Day 643 Anderson Family Fathers Day and A Bunch of Pictures!

Day 643

Anderson Family Fathers Day and A Bunch of Pictures!

Fathers Day, yes…here we are! Having my dad here for several days earlier this month, felt like fathers day everyday. We really did our best to do as much as we could in the short time we had together. It was a very special week with dad, a week I remembered fondly this morning as I stumbled to the coffee pot. I tried to call dad, reached his voicemail instead---and left a very heartfelt message for him. It was a good way to start the day.

Courtney arrived this afternoon, ready for our trip south to Stillwater for our big Fathers Day get together with mom, grandma, Kelli, and Keith. I was under the impression that Courtney would bring Bradley along, but she didn’t---with Amber away on a fathers day weekend camping trip with KL and his parents, It was just my youngest and me. Courtney had a great idea: We would head over to Boomer Lake after dinner for a nice 5K in the heat. The drive to Stillwater was fantastic. We talked about so many important issues, education being the biggest. I’m so proud of both of my girls, they really understand the value of a good education. It makes me so happy to know that they “get it,” you know? They really do.

We decided on Charlie’s Chicken for dinner. Everybody loves Charlie’s Chicken in the Anderson family! I had a small breakfast, just a banana and an 80-calorie low-fat part-skim mozzarella cheese snack---not enough really at all. With my coffee, I was sitting at a low 250 by the time we hit Charlie’s. I didn’t mind exceeding my usual 500-calorie per meal rule here---but just by a little, say 100 extra. The basics of my strategy never change in a place like this: Water to drink—no bread, or very light on the bread, and normal-completely responsible portions on the rest. I picked the three-chunk dinner. A “chunk” is a super lean cut of chicken breast. It is breaded and fried—and is so incredibly delicious, but the coating isn’t too much and the chicken doesn’t soak up any of the grease. It's one of my favorites! I’ve had this same meal at least a dozen times over the course of this journey. Normally, I can keep the calories at or just below 450, but I was splurging today---I ordered mac and cheese on the side! I told the server, “don’t heap it, just give me a normal scoop.” She gave me a look that suggested I was the first to request less food for my money---surely not. I was willing to invest roughly 200 calories in mac and cheese, not 300 or 350. The server shot me the same look when I told her to leave off the roll.

We took so many wonderful pictures after dinner---continuing the Anderson family tradition of restaurant setting photos. I have a bunch of before shots snapped at restaurants, but we’ve evolved---at least now we try to clear off the table first.

I changed out of my jeans and into my wind pants for our after dinner 5K, and we were off! It was a scorcher out there, so we stopped for some SPF 85 sun block lotion. I was concerned for Courtney, she was still healing from a sunburn on her back—but nothing could stop her from doing this 5K with me this evening. We were excited to get out there and sweat!

I was really hoping Amber could make it back in time to join us, but hey—I’m not complaining, it was a very cool thing to do on Fathers Day. Amber has been out there with me many times and she will again soon, for sure!

I swear, Courtney is so in tune with every aspect of my transformation and hers…I swell with pride when she speaks about her “calorie budget,” “calorie values,” and “motivating thoughts.” If I never accomplish another thing in my life—this example I’ve set for my kids is absolutely enough to leave me very satisfied, because I’ve made a difference in their lives. It warms me and It’s the greatest source of my pride in accomplishment.

It was hot out there. Oh my, was it ever. The sun was beating down on us horribly as we set out on our 5K walk/jog. We decided to not push too hard, out in this kind of heat could be dangerous---we weren’t really concerned, we knew we were in for a great big sweaty workout. Kelli, mom, and grandma caught up with us as we started---they just drove around until they found us on the trail, long enough for Kelli to snap a few pictures. Thank you Kelli, I love them!

Courtney and I needed this. I’m not talking about the workout, I’m talking about the time, the conversation, the understanding---the clarity in everything current in our lives. I made sure to keep pace with her, occasionally jogging to catch up—so we could talk, laugh, and dream. It was beautiful.

Amber called right as we finished---she was driving by the Stillwater exit off I-35 soon, and was wondering if we wanted her to cruise on in to Stillwater. Of course! Mom had requested we all go out for coffee late---so we returned to grandmas house, picked up mom, and met Amber and KL at Shortcakes Diner. With plenty of calories remaining, we decided to slightly indulge by each ordering one single pancake. The pancake, comparable to Denny’s—checked in at 170—with the slightest touch of butter and literally a teaspoon of syrup---I comfortably counted it as 250. It was a wonderful accompaniment to the coffee. The five of us visited for a good hour before it was time to take mom home and get back to Ponca City.

As you read about my above food choices, you might think I’m crazy---fried chicken breast chunks, mac and cheese, a pancake---but none of it would be considered over-eating. There wasn’t a need for antacid products at the dinner table, because none of us were stuffing ourselves silly like so many times in the past. This is simply living and eating like a normal person---responsibly, within normal portions—and feeling good about it all afterward. The food was enjoyable, yes, but the wonderful feeling of being in control---focusing more on the visit and less on the food---and being completely satisfied and happy—that’s what it’s all about.

I enjoyed this Fathers Day experience immensely. I have so many wonderful blessings in which to be thankful. Life is so good.

Thank you for reading. Goodnight and…

Good Choices,
Sean


Courtney and Me—I love this one! She’s so beautiful!


Mom and me---Just arrived at Charlies


With my dear Aunt Kelli


This just might be my favorite picture with grandma


Kelli, Courtney, and Grandma


Another good father/daughter picture


Four generations


With my Uncle Keith. Uncle Keith was always a positive male role model for me growing up. He’s my uncle, but I always thank him on Fathers Day.


I like. A lot.


We’re so happy!


On the 5K trail at Boomer Lake in Stillwater!


Sweaty post-5K picture, not sure Courtney approved this shot. You’re glowingly beautiful young lady!