Good Advice

There are always at least two sides to every story.

Don't believe everything you hear.

Two wrongs don't make a right.

******************

And one that is one of my dad's favorite sayings:

There's always something you don't know.

K-Bob Still MIA

Happy Birthday Kristi!

Wherever you are.

Getting in Shape Update 75

Ate after dinner too often and snacked a bit too much during the day.



Starting Weight = 267.0

Last Update's Weight = 236.0

Today's Weight = 237.5

Weight Gain in the Past 2 Weeks= 1.5 pounds



TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS
= 29.5 pounds

Help a Friend

One of my friend's pets is in contention for Pet of the Week at The Dallas Morning News. I would appreciate if you would go vote for Dori HERE.

Look for the "Vote For This Week's Favorite" Image and click it. Vote for Dori.

Voting ends Thursday August 10th, so don't dawdle.

Oh, Please

Let it rain, and rain, and rain.

Thunder and lightning right now and a few sprinkles.

We need rain . . . desperately.

Six Flags

My oldest three girls, my wife, and I all went to Six Flags over Texas yesterday. A family friend and her daughter went along as well. Long day. HOT. Lots of fun. The girls actually made it all day without any major fits. Somehow, I avoided getting any sunburn despite not having put on any sunblock.

The lines were not bad at all. Made it from queueing up for the Titan to off the ride in 30 minutes. Batman was about the same. My only real complaint of the day is that they charge $15 for parking. Come on, you charge almost $50 to get in the park. Do you really have to tack on the outrageous parking fee?

I was exhausted by the end of the day. Thankfully, my wife let me sleep in this morning.

A Great Feeling

Yesterday, I was out with my three oldest daughters at the Terrell Library end of Summer Reading Carnival. As we were walking, my 5 year old said "You're the greatest dad ever." I don't know what prompted it, but I felt wonderful hearing that.

**************

Thanks to Steph for pointing out my typo.

Getting in Shape Update 74

No commentary this week.



Starting Weight = 267.0

Last Week's Weight = 236.5

Today's Weight = 236.0

Weight Loss in the Past Week= 0.5 pound



TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS
= 31.0 pounds

Getting in Shape Update 73

Did better not snacking or eating in the evenings after dinner.



Starting Weight = 267.0

Last Week's Weight = 238.0

Today's Weight = 236.5

Weight Loss in the Past Week= 1.5 pounds



TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS
= 30.5 pounds

Getting in Shape Update 72

Didn't eat all that well. Didn't drink very much water. Still not exercising (and won't be able to until Kiss Me, Kate opens.



Starting Weight = 267.0

Last Week's Weight = 238.5

Today's Weight = 238.0

Weight Loss in the Past Week= 0.5 pound



TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS
= 29.0 pounds

Nature Abhors a Vacuum

It seems that I always tend to find ways to fill up my "free time." Last night, I did not have rehearsal, but I had a meeting to go to. Tonight, I don't have rehearsal until 9pm, but I have a meeting before that.

Things should lighten up once Kiss Me, Kate closes, but I know that there will still be lots to claim my time and attention. I'm not the kind of person who always needs to be doing "something," but I'm also not the kind who can sit at home every night.

Casey & Scotty is back up

Moose got back from his trip and got the server issue resolved.

the "missing" July 9th strip

The current strip

Server Problems in Andbait

Moose is having some problems with his hosting for Casey & Scotty. I certainly hope that it gets worked out in time for the scheduled return tomorrow.

In the meantime, why don't you show your support for him and Casey by voting for the strip. Really, it takes less than a minute to hit all three sites.

Webbed Comics

Top Comics

BuzzComix

Getting in Shape Update 71

I had feared the worst after eating way too much brisket and too many hot dogs, not to mention the ice cream.



Starting Weight = 267.0

Last Week's Weight = 238.0

Today's Weight = 238.5

Weight Gain in the Past Week= 0.5 pound



TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS
= 28.5 pounds

Getting in Shape Update 70

Kind of an up and down week. Unfortunately, I wound up more up than down.



Starting Weight = 267.0

Last Week's Weight = 237.0

Today's Weight = 238.0

Weight Gain in the Past Week= 1.0 pound



TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS
= 29.0 pounds

Slight variation at Casey & Scotty

For the first time since Moose left town, the strip was a little different today. For some reason, it reminds me of old Bugs Bunny™ cartoons.

See today's strip

Don't forget to vote for C&S at the various comic sites:

Webbed Comics

Top Comics

BuzzComix

Getting in Shape Update 69

I decided to move the weight report to Fridays for a variety of reasons.

Back headed in the right direction.



Starting Weight = 267.0

Last Week's Weight = 238.0

Today's Weight = 237.0

Weight Loss in the Past Week= 1.0 pound



TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS
= 30.0 pounds

Casey & Scotty

My good friend, Moose, is on a business trip followed by a vacation, so he's put Casey & Scotty on hiatus until he gets back.

He left us with a cliffhanger on Sunday. As a long time reader of the strip, I have to wonder if this may finally resolve what was teased in September 2005. When that strip appeared, Moose promised that it would make sense eventually.

BTW, please continue to vote for C&S at the various comic sites:

Webbed Comics

Top Comics

BuzzComix

Bands that Don't Exist, but Should

Use comments to propose band names that aren't real, but would be cool names for a band. No, I'm not starting a band. Just something I thought might be fun.

My opening suggestion:

Herman Muenster (There is a sax player who uses this name in a band called Richard Cheese and Lounge Against the Machine)

Getting in Shape Update 68

I had hoped to drop a little lower than this, but all in all, it's not as bad as it could have been. This is a good lesson that I can never give up on paying attention to my weight.



Starting Weight = 267.0

Last Update's Weight = 230.5 March 26, 2006

Today's Weight = 238.0

Weight Gain in the meantime= 7.5 pounds



TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS
= 29.0 pounds

Not a Bandwagon Fan

Before the Dallas-Miami NBA Finals Series, I heard some national media types picking the Heat and saying that they thought the Heat were simply the better team with better talent. I thought they were crazy then, and I believe my view has been vindicated after 2 games.

What's particularly amusing and annoying at the same time is that the same "experts" now downplay Avery Johnson's role in the Mavericks' success. If Miami was the better team in their view, how come Johnson doesn't get credit now for being the better coach. I like Pat Riley, and I was a huge fan of the Showtime Lakers in the 80's, but the Little General has shown that right now, he is the best coach in the NBA. He deserved his Coach of the Year award, and he has proved it beyond any doubt in the playoffs.

On paper, the Heat were better than Dallas at two positions, Center (Shaquille O'Neal) and 2 Guard (Dwyane Wade). Beyond that, the Mavs were and are better at every position, and Dallas' bench is far superior to Miami's.

It won't shock me if Miami wins 2 of 3 at home, but this series is

O-V-E-R!!

Some things aggravate me

I am a regular reader of The Thinklings, and I have occasionally posted comments on their blog. All of a sudden, this week, I am bumping up against their SPAM filter. For some reason, my attempts to comment are now seen as SPAM. The message tells me to e-mail the blog admin to try to clear it up, but they don't have an e-mail address for a blog admin.

Back in the Saddle

Now that The Odd Couple has closed, I have to get focused on dropping the weight. Despite my assurances to you to the contrary, I did, in fact, put on a few pounds during rehearsals and the run of the show. I figure rehearsals for Kiss Me, Kate should help, but I have to get my eating back under control. Meal portions haven't really been a problem, but I've been snacking far too much and eating after dinner. I also need to get back on track drinking water.

I'll resume weight updates next Tuesday. You can expect my new starting weight to be higher than the last update I posted HERE.

Clearing out the study so I can get back on the Gazelle to exercise is also a priority.

That's What Friends Are For

Something I was listening to got me to thinking about how I came to be friends with the people who have been my best friends at various points in my life. I don't really remember all the details, but it is interesting to me.

My best friend in High School was Jay Champion. He moved to our town in 5th Grade, and before long we started hanging out, playing video games, and playing tennis. For us, I think it was just the simple fact that when he started our school, I was friendly to him. Maybe it was because I had also been the "new guy" just a few years before. We stayed good friends all through High School, and we still talk occasionally.

In college, my best friend was not one of my Fraternity brothers, but a young woman who I called K-Bob. Her real name was Kristi Ramer. We met when I was hanging out in the lobby of the North Russell dorm at Baylor University. There was a group of us that played Spades regularly, and Kristi and I developed a friendship fairly quickly. We lost touch a few years ago, and I can't remember her married name, so I can't Google her to find her. We used to get together and play Trivial Pursuit or watch "Jeopardy!"

I can remember the details for how I met my current best friend, Rod Martin, much better. Our first day in law school, the faculty hosted a BBQ dinner for First Year students. Rod and I found each other sitting in the student lounge waiting for the dinner to start. We immediately started talking politics, particularly drug policy. Despite our initial disagreement on that issue, we soon discovered that we agreed on almost all issues. I spent hours and hours at Rod's house during law school. We would play video football and talk and talk and talk.

Obviously, there are a lot more details to all three of these stories, but that's pretty much the jist of how I met those three particular friends.

Well, That's One Way to Lose Weight

I think I may have cut off about a pound of hair this evening. After I got home from the cast party for the closing of The Odd Couple, I got out my beard trimmer, and used it like clippers to cut my hair short. I used the guard in what I would call a #1 setting. I'll try to get a pic up soon.

Two Weeks Later

The Texas Rangers are still in First Place. In fact, they've been in 1st all month (and yes I know for a couple of days they were percentage points behind Oakland, but they were never any games back).

Their road record is an amazing 10-5. They need to do better at The Ballpark in Arlington, though.

Oh, it's called Ameriquest Field now? Gee, I didn't know. ;^)

A Milestone

My car turned over 100,000 miles last night. It hit 99,999 right before I got to the theatre for our final preview performance of The Odd Couple



The magic mark wasn't hit until I was on the way home.



I bought this car on my birthday in 2002. In the 3 years, 8 months, and 17 days from then until yesterday, I've put over 80,000 miles on it. Not too shabby.

Please Pray

The wife of my Best Friend has been diagnosed with Breast Cancer.


Read Rod's Blog Entry about it


Please pray for Sherri, Rod, Dolly, Archer, and Haley.

My Car is in the Garage

Jody and I made some headway on getting stuff out of the garage and into the house. I was able to move all the stuff still out there over to one side, so I am finally able to park my car in the garage. I guess now I need to get a garage door opener.

Parking in the garage may seem like a minor thing, but it's been something I've wanted for a long time.

First Place Texas Rangers

I know it's still way early in the season, but I really just like saying that.

In fact, I like it so much, I think I'll say it again.

First Place Texas Rangers

The Good Nail Clippers

I'm sure you've heard your mother or wife say something about the "good scissors." Well, I have a pair of Good Nail Clippers. And they are missing since the move. I know they made it to the new house because I put them in my own pocket and carried them. They are, however, temporarily missing. They would go missing occasionally at the old house, but that one was a lot smaller and only had a few places inanimate objects could hide.

I miss them.

When Christian Conservatives become Legalistic Liberals

I have long believed that the fundamental tenet of Conservatism is a belief in smaller Government. Conservatives are supposed to support lower taxes and less Government involvement in our day-to-day activities. A Conservative does not believe it is the Government's job to protect us from ourselves or to guide and direct our morals. Those jobs fall to the Family and the Church, respectively.

There are some issues, however, when even the best intentioned of Conservatives slips into a Big-Government Liberal mindset. For some reason, many folks who are otherwise solidly Conservative in their political outlook think that we have to prevent people from participating in the "evils" of gambling. Now, why the Government should protect people from their own stupidity is beyond me.

I've heard more than one Conservative refer to gambling as a "Tax on the Stupid" or a "Tax on people who are not good at math." First, gambling is not a Tax of any kind, and calling it one waters down the principled Conservative opposition to new and/or higher taxes. Second, there are all kinds of entertainments out there that may be just as stupid and money-wasting as gambling, but we don't hear the clamor to outlaw them.

Some argue that gambling breeds crime, but like many things that are claimed to be causally linked, the proof is very hard to make. Poverty is said to cause crime, too, but Conservatives rightly counter that it's not the role of Government to protect people from poverty.

It is time for Conservatives to stop confusing what may be a sin with what should be a crime.

***
THANKS to DK for pointing out my typo to me.

Summer is Here

I know that we are merely a month past the official start of Spring, but here in North Texas, we have already had the unofficial start of Summer. Last week, it topped 100 degrees. I wrote about the Texas heat HERE, but that was June. This is April for cryin' out loud.

Over the weekend, I put up our pool. It's one of those with an inflatable ring around the top that then rises as the pool fills with water. I believe it is supposed to fill to 3 feet, but because of a slight incline, it is only about 2 1/2 feet, which is perfect for my three older girls. The water was a bit cold, and after my girls' playing in it yesterday, a bit cloudy as well. I'm not sure why it's cloudy, but I'll wait before getting too antsy about it.

I also got my first sunburn of the year. It isn't bad, but my shoulders and upper back are a little red.

I enjoy having the pool because I love to jump in it after mowing the yard to help me cool down more quickly. We didn't put it up last year because we were thinking we might be selling our old house sooner than we did.

Water filter Update

I managed to find some parts at Home Depot to replace the one I broke. We now have filtered water going to the ice maker. That's a very good thing because the water here is bordering on undrinkable.

Almost Completely Out

We've almost removed all of our stuff from our old house. It's a good thing that the buyer is my niece, or we'd have been in trouble trying to vacate.

Now, we just have to make some headway on getting all the stuff moved in where it goes in the new house. I'm thinking we need to throw a bunch of stuff away. We couldn't do that before the move because much of it was boxed up. I am really considering imposing a rule that if something hasn't been touched in six months, it goes out the door.

Special items and mementos will be excluded.

A Pox upon Me for a Clumsy Lout

Last night, I was installing a line filter for the ice maker. I went to Lowe's and bought the hardware I needed to do the job and headed home to finish the task. Everything was going well until I proceeded to assemble the first connector. I applied teflon tape to reduce the risk of leaking and tightened the part. Once I got it hand-tightened, I thought that I should get it as tight as possible. So, I got a pair of pliers and began really torqueing that thing down.

Did I mention that the parts in question are plastic?

You have probably already foreseen where this is heading. As I tightened and tightened, I heard that dreaded sound:

CRACK!

I had broken the plastic. I went ahead and finished the connections and tried it out, but obviously, the cracked part leaked like a sieve.

After work today, I'm stopping by the Home Depot on the way home to see if they happen to have a part I can use as a replacement. I can order replacement parts from the manufacturer of the filter, but they cost more than $11, and I'd have to wait until the middle of next week for them to arrive.

For My Friend, Sherry

I chatted on AIM with a friend yesterday, and then I stumbled across this. She'll really appreciate it.

If the video doesn't play for you here, click the image again and another window should open and play it.

New Theatre Blog Button

Thanks to Moose of Casey and Scotty comic fame for creating my new button you can find to the right.

Now, go check out his comic and vote for it.

Immigration Issues

Now that the Senate has killed the Immigration Bill (at least temporarily), I'd like to address this. I am convinced that we are going about the effort to stop illegal immigration the wrong way. Enforcement plans always seem to focus on the illegal immigrants. From an economic standpoint, in the Supply and Demand model, the immigrants are the Supply. They are the cheap labor that employers (mainly agricultural, restaurant, and hotel if you believe the anecdotal claims) hire because, supposedly, Americans don't want those jobs. These employers represent the Demand portion of the economic equation.

We should have learned from years of failed enforcement efforts that stemming the tide of the supply of illegal immigrant workers is impossible. For every illegal we catch and send back home, dozens replace him. We can't stop or even realistically slow down the supply pipeline unless we build a concrete wall between the entirety of the border with Mexico.

In order to win this battle, if it can be won, we must go after the Demand side of the equation rather than the Supply side. If there are no jobs to be had for illegal immigrants, much of the impetus for their coming is removed.

So, if we really want to stop or greatly reduce illegal immigration, the solution is to enforce stiff penalties against employers who hire illegal immigrants. Make it hurt. Heavy fines for first offenses. Subsequent offenses should include jail time. If we really care about this issue, this is the only way to solve it.

My Favorite TV Show

I grew up a TV-head. When I was in school, the television would be turned on the minute I got home, and I watched it until I went to bed. I did my homework with the TV on. It stayed on while we ate dinner. In short, I watched a lot of TV growing up.

Now, I don't. Admittedly, that's because I spend almost all my leisure time on the computer, but my TV viewing time has declined from my childhood average of between 40 to 50 hours per week. These days, not counting sports, I only watch 1.5 hours of television each week. Two-thirds of that time is spent on Lost. This show is intelligent and entertaining. It reminds me of Twin Peaks before it got too weird.

Other good links:

Oceanic Flight 815

The Hanso Foundation

The Fuselage

Lost Forum

Lost Podcast Also available via iTunes

Moving, Part the Second

Well, we got the beds in the new house, but there are still tons of boxes and other stuff piled up in the garage of the new house. We're also not out of the old house completely, yet. It's a good thing that my niece, who bought our house, is patient.

The new neighborhood seems to be very quiet, and it is really dark in the house with the lights out.

I've already met my neighbors on either side of me, but I was so focused on the moving that I don't remember their names. Our 7, 5, & 3 3/4 year olds have made some friends and went and played at a house across the street yesterday.

My wife told me last night that she doesn't ever want to move again. Not because she loves the neighborhood and house so much (although she does), but because she doesn't ever want to have to pack everything up and move it again.

Moving is the Pits

One of these days I am going to learn to hire a moving company to get my stuff moved from Point A to Point B. This was not one of those days.

I rented a U-Haul 26 foot truck and started loading it about 3:30 this afternoon. At about 7, I hadn't made much progress. Thankfully, my father and my brother-in-law showed up and helped load while my mother and my sister helped my wife get more stuff packed up. We got the truck loaded about 9:15, but we can't get into the new house until the morning because we gave the sellers a day to get the rest of their stuff out. The rest of our stuff is going to require at least one more load of that truck.

I am dead tired, but I'm just not sleepy, yet.

Okay, so it's nothing more than an excuse

I will be suspending the posting of weight updates until I get done with The Odd Couple. I'm not gonna let myself gain weight during that time, but I am not going to be actively attempting to lose weight, either.

Oscar is supposed to be "husky," and that's what I am right now. I could probably afford to lose the 8.5 pounds I've gained in the past month, but I'm just not going to be focusing on it.

Have no fear. Once that show is over, I'll get back on track.

Of course, if all goes well, I'll be in a musical or two right after The Odd Couple closes, so I'll be dancing and getting some exercise that way.

The Odd Couple

I was cast as Oscar Madison in The Odd Couple in Rockwall. More HERE.

Getting in Shape Update 67

Another bad week of not paying attention to what and how much I was eating.



Starting Weight = 267.0

Last Week's Weight = 228.0

Saturday's Weight = 230.5

Weight Gain in past week = 2.5 pounds

Weight Gain in past 4 weeks = 8.5 pounds



TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS
= 36.5 pounds

Let's face it. I'm pooped!

I got home from work yesterday and promptly took a 4 hour long nap. Because of that, I found it incredibly difficult to fall asleep last night. Thus, I had a hard time getting out of bed this morning.

AH, the cascade effect of things we do.

I won't be able to sleep in tomorrow morning because I have to be at the County Republican Convention at about 8:30. I'll be serving as Parliamentarian. The last time I was a Parliamentarian was at the 1996 State Republican Convention in our Senatorial District Caucus. I fear that my knowledge of parliamentary procedure is a bit rusty.

Next week is likely not going to provide any sort of respite, either. I have court three days, and then on Friday, we are supposed to close on the purchase of the new home.

Auditions for The Odd Couple at Rockwall Community Playhouse are next Monday and Tuesday nights.

Ace-Deuce Suited is NOT a Good Hand

My wife and I got a few days away from home and went to the Horseshoe Casino in Bossier City/Shreveport. My dad is a frequent slots player over there, and he got us a comp room. Wait, let me clarify that. He got us a "High Roller" suite on the top floor of the hotel. I believe the suite may be about as big as our current house.

I played in the weekly Monday evening Hold 'Em tournament last night. Seventy-four players vied for a top prize of $5816. The top nine positions would win some money. I got off to a good start and relaxed for a bit. Made a few less than brilliant plays and went into a bit of a hole, but then got a string of good hands.

I made it to the final table of 10 players in second chip position. Blinds and antes were eating my stack away until one hand when I was in the small blind. We were down to seven players, and everyone had folded around to me. I looked down at Ace-Deuce of Diamonds. I had 2 choices at that point. Call the big blind, which would have been just $2000 more in chips, or go All-in with about $25,000. If i win the hand, I'm back in a solid position to last to some good money.

I went All-in, and the big blind quickly called me.

He had a pair of Jacks.

I didn't catch an Ace, three Diamonds, or the 3-4-5 I would have needed to make a straight. Finished 7th, and won about 2 1/2 times the amount I had paid to play.

It was fun and nerve-wracking at the same time.

Getting in Shape Update 66

The drive just isn't there right now. When I first decided to lose the weight, all it took was a decision. I think it was easy to get started in the first place than it will be to re-ingite the burners.



Starting Weight = 267.0

Last Week's Weight = 227.0

Today's Weight = 228.0

Weight Gain in past week = 1.0 pound



TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS
= 39.0 pounds

Second Blog

I've created a new blog to keep track of my theatre stuff.

There I Am . . . Up on the Stage

I'll still mention acting and theatre items here, but I'll go into much more detail over there.

The Upside of Losing

Now that my campaign is over, I will have a little more time to pursue my main hobby, acting. I will be auditioning in a couple of weeks for a production of The Odd Couple at the same Theatre where I appeared in Neil Simon's Rumors. I'm also planning on auditioning for Garland Summer Musicals. If I get cast in one or both of their shows, I get paid. Ensemble members get a small amount, but featured roles get a pretty nice check.

After that, my "home theatre" is doing Grease, and I may try out for that show.

I guess what it boils down to is that I need something to do, and now that politics is over for a while, I can get back up on stage if all goes well.

Movin' On Up

Our family will soon be moving to a new house. We finally got a "Yes" to our offer on a house in Forney.



The house has almost 3000 square feet, which will be a 150% increase in the space we will have. We'll finally have adequate closet space, and plenty of room for all our stuff.

I am looking forward to being able to park my car in a garage. At our current house, we have had to use the garage for storage, so my car has never been inside it.

The new home will only cut a small amount of time and mileage off my commute, but I believe it will add up. It should mean about one less tank of gas every month, and at current prices, every little bit helps.

Disappointed but not Discouraged

Some of you may not know that I have spent the past few months in an effort to gain the Republican nomination for Judge of a newly-created Court at Law for Kaufman County. The Primary election was this past Tuesday, March 7th. My bid was unsuccessful. Looking at the final results, I can honestly say that I don't think there was anything I could have done that would have resulted in my winning the nomination outright or even my leading in the vote count among the four candidates. It is apparent that a substantial number of Democrats crossed over and voted in the Republican Primary in Kaufman County. In 2002 & 2004, approximately 3100 people voted in the Republican Primary. This year, that number more than doubled to 6800.

Both the candidate who obtained the most votes and the candidate in second are former Democrats who switched parties for this election in an effort to get elected. I don't begrudge them this decision. It was the only way they would have a chance of winning this position, so they had to do what they had to do.

What is disappointing to me is that despite the cross-over voting, I should have been able to run stronger and challenged for second place and a spot in the Run-off election. My failure to do so probably stems from three main reasons: 1) The Democratic cross-over; 2) The fourth candidate in the race siphoned off some of the "true Republican" vote; and 3) I refused to believe that the cross-over was going to be as significant as it turned out to be, so I ran a traditional targeted Primary Campaign focusing almost exclusively on people who had a history of voting in the Republican Primary. The second and third reasons combined are probably the most important ones. If the fourth candidate had not been in the race, I believe I would have received the vast majority of the votes that went to him. Those votes alone would not have put me in second, but if I had run a more broad-based campaign, I might have drawn the extra few hundred votes I would have needed to make the run-off. However, despite the adage that "anything can happen in a run-off," I believe that the leading candidate has too strong of an ability to turn out his voters, so it probably would have only resulted in my focusing five more weeks on a race I was ultimately destined to lose.

I don't know if I will seek elected office again any time soon, but as the title of this entry states, I am not discouraged. I ran an honorable, clean campaign, and I am proud of everyone who helped me in any way.

Getting in Shape Update 65

It's time for serious re-focus and re-commitment.



Starting Weight = 267.0

Last Week's Weight = 225.5

Today's Weight = 227.0

Weight Gain in past week = 1.5 pounds



TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS
= 40.0 pounds

Getting in Shape Update 64

Just didn't have the discipline this past week not to snack.



Starting Weight = 267.0

Last Week's Weight = 222.0

Today's Weight = 225.5

Weight Gain in past week = 3.5 pounds



TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS
= 41.5 pounds

Looking for the Weight Update?

My wife suggested that I move my "weigh-in" day to Saturday because that's the day she goes to Weight Watchers. I agreed, so this week's weight post won't be until Saturday, but I will say that if I don't do much better between now and Saturday, I will have gained.

Will on Free Speech

Today's George Will Op-Ed, "Less Freedom, Less Speech" (Wash. Post, registration required) sums up my thoughts fairly well.

I remember disagreeing with my Criminal Law professor about the constitutionality of "Hate Crimes" laws. Will writes:

American legislators, using the criminal law for moral exhibitionism, enact "hate crime" laws. Hate crimes are, in effect, thought crimes. Hate-crime laws mandate enhanced punishments for crimes committed as a result of, or at least when accompanied by, particular states of mind of which the government particularly disapproves. Governments that feel free to stigmatize, indeed criminalize, certain political thoughts and attitudes will move on to regulating what expresses such thoughts and attitudes -- speech.

First Amendment rights are not absolute, but I believe we have gone much too far in the attempt to protect people from being offended by what others say.

For several decades in America, the aim of much of the jurisprudential thought about the First Amendment's free-speech provision has been to justify contracting its protections. Freedom of speech is increasingly "balanced" against "competing values." As a result, it is whittled down, often by seemingly innocuous increments, to a minor constitutional afterthought.

As has been attributed to Voltaire, I agree with the sentiment expressed as "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." Political Correctness is not just a tool to create a more polite society, but is a calculated effort to squelch the voices of those with whom people disagree.

The Old Gray Hair Just Ain't What it Used to Be

While I was getting my hair cut Tuesday, the barber looked down at the top of my head and said, "Hmmm . . . you have a few gray hairs up here." Now, I'm not vain about my hair. In fact, I have been willing to do dramatic things with my hair in the past without worrying too much about it. I mean, hey, it grows back.

What has caught me a little off guard is that my father didn't go gray until he was 55 years old, after he had open heart surgery. I'm sure he had some gray hairs up there before that, but I don't remember any being noticeable.

I guess I should be glad, in a way. My whole life, people have thought I am younger than I really am because I have somewhat of a "boyish" face. Maybe some gray hair will get people to realize that I truly am a "grown up" now.

Getting in Shape Update 63

Water intake was poor this week. Exercise was non-existent.



Starting Weight = 267.0

Last Week's Weight = 222.0

Today's Weight = 222.0

Weight Loss in past week = 0.0 pounds



TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS
= 45.0 pounds

Weight Loss Disappointment

I was really hoping to have hit the 50 pounds lost mark by my Doctor's Appointment on Friday, but that obviously didn't happen. Ah, well. I know I will get there, and beyond, but my impatience is kicking in.

Update on House Buying

Ugh! Apparently, the Realtor® had set the listing without discussing it with the bank. The house is in foreclosure, and the bank said our full asking price offer wasn't high enough. We bumped it a little last night, but if they don't accept that, we'll have to walk away from the deal.

Getting in Shape Update 62

Had some ice cream last night at an event, but it didn't seem to hurt. For all I know, It may have helped shock my system into burning some more fat.



Starting Weight = 267.0

Last Week's Weight = 222.5

Today's Weight = 222.0

Weight Loss in past week = 0.5 pound



TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS
= 45.0 pounds

House Hunting

Today, my wife and I went to look at houses. We only got to the 2nd one. Our Realtor® and we rushed to get an offer put together on House #2. It has been turned over to the bank as a foreclosure, but it's still in good shape. House is only 3+ years old. Nice neighborhood. Lots of space and a decent sized yard.

We are supposed to hear tomorrow if our offer has been accepted. If it is accepted, I'll fill in more of the details about it.

I feel like boasting

My two oldest girls took some sort of reading/vocabulary assessment this week at their homeschool co-op. Erin, our First Grader who is approaching her 7th birthday, is reading at a Fifth Grade level. Hannah, our Pre-Kindergartener who is nearing her 5th birthday, is reading at a First Grade level. Right now, all my girls love reading and/or being read to. I hope this continues. I know firsthand the great value in being a reader throughout life.

Things that make you go GGGRRRRRR!!!!

Okay, so the Postal Service raised the rates for postage about a month ago. I rarely grouse about the price of postage because I know the U.S. still has the best mail delivery system in the world and the cost of postage has not risen at the same rate of inflation, making what we pay a relative bargain.

What chaps my hide is that despite the fact that the change was over a month ago, they USPS still doesn't have 24 cent stamps available. So, if you need to send a postcard, you have to use a 23¢ stamp with a 1¢ stamp. If you are still finishing up your 37¢ stamps as well, a letter over 1 ounce will require 4 stamps (unless you happen to have a 3¢ stamp lying around). I understand that they want to deplete the supply of 23¢ stamps before making 24¢ ones available because nobody would buy the existing inventory otherwise, but they should have done a better job leading up to the change so that there would not have been as much 23¢ inventory to clear out.

Getting in Shape Update 61

Okay, someone explain this one to me. I wasn't very good this week with food or water or exercise, but I still lost weight.



Starting Weight = 267.0

Last Week's Weight = 224.0

Today's Weight = 222.5

Weight Loss in past week = 1.5 pounds



TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS
= 44.5 pounds

It's About Time

I think it's about time that I put up a new Profile Pic. I've had people tell me that the current one is the "Funny Teeth" one, and I've noticed that on some computers, the mouth does look a little odd.

It's also not terribly accurate because I haven't had a goatee in more than 3 years.

I'll try to get a new one up in the next few days.

Getting in Shape Update 60

I am really discouraged. About the only explanation I can think of is that I didn't drink anywhere near enough water this past week.



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

Blessed Rain

It started raining during the night. We need it. Actually, we need it to rain non-stop for about a week.

Getting in Shape Update 59

I guess it's better than gaining half a pound, but I was disappointed. I thought I would have come in a little better this week.



Starting Weight = 267.0

Last Week's Weight = 222.0

Today's Weight = 221.5

Weight Loss in past week = 0.5 pound



TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS
= 45.5 pounds

For my Semi-Regulars

I apologize for not posting anything but the weight update these past few weeks. Life has been hectic. In fact, I really ought to be doing something else right now.

I'll try to be a bit more regular, but for now I present The News, in brief:

Our family has been visiting a different church that is significantly closer to home the past few weeks. Theologically, it differs from my views in a few small areas, but not so much to make it unacceptable.

For the first time in a long time, none of my girls have been sick for almost a month.

Work has been hectic, as usual. I'm still enjoying it, but I could use some extended time off. I haven't taken more than a day at a time since Christmas 2003.

I got a chance to see my best friend this past week. I was happy to loan the use of my cable service to him while he was in the D/FW area and couldn't find a hotel with the SciFi Channel so he could watch the final part of a three-part Battlestar Galactica arc. There's a good chance that Rod and Sherri will be moving to the metroplex in the near future. I really look forward to getting to spend lots of time with them.

My niece and her husband signed a contract to buy our house, but we aren't closing until the end of April, so Jody and I haven't found a new place, yet.

Getting in Shape Update 58

I did a lot better avoiding snacking this week.



Starting Weight = 267.0

Last Week's Weight = 224.5

Today's Weight = 222.0

Weight Loss in past week = 2.5 pounds



TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS
= 45.0 pounds

Getting in Shape Update 57

A small step in the right direction.



Starting Weight = 267.0

Last Week's Weight = 225.0

Today's Weight = 224.5

Weight Loss in past week = 0.5 pound



TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS
= 42.5 pounds

Getting in Shape Update 56

A good start to the new year and the new focus on finishing the journey.



Starting Weight = 267.0

Last Week's Weight = 226.5

Today's Weight = 225.0

Weight Loss in past week = 1.5 pounds



TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS
= 42.0 pounds

New Year's Revolutions

No, not Resolutions.

This year, I will lose the rest of the weight I need to lose to get down to 190 pounds.

This year, I will be more consistent with reading the Bible and praying.

This year, I will spend more time playing with my family and less time playing on the computer.

I think that's more than enough to keep me busy for the next twelve months.

Getting in Shape Update 55

I didn't pay much attention to what I was eating this past week.



Starting Weight = 267.0

Last Week's Weight = 226.0

Today's Weight = 226.5

Weight Gain in past week = 0.5 pound



TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS
= 40.5 pounds

Getting in Shape Update 54

Two bad days with Christmas parties.



Starting Weight = 267.0

Last Week's Weight = 223.0

Today's Weight = 226.0

Weight Gain in past week = 3.0 pounds



TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS
= 41.0 pounds

Let me brag just a bit

My six-year-old, Erin, just said to my wife, "Mommy, ate can make another word. Eat." I then asked her if she could think of another word it could make, and after about 4 seconds, she came back with "Tea".

I realize that three-letter anagrams aren't that difficult, but I, for one, was fairly impressed.

At Long Last

Erin has had a tooth dangling for quite awhile now. I was finally able to get it pushed out. Now she is missing her front 2 teeth on both the top and bottom. And another tooth on top is already loose as well.

Erin had been very resistant to my trying to pull this last tooth out, but it came out quite easily.

If You Can't Stand the Heat, Get out of the Car

I wish car makers would develop a heating and cooling system with dual climate controls. What? You say they already have. Oh, you mean they have separate controls for the Driver and the front seat passenger. That's not what I'm talking about.

What I want them to do is make it where I can blow warm air on my feet but have cool air blowing out the vents toward my face. Whenever I have the heater on high enough to keep my feet toasty, eventually the car gets so stuffy that it is hard to breathe. Then, I have to turn the air cooler and blow it out the vents. That causes my feet to get cold.

This is Aggravating

Over the past few days, while I was driving, I've thought of some things I wanted to blog about, but now I can't remember what they were. Maybe something will trigger the memory later.

Getting in Shape Update 53

I did a better job drinking water this week. I'm still snacking more than I should, but it must not have been as bad as I feared.



Starting Weight = 267.0

Last Week's Weight = 225.5

Today's Weight = 223.0

Weight Loss in past week = 2.5 pounds



TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS
= 44.0 pounds

More High School Football

My beloved Terrell Tigers got knocked out of the Class 4A Division II playoffs a few weeks ago. We lost to the Hebron Hawks. Hebron will be playing next week for the Division II Championship. Terrell's final record was 10-2. The other loss was to the Highland Park Scots. Highland Park is playing the Class 4A Division I championship right now against Marshall. At the end of the 3rd Quarter, the score was 52-0 in favor of the Scots.

If Hebron wins next week, then Terrell's two losses would have come to the two State Champs in 4A. This may have been "the one that got away" for the Tigers.

Getting in Shape Update 52

Tomorrow is the one year anniversary of my effort to lose the weight I need to lose. I started off so well.



Starting Weight = 267.0

Last Week's Weight = 224.0

Today's Weight = 225.5

Weight Gain in past week = 1.5 pounds



TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS
= 41.5 pounds

Getting in Shape Update 51

I'll blame this week on Thanksgiving. I ate entirely too much sugar last Thursday, and we still have some ice cream in the house.



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

A Spirit of Thanksgiving

I posted this last year as we approached Thanksgiving. The sentiments in that post are still true today except for the part about the second job. I am still thankful I had the part-time teaching gig, but my position was eliminated with the fall semester. I had a couple of other opportunities to teach this fall or this coming spring, but other things prevented that. Depending on other things, I may look into adding some teaching back in the summer or fall 2006.

Memories

On November 11th, someone who was once very important to me died in a car crash. Christy Prather Haney was a former girlfriend of mine. Although I had a handful of "serious" girlfriends over the years, when I look back as objectively as possible, I realize that Christy was the only one other than my wife who could realistically have become Mrs. Calvinator.

When Christy's obituary appeared in my local paper, my wife asked me if I knew her. Jody's attention was caught because of the young age Christy was when she died (she was 32). When Jody asked, I assumed she didn't know that Christy had been a former girlfriend, so I wasn't sure what to tell her. Obviously, I acknowledged that I knew her, but I didn't add any details about how or how well I knew her. Later, something must have triggered Jody's memory because she called me when she was out shopping to say she finally realized who Christy was and to say how sorry she was about the death. It turns out that one of our best friends had told Jody about Christy a long time ago, but I didn't know.

I think it's natural for us to think "What If" at times regarding the choices we have made in our lives, and Christy's death definitely sent me down that mental path. I know that God had different plans for me, and that's why I did the things I did back in 1991 & '92. I thank God everyday that He knows what is best for me and made it come to pass.

With regard to Christy's death, I haven't been able to figure out what my feelings are. It had been years since I had spoken to her, but it is still weird to realize that someone with whom I shared part of my life is gone.

Getting in Shape Update 50

I was really tempted not to post this week. I am getting very frustrated. It seems like everytime I approach that 50 pound mark, I decide to eat stuff I know I shouldn't.



Starting Weight = 267.0

Last Week's Weight = 218.0

Tuesday's Weight = 221.5

Weight Gain in past week = 3.5 pounds



TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS
= 45.5 pounds

Getting in Shape Update 49

I haven't felt that great this week, so I think I just haven't eaten as much as normal.



Starting Weight = 267.0

Last Week's Weight = 220.5

Today's Weight = 218.0

Weight Loss in past week = 2.5 pounds



TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS
= 49.0 pounds

Go Tigers!

Congrats to my beloved Terrell Tigers for avenging last year's first-round playoff defeat at the hands of the Sulphur Springs Wildcats. Terrell won 34-17 and advances to Round 2 next weekend againt the winner of Saturday's Hebron-Dallas Lincoln game.

Dear to all
When hearts recall
Happy years gone by
We'll sing again
That old refrain
Of dear old Terrell High

Getting in Shape Update 48

A small step back in the right direction.



Starting Weight = 267.0

Last Week's Weight = 221.0

Today's Weight = 220.5

Weight Loss in past week = 0.5 pound



TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS
= 46.5 pounds

Getting in Shape Update 47

I guess I ate a bit more Halloween candy than I thought.



Starting Weight = 267.0

Last Week's Weight = 218.5

Today's Weight = 221.0

Weight Gain in past week = 2.5 pounds



TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS
= 46.0 pounds

Judicial Philosophy

In relation to the nomination of Justice Alito to the Supreme Court, allow me to set out my take on the law and what a proper Judicial Philosophy is. For too long, many in our society have taken the approach that if something is good or desirable, then it must be afforded Constitutional protection. On the flip side, if something is deemed bad or undesirable, it must be found to violate the Constitution. Proper Constitutional interpretation, however, is not quite so broad.

If Congress or a State Legislature passes a law that is not in conflict with the clear language of the Constitution as it was originally intended, then that law should be upheld. It is not the place of a Judge to decide whether a law is a "good" law or a "bad" law. If the law does not violate the Constitution, that law should be upheld, regardless of whatever bad consequences there might be. If the law violates the Constitution, the law must be struck down, regardless of whatever good it might create. It's really not that hard.

I remember having this debate in my Civil Liberties class in law school about the issue of Commercial Speech. I was the only one in the class who took the originalist approach. It was rather disheartening. My classmates actually assumed that because I felt that Commercial Speech did not fall within the protection of the First Amendment, I must not think it a good thing for people to have more information relating to commercial enterprise. Nothing could be further from the truth. I agree that more information flowing is better than less, but just because that information flow is good, does not mean that it rises to the level of Constitutional protection.

I know that my view isn't the easiest to grasp these days, but that's the result of decades in which people have had the wrong attitude about how the Constitution is to be applied.

2006 Dallas Summer Musicals Schedule

DSM released the 2006 season. I am underwhelmed. I may try to catch "Mamma Mia!" and "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels," but the rest of the season doesn't entice me at all.

Getting in Shape Update 46

I overdid the exercising last Tuesday, and I had to lay off for several days.



Starting Weight = 267.0

Last Week's Weight = 218.0

Today's Weight = 218.5

Weight Gain in past week = 0.5 pound



TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS
= 48.5 pounds

Wicked Awesome or Wicked Disappointment?

I caught Dallas Summer Musicals production of Wicked at Fair Park Music Hall on Wednesday. I had heard nothing but glowing reviews of this show, and I was very excited.

Stephanie J. Block was brilliant as the green-skinned Elphaba, who is much more misunderstood than wicked. Her singing was extraordinary and may actually have surpassed that of Idina Menzel, who originally played the role on Broadway. Kendra Kassebaum was fine as Galinda/Glinda, but she seemed out of her league vocally compared to Broadway's original, Kristin Chenoweth, and she paled in comparison to Block. Kassebaum's over-the-top antics and physicality were also a little distracting at times.

I was looking forward to Carol Kane in the role of Madame Morrible, but she actually didn't pull it off for me. At times, she was difficult to understand (which may have had more to do with the terirble acoustics in the Music Hall than anything else), and I thought the character should have been a touch more sinister.

David Garrison (Steve Rhoades from TV's "Married With Children") was fine as the Wizard. Jenna Leigh Green (Libby Chessler on "Sabrina the Teenaged Witch") turned in a solid performance as Nessarose, Elphaba's sister, and I was pleasantly surprised with her singing.

Boq was played by Logan Lipton. His performance was unremarkable except for the mic problems he had in Act II (unfortunately, at a critical juncture). Derrick Williams' portrayal of Fiyero was high-quality.

Unfortunately for all the other actors, though, nobody could match the sheer power of Block's Elphaba.

I enjoyed the production of The Producers that came to DSM earlier this year more than this show, but Wicked was a better overall production. The Producers made me laugh almost non-stop, but Wicked can actually make you stop and think.

SPOILER WARNING--DO NOT READ ON IF YOU DO NOT WANT ANY OF THE PLOT SPOILED

I don't think the musical had to follow Gregory Maguire's book completely, and I understand the decision to have Boq become the Tin Man. I can even accept that Fiyero becomes the Scarecrow. What really drew the air out of the show for me was the "happy ending" that was added. For me, the story is much more poignant if Elphaba is dead, and having her and Fiyero/Scarecrow go off into hiding just seems cheap.

Getting in Shape Update 45

After I got over being sick, my weight popped back up to where it had been. I've been pretty good drinking water this past week, and I even exercised last night.



Starting Weight = 267.0

Last Week's Weight = 222.0

Today's Weight = 218.0

Weight Loss in past week = 4.0 pounds



TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS
= 49.0 pounds

Don't try this at home

As you all know, I'm engaged in a continuing effort to lose weight. This morning, when I stepped on the scale, it read 216.5. This was a loss of 5 pounds from yesterday. What precipitated this dramatic drop you ask? Well, it seems the Calvinator household acquired a stomach virus from somewhere. My wife called me yesterday morning to let me know that one of the girls had already gotten sick and that she, my wife, was feeling nauseated as well. Over the course of the day, all the girls got sick except for our one year old.

It appeared that I might avoid the wrath of this bug, but at 2:30 in the morning, I could be found on all fours on the bathroom floor. Thankfully, that was my only episode. Because I had not been sick for several hours, I decided to go to work today. Probably a mistake. I feel wiped out.

On a good note, the 216.5 pounds is the least I have weighed in the entire time my wife has known me.

Interesting Personal Discovery

Over the weekend, my wife was out of town. She took Calvinatorette IV with her, but I had Calvinatorettes I, II, & III. On Sunday evening, my mom kept the girls because I have to get up early to get to work on Mondays. So, I came home to an empty house after the closing performance of Rumors.

What I discovered that night was that although when the family is home, I like to be left alone on occasion, I do not like being alone. I hated being the only one in the house. It's not like I didn't have things I could do. I watched some sports. I surfed the web. I listened to music. All the while, I was aware that I was the only one in the house.

And I didn't like it.

Getting in Shape Update 44

It could have been worse.



Starting Weight = 267.0

Last Week's Weight = 221.5

Today's Weight = 222.0

Weight Gain in past week = 0.5 pound



TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS
= 45.0 pounds

Getting in Shape Update 43

I sometimes wonder if I engage in a little self-sabotage. Eating was not the best this past week.



Starting Weight = 267.0

Last Week's Weight = 220.0

Today's Weight = 221.5

Weight Gain in past week = 1.5 pounds



TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS
= 45.5 pounds