"Taking a Swing at Weight Loss - Update #1"

17 April 2001

Dear Family, Friends and Those Who Care:

Nick here with my first mass e-mail update.

Greetings and love to all.  I am 17 days into taking a swing at weight loss and things are going very very well.  Am so blessed to have lost 28 pounds during the first 2 weeks!!  Other than in my dreams I have stuck to the diet perfectly!  Funny how many mornings I have woken up feeling bummed for an instant thinking I totally blew it only to realize it was just a buffet dream!  Life with no "normal" food certainly has taken some adjustment but the practical support and outpouring of encouragement from each of you has more than sustained me.   My dad has been key so far traveling with me the first and toughest week and will be spending about 4 of the next 7 months on the road with me. 

For those who may want more background you can go to www.nctimes.com and do a search under yphantides and read some of the recent articles written about my journey.  There is a possibility that someone may put together a web site for me and that might be an even easier way for you to stay up to date.  I don't want to be presumptive that all of you want that much detail but it will be available just in case.

The Baseball has been great...have already seen 13 games and visited all 5 California Parks in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, San Diego and Anaheim.  I will be in LA this whole week and then Tuesday the 24th my dad and I head out to Phoenix and will be on the road through New Mexico, Texas, Colorado, Kansas and Missouri before bolting for Virginia to pick up my grandpap on our way to Boston for my brother Paul's wedding Memorial Day Weekend. (and I have tickets for the memorial day game between the Red sox and Yankees at fenway!!!)

The attached picture is from the Padres Opening Week in San Diego with my friend and favorite usher Evelynn.

I need and appreciate your continued support.  This trip I do to God's Glory and with the intention of being a better steward of my own health. I has been a major adjustment leaving work and all my routines behind.  I humbly yet eagerly anticipate how God will use this experience to reshape my body and life. 

Respectfully and thankfully,

dr. Nick

I PRESS ON TOWARD THE GOAL FOR THE PRIZE OF THE UPWARD CALL OF GOD IN CHRIST JESUS
--Phil. 3:14