Final Lenten Report for 2012

It's late on the night of Easter. It was a good day.

This morning I was in Joplin at Forest Park Baptist Church for their kids' services. I thought the first program went very well. The second service was different since about half of the kids had also been in the first service. I knew that there would be some of them in both sessions but was really surprised that it ended up being so many. It really changed the dynamics of the program and I think that it was less effective the second time around.

I really didn't want to do two completely different programs (and still don't think I would) but some variation or an insistence that some different arrangements be made for the second time kids would have been better.

In the end, I hope that FPJoplin was pleased with the product delivered. There were kids in each service that will be talked to about decisions that were made. In any case, I had a great time (I usually do!).

I finished out the Lenten season with only two breaks in the fast food category (and that's counting a Sunday break which really doesn't count, right?). I managed to reduced intake and eat more healthful choices for most of the six+ weeks and am getting pretty good at taking the stairs at work.

For the first four weeks, the weight came off nicely. Week 5 ended up with no loss (and no gain) and in week six I managed to put a couple of pounds back on. In the end, I am 16 lbs lighter that I was a few weeks ago and was able to wear a pair of slacks today that I haven't been able to wear in a little while. My plan is to continue with the stairs, still abstain from the garbage fast food and eat more low calorie density foods. I've been adding a meatless day (or two) to my weekly routine. I don't know if that helps much, but I figure that it doesn't hurt and I wanted to try something a little different. I hope to drop another 10 lbs by the end of April bringing the total loss to 25 or more by vacation week in May, 40 by my birthday in June. I'll keep you posted.

The nice weather should help with outdoor activity, even if it's just taking an occasional walk.

Back at it tomorrow.

John <><