Breaking Rocks at Alcatraz

Tonight I started my journey with the Journeys program at Cox Monett Hospital. We began with forty-five minutes of strenuous exercise (at least for this old goat it was strenuous). There were no serious breaks in that time, just enough time to swallow some water and move on. It was very hard for me. Then we had two talks tonight, with a lot of teaching on the records we must keep for each day on our meals and activities, including walking 10,000 steps per day (about five miles). This is not a diet program, but one that will work on a healthy lifestyle. I hope that it will give me new energy, reduce my need for diabetic medicine, and help me be in better shape for SCUBA diving. I really felt your prayers. So please keep it up. O, the title, I told our leader Nancy when she asked how I liked tonight that it was like breaking rocks on Alcatraz. She did laugh.

The Beginning of a Journey

Today I went to Cox Monett Hospital to begin a journey. Actually the program is called "Journeys" and is a weight loss, fitness program that has great success here in Monett. I have heard the testimonies of many people who have lost from 45 to 95 pounds. They look great. Today I met with the director, her name is Nancy. She asked the health questions and took measurements. Appears I am loosing height, now at 5' 11.5", but not pounds, now at 259. Then she gave some additional information and we worked on goals. Her plan is that in the ten weeks of the program, I will lose 1% a week, which means that I will be down to 233 at the end of the first phase. Then the second phase, an additional 16 weeks, will find me down to 196. I could not believe that I could get that low. So I said I would be happy at 220. But who knows what will come. I have not weighed below 200 pounds since I was in early college. We start on February 23. I am looking forward to meeting my fellow sufferers and getting started. I covet the prayers of all my friends. I will try to keep you up to date.