Twice a Year Blog?

If there isn't already a concept for a twice a year blog, I feel like I've created it. You know, it's kind of like when you are supposed to go into the dentist for a check up...Every 6 months - it's time for an update with the lives of the Burkey's! Better yet, you can read this blog on your phone while getting your teeth cleaned! Woah, that blew your mind didn't it?

Well, let's go ahead and update. Let's see, when was the last time I posted....JULY?! Wow, that's a lot of updating. Time for a bulleted list? I think so.

• The kids are growing, obviously, but at an incredibly fast rate. Like, where the heck does the time go? Micah is 8 and correcting me on everything...he is even beating me at certain video games when I'm trying my hardest (yeah, he doesn't know that). He is doing wonderfully in school - like straight A's all the time. He is rocking it out in soccer. He even scored a goal! Penny is going to be 3 in a couple months. She has all of the sassiness that her Mom has, but she is still pretty laid back and goes with the flow (most of the time) like her Daddy. She is now in Mother's Day Out to get her prepared for pre-school and she is following her brother's footsteps in classroom success. I think soon she will be playing soccer - can't wait to coach her team! Even though I know nothing about soccer! Hello YouTube videos, haha. 
• Current interests of Micah: 
• Minecraft...Minecraft and some more Minecraft. This is like crack to him right now, I dunno what happened but he is completely addicted to it. 
• Skylanders, still. Oh yes, I think we have pretty much kept that company in business with our 50+ figures.
• Soccer. he is starting to look like his Uncle out there. 
• Magic: The Gathering cards. I am not living my childhood through him, I swear! Ok...maybe a little. I kind of suggested he try this out. I know it's super nerdy...but you know, he loves it, it is an advanced game that is teaching him a lot of fundementals and...he isn't in high school yet - so might as well hit this game before he is trying to get girls, right? Yeah, that's how I explained it to Brittany...haha.
• Wrestling. Not only wrestling with me, but he has started watching WWE, including going to his very first Monday Night Raw! Yeah, ladies are going to love him.
• Current interests of Penny:
• Talking. Yes, she does a lot of it. Between Brittany, Micah and Penny I don't think I get a word in most of the time.
• Coloring. She loves to sit down and color on everything. Even the walls right outside our bedroom door with chalk. 
• Anything with a touch screen. Can't tell you how many times Britt has picked up her phone to call someone, only to find her contacts are gone or her home screen is moved around...Or I'll pick up my phone/kindle and there is a layer of finger prints so thick on the screen that I need to get my window scrapper for the car...And Penny sits and watches, laughing hilariously on the inside. I know she is, I can see it in her eyes.
• Being outside. With the nice weather coming around, Penny wants to be outside all the time, playing in the backyard or just wanting to sit and watch the birds. 
• Wrestling. Not really the WWE kind, but the kind where she gets to jump on Daddy and BoBo numerous times, while she laughs to hard her face gets red and she falls over. Micah and her make a good tag-team. 
• Brittany is as amazing as she was last time I posted about her. Without her, I think our world would explode. No, I'm serious...I believe I would blow the house down trying to cook hot pockets or maybe flood the house while trying to give Penny and bath and keep Micah entertained. I have no idea how she does what she does every day with the family - on top of running her own business and diving into huge craft projects whenever she gets the itch. She is such a wonderful woman and I'm so proud to call her my wife. 
• Throughout the rest of 2012, we shot TONS of weddings and became pretty successful in the wedding photography market here in Nashville. I'm proud of the success that she has gained doing something she loves, even if the business-side of that passion can drive us crazy. 
• We just got finished helping Brooke and Raleigh coordinate, design and produce a lot of materials for their Wedding. That's right folks, they finally tied the knot! Brittany did so much work for the wedding, and I am very proud of how it turned out. 
• Coming into the 2013 wedding season, we are gaining momentum again and can't wait to spend my Saturdays with her behind the camera. 
• Current Interests of Brittany:
• Our kiddos. I think this will always be Number 1 for her. She countlessly puts them before herself and that's one of the things I love about her. Those kids are both of our lives, and she does everything she can to be the best Mommy in the world. 
• Our favorite TV shows. Game of Thrones, Walking Dead, Revolution, Supernatural, (insert countless chick-flick-esque type shows here). It's her escape in the craziness of the world. Only issue is, she jumps ahead of me on a lot of these shows...when I catch her doing it, it's like she has cheated on me. Haha. And yet...she still does it..................not.cool.
• Crafts. Brittany loves DIY projects. Brittany loves Pinterest. You put the two together and you got a monster. I'm not kidding (See Raleigh and Brooke's wedding) - check her pinterest out...there are dozens, if not hundreds of boards out there with pins...waiting for her to tackle. There are times that I absolutely despise whoever created Pinterest...I have a lot of "Honey To-Dos" because of that site.
• Church and God. It's no secret that both Brittany and I were living life without being heavily involved with church or with God. But over the past year, we have switched churches and have really found our place to get closer with God. We are lucky to say that, honestly. Brittany has really become a big part of our church, stepping into the role of Admin in their office and doing a lot of design work for them. I'm proud of her.
• What have I been into? Well, a lot really. Too much to list out here, so that's why I'll probably start a blog series catching you guys up on my en devours since my last post, in July. There's gotta be a cliffhanger here right? Haha.

Thanks for staying loyal and coming back, with my lack of posts. :)

-The Two-Dad

Life Quote #5

 "Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weakness, in insults, in hardships, in persucutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Favorite Movie of all Time: The Lord of the Rings

"I made a promise, Mr Frodo. A promise. "Don't you leave him Samwise Gamgee." And I don't mean to. I don't mean to."

Recently, Brittany, Raleigh, Brooke and I have started to watch the Lord of the Rings movies. Brittany has never seen these amazing films and we set out to show her what she was missing. She actually loves it so far, that’s how awesome my wife is. It didn’t surprise me though, since she liked movies like Harry Potter and shows like Game of Thrones.

Why have these movies become my favorites? I honestly have to say the characters. There are so many wonderful characters that you follow with multiple different storylines that all lead to the same thing. The fellowship has sworn to protect little Frodo Baggins as he treks across the world of Middle-Earth, defending against orcs and evil wizards. Who would not like this? Well, most women and men with letterman jackets, that’s who. But that isn’t surprising.

Any ways, the characters and story just leave me wanting more when the story finally concludes. Frodo, Sam, Pyp and Merry all hit special heartstrings throughout the conquest. The slow transformation from happy-go-lucky Frodo to dark-ring-possessed hobbit is one of the saddest stories in the series. Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli all bring the hardcore moments, namely Legolas who has to be the coolest of all the characters. Then, there is Gandalf, the wonderfully powerful wizard who takes on a Balrog head on screaming one of the most recognizable quotes in movie history, “YOU SHALL NOT PASS!”

Oh man, just got goose bumps.

In just about everything I watch I need great characters that I care about. Lord of the Rings is by far one of the strongest showings of characters in anything I’ve ever followed. The journey to Mordor is one of the most compelling stories told and Legolas taking out orcs with his bow made me stand up and cheer.

If you haven’t watched The Lord of the Rings yet, please take a night to try out the first movie. I know it’s not for everyone but it is definitely worth giving a try. 

Dreams Turned to an Afterthought

Ten years ago I was in high school. TEN years ago, wow. I was a fifteen year old little dude trying to be cool and getting excited about girls, driving, friends and more importantly music. I was a freshman and had been thrust into a friendship with a guy named Chris Vest. Many of you probably know the name, he is the drummer for well-known band Framing Hanley. Our friendship started in gym class with the words “Dude, nice shoes,” as he referenced the ever-sweet flames on my shoes. Oh yes, I was one of those cool kids, haha.

After conversation Chris and I realized a common interest, music. I played guitar and he played drums so it only made sense to form a band. This had been a dream of mine since I was a little kid and I watched my dad play his guitar in our basement. My dad was in a band as a teenager and he taught me everything I know on the guitar, so I wanted to follow in his footsteps.

In 2001 Chris and I were probably trying to figure out our band name, trying to find members. Nevertheless, as the years went on Chris and I finally formed a stable band named Embers Fade. My dreams of being a rockstar were even bigger now, we were playing shows and were gaining some respect from the local Nashville scene. I couldn’t picture anywhere else I would want to be when I was putting on a show on that stage.

Each show my dreams wanted more, I wanted to tour the nation, I wanted to sign that record deal. I wanted it all. But, my realistic side of my brain kept me in college…and that ended up getting in the way of the band. Basically life got in my way, and I knew that I needed to part ways with the band, as much as it killed me. It was more of a mutual departure, save for Chris who actually threatened to leave if I did. I knew I couldn’t be the reason for him leaving and missing out on such an experience so I talked him out of that.

So that was it, I was no longer a musician. I was just a college student with a part time job. I felt lost. My dreams were broken as the band progressed.

The band, some other friends and I experienced a tragedy the year I left the band. Chris’ long time girlfriend/fiancé ended up dying in a car accident, everyone was devastated. However through all the grief came a band named after her, Framing Hanley, which was a supped-up version of Embers Fade.

Within months they got signed and started touring the nation. Chris and the band continues to rock stages all over the world. He continues to live his dream – and I am in total support of him and the band. I’m glad they get to experience that, I’m glad that my issues didn’t cause Chris to miss out on all of it. I love him, think of him like a brother and hope for their continued success.

Now what about me? Well I soon realized that my dreams weren’t broken or stolen. My dreams in high school slowly started to become an afterthought. I met Brittany while struggling in college and struggling to find myself. Her and her then 2 year old son, Micah, guided me into the right direction without her evening knowing it.

Brittany and I stayed together for a while, and soon I found another band to play with. This band felt more like a family affair, and I loved playing in it. Eventually Brittany and I got married which made me realize my new dream, while being a rockstar started to become more bland. I wanted a family, I wanted to be a dad to Micah, I wanted more children, I wanted to graduate college and I wanted to start my career to start supporting my family.

It is funny how quickly your childhood dreams can fade away when you start growing up and meet certain people. The question is are your adult dreams sweeter than what you yearned for as a child. I can say with no hesitation that mine is much sweeter.

I want to thank my beautiful wife, Brittany for finding me when I needed her to. It felt as if we were meant to find each other when we did. I want to thank Chris for helping me reach what I did with Embers Fade as a kid. I hope that he continues to do well and that all of his dreams are met. Because I know that my dreams have come true as I look around at my life and at my lovely family. I love you Brittany, Micah and Penny. You are my world, my everything.

2011 New Year's Resolution: Weight Loss

Everyone's favorite resolution!

I want to get rid of the extra weight that I’ve put on over the past couple years.

Looking back at some pictures of when Brittany and I first met I noticed just how much I’ve added on. I can definitely feel it when I’m playing with Micah or trying to play flag football. I’m slower, I get winded a lot easier than I used to and overall I just feel unhealthy.

Not to mention half my clothes don’t fit correctly anymore, and I like a lot of those clothes.

So I really feel like it is time for a change. It’s time to better my body and mind, time to get back into shape. Not just for me, but for my family as corny as that sounds.

Brittany is also on board with this, I can’t speak for her but I believe she feels the same way I do.

So, maybe you are asking, “What is your goal?” Or, “How are you going to do this Mike?”

Well the answer is simple, Brittany and I are going to eat smarter, which I think is the main problem. Personally, I’m guilty of overeating at just about every meal and I’m guilty of eating a lot of junk food. Fast food is another demon I must conquer, and if I do end up at a fast food joint I must remember to eat as healthy as possible…if at all possible.

Secondly, we are going to be alternating days between some sort of cardio workout and strength training. I don’t really mind jogging outside, but cold weather kind of hinders any type of enjoyment I might receive from that. So, at least for the winter, Brittany and I are doing cardio while we play a video game. That’s right. Dance Central has a workout mode on it, it tracks how many calories you are burning and how long you have been dancing. Plus, it comes with a perk – I get to shake my white booty. Surprisingly enough it really does make me sweat and I’m a little sore from my first day of doing it.

The strength training will be done at home, using everyday essentials you can find around the house. Brittany explained most of that to me and it sounded like it would be easy enough to keep up with, however I don’t remember everything she mentioned. Tonight is the first night we do the strength training, however I might also do more cardio as well – I’m not going to lie it is fun!

Lastly, I’m going to be posting my progress on my facebook page as well as this blog. I don’t know if I’m going to do pictures yet, because I’m not sure if people want to see my hairy squishy pecs. I will do some numbers though:

Currently I weigh: 237 lbs.

I want to weigh: Between 195-205 lbs.

Wish us luck!

Challenge Day 04 - What You Ate Today

Today? Well, its early afternoon so the only thing that I’ve eaten today has been lunch. What did I have for lunch today? A yummy sandwich from Subway, a 6-inch Subway Melt with lettuce, tomato and honey mustard! MMMM it was good. I also had a bag of Sun Chips with it, harvest cheddar is way better than the original flavor.

A lot of criticism has come toward eating Subway, but I like it and I will eat it if I want to. YEAH, TAKE THAT!

Coffee, Coke and Pepsi have been my drinks of choice. WOO!

Challenge Day 03 - Your Parents

(I've fallen behind with my blog challenge, hopefully I can catch back up within the next few days.)

Jim and Sue Burkey.

Happily married for more than twenty-seven years (? sorry dunno if that is correct) and parents for almost twenty-five years.

Dad is the quiet one, but whenever he speaks it is full of knowledge or laughter. He does the funniest things and really gets me laughing when he does them. Example: Pressing the “brew” button on the tea machine in the cafeteria at work, expecting to get some more tea. However he didn’t think to check where the tea came out of and he started making a mess. The cafeteria people got mad at him for pushing the button. He does stuff like this all the time and it gets even funnier each time. Dad is a huge Redskins fan, and most of conversations consist entirely of our favorite football team. He also taught me everything I know about playing guitar – and I thank him sincerely for doing that and allowing me to experience the awesomeness of several bands.

Mom is the talkative, caring one. She is always wondering how things are and always wanting to hear about my day. She has taught me how to love and care for individuals as I grew up and has always been there for me when I need her. I don’t have many funny stories about my mom, most of the time we are laughing about something my dad did. She is a huge Aerosmith fan, and got me into loving music at a young age. Again, I thank her for this because it led to me playing guitar and experiencing the music industry shortly.

They go perfectly together and have been great examples of how a parent should raise their child. They have been one of the rare couples that have stayed married, and I applaud them for that.

Challenge Day 02 - Your First Love

Did anyone else have a girlfriend/boyfriend in kindergarten? I did. Her name was Lindsay something-another. I remember she had a twin, so I'd get her confused with her twin.

Anyways, that's not my first love, because the only love I knew at that point was in relation to my parents. But kindergarten just popped in my head...

My first love was sophomore year of high school, Beka Talbot. I think everyone in our high school knew that as well, she was one of the more popular names and I was a new face. She decided to run for homecoming queen and she needed an escort. For some reason she picked me, the pale, awkward, smile full of braces, spikey haired kid who nobody knew.

Though, this is very similar to the kindergarten situation in a way. I thought I knew what love was, and that's what I felt for Beka. I don't even think we dated for more than two months, but after we were an "item" we continued to stay friends.

She really just wanted to be friends, but I always hoped their was something more between us. She was a fun, cookey, smart, beautiful girl and I loved being her friend, but I wasted my whole high school love life hoping that we would get back together. Anyone else fall into this category?

Last I heard from her was our graduation from college, I think she was about to get engaged, but I can't remember. I hope all is well with her, because I know that things sure did for me.

Now I truly know what "love" is, even though I thought I knew what it was in HS. Brittany is my love, and I thank her for her allowing me to experience that feeling everyday. I don't know how I'd survive without her in my life. Dreamteam forever.

Challenge Day 01 - Introduce Yourself

My name is Mike Burkey, I'm a month away from my 25th birthday. Geez, that age looks strange to me...just realized I'm a forth of a century old. I have a beautiful wife, Brittany, who I've been married to for a little over two years now. I have a five (almost six) year old step-son, Micah, who is full of energy and adventure. He is also the smartest little kid I've ever met. I have a gorgeous 3 month old daughter, Penny, who is a bundle of joy and is growing bigger every day.

I work for a company called Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) as a Web Content Editor for their East and West Florida divisions. Oddly enough I work out of HCA's corporate campus in Nashville, TN. Oh, the beauty of technology. I graduated from Western Kentucky University with a bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Studies with an Emphasis in Technology. Though, I changed majors twice - started in journalism, then switched to advertising, then switched to IS.

I have a lot of interests, sometimes I feel like I have too much to really fit into my day. I'm a homebody, I love just sitting at home with my family and spending time with them. I love the NFL, it's probably my biggest obsession. I love watching TV shows and actually think they are better than watching movies now. ABC's Lost is my favorite show ever, however it finished earlier this year so it has been rough trying to replace it.

I'm a creative person, I love writing (obviously) even though I'm not the best at it. I love graphic design and web design. I love playing my guitar and song writing. I love music in general and my musical tastes have changed a lot over the past few years. I love doing video work, producing and editing, and can't wait to get more into that soon.

I'm not a MAC person I own a PC. Nor do I have an iPhone, I have an Android HTC Hero. I own a Xbox 360, not a PS3. I definitely like Pepsi better than Coke. Root Beer has been my drink of choice lately. Halloween and Christmas are my favorite holidays. I'm not a very religions person but that is beginning to change. I'm not very interested in politics either, so looks like you won't have any controversial conversations with me in the future. My favorite food is Chicken Cordon Bleu and my favorite dessert is Cheesecake. UMMMMMMMM I think that's about all I can think about. If anyone has any questions just let me know!