Someone brought this clip to my attention just a few minutes ago, and I really wanted to share it. Please note the following before viewing: I have not seen anything else from this man. I don't agree with his positions. I just want you to listen to what he says about the man who "proselytized." This guy is an atheist who understands why we witness. Are you telling others about our Savior?

Accomplishing My Goal

Lest I disappoint someone who shall remain unnamed (you know who you are), I have to tell a little bit about how I've lost weight...  I've needed and wanted to lose a few pounds for about a year now...  each time I would start trying and show some success, something would always happen to sabotage my efforts... a fellowship at church with only chips and desserts, a birthday party, etc.  Then, when I was a little way into my weight loss, I would quit.  Usually, it wasn't intentional, it just happened due to the circumstances at the time.  

When I got on the scale and saw a number that was ridiculously high (for me), I decided it was time to stop "trying" and do something about it.  At first, I just changed the way I ate.  In stead of eating a turkey sandwich, chips, and a couple cookies for lunch, I switched to salad with lite dressing, yogurt, and graham crackers.  When my students give me a cupcake or a cookie, I wait until they are out of the room and throw it away.  These changes were difficult in the beginning, but now I'm used to not eating these things at all.  

When I started seeing some pounds come off, I was even more motivated, so I started adding cardio workouts (I use Leslie Sansone and Chris Freytag DVDs).  I've recently added light hand weights, too.  I've also started keeping track of everything I eat on everydayhealth.com.  I measure out portions (what I thought was 1 serving was really about three), record them online, and then I'm able to see what I've really consumed in calories that day.  

With all of these "efforts" combined, I've lost in the neighborhood of 20 lbs in about 2 months. At first, the pounds came off really quickly because I went from eating very poorly to eating healthfully and from not exercising at all to exercising quite a bit.  It's moving a little more slowly now...  I've been losing 1-2 lbs. a week (which is what people suggest).  I would love to lose about five more pounds.  

Now, I exercise every day and eat more healthfully than I ever have.  I have much more energy and it's so nice to be able to need a size 6!  

Life...

view from the observation deck at the Statue of Liberty

@ FAO Schwartz

on the ferry to Ellis Island

Carrie & me

Our life has been what I would call "organized chaos." Consequently, several things have fallen by the wayside, including "blogging." I honestly miss keeping up with my little "piece of the Internet." It's really like keeping an ongoing journal. I have gone back to look at things I wrote a while ago, just to see what was going on in our lives.

Last Saturday, one of my best friends got married in NY. I was able to take a few days off work to be in her wedding. While we were nearby, David and I decided to see New York City with several other friends (Mike, Sarah, and David J.). We had such a wonderful time. It's overwhelming how enormous the city is. When we arrived, I was expecting taller but fewer buildings.

After being out of my classroom for four days, work had piled up when I returned. I had to spend hours catching up on grading and filing for everything to go home on Friday. Christmas break begins Friday at noon. I'm ready for that break... I need a staycation. :)

I've included a few pictures from our trip. Enjoy them!