RussellD

This is actually Day 1, but I decided to label yesterday as Day 1, because I made the decision half way through the day yesterday.  Although, at that point I had already had two sandwiches on regular hamburger buns with BBQ that I smoked over the weekend.  I also had a donut from a student selling them for FBLA.  But, last night we had some delicious tilapia with brown rice and green beans with tomatoes.  I had a sweet tooth strike, of course, after dinner, but had some almond butter and an apple!  This morning for breakfast, a protein shake and for lunch I have leftover tilapia and brown rice and green beans.  Not sure about tonight, as we have open house at school and a boy's playoff bball game, so I will be at school late.  Encouragement is needed, as this will not be easy!

Today, I have decided to go with no carbs for Lent.  I'm not Catholic, but, Ash Wednesday is this coming Wednesday, so I've decided to give up something for Lent.  I know that simple carbs are my worst enemy when it comes to my weight loss/gain.  I love rice, potatoes, bread, pastries, and pretty much anything that has wheat in it.  Unfortunately, I'm weak when it comes to these things, because they are literally everywhere.  My wife has already given these up due to being gluten intolerant, so it shouldn't be too difficult to do with the bread.  However, we eat potatoes and rice with everything.  So, sweet potatoes, which I love, and brown rice, which is ok are on the menu.  Starting today I am weighing in around 290 lbs.  I am working out this afternoon, doing a P90x style workout.  My goal is to do that at least 3x a week, as well as play some basketball or run on the treadmill.  Please follow me and encourage me during this time...

I read this poem a long time ago. But, from time to time it comes to mind. I didn't remember it word for word, line by line, but it speaks to me. It speaks to all of us, as humans. The poem, obviously directed at a young man, can be taken to heart by each of us. IF we can stay grounded, regardless of what goes on around us we will prove our worth, we'll prove that we are men/women. There are no biblical references, no Confucious sayings, nothing religious or out of this world. Just common sense thinking from a British author who I studied my senior year in high school. And, even though this guy may not be the keeper of our universe, or a mystical figure- there is something about this poem that just seems right....read and see if you agree. If you can keep your head when all about you Are losing theirs and blaming it on you; If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, But make allowance for their doubting too; If you can wait and not be tired by waiting, Or...

So today I'm not writing an April Fool's blog, but today is April Fool's. I'm just going to rant and vent, and simply express some emotions I've felt lately. I hope it doesn't step on anyone's toes, and if you're easily offended, you may just want to click the close tab button now. Don't say I didn't warn you! The more I live, the more I realize that people in general are not very smart. Sure there are intelligent people all over, but the general mass population is lacking a lot of common sense. For instance-I walk into a local convenience store tonight to get gas. There are at least 4 people in line in front of me. The whole time I'm in line, the clerk at the cash register is complaining and whining about her job, about the customers, about how the EMS guy in front of me "better be on call-cuz I'm goin home to get me a drink". My question is...do you realize your job deals with the public, and the public's opinion...

Over the weekend, the US Federal Government proved once again that it has ceased to listen to the people of this nation. If you did not see this coming, you've been blind for quite a while. This "health care reform" is nothing more than big brother sticking his hand in, yet another pot, that it doesn't belong in. It is against the law, unconstitutional for the Federal Government to mandate that everyone has insurance. Make no mistake, this bill doesn't just allow you health care, it FORCES you to have health care. This bill also forces insurance companies to spend 85% of premiums paid, towards medical bills. It's unconstitutional for the government to tell businesses how to do business. What happened to the free market, where has capitalism gone? As a consumer of health care, I'd love to see premiums go down, I'd love to see the health insurance problem go away, but this does not help this go away. Your premiums will no raise, because of the 8...

America needs to wake up! If we don't, there won't be much to be patriotic about for much longer. I've never been very politically involved, until our recent social crisis. You see, WE, Americans have elected a Communist to be our President. I feel so disappointed in this country and its people for getting so far away from our roots. We've come so far from what our forefathers envisioned for this great nation. For so long, America has been the shinning light, that beacon of hope for people who would otherwise not have gotten a chance to succeed. Our country was established on the premise of freedom, but if we continue to let a man who isn't even a citizen, have his way, many of our freedoms will be no more. Take for instance our right to bear arms. The president wants to take that away. He doesn't think any private citizen should have the right to own a gun. Well, according to the Bill of Rights (provided to the STATES from the FEDERAL GOVERNMENT), I ...

Christmas is upon us, whether you like it or not. For the past few years it's been full of mixed emotions for me. On one hand, you have time away from work to spend with family and friends. On the other hand, there is so much travel and hustle and bustle . This year will be no different. Maybe even more hustle and bustle . Ideally, we would have Christmas at home, and everyone would be able to come. Well, realistically, that's not happening. Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas, it's by far my favorite Holiday . I love what it represents and without Christ I would be here. But, Christmas to most is nothing more than a day to get things. Most people go through Christmas thinking about what we'll get, and I'm guilty of that as well. This year, I want to make a conscious effort to think about my family and my friends and how I can give to them. I may not have a lot of money, I may not be able to pick out the "best" gift. But, I can't w...