Abilene Motor Express....A New Place To Call Home

Well, I have been home since Friday morning, my wife picked me up at the truck about 11am and brought me all my dry goods that I needed to restock my truck. We have it down pretty good, I took out all my bedding and put my clean bedding in, the shopping was complete and she is right now finishing up my cooking. I did have to go buy 5 new pair of Jeans though. I went to the doctor for my physical back in June and got confirmation that I gained weight, I tipped the scales at 254, (not good at 57), so I went on a diet and lost 22 pounds so far. I want to loose another 15 pounds. My doctor said my ideal weight for my size should be 178lbs. I laughed and told him the last time I was 178lbs was June of 1973 when I graduated high school. We agreed that 220 would be a good goal. So why am I writing about my weight? Because at 57 and doing what we do, it becomes more of an issue at our age then when we are 27. No preaching from me, just wanna say how much better I feel, better sleep at night and more stamina to get through the day.

I was gone exactly 3 weeks to the day this last round and ran out of food after 10 days. I had to eat in the truck stops a few times and went to Walmart a couple of times. Now I'm taking 15 home cooked meals with me and assorted lunches also. That's what I took with me while I was at Calex and it worked out fine. I'm not planning on being out 3 weeks at a time, but if I am then at least I can eat a sensible meal cooked by the wife. Here's a snap shot of my menu when I leave put together by my wife.....

Dinner......
3 homemade Gumbo
3 macaroni with meatballs and sausage
3 chicken wing
3 broiled catfish
3 turkey breast

All dinners have vegetables.

Lunch........

5 pre-made chef salads
20 barbequed wings
A foot long ham and swiss hero cut up in quarters to make 4 lunches out of

Breakfast...........

8 mini vegetable omelettes
2 boxes of raisin bran.

Assorted cut carrots and celery sticks to knosh on going down the road
100 calorie fruit cups

I've found if eaten in moderation, eat 5-6 lttle meals during the day and not a huge dinner right before going to bed, you can loose weight. My biggest vice was taken out of my truck altogether, Famous Amos chocolate chip cookies, 2 full boxes that I would have done 3 days before getting home. I also try and get a little exersize, I park the farthest away from the front door and walk, I'll even walk around the lot twice. Case in point, Raphine Va, I park in the back 40 and walk to the building, I've turned down the shuttle driver a half dozen times. Rain? I carry an umbrella. It can be done, minimally all one has to do is change their eating habits. I did, hell, just eliminating my drug of choice in Famous Amos chocolate chip cookies made a difference. I have 29 months to retirement and at this stage of my life I will do my part in making sure I enjoy my time left on this piece of rock I live on.

 

I freeze some of my meals, at least the ones that can be frozen. 15 days is about it, anything over that then I start to worry.

 

I had Don on his first orientation, graduating class of April 16, 2013. It was 2 of the longest days in my adult life, hell, getting up at 10pm and driving all night long seeing the sun come up was easier than that orientation class I went through. I like Don very much, and I'm sure it's gotten easier, but let me tell you, that wasn't easy.

 

Got to leave the house at 5am in the morning, tonight my wife and I are going out to have some fresh lobster at this local place near the house, come home and watch the first episode of the new season of Boardwalk Empire then I'm going to bed. You all be safe, God Bless.