Weight Update #3

It's been crazy around here, so it has been awhile to post an update. So here goes, this morning I weighed 182.4. Not bad, that's a little over 5 pounds since I started. My goal is to get to 160 pounds. I know this will not be easy, but it will get done. I will be pleases if I can lose 1 pound per week, at that rate it will take me 23 weeks. So let's see, that would be around somewhere around the end of July. I don't know, maybe? Time will tell if I have that kind of discipline.
I hear Blue Bell calling me right now! Ha Ha!

Weight Update #2

Sorry to say no real progress. I still weigh 185. But, I will just keep plugging along. The workouts are bad, i haven't been really sore yet at all. I think it's time to up the reps and add in some more options. The cold weather this doesn't really have me all that excited about getting out and walking, but I am going to make myself do it anyway.

New note here, I taught 2nd grade for 3 days last week. That is what I call work. Every detail must be planned out and explained, and explained, and explained again. Yesterday, I taught 8th grade social studies, it was much easier.

On the religious front, we are thinking about switching churches. We like are current church, but schedules and our family's situation have made us take look at what might be best for Janet's kids when they visit. So we are in the visiting stage with some churches now. We have visited 3 thus far. All 3 are little different. The hard part for me is to take my professional hat off and quite evaluating. Just relax and see where God leads. Any suggestions, I 'm open.
Later.

Weight Update

It's Thursday and Janet and I have been going at it for 4 days. The exercise part of getting into shape is not going too bad. I like the walking, but I can see some point in the next couple of weeks adding running into the walking routine. I know it's early in the game, but I am encouraged.

My weight as of this morning- 185. A loss of 2.8 pound, most of which might be nothing but liquid, but hey, it's weight. Janet has lost 2 pounds. My target goal is 160 pounds and a size 32 waist. Currently I am floating around a size 33 or 34, depending on the pants.

On a different note, I am substitute teaching in the 2nd grade all this week. I have a high energy class to say the least. The terminology has changed, but teaching reading and math is still the same. Today we will do a science project with ice. The goal is to see how long it takes to melt.

Well gotta go!

Once Again- A New Year

2011, and once again, I, like many others, have made various resolutions for the new year. Let's see: Lose weight and exercise, take better care of my money, spend more time with family, and so on and so on. Will I do what I set out to? I don't know, maybe. We'll see.
Now, I know I don't sound too enthusiastic, but really, I am determined. I've already started my workout and diet program.

It won't be easy, but I am taking a different track this time around.
You see, I know I can't do it alone. Janet and I are doing it together, to hold each other accountable. But even that is not enough, so I am enlisting your help. Some of you are my friends and know me well. I plan on posting my weight and exercise progress once a week here on my blog, so you can see and give me criticism, suggestions and encouragement.

Anyone got any good low fat, low carb meals, that taste good? I know that is almost impossible, taste good and low fat. Ha!

As of today. weight- 187.8 pounds. ouch! Workout- 1.8 miles walking, 50 crunches, 40 leg lifts, 60 pushups, and upper body workout with extreme rated sports cord. Doing upper body workout and pushups every other day. Walking, everyday, and crunches and leg lifts everyday.

Here is a picture of Janet and I. I 've got 25 pounds to go.

Sunday Marathon

I had this idea to visit a local church that we had not visited. Since they had an 8:00 service, we could go there and then go to our church afterward. What a terrible idea. The preacher preached for about 50 minutes. There is an old axiom that says, "The mind can absorb only what the seat can endure." My seat could not endure, and he wasn't even a good preacher. My dear sweet wife is discovering that I have hair brained ideas from time to time; this was one of them.

I did have this thought today, however when attending my church where the preaching is good. I have not been waiting well on God to speak to me. So I came up with this idea. The word "wait" stands for: W-work, A-adoration, I-investigate, and T-test. When a person waits it is not some process where they sit and do nothing. We should keep working and staying busy, worshiping God, investigating all the possibilities, and then putting them to the test to see what works and what doesn't. In other words, waiting is not for a lazy person. There are no short cuts.

Finally, Janet and I rode the motorcycle to church this evening, and had a great time. We were the only ones on a motorcycle. It's so nice to blend into the crowd. hahaha Well got to go. We are going to sit on the couch, watch a movie, and smooch. See you later.

Dog Days of August on the Coast

Well, it's been hot, but what else is new? My wife, for one thing. She is hot! I can't help it. I am madly in love with her. Sickening, isn't it! Deal with it. My wife is looking over my shoulder and says I look good too.

I'm sitting on the couch in my Dr Pepper pants typing this and thinking about the events of the day. It was frustrating at times. I had a couple of simple tasks to do. First, fix the door bell. Second
flip the door going into the master bath. It opens the wrong direction.

The Door Bell:
I went to McCoys and bought a wireless one. Got home, installed it, and you guessed it, It wouldn't work. Later this adternoon, I went back to McCoys, got my money back and went to Lowes and ity works great.

Flipping the Door:
I got all the trim off finally. I think they put one nail every 4 inches. They were everywhere. Got the door out turned around. I was thirsty and Janet and I went to Sonic for happy hour. All drinks half price you see. I ordered a diet cherry limeade. Janet ordered a canberry limeade. They both tasted good. Anyway, got home, and started back on the door project. I had just sat my diet cherry limeade down, and you guessed it, a pice of trim fell and knocked the drink on the carpet and I had red stuff everywhere on that tan carpet. It was an ugly shade of pink. Fortunately, Janet came to the rescue and was able to clean up my mess. The door, well it is in and works great. Basically, a frustrating day. But that's the way life is sometimes.

A quote from my niece Jessica: Raising kids is like being pecked to death by chickens!
I can relate to that.

Well, it's time for a snack, ice cream and animal crackers.

I posted a picture from the beach I took a while back. I don't know why I went to the beach. I don't like it, there's sand and it's hot and sticky.

Why? Or the musings of a person with an overactive mind.

I have questions about things from time to time. Nothing deep, just questions about stuff. Like for instance........

Why do they call corned beef corned, there is no corn in it?

Why do they call a coaster a coaster? I thought the coast was the land next to the sea. So if you lived there you could be called a coaster, a person, not something that goes underneath a drink.

So where does a marshmellow get it's name? It doesn't taste like a marsh.

How come we don't ask why, more often?

Asking why could just change things. So, what's your why?

I like red wildflowers, why? I don't know. Now, why is that?

It's about time.

Slowly but surely I am trying to put my story together about what has happened to me over the last few months. It is painful and hard. As I write it, I know I will have a tendency to hide things and whitewash the facts. So let me state it here and now, like it or not, I failed. Yes, I screwed up. I am a sinner and thank God for second chances.

So here goes, at least briefly. I am not longer in the ministry. I am no longer married to Becky. Yes, after 34 years, it's over. The reasons are many, but when it comes down to it. I did not follow the commands God gave me to follow. Our marriage did not fall apart all of a sudden. No, it was piece by piece over the years. Becky had personal issues, which I will not discuss, you would have to ask her. We did not really talk and as the years went by, and I allowed my job and ministry to consume my life, we talked even less and weren't honest with each other. Even now, I wonder at times if I am being honest with myself.

So instead of being honest with each other, we beat each other up. I tried to compensate by working harder and changed churches a couple of times. It didn't work. It just imploded. We tried counseling briefly. I even got on some antidepressant medication for awhile. Nothing really worked. Neither one of us had the emotional energy to really try.

Now, amidst all of the this, is the truth. This is hard, but must be said, I will not lie to those I call my friends. I did turn to someone to talk to during this time. Becky accused my of having an affair. Was I? emotionally, I cannot deny it. For the first time in a long time, I had someone to talk to, maybe for the first time ever. That, I know now was the final nail in the coffin in my marriage.

So, here I am now, finding myself, feeling very ashamed. Two of my kids, won't even talk to me, I am starting over with some kind of career. Right now I am working construction for my brother. I don't really have an idea of what to do yet. It's kind of frightening to be in the job market, with no real skills. I gave insurance a brief try. The sales part wasn't for me. It just didn't feel right. So, for now, the physical labor is good for me. It helps me work out my frustrations.

Yes, I am remarried. Her name is Janet. We talk about everything and are honest with each other. We go to church together and enjoy doing things together. No I am not serving in any way. I need to heal, plus I know the other side of church work. I try real hard not let anyone at church know I am a former minister. I have a feeling they will try to put me to work, and I don't want or need that right now.

So friends, this is who I am, and where I am right now. Ashamed, yes I am. I think of former youth and church members and how disappointed they must be in me. Quite honestly, I avoided talking or being in contact with any of you. You may not want to have anything to do with me, and that's ok. I sought God and His forgiveness, and am now taking some baby steps to recovery. It will be hard and life will never be the same. But I can't just lay down anymore, and run away and hide. It's time to put my face into the wind, and take up this cross I have, and with God's help, allow Him to carry it with me.

Independence Day

It's July 4th weekend, and I was reminded in church today that is more than just July 4th, but Independence Day. With that in mind, since it has been several months since my last blog entry, and since much has happened, and since this has turned into run on sentence,( my blog, I do what I want. Deal with it) I finally have something I need to say.

I am munching on peanut brittle and not worried about the calories. It's Sunday, they won't stick. My rules. Anyway, I went to our town's July 4th parade yesterday and took some pictures. A great little parade until the end when the last float came down with a picture of Obama, and Ceasar Chavez on it. Enough already! Can't we just celebrate who we are without having the political stuff shoved down our throats.

Now I realize this is a part of our heritage, but I fear it will soon change. A few years from now we might not be able to celebrate. Gloom and doom, maybe, but here are what 5 leaders of our country had to say:

It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor.

George Washington

We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.

John Adams

And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are of the gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with His wrath? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that His justice cannot sleep forever.

Thomas Jefferson

I’ve lived, sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth: That God governs in the affairs of men. If a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid? We’ve been assured in the sacred writings that unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it.

Benjamin Franklin

America needs God more than God needs America. If we ever forget that we are One Nation Under God, then we will be a Nation gone under.

Ronald Reagan.

My point, our leaders knew about the inportance of a relationship and belief in God. I fear we have forgotten that and our nation has gone it's own way. So for at least today, this day, July 4th, I celebrate my freedom. My freedom to believe in God, my freedom to overeat and get fat, if I want, my freedom to worship where I please and to whom I please. My freedom to sit on the couch with my wife and smooch if I want. My freedom to work hard, and play hard. Now it's off my chest. Here are some more pictures to enjoy.

Well It's Time

It's been a long time since I have posted anything in my blog here. No real reason not to, just haven't been inspired lately. There has been this inner struggle in my personal life. I think major changes are about to take place for me. I don't really know when, by I am so looking forward to them.

I got up this morning before dawn and went to the beach to take pictures of the sunrise. It was a very quiet and peaceful time. It was calm little or no wind. I had a conversation with a close friend and just enjoyed the time. Here are 4 pictures that I took, that I kind of like. Hope you enjoy.

It Looks Peaceful But........

It's Thursday before the main event on Saturday. I don't know really now what to expect. Greg and I have paddled over 290 miles in preparation. I have gone over my food list twice. We have got on Google Earth and ran the river mentally. I have exercised, watched my diet, prepared as much as I know how. But the longest I have paddled continuously is 12 hours.

I face the unknown here. Greg did this race last year with his brother. He knows what it is like to go 72 hours with little or no sleep. Me, I have never done that. So, now I must face my own fears and uncertainties. Can I really do this? Will I break down mentally or physically? What happens if one of us gets hurt? What about heat exhaustion, snakes, spiders, and such?

Still, with these uncertainties and fears taking up space in my mind. I do feel pretty calm.
Why? Well, maybe it's because of my faith in God and His ability to keep me safe and not mine. It's also, because of the positive influence of friends in my life over the years. Here's some things I am thinking right now as begin to put my game face on and get myself into the right frame of mind.

First law of holes- when you're in one, stopping digging!

Be faithful to what exists within yourself.

Courage is putting yourself in a defenseless position.

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines.Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.
Mark Twain

I am convinced that the only thing between you and your destiny is one small act of courage. On courageous choice may be the only thing between you and your dream becoming reality. But you've got to push over the first domino.

Finally, I guess this sums up what I feeling and really what to say.

Failing to take a risk is almost like losing a piece of the jigsaw puzzle of your life. It leaves a gaping hole. When we get to the end of our lives, our greatest regrets will be the missing pieces.

It all begins Saturday, June 13, at 9:00 a.m. Let the dominos fall.

Luling to Gonzales

This last Friday, Greg and I paddled from Luling to Gonzales. It was about 39 miles. Now of all the practice runs we have done, this one was the hardest. It took us 10 hours and 54 minutes, averaging 3.6 mph to cover that 39 miles. There was low water, multiple trees acrossthe river, and a couple of major log jams. I don't know how many times we had to get out of the boat. I lost count, maybe 20 times. We went under trees, over trees. Pulled the canoe up the bank, through brush and thorns, weeds, stickers, and most any plant that had thorns. It was a challenge. Now this section of river will seperate the contenders from those that really want it. My philosophy is no matter how bad it is, it will just punish our opponent. The mental part of the race is so important. Because so much of it is willing yourself to go on especially when you are tired, Mentally, I did not have a good day. I really had to push myself. So part of my own personal preparation will be to get myself mentally prepared. I don't really know how to do this, but I have about 3 weeks to find out and put it all together. I love this part of the challenge.

Now, we have at this point paddled over 250 miles. Friday was work, but I know it will be worth it. Now, we are in the final stretch of our preparations. We have food , and equipment lists to prepare. Weight is critical, so every battery, every piece of eqiupment has to be weighed and counted. We need to take only what we need and nothing more. This week Greg and I will be putting our heads together to finalize our lists. I am holding out for trying to figure out a way to have a hot cup of coffee, I need my caffeine. HAHA!

The Real Deal

Saturday, Greg and I took off again to scout and practice paddling again as we continue to prepare for the Texas Water Safari. Today, we paddled from Victoria to Tivoli, on the Guadalupe River. Since we were practicing, we changed position in the boat. I moved to the rear and Greg moved to the front. The man in the front is more of the motor, while the man in the rear paddles and steers the boat and tries to keep it going in a straight line. It was my first time to spend an extended amount of time doing that. I would say I did okay, but not great. I had us going kind of like a snake down the river. It was a new experience for me. I found there is a lot more thinking involved. I enjoyed it, and could do it on some of the easy parts of the river, but on the really tough places with lots of twists and turns, Greg is better.

We got a taste today of what the real deal would be like. Two logjams, one a half a mile long, the other a quarter of a mile long. We had to get out of the boat and pull it up onto the river bank and drag the canoe a half of a mile one time through the woods and a quarter of a mile another time. Mosquitoes were thick, as was poison ivy and poison oak. Deep Woods Off did not even phase them. We sprayed each other twice, but it did no good. My back is covered with bites.
One time when putting the canoe back in the river, we couldn't find a place to put it back in, so we lowered it down a sheer bank on the river which was about 6 feet tall. Greg lowered himself down by hanging on a root. Naturally, the root broke and Greg fell putting a dent in the boat, luckily he was alright, only bruised a little bit. You can see by the pictures that was a fun day, full of challenges. Greg reminded me, that so much of this is a mental game. Like these logjams, we know where they are now, and that is important, because we will be paddling this section of the river at night. Without proper preparation, this section could turn into a nightmare, especially after two days with little or no sleep.

At this point we have paddled just right at 200 miles. We are starting to get into pretty good paddling shape. I am so glad I am making myself workout, run, and run bleachers. I needed all of the endurance I had for this last Saturday. The adventure and preparation continues. I am learning more about myself and about Greg, and what it takes as a team each time we go out. I just hope I don't have poison ivy on me now. Keep praying, the ulimate test awaits.

Paddling Partner

I thought I needed to tell you little bit about the guy I'm paddling with. I would never be doing this of it were not for Greg Wynn. Greg is married and has two beautiful daughters. He works for BP has an engineer. In 1990, Greg has an industrial accident that caused him to lose his right eye and scar his lungs. Now you would not know it watching Greg. He does not let those handicaps slow him down or stop him. He is a very strong Christian and deacon in our church.

I really admire Greg. He doesn't say much, but when he does, I have learned to listen, for what he is about to say is important. Even though Greg is 41, I have found him to be wise beyond his years. I am very fortunate to be able to share this paddling experience with him. He has taught me more than just how to paddle and be in a marathon race, he has shown me a passion for life. We share this common interest in music. We'll be out there on the river just singing away with some song, just enjoying the experience of being in nature, and God's creation. I know some the other canoe and kayaks might give us some kind of look, but I think it's great.

So as you pray for me as I continue to prepare, pray for Greg and his family. Pray for our friendship and attitudes as we continue to train and then participate in this race. Attitude is everything in an event like this, and I know my attitude can get out of hand pretty quick.

Texas River Marathon

On Saturday, May 3, I had a chance to experience my very first taste of marathon paddling. Greg Wynn and I entered the Texas River Marathon. That's our picture on the upper left, right after a grueling 38 miles of gut busting paddling. This race also determined our starting position for the Texas Water Safari, which is 262 miles long, and begins on June 13.

We have been training now for over a month and have put in about 120 miles of paddling. Our boat is an aluminum canoe, which you can see in the pictures on the bottom row. The boats come in all kinds, shapes, and sizes. We are entered in the aluminum class. One of the hardest classes to paddle because of it's weight and size. But it's a tough boat that can handle the beating from the rocks and trees, which we tend to hit, bump, and generally run into.

Now being a rookie, I really did not know what to expect. We were told the starting line would be at the bridge on hi236. We were in the water and making our way towards the bridge when they announced the race would start in 30 seconds. When it started we were at least 150 yards behind most of the canoes and kayaks. We started at a big disadvantage. Now we had been averaging around 4.2 to 4.5 miles an hour in our practice sessions. Some of these boats with 4 and 6 man teams were averaging 6 and 7 miles an hour, and immediately pulled away from us. Now they are not in our class, but we were racing also for a good starting position.

Greg and I paddled hard hitting 6 sometimes 7 miles per hour, and after 1o miles, yes 10 miles, (it takes a long time to catch someone when there is only a one mile an hour difference in speed) , we finally caught up to a group of 3 canoes. Two were aluminum boats we found out later were not in our class, but in the novice class. We talked with them for awhile paddling. They had lots of questions, and were impressed with the fact, we had music playing while we paddled. It helps pass the time, plus we can sing off key at the top of lungs if we want.

Finally we pulled away from them and really didn't see any other canoes or kayaks for the next 5 or 6 miles. At the Thomaston river bridge Greg's dad, who is a great guy and our team captain, told us we were in seventh place in our class with one boat just ten minutes ahead of us just out of sight. I don't know about Greg, but my competitive spirit kicked in big time. I went after it. Poor Greg probably thought I was crazy. I apologized later for kicking the pace way up. we can't do that in the big race in June, or we won't finish. Anyway, we finally caught them after a couple of miles. We passed them, they would pass us back; this went on for awhile, until finally we started to pull away just a little. I think it helped that they decided to pull over and stop. Honestly, I don't think I could have kept the pace up much longer.

For the next 10 miles we did not see another boat at all. I can't vouch for Greg, but for me, it was tough. We had the wind blowing in our faces, and the paddling was hard. We had expended so much energy catching those earlier boats, I knew we didn't have much left. We just needed to finish. So we slowed down a little, not much, to say 4 to 4.5 miles per hour. We both had kind of hit the wall so to speak. Then way up ahead I spotted 2 canoes. I really couldn't tell what kind they were, and there was only about 8 miles left in the race, so catching them would be almost impossible. I remember asking Greg what he had left in his tank, and I loved his reply, "let's mak'em think about it."

Greg found us some paddling music, and we started after them. Now we really didn't have a chance, we knew it. But if they made any mistake, if might maybe could happen. As we got closer, we discovered both canoes were in the unlimited class. They were carbon fiber canoes, a single and a double who should be able to run circles around us. The double made the mistake of pulling over to take a picture. Now we knew we couldn't stay with them, but we made them earn it. As we approached the single canoe, we find out this guy was experiencing some health issues with some b12 mix he had taken. One hundred yards from the finish line, we drew even with him and passed him and gave the double a run but couldn't quite pull it out.

As we pulled into shore I knew we had given all we had that day. It had been a great learning experience for me. I learned alot about the marathon and pacing myself I also learned alot about myself and how I need to adjust my own personal training. Greg makes a great paddling partner. He is such an encourager and positive thinker and a good friend. It doesn't get much better than that-a day on the river, God, great music, and paddling with a good friend.

At first I couldn't stand up. When I finally did, I was kind of woozy and dizzy. I am so glad Greg's dad was there to help move the boat, I had nothing left. I had my wife Becky drive me home. I didn't trust myself. Well, the training continues. The great adventure awaits. I still don't know why I am doing this. But so many people have encouraged me and I know are praying for Greg and me every time we go out. God is teaching me many lessons through this. I hope one day to have a clearer understanding of His plan and purpose.

P.S. We received the official results: We finished 4th place in our class and 38 overall against all classes.

Hochiem to Cuero

Great day on the river. I saw a bald eagle up close. Pretty cool. The carb loading helped a bunch. I didn't fade at all. What I mean by carb loading. I went off my diet on Friday and ate some pizza for lunch, and had pasta, bread, fruit and whatever I could stuff my face with. I was miserable I was so full. But it worked. When you paddle at around 4 mph you expend about 400 calories an hour. But your body can only absorb 250 calories an hour. So you get behind pretty quick. The idea is to load up a couple days before to help sustain your energy level. We paddled almost 8 hours, or 3200 calories burned. I made sure I was drinking a type of Gatorade every hour and eating something every 2 hours.

The weather perfect, and we the music going to keep us on pace. I had Garth playing and Greg and I were singing and we were in sync. Our time today, 7 hrs 54 minutes. Average speed 4.9 mph. Everytime we have paddled we have gotten faster. From 4.2 to 4.9 mph. The prelim race is next week. I think we are ready. 4.9 mph is good, real good. I think our strategy is going to be to stay around 4.9 or 5 plus mph and just wear our opposition down. I'm pumped about that possibly.

I'm not so tired or as sore as I have been in the past. I think the conditioning and running during the plus paddling these distances is starting to pay off. We'll see. The adventure continues and I'm standing inside the fire.

Rain, The Bay, Nightime Paddling

Here's a further update. Greg and I went paddling again last Friday evening around 9:30 p.m. We were at a deacon's retreat located right on the bay. After the evening session was over, the water on the bay was calling us. Yes, it was raining and yes the wind was blowing, not bad maybe 15 miles an hour.

Our plan was to stick to the southern shoreline of the bay to get some relief from the wind. It was a great for awhile. We paddling about 3 miles out around a point to a reef Greg wanted to show me for fishing. As we turned around I told Greg, since it was only 3 miles back, I wanted to paddle as hard and as fast as we could. We started back across the bay,and naturally the wind was in our face, the waves turned into occasional whitecaps and breaking over the bow every one and awhile.

What fun it was. The wind, the waves, the lightening. ( We were in an aluminium boat.) We were paddling with everything we had, getting soaking wet, enjoying every minute of it. I am going to the find the them song to Hawaii Five O, for out next trip when we do that.

We got back without swamping the boat, soaking wet and extremely tired. The next I my legs muscles were pretty sore. I am adding that my things I want to do again list. We are continuing to prepare and train for the 262 mile Texas Water Safari in June. We need to get in another 120 miles of paddling minimum as preparation. Please continue to pray for us as we prepare for this great adventure.

The Challenge - The Decision

Here in Texas, there is a race called, the Texas Water Safari. It's billed as the toughest race in the world. It 262 miles long, and begins in San Marcos, Texas, and ends in Seadrift, Texas, right on the coast. It's 262 miles of paddling in a kayak or canoe. You have 100 hours to cover those 262 miles. So, there is little or no time for sleep, all food and provisions, have to be taken with you. The only outside help you can receive is ice or water from your team captain. I have heard about it for several years now. I didn't think much of it until last year one the men in out church competed in it with his brother.

A couple of weeks ago, Greg Wynn, that's his name, told me that his brother would not be in it this year. Greg, said he had asked around and really couldn't find a partner. Out of no where I said, hey I might give it a try. ( Now I don't where that can from. I might have just stuck my foot in my mouth.) I told Greg, I have never paddled any long distances. He suggested we try a short run one day and see. Well, we did. The idea was to paddle about say 8 miles, just something short to get a feel for it. We went instead 14 miles, and I was pumped. Could this be what God had in store for me? I don't know. We have now gone two more times on various sections of the river. Both times paddling close to 40 miles on each outing, averaging over 4 miles an hour. I know that may sound slow, but in a 17 foot canoe, that's a pretty good clip.

So that's the Challenge- to paddle in the Texas Water Safari, all 262 miles, with little or no sleep, stopping only as needed, going full tilt for 3 solid days. Pushing myself and Greg to the limit physically, mentally and emotionally. Being sunburned, maybe drowned, being wet and cold, surviving on liquid protein and power bars, getting so tired that you begin to hallucinate at night and see all sorts of weird things. Not to mention, putting up with snakes, gars, alligators, and bugs, and whatever else nature can throw at you. Just to finish is an accomplishment. There is no prize, just a patch that says you did it.

My Decision- Is to accept the challenge. Why, I do not know. I have asked my wife Becky to pray about it with me. She says go, I can see it in you. She told me, I can tell you are looking for a challenge, you have been restless and searching. My Men's group I meet with says go. Almost all my friends say, go. For me, the real deciding factor is what I sense God saying to me- G0. Now, I don't know why, I don't understand why I have been drawn to this, and what lies ahead, and what task God has for me to do in His name. Maybe it's not even about me, maybe it's about someone else along the way that needs a touch from God.

So here goes, I know it's weird, but for those that know me, they know I have never been real normal. Here's link to Greg's story about he and his brother's race from last year so you can read and get a sense of the size of this task.
http://pages.suddenlink.net/1/TWS.html

Here is also a link to the Texas Water Safari Website.
http://www.texaswatersafari.org/

Please lift Greg Wynn and I up in prayer as we continue to train and prepare for this great adventure.

Lighter and Starting to Feel It

An update on my weight loss. I have lost 30 pounds now. I am 10 pounds from my goal of 160 pounds. When I get to 160 then I will evaluate if I need to lose anymore. I have had to buy a new belt, and new pants. I am now in a size 34 waist, at least for now. I noticed one the pair jeans is fitting kind of loose. I can also feel the difference in weight as I exercise. I walk everyday now, and have workout routine I do 4 times week. The weight loss has not been very hard, if fact it's been fairly easy. I think because is a part of this process. He is preparing me for something I just don't know what. Well, we'll see. I don't know the future but He does.

Changes Come Slowly

I haven't seen this for awhile. Since the first of the year I have lost 24 pounds. I have gone from a 38 inch waist to my surprise this week a 34 waist. Now I haven't reached my goal yet. I still need and want to lose 20 more pounds.

How did I do this? I don't really have plan I am following. I am making it up as I go from the things I have learned and read about. I quit eating any sweets. I eat portions. My big meal of the day is at lunch. Supper is something really light or maybe a piece of fruit. I walk everyday and have a hard workout routine I do every other day. Hunger hasn't really been an issue.

I guess the other factor is a silly bet. One f my friends and I bet a moonpie and RC cola. Loser buys the moonpies and RC cola. The deadline for weight loss- April 5. Why then? It seems like a good date. I the accountibility and support has been important for both of us.

Bottom line, I believe more anything else it is God's way of answering my prayer for a renewed passion. It's not me but God. Sounds weird- maybe. But God can do anything he wants, after all he is God.