Some Numbers and Some Facts

So I started the Advocare 24-Day Challenge a few days ago. So far, at the end of the 4th day, I already feel better. I've taken a lot of fiber, drank buckets of water, eaten a lot of salad, consumed quite a bit of Spark, and knocked down at least two steaks. Hey - you didn't think I was starving, did you? Not this white boy.

I have managed to stay away from sodas, dairy, anything fried, and all carbs (breads, pizza, etc). It's not nearly as hard as I thought this was going to be, man, and I don't really want to go back to eating the steady volumes of fast-food crap I was pounding down. I have cheated in the past three days, though. I have had the following:

-One (small) handful of movie theater popcorn
-Four bites of taco salad shell
-Two chips with queso dip

All in all, though - that's not too bad.

More energy? Check.
Healthier-looking? Check.
Better digestive system? Check.

I have a can of strawberry soda I'm gonna drink after Day 24 as my reward, too.

I have a before pic I'm going to post as soon as I can, which leads me to my next segment: Why I Hate Computers.

Num,ber of times I got a virus that crashed the system entirely: 2
Number of times I've had to reinstall the OS on this computer: 5
Number of times I've lost ALL of my work info: 2
Number of hours I've lost trying to get this back to 50% capacity: 15
Number of times I've gotten to download a good browser: 0
Bit resolution on screen: 8

(That means really, really crappy. Think "Super Mario Brothers" ala 1987.)

So far I have a barely-functioning computer that looks like it should be in a nursery school. It's pitiful, but I can't get it to improve. What I'm really close to doing is going to Wal-Mart and picking up a $250 Acer Notebook and just relegating this one to work-only. In fact, that's probably a really good idea. Can you imagine that I can now buy a computer that's better, faster, more reliable, has more features and is about 1/10 the size of the one I'm using for 1/8th the price of what I paid for a profoundly lesser computer in 1998?

Or, come to think of it, is the real surprise that I'm surprised at this? I can hear Brian and Steven laughing already.

I think my time at the theater may be ending. Here are the pros and cons:

Pros:
Steady, reliable paycheck enables my child support (ONLY) to stay current
Working with a great bunch of people I care very much about
Free movies
Daughter thinks it's really cool

Cons:
Condescending, micro-managing and borderline incompetent boss
Assurances of promotions not realized
Very low pay ($9.50 hr. My last raise? $0.14 an hour.)
Time lost from two other jobs with higher financial returns
Customers that tax my ability to be Christ-like
No forseeable path to financially viable promotion in under 7-10 years
Fundamental disagreements with core corporate ideals (devaluing the person, etc)
Stress resulting form having to abandon unfinished products
Loss of time with daughter

I'm wondering if I'm a a different stage in my life now; ready to step out and begin to experience a more successful life that God has in store for me. I'm no theologian, but I think that God might want me to make more than what I'm making. Our little company seems to be getting back on it's feet again, including regaining a very good client we lost some time ago. Advocare also allows us to generate substantial income as well, and blowing time at the theater doesn't help that.

Pros for Staying
Child support stays current
Get to spend time with friends
Free movies

Pros for leaving
Satisfaction of stepping out in faith that God will provide
Massive stress reduction (poor boss, etc)
More time at ScottCo & Advocare
Allows staffer to be promoted
Freedom from adhereing to corporate values I despise

What are you guys's thoughts?

AND.....

We got a puppy. She's a border-collie, blue-heeler and catahoula mix: a border cataheeler. She's six weeks old and pretty doggoned (ha) cute. Also - she has a cool name: Scout

The Good
Toni and our daughter adore her
She has short hair (no shedding)
She's a smallish breed (supposedly)
She herds the cats by bumping & trying to nip at their heels
She's fairly calm 99% of the time
She sleeps a lot
She isn't allowed on the couch (or any of the furniture)
She's being kennel-trained
She keeps the cats in line
She's whines when she wants to go outside
She's a good-traveling car dog
She doesn't bark, except when Pumba won't play
She eats popcorn & sunflower seeds from under the couch (Surprise!)

The Bad
She farts and it smells really bad

Number of minor accidents: 3
Number of cell phone chargers destroyed: 1
Number of new chew toys: 3

Anyway, I think that's it for tonight. I can blog again, so more daily updates as the 24-Day Challenge moves forward.

I'm glad you guys read this still :-)

921 for Tuesday