Tuesday, May 31, 2005

Getting in Shape Update 25

Bad week weight-wise, but with the Shingles, I just haven't cared.

Starting Weight = 267.0

Last Week's Weight = 221.5

Today's Weight = 224.0

Weight Gain in past week = 2.5 pounds



TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS
= 43.0 pounds

Saturday, May 28, 2005

Night Owl or Temporary Insomniac?

I have always been what can only be described as a Night Owl. Heck, I even got it honest, as they say. My dad is also a Late Night kind of guy. The question for someone like me can often be, "When am I experiencing insomnia as opposed to just my ordinary nature?"

That question is with me now. Three hours ago, I was fairly tired, so I went to my room and sat in bed watching some television. Now, I am wide awake. Has insomnia set in, or did I just get a normal Night Owl second wind? What effect might my current bout with Shingles (and the medications I am taking) have on my ability to fall asleep?

Usually, I would just pick up a book to read, but (a) almost all of my books are in storage right now as we continue to try to get our house ready to try to sell, and (2) I just don't feel like reading right now.

I guess I'll watch some television.

Stupid Bumper Sticker

Driving to work yesterday, I saw a bumper sticker that wasn't new or unusual, but it got me think about it. The one I saw said "My Money and Daughter go to Baylor". Now, it caught my attention because Baylor is my college and law school alma mater.

Implicit in this bumper sticker (and similar ones for other schools) are two thoughts: First, the driver of the vehicle is proud that his or her child is attending the college in question; and second, the driver is complaining about the fact that he or she is paying for or helping to pay for his or her child's higher education. Why do people think it's necessary to add the complaint? Why can't they just be happy that the child is getting a quality education? If you are going to complain about the expense, then don't send your kid to college. Or send your kid to a less expensive one.

I know that some will think I'm taking too seriously what is meant in jest, but this bumper sticker has always bothered me. I am thankful neither of my parents ever had one. My dad doesn't "do" bumper stickers. My mom was satisfied with a simple "Baylor Mom" one.

Oh, and the kicker? The vehicle I saw the sticker on yesterday was an Escalade.

Friday, May 27, 2005

Indianapolis Blues

Do you remember when the Indy 500 was THE car race of the year? Now, it's not even the biggest race of the weekend. I'm more a NASCAR™ fan than an Indy car fan, but even to me, that's just kinda sad. I'll probably catch some of the Indy 500, but I'll most likely watch more of the Coca-Cola 600 if not the entire race.

TMI Warning

I went to my Doctor's office this afternoon. What I had thought was a breakout of Poison Ivy or Oak turns out to be a case of Shingles. So, now I'm on a cycle of some anti-viral medicine, and I have to be careful not to expose my daughters. They can't get Shingles, but the same virus causes Chicken Pox. I do not want my seven month old to get Chicken Pox.

I owe a huge "Thank You" to my internet friends on the Who Wants to Be a Millionaire Message Board (The link is on the sidebar). It was some of that gang who told me my symptoms sounded like shingles. There's no telling how long I would have waited to go to the Doctor without their advice.

Thursday, May 26, 2005

Dy-No-Mite!

You know? Dynamite is an amazing thing. When used with care, it can help with construction projects. However, when improperly utilized, it is greatly destructive.

Have you ever heard a person described as "dynamite"? Usually it's a compliment, meaning the person is energetic and exceptional. Some people are more like dynamite than we know. Those people, when their energies are properly focused, are highly creative, but when they get their priorities out of whack, they become a terribly destructive force. I'm sure we all know people like that.

My question today is how do us regular, non-explosive people handle the dynamite people around us? What's the best way to make sure those folks are using their energies for positive ends?

Now, don't get me wrong. Dynamite people usually have the best of intentions, even when they are blowing everything to smithereens. So, how do you keep the dynamite people from destroying the very thing thing are trying to create?

Tuesday, May 24, 2005

Getting in Shape Update 24

Moving down again.

Starting Weight = 267.0

Last Week's Weight = 222.5

Today's Weight = 221.5

Weight Loss in past week = 1.0 pound



TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS
= 45.5 pounds

Wednesday, May 18, 2005

And Straight on 'til Morning

I highly recommend Finding Neverland. My wife and I watched it last night after getting the girls to bed. The film is visually stunning and emotionally moving. As it turns out, we could have watched it with the girls up. It's definitely a "family friendly" film.

Seriously, you should rent it today.

Tuesday, May 17, 2005

Getting in Shape Update 23

I did much better eating and drinking enough water this week.

Starting Weight = 267.0

Last Week's Weight = 226.5

Today's Weight = 222.5

Weight Loss in past week = 4.0 pounds



TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS
= 44.5 pounds

Monday, May 16, 2005

Gomo Rim Jambo?

No, I'm not speaking in tongues. The title of this entry is a line from the play, The Foreigner by Larry Shue, which I will be directing for Kaufman County Civic Theatre this summer. I picked my cast last night, and rehearsals start June 1st. The play is hilarious, and I hope we do a good job with it. I am excited about having cast two newcomers to our theatre. A couple of guys named Fester and Tex who have done a little acting in the past (at other ocmmunity theatres or in high school) read for me. I had to go out to Starbucks for their audition because they both work there and were on duty the night I had auditions. It was not a wasted trip.

Ah, the joys of community theatre. The actor playing the older British Staff Sergeant is a 20 year old, 5 foot 6 inch Latino. He's very funny.

Saturday, May 14, 2005

From whence I came

In case any of you were wondering what my parents look like, here's a picture of them:



Now you can see where I got my great looks.

Tuesday, May 10, 2005

Getting in Shape Update 22

I was doing okay until Sunday. I ate too much pizza Sunday. Then yesterday, I ate a big dinner and had an entire bag of M&M's. I guess this was my first real set-back week.

Starting Weight = 267.0

Last Week's Weight = 224.5

Today's Weight = 226.5

Weight Gain in past week = 2.0 pounds



TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS
= 40.5 pounds

Monday, May 09, 2005

Don't Panic

I went and saw The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy last week. I was prepared for the worst. Some early reviews had been less than glowing.

I liked it. I think they did about what could be done in 2 hours with the material. I wasn't particularly fond of Mos Def's portrayal of Ford Prefect, but I was pleased with all the other performances. The Magrathean factory "floor" was splendid.

Tuesday, May 03, 2005

Kiss the Cook

Tonight, I did something I hadn't done in quite awhile. I baked chocolate chip cookies. I made them to give to my students at tomorrow night's final class of the semester. I had forgotten how much I enjoy baking.

My wife was impressed with the cookies.

Getting in Shape Update 21

Starting Weight = 267.0

Last Week's Weight = 225.5

Today's Weight = 224.5

Weight Loss in past week = 1.0 pound



TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS
= 42.5 pounds