Today we're getting our first dusting of snow in Cedar Rapids. I here places west of us were pounded with a blizzard yesterday. I've got to remember to pick up some oil and gas for my snowblower later today.

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The R House Biggest Loser contest is on! My weigh-in weight was 170. This is down from 173 about 3 weeks ago, which was the heaviest I've ever been. Yesterday I found my self being very conscious about my food choices ... 2/3 bag of low fat microwave popcorn instead of a full bag ... no corn with dinner (was already eating rice) ... half a glass of grape juice instead of a full one. I didn't count calories, but I have to believe I was under 1,400, which is the daily goal. Did 2.4 miles on the treadmill also.

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The house move isn't the only one taking place in our lives. I've written here before that our family began attending New Life Community Church (www.newlifecr.com) this past spring. NLCC is moving also, in a couple of weeks, into a new permanent facilility in Marion. I'm amazed at what God has done to make the purchase of a building possible, from the pledges of members, to the financing terms of the bank, and the drop in asking price from the church presently located in the building. Our church move takes place in two weeks. I'll write more about it as the time grows near.

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The New York Mets have signed Carlos Delgado and Billy Wagner this off-season. For 13 years, the Mets have trailed the Atlanta Braves in the National League east division. On paper, it looks like this is the year that the Mets break out and the Braves slide down the standings. I heard on the radio that the Cubs are going after Rafael Furcal, the Braves' shortstop. Does this mean Nomar isn't returning to Chicago?