Evan of the North

Wrapping up the Weight Loss Adventure

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 01:10:00 +0000

For those of you who followed my weight loss adventures this year, I believe I owe you one last post. The 101 pounds in a year goal...not happening. That said, I feel like this goal-setting and blogging season has been 100% successful. He who shoots for the stars does not end up with mud between his fingers.

I'm maintaining now. My doctor encouraged that. I've gained a few pounds from my low point, but I'm still right there, still counting points, still exercising routinely.

What about the commitment to returning to being an athlete? Yes, that's still happening and feels great. My best 3-mile time for the summer/fall was 24:11 before the weather turned. I can still run through the winter, but not at that pace. So here's the plan:

We have a family YMCA membership for the winter months. Colleen and I have been swimming with Jason about 5 nights a week for the last 3 weeks. It's nothing formal, but I've been doing a pile of laps every night in between dodge ball and goofing around. Jason is swimming in the deep end, jumping off the diving board, and even doing dunk fights with me in the deep end. His fitness is very important to me too.
I've got to continue the mentality that I alone can control what my body takes in. Yes, I've had a bit of pizza and a few sweets, but everything is still counted and I tie my strictness to my weigh-in results.
I'm continuing to stock the groceries that I need to maintain my new weight level. Sometimes I eat with the family; other times I fend for myself.
I've also enjoyed working out on the basketball court at the Y. Jason has been somewhat into it with me, but that may be more of a solo thing for now.
I have running maps routed out through the city, but my running will be more for maintenance through the winter months. A nice change of pace for the warmer days.
In the spring I plan to hit the track again and work towards potentially a sub-20:00 time for my 3-mile. That would be a huge victory! I want to also enter a handful of 5k (about 3 mile) fun runs. That'll give me something to shoot for.

The weight loss? I guess I would like to lose some more, but I have other goals that are more pressing right now. I'm pressing ahead with my writing and speaking and with a hundred life projects. Believe me, you'll hear all about it if you continue to drop by.

The blogging? I've got to tell you, the blogging has changed everything. The convenient connection to hundreds of friends on a meaningful level has helped me to stay focused and committed. I suppose I'll include some health-type posts here and there, but there's so much more to my life. I'm not interested in being completely focused on weight loss.

So that's my story and I'm stickin' to it! Keep in touch and let's continue to become all we were created to be!

24 Years Later: Returning to Being an Athlete

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 05:20:00 +0000

33 pounds in 19 weeks.

That's what it boils down to today. I talked with a friend this morning about maybe taking 18 months to pursue this goal instead of a year. He said, "Ah, you can do it." Maybe he's right. After a day of mulling it over, here's the plan.

I've got to return to being an athlete.

My first 50 pounds was returning to healthy eating.
My next 20 pounds was returning to being active with walking 7 miles/day.
The next 31 pounds will be a return to running, and going beyond any conditioning I've done since high school.

I ran three miles today. I can do that now without a major problem. Time was 32:40. My running plan involves running 4-5 times/wk. That means every day except when I'm derailed. I keep this plan until I reach 24:00 for 3 miles.

If that happens before I lose 101 pounds, I use Ken Cooper's elite running plan for competitive Master's runners (to age 49). It's all charted out in 4-5 workouts/week. Goal: 18:00/3miles.

I also need to improve my nutrition system so I can plan better for what I need day to day. List of staples. Menu of main meal choices. List of high value foods.

August turned out to be a maintenance month for me. I used all of my flex points each week, and some extra on about three days. I had a bowl of ice cream and grilled stuft burrito and three cinnamon rolls, and a few extras. My excuse is that we were driving Jason to Tomahawk or Plover several days a week for childcare until school started. My three "blowing it" days were about half the points of a normal day before. :-)

I also think I needed to come to a decision about whether I'm willing to commit to being an athlete. I think that's what I need to do...24 years later.

SIS#30 - On the Road Again

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 04:17:00 +0000

Self-Improvement Sundays

***29 weeks complete, On pace, 72 lbs - Goal 101 lbs in 1 year***

Three weeks of being stuck...and we're on the road again, baby! To be honest, I've been eating a little more. Rather than scrimping more and cutting my points to a lower weight zone, I backed up to my current weight zone for Weight Watchers points.

It's the strangest thing: eating 1200 calories a day, walking 7 miles a day, and loosing nothing.

So the first "decade" is down. In this last 40 pounds, the "60's" are done. Ah, the 60's. I won't forget being stuck on 69 pounds for 3 weeks. I don't know if I can lose all 101 pounds in one year. I want to. But I know I'm learning a few things on the way. Like, doing something really hard is totally different from facing something impossible. And I'm not sure how often we know the difference on the front end.

SIS#29 - Plateau Busting Plans

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 04:23:00 +0000

Self-Improvement Sundays

***28 weeks complete, Behind pace, 69 lbs - Goal 101 lbs in 1 year***

Yes, I'm still on a weight loss plateau. Three weeks with no weight loss. Although it's jeopardizing my one year goal, I'm not very upset about it. I still feel like my body is toning up, so that's very good.

Yesterday I hit my 50 day mark for 7 miles walking every day. So I've walked well over 350 miles in that span. It takes a good case of hay fever to sneeze at that! (It's nothing to sneeze it...let me explain my obscure humor.)

Here's what I'm hoping to do more of to move off of this plateau.

Variety in food, both the amounts and the types.
Variety in exercise - get some more hills on the walks, do some more running, biking, swimming.
Accuracy - make double dog sure I'm not fudging myself.
Water - look at 100+ oz per day.
Strength training - if I need to take this step, get back into some basic calisthenics: squats, pushups and crunches are my standby's.
Non-weight metrics - Look at what else I'm winning at besides pounds: health, clothes sizes, walking miles.

That's a summary of some suggestions I've ready. Three weeks of being stuck is enough for me!

I've been asking myself whether this is all really worth it, or if I should just flip into maintenance mode. But it dawned on me, What if this is just really difficult? I mean, what if it's not impossible, just really hard to do? I can do difficult. I don't want to quit because of difficult. I guess I keep going...

SIS#28 - Plateau, Sweet Plateau

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 03:26:00 +0000

Self-Improvement Sundays

***27 weeks complete, Behind pace, 69 lbs - Goal 101 lbs in 1 year***

I lost the pound I gained last week, but I'm a pound behind pace to reach the 101 in 1 goal. So I've officially hit the plateau. I'm still not planning to change anything I'm doing. Sticking with the plan seems like the best approach. The big picture is this:

1. I'm down 69 pounds in just over 6 months.

2. I feel great.

3. I've got great clothes until I lose another 15 or 20 pounds. Then I've got nothing.

4. Life is happening on a dozen levels besides weight loss, with many positive developments.

So, yes, I'm a bit frustrated with being stuck. But I don't think I'll be stuck forever. The path I'm taking now is too focused to maintain status quo. I totally believe that.

Here's to perseverance.

SIS#27 - Halfway There, Livin' On a Prayer

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 03:49:00 +0000

Self-Improvement Sundays

***26 weeks complete, On pace, 68 lbs - Goal 101 lbs in 1 year***

I hit the halfway mark today toward my one year goal of 101 pounds. I gained a pound this week. A bit disappointing, but remember I dropped three last week. It's so up and down that my job is just to stick to the program: stay with the WeightWatchers points and walk/run seven miles a day.

No wet noodle slapping here. Out of 26 weeks, this is only the second that I have not lost. The overall chances of reaching my goal are still good. 68 pounds in the first 6 months, 33 pounds in the second 6 months.

I want the goal, but if you've followed my blogs you know that my life focus is much broader than this. At this point, WW points and 7 miles/day are all I'm willing to do. Later on I might consider doing more.

So, God, thank you for a very exciting 6 months and for all of the health breakthroughs I've had since January. We're halfway there, and I've never been more fulfilled in walking with you.

SIS#26 - New Vans and Old Wagons

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 14:11:00 +0000

Self-Improvement Sundays

***25 weeks complete, Ahead of pace, 69 lbs - Goal 101 lbs in 1 year***

It's been a great week, and interesting.

Why great? I hit another 3 pound week, which feels like the tipping point of success for the goal of 101 pounds in a year. It means I'm ahead of pace, and 1 pound per week with few occasional 2 pound week thrown in will get me to my goal. For the first time, I feel like I've got this.

Why interesting? In a nutshell, people are starting to look at me very differently. Several people at work told me they didn't recognize me right away and had to walk back down my hallway again to see who "that guy" was. Kinda fun.

But the really interesting phenomenon is the kinds of looks that people give me now. Last year, Colleen and I had two vehicles: a relatively new Pontiac Montana minivan and an older Mercury Sable station wagon. I was always amazed at how other drivers treated me on the road depending on which vehicle I was driving. When I was in the Sable, they tended to cut me off, tailgate, and generally be less respectful. When I was driving the Montana, even though it's no Escalade, they tended to wait before entering, back off, and generally be more respectful.

I'm not sure I like it, but people are now looking at me like I'm a Pontiac Montana. I guess it goes back to the old Bible verse that says God looks on the heart and man looks on the outward appearance.

I am renewing my commitment to not be that way. It makes me angry when people butter up management and belittle maintenance. If I'm really a Jesus guy, I am here for the last, for lost, and the least.

SIS#25 - Tested by Travel

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 05:24:00 +0000

Self-Improvement Sundays

***24 weeks complete, On pace, 66 lbs - Goal 101 lbs in 1 year***

I've been gone for a week, traveling to see my family in Canada. My mom did a great job having good low-cal food around and the meals and snacks went very well. The fun part was pulling 8 or 10 family members at a time outside to go walking with me on my daily quest for 7 miles. They were great! We'd typically walk down the hill from my parents' place and circle the campground several times, often stopping to chat with friends.

I was able to get my miles in every day except the return travel day. Oh well. I made up for it with 10 miles today.

So, I managed to get a pound out of the deal, but I think it might actually be more. I didn't weigh-in on the trip, so today's reading was my first. It's possible I had a lower point during the week. That's OK. If I'm right then my week just gets a bit easier this week.

Most of my family hadn't seen me since Christmas...6 months and 65 pounds prior! My brother-in-law, Brad, kept saying, "Where's the rest of you?!"

I'm pressing now to finish of my seventh "decade" of weight loss: the 60's. Hitting 70 seems like stepping into the big leagues. Here's to a good week back in the routine.

SIS#24 - How to Advise a Friend

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 18:44:00 +0000

Self-Improvement Sundays

***23 weeks complete, On pace, 65 lbs - Goal 101 lbs in 1 year***

Much effort and 1 more pound this week. Hey, I'll take it. Some of you may have noticed my midweek tweet. "1st 3 mile run in a few years. 32:48...not exactly Olympic, but feels like gold. I'd like to do a 5k this fall for fun. 5m 6d since 300lbs." So the cardio is slowly strengthening and the body is getting that "Hey, let's go!" feeling.

It's interesting to me that no one commented on my post two weeks ago when I gained a pound. But then, what would one say? When you watch a friend stumble while trying, what do you say? Let me give a few ideas from my point of view post-stumble.

1. Sometimes stuff just happens. I didn't blow it that week, but what if I did? On the path to good things, sometimes it's two steps forward and one step back.

2. Keep the big picture in mind. At that point I was 21 weeks in and 61 pounds down. That's still astounding success in spite of a bump in the road. In other words, changing plans drastically is probably a bad idea.

3. Honor individual dignity and purpose. I think the words that might have meant the most to me would have gone something like this: "Look what you've been able to accomplish so far! The same resolve and creativity that's gotten you this far can take you even farther." The worst advice would be: "I knew that Weight Watchers program was a bad program all along. Here's what you need to do to succeed..." The sad thing is that many people don't even realize the controlling, dehumanizing nature of that comment.

4. What do you want and why do you want it? No matter what's happening at this very moment, helping a friend to stay focused on mid- to long-term goals is always great.

5. Don't coddle me. One of my favorite scenes from the movie Iron Will is where Will is about dead on his feet several days into the sled race. He wakes up early again, after just 2 or 3 hours sleep, and can't feel his legs. The newspaper reporter who's waiting with him tells him there's no way he can go on. Will responds with something like "help me stand up or get out of my way!" I want the dignity of pushing myself beyond my normal limits to accomplish something great. Help me if you like, but don't coddle me!

So that's what I've been thinking about. Helpful?

SIS#23 - The 7-Milers Begin

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 05:43:00 +0000

Self-Improvement Sundays

***22 weeks complete, On pace, 64 lbs - Goal 101 lbs in 1 year***

We're back in business, baby! Thanks to a redoubled effort with 7+ miles/day walking, I was thrilled to grab a three pound week for the first time in a while. I've always known that exercise was my ace in the hole, so now I'm playing it.

For the inquiring minds that want to know, this doesn't mean that I walk a 7-mile course everyday. I just drop my pedometer in my pocket every morning and don't go to bed until it says 7 miles (12,000 steps for my stride length). I've done just a skitch of jogging in there, but I'm able to multi-task better when I'm walking...podcasts, todo lists, prayer time, things like that.

The focus is still on nutrition, but the walking is an added dimension.

I emailed Col this week and described how badly I want this goal now. True, I've already won, but I want the grand prize that I've laid out. Not getting 101 pounds in a year still doesn't mean defeat, but I'm not going down without a fight. Right now the fight goes out to my walking paths.

SIS #22 - Staying Hitched

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 16:08:00 +0000

Self-Improvement Sundays

***21 weeks complete, Behind pace, 61 lbs - Goal 101 lbs in 1 year***

Well, it's finally happened, as I knew it would. I've gone up a pound. In 21 weeks, this is the first time I haven't lost at least a pound each week. Anxiety? No, relief.

My daily readings this week were probably a bit better than last week's actually. In all the up and down, though, I didn't get the dip below the previous week's low. That's a first, but I knew it was going to happen. Mathematically, you can't lose a pound/week forever!

There's a scene in the movie Far and Away that I relate to. Near the end of the movie, they have a race into the western frontier to claim stakes of land. Hundreds of wagons and horses and families are lined up waiting for the signal. And the gun is fired and dirt flies as pioneers gallop toward their destinies.

Tom Cruise's character is on horseback alone, and has a significant advantage over families trying to carry their accumulated possessions with a team and a covered wagon.

I'm staying hitched. That's the point. Yes, I'm a claim staker like everyone else, but I won't unhitch from the family to get my land. And our claim may ultimately be humble, but we'll be together.

The weight loss has been rewarding, but if you've been tracking with me at any depth you're aware that this has more to do with life change. My life goals are much more broad and meaningful than how I weigh in on the scale.

I actually hit the track yesterday and did a 3-mile run/walk, slow jogging 7 or 8 of the 12 laps. It felt pretty good and I was pleased that my heart rate monitor was pretty kind to me.

I have no illusions that I can exercise an hour a day in our crazy family life right now. But I'm hopeful for more. Is 101 in 1 an attainable goal? A college prof said it like this: "He who shoots for the stars does not end up with mud in his fingers."

SIS#21 - Whew! Most Dramatic of Weeks

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 00:52:00 +0000

Self-Improvement Sundays

***20 weeks complete, On pace, 62 lbs - Goal 101 lbs in 1 year***

Another challenging week! Some of you might have caught my Saturday Facebook update:

"Don't have my pound yet this week! It would be the first no-loss week since January 17. I've decided to fast today and possibly tomorrow...until I get it. Can you feel the drama?!"

I ended up eating only salad, apples and cherries. By morning I had my pound, plus one. Nice!

So why go all kamikaze for a single pound? I even said just last week that I'm bound to have a zero week at some point. Well, this was my first week embracing the aggressive new goal of 101 in 1. I just felt determined not to start out that way.

My hunch is that the 3-pounds I got last week were due to an over-generous reading on our home scale. Whatever the case, I should be back on track. Hopefully I'm poised to push the pace all the way to the end.

SIS#20 - Goal #3 - 101 Pounds in 1 Year

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 30 May 2010 04:35:00 +0000

Self-Improvement Sundays

***19 weeks complete - Goal 1 was 40lbs, Goal 2 was 60lbs***

I struggled most of the week to get my 58th pound, and Friday night I was pleasantly surprised to actually go all the way to 60. Nice! Goal #2 is history, six weeks ahead of pace.

And you might have noticed the subtle reference in the post title to my new goal: 101 pounds in a year. How often does one have the chance to lose 100 pounds in a year? I'd say once, so I'm taking it.

Remember, I started at 300. So I would drop to 199 by midnight on January 16, 2011.

Doable? Well, I've lost 60 pounds in 4-1/2 months, so I just need to lose 41 pounds in 7-1/2 months. True, it's not quite as quick now, but I haven't really started exercising yet either. So that's my ace in the hole. Of course, I'll evaluate as I go and change course if it seems unhealthy.

What about internal goals? 41 pounds and 7+ months is a long time with no milestone celebrations. OK, we'll celebrate the "decades", the 10-pound increments. I've already beaten the 90's, 80's, 70's, 60's, 50's and 40's. I'll drive a stake in the ground, so to speak, when I beat the 30's, 20's, 10's and 0's.

And at that moment I'll be lighter than any point since college in Minneapolis, possibly one of my earlier years in college. Interesting that 2011 is my 20 year reunion for North Central.

I still haven't had a single day of binging or a single week without losing at least a pound. That pace may not hold all the way to 199, but it's not the pace that's ultimately important. It's the final result.

I debate about blogging about weight loss less often, say, monthly. But my weekly check-in with Ev nation is possibly the greatest factor in my overall success. Anyone still with me for the last 41 pounds?

Oh, by the way, my clothes I couldn't fit into before are hanging from me like flowing robes. Virtually none of my clothes will fit me in 8 months, and I don't care. I'll replace it all from Goodwill if I have to.

Sorry, no grand ideas tonight, just focus. Time to go rest up!

SIS#19 - Why the Picture?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 22 May 2010 14:35:00 +0000

Self-Improvement Sundays

***18 weeks complete - ahead of pace >53 lbs - Goal 1 was 40lbs, Goal 2 is 60lbs by July 11***

57 down, 3 to go.

If anyone wonders why I'm using this picture for all of my SIS posts, it was more of an intuitive thing. When I look at this scene, I see freedom, life, vitality, and power. I see both passion and serenity. It's a desire to be fully alive. That's much more powerful to me than dropping clothing sizes or looking good at the beach. I intend to live.

SIS#18 - Rollin' Back the Years

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 17 May 2010 12:33:00 +0000

Self-Improvement Sundays

***17 weeks complete - ahead of pace >52 lbs - Goal 1 was 40lbs, Goal 2 is 60lbs by July 11***

I got my 55th pound this week, not until Saturday...but it still counts! I'm now 2 pounds shy of my Highland weight, when I was on staff as Music Director there 11 years ago. I've touched down a bit lower than this once or twice, but if I keep going I'm rolling back into my second decade previous to today. I know time travel is confusing. That guy on the park bench in Back to the Future never figured it out either.

Just like God added 15 years to King Hezekiah's life in Isaiah 38, he has means to add life and quality of life for us. Life is his business and I'm happy to be a client.

What to Do with a Bad Day

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 17 May 2010 11:00:00 +0000

Daniel Powter sings about a friend's bad day...

[Right click and choose "Open link in new window/tab" to listen]

You Had a Bad Day

Where is the moment we needed the most
You kick up the leaves and the magic is lost
They tell me your blue skies fade to gray
They tell me your passion's gone away
And I don't need no carryin' on

You stand in the line just to hit a new low
You're faking a smile with the coffee you go
You tell me your life's been way off line
You're falling to pieces every time
And I don't need no carryin' on

Because you had a bad day
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
The camera don't lie
You're coming back down and you really don't mind
You had a bad day
You had a bad day

Will you need a blue sky holiday?
The point is they laugh at what you say
And I don't need no carryin' on

You had a bad day
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
The camera don't lie
You're coming back down and you really don't mind
You had a bad day

(Oooh.. a holiday..)

Sometimes the system goes on the blink
And the whole thing turns out wrong
You might not make it back and you know
That you could be well oh that strong
And I'm not wrong

(yeah...)

So where is the passion when you need it the most
Oh you and I
You kick up the leaves and the magic is lost

Cause you had a bad day
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
You've seen what you like
And how does it feel for one more time
You had a bad day
You had a bad day

I like the song. It's real.

On the other hand, there was this guy in the Old Testament named Job. He and his wife lost their whole family to tragedy, plus all their property to disaster, and he sat on an ash heap scraping pussy boils with a broken piece of a pot. Then his "friends" came with lousy advice about how he must have deserved all of this.

Job's response?

"Oh, that my words were recorded,
that they were written on a scroll,
that they were inscribed with an iron tool on lead,
or engraved in rock forever!

I know that my Redeemer lives,
and that in the end he will stand upon the earth.
And after my skin has been destroyed,
yet in my flesh I will see God;
I myself will see him
with my own eyes—I, and not another.
How my heart yearns within me!" (Job 19:23-27)

So our bad days, or bad seasons, can pull us away from God, push us closer to God, or not really do much of anything. I'm inspired by Job's passion in that horrible moment. God, help me to look to you on my bad days...

Can an iPhone Bring You Closer to God?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 16 May 2010 03:45:00 +0000

Yeah, probably the coolest thing I've seen on an iPhone...

How Great Is Our God - Chris Tomlin

VERSE(1):
The splendor of a King,
clothed in majesty
Let all the earth rejoice,
all the earth rejoice
He wraps himself in light,
and darkness tries to hide
it trembles at his voice,
trembles at his voice

CHORUS(1):
How great is our God,
sing with me
How great is our God,
and all will see
How great
How great is our God

VERSE(2):
And age to age He stands
and time is in His Hands
Beginning and the End,
Beginning and the End
The Godhead, three in one
Father, Spirit, Son
the Lion and the Lamb,
the Lion and the Lamb

CHORUS(1):
How great is our God,
sing with me
How great is our God,
and all will see
How great,
How great is our God

CHORUS(2)
Name above all names
Worthy of all praise
My heart will sing
how great is our God
Name above all names
you are worthy of all praise
and my heart will sing
how great is our God

CHORUS(1):
How great is our God,
Sing with me
How great is our God,
and all will see
How great,
How great is our God

CHORUS(1):
How great is our God,
Sing with me
How great is our God,
and all will see
How great,
How great is our God
How great is our God,
Sing with me
How great is our God,
and all will see
How great,
How great is our God

Oh yeah, the answer is yes.

SIS#17 - Christmas in May

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 09 May 2010 13:33:00 +0000

Self-Improvement Sundays

***16 weeks complete - ahead of pace >51 lbs - Goal 1 was 40lbs, Goal 2 is 60lbs by July 11***

Not only did we get snow cover in May, but Santa also dropped 3 pounds down the chimney this week. My program pace says just a pound a week now, so getting to 54 pounds down this week is pretty nice. I'm 6 pounds from goal 2 with 9 weeks to go.

It's amazing how much of my life revolved around things I can't do now. I'm not trying to be antisocial, really. I turned down an ice cream sundae at the office this week. I let Jason and Grandpa do McDonald's by themselves while I had leftovers. I love leftovers! (Don't read sarcasm, I really do love them.) Pot lucks don't work unless I bring my own pot, so to speak. Sounds terrible, right?

But while everyone goes on as usual, I'm down 54 pounds in less than 4 months...and on the fast track from huge to buff. I'm going to a picnic after work on Thursday, so I'll probably pack a sandwich. C'est la vie.

Why say all of this? Well, it's part of the calculation if you want to make this sort of change. Remember Yoda's wisdom, "Do or not do. There is no try."

I'm looking forward to bumping into old friends this summer. That'll be fun. But much more, I'm looking forward to good lab results and a healthy life to pour into my calling.

Have you seen heaven?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 06 May 2010 12:33:00 +0000

Have you seen heaven touch earth? Some say it never happens. Some say it rarely happens. Some say it happens every day in a million ways.

I read about Moses this morning in Exodus 34:

29 When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the LORD. 30 When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, his face was radiant, and they were afraid to come near him. 31 But Moses called to them; so Aaron and all the leaders of the community came back to him, and he spoke to them. 32 Afterward all the Israelites came near him, and he gave them all the commands the LORD had given him on Mount Sinai.

33 When Moses finished speaking to them, he put a veil over his face. 34 But whenever he entered the LORD's presence to speak with him, he removed the veil until he came out. And when he came out and told the Israelites what he had been commanded, 35 they saw that his face was radiant. Then Moses would put the veil back over his face until he went in to speak with the LORD.

So Moses was literally glowing after hanging out with God. But is this experience completely foreign to us? I say no. True, we may not see the day to day miracles as those who walked with Jesus. But I say heaven is all around, and all the more as we tune in to God's voice and works.

I see heaven when leaves bud and grass slurps rain. In the thunder and in the roar of Niagara Falls.

I see heaven in a baby's face and in a toddler's snuggle. I see heaven when a teenager leans into loving boundaries. When a college student finds love.

I see heaven when friends gently pray for one another and the Holy Spirit attends to surgery over body and soul.

I see heaven in the compassionate eyes of a wind-blown face. In the leathery commitment to stay.

I see heaven as children become gracious leaders. When icy hearts melt. In forgiveness and new life.

I'd like to glow more. I want to know Jesus and carry him more purely to my world. I see heaven as God accepts me exactly as I am but continues to build me into more.

How do you see heaven breaking in to your day-to-day?

SIS#16 - Focusing on the Process, Not the Results

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 04 May 2010 00:31:00 +0000

Self-Improvement Sundays

***15 weeks complete - ahead of pace >50 lbs - Goal 1 was 40lbs, Goal 2 is 60lbs by July 11***

OK, so I'm down to a pound a week. I hit 51 this week and it appears that the low hanging fruit has been picked. No more easy 3 or 4 pound weeks.

When I posted my first goal back in January, my powerlifter brother-in-law from Canada advised me to focus on the process and the results would ultimately be there. So that's where I'm at. The scale gives me next to nothing for motivation now. It's all about the process.

In a nutshell, that means:

1. Keep logging points and blogging weekly efforts.

2. Focus on weight loss, not cardiovascular fitness, not strength training, not flexibility. Take those as they come.

3. Believe in the process. I expect to hit 60 pounds in July. Then I'll decide on a new goal.

4. No people pleasing. Be creative with social situations or don't go. Period.

5. Continue loving the wonderful, flavorful foods I missed out on for so long.

That's my story.

SIS#15 - I Dodged a Bullet

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 03:04:00 +0000

Self-Improvement Sundays

***14 weeks complete - ahead of pace >48 lbs - Goal 1 was 40lbs, Goal 2 is 60lbs by July 11***

I got an email this week on risk factors for diabetes. I have really felt this disease bearing down on me the last few years as it has so many in North America. I give software support to a Diabetes Education group and I see how the demand for their services continues to grow. No, I haven't had abnormal lab results or anything showing a pre-diabetic condition, but I had a sense that if I hung out at 300 pounds it would eventually catch up with me.

I feel pretty sure that with my steadily dropping weight and dramatically altered diet, I'm in much better shape to avoid diabetes now. I dodged a bullet! Whew! Yes, I hit my 50-pounds-lost mark this week. The crazy thing is that I spent two days at a buffet-laden conference center in Madison and ate out at Famous Dave's and P F Chang's and stuck to my guns the whole way!

I was asked this week where I continue to get food ideas for this new lifestyle. Col says just Google Weight Watchers recipes and there are many options with points already calculated. I highly recommend settling on a group of staples that you like well enough to go back to over and over. I posted many of mine a short while back. You can link to it here.

So my medication list is beginning to shrink. My medical problem list is beginning to shrink. My personal healthcare expenses are beginning to shrink. My concerns about my body in the years to come are beginning to shrink. I am beginning to shrink!

Of course it feels great, and I want to encourage you all to make a healthy choice today!

SIS#14 - 50 Pound Sack of Whatever

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 03:49:00 +0000

***13 weeks complete - ahead of pace >46 lbs - Goal 1 was 40lbs, Goal 2 is 60lbs by July 11***

So, a 10 pound sack of potatoes is pretty hefty, right? A 50 pound bag of concrete mix is much heftier! I'm just a pound shy of NOT having to carry the sack of whatever around with me anymore. My energy levels are much higher and many good things are taking place.

I had a friend tell me today that he's successfully but on 11 pounds that he needed. I can't entirely relate, but healthiness is the issue, right?

I want to say thanks again for a fabulous Facebook birthday. Sure, it's not exactly turkey brats on the grill together, but what a great way to stay in touch with friends all over the continent!

Colleen made a huge roaster of split pea soup with ham today. 3 points a cup...an unbelievably savory bargain! Life's routine has been a bit challenging this week, but I'm still committed to progressing with the weight loss goals. Anyone want to comment on how your challenges are coming?

...for the morning

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 13:58:00 +0000

It's a beautiful morning and my heart is drawn to praise...

Lamentations 3:22-23
Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.

[To listen, right click the link and choose "Open in New Window/Tab"]

Lord, I Thank You (Andrae Crouch)

OK, it's another morning everybody wake up
God has given us another day all over the world
Come on...a brand new day...

Lord, I thank You for the morning
Lord, I thank You for the brand new dawning
Lord, I thank You for another day to sing Your praise
Lord, I thank You for Your blessing
And right now my heart's confessing
Lord, I thank You for another day to sing Your praise

New mercies every morning
New mercies, Lord, I seek
Simply because You love me
You're always giving new mercies to me
Every morning when I wake up
I cannot help but see
Your goodness and Your mercy, Lord
Are always following me

SIS#13 - What's Up with the Blogging?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 05:51:00 +0000

***12 weeks complete - ahead of pace >44 lbs - Goal 1 was 40lbs, Goal 2 is 60lbs by July 11***

Great week! It might actually be my best week of the year so far! Dropping 4 pounds in the 12th week is crazy good. I'm very competitive against the pace I've set, so I relish the opportunity to pad the cushion of my lead over the pace. I'm going with 47 pounds lost, even though my unofficial evening weigh-in had me at 48. Sets the stage for another good week.

So, if you're tracking with me at all, you know that blogging my weight loss has been a key component to my success to date. You all keep me accountable. But perhaps you've had a chance to nose around my links a little. Blogging has become an outlet for me on more than one front.

This blog, Evan of the North, started as Evan's Blog on Facebook only. The idea was to flesh out my life for people. Most know that I'm a devoted Jesus-follower, but how does that look day to day in my case? Lately it's looked a lot like a fitness magazine or a biggest loser spin-off. Many more angles ahead.

I've also got a blog with the intent to encourage us in our daily connection with God: the Humble King Devotional.
Fun new twist, four like-minded friends have agreed to contribute to that blog as well. So I love how that's developing and see it as a real iron-sharpening-iron piece moving forward.

The latest addition is the Northwoods Compassion blog. "Thoughts on the intrinsic compassion of conservatism in public policy." This is an attempt to be involved in the public discussion of legislation and government, as seems wholly appropriate in democracy-based countries such as the US and Canada. My particular focus this year is the Wisconsin 7th congressional district race between my guy, Republican Sean Duffy, and 41-year incumbent, Democrat David Obey. I'm meeting with a Wausau-based group tomorrow night to get to know Sean's new campaign manager.

Somewhat related is my For the Little Ones blog. I'm far from satisfied with the discussion of the sanctity of life for the unborn in our culture. I'm thinking it through publicly. Company and comments welcome!

And, last but not least, the Bar Stool Gospel blog. These last two seem much more occasional in this season, but you might enjoy this unique approach of sharing the Jesus-story through the lens of classic rock tunes. So far I've posted with Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville, John Lennon's Imagine, and Toto's Rosanna.

One of my life goals is to talk to my town. Friendship seems to only run so deep until we have a chance to get a glimpse in the deeper thoughts, experiences and convictions of our friends. I can't tell you how enriching this has been, getting to know so many of you better in this way. It's very relational for me, but not just in the "let's tailgate dude" kind of way. I love the deep humanness and spirituality I see in my friends and their comments.

So weight-loss is a small part of my story, which is a big part of why it's succeeding in my opinion. I'm not consumed with food, I'm consumed with life! Thanks again for your part with the accountability. To the dozens who are tackling challenges along with me, let's roll!

By the way, if you also like to blog, post a link in the comments so I can come check out your place and interact with you that way. Comments and feedback here are always welcome!

Proud Mary - Rollin' with What You Got

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 14:14:00 +0000

It was August of 2002. Colleen and I took a long trek out to Alberta with our little family in the Green Windstar. I can't believe it's been eight years. The main event was my cousin Karen's wedding in Calgary, and it was two weeks of whistle stops all the way there and back to Wausau, Wisconsin. The Rockies were amazing. We spent several days with my parents at a time-share in Canmore, just 15 miles or so south of Banff. I can see the morning clouds on the mountain ranges as if I'm standing on the balcony at this very moment.

And the trip was special because little Jason and little cousin Jayce were just months from being born.

We stopped at each of my sister's homes, Regina, Moosejaw, Edmonton, as well as my parents' home in Rivers, Manitoba. But what I'm thinking of this morning is a passing moment at the West Edmonton Mall. The full size hockey rink was pretty neat, as were the dolphin exhibit and the waterpark. But it was on our walk down "Bourbon Street" (think New Orleans style cafe court) that I heard a simple sound drifting out of one of the restaurants...

Left a good job in the city,

Workin for the man evry night and day,
And I never lost one minute of sleepin,
Worryin bout the way things might have been.

I peeked my head in and paused for a moment. The man had a guitar, a mic, and a drum machine piped through a little sound system in a corner not much bigger than a table. He sounded good, not awesome. He was more into what he was singing than anyone else, but there he was.

Big wheel keep on turnin,

Proud mary keep on burnin,
Rollin, rollin, rollin on the river.

Rollin. He had his guitar and his song, and he was rollin. He'd never be Credence Clearwater Revival, but he was rollin. No movie cameras, no record deals, just a solid rhythm and a skinny middle age man totally in his element.

Paul from the New Testament said it like this: "The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment." (1 Corinthians 12:21-24)

And I'm not always sure we have an accurate picture of how weak or honorable we really are. But we grab out guitars, set up on whatever stage we've been granted, and we keep rollin.

I'll be 42 this week and I think I'm stepping into Life Two. Life has been rich in accomplishments, failures, love, heartbreak, and the continuing goodness of God. And I step outside myself and look at Evan Nehring. I think, "Who are you? What will you be? If you're privileged to lie peacefully on your deathbed some day, on what will you reflect?"

I have plenty of plans and dreams, but part of the plan is to just keep rollin on the river. I am who I am. I'm whatever God made me and whatever I'm becoming. I have worked and prayed and practiced and performed, and here I am. And if I've thought of myself too highly, so be it. If my place is to sing my simple tune to half-interested revelers, so be it.

By the grace of God, we keep rollin.