I just realized that I failed to close the loop on the NFL playoff games last Sunday. For me, it was a case of the glass being half-full and half-empty.

In case you didn’t read my blog from Monday, January 14, I was cheering for the New England Patriots and the Green Bay Packers to reach Super Bowl LXII, which will be played in Phoenix on Sunday, February 3. Unless you haven’t been near a TV or a computer the last few days, the Patriots kept the San Diego Chargers from advancing while the Packers were sent packing following an overtime loss to the New York Giants.

So, instead of my dream match-up—the Patriots versus the Packers—it will be the upset-minded Giants trying to prevent New England from becoming the first team to go 19-0 in a season. I got to see most of the Patriot game on Sunday, and I was on my feet whenever my childhood friend, Patriot fullback Heath Evans, touched the ball. (For an explanation of why I know Heath, see my blog from Monday, January 14.) He came through on a pair of third-and-two situations to make the first down and keep the drive alive, as well as a couple of clutch catches. After the game, I found this interesting quote from Heath about his father, who was an important mentor in my life when he was my Sunday school teacher in high school. Said Heath: “After last week’s game, I went home and talked to my dad . . . He’s got such an instinct for the game of football. He really sees things, really reads things. Even for an NFL player, it’s hard to put into words how instinctive he is.”

I sent Heath a text message following the game to congratulate him. He hasn’t responded back, but I totally understand. Not only is he super busy with Super Bowl stuff, but I hear that Patriot coach Bill Belichick runs a tight ship.

I mentioned yesterday that it’s going to be a short trip to Salt Lake City. Part of the reason is because I’m taking my second side trip off the Perfect Weight American Tour. I’ve been invited to speak at Victory Church in Oklahoma City this weekend, and one of the reasons I said yes is because my wife, Nicki, can fly out with Joshua and Alexis and stay with me for a couple of days.
 
I received the invitation to speak after meeting Pastor Mark Crow at a conference. Residents of Oklahoma City are fired up to reach their perfect weight after Mayor Mick Cornett challenged the city to lose 1 million pounds as its New Year’s resolution, saying he wants to end Oklahoma City’s dubious distinction as one of America’s fattest cities.

I can’t imagine why after I learned that Oklahoma’s official state meal is chicken fried steak, sausage and gravy, cornbread, and pecan pie for dessert. No wonder the Mayor wants to put the city on a diet.

I’m looking forward to doing my part to not only inspire Oklahoma City residents to lose a few inches off their waistlines but to also give them the tools to do so when they follow the Perfect Weight America plan.

In case you want to know about this intriguing challenge, you can go their new web site at www.thiscityisgoingonadiet.com. More than 10,000 have signed up.