Let me start by saying the positives FAR outweigh (no pun intended) the negatives of my recent quest to get-in-shape. That is to say, get into a shape other than round.  However, the subject for today’s Top list is the top 5 negatives about the weight loss.  There are a few obvious ones, however, there are a few that could surprise.

About this time last year I had really decided that it was time to take some control over my eating habits and exercise.  It was just a decision, not one that I actually followed up on, but at least the decision was made.  I really didn’t want a doc to tell me at age 45, “you need to lose 50 pounds.”  Being in my mid 30’s I figured it was a lot easier to lose it now, than later. Long story short, and because of travel through the spring, I determined that Memorial Day to Labor Day would be my primary time to make it happen.

So far I am down about 30 pounds.  I am quite comfortable with my weight now, and will feel fine if I stay within 5 pounds either way of where I am as of today.

Again, most everything about the weight-loss is positive, so I’m not complaining, simply pointing out a few things I’ve noticed!

Without further ado, the list:

Honorable Mentions (the obvious): Not Eating the Stuff I Want. This actually hasn’t been too bad, but every now and again I really, really, really want to just dive in on something bad.  The good news now, I can!  As long as I don’t do it often and keep up the exercise I am golden, but it’s the digging in to often that I am concerned about!

Five: Biking Budget. I have put a lot of miles on my bike the last few months, so much so that the back tire is about to tear into shreds.  The whole bike is in need of a good tune-up and the fact that the weather has changed means that the clothing is changing.  I now need bike-gear for the winter.  This weight-loss can get expensive.

Four: The Compliments/Comments? For the most part I like them.  It’s very thoughtful and nice to hear that people think you look good having lost the weight.  But then it makes you self-conscious… was I that big/ugly/nasty before?  I know people mean the best… I think?  Ha.

Three: Clothing budget. First, I don’t buy a lot of new clothes to begin with, but now, I am forced to.  I think the most annoying part is the actual shopping for clothes.  I’m not one for trying things on, looking for the right sale, price comparisons, etc.  The very thought of spending a few hours, let alone many dollars on new clothes almost propels this one up the list.  Or, I can just look like I really love hip-hop and layer up boxers, hoop shorts and one more pair of boxers and let the jeans just hang half way down my back side.  Nah, I’ll go to the mall if I have to.

Two: My License. Seeing as how I JUST got my new license last December I am now stuck with that picture for years to come. I can’t wait until 2013… hmmm, perhaps I’ll unINTENTIONALLY lose it.  That picture must go bye-bye!

One: Resizing of Ring. My wedding ring is consistently sliding up my finger and I’ve nearly lost it a number of times.  I need to get this baby re-sized, stat!  The biggest negative, what if I gain weight?  Will I lose a finger because of circulation issues of I resize too small?  Oh, I got it, just don’t put the weight back on!  Good call.

So, there ya go.  Not too controversial I’d think?

I’d appreciate your prayers for me to continue the good disciplines!

Grace,
Brian

We’re just about a month away from the “Holiday Season.”  Of course the retail industry would have us believe we are already in the midst of the holiday season (Labor Day to Valentines Day is what I think “they” believe is the Holiday Season).  My criteria is Thanksgiving through New Years Day.

For today’s top five, I thought I’d take a look at my top five traditions/happenings that take place during the season.  These are things that perhaps reflect upon my upbringing and /or are things we do as an immediate family.

So, without further ado… the list:

Five: The new spiritual experiences with my kids.  Each year this one will probably move up the charts.  We do Advent together as a family.  Complete with our own lighting of the candles, Bible reading and discussion time.  Each year the conversations grow deeper and sometimes sillier (I can’t wait for some of the basic questions Will will provide next year).  Doing church on Christmas eve provides sweet memories and reading the Christmas Story of Luke 2 will continue to guide our focus!

Four: Increased board game times! I love board/dice/card games.  For whatever reason they just don’t happen a lot outside of the holidays.  My memory is filled with RISK, Monopoly and Clue (Master Detective, of course) games played during the holidays.  Each year I get together with 25-40 other guys for a couple big hearts tournaments during the holidays as well.  Can’t wait to play some more games this year!

Three: Reunions.  I love the impromptu and planned reunions we get to have around the holidays.  Having had two discipleship groups that I shepherded for a number of years I love the holidays as a time to get together, whether as a group or just with the individuals.  Not only do I have these times with guys I have discipled, but also with old high school or college friends.  The holidays are a breeding ground for some sweet reunions.

Two: Thanksgiving.  Because there is so much wrapped up in the entire day, from Turkey to football, from time with family to time taking naps.  I love it all.  I think Thanksgiving may just be my favorite holiday of them all (hmmm, perhaps another top 5 list later).

One: Christmas Morning Routine for my Immediate Family.  I loved the tradition I had with my family growing up; I believe Elisabeth would say the same for her family as well.  However, we have OUR OWN new tradition in our family.  We start with the stockings, the kids really look forward to the stockings, however, I think Mommy and Daddy enjoy the fun gifts we give in the stockings just as much as they do opening them.  After stockings it’s time to get dressed (somewhat nice) to go up to 67, one of our favorite breakfast places.  That’s right, we go out for Breakfast on Christmas!  After a long and enjoyable breakfast we come home to let the kids open their gifts!  So fun!

GRAND CHAMPION: JESUS. Because Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year are the trio-of-holidays that make up “The Holidays” I can’t help but think of the relationship I have with God the Father and God the Spirit through God the Son!  He is the reason for a New Year (as in, he is the reason we have the calendar we use).  He is the reason for our ultimate Thanksgiving (for eternal life in Him) and He is THE REASON for Christmas.  Thank you Jesus!

I love Jesus and I love the Holidays as a consistent reminder of His grace shown to me!

So, what are some of your favorite Holiday Season Favorites?

Grace,
Brian