The Biggest Loser League

I want to say thank you to all those currently serving in the military and those who have served in the past. Whether you saw combat or served stateside, you deserve a big pat on the back, a handshake and a hug for your service. Few things are as selfless as serving in the military and to the ones who make that commitment, I salute you. For all those who made the ultimate sacrifice, I can only say a whispered thank you as I hold back tears. You should never be forgotten. To all of my shipmates from the USS William H. Bates (SSN 680) who I so proudly remember, I hope your lives have been as fulfilling and happy as possible. You deserve it. To Brian R. who didn't make it home, I say you are still missed. To my brother Matt who has served 3 tours in Iraq and will soon make it 4, I stand in awe of you and the others who repeatedly stand in harm's way. THANK YOU!

Hey teammates!  I'm not quitting on the team and certainly not on myself.  On top of everything else, I got sick over the weekend and missed a day of work.  Nothing piggy related, just a good old sinus infection.  I really appreciate all the comments and concern...I'm just trying to work through it.  I haven't been able to get back into a routine at all.  My wife is going through some medical stuff, nothing life threatening, but a little medical mystery stuff.  We've had numerous dr's appointements and that has really hindered my sleep schedule making me more tired and when we don't have to go to the dr I just want to sleep.  I'm really trying to re-focus and make good choices, but I don't always do it right.  I'm here to get support and give it so thanks to all of you for being here for me.  

I couldn't post the pic I took at the Fair.  I think because it was taken with my phone and was a bitmap.  I don't understand technology so whatever!  I'll see if I can doctor it up a bit to make it work. 

Every year the State Fair of Texas opens in late September and runs for 23 days!  There are rides, car shows, fun foods, and a number of other attractions.  They have CRAZZZZY foods at the Fair.  Some of the popular items in the past years have been Fletcher's Corny Dogs (don't like them), roasted corn (love it!!) and funnel cakes (another one I don't like).  They will deep fry anything and I mean anything.  They have deep fried oreos, snickers, pb and j sandwiches, deep fried grilled cheese sandwiches...really, I mean REALLY, you grilled it, now you need to batter it up and deep fry it!?  They even had deep fried Coke in the past.  They soaked up Coca-Cola in batter then deep fried it and served it in a basket---gross!  This year the two new biggies are Deep Fried Peaches and Cream.  I'll admit that we tried this one.  It was 4 peach wedges deep fried and served with whipped cream and a small cup of real, whole cream.  4 of us shared this so it wasn't too bad.  I didn't eat the cream and just dipped the peach in the whipped cream.  It was just OK.  The other biggie this year is Deep Fried Butter...that's right, you read that right, Deep Fried Butter!! They take butter, coat it in batter and FRY it!!! I did NOT try that, but saw some people who did...it looked like a hush puppy and they said it was bland and mushy!  I'm like, hello, IT'S FRIED BUTTER you genius!!  They should sell that with a free zap from a defibrillator.  I did really well avoiding all the pitfalls.  I did have one fajita with the best pico de gallo in it...it is my favorite thing from the Fair and I always get two or three...so this year I had one!  We'll go back to the Fair one more time...the schools around Dallas all get a Fair Day, almost like a holiday so we'll go back for that.  If you're ever in Dallas in late September-Early October, check out the State Fair!  I highly recommend it, but bring your willpower.