actually, the one area of the Spiderman movie series that really impressed me was how Spiderman was willing to forgive The Sandman for his role in the murder of his uncle, Ben Parker. He wasn't so consumed by his hunger for revenge. I think too often people hold on to things which causes them to vent from it in other ways, such as eating. Eating can be such a stress relief that we forget about how it can seriously hurt our health in the long run.

I want to thank everyone for continuing to follow my progress! It's been a real blessing, as well as an awesome encouragement!

Luke 6:37 - Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

The Dude Abides,
Rich Jones
www.richjonescomedy.com

Day Thirteen...

Sorry about my lack of blog last night. I've been under the weather, and little did I know the melatonin I took last night would kick in like the gun at a Nascar Race. I am happy to report I've lost 10 pounds total! I've only 85 more to go to reach my ideal weight. I don't know if that will happen by August, but it's definitely something I will push for even if it takes longer.

This past weekend I started P90X, if you haven't read the last two blogs. It's been fun. Surprisingly my neck feels awesome, which it was sore before I started. I don't feel sore at all from working out, which is crazy, because most workouts I've done in the past have left me aching for quite a while afterward. Tony Horton reminds me of one of those guys who tried to get the kids in junior high to sell candy bars for fundraisers. He's very spunky. I wonder if he has an overweight brother named Tim?

My eating choices have even astonished me! By the way, I just found out I'm doing a gig this weekend in Frankfort, KY. I may use the overweight material a few more times, since it's established, but not for much longer. Kudos to Melman for getting me this gig opening for Comedian Mike Williams, who is coming out of retirement from the mission field in the Dominican Republic to do this show. Can't wait to see him!! Thanks guys!! I love ya man!!!

Hebrews 10:36 - "You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised."

Peace Out,
Rich Jones
www.richjonescomedy.com

Day Twelve...

Today marked the day I began my first day of P90X. It was definitly unlike any workout program I've done before, in that it challeged me to do an hour straight of nothing but intense exercise. I wasn't too sore the rest of the day, either. Tomorrow, I will begin my second day of doing it. Can't wait!!

Through out this whole experience, I'm learning to give everything in my life over to Jesus, including my desire to eat. Too often we choose to indulge ourselves without any discipline in our lives, and end up overweight and with other health related problems.

Just watched the Seinfeld epsidose - "The Race", where Jerry ends up racing someone he knew from High School. It was hilarious, and the show will definitely be missed.

As I watch Seinfeld, I feel more like George Costanza. We both have troube finding jobs, and we both live with out parents. I watched a video that I recommend to anyone who is seriously considering or already in stand-up comedy. It's called "Seinfeld, Comedian". In the video, it chronicles Seinfeld's routine for coming up with material, and the interaction he has with people. A young rising comic named Orny Adams talks with Jerry about how his friends all have steady jobs and kids, and he still lives with his parents and is single, trying to make it. Jerry tells him his favorite story about show business, and it has become mine as well.



It's important not to get distacted from reaching my goal.

Ephesians 3:13 - I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.

God Bless!

Rich Jones
wwwrichjonescomedy.com