Monday Weigh in #3

I'm thinking of taking a page from the play book of a blogger the Translator follows.  I really like the format that this particular blogger follows and I think I can adjust it for my own purposes.  Now the basic way I'd like to see this work is to have folks respond to my question of the week in the comments to this post and maybe have folks repost this in their own blogs with their own input for each section.  Lets start something people!1!!

Weight Loss for the Weak! ( Don't feel obligated to post your weight just how much you've lost )

I've lost another 2 pounds this week.  So I'm now sitting at 275! 

Struggles and Victories of the Weak!

I was able to keep my up with Couch to 5K again this week which felt really good.  I'm still having issues with making myself go on Saturdays though.  Just something about getting up and going in the morning when I know I can sleep in.  Another issue I had this weekend was with snacking.  The Translator brought home a bunch of free snacks from the temp job she worked this week...those snacks included a rather large box of Famous Amos cookies.  Enough said.  I was also defeated by the Chinese food monster, however, I limited my egg roll intake to 1 and I got the steamed rice instead of the fried rice.  So not a total lose...at least I don't think it is.

How can I improve?

I've been giving a lot of thought to making my daily lunch a salad instead of a sandwich.  I've tried this before and actually managed to find some satisfaction so far as hunger is concerned.  At the time I had more disposable income then I do now so I was able to get grilled chicken salads from Chick Fila.  My question for the week is...How can I economically have a satisfying salad with some protein in it and not spend my entire lunch hour preparing it?  

I think I've finally come up with a closing for this weekly post.  It may be a little stolen but, I still think its kinda funny.  So here it goes....

Don't forget...the cake is a lie and the cube had to die for it.  Until next time.

My Fair Lady (3WW)

It is generally my policy to abstain from the consumption of musicals.  I've even gone so far as to ban the playing of The Sound of Music in my home but, last night my fair lady made me watch "My Fair Lady" and I have to say...not that bad.

I could have lived without a few of the songs and certainly 3 hours was a bit excessive but, while I was bored with some songs I was highly entertained by others.  I particularly enjoyed the songs featuring Professor Higgins. There is indeed some merit to pondering the question "Why can't women be more like men?"

And then there's dear Audrey Hepburn...someone put a halo over that woman's head.  She's so beautiful and so charismatic.  You can't help but love her, even when she's playing a simple flower girl.

The basic gist of the story (if you haven't seen it before) is that a well to do professor of phonetics makes a bet with another well to do colonel that he can turn a simple flower girl into a lady simply by altering her way of speaking.  Of course, in the process he empowers the flower girl's confidence and unconscientiously teaches the woman to respect herself.

I won't ruin the end for you though I'm sure you can guess what happens.  Like I said before, all in all a very good movie.  I really enjoyed Sabrina and Breakfast at Tiffany's a lot more, so far as Audrey Hepburn movies go, but this movie is one of the better musicals I've seen in my time.

Anyway...I appreciate the prayer and support in my weight loss endeavors.  I couldn't do it without the Translator, even though she thinks she's a bad influence, she really helps me to remember that I can be strong.  That I can say no to cake...hard as that may be.

This is also, my first time doing 3 Word Wednesday.  I actually really enjoy the idea and it certainly made me pick my words more carefully.

Monday Weigh in #2

277!!  Oh yeah...that's a 6 pound loss.  Part of me knows that its skewed somehow or other but, I still feel pretty good about it.

All in all is was a pretty good weekend.  I had some victories and a loss or 2.

We went a screening of Legend.  Yes, that old movie with Tim Curry and Tom Cruise.  We had a great time and remembered why we loved the movie.  There's something to be said for seeing a movie on the big screen that you've only seen on a TV.  It kind of breathes new life into the experience and makes it feel like you're watching it for the first time again.  Granted, having not seen that particular movie in the last 5 years doesn't hurt either.

Anyway, I managed to resist the urge to order some yummy yummy chocolate chip pancakes and just had a small popcorn and a diet coke.  Now, I know what you're going to say...but the popcorn at the drafthouse seems like its a lot lighter then you'd regularly get at a movie theater.  I'm pretty sure they cook it in individual servings, like you would at home.

After that, it was off to a company barbecue for our softball team.  I swear, I only had 1 burger and 1 braut and some pasta and potato salad.  I think all told it was a pretty successful Saturday.  Lots of temptation and I think I managed to hold up pretty well under the pressure.  After all that we went bowling with some old friends and some new friends and had a great time.

Sunday was a lot more relaxed...we just sat around most of the day and played with the dogs.  I think after all our time out on Saturday I think they were happy to have us around.  Sunday evening, we went over to a few old friends' house for dinner (chicken pot pie) and a cool board game called Last Night on Earth: The Zombie Game.  We had an awesome evening as we usually do with our friends.

Today, I'll be continuing my couch to 5K efforts.  I think I'm going to make some Chicken Parmesan and spaghetti for dinner tonight.

I need to think of a way to close out these regular posts.  Everything I can think of just sounds terribly lame. Feel free add your own stories or tips about weight loss in the comments.  Maybe we can start something?

Defeat at the Drafthouse

Last night we went to see The Other Guys at the Alamo Drafthouse.  You may see a reoccurring theme there...I love going to the Alamo Drafthouse.  It's easily my favorite place to go in the city.

Kind of pathetic, I know.  But what can I say...I have a soft spot for movies and this place not only plays new movies but, also plays older movies that we all grew up with but never got to see on the big screen.  Point in case...a couple months ago we went and saw the Goonies and as much as I love that movie, it was somehow made better by being on a giant screen in a theater.  The Truffle Shuffle competition probably didn't hurt either.

Anyway, *slaps hand* back to the topic.  As you may know, the drafthouse sells food too.  In the most convenient way possible, they bring it right to your seat in the theater.  You never have to get up for snacks or refills, so basically, if you can hold it for like two hours you get to watch your movie virtually uninterrupted.

When it comes to food though, convenient food is my kryptonite.  If you don't know what kryptonite is, please stop reading this blog now...seriously...QUIT IT...click that litttle X up there and be gone....thank you.

Anyway, where was I?

Krytonite...yes.  They brought me pizza and after a few pints of Woodchuck I wasn't sober enough to realize I didn't need more food and ordered popcorn too.  The one-two punch of the drafthouse KO'd my dietary awareness.

So I stand before you today in humble defeat...but I'm not out of the game.  I'll be continuing my Couch 2 5K jogs and keep trying to avoid that dastardly fast food.

Wednesday's run was a pretty good one.  It was like 101 degrees outside but I persevered and managed to make all 8 60 second runs jogs.  I'm not sure who I'm trying to kid, talking about running.  Until next time people.

Some People I Just Don't Understand

Specifically conservative Christians...not the whole lot of them, I'm sure there's conservative Christians out there that are totally level headed and sensible.  It just seems like a lot of the ones I've met in my time are either hypocrites or self righteous pricks, which of course makes them hypocrites too.

I see these televangelists and the people that follow them, spouting off about how everyone else is going to Hell and I can't help but feel like this fact doesn't seem to concern them at all.  In fact, they seem to revel in the idea that they get to go to Heaven and everyone else is going to Hell.

I may be wrong but I'm pretty sure that no where in the Bible does Jesus talk to non-Christians about Hell.  Does Jesus seem like a tyrant that would want to rule his followers with the iron fist of fear?  Again, I may be wrong but, didn't Jesus himself say that the greatest two commandments were to love God with all of your being and then to love your neighbors as yourself?

I may be a novice Christian here, but I honestly thought that helping people to realize what Christ offers in the way of salvation and peace was pretty much the entire purpose of a Christian life.  Why can't these people see that mocking and ridiculing other people and their beliefs isn't getting them anywhere?  Did Jesus mock the tax collectors?  No, he showed them how to honor God through the way they lived their life.  He didn't mock them or try to make them feel guilty, he just loved them.

Its hard enough to come to Christ, I understand that faith isn't a convenient thing...its actually kind of a pain.  As I tend to lean more heavily on science, its a difficult thing for me to except that there's a big all powerful being somewhere that basically controls everything (except my free will).  And honestly when times of crisis hit, I frequently wonder to myself, why a loving God would do this to me and my loved ones?

And then I realize that not everything that happens is necessarily meant to be good for me.  Some things are meant to benefit other people and sometimes I have to get hurt for that to happen.  And that's okay with me.  It sucks in the moment but, in the end, its okay.

Back to my point...like I said, faith isn't convenient but, it's not impossible.  Unless you put a conservative Christian at the front door.

Lets just say, a local Goth kid comes to the Sunday service.  This kid I'm sure would be welcomed, but it would be with very little warmth and frankly you can tell when someone is excited to see you and when they're pretending.  Why can't we just be honest with the Goth kid?  Why can't we just tell him that the way he dresses makes us uncomfortable?  Because its not important or shouldn't be.

Just because the kid wears a lot of black and eyeliner he/she can't love Jesus?  Could I possibly pose a dumber question?

Even better, lets say a young lesbian couple comes to church.  What happens?  These women are written off. Why can't a lesbian be a Christian?  Aren't all sins equal in the eyes of God?  By that logic aren't these gossiping conservatives living in sin as well?  I suppose its easier to focus on someone else's sin then it is on your own, but isn't that what we're supposed to strive for?  Aren't we supposed to try and learn to see past people's flaws and try to help them?  How can we do that when we refuse to see our own?

Okay...I've ranted enough.  I just want to put it out there that I DON'T think that all conservative Christian are hypocritical jerks.  I've known and am related to a number of conservative Christians that I am very proud of and all of whom I love very much.  And its that love that drives me to say the things I've said.

Look for an update on my dietary struggles tomorrow.  We're going to Alamo Drafthouse tonight for a movie with some guys from work and I will surely be tempted by most of the food there.  I don't think popcorn should be against the rules...do you?

Monday Weigh in #1

So I figure Monday morning will be the best time to do my weigh ins.  My logic for this is that in most cases dietary awfulness is most likely to strike on the weekends...at least for me.  I get into a game or I'm out with friends and it's really easy to just go and grab something instead of cooking for myself.

Anyway, back to the business at hand.  I'm aware that a number does not define who I am but, as a man of science, or at least one that likes science, I need some measure of how things are progressing and is there a better way to measure weight loss then by measuring my weight?

On a side note, I just restarted Pandora on my phone cause I couldn't hear any music.  The real reason I couldn't hear any music was because I had the headphones attached to my computer on instead of the ones from the phone.  *facepalm*

So the big number is 283.  To be honest I'm not feeling too bad about that number.  The last time I got weighed at the doctor's office I was more like 305.  So I guess 20 lbs isn't too bad for having changed virtually nothing in my lifestyle except that I've joined the company softball team at work.

I've also thought long and hard about setting a weight loss goal and honestly I'm not sure I can.  Looking at BMI and other kinds of weight to hight type charts I should weigh in the range of 180-190 but, that's not realistic.  At least I don't think it is.

Maybe short term goals would be better?  Maybe I'll go like 10 pounds at a time until I start feeling really good.  Actually I really like that idea.

I'm also thinking about doing Couch to 5K again.  The Translator and I made a pretty good run of it a few months ago and life kind of got in the way.  We haven't done any exercise in at least a couple months and I'm not really happy with myself for not continuing on a pretty simple (if exhausting) exercise routine.

For those not in the know, Couch to 5K is basically a walking/jogging/running regimen.  Its a 9 week program that calls for 30 minute exercise sessions.

In that 30 minutes, at least for the first week, you follow these steps:

1. Stretch...you may feel stupid for stretching to walk/jog but, it really makes a hell of a difference in how you feel at the end of the run.
2. 5 minute walk...This is meant to be a warm up so try to walk kind of fast.  Not like power walking but not your usual amble either
3. 60 second jog...You may or may not be able to do this.  I know I have a hard time at first.
4. 90 second walk...this is meant to help you cool down a little bit and let you breath.  You other chunky white guys know what I'm talking about.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 for about 20 minutes.
6. 5 minute walk...this time your 5 minute walk doesn't really need to be so fast paced.  This is meant to be a cool down and to keep you from hyperventilating.

This whole process sounds pretty simple but, it's honestly pretty brutal.  Especially if you live in a warmer climate.

Well good luck to all.  I'll make more updates later.  Happy Monday.

Fatassitus...I has it!

Just got back from beautiful Costa Rica.  Not the most optimal place for a chubby ultra white guy to vacation but, in spite of the sun, I had an absolutely amazing time.

As I sit here behind the keyboard once again, I can't help but reflect on the totally foreign way of life that is embraced by the Costa Rican people.

Pura Vida, in English means pure life, and while I'm sure there is a great deal that is rolled into that idea, I can't help but latch on to one part of it.  Costa Ricans, at least the ones I had the great pleasure to meet, are an extremely laid back people.

Its refreshing.  Damned refreshing!!

I've never felt a great desire to be a super successful individual.  I strive to make the money I need to live what I consider to be a comfortable life.

I've never had the drive that some of co-workers have to reach a management position.  I couldn't imagine having to sit in meetings all day, never getting to do what it is I love to do.

In most aspects of my life I'm satisfied.

The one aspect of my life that has always bothered me is my body.  While in Costa Rica, my meal choices tended to be significantly healthier then they usually are.  I ate lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and lean meats.

The first thing I ate when I got home was some chocolate donut holes and Domino's pizza.

I know...way to screw myself.  It even gave me a case of heart burn...it was as if my stomach was trying to smack me in the head for being such a dumbass.

And so in an effort to be a more healthy me I've decided for the next month I will not eat fast food.  No Domino's, no China Garden, no McDonald's.  I'm going to stay away from deep fried foods all together and I'm even going to swear off ice cream and other processed sweets.

In other words I'm going to try and diet.  Not the usual diet where you eat like a bird and pray to lose weight by starving every single minute of every single day.  I'm going to keep it simple.  Just don't eat something that is absolutely terrible for you.  I'm afraid this will be anything but simple.

I plan to journal my temptations here as much as time will allow.  Hopefully my successes will be many and my failures non-existent, but I'm not fooling myself.  I know there will be times when I cave, but I'm NOT going to let failure continue to be the trend in this aspect of my life.

I know this is a little off topic for me, but it seems that life has been giving me signs for a while now and up to this point I've ignored them.  But as Bob Dylan says..."times they are a changing"