09/17/03
TWO Weeks?! I can’t believe that it has been two whole weeks since I have updated my page. Here are some of the things that have happened:

• Chris came to visit Eric
• Started a Cholesterol Maintenance Program
• Taught a SPSS short course class for the SCC
• Started Running again

School is going well. My multivariate class is keeping me busy with homework. We seem to have something due every day of class but the class is pretty interesting. Epidemiology is just getting started and is also pretty interesting. I am going to a seminar on SARS here at the University on Friday. I did find out that I will have to take both Comp Exams over in January. Oh well, at least now I will have plenty of time (and sleep) to study for them more this time.

The Cholesterol management program that I am doing is an Atkins/Fat Flush program that my Mom developed for me. Since I had a Cholesterol check in August and it was the highest it has been ever, I decided to do something about it. I approached my Mom about finding a plan that would lower my cholesterol and also lower my weight. She put me on a 20 carb diet for two weeks. In addition, I was to give up all sugar and sugar derivatives (sucralose, maltodextrose, etc) including all dairy products. I am now in the third week of the program and have increased my carbs to under 100 now. Also, I am starting to run 2 miles each, to help with maintaining my weight and getting my metabolism back up to snuff. I lost about 11 pounds the first two weeks. I can only get my cholesterol check (for free) when I give blood, which will be this Friday. I am hoping that my Cholesterol will be below 200. I am shooting for a goal weight of 160 lbs. I was at this weight two years ago when Jen and I were counting calories in preparation for our cruise. It took me 3 months to lose 18lbs when I counted calories only, I am hoping this will be a little faster.

What a nice long weekend we had this past weekend. The Vols won. The Cavs won, although Matt Schaub is out for a while.

Chris is coming up from Huntsville this weekend to see Eric and go to the football game. UT plays Marshall on Saturday at 4pm, check it out on ESPN2. We’ll be in the student section near the 40 yard line or so, 11 rows up.

Eric is becoming a chunk! When I get home in the evenings I swear that he is bigger than when I left. He is filling out and becoming stronger each day. His grip is outstanding for his size, if I could be that strong. We gave him a bath last night and it was the first bath that he actually enjoyed. He was smiling and looking in the big mirror in the bathroom. It could have been the finger puppet theatre that I put on for him that made him so cheerful. Nah, it was just a good time. He is cooing and being vocal a lot more now. He will babble a little when he is by himself in his playyard or crib but he grunts loudly!

That is it for now… maybe more tomorrow…