Enjoy the walk.

As a parent, I sometimes I think to myself, "Am I doing or saying the right thing?" or "Am I setting a good example?" At times I don't think I'm doing a good job as a parent. I know that no matter what, Annabelle loves me with all her heart and she thinks I am the moon hanger and her hero for life, but I sometimes still feel like I fall short.

There are times I know I am about to say the wrong thing yet I finish the sentence. I want so bad to be a perfect parent, but we make mistakes. I try to never start a sentence unless it is something that empowers her, teaches her a lesson or boosts her confidence. I know she is a fragile, hormone-changing 9-year-old yet I don't always think first. Sometimes what we need to tell them we know might hurt them (like "fish don't just 'disappear'...they sometimes get caught in the filter of your new aquarium and they can't get out, then they die). Whatever it is that you say to your kids make certain you try to lift them up and not unintentionally put them down. Never say something negative to make yourself look good or to feel better about being right. You can't take it back. And the guilt doesn't feel good either.

We recently saw the movie "Ramona and Beezus". I recommend it for anyone who sometimes puts everything but their family first. If you think that just working hard at your career, paying the bills, and buying nice stuff is what it's all about, try again. I have tried hard to improve. The other night Annabelle and I sat in her room and colored with crayons and talked all night long. Just us. We ate candy, laughed, watched TV shows I didn't even know she liked. It was nice to connect. I felt very fulfilled. 

Being a parent isn't easy. It's OK to live in the moment and enjoy them right now. Don't worry about what they may become or who they'll date (Lord, help me!) or how you'll ever get them motivated to get a job one day. Just live today. And don't forget to tell them you love them every chance you get.

"Stop living life for what's around the corner and start enjoying the walk down the street." ---Grant L. Miller

My favorite season. Football.

I must admit that I haven't been a long time Saints fan, especially when they were the Ain'ts. I would love to have been a die hard fan, but I never had interest. I'd watch games here and there with my family, but I had my times of doubt and even seasons where I didn't watch them at all. My Dad was probably the biggest Saints fan hardly ever missing a game. There were times he couldn't sit during the 4th quarter and there were times when he'd go to bed during halftime. But he never doubted they'd win the Super Bowl one day. I'm glad he was able to watch them on the field in New Orleans before he died. What a celebration we had last year and he would have been just as proud as all of us around the nation.

You see, I have only been into the sport for just a short time having joined a fantasy football league just last year. I didn't have time or much interest in football until about 5 years ago. I never really was an athlete, aside from my agility and speed when eating at a buffet. I admire athletes, but I never had the desire to sweat that much or work that hard. I would rather sit inside and watch TV or just sit. My favorite sport to watch is either hockey or baseball, but that is another post.

I am looking forward to this season more than ever. It is only 7 short days until preseason even though regular season doesn't begin until September 9. Annabelle and I will be wearing our jerseys and not washing them as not to jinx the success they had last year. I love watching a game with her. I enjoy spending that time with her, just us, and sharing the love of the game with her. Now that I rarely miss a game, I consider myself a die hard fan. It is so fun and exciting to watch the home team and to watch her cheer them on. Win or lose, we'll always be Saints fans. And my Facebook name will always be Barrett WhoDat Broussard. Get used to it.

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WHO DAT?

"Walking into heaven Peyton Manning saw a mansion that had a sidewalk lined with black and gold. There were Saints flags lining the driveway. Each window had a fleur de lis embossed with solid gold. Even the trees had leaves that would turn black and gold when they'd fall.. Peyton asked St. Peter, "Why does Drew Brees get such a beautiful mansion when all I get is an ordinary house to spend eternity?" St. Peter replied, "That house doesn't belong to Drew, it belongs to God."

Get your party hats here.

I have been on a diet most of my adult life. At one time or another, I jumped off the weight loss wagon and decided to go back to basically eating whatever I wanted and in very large quantities. Most times it happened around the holidays. I don't think it was ever the foods I chose because I like vegetables and meat, but portion size was a big factor in my weight gain. Portion control was never something I practiced. My confession is that this is my 3rd time on Weight Watchers, but that is OK. I am determined to change for good.

I have, at one time, lost over 90 lbs. It took over two years, but it was worth it. I lost it by eating well-balanced meals and snacks and an exercise routine. Sadly, it took only 8 months to slowly put the weight back on. I managed to put most of it on while going through therapy to recover from a herniated disc. Thankfully, it did not require surgery, but procrastination took over and it never went away.

I found myself, years after my recovery, still using the excuse that I was overweight because of this injury. Some people would ask me, "How long ago was that?" I finally decided this year that there were no more excuses, after 5 long years. When the doctor puts you on blood pressure medicine and you are faced with a family history of diabetes, it should get to you. But it would never affect me. Right? Well, I am currently on blood pressure medicine and I have had elevated blood sugars which indicates very bad things. In the healthcare industry you see first-hand what these conditions are capable of doing to people. Especially people under 40 years of age. Obesity has no age limit. I am trying to control my weight in order to be free from this medicine, but most important, I want to see my grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow. I know that it is possible!

I have so many reasons to live a life free of medicine and feeling healthier! So far, my wife and I have lost almost 30 lbs. together. I hope to see many more years of life on this earth. But I must admit....losing weight is hard work. And I hate that it is not easier. Because I'm still lazy. But I try to remember that it's not all about me.

Weight Loss Exercise:

"Get into a booth at a restaurant and if your stomach doesn't sneak out onto the table while you eat....get out the party hats because the weight loss party has begun. I recently celebrated this milestone in my journey."