Well another month has past on this journey to a slimmer me. A lot has
happened in the past month, our vehicle woes finally came to a head when the
Blazer was diagnosed as terminal & unfixable. It was hard to see the forest
through the trees at that time but in the end we were able to get another
vehicle, something a lot more reliable and if we're faithful we can pay off
in 3 years.

I am having a little trouble when it comes to eating over at someone else's
home. This past Sunday we were over at my in-laws home for lunch and while
the meal was great; I had forgotten to add a few things in my diet journal
and ended up going over in my calorie intake by 111 calories. I beat myself
up over it for a little while until Sandy (my accountability partner) helped
me snap out of it and got me back on track. I need to remember to carry a
note card and pen with me so I can jot down the meal.

Summer is here and I am dreading the local ice cream places. I walk by one
everyday; the smell of freshly made waffle cones can sometimes put my mind
into overdrive. I could use some prayers for strength in that area. I'm
actually afraid of going to an ice cream place because most do not have
calorie information.

My dad and I are still walking 2 miles a day, 5 days a week. At the end of
May we conquered the goal of walking the entire length of Window on the
Waterfront! I had set the goal for the end of the summer, but we pushed
ourselves and made it! That particular walk was around 2.5 miles itself! We
plan to do that at least once a month as a 'monthly' goal for ourselves.

I've started some free lifting with the help of my son Javan. Can't afford
any real free weights so I've started to bench press my son! He's around
30lbs so I do 5-sets/10 reps. Javan loves helping his daddy work out, he
even helps me count as well!

Bren, Javan, & I made our monthly trek to Grand Rapids; I'm actually
starting to get excited about weighing in. I am happy to say that another
16.6lbs have found their way off my body! At this rate I should be down to
almost 300lbs by Christmas!

Congratulations on another successful month, Matty.

I'm sure your son enjoys working out with Dad.  I think it's great to get
the little ones involved in exercise at an early age.

Your walk at Window on the Waterfront sounded so good I did a search on it.
You have some great places to walk in your area.  I also noticed they had
some nice bike trails.  Maybe I'll have to add them to my "want to ride
someday" list.

Please don't beat yourself up over a 100 calories.  You're doing such a
great job and they aren't worth it.  Just promise yourself to take a few
extra steps in the daily walks if you feel you need to account for it.

I have to pass a local ice cream shop on the bike path near home so I can
relate to your ice cream dilemma.  If I have the granddaughters with me I
often stop.  I have a cup of coffee or diet drink while they eat their ice
cream.  Many times they'll offer me a bite.  You would be surprised at how
much just one bite can satisfy the cravings.  Other times I just order one
scoop of ice cream for myself.  If you think you can handle a small amount
of ice cream you could work it into your daily food intake.  If not, you
might be better off just walking on by....

Glad to hear you've had a good month and I look forward to next months
report.

Beverly

Now summer is here and I know a lot of you will be grilling out. Here's a
nice marinade/sauce I came up with that can be used with beef, chicken or
pork:

1 10oz bottle Kikkoman's Teriyaki Sauce (must be Kikkoman's)

? cup brown sugar

1/8 cup soy sauce (light soy sauce is better)

1/8 cup worchester sauce

? cup minced garlic

1 teaspoon Thai spice (if you don't have Thai spice, use red pepper flakes)

Dash of Liquid Smoke

Mix together in a bowl or plastic bag. Add meat and chill in refrigerator
for at least 4 hours. Or you can cook the ingredients over medium heat until
thick for a nice brush-on sauce for shish kabobs or chicken breasts! As
always, use sparingly. It's there to enhance food flavor, not overpower it.

Thanks again for your prayers and words of support, I really do appreciate
it!

You are an amazing story, and 16 pounds is a great rate of weight loss
for you! I was  wondering about you yesterday...

i

Way to go, Matty -- it sounds like you are concentrating on the behaviors that will
get you great results. You are doing great!

Mary M
325-158-148

snip
Glad to here things are going well. The walking sounds excellent,
having a partner to go with means you go, no excuses. Well done
Michelle : Ozzie in Switzerland
69.8/58.8/61kg

Most excellent, Matty. Consistency is important. and your walking
miletstone is fab. Keep up the good work -- you'll find it's worth it.

Kasey
365/257/???