Week One and Not Too Bad

This is the first official week of Are You A Bigger Loser Than Marko? I have done cardio exercises five days this week...twice in the exercise room and three times at water aerobics. I have used the website sparkpeople.com to track calories burnt, calories taken in and other such things (a site which I highly recommend if you're looking to track that stuff).

I have started eating breakfast again...something that I haven't done since I was pregnant with our youngest. Not too bad...especially if it makes me healthier.

I've been drinking less sweet tea (that's been a little harder) and more water...and eating more healthy snacks.

Today I only did strengthening exercises and the hula exercise...I found out in aerobics this week that if you do the "hula" for a minute one way then for a minute the other way, it'll take an inch off of your waist in a few weeks.

When I weighed myself today, I saw results...we'll see how this continues.

Shrove Tuesday - A Lesson in Gluttony

Today is Shrove Tuesday, the day when a lot of people go hog wild with gluttony before they enter the time of Lent...the dreaded days of fasting of self denial.  As I was exercising this I was listening to what was on the television at the Y.  On the Morning Show (I think that was the name) the topic was prosperity pastors...those folks who preach that God wants each of us to be rich and that if you give more money to the church, you'll be blessed in many ways, including financially.

I found it interesting that on Shrove Tuesday they were paying attention to this topic.  What the pastors said was interesting.  One stated that he needed to have the private jet to get places because he had a family and had many places to be.  When asked what he thought Jesus would say about him flying in a private jet or first class because it was more comfortable for him, he said that he thought Jesus would have a jet too.  I was impressed by the host who must have some church background said he really doubted that as Jesus was very critical of the rich.

Another, who had received a Rolls Royce from a parishioner, said of course he was going to keep it...it would be rude to give back a gift.

One pastor pointed to what all his congregation does to feed and help the homeless to which the host asked, "Well, don't you think it'd be more help to sell your big items or save your money and then donate it to the poor?"

Again the pastors frowned upon the idea of giving up luxury, because they need to be comfortable and they have families, and instead focused on the fact that they had been blessed by God and God will do the same for those who ask and actively seek God.

I just thought it was interesting that on the day when we think of excess and gluttony that this topic would be covered.  Don't we all in some way overextend ourselves to make our lives more comfortable?  Don't we have those times when we splurge on things that are luxury items?   Maybe it's that I don't want to be like these guys...but I think that somehow what I do, what many of us do is different.  Do I think that God will bless us if we seek to do God's work in this world?  Yes, most definitely.  But I think the blessings are in those priceless things in life...not as more pennies in our bank account.

Another topic for the show was the idea of paying for miracles.  A family shared a story about their mother who gave most of her money to be healed from cancer.  They tried to get her to go to the doctor but she refused saying she'd be cheated out of her miracle.  That made me sad.  Throughout his ministry, Jesus reached out to heal people...but he didn't charge them anything to do this...he did get a little hacked when the nine lepers didn't thank him but he didn't hand them a bill for his services.

I don't know how the discussion ended...I had to get back to work.  I realize that there are so many pastors out there doing the right thing...reaching out in the love, grace and peace of God to a world that is hurting and in need.  But for many people these pastors seen on this show this morning are normal clergy...and that makes me sad.

And you probably thought this was going to be about dieting.

Biggest Loser, Day 1 - Temptations All Around

Today officially began the YS Biggest Loser competition. As I was getting up this morning I began to struggle with the idea of going to work out. So many excuses came to mind of why I shouldn't go, but I packed up my gym bag anyway so I'd be ready. Even when I got to work I was still making up in my mind reasons why I shouldn't go, but will power prevailed and I went to my water aerobics class.

When I got to work today one of our preschool teachers had a little container of these candy/cookie things she makes out of Oreos. They are so good. She had three of them...one for me, and two for two others. I did give in to that little taste of chocolate and mint (but it was after I had gone to the Y and worked out for an hour).

The third temptation came when I got home and it was that lull time between dinner and bed time. I was bored, so I tried to find something to eat. With all of the left over Super Bowl treats we had gotten that's not a good thing. A piece of cake that our oldest had picked out was taunting me...but when I looked at the label and saw the abundance of calories in just a little piece of it, I thought OK on to something else. I looked at the Poptarts...still too many calories. So I opted for raisins...a small box which I shared with our youngest.

This is going to be a LONG twelve weeks.

Biggest Loser, Marko Style

Tomorrow begins the contest by Youth Specialties, "Are You a Bigger Loser than Marko?" I have entered into this contest with the hope that I will lose weight and get in shape. Last week I tried to enter into the exercise stuff full force going to the Y three times. That's the most consistent I've been in a LONG time. We'll see how this week works out with Ash Wednesday and all.

Wish me luck!

Pinewood Derby

Today our oldest participated in the Pinewood Derby. He had a lot of fun and wound up coming in second in his age group. His good friend, S, came in first over all. Here are some pics from today.

Best Commercials

I was hoping to get to this before half time to post a few times with my favorite commercials. Here are my favorites so far (these will be ranked later).

--The Budweiser Rocky parody with the dog as the trainer.

-- The Thriller Sobe (?) parody

-- What is Love? Diet Pepsi

-- The First Baby/ETrade

-- The Second Baby ETrade with the clown

What are your favorites?

Today was a Hard Day...Tomorrow Will be Harder

Today was tough as we are preparing for a very difficult funeral. I helped fold the bulletins which have a very nice picture of our friend on the front...very hard. Tomorrow is the day I've been dreading since I got the call on Thursday. We will have to really say goodbye. That's tough. Tomorrow is to be a celebration...I'm happy that Jim is with Jesus. I know he's reunited with those he loves...I know that he is whole. But, I miss him.

I miss the jingle of his keys. I miss the way that he would jump when you'd walk in the room...even if he knew you were there. I miss his voice laughing...telling tales...just in conversation. I miss the way he was always around.

Tomorrow is going to be rough...I'm saying some remarks. I just sat today staring at the screen thinking what can I say? How can I say it? I have to write it down or I'll never get through.

I went to exercise thinking the workout would relax me...release some stress.

Tomorrow we will gather...to share together...to support one another...to cry on each other's shoulders. Tomorrow we will say goodbye to a friend and at the same time celebrate a life that has touched ours. Today was hard, but tomorrow will be harder.

A True Servant Has Gone Home

Today was a more difficult day than most others. A true friend, example, servant has gone on to be with God. My soul is conflicted as I mourn this great man who touched my life and the lives of others in so many different ways. I'm sad...mostly for those of us who are left behind...but I also rejoice because I know today he got to meet Jesus face to face.

He always gave of himself...thinking of everyone first before he ever thought of himself. His faith was strong, unwavering. He was always there to lend a hand whether it was helping out in the kitchen...preparing refreshments for groups gathering...doing the laundry that could have waited just a little longer.

He was known all around town. His heart was a heart of gold. His voice was so very kind and gentle and he would more than willingly share his voice singing his favorite songs.

He had the heart of a Saint and was Grandpa Jim to my boys. He was missed tonight for our Thursday night service and the coffee pot just didn't work quite right to make the drinks. Tears were shed freely as we sought to be about doing what needed to be done for dinner tonight...prayer was difficult, the words stuck in the throat as we were seeking to find the right words. He was definitely missed.

But at the same time there is joy...he is home. But now he is able to rest. Now he has been made whole. Jim has been welcomed home and I have little doubt that he is busy getting rooms and refreshments ready for those who will follow.

We will miss you, Jim. You touched more lives than you'll ever know. And all of us have been blessed to have known you.

Just Like the Wicked Witch

Water is going to ruin me. Yesterday was less than perfect as at about 3:30 we noticed something wrong with the water at the office...I was the first to find this out but I'll spare you the details of how I made this little discovery. Thinking it was a busted pipe somewhere in the church, we went off in search of the leak. I imagined water running down a hallway or wall. We searched but didn't find anything. One interesting discovery we made was that as we descended to check the water on each floor, the water pressure got more and more.

Finally I suggested that maybe there was a water main break somewhere. I was correct. A couple of blocks away there was a gusher. The whole town was without much water pressure...but then things began to change a little. We're now under a boil water advisory.

School was canceled today for both my boys so we stayed around...I worked on work stuff while our little one ran around wildly and our oldest played video games. Recently we have pulled out a rather old game that I got stuck on a year or so ago. We couldn't find the memory card so we worked up to the exact same place. And guess what? We're stuck again.

The ironic thing is that the game is Kingdom Hearts II...it's a Disney game...kinda fun you get to go to different Disney "worlds" like Ariel's world, Pooh, Haloweentown, etc. But the part where we're stuck is where this bad guy says, "Dance, water, dance." and proceeds to throw water at you among other things. We played this a while today and into the evening...and this guy is still beating us. It's frustrating to say the least.

Today there was yet another water main break...so the advisory continues through noon tomorrow...so tomorrow it looks like our oldest will try to defeat the water again since he's out of school. Ironic, huh? The water is winning.

Happy Birthday My Oldest

Wow...has the time flown. It seems like just yesterday we were in the hospital with our young one. We were so excited for him to come and join us...we couldn't wait.

I remember going to the doctor on our due date and we were admitted into the hospital because our vital signs were above normal...but once we were in the hospital, everything calmed down and we were sent home. Three days later we went in for a C-section and our new little one was born.

The years have passed and our little guy has grown into quite a boy. He's active in scouts and has a passel of friends around him. He's a great kid and a WONDERFUL big brother. It's amazing how time has flown quickly by. Here is our big boy...

Happy Birthday!!! We love you!!

Tomorrow's the Day!!

Since I first heard about it I have been excited about it being on. I remember watching it with my grandma when she was in the nursing home after her hip replacement. When I told people I watched it with grandma, they'd just laugh and say, "She must be pretty cool." It was cool.

We'd pick our favorite and then root for them to beat the Gladiators and get to the finish. Every once in a while I'll catch reruns of the old 80's show on ESPN Classics or something, but now I guess because of the writers strike, we get to watch new shows on primetime TV.

I know it probably is weird but each time I see the commercials for it I get a little weepy...I think about grandma and I just really miss her. It's been about 14 years since she passed away but this crazy show makes her feel just a little closer.

What GREAT Football

Congratulations to the Mountaineers on their victory over Oklahoma!!! WAY TO GO GUYS!!!

Thank you for finally quieting the Oklahoma band...I was growing tired of that fight song.

Also congratulations to the Wolverines who won a last bowl game for Coach Carr.

Awesome football!!

Let's Go Blue!!

The Capital One Bowl is ready to begin. I hope that the Wolverines can pull out a win for Lloyd on his last day as coach for the Big Blue. I'm so tired of Tebow...hopefully we can make it so he's not an issue.

Let's Go Blue!!! Let's beat those Gators!!!

Tops of 2007

As 2007 comes to a close, I have been reflecting on the year past, collecting the good times we had...

We had some neat trips...we went to Asheville, NC over Spring Break...discovered the Mellow Mushroom (if you've not had that...it's good pizza with a really funky cool atmosphere). In the summer we went to Disney and our little one got to meet Mickey and friends for the first time. Over Labor Day weekend, we traveled back home and I performed my first interfaith wedding of one of my former youth group members. It was both an honor and a privilege to be a part of her big day. It's hard for me to think of her as a woman now...wow has time passed. This fall I got to attend the Youth Specialties conference in Atlanta. That was a good trip too. I got to meet new people...meet some fellow bloggers and learn about the new and exciting things going on in youth ministry.

This past year was full of firsts for our little one...he had his first step...his first words....his first haircut...his first birthday. Our oldest lost his first tooth and started first grade.

It's been an exciting year...we've served over 5,000 people dinner at our Thursday night service...and each week new people join us.

I hope this next year is as exciting and fun. I look forward to seeing what God has for us.

Happy New Year everyone!

When Santa Came To Visit

Santa came to our house like he usually does on Christmas Eve. Our little one was not real thrilled to see him.

Even though he didn't like seeing Santa, our young one was excited Christmas Day to see the packages from Santa to him.

Maybe next year he'll like Saint Nick better.

Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas and happy holidays to everyone. We had a good day today...opening presents, eating breakfast casserole, visiting with family in person and on the phone, J cooked dinner tonight and it was very good...we played and sang and just chilled for a while. It was good to be in each other's presence.

One of my favorite presents this year was a wonderful joy and surprise...the boys adopted a Compassion International child for me. They decided I needed a little girl to take care of too. She is so very cute...only three years old.

What a great gift. Thanks guys!

Merry Christmas Eve!!

Merry Christmas Eve! Our tree is finally up...our stockings are hung...and we're finally kinda ready.

We are here having fun, getting ready to start cooking and preparing for the evening church service, tracking Santa's trek over Europe. We're hoping Santa will stop by maybe before the evening service and definitely sometime during the night.

Trying once again this year to figure out how everything's going to get done by tomorrow. Oh well, it'll all work out...it always does!

May you and yours have a very, Merry Christmas!!

Silently Watching

Today I woke up with a voice similar to Mickey Mouse...not exactly what I had planned for today. Our choir was doing selections from Handel's Messiah plus one of my favorite Christmas hymns. I love singing this time of year because I can harmonize better since I already know the songs, their words and their tunes. Because I couldn't sing without coughing or the fear of sounding like some kind of cartoon character, I stood silently listening to the congregation and choir sing. It was WONDERFUL! I loved listening to the sounds of the voices joined together.

I imagined in my mind what it would've been like to be a shepherd hearing the angels sing of the arrival of Jesus.

Although I was disappointed I couldn't join in song, it was nice to have the music wash over me.

Could It Be?

Could it be? Could Rick Rodriguez really be thinking about leaving WVU for Michigan?! How interesting and almost strange. First Beilien now Rodriguez? That might be good.

I hope whoever goes to U of M will do better against the Buckeyes than in recent years.

I guess he wouldn't have to change the color of his duds too much. Although I am a little scared about the yellow uniforms...I really don't want to see the Big Blue running up and down the field in Maize. I like the color, but not that much.

We'll have to wait to see.

Liked the Movie, Didn't Want to Live It

Today was the first day I've gotten to take away from work. After I dropped off the little one I decided to go uptown in the continuing search to find pretty much the only thing our oldest has asked Santa for...a Wii. I don't know if you have been following the hype, but they're pretty much the most sought for commodity this season. They're being sold on Ebay for in the upward of $500 - $900 depending on what you get with it.

So today started my personal hunt. I went to our downtown store...found only 5 people in front of me and the clerk said the truck would soon be arriving. We waited. I hoped. We found out there are only 3 consoles per box. OK, I thought, we need 2 boxes. The guy only delivered one. ARGH!!!

OK...I don't take defeat that easily...I began to call other stores...found one that had just one left....I was on my way...going fast enough I thought but not too fast. I get there...sold 6 minutes before ARGGHHHH!!!!

So, the hunt continues. I couldn't help but think of Arnold Swarchenegger and Sinbad in Jingle All the Way. I always kinda liked the movie...thought it a little far fetched...but now I understand. No underground workshops for me, though. If we can't find it I think Santa's going to have to write a letter of apology to our oldest...and we'll look at that for a birthday gift.

Continuing now to do prep work for Christmas...have lots of energy and I need to expend it somewhere.

ONE BOX???!!!!!!! SIX MINUTES????!!!!!! ARGH!!!!!!!