A really cool Lesson and a short update at the end!

A few years ago, a man was told by his doctor that he was dying. As they were having this most difficult of conversations, the man asked his doctor what it was like? (Dying that is.) The doctor was thinking of how to respond when a sharp scratching sound came from the office doorway. The doctor rose and opened the door and there to greet him was a very happy golden retriever. The dog expressed very evidently his joy at seeing his master and then was ushered into another office to wait for the doctor to complete his consultation with the patient. The doctor came back into the office and said, “You saw my dog just arrive here, he has never been here before. However he knew his master was here and so with anticipation he came joyfully through a door he had never been through before! To answer your earlier question, I like to think this is what dying is like. We are going through a door we have never been through before, however we know our master is waiting on the other side and so we go with joy and anticipation knowing a welcome is waiting us there!”

I haven’t thought of this much since when my Dad died, however last week with the passing of Steve Jobs, I was caused to read his 2005 Stanford commencement address, in it he talked very eloquently of various things. I enjoyed what he said and was sorry I hadn’t heard it or read it sooner. However at one point in discussing dying he said, “Even people who want to go to Heaven don’t want to die to get there.” This caused me to think about this a fair bit and the following is how it all came together in my mind.

We must learn to die to self, die to our self desires, longings, dreams and ambitions so that God can work into our lives whatever His plan for us is. (Don’t worry often the very thing He wants for us is even more wonderful and rich than what we can imagine for ourselves.) I am working at learning this. I had a wonderful experience of knowing several people in my life who successfully did this. Because you might by chance know some of these men and women, I am going to list their names and then you can see if you concur with my assessment. The people who come to mind are Stanley Sharpe, Steve Keech, Arnold Simpson (my dad), Ruth Haglund, Marion Robinson, Gordon Winkler, Alan Graham and many more.

I felt a little sad thinking of this, realizing one of the richest men in the world to his recollection never had the privilege of knowing someone who had learned and successfully implemented this lesson. I am so glad that the people I mentioned shared and affected my life… they were examples of “Letting go and letting God!” Their lives from start to finish were examples of this for as long as I knew them. I suddenly realized as I thought of it, how rich I am that I knew these people who, believed in Heaven and were dying to get there! I am going to work this week on living so that others will know when they come in contact with my life, “I too believe in Heaven and I too am dying to get there!”

Now on an additional note… I am continuing to enjoy good success on the first things first marathon and the lifestyle change adventure. My calorie counts got a little wonky this past weekend with several special feasts that I enjoyed, however I am well back on track and sweated my way through a very good “Hot Yoga” session at 6:30 AM this morning!

Just some rambling thoughts

Good morning, I haven’t updated this for a few days and so decided to rectify that by typing this as I get my day underway. I am happy to report that so far everything is continuing as it should. This means, first things first, lifestyle change in full swing. I haven’t noticed any swings this week in weight. However having hit the twenty pounds lost milestone a week ago, I am still riding this high!

It is the Friday before a long weekend; the office is going to be very quiet today as several are away and this keeps things relatively subdued! I am certain that if today goes like any other day then even though it starts slowly, come noon I will be wondering how I can fit in all I want to do before the time to do it in has passed.

It would seem that sometime this weekend we are going to try and at some point celebrate our twentieth anniversary. This is a bit of a milestone in many ways, unfortunately not in many of the ways it should be. I may or may not write more on this at some future time.

My poor son is fighting a bug of some sort and Kelsey continues to carry a load that in my mind is way too heavy for her young shoulders. However these are things that somehow from time to time make things better in the long run for the qualities that are worked into their young lives through this experience. Both kids have today off today and I enjoyed the following cartoon, thinking that in some way it was a little how it unfolded this morning.

I was supposed to have lunch with an old friend today, however that cancelled so now I am going to have to come up with something else! Oh well that’s what keeps life interesting. Time to make a phone call … well did that while I was typing and that didn’t work either so guess its time to move on too plan c.

Will maybe add more later

September 26th, 2011

Every once in a while a experience comes along so huge it takes your breath away and leaves you so thankful you can hardly find words to express it.

Here is an interesting storey: I have a lot of things in my experience right now that I would represent as “Needs” Some with work, some with my personal life and some that are a combination of both. I am also well aware of some of my friends who have significant needs right now also. With this being the case I was therefore quite thrilled with the following verse in Isaiah this week, “And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I (God) will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I (God) will hear.”

Then last night I heard the following:

Pray desperately for the need, but let God answer!

Here is the storey that was told to illustrate the wisdom of this. A young man owned at one time a very nice dog; she was well trained and loved nothing better than to travel with him to work. She being very intelligent soon learned that a certain time was quitting time and so often within about fifteen minutes of this time she would get impatient to go home and start barking and creating a disturbance to the point where sometimes they would just go. However once in a while the work needed to be done and going home was not an option, yet the dog would not stop insisting so a few times she then got taken home and left at home on her own while the “have too” work was completed. She did get what she wanted, but in reality she really didn’t want that and would have far rather remained where her master was. Being a dog of course she didn’t understand this. However this was used to illustrate that often when we see a need and start praying for the need we also formulate in our mind what the answer to the need will be. We need to be careful that we don’t do this as often what we perceive the answer of the need to be is not what the answer should be. God knows, let Him answer!

This is so huge for me, this means I can learn even better how to pray for the need, maybe even more desperately than I have here to fore… however rather than compiling in my own mind what the answer is I am hence forth going to work just as desperately at letting God work uninterrupted and let Him answer without any interruption or input from me no matter how well intentioned it might be.

Well now that that is out of the way on to other news. I now weigh in at a whopping 287 lbs as of this morning. This is exciting as I am now starting to fit some clothes which were a little too snug just a mere six or seven weeks ago

A Quick note from Yesterday

September 8^th, 2011

It is another very nice sunny day here at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. I once again completed my “Hot Yoga” class and so am fairly proud of this accomplishment. It is several weeks now that this has been my program and yet I am still very pleased that I have kept it up. I have to decide soon how I am going to go forward with this. I believe I will buy a ten time pass. It means I get to go to class twice a week for six weeks so it works best for me.

I am still continuing to keep first things first, struggling a little with the lesson that is mine to learn right now. I am finding however that as I keep first things first the other lessons that come up while causing some struggle are not quite as daunting to deal with as they would be if first things weren’t first.

I may add more to this later, currently I have to get a proposal delivered and a couple of other stops taken care of.

It now is September 9^th, 2011; I never did come back and add anything. Today I have so far worked on some drawings and cleaned up my desk a little.

Hey just keeping on keeping on!

September 7^th, 2011

Summer is here!!! Lol!!! This week has been extremely warm… forecast is almost 30° Celsius for today and this is very warm for here. The kids are back in school, Kelsey’s first day of High School went well so we look forward to more days like that. I have thanks to a long weekend done little blogging of late, however I have stayed on track on all fronts and thanks to this currently roll in at 292 lbs which is down significantly from my starting weight of 305 lbs.

Above is a picture of a graph of the five weeks of August and it would seem slowly I am shifting in the right direction as far as my Calories and getting higher Calories earlier rather than later in the day!

Well better let this be all for now… I am working on some fairly interesting lessons right now. Funny how we get one thing down and then God says, “Good work with that, now how about you deal with this!” I will go into more detail sometime I am sure… however I am working on it in a similar manner to my recent challenges.

Rainy September Morning

September 2^nd, 2011

A little rainy and cool this morning, however they are optimistically promising nice weather for the weekend. It will be interesting to see how things unfold over the next few days.

I get to have lunch with friends today that I have been looking forward to for a while. It should be nice. Lunches like this always have a way of lifting my spirits.

I have to write a weekly report, I have a couple of jobs to update in tracker and I have a couple of things to follow up on and quotations to get out before to late today. It should definitely help the day go by fast.

I am very pleased that today I can still report that first things have continued to be first. The success I had with the exercise challenge for August is keeping me hopeful that I will know an astounding and resounding victory with this also.

Summary for September 1^st, 2011

Total allowed calories today (Sept 1^st, 2011):    3097

Total used:                                                         2225

School is back in for the Kids today!

September 1^st, 2011

Hot yoga went very well this morning. I believe I got farther than I have so far… more coaching from the instructor as it was a smaller class than the class Tuesday morning. I didn’t have nearly as many dizzy feelings. I do need to get a larger, looser workout shirt as the one I got yesterday is just not quite big enough to be comfortable.

Yesterday seemed a good day with the calories… however it would appear I am not loosing what I did and it likely has something to do with the fact I still seem to be loading towards the end of the day rather than at the start. Will do something to change this as it is a key towards feeling better.

August has ended and I have nailed my commitment to exercise at least 20 minutes every day! I am thrilled with this and am going to carry on in this light. Lets see where I am a year from now doing this.

Summary for August 31^st, 2011

Total allowed calories today (Aug 31^st, 2011):  2631

Total used:                                                        1764

Oh on a side note some dweeb broke into my car yesterday and stole a bunch of stuff!!! It included my bag full of used "Hot Yoga" clothes... maybe there is a little justice in the world afterall!!!

A rainy fall morning!

August 31^st, 2011

Today has dawned very cool and overcast. I have a busy morning planned so will be anxious to get it underway. I am a little sad at the end of summer holidays as it really seemed to go fast this year. Oh well it promises to be an interesting and lovely fall.

I am happy to report first things are still first and while I haven’t had any startling breakthroughs this week, it hasn’t been the struggle it was last week. I didn’t manage to mark all my references for tonight the way I wanted to so will have to use a cheat sheet this time and will get next weeks marked right away. For some reason I really like having to look up a number of references even though it takes longer to organize.

My Mom arrived from Manitoba for a visit and I am looking forward to the next few days. I am sure the time will fly by, however will enjoy the time we have while we have it.

As you can see by the summary below yesterday went pretty well and while I didn’t get a walk I got to change a flat tire so got a little exercise that way. Thank goodness for the Hot Yoga in the morning this covered my exercise requirements.

Summary for August 30^th, 2011

Total allowed calories today (Aug 30^th, 2011):  2766

Total used:                                                        1921

Happy Tuesday Morning!

August 30^th, 2011

Oh my what a beautiful morning, oh my what a beautiful day… oh my what a beautiful feeling! Everything’s going my way!

Got up early this morning and got my self off to “Hot Yoga” for my fourth class! It was again harder than class three but better than class two. I do feel good after it although I better eat soon as my energy is a little wobbly right now.

Last night was a more normal evening;  I got home from work, made supper and then headed to the barn where we were until almost nine o’clock. The thrilling thing about this was that instead of sitting waiting like often happens I went for a long walk and got my exercise in while I waited. This was a huge positive as by the time I got home I wouldn’t of had the energy to do anything more.

Summary for August 29^th, 2011

Total allowed calories today (Aug 29^th, 2011):  2668

Total used:                                                                    1710

As this shows yesterday was a good day! Hopefully I can keep achieving results similar to this the rest of the week.

A final summary of the week that was!

August 29^th, 2011

This weekend was a tough one and while on the surface it doesn’t seem too bad, I know that I could have done a lot better. Also my exercise was down over the preceding week so this too I have to address. I stayed right were I was this week weight wise. I believe partly because I had lots of “bad” calories.

This analogy also has to be applied to the first things first portion of last week. I realize that it isn’t just sufficient to go through the motions, but rather to make the motions count. Hopefully I am a little more successful at this in the next few days.

Now for the summaries of Friday, Saturday and Sunday:

Summary for August 26^th, 2011

Total allowed calories today (Aug 26^th, 2011):  2520

Total used:                                                        2272

Summary for August 27^th, 2011

Total allowed calories today (Aug 27^th, 2011):  2668

Total used:                                                        2568

Summary for August 28^th, 2011

Total allowed calories today (Aug 28^th, 2011):  2631

Total used:                                                        2908

I am going to post this now… am more determined than ever to make today better. I really need to focus so that I get more clarity in the way I move in spite of the unknowns the future holds. I have become aware that failing to walk with confidence and clarity not only impacts me but affects all the others around me as well.

Results for several days!

August 23^rd, 2011

Just wrapped up my second morning of “Hot Yoga” wow… I didn’t think it would be harder than the first time, but it was. I seemed to really struggle with getting dizzy this time. Oh well I did make it through the class and it should improve with time. My goal is to do this twice a week on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

It is now August 26^th, 2011.

I have been running like crazy so will give you an update on all things! First’s continue without a miss although there have been times this week when the temptation to deviate has been huge. However I am thrilled that thus far victory has been mine so far.

The following are the day by day summaries:

Summary for August 23^rd, 2011

Total allowed calories today (Aug 23^rd, 2011):  3281

Total used:                                                        2223

Summary for August 24^th, 2011

Total allowed calories today (Aug 24^th, 2011):  2631

Total used:                                                        1343

Summary for August 25^th, 2011

Total allowed calories today (Aug 25^th, 2011):  3024

Total used:                                                        2832

As you can see the preceding days have been progressing nicely. The day that looks the best however likely wasn’t as I was traveling this day and ending up skipping meals which really plays havoc with the digestion. This week however has included two trips to “Hot Yoga” and this is an exciting plus to me also.

Will let this be all for now… have some work to do so best get it done!

Results for Monday... a bit of a struggle but in the end Victory!

August 22^nd, 2011

Might be making a trip to Edmonton today or tomorrow, I have been also invited to have lunch with the workers tomorrow. I will probably see if this can be changed to Wed or Thurs as I have a lunch booked on Friday and I will probably be out of town tomorrow.

Changed this to next week Tuesday, I have to choose a venue and get back to Gary.

Summary for August 22^nd, 2011

Total allowed calories today (Aug 22^nd, 2011):  2741

Total used:                                                         1165

I am especially proud of the above results. I made a healthy and delicious supper; it ended up leaving me with plenty of room to spare. Then later in the day when I would normally snack some more I decided to pass as I wanted to end the day with the nice big gap between what was allowed and what I actually ate.

Enjoyed my walk in the heat last night, finally we are enjoying some warmth. It feels good and yet part of me is really glad it’s not going to last long.

I am thrilled that so far so good on the lifestyle changes from August 1^st, 2011. I am still a little grieved however that I am still struggling with some niggling little things that I haven’t gotten victory over yet. I will keep working on it and as victory with some of these more major things becomes more consistent I will no doubt find some of the little struggles enjoy a measure of success as well.

Three weeks down and onto week four

August 19^th, 2011

In the future the start of each days post will be on the tail end of the previous day’s summary.

Summary for August 19^th, 2011

Total allowed calories today (Aug 19^h, 2011):   2745

Total used:                                                        2182

Summary for August 20^th, 2011

Total allowed calories today (Aug 20^h, 2011):   2856

Total used:                                                        2438

Summary for August 21^st, 2011

Total allowed calories today (Aug 21^st, 2011):  2741

Total used:                                                        2124

I had a good weekend, would have liked to do a little better on my numbers, the program I am tracking with suggested that I should change my goal now that I am down 10lbs from my start weight. I haven’t done this yet… will see where I am the end of next week.

Still carrying on with first things, it has been good and enjoyable and I remain optimistic that it will carry on from day to day. I know that there are several little things it is doing to help from day to day and will continue to work with this and look for more results.

Thursday... one of my favorite days of the week

August 18^th, 2011

I dug myself out of bed this morning and went to my first “Hot Yoga” class. WOW!!! It was something else. I will be doing this now two times a week, Tuesday and Thursday’s and will keep you up to date on my progress. I made it through the class although there were a few things that I couldn’t do!

Also I noticed on yesterday’s post that I added some things and how I added them made it seem like I was talking about the day before… anyhow the supper I was referring to as being really good was the night of the 17^th!

Summary for August 18^th, 2011

Total allowed calories today (Aug 18^h, 2011):   2956

Total used:                                                        2864

This was a nice day and I am still basking in the glow of a small victory as noted by the numbers above.

Morning Aug 19^th, 2011

My family arrived home from Kelowna yesterday. It was so good to see them and it didn’t take long to get settled back in although there is still some unpacking to do.

I found however that last night due to the fact that my family tends to load calories towards the end of the day, I too had to struggle not too. I made it however and managed to end the day with still some room to spare.

It is important to note that despite there being additional distractions yesterday and again this morning that, “first things are still first”. When I was small my parents had a first things first plan and while I struggled to see or appreciate it as a young person I am so seeing the benefits of it now!

I am going to ramp up my search for a sponsor for my kid and her riding friend. I have kind of half heartedly being doing this with very limited results; however it’s now high time to ramp this up and look with determination for the right partner.

A wonderful Wednesday

August 17^th, 2011

I am still sad at my misstep yesterday on my calories. I had done so good and yet just a little slackness and I managed to blow a perfect record. It really wasn’t worth it for a silly dessert that I didn’t even finish.

However on a brighter note my efforts with first things first continued positively. I am enjoying several aspects of how the verses tie into my thoughts on this. It will be interesting to see how this unfolds tonight.

Time to get the house in order, not only do I need to do this for mtg. tonight but also Glor and the kids arrive home tomorrow. They almost were in Kelowna a week!

Here’s a good quote someone shared with me a few days ago. “Everyone has a will to win, not everyone has a will to prepare to win!!”

What a wonderful supper I had yesterday. I enjoyed every bite.

Summary for August 17^th, 2011

Total allowed calories today (Aug 17^h, 2011):   2782

Total used:                                                        1870

This was a nice day and I am still basking in the glow of a small victory as noted by the numbers above.

A sad misstep on my efforts

August 16, 2011

It was a unique struggle this morning to make sure first things stayed first. It seems like such a little thing. I do know however that I wouldn’t have succeeded at this if it wasn’t for the fact that I am recording this and I really want to get a perfect record come this time next year. Several of the verses in this weeks study are helpful in this regards as well.

A friend has advised that white writing on a black background is hard to read for a extended period, so I am going to adjust the settings on my blog due to this.

Now for the sad part, I have to report that due to carelessness at the end of the day yesterday I ended up over my calorie limit for the first time. This was hugely disappointing to me after I realized it and I was very tempted not to report it… however that wouldn’t change the fact that it happened so I am reporting it anyway.

Summary for August 16^th, 2011

Total allowed calories today (Aug 16^h, 2011):   2856

Total used:                                                         3036

This morning I have a fresh determination to once again be cautious and careful so I don’t slip again.

Summary for Monday August 15th

August 15^th, 2011

First things have stayed first again for the past three days and continued on this morning. We have a interesting study this week, “Daily Activities” and the first item on the list is, you guessed it, “first things first!” I love the feeling of consistently getting a small victory with this. As you may have noted from the previous post it doesn’t guarantee victory but it certainly goes along way to helping get more victories.

Ticking things off my list today, it’s a pretty good feeling. I really appreciate people who make solutions rather than obstacles.

Still haven’t had breakfast yet, I am supposed to take a client for lunch so will likely wait now for that!

Turned out to be a very good day, ended by a very, very nice supper with Keith and Lori!

Summary for August 15^th, 2011

Total allowed calories today (Aug 15^h, 2011):   2707

Total used:                                                        1640

This is kinda cool… I will weigh in again the end of this week and it will be interesting to see where I am then. Thought I had exercised a ton more this last week but in the end the difference was only about 90 calories.

Start of Third Week!!!

August 13^th, 2011

Happy that first things stayed first, not so happy about some of the other train wrecks I’ve had in the last few days! Oh well that’s why I get up and start over once again!

Summary for August 12^th, 2011

Total allowed calories today (Aug 12^h, 2011):   2633

Total used:                                                        2538

Working on various things here at the office this morning, one small victory is the fact that I’ve already had about 500ml of water!

Summary for August 13^th, 2011

Total allowed calories today (Aug 13^h, 2011):   3154

Total used:                                                        2306

It was an interesting weekend, I walked and walked. The little pound hound we have enjoyed every minute of it. In fact I think today he will be in full blown with drawl.

Summary for August 14^th, 2011

Total allowed calories today (Aug 14^h, 2011):   3042

Total used:                                                        2576

Had an excellent and relaxing breakfast, this was followed by an excellent day. Enjoyed my day and supper immensely and I am very happy with the end result

End of week two!

August 12^th, 2011

Happy to report that again yesterday first things first, both yesterday and again today.

Here is the summary for August 10^th, 2011:

Total allowed calories today (Aug 10^h, 2011):   2638

Total used:                                                        2321

I had to go to Edmonton yesterday and didn’t write anything down so will cover two for one today! I did have a very positive day even though I didn’t record much.

Here is the summary for August 11^th, 2011:

Total allowed calories today (Aug 11^th, 2011):  2562

Total used:                                                        2349

So it’s interesting and exciting to report the following, I weighed myself this morning to see where I was at and am thrilled that the scale stopped firmly at 298! This is a huge boost… now to just keep rolling with it!.

I really enjoyed thinking about a thought shared two days ago, “It’s not that God is going to come and walk with us! (He can’t and He won’t)  It is rather that we go and walk with Him!” Wow, that is so cool, this helps cement this as the important lesson for me this week.

It is now Saturday morning. Have a good weekend!

August 10th, 2011

August 10^th, 2011

Happy to report that again yesterday first things first.

Here is the summary for August 8^th, 2011:

Total allowed calories today (Aug 8^th, 2011):    2867

Total used:                                                        2475

I got sidetracked yesterday and didn’t write anything down so will cover two for one today! I did have a very positive day even though I didn’t record much. Lots of work onsite. (Will likely have more of the same today!)

Here is the summary for August 9^th, 2011:

Total allowed calories today (Aug 9^th, 2011):    2638

Total used:                                                        1929

Had one of the hardest tests yet last night, we went out for supper and I carefully considered everything I could order and did so… then when the meal came instead of the salad I had ordered I got a large order of fries! It was tough to give them up, especially as they were free and I had room from a calorie count! However part of this change of lifestyle is no fries so I stuck to it and no fries! I do admit at this moment I am a little proud of myself.

I had a big Donair wrap for lunch today and was surprised after the fact at how many calories it contained so will have to be careful to not do that again. Mean’s the rest of the day I will have to be extra careful. I am traveling again tomorrow and this always adds a level of difficulty too

The status of this last weekend

August 6^th, 2011

Once again first things first launched the day and so far a spectacular day it is!

Here is the summary for August 5^th, 2011:

Total allowed calories today (Aug 5^th, 2011):    2638

Total used:                                                                    1703

I had a good day yesterday; Divine Hardwood needed me to run to Red Deer to exchange some cabinets for hardwood. I then came back to Calgary, met Daryl at the jobsite and he helped me deliver the hardwood. Picked up three boxes from site and then after a lunch that he bought for me I returned the hardwood to the warehouse.

This morning has dawned sunny… quickly changing to partly cloudy. I am at the office getting my emails caught up and weekly reports done. I am looking forward to the weekend, I think I pushed my activity level regarding my foot a little much for what it was ready for… it really ached most of the night so I wrapped it this morning and will try and give it a little more rest today.

August 7^th, 2011

Still doing first things first and enjoying the feeling of knowing that I got it and so far am batting 100%. At least in this little thing… my goal is to get to the end of the year and not have a miss…

Here is the summary for August 6^th, 2011:

Total allowed calories today (Aug 6^th, 2011):    2410

Total used:                                                                    1812

I had sprained my ankle last week and I really hadn’t stayed off it much… it really was sore on Saturday so I went home and put it up for the rest of the day. Was really careful on my Calories so that I stayed below my limit.

August 8^th, 2011

Once again I got first things first.

Then I drove to Edmonton for a site visit, returned to Calgary and made a couple here as well.

Here is the summary for August 7^th, 2011:

Total allowed calories today (Aug 7^th, 2011):    2410

Total used:                                                                    2347

This was close; again I didn’t do any exercise. I had a really good day but was borderline on my limit so will have to be a little more careful.

Infromation for August 3rd and 4th

August 4^th, 2011

Once again first things first launched the day and so far a spectacular day it is!

Here is the summary from yesterday:

Total allowed calories today (Aug 3, 2011):      2638

Total used:                                                        1703

I really don’t expect that this will be maintained every day but was thrilled that is was how yesterday concluded.

Today is going to be far more of a challenge. I took Liam so he can help some friends of ours move. To start the day we had breakfast together and I had the most calories for breakfast I have in several days. Stuck with water to drink however and the hardest part, didn’t eat all of Liam’s leftovers even though they were quite literally screaming my name to do so! This is very hard for me as I so hate to buy food and then have it end up in the bottom of a garbage can.

Cool studying a little more today on the thought that just because what we are doing is good doesn’t automatically mean that God will take pleasure in it. Rather we have to ensure that what we are doing is what He wants of us. It’s not what we think; rather what He wants that makes all the difference.

I was away from the office yesterday so this isn’t being posted until Saturday Aug 6^th, 2011.

Here is the summary from August 4^th, 2011:

Total allowed calories today:                             3378

Total used:                                                        2583

I spent several hours helping my pal Tim Beach move.

August 3rd, 2011

Aug 3^rd, 2011

Yippee first things first again! Kelsey is off to Kelowna for a holiday with her cousin and Aunt and Uncle, they are showing her some of the wonders of British Columbia. Then later on Gloria and Liam will head out for some days in the sun as well. Maybe Liam will get a fishing trip with Uncle Ernie also.

Day One of No Timmies is now in the history books. The summary is as follows:

Total allowed calories today (Aug 2, 2011):      2638

Total used:                                                        2334

I had a good day; it also resulted in maybe convincing Gloria to do the tracking thing too. Let’s see how this day goes as things unfold. I was going to change up the bagel this morning but slept in a little so it will have to wait until tomorrow.

Small victories from yesterday worth noting:

a)      No Tim Horton’s

b)      No French Fries

c)      Walked the dog for 30 minutes even tho I had a sore ankle

Only thing a bit too bad was I stayed up way to late last night. I need my sleep so need to be careful of this.

Well, breakfast is over for today and I hung in there and actually really enjoyed my bagel. Funny how things I didn’t really think about before I am now quite focused on. Just had an interesting test, my boss offered to buy me coffee and I had to pass! Somehow that makes the temptation harder?

Lunch was a salad and supper was home made Tuna sandwiches. It all ended very well with a quick walk with the pound hound just before meeting.

July 29th - August 2nd, 2011

July 30^th, 2011

This is being recorded on the morning of August 2, 2011. I meant to record this daily but didn’t so, so will update the weekend as follows:

a)      I kept first things first all weekend… super stoked about this. In fact this is still true for today too.

b)      I set up to track my fitness and food using a telephone app. This is going to be cool.

c)      Worked really hard at maintaining my fitness level, twisted my ankle on Saturday so really curtailed my activity for Sunday and Monday.

d)      Managed to get most things sorted out. I checked Kelsey in for her flight to Kelowna today.

e)      Summary for Aug 1^st, 2011 tracking my Calories Allowed 2410 Total still available at end of day 65. This was just based on my normal weekend activities however to be fair by the end of the day I was paying so much attention to the total that when I went for a bowl of ice cream and strawberries I limited myself to one scoop of ice cream instead of the three I would have normally had. (So even before the start of tomorrow my mind was shifting.)

Aug 2^nd, 2011

As noted earlier today was day #9 of first things first, I almost missed but then managed to pep talk myself into keeping to the program. Love the feeling of small victories I am sure it will spread into the rest of today and have an impact there too.

I am currently at work, brought a bagel from home today, will toast and eat this today instead of Tim Horton’s! It is almost time to do this… I need to keep my energy level a little higher today.

Well I did it, just toasted and ate my bagel (thinly sliced into 4 slices) and had a bottle of water for breakfast. Just waiting on an email to get some paperwork done and then I have some running around to do.

Managed to stick to my guns through lunch hour, had a Wendy’s salad and mixed berry parfait for lunch… still have 1400 calories to go… Have to walk the dog tonight or some form of exercise, the commitment is to have a minimum of 20 minutes of exercise daily.

Will update you all tomorrow, so far two bottles of water today.

July 29, 2011

July 29, 2011

Good Morning World!!!!!

Wow… I am doing cartwheels inside! Day #5 of first things first and I am really stoked about this. It is interesting to me but the fact that I am writing this down is huge in making it something I have to keep going! It was interesting as I had received a number of messages overnight and today was so tempted to read them first! Happy to report that I didn’t and the few minutes I took to do first things first made me so glad I did!

So I am undertaking this massive lifestyle change right now! I have alluded to it a little bit in previous notes but today am going to flesh it out just a bit more. Since the events of a week ago I am determined that my life is going to change! Some of the things I have always done, I will continue to do. Other things that I haven’t been very concerned about I am now going to think about and act on! This has started with the “first things first” idea’s contained in my blog of about five days ago. Further I have committed to undertaking a “thirty day” fitness and eating lifestyle challenge with my co-workers. This will be totally pointless if I just do it for thirty days as I will then just revert to what was before. Not this time… things are changing and I am going to record the ride!

As of August 2^nd, 2011 I am quitting cold turkey Tim Horton’s Double Doubles and French Fries totally, potato’s will be reduced to no more than half a potato at a sitting if any! Also greatly reduced Pasta in take… likely I can’t eliminate this totally as we do eat a lot of it.

Also part of this was twenty-minutes of exercise a day, every day… no specification of what for exercise but definitely twenty-minutes of exercise. I will record this and so you will know how it has worked out. Last night I walked around the north end of the lake we live at. It took me an hour; I didn’t set any land speed records, but had a nice walk and definitely felt it a little. It did tire out the pound hound that’s for sure.

Also I am going to record my measurements as this too will give a point of reference. These will be only taken at the start of the first thirty days and then again at the end. I am not going to do these on a daily or even weekly basis because for me the issue is that I am doing something not whether the measurements change at all.

Starting on Tuesday August 2^nd, 2011 I am going to track all I eat in a day, everything in excruciating detail so prepare to be amazed.

July 28, 2011

July 28, 2011

Good morning, yes it is a good morning and the following milestone is achieved. For the fourth straight morning First things first was again achieved. I am thrilled with this. It is such a big plus to starting my day.

Secondly, I did take the dog for a 30 minute stroll yesterday. I felt it even if it was a slow walk but a slow build up to the start next Tuesday of my lifestyle change is likely a very good thing. The eating part will be the hard part, last night we splurged and had ice cream for a treat… going to be tough to say no to these things this time next week.

I have several tasks I have to get to today, some involve some running around so will get on this before too long. I think Kelsey is riding so will try and coordinate my trip with this as well.

So far so good, managed to get several items scratched from my, “to do” list. This feels very good although I always struggle to move onto the next task when one completes or I am sidetracked by the phone etc.

Got a phone call today and some material I had ordered a longtime ago has arrived in so I need to make arrangements to pay for it and pick it up. It is for Kelsey’s room upstairs so will maybe work at this while she is away. It would be cool to have this looking ship / shape before she gets back from her holidays. There is enough material to do the main floor den also, however that will likely have to wait a while.

Not such good news for one of my clients. He wanted wood or some photo shoots but its not available in time… will have to come up with some other options for him.

July 27, 2011

July 27, 2011

Yes, three days and counting. Marching towards the goal and thrilled that for three days now I have preserved the “First things first” rule. A bit of a sobering read this morning as I read Jesus words, “Father if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.”  I feel the sadness of these words and yet because of the high of getting victory for the third day in a row and the victory reflected in the surrender of these words I am thrilled that this is where my first thoughts this morning went. Let’s see how this day unfolds from here. I love the way that when I keep first things first my thoughts are set on these things for the day regardless of what else is to be addressed. Oh yes and a little more sleep last night did also go a long way towards restoring the equilibrium one needs to stay happy and positive.

Funny how this day started much higher than yesterday, but now in the middle of it, it is beginning to drag a little. Time for a re-focusing and a get busy approach! I enjoyed my morning but the Timmies breakfast I indulged in seems to have left me a tag lethargic as opposed to energized. (Looking forward to August 2^nd, 2011 I was lectured today because I am holding off on starting my transformation and lifestyle change until then. I firmly believe however for my personality and long term success this approach will prove to be the best! Really only time will tell for sure!)

Speaking of the shift in life style I will have to start planning a menu etc. Also need to write down specific goals and targets as the others are doing the same thing.

Managed to squeak my expense report in under the wire, now to start working on my invoicing for the month, better get it out so that all the powers that be are happy!

Took a few minutes and continued reading through some old notes. It helped… all of a sudden the afternoon is over and I am on my way home.

T

July 26, 2011

July 26, 2011

Had a good day yesterday, it ended later than usual and I struggled with getting to sleep in a hot and muggy house, for some reason it was a rough night in the sleep department and not for me only as when I was up in the middle of the night I found one of the kids was up too. It will take an extra measure of determination today to be cheerful and positive.

I am very happy to report that day one has started with First Things First. It was actually harder than I thought to do this, likely because I was still so sleepy from last night. Anyhow I spent a small portion of time getting my thoughts where they were supposed to be. Now all I have to do is keep them there today.

It will be interesting to see what transpires on the fitness front in a week. Here is what I know about what’s occurring. My diet is going to get an overhaul. No more or very little carbs and definitely no fast food. My large double double is going to be history at least for the next month. Secondly I am committing to a minimum of twenty minutes of exercise per day for the five working days of the week. I have lots to choose from as I have a full gym in my basement along with a mountain bike in my garage and a dog that is happy to walk anytime! I will let you know how this goes, I know that this will be an added difficulty as my evenings are very full and so likely the time for this will be before work!

Anyhow, there are several tasks at hand waiting to be done, so I will leave this for now and carry on with what has to be done!

We are now about midway through our day. I had some paperwork to get completed before a mtg. this afternoon. I am happy to report that while it looked overwhelming it has now been accomplished so this is positive.

I just compiled a list of gems which was a nice exercise and lifted my spirits on this gloomy day (Partly lack of sleep last night, partly the overcast skies outside.)

The following is the list of gems:

Some gem thoughts:

·        Are you willing for the cost of a miracle?

·        Our reputation is about what we are; our testimony is about what God has done in and for us!

·        On the road to knowledge many things are accumulated, on the road to wisdom many things are discarded.

·        It is our responsibility to prove by how we go through the storm what God is doing in our lives.

·        We have everything to gain and nothing to loose.

·        Don’t forget for a minute that Jesus human nature was worse than yours! What tempts me, may not tempt you at all and vise versa, however it tells us that Jesus was tempted in all points! This means everything was a temptation to Him.

·        A child asked his mother the following: “Mom, does God know that we don’t believe in Him?”

·        God is abundant in mercy and this is our hope.

·        God can hear hearts that don’t have words, but He can’t hear words that don’t have heart.

·        The Holy Spirit is seeking to guide you in all things, I hope you are listening?

·        This year in life’s experiences we have endured some things and enjoyed some things. Every life experience will have a dark portion to it however this better enables us to enjoy the sunrise.

·        It is our responsibility to hold up the standard (Christ) when we fail to do this; we haven’t changed the standard but rather have let the standard down. We don’t set the standard!

·        Prayer is trading “me” time for time with Jesus.

·        What are our priorities? How we set them will determine what we get out of this next year.

·        A desire to see, a desire to hear and a will to do will make all the difference in the days ahead.

·        Remember as a Child of God every earthly experience can be worked to your eternal benefit. (God may not change the experience but often He will change us in the experience.)

·        How we live our days has everything to do with how we will live our lives!