God Hugs

Krissy said to me today that I have changed her view of God.  Now, when she pictures God loving her, she envisions the way I hug her.  We both cried when she shared that with me.      

The Dark Knight

I saw The Dark Knight last night.  Phenomenal storyline.  Fantastic acting - particularly from Heath Ledger as The Joker.  Nonstop action and drama.  Very well done.  What saddens me is that Heath was so caught up in his role that he saw no other option than to take pills and anti-depressants to recover from his role.  On an earthly level, I can understand, but on a spiritual level, I'm left feeling sad.  He will be lauded and you can be sure he'll win the oscar for his role.  It will be bittersweet.  Another precious life wasted and gone.

My Quest to be "Mr. Abs Franklin 2008"

I just finished the HIIT/ABS workout.  Day 2.  In addition to doing the workout plan, I also played tennis the last two mornings.  I hope I haven't been overdoing it.  My body is a good sore, not overdoing-it sore.

The abs workout is tremendous.  My stomach muscles were really worked on this exercise.  Shawn Phillips is supposed to be "Mr. Abs USA" 2004 or something.  I can see why.  Maybe I can be "Mr. Abs Franklin" 2008!?

Anyway, since I already had my Base Camp, it really has been easier to continue eating healthy.  I remember doing Body For Life and really hating it the first week - probably because my body wasn't ready to start.  I was worn out after week 2.  This time, with SFL, I've been able to ease into the workout and eating part much easier.  In fact, it's almost easier to eat with the Transformation plan because I'm not cutting out as much. 

We bought a new Vita-Mix blender at Costco the other day.  I really want to get some nutrition shakes/smoothies to drink/make right after my workouts.  Nothing would feel better!

Sorry I haven't written in a few days.  I was at Promise Keepers with my good friend, Bryson and a new friend, Lee.  I'll write about that next.   

Nordhoff Is Famous

We're famous in California.  There's also a Nordhoff High School.  I can't believe they named a street and high school after me.  I'm so humbled...

Check out this Download NordhoffMovie.MPG .

Check out the Google Map.

Thanks to our friend Hector for providing the photo and video.

Pre-Transformation Measurements

Alright, here's where the rubber meets the road.  Remember, I'm going to take the next 12 months and focus on fitness.  I have a great plan that I will follow using Strength For Life as my guide. 

Here are my pre-transformation numbers:

PRE-TRANSFORMATION	MEASUREMENT	GOAL
30-Jul-08	DATE	Oct-08
202.5	WEIGHT	188.5
22.5%	BODY FAT %	13.5%
84	RESTING HEART RATE	65
107/77	BLOOD PRESSURE	120/80
174	CHOLESTEROL	150
5.3	CORONARY RISK RATIO	4
39	WAIST	34
33	HDL	45
106	LDL	105
173	Triglycerides	145

So basically, I'm fat.  Okay...there, I said it.   

You'll notice my goals on the very right highlighted in yellow.  I will post my progress in the easy to measure areas: Weight, Body Fat % (I have calipers at home) and Waist.  At the end of the 12 weeks, I'll also have some blood work done. Then, I plan to post the final results. 

Note: this is not meant to be a selfish endeavor, although it might appear that way.  In all seriousness, I've been very lazy and a slacker when it comes to taking care of the body God gave me.  It's not something I'm proud of. 

Cheer me on with some encouragement if you want...

Strength Goals

Another task in Strength For Life is to write 4 Goals for the 12 Week Transformation.  Here are mine...

On October 27, 2008:

1. I will lose 20 pounds of fat and gain 6 pounds of muscle.



2. I will lose 5 inches off my waist.



3. Food no longer controls me.



4. My heart is as healthy as an 18 year old!

Strength Vision

One of the tasks in Strength For Life as I gear up to my transformation is to write a vision statement.  I've written a personal vision statement already (you can view that here).  The following is my strength statement...

I am strong-mentally, physically and spiritually.  I am resisting temptations in all of these areas.  I am choosing resourcefulness over laziness.  I am choosing strength over sluggishness.  I am choosing Christ and His glory over anything else.  This includes His glory in my body!  I am parenting, working, loving, reading and exercising strong.  I am picking friends that encourage me.  I am making good choices all the time by slowing down and thinking smart.  I am optimistic about life and after-life.  I’m beginning with the end in mind.  I am taking every day on as if it’s my last – living like I am dying!