How I Lost my Weight

I was very active (and skinny) as a kid. I would play sports pretty much every day throughout the year (even in the snow). Basketball was my favorite, but I would also play baseball, football, etc.

As I got older, I still was at the correct weight for my height. When I moved to Florida in my late 20's, I continued my active lifestyle. I played a lot of tennis, basketball, softball, and golf.

My weight problems started when I became less active. It was accelerated by eating at too many buffets (especially, Chinese). That was a big thing we used to do at lunch when I worked at GTE. So, slowly, I went from 180 to 230.

During that time, I tried many diets, including Atkins and Weight Watchers (point counting). I would lose some weight, but they never worked long term. I needed an experts help.

When I hit 230, I decided I had to do something. A few friends from church had lost weight by going to their doctors, so I decided to do try same thing.

Our doctor had a weight loss program run by Premier Image. I went for a consultation and decided to try their program. The program consisted of eating smaller portions of certain food types at various times throughout the day. I also had to continue my exercise program and they prescribed a pill, called Phentamine. The pill increases a persons metabolism.

Each week, I would go back for a weigh-in and they would review my 'food log'. It took about 7 months, but I slowly reached my goal of 190 pounds. I didn't like the side effects of the pill (dry mouth and anxiety).

After I stopped going to the doctors, I slowly put 10 pounds back on. I then decided that I had to stop gaining weigh on my own (I did not want to go on the pill again). So, with the help of my IPOD, I started to track the calories I was eating.

By simply watching what I was eating, and eating healthier (no snacks, very little desserts, and smaller portions), I was able to lose weight. I also started playing basketball again. I think the cardio made a big difference.

I am now (of this blogging), down to 178 pounds. I also lost over 10 inches around my waist.

My new goal is 175. I may have to quit there. I don't want to have to buy a new wardrobe.

It's a Small World

What are the odds that my wife and a good friend at work would both be responsible for preparing children's crafts for a mission trip to Guatemala.

For the same week (August 2009).

And they each attend different churches.

Our church in Tampa, Idlewild, will be sending over 125 people (mostly teenagers with adult supervision) and my friends church in Clearwater will also be sending a good size team.

Both missionary teams will probably be on the same plane.

It's a small world.

A Sad Day At Idlewild Baptist Church

Tony Dungy was a member of our church (Idlewild Baptist) in Tampa Florida until a few years ago. He moved his membership to an intercity church that was originally founded by our church.

A few years ago, when Tony's son, James, took his own life, Idlewild was asked to host the funeral.

The church had just opened and this was the first time it was used for an event like this.

Those who attended the funeral were moved deeply when Tony spoke at the end of the service. There was not a dry eye to be found.

There is not a person who I have ever met that has more character than Tony Dungy.

He truly is a man of faith.

Here is a video on Tony's comments.

Oh Deer

The community where I live, Tampa Palms, backs up to thousands of undisturbed acres. From an aerial view, we live directly behind the Lettuce Lake park property. It is also near the Hillsborough river. So, it is not that unusual to see some different kinds of wildlife than other parts of Tampa.

Yesterday, I saw two beautiful deer, just around the corner from my house. They were just hanging out eating breakfast (the neighbors lawn).

We also see wild turkeys, otters, an occasional bobcat, etc. I have also seen wild pigs, but not for a while. The pigs had become such a nuisance, that they had to hire 'hunters' to shoot them with a bow and arrow.

Rusty's Photogenic Moment

Rusty never cared much for vacuum cleaners. But since he sheds a lot, it was something he would see now and then.

The picture on the left was taken after he jumped
onto the table to avoid the vacuum (he was pretty athletic before the snacks took over).

We thought about submitting it to a contest PetSmart was having.

Just another memorable Rusty moment.

The Demise of the Hyatt Buffet

This past Tuesday was a difficult day for those of us who were fans of the Hyatt buffet. Myself and three work buddies (Dennis, Marbert, and Mark) headed to the Hyatt to celebrate Marbert's discovery of a 'bug' in one of our critical applications.

As we entered the Hyatt, we were shocked to learn that they no longer offered their awesome buffet. I was flooded with memories of the great salads, pastas, and other selections (not to mention the ice cream bar). I admit, I got a little teary-eyed.

There were other memories. Like the time I was chased down by a waitress when I accidentally forgot to pay my tab. And, the time I got a gift card and a free lunch from my new employer (even though it was like my first week on the job). I probably had 4 or 5 free meals there.

But I must get back to the events of the other day. We quickly regrouped and started to think of an alternate location. After a few minutes, we decided on the Bahama Breeze.

While at lunch, we learned some interesting things about Mark's past (actually, a mentally challenged roommate of his) and we learned that Dennis was starting an old fashioned blog where he will write down his memories on a yellow legal pad. Marbert, the star of the day, sipped his Lemon Breeze and enjoyed his fish tacos.

It was a fine lunch with a lot of laughs. Marbert turned down a request to have his lunch paid for. But, I still owe him one.

Now, the work begins. The search for a replacement to the Hyatt Buffet.

Vision Update (Some Good News)

Just returned from my latest eye appointment and I am happy to report the following:

1) The original surgery is holding up
2) No new 'tears' or other concerns
3) I can resume my exercise routine
4) I will need only 1 more appointment (in one month)
5) The floaters are decreasing

When I told the eye doctor that I was seeing less floaters, he kind of smiled and said that they would all still be there. After he examined my eyes, he said, "Well, I do see less floaters".

Thank you to all the people who prayed for me and showed their concern.