Richmond, Texas

I've been in Richmond, TX, since last Thursday. I'm visiting my sister. I miss my workouts but have been trying to watch what I eat. Hopefully, when I return home, I will get back to the gym and will not have gained too much weight.

I did get to see my brother and some of my friends from high school. It's great that we still get together and it's amazing that none of us has aged a day!!!

Will be going home tomorrow.

There is hope!

Went back to the gym today for my workout. I've added some more weight to my exercises. So far so good. Trying to keep stretched as well. Sometimes I think my muscles and tendons, etc. have all frozen in place...I'm trying to limber them up and get them moving.

Stepped on the scales again (I know you shouldn't weigh every day) and I've lost the 1-1/2 pounds I gained last week. Staying away from the rolls, butter, fried okra, etc. really does work!

Emailed my high school friends in Houston that I'm coming for a visit. So far heard from most of them. Always good to reconnect with my good friends from high school. I'm sure none of them has changed a bit. Looking forward to seeing them.

Back Home

Well I'm back home after traveling to Foley, AL for a few days in the RV. We camped at Palm Lake RV Resort with seven other rigs from our Holiday Rambler club, The Pelican Ramblers. We had a good time and had an excellent opportunity to test the new electric heating mattress pad. The weather was around 20-25 degrees overnight for two nights so it was a very good test. Slipping between the covers into a warm bed is like being in heaven. I can recommend it highly. It was GREAT!!!!

I can also tell you that if you eat at Lambert's (Home of the Throwed Rolls) in Foley, AL you will gain at least 1-1/2 pounds...I DID!!! The food was great and the atmosphere was fun. Rolls were flying all around and people came by the table offering spoonfuls of fried okra (Zach would love this), fried potatoes and onions, blackeyed peas, apple butter (for the throwed roll) and, did I already say, fried okra. It was worth the 1-1/2 pounds but now I have to get back on my fitness track. The only exercising I did on the trip was trying to stay warm! (By the way, I've already been back to the gym.)

We finished the trip with a stop at Fontainebleau State Park in Mandeville, LA. We met our friends, the Schroeders and the Watts, and camped overnight. The Schroeders hosted the church youth at a cookout (that probably helped with the 1-1/2 pound weight gain). The youth were on a retreat at the park. Great bonfire built by Jim Watts, my Jim and Rob. Good fun.

Reving Up

Enjoyed the new inspirational and exciting Bible study this morning. "Anointed, Transformed, Redeemed...A Study of David" began today at NCPC. I'm always interested in studying more and enjoy all the ladies who also attend but never expect for it to be so POWERFUL! Maybe my expectations have been too low. It's always great to be blown away with such powerful teaching. I plan on enjoying this study for the next few months and also plan on being dynamically changed by the ever awesome power of God. Thank you to the ladies who found this study and stepped up to share.

"No Excuses" Fitness Plan

Well it's a new year and I'm determined to be healthier and more fit. I've decided on the "No Excuse" approach. There is no excuse for not going to the gym and no excuse for eating foods I don't need and will regret later.

I've been to the gym everyday (but Sunday, that's for rest) since January 2nd, 2009. The club was closed on the 1st. I've even tried a new class...Zumba! That was fun and a good workout for me. Still need to remember to keep my hips more under control until I get my back into better shape.

I've already lost 5 pounds and do not feel deprived at all. It's AMAZING how it can work if you make a decision. I know (and fully expect) to backslide a few times but if I don't do it when I can then when will I.

My son suggested this blog so I will try and keep reporting on my progress. Until the next time.