BACK ON TRACK

DAY 10

• This morning's weight:      238.0       
• Fasting Blood Sugar:           114            
• Breakfast:                                               

       1 Frozen Waffle

       Sugar-free Maple Syrup and Promise

       3 Sliced Fresh Strawberries

       1 cup 2% milk

       2 cups coffee (no additives)

• Activities:

       Trip to Post Office to mail box to Ohio

• Snack: 

       Pretzel chips and peanut butter

• Lunch: 11:30am

       Heated up leftover homemade chicken & rice soup

       Stone ground Whole Wheat crackers

• Activities:

       Prepping for dinner:
          Make banana cream pie/graham cracker crust/fresh
             bananas/whipped topping (None for me, thank you.)
          Salad: Green Leaf lettuce/tomatoes/red & green bell Pepper/
             avocado/carrot match sticks/grated Parmesan
          Pot roast/red potatoes/carrots/gravy
          Fresh green beans w/toasted almonds
          Freshly baked French Loaf
          Sun-brewed iced tea

• Dinner:

       Everything you see in the picture above!

• Activities:

        2 Hours of great conversation with two great young people, Justin and Kara

        1/2 hour of washing dishes, putting away food, straightening up

• Snack:

        Are you kidding? Who's got room?

   THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY: 

     

     God created us with a strong desire for fellowship. I think we all want to be part of something, a pack, a club, a family. Why would He give us ideas to share and not give us somebody to share them with? Why He give us voices with no one to hear. It was a great evening of food and fellowship.

  

     The banana cream pie was a hit. I had only one small bite and sent the remaining home with the kids along with some roast and vegetables.


     What did I get out of the evening? I got invited to a group dinner with the kids; several couples (all fellow teachers) pool their resources and purchase the fixings for a feast. On the menu is pork wellington.


     Also, apparently the food last night was good enough to get Kara and Justin back for Sunday Dinner with Claudia, Steve and Pat. It's going to be a party!

     What a blessing today was. I'm back on track with my weight-loss program, having loss 2 pounds today. But wait! More good news: my good friend Al has a trip planned to Colorado and Utah, and he will be traveling through here the same weekend Liz will be here. It will be a party. Scrabble anyone?

     My overall grade for today: A+ The only thing that could have made today better, was Liz being here.

     How did you do yesterday? I really care, and I really want to know...        

A SMALL STEP BACK, A GIANT STEP FORWARD

DAY 9

• This morning's weight:      240.0       
• Fasting Blood Sugar:           76             
• Breakfast:                                               

       1/2 cup fat-free cottage cheese w/fresh pineapple

       

       2 cups coffee (no additives)

• Activities:

       Cut grass

       Cut some more fresh flowers

• Snack: 

       1 cup fat-free milk/Honey Nut Cheerios
       1 sliced banana                                               

• Activities:

        Wrote devotional on "Grace" and published on "From Where I Sit" blog

• Lunch: 1:00pm

       Corned Beef Sandwich on rye

       No frills, just stone ground mustard

       3 Zesty pickle spears
       10 potato chips

• Activities:

       Shopping at Target for Caedmon and Cameron

       

• Snack:

       microwave popcorn

• Activities

       Completed 2009 Tax Return and filed online

• Blood Sugar before dinner: N/A
• Dinner:

       Still snacking on popcorn, no dinner tonight

• Activities:

       Read "Same Difference as Me" and

       "One Year to an Organized Work Life"

• Snack:

   THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY: 

     
     I had been procrastinating (Imagine that!) about getting my income taxes done and filed but no more. I finally determined how much I could afford to take out of circulation (Where I could get my hands on it if I needed something for the Blugatti) and put into my IRA as part of my contribution for 2009. Let me share with you, in case you don't know, for every $100 I put in my IRA, $20 is added to my tax refund or deducted from what I owe. I am only one year away from being 65 so basically that's like making 20% return on my money for 1 year. That unfortunately is better than I've been averaging on my other investments. So, if my kids wanted to borrow some money from dear old dad, sorry but you'll have to wait another year.

  

     I went shopping today and got the Ohio grandkids some goodies which I will Priority Mail tomorrow. There is also a little something for Jill.


     I didn't lose any weight today. I gained back a little. But, combined with the activity of cutting the grass and pruning some dead plants with eating better, I hope to be back on track tomorrow.

     It was good to talk to two of my best friends and most favorite people, Art and Al. Always uplifting to talk with them. And, of course, I spoke with my wife several times today. And, I chatted online with son David, and commented on son Joshua's post. Then I confirmed dinner tomorrow with Justin and Kara here at my sister's house. I'm making a surprise dessert for them which they will take home any leftovers. I also confirmed dinner with Claudia, Steve and Pat for this Sunday at 5PM, BBQ Beef Short Ribs, Pinto Beans, Potato Salad and Tossed Green Salad. Claudia is bringing dessert and leaving with any they don't eat.


     I was inspired by my devotional on "Grace." I don't know where I would be without it. Yes I do. It isn't a pretty picture though.

     My overall grade for today: A (At my age, any day you complete with a smile on your face and a twinkle in your eye, and food in your belly, and knowing someone [in my case a number of people] loves you and looks forward to seeing you again, well, that day is a good day!)

     How did you do?        

ON THE EIGHT DAY, I RESTED...

DAY 8

• This morning's weight:      238.8    
• Fasting Blood Sugar:           74            
• Breakfast:                                               

       2 egsg

       1 slice whole wheat toast (1 tsp Promise)

       1/2 cup fat-free cottage cheese w/ruby red grapefruit segments

       1 cup skim milk

       2 cups coffee (no additives)

• Activities:

       Shopping @ Barnes & Noble

       Bought gas for the lawn mower 

       Shopping @ Albertson's

• Snack: 

       Pretzel crackers & Peanut Butter                                               

• Activities:

        Started newly purchased book, "1 Year to an Organized Work Life"

        Thought about mowing the yard—maybe tomorrow

• Lunch: 4:00pm

       Reuben Sandwich (from scratch)

       (Boiled then roasted corned beef brisket)

       Toasted Russian Rye Bread

       Thousand Island Dressing

       2 Slices Swiss Cheese

       3 Tblsp Crispy Sauerkraut

       1 Tblsp Ground Mustard

       and

       2 Zesty Dill Spears

• Activities:

       Well I didn't think I'd do it, but I got up and walked. 

       How far? 1 nitroglycerin tablet—that far.

• Snack:

       Microwave Popcorn

• Activities

       Castle and The Good Wife

       Same kind of different as me until I fall asleep

   THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY: 

    

     As of this morning I have lost 7.7 pounds and I'm just starting the 8th day of my diet. Today I ate my first red meat in a week. And, unless I do some significant activity today, I don't think today will result in any additional weight loss. 

     Today didn't go as planned. But, I survived and came back strong by the end of it. I must say that I am really beginning to feel the love. Some have really encouraged me. Others I've heard are watching. It is truly amazing how many things God has shown me, how many people he has put in my path. And the bumps in the road, they're there for me to reach out and grab His hand and He lifts me and carries me over them.

     My overall grade for today: B+ (If you grade on the curve.)

     How did you do?  (I am beginning to wonder if anybody reads down to this part because no one has let me know how they're doing. They just ask how I'm doing. I really want to hear from you—How are you doing?       

I TRIED TO TOP YESTERDAY, BUT FAILED

DAY 7

• This morning's weight:      239.8*     
• Fasting Blood Sugar:           134             
• Breakfast:                                               

       Honey Nut Cheerios

       Strawberries, strawberries, strawberries

       1 cup 2% milk

       2 cups coffee (no additives)

• Activities:

       Watered plants and yard (on the wrong day!)

       Cut flowers 

      

• Lunch

       Homemade chicken soup  
          rice/carrots/celery/mushrooms                                          

• Activities:

        Really got a case of the lazzzzzzzzzzzzies today

• Dinner:

       Turkey Breast sandwich on whole wheat toast

       Lettuce/Tomato/Mustard/Avocado

       10 Potato chips (Shame,shame, shame!)

• Activities:

       Rolled the trash cans to the curb

       2 Hrs. television

       Read several more chapters of "same difference as me."

• Snack:

       2 slices of fresh pineapple

       1/2 cup fat-free cottage cheese

   THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY: 

     I felt awfully listless today, probably the lack of carbs and sugars in my new diet. Maybe a lack of sleep. Maybe just negative attitude. I had a great deal of contact today with friends and family over the phone and even Skyped Caedmon and Cameron in Ohio. Made dinner plans with Claudia and Steve for next Sunday. Spoke with one of best friends in San Antonio, Art. Spoke with my sister and my wife. Chatted online with Josh and David. But somehow, I just couldn't get my Pelosi, as one of the emails I got today calls it, in gear.

  

     Tomorrow is another day. 

     

     My overall grade for today: B for diet, C for activity, D for attitude.

     How did you do? 


* That is 6.7 pounds lost in 7 days! Not too shabby.       

HE AROSE AND I WITH HIM

DAY 6

• This morning's weight:      240.5         
• Fasting Blood Sugar:           74             
• Breakfast:                                               

       Breakfast Burrito -

       1 whole wheat tortilla

       sautéed kidney beans, red onion, red & green bell pepper

       1 scrambled egg
       chopped fresh tomato, salsa, shredded sharp cheddar cheese
       2% milk - 1 cup

       2 cups coffee (no additives)

• Activities:

       Drove across town to celebrate Easter @ Grace Bible Fellowship

• Snack: 

       Left-over chicken salad                                           

• Activities:

        Hey, it's Easter Sunday... how much activity do I need?

        

• Lunch: 4:00pm @ Landry's Seafood

       Landry's Seafood Salad -
          Lump Crab
          Boiled Shrimp
          Smoked Salmon stuffed w/cream cheese and capers
          Bed of Lettuce & Tomatoes


       Great company and stimulating conversation

• Activities:

       30 minutes on blog, FaceBook and emails

       30 minutes on the phone with Liz

• Snack:

       Ruby Red Grapefruit segments

• Activities

       Went to bed with "same kind of different..."

   THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY: 

    
     The church service at Grace Bible Fellowship was amazing. The people there were so warm and friendly. It is a little storefront church in a small office structure. Maybe 25-30 families attend and they are mostly young and beautiful families with beautiful children and bright smiles. I attended a "Care Group" which is their word for small Sunday School Class group. We met together first for a short teaching video on marriage and about a marriage being a battleground—not where husband and wife are at war but where the world wars against the marriage. After the video, my "Care Group" met in a secluded part of the sanctuary where a discussion about the video was facilitated by a leader. The leader as well as all the other members of my group was wise and mature. Everyone seemed anxious to participate. Exciting stuff! A Men's Group has breakfast Wednesday at 6:00am at the Bagel Shop. I'll be there if the alarm goes off. 
     The teens performed a mime skit about the need for a savior and the Crucifixion and Resurrection. It was moving, so moving that tears began to run down my cheeks. I will be there next Sunday...
     Easter dinner with Justin, Kara and her grandparents was delightful. The food superb. The conversation was outstanding. We sat down at 4pm and left the restaurant at 6:20. I love people.

     My overall grade for today: A++

     How did you do?        

A DAY OF FOCUSING

DAY 5

• This morning's weight:      241         
• Fasting Blood Sugar:          134             
• Breakfast:                                               

       1 slice whole wheat toast (1 tsp Promise and 1 tblsp fig preserves)

       1/2 cup red grapefruit sections

       2 cups coffee (no additives)

• Activities:

       Washed clothes
       Photographed the dogs - sent email to confirm
            they are still alive and well
       Corrected devotionals
       Walked to store and back - 2 miles

• Snack: 

       Kashi Honey Almond bar                                                 

• Activities:

        Seared roast and put in oven to slow cook

        Prepared today's lunch

• Lunch: 2:00pm

       Grilled teriyaki chicken breast on steamed rice
       Grilled fresh pineapple
       Szechuan Shrimp stir fry

       

       

• Activities:

       Read several more chapters of "same kind of different as me."

       Spent entirely too much time on FB and this blog

• Dinner:

       1/2 cup Honey Nut Cherrios

       Small handful of chopped walnuts

       2% milk 1 cup

• Activities

       Washed dishes, cleaned kitchen, folded laundry

   THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY: 

     
     The weekend came but it didn't look or act differently from any other day of the week. I found a church to attend tomorrow by Googling  Fellowship Bible Church El Paso. Grace Bible Fellowship was the third from the top and possesses everything I'm looking for. In fact, they look exactly like Fellowship Bible Church in San Antonio, only about 20 years ago.  I went to their website and listened to last Sunday's message - I can live with that. The only negative consideration is that they are on the other side of town, off N. Mesa at Executive Center Blvd. Their classes start at 9:30 and service at 11:00. Right now I'm leaning toward getting there at 9:30.


     Another piece of exciting news, I got invited to Easter Dinner at Landry's Restaurant. I'll be joining nephew Justin, significant other Kara and her grandparents. I'm looking forward to some stimulating two-way conversation.

  

     Today was a good day for writing, a good day for reading, a great day for eating and walking. My weight is down again. And an exciting turn of events, neither television was turned on today until 7pm! That is some sort of record for me and the best part is that I never even thought about turning it on. I watched one recorded 30 minute show, a Food Network show about "The Best Thing I Ever Ate." They had nothing on me. Although there was an item called "Bar Nuts" that I found very, very interesting. Two ingredients, butter and brown sugar, are not on my recommended list of food ingredients.


     Liz gets here in twelve days for a three day weekend. There is a light halfway down this tunnel. I am halfway through revising and correcting my devotionals, almost halfway through a great Christian book, "Same Kind of Different As Me," and then on to re-writing my novel for the fourth and hopefully last time before I pitch it to a publisher.

     My overall grade for today: A

     How did you do?        

THERE'S NO CRYIN' IN BASEBALL

DAY 4

• This morning's weight:      241.6  
• Fasting Blood Sugar:           70             
• Breakfast:                                               

       
          Mediterranean Breakfast Taco

          whole wheat tortilla

          1/3 cup kidney beans

          1/2 diced tomato
          chopped green onion

          1 egg
          fresh grated Parmesan cheese
          thyme

• Activities:

       Pickup limbs left from wind storm 

       Skyping my sister in England
       CompUSA

     

• Lunch: 3:00pm

       
       Pan seared/Baked stuffed chicken breast

       Stuffing:
            chopped mushrooms
            chopped green onions
            chopped celery
            chopped 1 slice dry toasted whole wheat
            1/2  raw egg
            1/3 cup chicken stock
       Baby Peas

       Red onion and tomato salad w/ red wine vinaigrette 

• Activities:

       Are you kidding? Cleaning the kitchen of course

       Putting new memory stick in computer

• Snack:

       Nature Valley Peanut Bar

       Small handful of whole almonds

       

• Activities

      Create blog

• Dinner:

         It's 7:15 and I'm going to go for a walk and finish this part of

         my blog later. You can skip down to "My Thoughts if you like. I'll

        be back later..."

• Activities:

       Walked to the convenience store and back - 2miles

       They say pork skins have no calories, right?

• Snack:

       1/8 bag of pork skins - 80 calories, 5 grams fat (oops...)

       1/2 cup Heartland Low Fat Raisin Granola Cereal - 200 calories!

       1 cup 2% milk - 80 calories

       3 large strawberries

       So shoot me! This was in place of dinner!

   THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY: 

     I owe all my family, friends and others that may have read yesterday's blog a huge apology. I guess I was a little overly dramatic concerning my feelings of abandonment, dire loneliness and deep depression. Hey, I love people. I enjoy their company and more than anything else in the whole world I love to be listened to. I am finding the next best thing to being listened to is being read. When I was a kid my favorite phrase was "watch this." Yes, I loved being watched too.

  

     So, I'm sorry for my whining and complaining. Please forgive me—and, if you can't find it in your heart to forgive me, please tolerate me. Tolerate me and keep reading.

     I discovered last night that I wasn't really alone or abandoned. All this time God was patiently next to me waiting for me to turn to Him. All this time He wanted to talk to me. Not so much listen, because He too wished I'd quit complaining. He desired for me to spend time enjoying His company. And I did.

     My overall grade for today: A+

     How did you do?