I feel the burn . . .

It's kind of weird when you know you're metabolism has picked up because you feel more energy and actually feel hungry. It's like I'm slowly learning how my body is supposed to be operating. I've just gotten used to thinking that abnormal is normal.
Anyway, about my quest

Started April 28th at 270, and, as of today, September 9th, I'm at 254. I'm a little behind the pace that I desire - about 5 lbs a month, but I'm staying positive!

Lord, lead me on, and I want to bring you glory in every area of my life.
Thanks

Summer Time

Hey everyone - been out of touch over the summer, but still working toward the goal. Last post was in May, and since then I've lost a little more weight - about 5 pounds - I way in at 257 - 13 pounds down from when I started April 28th. But more importantly, the habits are changing. I'm thinking about what I take in and making decisions less impulsively. Also I recognized when I'm making bad decisions. One of the hardest things for me is when we have family get togethers because they've always revolved around having our favorite things to eat in abundance! I'd like to hear any comments about how to deal with that without being a party pooper . . .

One of the things I've found out about myself through this effort is that I do not like to hear input from my wife - even if it's very gentle and in the form of a question. Example: we're watching a movie and I go to make a snack and she says something like "haven't you already had a snack today? Do you think you need that?" She doesn't nag or raise her voice, only asks a simple question, and then leaves it up to me to make a good decision. I'm thankful for it, but it's hard to hear it in the moment. I guess that's kinda like when God asks questions in the middle of temptation, and then we have to make a choice to take His way out or do our own thing.
Every day is a series of little choices that add up to who we really are . . .

two-thirds signing out.

One Month Gut Check . . . yup, still there!

I've had a bunch of . . . challenges the last 2 weeks. Birthday parties, cookouts, lots of celebrating. In the old days (before April 28th, 2009) I would have that conversation with myself about how I deserved to just relax and chill and not think about consequences. I think about it all the time now, and my mentality is slowly changing. It's tough to break life-long patterns, you know? Every day is a new day and I'm committed to getting rid of "everything that hinders".
Lord, I want to be covered in your dust!

May 25, 2009 weigh in - 262 (and shrinking)

263 and holding

Quick check in. Still at 263! Consistent exercise continues to be eluding me. It'll happen - I'm taking the long view. Changing my life-long habits is what I'm focusing on. Later

14 days down 534 to go!

Ok, after 14 days into this deal, I'm feeling pretty good. This past week was decent. I focused on moderation and not consuming unless I felt hungry. That wasn't too difficult as I'm getting hungry before every meal, which is a good sign, right? We had a youth volunteer staff training on Saturday, and that was a bit of a challenge (brats, chips and cookies). I stuck to the ice cream no more than once a week rule, and saved it for Mother's Day.
Discipline's building bit by bit. It's paying off, because this morning was my second weekly weigh in and . . .
I'm now at 263, 7 pounds down from where I started at 270 on 4/28!
Thanks for your support and prayers . . .

Week 1 (not weak one) in Review

Ok, week 1 is in the "geterdone" file. Weighed in Monday morning at 268! 1/45th of the weigh there! (sorry about that bad pun) It's gone fairly well - I had a skirmish with some ill intending ice cream, but other than that, I had a good run. It's time to become habitual with the regular exercise piece of the puzzle! Thanks for your support and prayers and inquiries!
two-thirds signing out

COLD HARD FACTS

OK, we just bought a scale, and here are the cold hard facts.
INITIAL WEIGH IN - 270 lbs (4/28/09)

So my plan is to reach 2/3 of 270, which is 180 - I've got 90 pounds to lose!

My goal is to average 5 pounds a month over the next 18 months - reaching 180 pounds by November 1st of 2010.

It's exciting, but a bit nerve-wracking at the same time! What if . . . ?