Thursday, August 30, 2007

School Time

I am not sure where this post will take me.

This past week has been a joy to me. My youngest entered kindergarten this week and we have been worried about his behaviour. So far he has done well. He has not disrupted class like we thought he might. His speech has improved greatly. And he is very excited about what goes on in school.

Sometimes this summer he was a handful. I guess that is a natural part of being a 5 year old boy. But it seemed to us that he was misbehaving just to misbehave. Don't get me wrong, he is a wonderful boy and usually has a great personality. Just sometimes he knows just the buttons to push. Of course he has had five years to figure out that there are buttons and just when to push them for maximum effect.

His speech is undergoing a transformation. His word are more understandable and he is talking a little louder and with more confidence. This seems to happen every time he is away from us. At home he can be a little lazy in his speech because we understand his quiet speech pattern. But, when he is away, he has to speak clearly and louder to be understood. This is good for him.

He is really enjoying kindergarten. He likes his teacher. He likes the activities. He likes lunch and recess. And he really enjoys learning new things. I hope he continues throughout his education.

Our oldest is really enjoying 1st grade. She is an old hand at this school thing by now, but is still excited about the new things she will learn this year. The teacher is having parents read to their children this week as "homework". I think I should keep a reading list here on the blog of books read.

Our daughter is really a book hound. She can read some easy books on her own and can't wait to learn more words so she can read other books.

Well, I have a few things to do around the house before I go to work. Type at ya later!

Monday, August 27, 2007

West Virginia High on Obesity List

No real news here. An article came out yesterday from Trust for America's Health stating that obesity in the US continues to grow. West Virginia is number 2 on the list for Adults (up from number 3 last year) and is number 2 on the list of states for youths.

Not only is the high fat diet of the Mountain State helping to increase those number, the lack of daily exercise contributes greatly. We can debate causes all day long. Action is needed to reduce this serious health risk. I am not talking about governmental action here. I am talking about individual action. Take control of your weight! Get help if you need it! Get off you behind and walk a little bit (and not to the refrigerator).

In the past six years I have lost a total of about 45 pounds and I have kept it off. There is no secret to how I did it. I changed what I ate, the amount I ate, and increased my level of activity.
If you need help ask!

Sunday, August 26, 2007

Busy Time

The last couple of months have been busy for me. Work has been constant learning and lifting. I weigh less now than I have in about 15 years. Both my kids are now in school.



I have worked at a major convenience store since the beginning of June. Not my first, second or 85th choice of employer, but it pays the mortgage, barely. I like the work, and the people - both on staff and the customers.



I am down to about 165 lbs. now. I attribute it to all the lifting I am doing at work. I haven't weighed this little since I ran my second marathon. Anyone interested in losing weight, send me a comment or an email, I will be glad to help.



I am getting old. Both of my children are now in school. My youngest got on the bus for kindergarten today. I know he will do well even though he was a bit nervous today. Once he gets the routine down, he will be fine.