New Home, New Diet

Much has happened since the last time I was able to sit in front of a computer.

Our move last Wednesday took four hours, thanks to lots of help from past and present church friends. Our 24 foot truck was filled to the brim once and required another trip. But by noon we were in the new digs and facing the challenge of unpacking. Over the last few days we have managed to make good progress with boxes. On Friday Dick and Lynn came to visit, and Dick helped me tear out cabinets and a countertop from what is now our schoolroom (Michelle wanted to have class today). Our family room is livable, as are the bedrooms and bathrooms. The kitchen and dining rooms can be navigated. The guest bedroom, living room, garage, and utility areas are disasters. Got a little work to do there. We anticipate hosting a Christmas party on Dec. 10, so we've got a deadline to make things presentable.

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While visiting with Greg, Dan, and Trent at UNI Homecoming a couple of months ago, we all felt a sense of urgency to shrink our midsections. Ping pong should not be considered an aerobic activity, though you wouldn't have known it watching us work up a sweat at the table. Beginning today, we start our own version of "The Biggest Loser." During the next seven months we will be competing to loss weight and find our waists again.

My incentive is simple ... up until 18 months ago, my weight had never topped the 157 mark, and was between 150-155 for the better part of my married life. But almost in the blink of an eye, my weight crept up past 160 ... 165 ... 170. Not sure exactly how it happened. Well, that's not exactly true, It happened the way it happens for most people -- too much eating and too little exercise.

I'm almost 36. As much as I can help it, I do not want to become one of those headline health statistics. I figure it's time to get serious about my health, both for my sake and my family. Friday after T-Giving I picked up my new treadmill. I'd like to put on 3 miles a day, every day. I'd like to cut my daily calorie count to about 1,400. Doing both together should result in a 1-2 weight loss per week, according to www.mayoclinic.com.

We have our contest weigh-in today. I think I'm at 170. My goal is to lose 1 pound a week for 28 weeks. That would put me at 142. Well, that's not going to happen, and isn't even necessary. My official goal for the contest period is to find 155. By the end of 2006, I'd like to be back to 145-150, my wedding weight.

Pass the carrots.