Third Sunday after Easter - 238.4

Two straight days without any exercise is enough, i suppose.

Daily change: -0.8
WTD change: -3.4
7 days loss: 3.4
May gain: +2.0
Cumulative loss: -28.0
Left to go: 58.4

May record - 1-1 (.500)
Overall record - 47-18-2 (.716)

Memorial of St. Athanasius, Bishop and Doctor of the Church - 239.2

When the great Father of Orthodoxy was 30, he was condemning Arius at Nicaea. I am still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up.

Daily change: +2.8
WTD change: -2.6
7 days loss: 0.0
May gain: +2.8
Cumulative loss: -27.2
Left to go: 59.2

May record - 0-1 (.000)
Overall record - 46-18-2 (.712)

Memorial of St. Joseph the Worker - 236.4

Finally reached the Big 3-0 on May Day! Viva la revolucion!

Also, somehow I scratched out another 20-win month, and lost almost eight pounds in April.

Daily change: -1.4
WTD change: -5.4
7 days loss: -1.8
April loss: -7.6
Cumulative loss: -30.0
Left to go: 56.4

April record - 20-9-1 (.683)
Overall record - 45-17-2 (.723)

Memorial of St. Pius V, Supreme Pontiff - 237.8

A little bit of a bright spot for the first time in a while. Hopefully I can finish April with a flourish.

Daily change: -2.4
WTD change: -4.0
7 days loss: -1.8
April loss: -6.0
Cumulative loss: -28.6
Left to go: 57.8

April record - 19-9-1 (.672)
Overall record - 45-17-2 (.719)

240.2

Wednesday was the feast of St. Catherine of Siena, who is the rarest of creatures - a virgin and Doctor of the Church not named Teresa.

Daily change: -0.2
WTD change: -1.6
7 days gain: 0.0
April loss: -3.6
Cumulative loss: -26.2
Left to go: 60.2

April record - 18-9-1 (.661)
Overall record - 44-17-2 (.714)

240.4

Tuesday was the feast of several great saints - St. Louis de Montfort, St. Peter Chanel, and St. Gianna Molla.

http://www.catholic.org/saints/f_day/apr.php

Daily change: +0.4
WTD change: -1.4
7 days gain: 0.8
April loss: -3.4
Cumulative loss: -26.0
Left to go: 60.4

April record - 17-9-1 (.648)
Overall record - 43-17-2 (.710)

240.0

This was Monday's weigh-in. I can live with gaining two pounds on my 5th anniversary weekend, especially since it's already gone.

Daily change: -1.8
WTD change: -1.8
7 days loss: -1.0
April loss: -3.8
Cumulative loss: -26.4
Left to go: 60.0

April record - 17-8-1 (.673)
Overall record - 43-16-2 (.721)

Second Sunday After Easter - 241.8

I honestly don't think this number was right. I hiked for three hours on Saturday, and ate 2 bowls of salad with dinner. I've never said this before, but I think the scale was off. Even with two pints of Guinness, there's no way I gained three pounds on Saturday.

On an up note, High Mass at St. Michael's in Scranton was lovely, and we had a great time with Lord Fitz and his ladies.

Daily change: +2.6
WTD change: +3.2
7 days gain: +3.2
April loss: -2.0
Cumulative loss: -24.6
Left to go: 61.8

April record - 16-8-1 (.660)
Overall record - 42-16-2 (.717)

Feast of St. Mark, Evangelist - 239.2

Also celebrated on this day (at least in former days, when men loved Jesus) were the Greater Litanies:

http://papastronsay.blogspot.com/2007/04/greater-litanies.html
http://www.dailycatholic.org/issue/04Apr/apr25pom.htm#lit-1

Daily change: +1.0
WTD change: +0.6
7 days loss: -2.2
April loss: -4.6
Cumulative loss: -27.2
Left to go: 59.2

April record - 16-7-1 (.688)
Overall record - 42-15-2 (.729)

Memorial of St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen - 238.2

Anthony, do you take Holly, here present, for your lawful wife according to the rite of our holy mother, the Church? - I do.

Holly, do you take Anthony, here present, for your lawful husband according to the rite of our holy mother, the Church? - I do.

I, Anthony, take you, Holly, for my lawful wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part.

I, Holly, take you, Anthony, for my lawful husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part.

Ego coniungo vos in matrimónium: In nómine Patris et Fílii, et + Spíritus Sancti. Amen.


See? Marriage is easy. For maximum results, the above should be followed by Mass (preferably in Latin), softball, and a pig roast.

St. Fidelis, pray for us and for the continued success and strengthing of our marriage.

Daily change: -1.4
WTD change: -0.4
7 days loss: -2.6
April loss: -5.6
Cumulative loss: -28.2
Left to go: 58.2

April record - 16-6-1 (.717)
Overall record - 42-14-2 (.741)

239.6

Happy 445th birthday, William Shakespeare!

Daily change: -0.6
WTD change: +1.0
7 days gain: +2.4
April loss: -4.2
Cumulative loss: -26.8
Left to go: 59.6

April record - 15-6-1 (.705)
Overall record - 41-14-2 (.737)

Earth Day - 240.2

Two panzarottis for dinner is not going to get it done.
On a (somewhat) up note, I did 68 sit-ups in my initial test, which is considered "very good". I hope I was doing them right....

Daily change: +0.6
WTD change: +1.6
7 days gain: +3.0
April loss: -3.6
Cumulative loss: -26.2
Left to go: 60.2

April record - 14-6-1 (.690)
Overall record - 40-14-2 (.732)

239.6

Starting the 200 Situps program today (as advertised on Building Cathedrals):

www.twohundredsitups.com

Daily change: -1.4
WTD change: +1.0
7 days gain: 0.0
April loss: -4.2
Cumulative loss: -26.8
Left to go: 59.6

April record - 14-5-1 (.725)
Overall record - 40-13-2 (.745)

The first day that doesn't have a title - 241.0

I think it's time to start running instead of walking.

Daily change: +2.4
WTD change: +2.4
7 days gain: +0.8
April loss: -2.8
Cumulative loss: -25.4
Left to go: 61.0

April record - 13-5-1 (.711)
Overall record - 39-13-2 (.741)

Second Easter Sunday - 238.6

AKA Low Sunday, AKA Dominica in albis, AKA Quasimodo Sunday, AKA Feast of Mercy....

Jesus, I trust in you. O blood and water which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fountain of mercy for us, I trust in you. St. Faustina, pray for us.

Daily change: -2.8
WTD change: +1.0
7 days gain: +1.0
April loss: -5.2
Cumulative loss: -27.8
Left to go: 58.6

April record - 13-4-1 (.750)
Overall record - 39-12-2 (.755)

Solemnity of Easter Saturday - 241.4

My first losing streak, and I'm furious about it.

Daily change: +0.6
WTD change: +3.8
7 days gain: +3.4
April loss: -2.4
Cumulative loss: -25.0
Left to go: 61.4

April record - 12-4-1 (.735)
Overall record - 38-12-2 (.750)

Solemnity of Easter Friday - 240.8

Absolutely inexplicable.

Daily change: +3.6
WTD change: +3.2
7 days gain: +1.6
April loss: -3.0
Cumulative loss: -25.6
Left to go: 60.8

April record - 12-3-1 (.781)
Overall record - 38-11-2 (.765)

Solemnity of Easter Thursday - 237.2

I hope the next 50 days are as productive as these have been.

Daily change: 0.0
WTD change: -0.4
7 days loss: -2.4
April loss: -6.6
Cumulative loss: -29.2
Left to go: 57.2

April record - 12-2-1 (.833)
Overall record - 38-10-2 (.780)

Solemnity of Easter Wednesday - 237.2

It's almost as if eating better makes you feel better.

Daily change: -2.4
WTD change: -0.4
7 days loss: -3.4
April loss: -6.6
Cumulative loss: -29.2
Left to go: 57.2

April record - 12-2 (.857)
Overall record - 38-10-1 (.786)

Solemnity of Easter Tuesday - 239.6

Let's just say eating Wendy's and Taco Bell (twice) is not the best idea when you haven't eaten fast food in seven weeks....

Daily change: -0.6
WTD change: +2.0
7 days loss: -1.6
April loss: -4.2
Cumulative loss: -26.8
Left to go: 59.6

April record - 11-2 (.846)
Overall record - 37-10-1 (.781)

RIP Harry Kalas, 1936-2009

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Solemnity of Easter Monday - 240.2

Three Masses and two dinners later...

Daily change: +2.6
WTD change: +2.6
7 days loss: -1.4
April loss: -3.6
Cumulative loss: -26.2
Left to go: 60.2

April record - 10-2 (.833)
Overall record - 36-10-1 (.777)

Dies Resurrectionis Domini Nostri Jesu Christi - 237.6

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUpKM4gucxU&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOTf6on3YJM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2qK4CqNLsA&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FILqR_HxZ4&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNZpXwHuvN8

Daily change: -0.4
WTD change: -3.2
7 days loss: -3.2
April loss: -6.2
Cumulative loss: -28.8
Left to go: 57.6

April record - 10-1 (.909)
Overall record - 36-9-1 (.793)

Holy Saturday - 238.0

"He descended into Hell":

http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p122a5p1.htm

Daily change: -1.2
WTD change: -2.8
7 days loss: -3.0
April loss: -5.8
Cumulative loss: -28.4
Left to go: 58.0

April record - 9-1 (.900)
Overall record - 35-9-1 (.789)

Good Friday

http://www.paracletepress.com/the-passion-according-to-st-john.html

After this Jesus, knowing that all was finished, said (to fulfil the scripture), “I thirst.” A bowl full of vinegar stood there; so they put a sponge full of the vinegar on hyssop and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the vinegar, he said, “It is finished”: and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

Maundy Thursday - 239.6

"For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread,and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, 'This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way also the cup, after supper, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.' For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes."

Daily change: -1.0
WTD change: -1.2
7 days loss: -3.2
April loss: -4.2
Cumulative loss: -26.8
Left to go: 59.6

April record - 7-1 (.875)
Overall record - 33-9-1 (.779)

Wednesday in Holy Week - 240.6

If walking 6 miles and fasting can't get me under 240, I don't know how I'm ever going to get to 235.

"One of the Twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, 'What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?' They paid him thirty pieces of silver, and from that time on he looked for an opportunity to hand him over."

A blessed and holy Spy Wednesday to all.

Daily change: -0.6
WTD change: -0.2
7 days loss: -3.2
April loss: -3.2
Cumulative loss: -25.8
Left to go: 60.6

April record - 6-1 (.857)
Overall record - 32-9-1 (.774)

Tuesday in Holy Week - 241.2

235 is a long shot at this point. I'm 7 back with 17 to go.

Daily change: -0.4
WTD change: +0.4
7 days loss: -3.4
April loss: -2.6
Cumulative loss: -25.2
Left to go: 61.2

April record - 5-1 (.833)
Overall record - 31-9-1 (.768)

Monday in Holy Week - 241.6

The Phillies lost and I lost. Not a good start to the year (or the week).

Daily change: +0.8
WTD change: +0.8
7 days loss: -3.6
April loss: -2.2
Cumulative loss: -24.8
Left to go: 61.6

April record - 4-1 (.800)
Overall record - 30-9-1 (.763)

Palm Sunday - 240.8

Just shy of my goal of 240, but 10 wins in a row is pretty impressive, if I do say so myself, and I'm in position to hit 235 by Easter.

Hosanna Filio David, Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini. Rex Israel: Hosanna in excelsis.

Daily change: -0.2
WTD change: -4.6
7 days loss: -4.6
April loss: -3.0
Cumulative loss: -25.6
Left to go: 60.8

April record - 4-0 (1.000)
Overall record - 30-8-1 (.782)

Saturday in Passion Week - 241.0

Two years ago, I lost eight pounds during Holy Week. This year, I have six (possibly seven) singing engagements instead of four. Maybe I'll lose 12 pounds this time?

Daily change: -0.8
WTD change: -4.4
7 days loss: -5.2
April loss: -2.8
Cumulative loss: -25.4
Left to go: 61.0

April record - 3-0 (1.000)
Overall record - 29-8-1 (.776)

Friday in Passion Week (formerly Our Lady of Sorrows) - 241.8

I like the feast better here, but this Vatican II reform I actually understand. Nonetheless....
Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for us.

Daily change: -1.0
WTD change: -3.6
7 days loss: -6.2
April loss: -2.0
Cumulative loss: -24.6
Left to go: 61.8

April record - 2-0 (1.000)
Overall record - 28-8-1 (.770)

Thursday in Passion Week - 242.8

Still behind the pace to get to 235 by Easter.

Daily change: -1.0
WTD change: -2.6
7 days loss: -6.4
April loss: -1.0
Cumulative loss: -23.6
Left to go: 62.8

April record - 1-0 (1.000)
Overall record - 27-8-1 (.764)

Wednesday in Passion Week - 243.8

Finished off March with six in a row. 11 more days until Easter....

Daily change: -0.8
WTD change: -1.6
7 days loss: -3.8
March loss: -16.8
Cumulative loss: -22.6
Left to go: 63.8

March record - 23-7-1 (.758)
Overall record - 26-8-1 (.757)

Tuesday in Passion Week - 244.6

Five wins in a row matches my longest streak to date. Plus, I officially passed the quarter pole. So much for the wall.

Daily change: -0.6
WTD change: -0.8
7 days loss: -3.6
Cumulative loss: -21.8
Left to go: 64.6

March record - 22-7-1 (.750)
Overall record - 25-8-1 (.750)

Monday in Passion Week - 245.2

On my scale, this is the slimmest of margins (no pun intended), but a win is a win.

Wow, that's a lot of twos.

Daily change: -0.2
WTD change: -0.2
7 days loss: -2.2
Cumulative loss: -21.2
Left to go: 65.2

March record - 21-7-1 (.741)
Overall record - 24-8-1 (.742)

Passion Sunday - 245.4

10 pounds in two weeks is doable, especially when one of them is Holy Week.

Daily change: -0.8
WTD change: -3.2
7 days loss: -3.2
Cumulative loss: -21.0
Left to go: 65.4

March record - 20-7-1 (.732)
Overall record - 23-8-1 (.734)

Lent, Week 4, Saturday - 246.2

My jeans fit again, which is nice.

Daily change: -1.8
WTD change: -2.4
7 days loss: -3.0
Cumulative loss: -20.2
Left to go: 66.2

March record - 19-7-1 (.722)
Overall record - 22-8-1 (.726)

Lent, Week 4, Friday - 248.0

I have officially hit the first wall. This was my Easter weight 2 years ago, and this is where it got hard. Perseverence....

On an unrelated note: St. John Damascene, pray for us.

Daily change: -1.2
WTD change: -0.6
7 days loss: -1.6
Cumulative loss: -18.4
Left to go: 68.0

March record - 18-7-1 (.712)
Overall record - 21-8-1 (.717)

Lent, Week 4, Thursday - 249.2

I think (or at least hope) this was a mistake, but I didn't have time this morning to weigh myself again. Find out tomorrow, I suppose.

Daily change: +1.6
WTD change: +0.6
7 days gain: +0.2
Cumulative loss: -17.2
Left to go: 69.2

March record - 17-7-1 (.700)
Overall record - 20-8-1 (.707)

Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary - 247.6

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UbS3WAPPSQ

Daily change: -0.6
WTD change: -1.0
7 days loss: -2.2
Cumulative loss: -18.8
Left to go: 67.6

March record - 17-6-1 (.729)
Overall record - 20-7-1 (.732)

Lent, Week 4, Tuesday - 248.2

My first 20-win month in two years will have to wait another day.

Daily change: +0.8
WTD change: -0.4
7 days loss: -2.0
Cumulative loss: -18.2
Left to go: 68.2

March record - 16-6-1 (.717)
Overall record - 19-7-1 (.722)

Lent, Week 4, Monday - 247.4

I should have some more trees chopped down so I can fill trucks with the wood. Eco-villain, maybe, but it's great for weight loss.

Daily change: -1.2
WTD change: -1.2
7 days loss: -4.8
Cumulative loss: -19.0
Left to go: 67.4

Fourth Sunday in Lent - 248.6

Laetare, Jerusalem.
http://mysite.verizon.net/missale/sun4lent.html

Daily change: -0.6
WTD change: -2.0
7 days loss: -2.0
Cumulative loss: -17.8
Left to go: 68.6

There used to be something called cost-benefit analysis.

Congress explicitly made provision for AIG to pay out their $165 million in bonuses. When they did so, people got rightfully angry about a company that lost $100 billion in one year using government money to pay out the very people who made the decisions that led to the loss. So naturally, Congress and the President, ever the defenders of the people, have wasted untold amounts of time, energy and - of course - government money trying to cater to this week's poll numbers instead of doing anything productive to reverse the direction of the economy. (The most productive thing they could do is all go home, but I digress.) Even if they do get all the money back, they will probably still wind up losing money by the time they pay all the legislators to come up with their brilliant plan to get it back and the IRS for designing and implementing the mechanism to get it back. But at least they'll get re-elected, which is obviously good for America.

In a completely unrelated story, the 2009-2010 federal budget deficit is projected to be $1.845 trillion. $1,845,000,000,000. The same man who campaigned against President Bush (who wasn't running) partly due to his establishment of the largest budget deficit in history, $482 billion, has quadrupled that deficit in two months. Not to mention the fact that this deficit (an annual net loss in for-profit terms) is 18 times as large as AIG's 2008 loss, and over 10,000 TIMES AS LARGE as the bonuses AIG paid out. But Congress is OK with that, because, well, just because, OK? They're smarter than you. They'll handle it. You just turn over all your assets and your entire paycheck and we'll take care of everything. Don't worry, you'll get your allowance as long as you do your chores.

Ron Paul gets more correct every day. We need another revolution in this country, and not the revolucion that's happening right now.

Lent, Week 3, Saturday - 249.2

Spinning wheels....

Daily change: -0.4
WTD change: -1.4
7 days loss: -1.4
Cumulative loss: -17.2
Left to go: 69.2

Lent, Week 3, Friday - 249.6

I guess that's why I should only eat ice cream once a week. St. Joseph is worth half a pound, though.

Daily change: +0.6
WTD change: -1.0
7 days loss: -2.2
Cumulative loss: -16.8
Left to go: 69.6

Solemnity of St. Joseph, Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary - 249.0

http://www.ewtn.com/devotionals/Litanies/joseph.htm

O Glorious St. Joseph, patron of families, patron of husbands, patron of fathers, patron of workers, patron of the universal Church, patron of a happy death, pray for us.

Daily change: -0.8
WTD change: -1.6
7 days loss: -3.4
Cumulative loss: -17.4
Left to go: 69.0

Lent, Week 3, Wednesday - 249.8

Finally to checkpoint Alpha.

Daily change: -0.4
WTD change: -0.8
7 days loss: -5.6
Cumulative loss: -16.6
Left to go: 69.8

Memorial of St. Patrick, Bishop and Confessor - 250.2

The scale giveth and the scale taketh away.
(Optional memorial. Outrageous.)

Daily change: -2.0
WTD change: -0.4
7 days loss: -6.2
Cumulative loss: -16.2
Left to go: 70.2

Lent, Week 3, Monday - 252.2

Family function. Big meal, but no big deal.

Daily change: +1.6
WTD change: +1.6
7 days loss: -4.6
Cumulative loss: -14.2
Left to go: 72.2

Third Sunday in Lent - 250.6

More like Lent for non-losers....

Daily change: 0.0
WTD change: -5.0
7 days loss: -5.0
Cumulative loss: -15.8
Left to go: 70.6

Lent, Week 2, Saturday - 250.6

Looks like a nice day for a walk.

Daily change: -1.2
WTD change: -5.0
7 days loss: -7.0
Cumulative loss: -15.8
Left to go: 70.6

Lent, Week 2, Friday - 251.8

I think I can break 250 by Sunday.

Daily change: -0.6
WTD change: -3.8
7 days loss: -5.0
Cumulative loss: -14.6
Left to go: 71.8

Lent, Week 2, Thursday - 252.4

See? Don't expect that to stick, though - wait for the post-quantum leap yo-yo.

Daily change: -3.0
WTD change: -3.2
7 days loss: -5.2
Cumulative loss: -14.0
Left to go: 72.4

Lent, Week 2, Wednesday - 255.4

Finally down for the week (and at a new low)! Second half of the week is usually better, though.

Daily change: -1.0
WTD change: -0.2
7 days loss: -3.8
Cumulative loss: -11.0
Left to go: 75.4

A problem of definitions.

The front page on cnn.com yesterday read something to the effect of "Obama moves to separate politics and science". Apparently he is doing this by removing President Bush's restriction on spending federal money on embryonic stem cell research. It's a strange world we live in when effectively forcing people to pay for things to which they have a moral objection can be called "taking politics out of it". Up is down. It's pretty clear at this point that the government assumes the liberal position to be the neutral position and the conservative position to be the biased, ideological position. In reality, everyone is biased - it comes with the territory of being human. The neutral position, truly separating politics and science, was President Bush's position - he didn't prohibit the research, but he also didn't subsidize it. If there's any real promise in it, it would have found private money - the money that chases success rather than failure (which is what most government money subsidizes).

Of course, I think the government should prohibit it and criminalize it, because it's profoundly immoral and constitutes murder. (Reply to objection 1: Of course the government legislates morality - that's virtually all they do. Name me a major law that doesn't have a moral undertone. And they should, to the degree that it's required to protect the freedom of other people, including the unborn.) Which brings me to a "discussion" on talk radio last night, in which the host defended embryonic stem cell research ruthlessly on the basis that it "might" help people be cured of diseases. To the objection that you can't do evil that good may come of it, he repeatedly denied the personhood of the embryo; even conceding that point for the purposes of debate, he then stated, "but that's just research". He would have blended in well with Dr. Mengele's crew. He failed to see the disconnect between his argument and the argument of those who advocate aggressive tactics in the war on terror, especially the fact that while the latter would attack murderers in the name of self-defense, he would murder in the name of self-preservation. I really don't think it's hypocrisy as much as a lack of basic philosophical understanding. Today's world equivocates on the meanings of even the most basic terms, which has rendered meaningful discussion and debate on fundamental issues virtually impossible. That is why we've been reduced to a sound bite culture and why Congress votes right along party lines on almost every important bill. This is why people can accept all the premises of an argument but reject the conclusion. And this is why I believe there is no hope for our country to be reformed before we hit rock bottom. God has hardened our hearts and he will allow us to be destroyed like Pharaoh and all his chariots and charioteers. Hopefully we hit rock bottom soon, so we wake up and turn back to God as the source of our rights and the object of our responsibility.

Lent, Week 2, Tuesday - 256.4

Losing ground...

Daily change: -0.4
WTD change: +0.8
7 days loss: -3.6
Cumulative loss: -10.0
Left to go: 76.4

Light at the end of the tunnel

So here we are in the second week of Lent. Down 40+ pounds since the first of the year, wondering how it all got to this point. Dreadful reminders of past actions abound, but not to be overcome by the hope of merciful forgiveness. And with hope comes ACTION!

There's a light at the end of the tunnel! And no, it's not an oncoming train.

Only time can show the future. Everything else is speculation. Everything else are good intentions. But when good intentions -- are not only practiced -- are brought to fruition, True Good can replace evil. It's when you give up fighting and give in to God and His rules that true freedom can be found.

• Don't fight. Don't even argue. Speak with a level head or drop it forever.
• Don't insinuate or pass judgment based on previous experiences.
• Never put yourself in the place of God when it comes to determining someone else's fate.
  

Leave judgment to the Professional. Practice being human -- fallible, auspicious human. Forgive and move on. Learn from your mistakes. Learn from others' mistakes. Don't try to "reinvent the wheel" of sin. There are so many out there better at sinning than you. Don't compete with them.

Practice contrition and truth. Practice loving without the need to be loved back. You never know when those you love might be taken away from you. Cherish every moment. Live each day to the fullest. Don't go to bed without telling the people you love how much you love them. Don't let them forget for a minute! Always be truthful. Be nice, but truthful.

Things are going to be OK.


Bill

Lent, Week 2, Monday - 256.8

I suppose breaking even isn't bad for my birthday weekend.

Daily change: +1.2
WTD change: +1.2
7 days loss: -2.4
Cumulative loss: -9.6
Left to go: 76.8

Second Sunday in Lent - 255.6

I forgot about the whole sunburn phenomenon, but it's amazing what a little walking will do.

Daily change: -2.0
WTD change: -5.0
Cumulative change: -10.8
Left to go: 75.6

Ember Saturday in Lent - 257.6

I know they say your metabolism slows down once you hit 30, but I hope it doesn't happen this fast.

Daily change: +0.8
WTD change: -3.0
Cumulative change: -8.8
Left to go: 77.6

Ferris

I asked for a car, I got a computer. How's that for being born under a bad sign?

Ember Friday in Lent - 256.8

Ask me about Ember Days!

Daily change: -0.8
WTD change: -3.8
Cumulative change: -9.6
Left to go: 76.8

Lent, Week 1, Thursday - 257.6

10% down.

Daily change: -1.6
WTD change: -3.0
Cumulative change: -8.8
Left to go: 77.6

Fireproof

I am one of only 27 people in the entire country who subscribes to Blockbuster Online instead of Netflix. I continue to stay loyal to Blockbuster because I don't care about streaming online video or instant downloads or any of that technological mumbo-jumbo, because I only watch one movie at a time (so what do I care if I can three at a time for the same price at Netflix), and because I still love to wander aimlessly around the movie store until they close and I finally pick something at random. Often, Bill will join me so he can lecture me on the superiority of Netflix and give me movie suggestions to ignore. One night last week at around 11:30 pm, Bill and I made one such trip, and after four or five horrible suggestions which were dutifully ignored, he said, "Have you seen this?" and handed me Fireproof. I had not, although I had wanted to. It was suggested by Bill, which normally is enough to overcome any previous desire I had to see a movie, but for some reason I chose it anyway. I have heard a lot of people talking about good it was, how wonderful the message was, how it has been leading people and families to the Lord, blah blah blah. So I wanted to see what all the hype was about, and to throw a bone to the Protestants who did us a solid by helping to make The Passion of the Christ one of the 10 highest grossing films in US history. However, it being a fundamentalist propaganda piece, I was not terribly enthused, as I am still suffering from the after-effects of Left Behind and Megiddo.

After watching it twice on consecutive nights, I came away with three thoughts:

1. Kirk Cameron is actually still a good actor.
2. Protestants understand marriage a lot better than I thought.
3. I don't love my wife nearly enough.

It's not that there was anything in the movie that I didn't already know, but it is a pointed reminder to husbands that their pursuit of their wives must not end on their wedding day. If you don't set a goal for yourself when you wake up every morning to know your wife better and to be more in love with her by the time you go to bed, you've failed to uphold your marriage vows that day. A thousand times I've heard the analogy of likening prayer to a relationship with a loved one: "If you don't spend time with them, talk to them, and continue to get to know them better, your relationship won't flourish." But too many people don't even apply this logic to their spousal relationships, much less to God. I would recommend the movie to any married couple - it's not Oscar-worthy, but it's a legitimate theater-worthy film (amazing when considering the only professional actor was Kirk Cameron and the entirety of the rest of the cast was volunteers from the Baptist church that produced it), and it distills marriage down to its essence. Living as we do in the midst of the world, worrying about all the "what"s and "when"s and "how"s of time and money and stuff and places and people, we need to be reminded of the "why" once in a while.

And yes, I did tear up. Once. If anyone has seen it, feel free to take a guess as to which scene it was.

Ember Wednesday in Lent - 259.2

I'd prefer to yo-yo between 210 and 215...

Daily change: -0.8
WTD change: -1.4
Cumulative change: -7.2
Left to go: 79.2

Lent, Week 1, Tuesday - 260.0

Yes, I did actually weigh myself yesterday.

Daily change: +0.8
WTD change: -0.6
Cumulative change: -6.4
Left to go: 80.0

Lent, Week 1, Monday - 259.2

Our Lady of the Snows, pray for us.

Daily change: -1.4
WTD change: -1.4
Cumulative change: -7.2
Left to go: 79.2

Bill's New Groove

I know you all are wondering "What the heck is going on with Bill lately?"...

I have been asking God for clarity and direction for the past few months. He spoke in the only way I listen -- BLARINGLY LOUD! (Thanks, Holly...)

So needless to say, there is a great deal of change in my life necessitated by events historical. But I am made ready for this change by the grace of God. He is the only one who can make good things out of bad. With His help, I will grow from this situation and rebuild my foundation to be stronger and healthier.

I miss the way things used to be, but I understand that way to be evil and ultimately degrading for all involved. It was with much confusion that I stumbled away into a whirlwind of turmoil. Only now, two weeks later, am I starting to upright myself and walk forward again.

As far as weightloss is concerned, I'm not measuring myself for the next month. The implications of my actions weigh very heavily on my heart. My body has been under great strain and needs a bit of recuperation until I can again work on my long-term goal.


So, please don't worry. Do however Pray and Hope that all works out well for all involved. Those close to the matter know the reason for strict adherance during this time.

First Sunday in Lent - 260.6

You can't win 'em all is loser talk, but there you go.

Daily change: +0.4
WTD change: -5.8
Cumulative change: -5.8
Left to go: 80.6

No paternity test necessary.

Iggy:

"Old Macdonald had a farm, EIEIO. And on that farm he had a Jafar, EIEIO."
Later verses of the song apparently include Aladdin and the Sultan as well.

I'm full.

I haven't been full in four days. But I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing. I did eat dinner late (only 15 minutes, and I have cause), but I don't know if I ate too much for dinner or if I just have a smaller capacity for food as a result of eating less. I wouldn't think my stomach would shrink that fast, but I have no evidence to back up that claim. I guess I'll know in the morning.

Speaking of the morning, since tomorrow is Holly's birthday, I'm making breakfast. We're actually making it together tonight, but I will bake it in the morning. For anyone who has a Betty Crocker cookbook, it's "Apple, Bacon and Cheddar Bread Pudding" on page 236. For anyone who doesn't, buy one. I won't be eating it (instead making myself my standard breakfast of eggs and toast), but I can't see how it won't be fantastic.

Speaking of recipes, I went to a friend's new house party last night, and another friend brought a dish that was known to all in the room as "heaven in log form". Of course, I wouldn't dare touch it - I was only a few blocks from Kellie, who rules over my diet with an iron fist, and I didn't want to cause a disturbance in the Force. I did inquire where I could get the recipe for future reference, to which I was told, "Google Bacon Explosion".

http://www.bbqaddicts.com/blog/recipes/bacon-explosion/

Bacon wrapped in sausage wrapped in BBQ bacon. I cannot WAIT for Easter.

Speaking of Easter... I got nothin'.

Saturday after Ash Wednesday - 260.2

Only two months to go at this pace! And we see how well that worked out last time....

Daily change: -1.4
WTD change: -6.2
Cumulative change: -6.2
Left to go: 80.2

Friday after Ash Wednesday - 261.6

Fish are food, not friends.

Daily change: -1.4
WTD change: -4.8
Cumulative change: -4.8
Left to go: 81.6

Question

What does one do when one is watching a movie at 11 pm if not eat?

Thursday after Ash Wednesday - 263.0

And I even ate a normal dinner.

Daily change: -3.4
WTD change: -3.4
Cumulative change: -3.4
Left to go: 83.0

If only Catholics were free to be Catholic.

There was a time where we didn't have to admire the Muslims for having a month of prayer and fasting because we had one of our own. In the last 50 years, though, the Church has reduced Lent to no meat on Fridays and two days of no snacks. I would like to think that this happened for a good reason, that the Church benefited from it, but it's pretty clear from the empirical evidence that, just like in every other incidence of the bishops relaxing long-held rules of discipline out of "pastoral necessity" [read: laziness], the faithful have simply been confused, angered, or otherwise alienated from the Church.

We are bodily and our religion is bodily. God became incarnate because it was the only way He could bridge an infinite gap. Christ gave us the sacraments because He knew that we couldn't be satisfied with encountering God only in an intellectual capacity but needed to experience Him in the flesh. Since we couldn't all be at Calvary, He brings Calvary to us. Likewise, we sin in and with our bodies and so need to do penance in and with our bodies if we are to truly learn our lessons. Lack of bodily penance quickly becomes lack of penance altogether, which is, in my opinion, a large part of why the Church is so weak today.

As part of my Lenten sacrifice, I will be fasting on Wednesdays and Fridays. Aside from being rooted in the practice of the ancient Church (which fasted - in a more strict manner than in our two days of fasting today - for all 40 days of Lent), it is the pre-eminent way of mastering the body's inordinate desire for food, to which I am particularly prone and which has contributed largely to my poor health and my financial problems. Moderation is a virtue, but it is one that cannot be understood without an understanding of the two extremes to which it is linked. Having fasted today, I was tempted constantly to take a collation that I did not need, to gorge myself when I ate dinner, and to snack after dinner. I did it almost involuntarily several times, since I am so used to simply eating what I want when I want it. I hope that over the next few weeks and months those temptations will subside, but for now it's better to fight them the hardest when they are strongest.

The road to passion begins for me as well

So, starting at 298 for me on this journey. Today is Ash Wednesday, a day of fasting and abstinence from meat. I think a tuna salad sandwich at 8:30 PM will sufficiently nourish my body (no chips or soda). Water throughout the day, and half of a roll around 2:00. Mass is tonight at 7:00, where the imposition of ashes also occurs. "Remember man that though art dust, and to dust thou shalt return."

I splurged last night with one last frosty dessert. Mind you that I don't often splurge on such things, but I've been known to "cheat" a little too often on my current diet. My goal is similar to JTM's with a 100 pound weight-loss goal by next Easter.

The journey at hand is not just about Lent and Weight Loss, but rather building one's spiritual life upon a solid foundation. Thus follows the body. Others, too, are changed and "configured" by non-boasting example of goodness throughout -- secular and religious aspects alike. They are intimately connected. Improving one improves the other; reducing one reduces the other.

I've also stopped updating and responding to my FaceBook account as a Lenten sacrifice. I find that all too often I spend time reading through the content there. I will now focus internally and write about the activities in my life which directly correspond to the topic at hand, namely Making Ready the Path of the Lord through Self-Sacrifice and Recentering my life around the life of Holy Mother Church.


If our writing gets to be vague or confusing, do not hesitate to comment requesting clarification. We want this written journal to be a roadmap for all so that together we can attain the single human goal -- Everlasting Life with the Holy Trinity :-)

Ash Wednesday - 266.4

Ash Wednesday begins the great Lenten fast in the Western Church. This year, it also begins my quest to lose 86.4 pounds and to improve my overall health and my approach to food. I have implemented a general modification of my diet, which will be supplemented during Lent by a program of prayer, fasting and almsgiving inspired by the practices of the ancient Church. I will update this site every day with my weight, with the particulars of my diet, exercise, and/or spiritual regimen, and with other random musings. I hope that doing so will render me accountable to a larger group of people and thus reduce my chances of failure. So if you're reading, let me know.

Monday before Ash Wednesday

I'm wondering what Lent holds for me. It's always a great journey of faith, but this year promises deeper challenges which will rock the very core of my being...

Hang on tight, this'll be a wonderful journey!

Howdy.

Welcome to lent4losers. Our vision will be unveiled soon enough; until then, hi.

Welcome to lent4losers!

We are counting down the days until Lent, and the journey therein.