Short tonight

Weight: 213 lbs, Exercise: 45 mins, Calories: 1800+

Short post tonight just because I'm so tired. Such a busy day. Work was crazy, but I got to see a two year collaborative wrap up, see our new Washer and Dryer, get good news about our car not needing repairs that are (too) expensive, go to BHI Old Testament class, and stay in near constant motion all day.

Also, Ab made great soup...even though it has sweet potatoes in it. She's a really good cook, and it makes losing weight easier, because she can prepare healthy, flavorful meals that I'll like in spite of a lack of breading or the word "fried" or "buffalo" in the name. I think that's one of the things that just doesn't get talked about enough...support. Really, I think my attempt at this would be a non-starter without her making things so much easier.

Anyway, bed now. Just because I'm losing weight doesn't mean I don't need beauty sleep.

Genesis

Weight: 213, Exercise: 60 mins, Calories eaten: 1677

Today, I spent some time reading the early part of the book of Genesis in the Bible. I'm not sure I ever really read the earliest parts of the Bible. I think that's mainly because it was a mixture of great stories and geneology. It was neat to actually sit down and read the scripture that, for the most part, I had encountered in bits and pieces on Sundays, Easter and, occasionally, crossword puzzle clues (it seems that Seth and Enoch are favorites in crosswords...who knew).

Still, the troubling thing to me was my own experience of fighting against trying to take it all literally. For example, the dimensions of the Ark were woefully small to take two (or more) of every animal and live with them for months. The shear interaction of predator and prey make that a highly unlikely event. Also, the fact that Cain had a wife who appears seemingly out of nowhere. Likewise for Seth and the other decendants. It doesn't make sense if you try to take it all literally and completely.

One of the nice things about the BHI class, at least the introduction, was the discussion of how to read Scripture. It helped me to think about what I was reading not as a literal account, but rather that God was doing something great and that man got to take part in it, because it was all made for the glory of God. Further, it illustrates the need to try to tend towards God as opposed to tending towards oneself. I can't imagine God wanting start all over with a flood or feeling capricious at Babel and throwing down the Tower of Babel just to put humanity back into its place. Rather, it seems to be God trying to turn humanity back to him. Either way, it's got me thinking that becoming a new me means finding out how what I am doing is leading to the glory of God as opposed to just myself. Like my beloved Jesuits say in their motto: Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam: For the Greater Glory of God.

Perspective

Weight: 213.5, Exercise: 60 mins, Calories: 1840

It turned out to be a stressful end of the day today. It seems that my Impala has some indeterminate issues with the traction control/computer and could be a costly repair. Also, it seems that the cost to remodel our deck into a nicer, more enjoyable space will be far more than we bargained for. So, on the one hand, we have a definite need to spend money, and on the other hand a nice home improvement that's just not practical. I have to say that it kind of made me want to curl up with a nice basket of chicken wings, french fries and beer.

On the plus side, I got in a great workout and the 1993 classic film Gettysburg came. I got to enjoy Martin Sheen as Robert E. Lee while working out longer and harder than I have to date. That really helped the other frustrations of the day go away. It continues to amaze me how the other frustrations seemed to go away as I was working on that. Also, Abbie gave E half of an ice cream sandwich to eat and play with. Honestly, that girl makes me laugh so pea-picking hard. She had ice cream everywhere but paid it no mind because it was yummy.

I think the thing that I learned today was to focus on the good. I'm certain we need to fix the car, but at least it's a doable fix. I'd love to have a deck project start, but I'm comfortable with not having it done, and that's OK, because a lot can change between now and spring. Lastly, I got to enjoy a good workout with one of my favorite movies after enjoying a great dinner and laughing my head off at one beautiful daughter. Life may, in fact, be good.

Why Character Matters

Weight: 214 lbs, Exercise: 56 minutes, Calories eaten: 1550+

Lately in my attempts to build habits that I want to have, I've started trying to read more. I decided to pick up a book that my wife, Abbie, got me a while back. The book, After You Believe: why Christian character matters, is by N.T. Wright, the former bishop of Durham in the Church of England. His premise, at least so far in my reading, is that the Christian life doesn't just consist in "following the rules" or "doing what your heart tells you." Rather, one lives out the Christian life by following the example of Christ and so participates in the redeeming work of God. I am sure there is a lot more, but this seems a great start.

He talks a lot about habit as it relates to living the moral, Christian life. He notes that it is difficult and not at all convenient. And yet, when virtue becomes a habit it becomes easier, indeed almost second nature. He cites the example of Chesly (sp?) Sullenberger, the airline pilot who successfully saved his passengers and crew as he landed his disabled plane in the Hudson River. He points out that these actions were not at all normal, but through practice (habit) and awareness, Captain Sullenberger was able to carry them out when lives were on the line. Such is the case with virtue in our lives. With practice and awareness, virtue becomes second nature, and this is the first step in building the Kingdom of God.

I find that a very helpul image as I try to improve myself. I'm not trying to be more virtuous, but I do see the value in habit, practice and awareness. I think any change or any movement towards getting better involves practice of a good in spite of the temptation to do something else, something easier. I can't say I have a whole lot of experience, but I think that's the point of self-improvement...to build the newer better habits that help correct the bad ones.

Not very deep...but considering that my new habit is writing on this blog, maybe it's enough.

Starting a blog

Weight: 214.5, Time spent exercising: 55 mins, Calories consumed (approx): 1846

I think this is my third or fourth attempt at creating a blog. In many ways, that's a fitting introduction to why I'm starting this whole project. It occurs to me that my life, marriage, child, career, and general outlook are great.

And yet...

I have a bad habit of not sticking with opportunities to improve myself. Much like a blog, I start off great and then lose interest. The fact is that in spite of all of the good things that I'm doing, I'm not improving. I'm pretty sure my wife, daughter and career deserve more. As such, I've decided to embark upon a mission of self-improvement. Simply put my goals are:

Improve my physical condition:

• Lose 35 pounds (get to 180lbs)
• Exercise DAILY for at least 45 minutes
• Eat fewer calories than I need to lose two pounds per week

Spend my time more productively

• Read for at least 20 minutes per day
• Pray/Reflect for at least 20 minutes per day
• Spend at least 30 minutes playing with my daughter (aka "E")
• Post to this blog daily

Serve my organization more effectively

• Identify one thing that I can help improve per week and improve it
• Set a goal for the month and meet it

Well, there it is. My first baby steps towards improvement. I can't guarantee any insights. This whole thing started with trying to lose weight, and has turned into something entirely different. Hopefully, it helps me to reflect, to get healthier and to center myself. If not, it's still not a bad thing to actually stick with something.