A Yearly Thing?

The statement: "This blog is getting new content regularly." Is a true statement. Once a year is regular. As regular as my bow... Oh! Uh, nevermind.

So on to the content. Where am I now, you ask?

Well in my last post I was talking about the joys of  buying a new house and the wonderfulness of my Job at Netspectrum. To be honest, things are mostly the same in my life. Lets quickly go through a list of things that have remained the same before getting into the new stuff.

1. Still breathing
2. Still going to the gym consistently
3. Still a Home owner
4. Still at Netspectrum
5. Still wishing I was at Northland Bible Camp all summer

I am sure there are more, but those are the big ones that stick out while I am writing. Anyways lets get into the new, it is more exiting anyways.

Since my last post I have acquired room mates. Billets? Tenats? What ever they qualify as, they live with me at my house. They are the best, don't let them know that though. I catch them cleaning my house every so often. It's neat. I enjoy having people around the house. It's not as lonely.

I am an official Spikeball Ambassador. I really like Spikeball. Chances are most of you already knew that, especially if you follow any of my social media. I help run the Sudbury Spikeball Club. It's still small but hoping for some growth over the summer and next school year. Sudburyspikeball.club check it out! And if you are in Sudbury, follow the page and come play some time!

Next... 

...My car. The #EELantra... It died. I was on my way to a Spikeball tournament in Toronto(It was amazing). While on this trip Ben(AwesomeBlog fans remember Ben), He broke my car. Here is a quick overview of the whole ordeal: Timing belt broke. Interference engine. Bad. Expensive. Scrapped. being informed to change my timing belt a few months earlier. Moral or the story, listen to your mechanics. The silver lining with this is that I got a new car. It's name is The Phoenix. It is a 2018 Elantra. I named it that because it rose from the ashes of my old car and the color is Phoenix Orange. It is Beautiful. There is a picture on my Instagram.

I also bought a sweet camera and filmed a friends wedding. There are some quick videos I have filmed on my YouTube channel, if you wanna see what the camera can do. Filming a wedding is stressful guys, so much data at risk. But over all a great experience. Looking forward to the whole editing process. Lots to learn. Going to be fun!

I've got a busy summer coming up. Between Spikeball and work and going to camp for a few weeks and everything else a summer will throw at you. It's going to be fast paced and fun. I don't know what else I should write. If you have questions about what I am up to, shoot me a message.

Nolan Out!

Some time later

It's been almost a year since I have posted on here. It's not that I haven't wanted to but that I just haven't remembered too. And as I sit here at this tower site waiting for Dave the Rigger, a legendary creature of sorts, to come back down the tower. I figured I would kill some time, and bugs.

(Don't worry, I've emptied my queue of help desk tickets already.)

Speaking of help desk tickets. There have been some major changes in my life in the last year. For starters, last time I posted I was still working for APPless IT. I am now currently working for NetSpectrum. We provide internet to rural areas and I don't really feel like explaining how it all works here. That is why I linked the website.

And in bigger news, I bought a house! Yeah, it's basically the best and you should come visit me. I really do love living on my own. I get to poop with the door open and I don't have to vacuum every week(Sorry Mom).

Now just to clear some things up. My house is NOT a mess. There might be some dust or a little dirt on the floor, but it is quite a tidy place and you'd feel comfortable sleeping there(I have two pull out couches, come visit me). Ask anyone who has been there.

As for the food situation. I am an awesome cook. My casseroles are amazing. My breakfasts are top notch. And my BBQ is nearly perfect. Trust me. This isn't to say that I don't miss my mothers cooking, I do. But I can come in a close second, maybe third. I'll give second place to my Dad.

If you don't believe me, come visit me, and I'll prove it too you.

I know what you are all saying, and no, I am not posting any pictures. You can go to my Instagram to see pictures. @Coolool

The One About Contentness

Finally. The one you've all been waiting for... Turn with me to my biggest biblical pet peeve.

Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through him who strengthens me.".

Okay, now having a Bible verse as a pet peeve probably isn't a great thing. But hear me out. It isn't so much the verse, but the way it is used...

Do you hear that?! 

That is the sound of a Bible verse being ripped from context. This verse, Philippians 4:13, all on its own has been used as a Christian defense for attempting stupid things. Because you are a Christian, doesn't mean you will be able to run a marathon without training, you won't become a MLG COD Player with out gaming, and you won't pass that big exam at school if you don't study. God CAN do those things, but lets be honest, He won't always allow that happen if you don't put in the work.

So what does this Philippians 4:13 mean? .

Philippians 4:10-12 "I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need..."

Time for some context. Paul was writing this from prison. Prison is not a fun place to be, I think we can all agree on that. But what is Paul saying? He isn't saying that with God he would be able to break out of Prison and live a free life. Paul says that with God he is able to be content in all situations. Even the unpleasant ones. Paul is being content in prison and I find it hard to be content while being hungry for more then an hour.

Now just to be really clear, what is contentness?(I actually don't think contentness is a word, but I'm in I.T. not English.) In this passage the word "content" is used, It's the only time the Bible uses this Greek word for content, and we are told that it basically means "not needing aid in spite of external circumstances." Paul was fully trusting in God and through that he had everything he could ever need, even though he was in Prison.

Another thing I want to make clear just so we can end this with no confusion. Contentness doesn't mean being complacent or stagnant. As an example of what I mean: I currently live in my parents basement, I am single, and only work part time hours. What this verse ISN'T saying is to just accept where I am in life and do nothing. God wants us to be useful. Of course He wants our relationship with Him to be number one priority. But he also wants us to work hard, to enjoy life, and live productive lives.

The trick is to do things in God's timing. To wait for God to prepare our path, to be patient. This is the hard part. But judging by the Christians who have accomplished this task, it is so totally worth the wait. Contentness breeds patience. Or vice versa?

Well that is all I got to say. I hope you can follow my train of thought. If you can't, to bad. You'll just have to be content not knowing.

Nolan Out!

P.S. I love living at my parents house. I love my family. It's just that I am getting older and want my own space.

P.P.S If anyone knows any Christian, single, attractive females. Feel free to give them my email.

The Problem With Nolan

Recently I've been noticing a downward trend in the world. Nothing super specific, it just seems that more and more bad things seem to be happening. The world is drifting farther and farther away from God's law. Valuing things that are wrong. This sort of thing.

I have been seeing people I used to know, some of them very good friends, that have been drifting away from God. When I was younger these people used to seem like they had it all together, I was even envious of their spiritual life. But from observing their lives now, clearly, they did not have it all together, they gave up, or missed something important.

Now I know that sounds really harsh, and maybe it is. Just a little. But want to know the the worst part of this story? I sometimes look at these people and feel like I am better then them. I mean, I go to church most Sundays, I help run the sound booth, I do other things at the church.

But the truth is that I'm no better. If anything, I am worse off then these friends of mine. I wear a mask. I play a role in the musical called Church. I know my lines. I know them well. 

But when I am not at church I have hidden sins that I indulge. The ones no one sees. The ones that are best kept secret and are easy to keep, at least from most. My sins are worse, at least in my mind. I see mine as less "bad" just because mine just aren't out in the public eye.

From the outside, people think I'm doing well. I'm not. My life is a Christian roller coaster.(See previous post.) It definitely has its ups, and let me be clear, the ups are wonderful and hard work. But I get really low some times. Sure I know how to smile and keep things nice on the outside. But inside I am somewhat of a wreck.

Sorry for the depressed late night post. I really do plan on getting around to writing that post about being content. Eventually.

Here is some homework. Read Psalms 73. 

Nolan Out!

P.S. Just to lighten the mood: Why did the cookie go to the hospital? Because he felt crummy.

Consistently Inconsistent

So I have something to say. It is something new, it is something you have never heard before. Are you ready for this? Daily devotions actually help. Crazy right!?

Okay, so not mind blowing. Let me briefly explain how I came to this conclusion. I grew up in a christian home and have been told this since I was able to understand language, this is not how I came to this conclusion. You'd think I would have been smart enough to maybe figured this out log before I was 24(Wow, I am SO old). But I didn't! Because I need to learn things the hard way.

Lately I've been really trying to focus on  actually doing daily devotions. The bad news is that I am consistently inconsistent. After a day when I do my devotions I find it is much easier to withstand temptation, and sin, and my days just go WAY better. When I don't do my devotions the day isn't , what you'd call, Ideal.

I'll leave you with this:

Psalms 1:2-4 "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers;but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away."

Nolan Out!

P.S. I know I promised this post to be on being content in life, but you'll have to wait till next time, sorry!

Adulthood

I am officially 85% adult. Yup, that is right! I have a car, a job, and I am saving for a house.

But lets be "serious" for a minute. My job is going super well and I am loving it. I get to go and fix clients computer problems.(most of them I wouldn't even consider a problem, but I guess that is what happens when you've been to school to learn this stuff.) I work for a company called Jolera, and my boss has an amazing beard. Can't argue with that.

I have a car. It's a Hyundai Elantra 2007(Or the #EELantra, as I have offically named it) and in case you haven't seen it, here is a picture of it:

#Eelantra

It is an amazing piece of mechanical genius. But more importantly, I love it. I love having the freedom of being able to drive where ever I want, when ever I want to. If I want to go get a Pizza Pizza Panzerotti, I go and get one. It is that simple. Life.

Though I don't like the fact that I have to pay for insurance and gas. Good thing I have a job, eh? Money comes in and money goes out. My next big Purchase will be a house. So over the next year and a bit I will be saving all of my extra cash so that I can buy my dream house.

Then after I buy my house I'll only be 10% away from being a full adult. I need a wife for the last 10%.

Nolan Out!

Pearson International Airport

Well, this is it. I am officially back in the civilized world. I am sitting int this airport excted to be going to get back on to a real sleep scheduled. Now that is excited news!

Looking back, it's been a good run. After spending a total of  10 months fishing eels over the last 5 years, I know I am going to miss it, but as I sit here in this Toronto airport it is the last thing I ever want to do again. But I know when April rolls around next year and I realize that I will have to continue to be a real adult, I am going to be sad.

Looking forward, I am excited for hat comes next. I have a job interview Monday for what looks like a great job. Doing what I took in school no less. As well as starting my own business with Nathanael on the side. It's going to be an exciting summer and a more exciting year!

Well There is my boarding call so I got to go,

Nolan Out!

Just some whine

So this is just a quick rant session. Ready? Well, here we go.

So I am six weeks into this eel fishing thing and I hate myself. Once you get about a month in you just start hating it. It's like a light switch. One day you think you don't mind it, the next you hate it. Like a lot.

It's 7:21 AM. Most people are waking up. I am just about to go to bed. This is my life now. Will it ever end? I don't know. Likely. But it isn't coming soon enough, that's for darn sure!

On a much happier note, I went to McDonald's tonight. While waiting for the tide to go down me and Jessup(Jesse's eel name) went to get our favourite food. Plus it's his birthday, so celebration was in order. We are both satisfied... for a while.

The down side to this McDonald's run was that I wasn't hungry for Gerry's breakfast. Gerry is a wonderful man who cooks food for us. He is basically an angel.

I'm going to sleep now. Goodnight.

Nolan Out!

Eel Fishing 101

This is my fifth year being a commercial eel fishermen. You'd think after four years I'd have learned my lesson and found a new career path.

I can't talk to much about how this season is going catch wise. I have been sworn to secrecy. But what I can tell you is that I am enjoying this season a whole lot more then I did last year. Everything is running better and the attitude around here is a whole lot more upbeat.

Now normally I'm not allowed to post photos of me on the job, but this year I have some special permission. Here are a few snapshots of me and the guys working.

Jesse just using his Go-Pro

Me just holding this Eel steady for the picture

Now in case you were actually fooled by those pictures. This is not even close to what my job here in New Brunswick looks like. But wouldn't it be cool if that was what I actually did?

These are more accurate pictures showing what we do:

Except out nets look more like this:

Well that brief description of my job is all I got time for, since Sam really wants to play Towerfall and he can't do that if I am using my laptop. 

So,

Nolan Out!

My Weight Loss Campaign

So this story began around the beginning of the 2013 school year. I was working out regularly and eating decently during the entire 2013-2014 school year. I think I even lost 15lbs that year. There was much rejoicing. This put me at a normal weight of about 210lbs. Not to big and just above average.

But it all changed one day. Actually it was the day after my last exam. I jumped on a flight and headed off for a land that is full of awe(and I mean awful, not awesome.) a land where the eels flow like water and the pizza pockets are plentiful.

My fat face when I weighed 221lbs.

This was the beginning of the end. I started eating. I ate a lot. For 6-7 weeks I lived on an impressive amount of Pizza Pockets, Mr. Noodles, and the cooking of everyones favorite cook, right Sam? I was working out just enough to make me think I wasn't putting on weight. But alas, I was putting it on faster then fat kid on cake. I was the metaphorical fat kid, actually I was the literal fat kid too. I was now sitting around an impressive 221lbs.

After my time in New Brunswick came to an end things only got worse, well for my waist line. I was off to the sunny north were I would be working at Northland Bible Camp for the summer. You'd think this type of environment would be conducive in my weight loss endeavors. Sadly it was not. Those wonderful ladies who work so hard at feeding the amazing campers and staff at camp all summer do their job just a little too well. And I was putting on calories twice as fast as I could burn them off. by the end of the summer I was sitting at a large 234lbs. This is the most I have ever weighed.

During the last week of camp Devin Lawrence and Myself decided this was enough. We made a plan to lose 20lbs by Christmas. This goal seemed reasonable. #20lbsbychristmas. So we started working out at least 4 times a week. Not once needing to step foot in a gym, Why no gym you ask? Because we have a membership at the Church of Latter Day Pumps, as some have called it. Or in other words, we went to our church to perform our work outs. All we really needed was a big room. And Sudbury Bible Fellowship has such a room.

When it came to what foods we ate, well that is were I give credit to Nathanael Martin. He told us about the app MyFitnessPal. This is basically a calorie counting app. This app figured out how we should eat to lose #20lbsbychristmas. And we stuck to it, like a fat kid on cake.

MyFitnessPal

I'm part of the Sarlo family. And for those who don't know us, our last name give us magical powers that allow us to eat more food then the average hippo if we need or want to. So you could say I'm not a fan of diets, I had never really been on a diet I could stick to. I would always fail a week or two in and give up on the whole eating right idea. Working out was never my issue. But not eating food, that was and is a battle. I don't know what it was this time, maybe it was the app keeping me accountable, or maybe I just found some new will power I didn't know I could access. I stuck to this diet, and have grow to love it. I still go over from time to time. But always manage to keep it under control.

Who is this guy?

So remember that 20lbs goal we had? Well at about 3 weeks in we were already there. It was amazing the weight just fell off. It was crazy. I never really knew how much food the body really needs to survive. I know not eating enough is an issue. I get that. But I wasn't feeling tired and I always had tons of energy. So whatever I was doing was working. Once we were two months into this weight loss campaign we had lost about 30lbs. So now what? Well we changed the hashtag. Our new goal was #40lbsbychristmas. Well wouldn't you know it. We made that in about 3 more weeks. so we changed it again #50lbsbychristmas.

If your reading this and have me on facebook you'll know that I made it. I was 184lbs before December 25th. This whole experience has showed me that weight loss isn't this big complex thing. It is as simple as "burn more calories then you eat." I said this is simple. Not easy.


If you're over weight, choosing to lose weight is one of the best decision you can make. I will encourage everyone to work on being healthy. If you don't know where to start message me. I would love to let you use my workouts. Actually I'll link them at the bottom. I'm no personal trainer and I couldn't tell you very much about how the body works, but I do know that what I did works. I lost 50lbs. You can too!

Down 50lbs.

Nolan Out!

The first 8 weeks
The second 8 weeks
The last 8 weeks

I have smart friends.

I don't know if any one has started to notice my pattern. I try and make about two posts a month. It forces me to think and some people would suggest that thinking is a good thing. I tend to disagree, thinking can be painful.

Here are my thoughts:

So the other day I was having a chat with a friend the other day talking about God's will for our lives, seems to be a popular topic for me lately, we got to a point in the conversation where I said something along the lines about having a fear that I really hoped God doesn't have THIS planned for me, because that would suck. To which my friend replied with something like this...

One thing that I have been praying a lot lately is that God knows me completely. He knows my fears,  my flaws, my downfalls, my struggles, and my weaknesses. He also knows my strengths, my likes, my goals, my desires, and my needs. The beautiful thing about God is that while we can only really live in and see the here and now, he knows and can see everything.  He knows what he has planned for us and he's taken into account everything He knows about us. He wouldn't force someone into something if that is truly not something that they want. But if that is his plan, Then he would make us okay with it.

Like I said in my previous post, and something that I seemed to have forgotten since then, is that If I follow after God with everything I have in me. Then our desires will be His desires. We won't have to worry about living a life where we are going to be unhappy or discontented with our situations. God is a God who wants us to be happy and He wants to Bless us! We are going to want to please Him and what ever he gives us will make us beyond happy!

Psalms 37:4 "Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart."

Nolan out! 

Stickmen Can be Compared to Art Programs

WOAH! I can make infinite lines stretching off into space!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So. Cool.

Did you know that Cindy Brady is annoying? Exceedingly so.

My brother is playing Pandemic 2. It's where you try and kill people with a homemade disease.

I should make an amusing and slightly relevant picture to right here...

Mk. So for some reason every word I type turns into a link. The one good thing that comes from this is that I now have green text.

This is getting annoying.

Also, back to the subject of stickmen. The stickman on the left is one drawn in a raster (bitmap) art program. The one on the right is one drawn in a vector art program. Exciting stuff, huh?

Nolan says some of my posts aren't good.

He will burn for that.

*Smiley Face Emoticon*

I stayed up too...early last night.

Nooo...I don't think so.

More people should read this Awsome thing.

I need to buy a T-Shirt...

Sorry, this post isn't very good (NOLAN).

0(-.-)0

Monkey face in green.