As this week's weigh-in quickly approaches, it occurs to me that I never celebrated after hitting my 300-pound milestone last week. Actually, I did celebrate a bit, just not through the blog. At any rate, I hit 297 last Saturday, which put me down 49 pounds! I would assume by this point in the week, I have eclipsed the 50 pound mark and I am more motivated than ever. My workout routine and healthy eating has become so much a part of my day that I don't even think about it. It's as normal and routine as anything else, and I continue to be very excited about it. Case and point: a friend of mine asked me to join his fantasy baseball league this year and the draft was held Wednesday evening at a bar in Waverly. Since we began at 5:00 p.m., that meant I would eat supper at the bar, and I don't need to tell you what kind of a menu I had to choose from. Greasy burgers, fried pork sandwiches, tall beers, etc. With all of this tempting me, I stayed true and ate a beef fajita salad, and washed it down with a couple of diet Mountain Dews and some water It tasted fantastic, and I felt a heck of a lot better than I would have had I wrapped my lips around a fat cheeseburger and guzzled a few beers! For the record, my buddy has been working hard to get in shape and shed a few pounds as well. He had the salad and nixed the beer, too. Congrats, Alex!
And props to my beautiful wife, Mandi! She is closing in quickly on her goal weight, and continues to look and feel great. Mandi had the opportunity to visit and spend the day with her sister, Bridget, in Grand Island yesterday, and came home with a brand new wardrobe full of clothes her sister could no longer wear. Bridget has lost quite a bit of weight, too, but is built smaller than Mandi. So, she had lots of clothes that no longer fit her but were perfect for Mandi. I'm incredibly proud of her, and she continues to be my inspiration!
And congrats to all of the folks who are continuing to strive to live healthier lives. I know it's not an easy task, as I have attested to in the past. You are to be commended, and I wish you all the best as you continue to work for the next level! Take it one step at a time, be smart about it, don't give up, and you will get there!
Friday, March 30, 2007
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
A Tribute
Wow, do I love this time of year! I'm sitting at my computer with the window open next to me, listening to the birds and enjoying the sweet smell of Spring and all of its beauty. Nevermind that the flower gardens need tending, the grass needs raked and will soon need to be mowed, the veggie garden needs tilling and seeds planted, the lawn mower needs its annual tune-up, and the Spring to-do list continues to expand. Right now, none of that matters as the warmer weather, sunshine, and budding trees have eclipsed any pessimistic grumblings. Just the very thought of having a Spring to-do list only invites anticipation of deck parties, bar-b-ques, and backyard swimming extravaganzas. Even the realization that Nebraska probably still has at least one of her usual mid-Spring wintry blasts scheduled to wreak havoc on the new growth, doesn't do much to squelch the excitement.
In the wake of all of this new life, my thoughts turn to my Grandma who went home to walk with God this last Sunday. At 95 years old, she lived an incredibly beautiful life, evidenced by the constant smile she wore on her face. I would be hard pressed to recall a moment when Grandma wasn't smiling. She taught us to laugh and love, she taught us selflessness, and she taught us to foster and embrace our spirituality. There was never a verbal lesson, and yet she had so much to say just through her actions and her love for God. Even in her final days, when she seemingly struggled to understand us or sometimes even recognize us, her smile never left, her laugh rarely ceased, and the twinkle in her green eyes never dulled.
And so it only seems natural that Grandma would wait until this time of year to go home. For even in death, she is still teaching. The lesson? While her earthly life as ended, her spiritual life is reborn and has only just begun to bloom. While I look out my window to witness the wonderful and beautiful creation of God, I see Grandma's lesson in each new bud on the trees, in each new flower bursting from the ground, in each blade of grass as it turns to green. I hear her piano in the songs of the birds and the soft rhythm of raindrops landing on the roof, and I witness her storytelling in the buzzing of bees and soft Spring breezes. Grandma surrounds us with her love through the continuous and never-ending process of life, death, and resurrection.
God-speed, Grandma, and I'll be sure and save you a seat at the bar-b-que!
In the wake of all of this new life, my thoughts turn to my Grandma who went home to walk with God this last Sunday. At 95 years old, she lived an incredibly beautiful life, evidenced by the constant smile she wore on her face. I would be hard pressed to recall a moment when Grandma wasn't smiling. She taught us to laugh and love, she taught us selflessness, and she taught us to foster and embrace our spirituality. There was never a verbal lesson, and yet she had so much to say just through her actions and her love for God. Even in her final days, when she seemingly struggled to understand us or sometimes even recognize us, her smile never left, her laugh rarely ceased, and the twinkle in her green eyes never dulled.
And so it only seems natural that Grandma would wait until this time of year to go home. For even in death, she is still teaching. The lesson? While her earthly life as ended, her spiritual life is reborn and has only just begun to bloom. While I look out my window to witness the wonderful and beautiful creation of God, I see Grandma's lesson in each new bud on the trees, in each new flower bursting from the ground, in each blade of grass as it turns to green. I hear her piano in the songs of the birds and the soft rhythm of raindrops landing on the roof, and I witness her storytelling in the buzzing of bees and soft Spring breezes. Grandma surrounds us with her love through the continuous and never-ending process of life, death, and resurrection.
God-speed, Grandma, and I'll be sure and save you a seat at the bar-b-que!
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
More on Workouts
Since my last few words regarding exercise and taking time to include 30 minutes per day of aerobic activity, I've had a few questions about what I do for a routine, as well as some requests for ideas. Before I get to those answers, I just want to reiterate that I am only passing along these ideas because I am excited about the plan and because it has been such a personal accomplishment for me. If there are others who are reading this and are facing, or have faced, similar needs to shed some pounds, then I want to be of any assistance I can by revealing some of the methods that have worked for me. Whether one is trying to lose weight, eat healthier, become more fit, or just tone up and add some muscle, it can be difficult because it is a change from the norm. If I can assist others in their endeavors, then I can feel all the better about what I am doing.
Also, I am well aware that the plan I am following and using is by no means the only way to change to a healthier lifestyle. There are many, many other methods and plans that work wonders. I am only passing on some of the basics of my plan because I have had success with them. And finally, it dawned on me a few days ago that the very book/plan I am using is titled You On A Diet, The Owner's Manual for Waist Management. Doh! I've been steering clear of using the word diet, and you can read why here. Well, what can I say? Regardless of the title, it's still a great book, full of sound and useful advice.
Okay, my routine....Mandi and I use a video called Walk Away the Pounds by Leslie Sansone. We bought the 3-DVD set, which includes a 1, 2, and 3-mile walk. You can bank on each mile taking about 15 minutes, and since Mandi and I have worked our way up to the 3-mile jaunt, our aerobics workout is about 45 minutes each day. There is also some upper-body exercises included in the workout, with the use of weight balls. You can check it out on the website, but I just went to Wal-Mart and bought some cheapy 5-pound dumbbells, which work just fine. During the 3-mile workout, she instructs you to grab the weights at about the 1.5-mile mark, and uses them for about a mile. In addition to all of this, I go through a 20-minute muscle-building workout included in You On A Diet, The Owner's Manual for Waist Management, by Dr.'s Oz and Roizen, and I do that every other day. So, on the days I do the muscle-building workout, I follow the walking video exactly. On the days I don't do the muscle workout, I use the weights all the way through the video. Clear as mud? I've also been riding my bike to work, which is about 7 miles round-trip.
Now, that is much more than is really needed, and I only do that much because I have worked up to it and am physically able to do it. I also love biking and being outside, and now that it's a bit warmer, it's a prime opportunity to enjoy a little sunshine. Oh, and my truck broke down recently and I really didn't have any other way of getting to work. There is that little factor. That said, the truck is running again but I'm continuing on two wheels because I'm frickin' tired of paying ridiculous gas prices. 'Nuff said.
Also, I am well aware that the plan I am following and using is by no means the only way to change to a healthier lifestyle. There are many, many other methods and plans that work wonders. I am only passing on some of the basics of my plan because I have had success with them. And finally, it dawned on me a few days ago that the very book/plan I am using is titled You On A Diet, The Owner's Manual for Waist Management. Doh! I've been steering clear of using the word diet, and you can read why here. Well, what can I say? Regardless of the title, it's still a great book, full of sound and useful advice.
Okay, my routine....Mandi and I use a video called Walk Away the Pounds by Leslie Sansone. We bought the 3-DVD set, which includes a 1, 2, and 3-mile walk. You can bank on each mile taking about 15 minutes, and since Mandi and I have worked our way up to the 3-mile jaunt, our aerobics workout is about 45 minutes each day. There is also some upper-body exercises included in the workout, with the use of weight balls. You can check it out on the website, but I just went to Wal-Mart and bought some cheapy 5-pound dumbbells, which work just fine. During the 3-mile workout, she instructs you to grab the weights at about the 1.5-mile mark, and uses them for about a mile. In addition to all of this, I go through a 20-minute muscle-building workout included in You On A Diet, The Owner's Manual for Waist Management, by Dr.'s Oz and Roizen, and I do that every other day. So, on the days I do the muscle-building workout, I follow the walking video exactly. On the days I don't do the muscle workout, I use the weights all the way through the video. Clear as mud? I've also been riding my bike to work, which is about 7 miles round-trip.
Now, that is much more than is really needed, and I only do that much because I have worked up to it and am physically able to do it. I also love biking and being outside, and now that it's a bit warmer, it's a prime opportunity to enjoy a little sunshine. Oh, and my truck broke down recently and I really didn't have any other way of getting to work. There is that little factor. That said, the truck is running again but I'm continuing on two wheels because I'm frickin' tired of paying ridiculous gas prices. 'Nuff said.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Bittersweetness
Ah, Happy belated St. Patty's Day, laddies! I had begun typing a post on the morning of the Irish holiday, and had planned to finish upon my return home from work. But, alas! For whatever technical reason, the site would not allow me to publish the post. Thus, my little green greetings are belated. Nevertheless, we had a grand ol' Irish time on Saturday! After the usual Saturday morning pancakes, I set to work on a green coffee cake for Mandi's forthcoming Mary Kay bash that morning, and Mandi whipped a little green punch using Sprite and green, lime-flavored sherbet. A tasty endeavor, indeed! We completed the ensemble with a few clover-shaped cookies, and our tribute to the leprechaun was complete!
But I didn't come here to tell you that today.
What I did intend to mention was our most recent progress in our declared war on fat. Mandi and I are continuing to be successful with our lifestyle changes, and have begun to realize just how much our routines have become an integral part of our daily lives. The more we trim off the fat, the more motivated we are becoming, and we now look forward to our daily exercise. Another interesting phenomenon has occurred as well; when tempted with satanic morsels of baked perfection, or evil bits of luscious chocolate, we are finding it easier and easier to "just say no." Having read the book I have discussed in previous posts, You On A Diet, The Owner's Manual for Waist Management, we now realize just what happens from a biological perspective when a person eats some of the yummy, but not-so-good foods. Becoming armed with this information makes it so much easier to turn the temptations away!
All of that said, Mandi is now down 29 pounds and is just 4 away from her Weight Watcher's goal weight. The bittersweet moment I alluded to in the title to this post came when I stepped on the scale Saturday morning. I anticipated all week the glorious feeling of watching the scale dip below 300 pounds for the first time in a couple of years, but to no avail. I did lose another 3.6 pounds for a total of just over 44, but came just over 1 pound shy of experiencing said feeling. Of course, I know I was shooting for the stars to try to lose over 5 pounds in a week, and I am more than happy to take the loss I did have, and will be thrilled when I eclipse the 300-pound mark next week! Here I come!!
Well now, I have just revealed my current weight (provided you can do just a bit of math) and it's kind of embarrassing. But how good will I feel when I reach my goal weight (which I haven't really determined yet) and can tell y'all I made it?!?! I'm pouring my fears onto you and opening up, dear reader, and thanks for reading/listening/understanding/supporting!
Alright, I seem to be rambling, so will close with one of those little diet tips I promised to provide in future postings. Adapted from the aforementioned book by Dr.'s Oz and Roizen; 30 minutes of aerobics per day, no excuses! You can't possibly imagine what an amazing affect this has on your body, both physically and mentally. In order to change your lifestyle for the better, you just have to include an element of exercise. 30 minutes per day isn't much to ask when you consider you are taking care of yourself, so just do it. You don't even have to do it all at once - if you need up to three sessions of ten minutes a pop, fine. Just get it done, and I promise, you'll be happy you did. GO FOR IT!!!!
But I didn't come here to tell you that today.
What I did intend to mention was our most recent progress in our declared war on fat. Mandi and I are continuing to be successful with our lifestyle changes, and have begun to realize just how much our routines have become an integral part of our daily lives. The more we trim off the fat, the more motivated we are becoming, and we now look forward to our daily exercise. Another interesting phenomenon has occurred as well; when tempted with satanic morsels of baked perfection, or evil bits of luscious chocolate, we are finding it easier and easier to "just say no." Having read the book I have discussed in previous posts, You On A Diet, The Owner's Manual for Waist Management, we now realize just what happens from a biological perspective when a person eats some of the yummy, but not-so-good foods. Becoming armed with this information makes it so much easier to turn the temptations away!
All of that said, Mandi is now down 29 pounds and is just 4 away from her Weight Watcher's goal weight. The bittersweet moment I alluded to in the title to this post came when I stepped on the scale Saturday morning. I anticipated all week the glorious feeling of watching the scale dip below 300 pounds for the first time in a couple of years, but to no avail. I did lose another 3.6 pounds for a total of just over 44, but came just over 1 pound shy of experiencing said feeling. Of course, I know I was shooting for the stars to try to lose over 5 pounds in a week, and I am more than happy to take the loss I did have, and will be thrilled when I eclipse the 300-pound mark next week! Here I come!!
Well now, I have just revealed my current weight (provided you can do just a bit of math) and it's kind of embarrassing. But how good will I feel when I reach my goal weight (which I haven't really determined yet) and can tell y'all I made it?!?! I'm pouring my fears onto you and opening up, dear reader, and thanks for reading/listening/understanding/supporting!
Alright, I seem to be rambling, so will close with one of those little diet tips I promised to provide in future postings. Adapted from the aforementioned book by Dr.'s Oz and Roizen; 30 minutes of aerobics per day, no excuses! You can't possibly imagine what an amazing affect this has on your body, both physically and mentally. In order to change your lifestyle for the better, you just have to include an element of exercise. 30 minutes per day isn't much to ask when you consider you are taking care of yourself, so just do it. You don't even have to do it all at once - if you need up to three sessions of ten minutes a pop, fine. Just get it done, and I promise, you'll be happy you did. GO FOR IT!!!!
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Salvaging Clarity From Confusion
We here in L-Town are fortunate to have one of the best columnists I've ever had the pleasure of reading. Dr. Leon Satterfield is a retired English professor, who, as he says at the end of each column, "writes to salvage clarity from his confusion." Whether I agree or disagree with him, he is a pleasure to read, and I only wish he appeared more than once a week. The following is now my attempt at salvaging some clarity from my confusion.
A few weeks ago, Satterfield discussed the proposed plans to build George Dub's Presidential Library on the campus of Southern Methodist University. This has caused quite a stir amongst several SMU faculty members, who feel Dub's presidential reign has fallen well short of both Methodist values and the kind of values represented by an academic institution. In response, the faculty has begun circulating a petition and thus far, have succeeded in recruiting many Methodist powers-that-be, including bishops, clergy, and even church members. You can have a look-see for yourself at the following address: http://www.protectsmu.org/
Satterfield makes no bones about his dislike for G-Dub and his policies, and based on his column, he seems to be applauding the efforts of the SMU faculty. While I understand the argument of the faculty and the Methodist folks who have thus far signed the petition, I'm not so sure I agree with it. I'm not a big George W. Bush fan, either, but I have respect for him and his position. I have to believe, because I don't think I have any other choice, that his decision to declare war came from a basic instinct to protect the country he was charged with protecting. I also believe G-Dub made his decision based on available evidence at the time, and based on his conservative Christian beliefs. Mr. Bush truly felt he was making the best possible decision based on the circumstances at hand.
It seems to me that the anti-Bush Library people ought to adopt a more accepting attitude. Heck, even the Methodist slogan states, "Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors." The SMU faculty and the Methodist officials who've climbed on board the petition seem to have closed their hearts, minds, and doors. Maybe Bush's policies and his presidency aren't quite in line with the Methodist teaching, per se, but I have to think that the best way to represent what Christianity encompasses is to welcome Bush with open arms, give him a hug, pat him on the back, and say, "Hey, you did the best you could based on the information you had, and thanks for taking the helm, brother."
Thoughts? (And, if you were wondering, I'm not sure I've salvaged a damn thing. I believe I actually write just to spill my thoughts, and hope that enough people feel compelled to comment such that I can then begin to salvage some clarity from my confusion. Clear?)
A few weeks ago, Satterfield discussed the proposed plans to build George Dub's Presidential Library on the campus of Southern Methodist University. This has caused quite a stir amongst several SMU faculty members, who feel Dub's presidential reign has fallen well short of both Methodist values and the kind of values represented by an academic institution. In response, the faculty has begun circulating a petition and thus far, have succeeded in recruiting many Methodist powers-that-be, including bishops, clergy, and even church members. You can have a look-see for yourself at the following address: http://www.protectsmu.org/
Satterfield makes no bones about his dislike for G-Dub and his policies, and based on his column, he seems to be applauding the efforts of the SMU faculty. While I understand the argument of the faculty and the Methodist folks who have thus far signed the petition, I'm not so sure I agree with it. I'm not a big George W. Bush fan, either, but I have respect for him and his position. I have to believe, because I don't think I have any other choice, that his decision to declare war came from a basic instinct to protect the country he was charged with protecting. I also believe G-Dub made his decision based on available evidence at the time, and based on his conservative Christian beliefs. Mr. Bush truly felt he was making the best possible decision based on the circumstances at hand.
It seems to me that the anti-Bush Library people ought to adopt a more accepting attitude. Heck, even the Methodist slogan states, "Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors." The SMU faculty and the Methodist officials who've climbed on board the petition seem to have closed their hearts, minds, and doors. Maybe Bush's policies and his presidency aren't quite in line with the Methodist teaching, per se, but I have to think that the best way to represent what Christianity encompasses is to welcome Bush with open arms, give him a hug, pat him on the back, and say, "Hey, you did the best you could based on the information you had, and thanks for taking the helm, brother."
Thoughts? (And, if you were wondering, I'm not sure I've salvaged a damn thing. I believe I actually write just to spill my thoughts, and hope that enough people feel compelled to comment such that I can then begin to salvage some clarity from my confusion. Clear?)
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Freezin' For A Reason, Take II
Yesterday was the second attempt at the Polar Plunge to benefit the Special Olympics, and it was a big success! The temperature was a balmy 50 degrees at Plunge time, which took some of the luster from the "Polar" element of the event. Nevertheless, the water was bone-chilling cold which made for quite the icy dip. Thanks to all of you who donated your hard-earned funds, I raised a total of $580. The grand total from the entire group was nearly $25,000! What a fantastic donation to Special Olympics!!
I would also like to extend my gratitude to those of you who provided moral support and encouragement, and especially those who made the sacrifice and effort to witness the event in person. Those folks include Mike Mobley, who drove from Omaha just for this event; Jeff and Laura Cadwallader; my beautiful wife Mandi and our kids Kaedyn, Madilyn, and Korynne; my brother Chris and sister-in-law Kristin, and their kids Alicen and Ethan; and my wonderful and supportive Mom, Linda. You are all beautiful people!
As promised, I've included a few pictures of the event. I warn you, however - the images below are not for the weak-of-stomach or faint-of-heart. Please don't hate me or judge me after what you are about to witness. I'm only a guy trying to further a worthy cause, but in the process, was held against my will and forced to don the items you are about to see. Oh, the humanity....
I would also like to extend my gratitude to those of you who provided moral support and encouragement, and especially those who made the sacrifice and effort to witness the event in person. Those folks include Mike Mobley, who drove from Omaha just for this event; Jeff and Laura Cadwallader; my beautiful wife Mandi and our kids Kaedyn, Madilyn, and Korynne; my brother Chris and sister-in-law Kristin, and their kids Alicen and Ethan; and my wonderful and supportive Mom, Linda. You are all beautiful people!
As promised, I've included a few pictures of the event. I warn you, however - the images below are not for the weak-of-stomach or faint-of-heart. Please don't hate me or judge me after what you are about to witness. I'm only a guy trying to further a worthy cause, but in the process, was held against my will and forced to don the items you are about to see. Oh, the humanity....
These are shots of the Lincoln Fire Department's Dive and Water Rescue Team. Their rig is pictured on the left, with Smokey the Bear standing next to it. On the right, two of the team members are sitting on the ice awaiting the beginning of the plunge. Just in front of them is the flag we were to swim out to, which was approximately 20 yards from shore. Behind them is all ice! Fire department personnel actually went out on Thursday and used chainsaws and axes to chop away the ice so we had a place to enter the lake.
Shots of me before the Plunge. We called our team Hawaii 9-1-1. It's hard to see, but I am wearing a coconut bra and earrings. Did I just admit to that??
Me with my two co-plungers/workers. Notice the back of our shirts, labeled 9-1-1. From left to right; Sarah Kate Sandquist, Shelly Becker, and yours truly. Ain't we cute?
Yes, we really did it. Hawaii 9-1-1 is in the water at Holmes Lake on March 10th, 2007! In the left picture, Sarah Kate is on the left, Shelly is in the pink wig in the middle, and I'm on the right. In the picture on the right, Sarah Kate is circling the flag on the left side of the picture, I'm swimming back to shore in the middle, and Shelly is waiting to give me my hat which floated off after I dove in.
Post-plunge photo. Dripping wet, pretty darn cold, but feeling good about our accomplishments! Again, you can't tell, but I lost my sunglasses and earrings when I dove into the water. Holmes Lake now has permanent evidence that I was there.
Again, thanks to all who made this possible, and I'm looking forward to doing it again next year!
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Interwoven Threads
A good friend from college posted on his blog today about a company which is just beginning to get off the ground. The company is called Interwoven Threads, and I strongly encourage you to check them out by clicking on the link. In a nutshell, they sell t-shirts designed by emerging fashion artists, and for every shirt they sell, they give one to someone who is in need. What a great idea/concept! It warms my heart to think and know there are good folks in our world who are socially-conscious, and are doing what they can to help those who might need a hand or two.
Because the company is brand new, they aren't quite set up to take online sales yet, though the website boasts this feature will be coming soon. I was only able to find a couple of different styles for men thus far, and I did not look at the women's selections. I'm betting as the company grows, more options will be available. Still, they have to start somewhere and I hope you will take a few minutes to bounce around the site and learn more. As I understand it, you can email them to order a shirt, then pay for it once they are able to accept online sales. Or if you have further questions, drop them an e-line.
I wish the company and all who are involved the best of luck!
Because the company is brand new, they aren't quite set up to take online sales yet, though the website boasts this feature will be coming soon. I was only able to find a couple of different styles for men thus far, and I did not look at the women's selections. I'm betting as the company grows, more options will be available. Still, they have to start somewhere and I hope you will take a few minutes to bounce around the site and learn more. As I understand it, you can email them to order a shirt, then pay for it once they are able to accept online sales. Or if you have further questions, drop them an e-line.
I wish the company and all who are involved the best of luck!
Sunday, March 4, 2007
35 Years Young
Saturday marked another year that I was blessed to celebrate my existence, and after I laid my head on my pillow at the end of the day, I began to think about how much my birthday celebrations have evolved. It was only a few years ago that I remember barely being able to walk out of the bar after turning 30. Just five years later, such a celebration is the furthest thing from my mind and I wouldn't have it any other way. In fact, I had only planned on a couple of special activities with Mandi and the kids, which was more than enough of a celebration for me. We were going to have pizza for lunch, then the fam was going to bring ice cream down to work and hang out for awhile. The events that actually took place that day went far beyond my expectations, and made for one of the most memorable birthdays yet.
First, Mandi allowed me to sleep in until 8:00 (yes, that is sleeping in when you have kiddos!), which was a nice surprise. I awoke and started a pot of coffee brewing, and began whipping up the usual Saturday-morning pancakes for breakfast, while Mandi left for her Weight Watchers meeting. As the kids and I enjoyed our homemade pancakes, I began to realize what a beautiful, sun-filled, blue-sky day it was becoming. Remembering Kaedyn's many requests to go sledding this winter, I decided to polish off the old Radio Flyer and get out Kaedyn's plastic saucer sled, and we were going to hit the slopes! Once Mandi got home, we dressed Kaedyn and Madilyn in multiple layers of clothes (I'm was reminded of the scene in "A Christmas Story" when the little boy was unable to put his arms down because he wore so many layers of clothes) and loaded into the ol' v-6-drawn sleigh with 2 sliding doors on either side and were off to enjoy the greatest of winter activities. I've not had that much fun in quite some time! We tumbled, we laughed, we raced, we laughed, we climbed the hill to do it all again, and then we laughed some more. I felt like a kid again, regardless of the fact I was turning another year older.
During this time, I received two phone calls, one from my mother-in-law and one from a dear friend, wishing me a happy birthday. It was wonderful to be remembered, and a joy to talk to both of them. The kids and I returned home for some hot cocoa, then we ate our pizza. I received a new pair of Husker wind pants, and a new Husker t-shirt from Mandi and the kids, and then we played some more. It finally came time for me to go to work, but the fun wasn't over...one of my coworkers bought me Chinese for supper, and all of them chipped in for cake and ice cream. Both of my brothers called while I was working, and left birthday greetings on my voicemail. Then Mandi and the kids came down after their supper with Cold Stone ice cream, and hung out for quite awhile. In addition, Mandi brought a card and CD from the same friend who had called earlier in the day, as he had stopped by the house to drop it off while I was at work. That was completely unexpected, and a wonderful addition to an already fantastic day!
It was a memorable birthday, thanks to the genuine love of my family and friends, and the opportunity to act and feel 35 years young!
First, Mandi allowed me to sleep in until 8:00 (yes, that is sleeping in when you have kiddos!), which was a nice surprise. I awoke and started a pot of coffee brewing, and began whipping up the usual Saturday-morning pancakes for breakfast, while Mandi left for her Weight Watchers meeting. As the kids and I enjoyed our homemade pancakes, I began to realize what a beautiful, sun-filled, blue-sky day it was becoming. Remembering Kaedyn's many requests to go sledding this winter, I decided to polish off the old Radio Flyer and get out Kaedyn's plastic saucer sled, and we were going to hit the slopes! Once Mandi got home, we dressed Kaedyn and Madilyn in multiple layers of clothes (I'm was reminded of the scene in "A Christmas Story" when the little boy was unable to put his arms down because he wore so many layers of clothes) and loaded into the ol' v-6-drawn sleigh with 2 sliding doors on either side and were off to enjoy the greatest of winter activities. I've not had that much fun in quite some time! We tumbled, we laughed, we raced, we laughed, we climbed the hill to do it all again, and then we laughed some more. I felt like a kid again, regardless of the fact I was turning another year older.
During this time, I received two phone calls, one from my mother-in-law and one from a dear friend, wishing me a happy birthday. It was wonderful to be remembered, and a joy to talk to both of them. The kids and I returned home for some hot cocoa, then we ate our pizza. I received a new pair of Husker wind pants, and a new Husker t-shirt from Mandi and the kids, and then we played some more. It finally came time for me to go to work, but the fun wasn't over...one of my coworkers bought me Chinese for supper, and all of them chipped in for cake and ice cream. Both of my brothers called while I was working, and left birthday greetings on my voicemail. Then Mandi and the kids came down after their supper with Cold Stone ice cream, and hung out for quite awhile. In addition, Mandi brought a card and CD from the same friend who had called earlier in the day, as he had stopped by the house to drop it off while I was at work. That was completely unexpected, and a wonderful addition to an already fantastic day!
It was a memorable birthday, thanks to the genuine love of my family and friends, and the opportunity to act and feel 35 years young!
Thursday, March 1, 2007
And Finally
Update: Well folks, I've been talking a lot about my theories on how to be successful when choosing to take on a healthier lifestyle, and I've got just one more piece to add to the foundation. Before I get to that, however, I thought I would let you know where I'm at with the weight-loss efforts. I weighed in this morning, and am now down 36 pounds. I'm feeling better, I'm getting into clothes I haven't been able to wear in a long time, and my confidence is growing that this plan will work long-term. Mandi is doing very well, too - she continues to drop the weight and is now the lightest she's been since she was pregnant with Madilyn. Between the two of us, we have dropped an amount of weight equivelant to Kaedyn - almost 62 pounds! When I started, it seemed getting under 300 pounds was going to be nearly impossible, but I'm only 10 pounds away, now. Here I come!!!
Now, onto the final installment. This one sort of ties everything together, and is really the central part in building the foundation I've suggested. I believe in order to be successful with weightloss (or anything else in life, for that matter) you have to be 100% committed. That seems rather obvious, but how many times do we only think about doing something and as a result, only give it half an effort, at least until we decide we're sold on it. This line of thinking seems especially true when it comes to changing any habit. In this case, it's healthy eating/living. In order to be successful, I believe you have to decide you are going to give it every effort, and then follow through. Half-assing it, in this case, won't cut it. Bill Phillips, author of Body For Life, spent one of the first chapters in his book discussing this very idea. He called it "crossing the abyss." The abyss being that vastness of uncertainty when it comes to making a concrete decision to change your lifestyle. If you pick a plan and give it a fair shot, and it doesn't work, find another one. But don't bounce from plan to plan only giving each a small effort, or you will fail altogether. I firmly believe in that theory.
One of my close friends recently decided he wanted to learn how to play the guitar. He spent a few months going back and forth with it, but finally the desire to play became so overwhelming that he said to himself, "I'm going to buy a guitar, an amp, and I'm going to learn how to play it. Period." He changed his life to meet the needs of practice, a weekly lesson, and he is now well on his way to being the next Jimi Hendrix! You have to find that deep, overwhelming desire to change, and you have to keep that desire and let it lead you through your changes, and you have to be fair to yourself and your chances at changing by giving it 100%!!!
At the risk of writing a novel here, allow me to quickly recap what I have come up with as a foundation to changing your eating and exercise habits. First, NO DIETS!!! Diets suck, they don't last very long, and they are too negative. Make a lifestyle change, and feed your body what it needs to become an efficient, fat-burning machine. Second, absolutely no doing this for anyone else but YOURSELF!! It's your body, it's your life, and no one else should care about it nearly as much as you. Making these changes for anyone else but yourself is a recipe for failure. Third, go into this knowing and understanding that YOU WILL MAKE MISTAKES!!! And that's okay. Really. Make your mistake and move on, as dwelling on it will only prove to be more detrimental than the mistake itself. And finally, GO BABY GO!!! Make the decision to change your life, and don't look back. Give it everything you've got, and when you run out of muster, reach deep down inside and find some more. There have been times when I've been working out at 11:30 at night because I haven't had any other time to do it. I'd love to just call it a day and crash, but I've crossed the abyss and made the decision to change my life, no excuses. Just do it.
There you have it - my foundation for healthy living. What I have said is merely my own theories, none of which is scientific by any stretch. As I previously mentioned, I have been overweight my entire life, and have tried just about everything. But I am well on my way now to being successful and making some great changes, and I enjoy sharing my thoughts with whoever can use them. I wish anyone who is seeking similar changes the best of luck, and if you need someone to chat with, you are more than welcome to post comments or email me at meatloaf15@juno.com. Thanks for listening and reading, folks, and I will continue to post small tips as I discuss other issues on this blog. Godspeed!!
Now, onto the final installment. This one sort of ties everything together, and is really the central part in building the foundation I've suggested. I believe in order to be successful with weightloss (or anything else in life, for that matter) you have to be 100% committed. That seems rather obvious, but how many times do we only think about doing something and as a result, only give it half an effort, at least until we decide we're sold on it. This line of thinking seems especially true when it comes to changing any habit. In this case, it's healthy eating/living. In order to be successful, I believe you have to decide you are going to give it every effort, and then follow through. Half-assing it, in this case, won't cut it. Bill Phillips, author of Body For Life, spent one of the first chapters in his book discussing this very idea. He called it "crossing the abyss." The abyss being that vastness of uncertainty when it comes to making a concrete decision to change your lifestyle. If you pick a plan and give it a fair shot, and it doesn't work, find another one. But don't bounce from plan to plan only giving each a small effort, or you will fail altogether. I firmly believe in that theory.
One of my close friends recently decided he wanted to learn how to play the guitar. He spent a few months going back and forth with it, but finally the desire to play became so overwhelming that he said to himself, "I'm going to buy a guitar, an amp, and I'm going to learn how to play it. Period." He changed his life to meet the needs of practice, a weekly lesson, and he is now well on his way to being the next Jimi Hendrix! You have to find that deep, overwhelming desire to change, and you have to keep that desire and let it lead you through your changes, and you have to be fair to yourself and your chances at changing by giving it 100%!!!
At the risk of writing a novel here, allow me to quickly recap what I have come up with as a foundation to changing your eating and exercise habits. First, NO DIETS!!! Diets suck, they don't last very long, and they are too negative. Make a lifestyle change, and feed your body what it needs to become an efficient, fat-burning machine. Second, absolutely no doing this for anyone else but YOURSELF!! It's your body, it's your life, and no one else should care about it nearly as much as you. Making these changes for anyone else but yourself is a recipe for failure. Third, go into this knowing and understanding that YOU WILL MAKE MISTAKES!!! And that's okay. Really. Make your mistake and move on, as dwelling on it will only prove to be more detrimental than the mistake itself. And finally, GO BABY GO!!! Make the decision to change your life, and don't look back. Give it everything you've got, and when you run out of muster, reach deep down inside and find some more. There have been times when I've been working out at 11:30 at night because I haven't had any other time to do it. I'd love to just call it a day and crash, but I've crossed the abyss and made the decision to change my life, no excuses. Just do it.
There you have it - my foundation for healthy living. What I have said is merely my own theories, none of which is scientific by any stretch. As I previously mentioned, I have been overweight my entire life, and have tried just about everything. But I am well on my way now to being successful and making some great changes, and I enjoy sharing my thoughts with whoever can use them. I wish anyone who is seeking similar changes the best of luck, and if you need someone to chat with, you are more than welcome to post comments or email me at meatloaf15@juno.com. Thanks for listening and reading, folks, and I will continue to post small tips as I discuss other issues on this blog. Godspeed!!
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