06-28-10: It was nice to have such good weather for the weekend. Looks like summer may have finally arrived. I have family visiting with us so the house is filled with kids, grand kids and two dogs, one of which is a Great Dane. Trust me on this one, a Great Dane does not make a very good lap dog. This I know from experience.

Friday, I came to the Wellness Center to work out some. It really is nice that the region provides such a wonderful facility for the community and us as employees to use. I really didn't appreciate it until I started using it. I want to continue to take advantage of it after the 100 Day Challenge is over.

On Sunday, the house was filled with everyone. We had two birthdays to celebrate. It was a little tough. The feast was on at dinner and the food was flowing. All the good stuff if you know what I mean. I kept to my portions and watched what I was eating.

What I found interesting was to watch the others around the table going after seconds and thirds. It made me start to think about how we all seem to eat more than we need to. I tried to use some of the tricks taught to us in our class last Thursday, a smaller plate, watch the proportions and leave the table when done so not to be tempted to go for that little extra.

I will confess however, that small piece of birthday cake, minus the ice cream tasted really good. Guilt took over this morning during workout, so I tried a little harder.

06-23-10: I met with John my Personal Trainer this morning. I have to admit I arrived at the Wellness Center feeling really tired and my butt was dragging big time. I pushed myself to do the recommended cardio and weight training routine that has been established. I was pleased that we were able to bump some of the exercised ups along with some weights.

Not sure if this is a result of trying to be more active, but I cut the grass last night without having to take breaks to catch my breath and stretch my lower back. I felt manly!!!! To celebrate my son Glenn and I took my 74 Plymouth Cuda out for a drive. That was enjoyable. An old fat guy in a 70's muscle car driving up and down Orem State Street feeling like a kid again.

I've been working hard to control the portions and types of food I've been eating. Yesterday was really tough. I had a bad case of the "hungries" all day but I maintained. I particularly enjoy the smell of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies last night.

06-21-10: Thought I had better get caught up on my written journey to better health. I met my personal trainer John withTraci Heiner at the Wellness Center. In conjunction they set up a work out module for me. Yes I am sure they enjoyed the old fat guy sweating like there was no tomorrow. But it was good for me and I didn't have to clutch at my chest yet.

On Thursday I attended the first class where we were taught about food consumption and what to and what not to eat and what proportions to have. Needless to say, out with the good and in with the healthy in what seems to be in very small proportions. What's the old adage, what won't kill you will make you strong? Well time will certainly tell!!!!!

I worked at applying what was taught to us for my meals during the weekend. I have been eating less but not quite good with the figuring out the measurements of carbs, proteins etc. Had dinner with friends at the Little America Friday night. That was a little tough. By the way, does anyone make healthy ice cream??

I met with John this morning at 0600 hours. Had our first cardio/weight training session. I felt pretty good about it. In a couple of areas we added a little more difficulty and I beleive we can add more on Wednesday. I felt good about that and today's session.

Well the journey began this morning with our first weigh in, blood draw and blood pressure taken. We were introduced to a heart healthy breakfast. The only question I had was where was the ketchup for the scramble eggs???

Tomorrow will be the intro to the personal trainer and starting an exercise program. This has always been difficult for me to find the time and more importantly to find the interest in exercising. I did take the advise from the MDs and started climbing the stairs this morning. Funny, I am really good going with gravity down the stairs, but have had difficulty going against gravity up the stairs.