Sahara Shape

Two posts in one weekend, kids. Try to control the excitement.

Couple of things before I turn this over to Shannon.

Rosie and Julia, thank you--what a great thing you did. Amy and Shannon were just so proud and honored. Big tears all around.

I believe Rick's new album is called Venus in Overdrive. It's coming out next month; mine is reserved on Amazon.com. What are you waiting for? And hey, if any of you are planning to see Rick on Long Island this summer, let me know.

And now, Shannon has important things to say:

Sahara Shape

Hey, y’all. Well, today is Father’s Day, and there have been ups and downs. I want to wish my Pop, Darrell Prim, a Happy Father’s Day. I love you, man.

I’d like to thank everyone who has bought a shirt over the last month - shirt sales are strong and I hope they continue. Yesterday Amy and I went out to MVTH for their first annual horse show. We got to see all the riders and trainers, and they are truly doing some amazing things. When you see those kids smile when they are riding, it proves what MVTH is all about. You’ve got to check out their updated website at www.semohorsetherapy.org. Sahara’s on the front page!!!

One of the things I’ve begun notice over the last few months is that the number 21 is everywhere. Seems like I run into it almost every day. I like to think this is Sahara saying “hey” to me. I also think she says “hey” to several friends who are also noticing the number 21. So if you see that number, she’s saying hi to you too.

In May of 2006, I was overweight and decided to lose 50 pounds. One of the reasons I did this was because Sahara was in such great shape. But then in July, she got sick. You can’t even believe how fast weight falls off when you have a sick child. I ended up losing 121 pounds and 21% of my body fat. I now work out 6 days a week, three days on cardio and three days on strength training. This is hard work but it is worth it, because what I call it is “Sahara Shape.” I want to be in as good of shape as she was. So if anyone out there reads this and needs the motivation to get in shape, tell yourself you want to be in Sahara Shape. Maybe that will help make it a little easier.

See ya,
Shannon

Flies

Oh no, it hasn't really been nearly a month since we popped our heads up to say hello, has it? Tempus fugit, my Latin teacher used to say, and back then, I'd sit in class, staring out at the waving grass, frisbees whizzing by in the air, dogs yapping along bicycles, barking at the spokes, and I'd think "Not in this class, it doesn't."

Well, it does now. Amy and I have both been super busy at work lately, and now that summer weather is here, we're both spending time admiring the roses and floating away in our pools. She and Shannon are well; and we're all good here in New York, after a couple of scary moments.

For those of you celebrating father's day tomorrow, make it meaningful in Shannon's honor. I know we pick on Shannon here now and then (and he secretly loves it, I'll bet) but the one unwavering thing I can tell you about him is this: the man is an exemplary father. He gave Sahara such a powerful start in life--running alongside her for every step, giving his full A-game. That's how it should be done.

This is a man who won't look back and say "I wish I had____________." So follow his lead. Talk with them, play with them, read with them, pray with them--and love those kids with everything you've got.