Matty's Monthly Update - October 2006

It's that time again. Fall is officially here and winter is definitely right around the corner. Mowed my lawn for the last time yesterday, a sad day indeed. I am looking forward to winter, ready to get the workouts from snow shoveling.

We went out and purchased a digital scale for our home, the doctor's office that I usually weigh in at still has not gotten theirs fixed (going on 2 months now). I believe it to be fairly accurate and will be using this month's weigh-in figure as the baseline for subsequent weigh-ins. I topped the scale today at 251lbs, which is definitely the wrong direction. A 3lb gain over the past 2 months, which isn't too bad but still is not acceptable.

I have increased my jogging to 5 days a week and increased the distance by a 1/4 of a mile to 2.75mi. I am thinking on adding a walk in the evenings to the schedule, my puppy (BIG puppy) Celine probably could use a workout and since I will get the major exercise out of the way during the day I can slow my pace for her in the evenings.

A few other plusses to add to my monthly report:

- I received a letter from the Surgeon General of Michigan commending me on my weightloss and an offer to be an article in a "Michigan Steps Up" newsletter. I forwarded my contact information, so we will see how that pans out. (see http://photos.yahoo.com/mvanderplow for scans of the letter and other awards)

- I was recently honored by the West Michigan Character First! Council for my weightloss efforts. I received a recognition award for self-control. I ended up in the paper:

http://hollandsentinel.com/stories/101306/local_20061013008.shtml

(username: hatereg password: 123456)

- Nancy was gracious enough to pass my name and information on to a contact at the Grand Rapids Press. I have an interview set for next week, it will be a part of the health and fitness column with a chance for the article to be a front page story on the Lakeshore edition!

- A few weekends ago I had the chance to be a part of the Toastmasters area humorous speech contest. It was an exciting and interesting opportunity and I won 2nd place with a chance to compete in the southwest division contest in Portage, MI. Unfortunately I cannot attend, but just having the opportunity to go is enough for me.

- My YouTube video project is in full swing, I've been posting episodes of my web show "The Fattening of America" and they have created quite a stir, garnering between 50 and 70 viewings so far. I have also posted my latest speech on accountability, feel free to check them out:

http://www.youtube.com/user/phatteningphilms

- I have 6 speeches under my belt at Toastmasters with 4 more to go before I receive my CTM designation (hopefully I will receive that before the end of the year!). Toastmasters has been invaluable towards my path of becoming an inspirational speaker. Check them out:

http://www.toastmasters.org

- The date is set for my first paying gig as a motivational speaker. I have been added to the winter catalog of events for Holland Hospital, which should be printing shortly. Of course the pay is in the form of a gift certificate, but hey not too bad for my first gig!

Keep me and my family in your thoughts and prayers, I have a few health items to deal with and have been overwhelmed by the attention I have gotten for my efforts. Pray for direction and also for more speaking engagements to come through, if you know of any organization looking for a motivational or inspirational speaker, my email is mattyspeaks@yahoo.com.



Matty (I weighed more than Jared from Subway)481/251/225(starting weight/current weight/goal weight)

First mini goal achieved - 104lbs lost 10/26/04Second mini goal achieved - 137lbs lost 01/28/05Third mini goal achieved - 183lbs lost 09/30/05Fourth mini goal achieved - 204lbs total lost 01/30/06Fifth mini goal achieved - 233lbs total lost by 08/31/06Sixth mini goal - 256lbs total lost by 02/24/2007

Looking forward...

"No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven." Phil 3:13,14 NLT


Got a digital scale last night. Needed to as the scale I use at the doctor's office has been broken for the past 3 weeks. My worst fears have been confirmed, I gained 7lbs over the past 7 weeks. I know again that I really cannot compare readings between the two scales, but I tend to think that this is an accurate reading since it is in line with what the traditional beam scales showed.

Having this scale is going to be a good thing. I will be able to monitor my weekly progress, on my fitness program loading screen it said that in a study 75% of those who weighed weekly maintained their weight loss.

Am I a little, teensy bit depressed? Sure, but I will continue to press on towards the goal...

CHARACTER FIRST

http://www.hollandsentinel.com/stories/101306/local_20061013008.shtml





"SELF-CONTROL: Character First representative Nancy DeBoer, right, presents Matthew Vander Plow with a certificate of recognition for self-control Thursday morning. Vander Plow was recognized for his two-year weight control effort, resulting in the loss of more than 200 pounds without the use of drugs or surgery."

From the Department of Community Health

Mr. Vander Plow,
Thank you so much for writing to the Governer about your great accomplishments using lifestyle changes, and further, for offering to reach others as an "ambassador" for Michigan Steps Up.

Governer Granholm and I extend to you our heartfelt congratulations, Matthew. That you have been able to lose 230lbs by moving more and eating better - two of the three "pillars" of Michigan Steps Up - is truly remarkable. I am not surprised that Richard Simmons as well as your local newspaper have chosen to honor you.

The fact is: you already are an ambassador for Michigan Steps Up, in how you are living your life each day and setting such an inspiring example for others. But we do want to take you up on your offer to do more! With your permission, we would like to consider you as a personal story for an upcoming profile in our Michigan Steps Up newsletter, Steps Up-To-Date.

I have already passed along your letter and media clips to my Communications Coordinator, Tiffany Baker, who will be in touch with you about the next steps. If you would, could you please send a convenient email address and/or phone number to **** or contact my office at **** with this information?

Again, many thanks for all you are doing for your own health, and by example, for the health of countless Michigan residents. Thank you for writing!


Dr. Kimberlydawn Wisdom, MD, MS
Michigan Surgeon General
Michigan Department of Community Health

Fall is definitely here. Downtown Holland is decked out with pumpkins, hay bales, & cornstalks. It's getting a bit chillier on my 4am jogs as well, I may need to break out my winter hat and gloves if it gets much colder.

To get the bad stuff out of the way first, I was unable to get a weigh-in number this month due to the fact that the scale I use for my weigh-ins was in need of repair. Hopefully they will have it fixed soon so I can check my weight. They did have a traditional sliding-weight scale, but I cannot compare those numbers to the electronic scale (as I think it was in need of calibration).

On the other side of things I have several exciting things to report:

* I had recently sent a letter to the mayor of Holland explaining my weight loss efforts and how on my noon walks I noticed so many lovely things about the city. From the changing seasons on the Window on the Waterfront, to the wonderful Victorian architecture in many of the historic homes. I thought that the city could benefit from taking a day to check out their own neighborhoods and had asked the mayor to dedicate September 28th as "Walk Your Neighborhood Day".
I met with the mayor in person this past Monday, where he proceeded to present a proclamation stating that September 28th would indeed be "Walk Your Neighborhood Day" in Holland. I have scanned a copy of it into my photo album on Yahoo.

* I was recently contacted by the events coordinator for Holland Hospital and was asked to speak publicly about my weight loss as a part of their winter catalog of events. I was absolutely floored! Of course I would do it!

* This past Tuesday I entered my Toastmasters International group's humorous speech contest. To my surprise, my speech entitled - "The See Food Diet", won first place! And now apparently I have the opportunity to compete in an area speaking contest among the winners of the 4 other area Toastmasters International groups. i have scanned a copy of that award as well.

* I also have to honor of being presented with an award in a few weeks from the West Michigan Character Council, a group that meets to discuss character-building and recognize those in the area that have shown character.

* I have also launched a new project on YouTube that I have titled "PhatteningPhilms". I will be posting videos of my speeches as well as starting a bi-weekly show called, "The Fattening of America", where I hope to share some of the bizarre and misleadings things I have come across in my weight loss journey - www.youtube.com/user/phatteningphilmsI have two videos up now with more to come...

Lots of positive things going on, I truly feel blessed.Yesterday was a very special day for me and my wife Brenda. 10 years ago yesterday we were pronounced man and wife. Bren has been a great wife, mother, supporter, & friend. Honestly I cannot say where I would be today without her love and support. She truly deserves much more than I could ever give her. Happy Anniversary, Bren...

Feel free to check out some of the photos from that magical day:http://photos.yahoo.com/mvanderplow

Although this update didn't include a weigh-in figure, there still are many positive non-scale victories!

Thank you all again for your continued support throughout my weight loss journey. Myself and my family really and deeply appreciate it!

Matty
481/248??/225(starting weight/current weight/goal weight)
First mini goal achieved - 104lbs lost 10/26/04
Second mini goal achieved - 137lbs lost 01/28/05
Third mini goal achieved - 183lbs lost 09/30/05
Fourth mini goal achieved - 204lbs total lost 01/30/06
Fifth mini goal achieved - 233lbs total lost by 08/31/06
Sixth mini goal - 256lbs total lost by 02/27/07

Priorities

"Small deeds done are better than great deeds planned." - Peter Marshall

Sometimes things just pop into my head as far as what to blog about...

Priorities. We need to have them in our lives if we can ever expect to keep control. The thing that spurred this thought was an offer I got to go to Kalamazoo to see some races with a friend that I recently met. Unfortunately the cost is a little too much for our budget right now. We have several expenses coming up including a couple of birthdays and doctor's appointments.
I was kinda looking forward to going and hanging out with some guys (the first time in a l-o-o-o-o-ong time) but I really could not justify the expense. the money involved could have been one doctor's appointment or one birthday present. And with insurance sales on the decline, every penny counts.

But that is a priority. Bills and prior commitments before fun. Sure future opportunities will come up and hopefully we will have the money set aside to do them. You need to have a list of priorities in your life, it's a good time management, money management, & life management tool. Quality time - in that you spend your time and energy on a small list of important things than trying to spread your time an energy over a broad list of things that include some stuff that may or may not be important.

Go ahead (today is a great day to start) and make a list of important things in your life and prioritize them. It'll be a VERY freeing experience...


"Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced." - James Baldwin

My first public speech...

I gave a speech recently to a group of FPU students on commitment. I was nervous and did a lot of hand wringing as you will see on the video. Not too bad for my first...

Things done differently...

"If nothing ever changed, there'd be no butterflies." - Author Unknown


Found someone I went to school with on Myspace (well I found a few people) and we have been conversing a little back and forth, catching up and all that. I had commented that since high school, many of the things I envied in people had become really petty over the years.

For example, 2 of the preps I knew in high school - guys that seemed to have it all, chicks, money, friends, etc., we in totally different situations now. One is a car salesman and the other is a realtor. They turned out a lot different than I had once imagined they would after high school/college. But that's the thing, we have plans but sometimes those plans don't work out the way we had hoped. Just to toss in a bible verse - Proverbs 16:9,

'We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.'

In the conversation, she had mentioned an experience at a store in Chicago when she was 18. She was being lorded over because the staff thought she was a model. Once the truth came out, some had suggested she get into the business. She chose not to take that particular career path, but as all of us do - sometimes wondered what would have happened if she did. Of course not saying that the lives we have now aren't great, but there is always a few 'what if's' hanging in the back of our minds.

I have a few, 'What if I got the balls to ask Luann to the prom instead of going with Andrea?', 'What if I got my act together and pursued the film career path at WMU instead of being overwhelmed to the point of suicide?', 'What if I didn't meet Bren, would I be living in Texas with my mother right now?'

I've heard it before and always seem to use it when people say, 'I should have' or 'I could have' - Hindsight is ALWAYS 20/20, always. Sure there are things that I would have changed or done differently, but that wouldn't have brought me to here, to right now. Have you ever seen the movie, "The Family Man" with Nicholas Cage? He had the opportunity to make a different choice in his life, to snag the girl he'd let go of previously. He went from Wall Street to Main Street, watch the movie to see what he chose to do in the end...

It's alright and important to make plans for your life, but remember who holds that life in the balance. Little interruptions or distractions or frustrations may be steering you onto a pathway that is better than you could ever have even imagined...


"Things alter for the worse spontaneously, if they be not altered for the better designedly." - Francis Bacon


Matty

"Changed, nothing stays the same..."

"Unchained, hit the ground running..." - Van Halen, "Unchained"

Nothing can't stay the same. Life has to move forward. We need to experience new things. The day we are born is the same day we begin to die. There is so much out there, we need to cram in as much as possible. Create new memories that we will cherish forever.

My parents came back from Florida this week. They had gone to Disneyworld to spend a little time in their second childhood. My step-mom is getting up in years and they both try to make as many memories as possible of the time they spend together. My dad told me a story of going to a restaurant at Disney where Mickey, Pluto, Chip & Dale came around the restaurant and visited with all the patrons. Mickey made it a point to stop by my parents table at least 4 times, each time giving my step-mom a hug & a kiss. I can only imagine the look of joy on her face and hear the little school-girl giggle that she gets when she is happy.

I took the time to map out a plan for each day so that my parents could maximize their vacation time. My dad told me when they got back that he truly appreciated that because they were able to create some really memorable times together. That made me feel good.

In this fast-paced world, we often overlook opportunities to make memories like that. We're too busy, too lazy, too self-absorbed to aspire to do that. I know myself, I have been guilty of that. Choosing my own selfish ambitions or paths instead of making what could have been some really great memories.







This is me back in the summer of 2003. I could barely keep up with the family, using Javan's stroller to lean on. You would think that seeing the expanding waistband or the slow creeping of the car seat backwards would have made me stop and think about the life that was slowly escaping not only me, but that of my friends and family. I was blind and deaf to the warning signs.




This is me today. I have come a long way. I still struggle with my selfish tendencies. I still have missed opportunities to interact and strengthen bonds with neighbors, friends, & family. The difference now is that it is my choice and not my limitations. And I deal with that on a daily basis.

Try to create some special memories with your loved ones and friends today. Down the road you will be glad you did....

Ch-ch-changes...

"All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another." - Anatole France


Was watching "Can't Buy Me Love" this afternoon on television. This is one of those 80's teen flicks that has a place deep in my heart. The story of a nerd that basically pays his way into popularity and how the whole thing blows up in his face because he tries to be something he isn't. He cannot accept who he is and build relationships off of that.

I guess I feel a little like him lately. Trying to fit in where I really shouldn't be. I need to learn to be content with how God made me and not worry about being like or popular. Trust me, even when you get older, that whole "preps", "jocks", "nerds" thing still seems to haunt you. You're not "in" unless you have the right car or clothes or job.

I am going through changes with my weightloss, but I cannot let those changes change who I am in Christ. I cannot let those things deter me from reaching out to others in love. I cannot let the promise of being accepted by my peers control and shape my way of thinking - not speaking out or rebuking when necessary.

Funny, yesterday at the farmer's market I saw my Latin teacher. I hadn't seen her for at least 15 years. Her daughter was with her (a year older than myself). Back in school she was hot to trot and ran with the preppy crowd. Now she is at least 50-75lbs overweight and didn't look like she was married. Not comparing, mind you, just an observation that being seemingly perfect in high school doesn't necessarily mean that life will be always perfect.

My cousin stopped me on the street also, I always thought her life was perfect. But seeing her made me realize that no, she has her own cross to bear - it may not look like mine, but it's still there. Don't compare yourself to others - someone will always have a bigger and better yardstick...




"Time, which changes people, does not alter the image we have retained of them." - Marcel Proust

Matty
481/251/200

The body temple...

In my daily devotional I am reading through the bible in a year. Working my way through both the old and new testament with a Psalm and Proverb put in for good measure.

I am working through 1st Corinthians and the other day Paul was explaining all about eating food sacrificed to pagan idols. This verse caught my attention:

"Whatever you eat or drink or whatever you do, you must do all for the glory of God." - 1Cor 10:31, NLT

Which made me think, when you over-indulge & become overweight, are you truly honoring God? Of course the food available is there for us to enjoy, but it's there to enjoy in moderation. Now sure there are cases where the weight gain cannot be helped (medication, certain diseases, etc.) but what about those of us who became overweight 'naturally'? What excuses do we often use?

I have taken personal responsibility for my situation, the person to blame for my overweight problem is the person I shave with every morning. I used food to satisfy my emotions & to some extent, my soul. I did not realize and understand that food's comfort was temporary and fleeting until a few years ago. Whatever it is - food, alcohol, tobacco, drugs, pornography - these earthly things do not satisfy in the long term which makes us need them constantly to keep that sense of comfort going...

You can change. It takes commitment to change. It takes a decision in your heart to say, "Today I will make changes to my lifestyle that will bring glory to God." You will fall. God knows I have fallen many times, but if you have made that commitment - it won't matter. You will get back up, dust yourself off, and get right back on track. Nothing in this life is easy and being a Christian doesn't make it easy. But it does make it worthwhile and gives you strength to carry on when life does pounce on you.

"Or don't you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself,

for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body." - 1Cor 6:19,20



Read that again... Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. How's your temple looking today?


Matty

Unity 2006 Music Festival Roundup

Well, I am back from my experience at Unity 2006. I am tired but glad I did it. It was a new experience that I will treasure.
I met some interesting people and had a good time overall. And I got to express my appreciation to the men and women that wrote/perform the song
that has become the anthem to my lifestyle change - Superchic[k]. The two who were really impressed and happy for me were
Matthew(bass guitar/vocals/synthesizer) & Melisa (rhythm guitar/background vocals).

I asked each of the members to sign my volunteer shirt and put down their favorite bible verse, and here they are:

Matthew (bass guitar/vocals/synthesizer) : Philipians 4:6-7 - 'Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.'

Brandon (drums) - Genesis 1:1 - 'In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.'

Dave (lead guitar) - 1 Corinthians 1:8-9 - 'He will keep you strong right up to the end, and he will keep you free from all blame on the great day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns. God will surely do this for you, for he always does just what he says, and he is the one who invited you into this wonderful friendship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord'

Tricia (lead vocals) - Job 23: 8-10 - 'I go east, but he is not there. I go west, but I cannot find him. I do not see him in the north, for he is hidden. I turn to the south, but I cannot find him. But he knows where I am going. And when he has tested me like gold in a fire, he will pronounce me innocent.'

Melisa (rhythm guitar/background vocals) - Psalm 139:14 - 'Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous and how well I know it.'

I didn't think I could volunteer and contribute, but I got out there and stretched myself. I was glad that I had the opportunity, and I will possibly be open to volunteering again next year (for 1 or 2 days, not all again - my son and wife missed me too much). I will definitely consider taking the whole family, there was a lot to do and the food prices were really family-friendly...

I would never have imagined being a volunteer several years ago, but with my weightloss has come an urge to try new things. this is a good thing and I pray that it continues.

Here are a few photos from my experience:


My signed volunteer shirt




The Newsboys




Superchic[k] ready to rock the house




Thousand Foot Krutch giving out their "Rawkfist"





Hawk Nelson rockin' the joint...

A Letter...

I finished reading the book, 'Come Thirsty' by Max Lucado today. At the back of the book was a letter that I thought I would post. The letter represents what could be a personal letter to you from God:

'Dear child of mine,

Are you thirsty? Come and drink. I am one who comforts you. I bought you and complete you. I delight in you and claim you as my own, rejoicing over you as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride. I will never fail you or forsake you.

I know your manifold transgressions and your mighty sins, yet my grace is sufficient for you. I have cast all your sins behind my back, trampled them under my feet, and thrown them into the depths of the ocean! Your sins have been washed away, swept away like the morning mists, scattered like the clouds. Oh, return to me, for I have paid the price to set you free.

Your death is swallowed up in victory. I disarmed the evil rulers and authorities and and broke the power of the devil, who had the power of death. Blessed are those who die in the Lord. Your citizenship is in heaven. Come, inherit the kingdom prepared for you where I will remove all of your sorrows, and there will be no more death or sadness or crying or pain.

You are worried and troubled about many things; trust me with all your heart. I know how to rescue godly people from their trials. My Spirit helps you in your distress. Let me strengthen you with my glorious power. I did not spare my Son but gave him up for you. Won't I give you everything else? March on, dear soul, with courage! Never give up. I will help you. I will uphold you.

Trust in me always. I am the Eternal Rock, your Shepard, the Guardian of your soul. When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.

So don't worry. I never tire or sleep. I stand beside you. The angel of the LORD encamps around you. I hide you in the shelter of my presence. I will go ahead of you, directing your steps and delighting in every detail of your life. If you stumble, you will not fall, for I hold you by the hand. I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.

Wars will break out near and far, but don't panic. I have overcome the world. Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything. I surround you with a shield of love.I will make you fruitful in the land of suffering, trading beauty for ashes, joy for mourning, praise for despair. I live with the low spirited and spirit crushed. I put a new spirit in you and get you on your feet again. Weeping may go on all night, but joy comes with the morning. If I am for you, who can ever be against you?

I throw my arms around you, lavish attention on you, and guard you as the apple of my eye. I rejoice over you with great gladness. My thoughts of you cannot be counted; they outnumber the grains of sand! Nothing can ever separate you from my love. Death can't, and life can't. The angels can't and the demons can't. Your fears for today, your worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can't keep my love away.

You sometimes say, "The Lord has deserted me; the Lord has forgotten me." But can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for a child she has borne? Even if it were possible, I would not forget you! I paid for you with the precious lifeblood of Christ, my sinless, spotless lamb. No one will snatch you away from me. See, I have written your name on my hand. I call you my friend. Why, the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are valuable to me.

Give me your burdens; I will take care of you. I know how weak you are, that you are made of dust. Give all your worries and cares to me, because I care about what happens to you.Remember, I am at hand. Come to me when you are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. I delight in you, and I can be trusted to keep my promises. Come and drink the waters of life.

Your Maker, your Father,

God "

Brings tears to my eyes when I read that...

What Motivates U??

"The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results." - Benjamin Franklin

What's your motivation? Mine began 2 1/2 years ago when I decided that what I was doing was not getting me where I wanted to be. I wanted to be alive in 10 years, I wanted to see my son (and hopefully daughter) grow up into responsible adults. I wanted my wife to enjoy growing old with her husband. It took 20 or so years for things to finally fit together for me where I was able to receive the motivation I needed to get out of the rut I was in.

Ben was right, doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results is pure insanity. Are you happy in your job? Why not? Pinpoint the reasons why and decide to do something about it. Happy with your life? What do you want to accomplish? Make a list of things you want to accomplish in the next week/month/6 months/year/3 years/5 years. Make goals and strive to achieve them.

Dave Ramsey tells a story of an old farm dog. A city slicker stops by and old farm to ask for directions and notices an old farm dog quietly whimpering while laying on the porch. "Mister, what's wrong with your dog?" to which the farmer replies, "He's laying on a nail." Puzzled the city slicker says, "Well, why doesn't he move?" "It must not hurt enough..."

If we are unhappy in our careers, life, health, whatever, then we need to get out there and do something about it. We've become too accustomed to sit and have this "woe is me" attitude thinking that the lot in life we've been given cannot be changed. Bull crap. We need to get out of that mindset and into the mindset that WE CAN CHANGE WE CAN DO THIS!

How's the list coming? What? Not finished yet? An unknown author once wrote, "Aim at nothing and you are bound to hit it every time..." What the list is going to become is a sort of roadmap for your life with measurable milestones or points on that map (accomplishments). Just as a snowball picks up snow and momentum as it rolls down a mountain, so these accomplishments will hopefully help you continue your momentum to change your life.

It's easy to get bogged down in the day to day hum-drum and rigamarole, mired in the "why me"s and "if only"s. You can change that and this list is one key to doing that. So what are you waiting for? Dream big, but attain reachable goals along the way. Whether it means to smoke less, walk more, whatever it may be, you CAN change your life! It all starts with you.

As some more motivation, I found that I lost another 4.5lbs this morning bringing the total to 229.5lbs in 29 months! If you need some encouragement, shoot me a message, I am just about always around...


Matty (I weighed more than Jared from Subway)
481/251/225
(starting weight/current weight/goal weight)

First mini goal achieved - 104lbs lost 10/26/04
Second mini goal achieved - 137lbs lost 01/28/05
Third mini goal achieved - 183lbs lost 09/30/05
Fourth mini goal achieved - 204lbs total lost 01/30/06
Fifth mini goal - 231lbs total lost by 09/30/06

Golf...

"Golf combines two favorite American pastimes: taking long walks and hitting things with a stick." - P.J. O'Rourke


This week a friend of mine took me to the golf course for a little driving and possibly 9 holes. Never been golfing before in my life (at least in reality, I own Outlaw Golf, Outlaw Golf 2, and the 2 expansion packs for Xbox) and had come across some old golf clubs that someone was going to toss out. Everyone in my church seems to golf and I thought if I got into it I might make some friends. Not looking for pity, but I really don't have any male friends that I go out and do things with. Dave and I had talked about going and thankfully he kept asking me to go and time became available.

I can say that I need a lot of practice. But Dave said I did fairly well for my first time. I was excited when I hit one ball 150 yards! It's a lot harder than it looks and you can find yourself overthinking which can ruin a good shot. I find that happens in my weightloss journey as well. Sometimes I overthink what we are having for dinner and will go overboard. Or going out to the grocery store with a list in hand and end up going over in the food budget because I overthought and didn't stick to the plan.

Life is a journey and sometimes you just need to let go and allow the ebb and flow of life take over. That's how I was able to hit that 150 yarder. I began to overthink after that and could not hit another one past 100 yards (many ended up as 'worm-burners', as Dave called them).

"My handicap? Woods and irons." - Chris Codiroli


Matty

The Storms of Life...

"You can overcome anything if you don't bellyache." - Bernard M. Baruch

Last night we had a major storm that hit the area. I woke up to go out jogging (as a part of my daily routine) and saw firsthand the aftermath. Lightning had struck one of our pine trees and cut it almost completely in half. I was dark out yet so I really couldn't see what other damage was done. What I did see around the neighborhood was tree branches and other debris littered the streets, sidewalks, & yards.

When light broke through the darkness I could better assess the situation. Dead limbs, twisted branches, and other miscellaneous debris littered both my yard and the neighbor's. It took all my strength to take the pine tree to the road. Spent time clearing the yard and getting all the dead stuff out to the street for the city to pick up, all the while thinking about this:

Like the storm that came through last night, sometimes we need the storms that enter our lives to shake us up, breaking free the dead wood so that we can clean it up and discard it. From medical emergencies to car breakdowns or financial woes, when the storms of life come we need to thank the Lord for them. Because through them we will learn what true faith is - where our hearts truly lie. If we fret and worry then we do not fully trust the One who created us. But if we are patient and thank Him for these trials and ask for the strength and wisdom to overcome these obstacles, we will grow and mature.
Sure it's easy to automatically go into panic mode and a 'woe is me' attitude. You have a choice - you can allow the storms to victimize you or you can stand up in faith and learn from the situation. The choice is yours to make.

"If you don't like something change it; if you can't change it, change the way you think about it." - Mary Engelbreit

Matty

Honesty, pt. 2

"Truth is such a rare thing, it is delightful to tell it." - Emily Dickinson

On Friday I was all set to take the van in for a transmission fluid change. Had a coupon and let the guy know when I made the appointment on Monday that I had it. They had me in their system and knew all the particulars about my vehicle beforehand.

Anyway, I get there, drop of the keys and sit down with my book in preparation for the hour or so it was going to take. The guy that owns the place took my keys and verified the information on the van. Then he says, "Did you get a quote for the cost?" to which I replied, "Yes, I have a coupon."
"I'm sorry, that coupon isn't valid for your vehicle. The transmission fluid is a special type and a bit more expensive. The cost for your vehicle is $103." I took the keys and told him that I was prepared to pay the $50, but not $103.

I'm not so sure he was being totally honest when I left. I thought about it afterwards and remembered that they did the fluid service the last time I needed it done and they accepted the coupon without hassle. This was a couple of years ago, but I don't think my van all of a sudden needs a more expensive type of transmission fluid.

I was thankful that they did not start work on it and then tell me this. But if they had, I would have politely demanded they honor the coupon because when I made the appointment with them on Monday, the guy should have known the coupon was not valid on my van nor did the coupon say 'not valid on all vehicles'.

When it comes to our food diaries, we need to be honest as well. Include all food and drink calories, "cooking calories"(sneaking bites or 'tasting' to see if the food is done) "kiddie calories"(those leftover fries or chips on the kids' plates) or "convenience calories" (the morning cappucino or quick drink from the 7-11). I have been guilty of all of the above lately and it is starting to become habit. Today is a new day and time to step up to the plate.

Each new day brings us a clean slate to start over again. Use that opportunity.

"Always tell the truth. If you can't always tell the truth, don't lie." - Author Unknown

Matty

Summer...

"Do what we can, summer will have its flies." - Ralph Waldo Emerson



I think summer is a magical time of year. Fresh produce at farmer's markets, people out and about enjoying the sunshine, just a time where laziness finds honor and nobility.

It's harder as well to keep up with the exercise program as the heat and humidity seem to sap my energy and strength. But I press on through the sweat and fatigue. I need to continue the struggle and overcome these lazy tendencies.

Had a wonderful time with my wife's family on the 4th of July. I was able to keep up with my son and nephews, doing cannonballs, climbing and swinging, just having a grand old time. They kept commenting how much weight I've lost - we don't see eachother so often so they can see a difference.

I sent out the first batch of letters to local organizations offering speaking engagements. I pray that I receive some sort of response. I really feel that this is my calling - talking to people about weightloss and inspiring them to change their lives for the better. Time will tell...

Keep pressing on, the journey is long and hard but it is worth it.


"Ah, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it." - Russel Baker


Matty

Success...

"Don't aim for success if you want it; just do what you love and believe in, and it will come naturally." - David Frost


Well, didn't gain/lose any weight this month. But again I try not to gauge my success in this lifestyle change by the numbers on a scale. It's more than that. Success is being able to jog a little over a mile without stopping. Success is gathering $695 for a charity walk event, beating your previous year's donation goal.

A successful weightloss journey is much more. Being able to resist overeating or the urge to not get out of bed at 4:15am to jog in the dark, that is success.

Take some time today and think about some of the small successes you have enjoyed recently. How about putting on those pants you haven't worn for 5 years because they were too small? Or take that extra lap around the neighborhood that you wouldn't have even thought of doing a year ago.


"Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it." - Author Unknown


Matty

Identity...

"He who trims himself to suit everyone will soon whittle himself away." - Raymond Hull


Ever have an identity crisis? I am currently working my way through one. Actually I think I have been in one all my life. I've turned into a shapeshifter over the years to battle with fear and the need for acceptance from other people. I can get into a social situation and key in on what people are talking about and most of the time sound intelligent talking about it. To make friends I have found what others were interested in and then learned all I could about it so we had something to talk about.

I've been into comics, basketball cards, cars, computers, video games, hunting, guns, you name it. Now I have gotten to the point where I want to be accepted for who I am. But who am I? That's the $100,000 question.

Don't be pressured or try to revolve your life around what others think of you. If it takes things to impress people, then those aren't the people I want to spend time with.

How do you get through the identity crisis? Not sure. I take it day by day and trust that God will direct me. I am me. A guy that was determined to lose weight. I am a guy that has a passion to get his story out to inspire others. I am accepted by Christ...


"It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are." - e.e. cummings


Matty