Sporty By Forty

Enough is Enough!

2012-01-01T10:26:00.004-05:00

I'm glad I'm out of 2011, I was not a fan. I've honestly had a run or crummy years here, and I'd like to believe they are behind me. There were some good times to be had in '11, to be sure. I got a new job in May, which I promptly lost in November. My car gave me some trouble, but I found what seems to be a Good Mechanic. That's a proper noun because you know what a Good Mechanic is. Reasonable and not out to wallet-rape you.

Now, according to the scale at Adventure Aquarium on Wednesday I clocked in at 265 pounds. Bear in mind that was not obviously my BANWAP (Bare-Assed Naked Weight After Pooping) because pulling that kind of stunt at the aquarium will probably get you arrested.

The way my body has felt in the last week hasn't been terrific either. Sore all over, tired all the time. I have a really hard time getting in and out of the car, like when I started. Well, shit, that makes sense since I am basically right back where I started in the first place!

Recently at work I was too fat to fit between boxes in the back room and it's getting increasingly harder to keep the gut covered with XL shirts. It's really embarrassing, honestly. I'm 41 years old, and there's no real reason I should be as fat as I am.

I know, I know it my fault. I can be horrifically lazy, especially when doing the two-jobs thing (ah! you're thinking, no excuses now, are there? and you'd be 100% correct!) but I really have to make a change or it's, quite literally, going to kill me, and that's if I don't have a debilitating stroke or something. It's petrifying, honestly.

So, yeah, we had a moment today

2011-12-07T22:26:00.000-05:00

Got on the scale today (DUN DUN DUUUUUUUUUUNNNNNNNNN!!!!!) and watched the digital display as it did the ol' "randomizer" bit and finally hit a number.

258.9

DONE.

Welcome to the new regime. Fatty McBigbones is getting out of the pool.

We're gonna need a bigger...Well, everything!

2011-11-03T14:16:00.002-04:00

http://consumerist.com/2011/11/burger-king-japan-now-selling-pizza-size-whopper.html

How soon before this becomes a personal meal here?

New at BK, the Wagon Wheel Whopper! Like a Fast Food Oregon Trail, you may not die of dysentery, but you'll have a buffalo's worth of stuff in your colon!

Have it your way, indeed!

Here's some inspiration for you all! or I Will Never Look That Good In a Bikini!

2011-10-26T22:12:00.000-04:00

http://www.cnn.com/2011/10/25/health/beauty-queen-weightloss/index.html?iref=obnetwork

Need a little inspiration? Miss Bree Boyce lost 112 pounds and won herself a beauty pageant. She’s healthy, she’s happy and it’s nice to see a success story like this. Way to go, Miss South Carolina.

Now, before any of start grousing about "beauty pageants" and how they objectify woman and all that malarky, let’s just rejoice in the story of someone who had a goal and stuck to it.

See? Don’t you feel better now?

So, what did we learn today? Well, that with some motivation you can accomplish your weight loss goals. You know it, I know it. Hell, I was on my way handily until I fell off the wagon and landed open-mouthed on a great big pile of sheetcake. It's just nice to be reminded that's all.

Secondly, Doing a Google image search for Bree Boyce gets you some lovely shots of Ms. S.C.(both before and after) but also, a tad inexplicably:

Seth Green and Cedric the Entertainer…

Third, if it were not for spell-check, I’d have called them beauty contests up above. Thank you, spell-check!

Time, time, time...see what's become of me...

2011-10-25T14:02:00.000-04:00

So, I’ve been thinking about Time a lot lately. How there never seems to be enough of it, how we’re only issued a finite amount of it when we’re brought into this crazy world, and when you check out, it for the rest of time. Yeah, some really heady shit, right?

Due to the circumstances of my life (i.e. the hand I was dealt in this Cosmic Card Game we’re all playing) I spend a remarkably small amount of time not working. Someday, I would like to put a big-time reverse on that trend, or at least be occupied with work I find super-fulfilling and beneficial for other people (not that I don’t love getting you all your lattes and whatnot, but I’m thinking on a larger scale).

I suppose it’s cliché mid-life crisis bullshit to think “Well, I’m 41 now. This could, essentially, be the midway point of my life.” I try not to think that way, because that way leads to madness, and mopery. Perhaps it’s because I see how difficult things can be (financially, socially and in many other ways) for parents and families of a special needs child (our boy having Autism) that I can’t help but wonder “What can be done?” and “Can’t there be some way I can be a part of fixing it?” Heavy, right? I’m just saying there has to be a better way, yeah? I mean that in a lot of ways, I suppose.

This type of thing weighs on me very, very heavily sometimes, and it’s as though I could have the answer if I thought about it hard enough, or differently or…something. I just don’t know.

There’s other things I’d still like to do for me, too. I mean, I have only one day a week (most weeks) where I don’t work at all, and two nights “free.” Those free nights usually involve laundry or some other stuff, and maybe some TV time with the missus if I get lucky.* I have a huge laundry list (which, oddly enough does not have laundry on it!) of things I want to do along with things I need to do.

Shoot, I started recording a new single in JUNE for crying out loud. Sometimes I think that second album is NEVER coming out.

I either need a clone or a TARDIS. Who am I kidding, I have to go with TARDIS, let’s face it. Otherwise it’d be me and me sitting at a table going “My, we are handsome, aren’t we?” and trying to convince my wife which one of us is the “real one.**”

Not that a clone isn’t without trouble. If he eats like me, he’ll need 2 jobs of his own. Also I am betting my clone would play the “I’m not married!” card, stop going to work for me and head out trying to take advantage of gullible young ladies. He’d then get himself, and essentially me, in “trouble” is you catch my drift. I mean, the DNA test would point to me, right? Even if your old lady knows you have a clone, she’d still be suspicious, right? Don’t get me wrong, it’d make a hell of an episode of Maury Povich, but I don’t need that kind of hassle in an already busy life.

Alternately, a nice win in the lottery would be sweet. I could help a lot of people, and I keep telling God I won’t spend all of it on tattoos and girls. After all, I only want a couple more tattoos, and I have wonderful gal at home.

I also do not have a clone to blame a damn thing on.

* Seriously, how good has Walking Dead been this year? Wow!

** I know what you’re thinking, but it would probably devolve into a Doctor Who Trivia contest

You know it's been a while...

2011-10-24T19:18:00.001-04:00

when you forget your password to the blog.

yeah.

signed,

Chubby McBigbones.

How I knew...

2011-10-24T19:10:00.002-04:00

…I had hit my rock bottom…

I honestly don’t 100% know what I weigh right now. Not because I have ballooned to the point where I need a slaughterhouse scale to weigh me, but because the battery has gone flat in the scale. That’s not the point of this post, although I’m hoping it reminds me to get a battery later after work.

Here’s my Rock Bottom Moment, posted for all the world to see.

I took my son to McDonald’s on Sunday. We were out and this is a good place to get gluten free food for him (grilled chicken and fries) so, while I don’t really want to eat there he likes it, it was convenient, and it was getting late. So we got our grilled chicken and drinks and an order of fries and I set up our table. I went to st in the booth and, goddammit, America, I could not fit in the booth.

Let me state that once more, I was too fat to fit in the booth.

At McDonald’s.

Yes, I was too fat to fit in the booth at McDonald’s yesterday. Man, when you’re too big to fin in the seat at a place where they make fat people (or make people fat. Whichever, I think I’m gonna go with hyperbole) it’s time to seriously make a change.

I’m angry enough that I need to buy 2 pairs of big boy pants for the coffee shop* (it’s getting too darned cold to work the drive through in shorts and a short sleeve polo any more) but holy shit, I had to go to a table, It was embarrassing to say the least. My kid doesn't care, but I'm pretty tired of being the fat dad.

I have an enormously full plate in my life but I obviously need to carve out gym time. I can’t *not* do it. I have to sacrifice something, and it’s probably going to be time I’d like for something else, but that’s why it’s called sacrifice, right?

Here we go. This time I mean it :)

*Loyal readers may remember that I gave away all my fat clothes back in November of 2009. Yes, two years ago I had lost enough weight that I got rid of my 38s and 40s. And the 36s as well. Grrrr….

And here's when I knew...

2011-10-24T18:07:00.000-04:00

…I had hit my rock bottom!

Here’s my Rock Bottom Moment (TM), posted for all the world to see.

I took my son to McDonald’s on Sunday. We were out and this is a good place to get gluten free food for him (grilled chicken and fries) so, while I don’t really want to eat there he likes it, it was convenient, and it was getting late. So we got our grilled chicken and drinks and an order of fries and I set up our table. I went to sit in the booth and, goddammit, America, I could not fit in the booth.

Let me state that once more, I was too fat to fit in the booth.

At McDonald’s.

Yes, that is correct, I was too fat to fit in the booth at McDonald’s yesterday. Man, when you’re too big to fit in the seat at a place where they make fat people (or make people fat. Whichever, I think I’m gonna go with hyperbole because it’s what I do!) it’s it a slap across the face with the cold fish of reality.

I’m already angry enough I need to buy 2 pairs of "big boy pants" for the coffee shop* (it’s getting too darned cold to work the drive through in shorts and a short sleeve polo any more) but holy sh*t, I had to go to a table.

I have an enormously full plate but I need to carve out gym time. I can’t *not* do it. I have to sacrifice something, and it’s probably going to be time I’d like for something else, but that’s why it’s called sacrifice, right?

*Loyal readers may remember that I gave away all my fat clothes back in November of 2009. Yes, two years ago I had lost enough weight that I got rid of my 38s and 40s. And the 36s as well. Grrrr….

http://sportybyforty.blogspot.com/2009/11/living-without-net.html

New Beginnings

2011-05-26T23:38:00.000-04:00

So, I started a new gig this week, which means that I will be working what I will respectfully refer to as an “advanced schedule” for the foreseeable future. Please read that as about 62 hours a week.

Yeah, nearly two years of unemployment will crush your finances but good.

I did the barista thing the last two nights after working at the new gig all day. It wasn’t terrible, but man, I’m shot by the end of it. I don’t know how I thought I could work till 11 on a weeknight and still be coherent enough to do, well, much of anything the next day. To be clear, I work till 10, not 11. Thank goodness.

There’s certainly no exercise time on those days. I mean, I barely have time to shower, eat and change before I’m bang out the door again.

Night shift is a different animal, and it’s one I will have to get used to. I was a smooth part of the machine in the morning, but the rhythm of the night* is something I need to adapt to.

So, I am going to begin my weigh-in procedures next Wednesday, June 1. Fitting, really. I started this blog June 9 2008, so for the Almost Fourth Anniversary I am starting anew. I missed the Sporty stage at 40. I just fell hard off the wagon. Now it’s time to stand up again and get moving.

Come along again with me, won’t you?

I’ve been re-reading my early posts and using them for motivation. Ah, young, impressionable 37 year old me. Nevertheless, it’s helpful. I can see mistakes and I can try to avoid them again.

Why not go back and start at the beginning with me?

* With apologies to El DeBarge

OK, so it's been a month...

2011-05-16T18:16:00.002-04:00

and, being I gave a complete stranger this address the other day at work I guess I ought to update it.

I can't say "here's the skinny" because, well let's face it, there's nothing remotely skinny going on here. So, here's the deal.

I weighed in last Wednesday (what would have been Week 150 if I had been keeping up with tis thing) and, to borrow a phrase from the National Enquirer, I "Tipped the scales" at a whopping TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY-FIVE and A FUCKING HALF POUNDS!

It's goddamned embarrassing and I was summarily ashamed of myself. So, I did what any non-self-respecting Fatty would do and ate myself stupid.

So, here I am. less than 10 pounds from where I started. Jesus, that's simply devastating. I got down to the 220s! I got a part time job at everyone's favorite coffeehouse and gained like thirty back*. Ugh. What the hell am I doing to myself...

So as it stands here's where we're at:

I start a new full time gig next Monday. I have to shop for new clothes. New FAT clothes. This burns my ass like you wouldn't believe. I threw out all my fat clothes before and now I take a huge step backwards and buy more. Devastating, considering I do not plan on wearing them long. Please note, I am so glad to finally have a job that this is really the least of my problems.
I have begun snoring badly again. I'm so goddamned tired most of the time I can't tell what day it is. It's been better a little lately, but man, I don't need this crap again.
my pants are too tight.
my umbilical hernia is ridiculous. I gotta get to 200 pounds so I can have it repaired.

So, now we'll have two jobs to deal with and a new, tighter schedule. I'm so sick of being a fat bastard, that I have no choice but to snap t6o and get it done. The first couple of weeks are gona suck, but maybe a few weeks in and I'll get that energy back I used to have.

*DAMN YOU, DELICIOUS PASTRY!!!!

Guess who was too stupid to weigh in this week?

2011-04-14T13:25:00.000-04:00

ME!

Some relief, thank goodness! Actually, thank Miss Maureen!

2011-04-13T22:01:00.000-04:00

So my son’s PT at his Hippotherapy center saw me struggling to get up after helping my boy with this shoes and asked me what was up. I told her I was better than the day before. She then proceeded to give some wonderful stretches I could do to try and help. Astoundingly, I feel miles better! All it took was a few simple stretches. I’m going to try and find some examples and post them here.

I can actually move! This is great! Hopefully these exercises will keep this terrible pain at bay. My son’s birthday is tomorrow and I’d like to be able to actually enjoy the day with him.

Life of Agony

2011-04-12T21:00:00.001-04:00

Not about the band but about the state of my body. I am in searing pain today. After working and training a new barista I can barely walk, or even get out of a chair. The pain in my feet and legs is goddamned excruciating.

I want to go to the gym but all I really want to do is sleep. It’s astounding how much one nerve can wreck you so completely.

A close call...

2011-04-10T22:58:00.000-04:00

So the dog got away from me today at the park. There was a handoff of the leash, I thought the missus still had him, she thought I had him and

BAM!

He was off like a shot. That furry sonnavagun took off like a plush torpedo after another dog he wanted to play with. Luckily enough, that dog's owner grabbed his leash. After I lumbered over and profusely thanked him I was struck with an epiphany:

I would not have been able to catch the dog. He’s like greased lightning, so not many people could, but I couldn’t even make a decent showing. Oh, I started out OK and thought Well, as long as I can keep him in sight it should be OK, but then I realized it.

I am not going to catch this dog...shit, this is not good. This is not good at all...

The rest of the afternoon I was constantly yelling at my son to not walk too far ahead and I realized later it was because if I couldn't catch the dog, what if I couldn't catch him?What if I couldn’t catch him if he ran too far ahead and he fell into the water or ran into the parking lot?

It made me feel like a shitty father, not being able to catch up to him, not being able to run. Shoot, who am I kidding, I was barely able to walk.

Add to this my sciatica is just killing me, and I am just hobbling around.

It’s a depressing state of affairs.

Week 145- Stronger than The Crave!

2011-04-06T17:23:00.003-04:00

Starting weight: 264.2
Weight last week 241.2
Current weight: 242.2
Lost this week: +1

Total lost to date: 22.0

Weight left to lose: 62.2

See, as I tweeted yesterday (@OldManConroy if you’re so inclined…) I was craving White Castle something awful. The good news here is I was able to resist the siren-like call of of Chicago's Finest and eat some Trader Joe's Pulled Chicken instead. The bad news is, apparently the very thought of ingesting those lovely little sliders cursed me with a gain of one pound, the little bastards*.

On the other hand, a trip to the caste frequently leads to an evacuation on the scale of Godzilla: Final Wars, so it might have been a good idea after all. I Was going to say “in the end” but we all know The Castle generally isn’t a good idea for the end, of for your G.I. tract in general.

Gotta get some more Oatmeal to Go tonight, or make sure I eat a good breakfast tomorrow before I go to work.

* I still love you, tiny hamburgers, but we're not good for each other. Actually, it's not me, it's you. You're making me fat.

Sorry about the lack of updates

2011-04-04T09:28:00.002-04:00

I've been bad. I have been keeping track and will post my progress (because there HAS been progress) and back date the weigh-ins accordingly later today.
Thanks for being patient folks!

Week 144

2011-03-30T19:12:00.000-04:00

Starting weight: 264.2
Weight last week 241.2
Current weight: 241.2
Lost this week: 0

Total lost to date: 23.0

Weight left to lose: 61.2

I will take it! no ups! no ups! Woot! Etc!

Week 143 Well, this is a let down. In a good way :)

2011-03-23T19:10:00.001-04:00

Starting weight: 264.2
Weight last week 248.1
Current weight: 241.2
Lost this week: 6.9

Total lost to date: 23.0

Weight left to lose: 61.2

Man, I am sure glad to see a downward trend for a change, considering my numbers for the last two weeks. I silently was hoping for this because I was ready to just go to the buffet and eat myself into oblivion had I not dropped any weight (yes I have issues, your point?) this time out.

Week 142- All right allgoddamn-ready, huh?

2011-03-16T19:08:00.000-04:00

Starting weight: 264.2
Weight last week 246.9
Current weight: 248.1
Lost this week: + 1.2

Total lost to date: 16.1

Weight left to lose: 68.1

Ugh. Another one and change. Now I have been way strict this week and have been way more active. I have no explanation whatsoever.

I'll be honest: this is a drag.

Week 141

2011-03-09T19:05:00.000-05:00

Starting weight: 264.2
Weight last week 242.0
Current weight: 246.9
Lost this week: +4.9

Total lost to date: 17.3

Weight left to lose: 66.9

Holy cats! up almost 5 pounds! I have pretty good this week. This comes as a surprise quite frankly.

I hate when I gain so much and it's obviously from just being more sedentary.

Ah, the gym (and why going there at night makes me a little sad.)

2011-03-08T18:26:00.002-05:00

So I went to the gym last night and was reminded, quite forcibly mind you, of why the gym at night is a different animal than the gym during the day.

During the day it's housewives, college students, and Super Virile Asian Man. We've discussed him before. At night the cast of Jersey Shore: The Guidos that Didn't Make It come out. I didn't see the regulars mentioned in the aforementioned linked post, but truth be told, I was too sickened by the music.

I don't like KTU-style, fist-pumping, Night at the Roxbury type dance music. I don't like it in a club, I don't like it coming out of a radio, and I sure as shit do not like it at the gym. The fact that everyone there looks like they are just waiting to get into a fight in front of the Hunka-Bunka Ballroom simply adds to my discomfort.

Ugh.

Anyhoo....I'm not going tonight only because I am sore as hell. I feel like someone beat the ever loving snot out of me with one of those metal baker's racks. Then they beat me with all the shit on the shelves for good measure. I'm going to take a good long walk tonight in the neighborhood and I may again attempt jump rope.

That sound you hear at about 8:30 EST is not a sheet metal factory being demolished, it'll be me :)

Week 140- this makes some sense, and yet...not really...

2011-02-23T06:31:00.003-05:00

Starting weight: 264.2
Weight last week 242.0
Current weight: 242.0
Lost this week: 0

Total lost to date: 22.2

Weight left to lose: 62.0

Considering I didn't eat all that much while sick,this is a little disappointing :)

Ah, whatever. Soon enough, I will be hitting this as hard as I once did, and for good reason. I flat out do not want to die!

It's been hard to gear up the rah-rah machine for the needed enthusiasm to get back to the gym as of late. Quite frankly, it's been a little tough to fire up the rah-rah machine in general.

I was like this before I started my journey back in June of 2008. Mopey, fat, lethargic. Basically a big, pasty, doughy ball of "meh."

At least I had the goal of "Sporty by Forty" to work towards, right?

Now what?

I suppose I could come up with another slogan, but aside from being snazzy, what good would it do? It won't get me on a treadmill. It won't get me to stop eating like a pre-Olympics Micheal Phelps.

You know what's inspiring me?

ME.

I feel like shit. My feet hurt, I am uncomfortable 90% of the time. My back hurts. Let's not even mention that while I do not weigh the same as when I started, my gut actually appears bigger than when I started. How in the hell is that even possible? I mean, on the one hand, it's at least not hard like it used to be. This leads me to believe I may be filled with some type of nougat, which is both terrifying and delightful. More of the first than the second, honestly.

My umbilical hernia is really annoying, but at least I wear an apron at work. I noticed the other day that my neck appears to be disappearing again. Well, shit, we can't have that. I like my neck. It went away so slowly the first time I almost didn't notice.

Not this time. Not again! Not here! Not now! I'm doing it for the neck!

Week 139

2011-02-19T06:29:00.000-05:00

Starting weight: 264.2
Weight last week 243.0
Current weight: 242.0
Lost this week: 1

Total lost to date: 22.2

Weight left to lose: 62.0

Thought I ought to put the "official" numbers in. Sorry it's a bit late, but the rootin'-tootin' fun of a sinus infection will take a lot out of you.

quick update

2011-02-16T07:38:00.000-05:00

Lost a pound

Sick as all get out. Sinus infection.

Be back after I get better.

The second half of a man's life is made up of nothing but the habits he has acquired during the first half. ~Feodor Dostoevski

2011-02-11T21:19:00.002-05:00

Ain't that the truth?

Let's face it, shall we? Your Pal Rich is a creature of habit, and not all of them good ones. Here's a few of them good or bad:

I don't like left turns.
If I have pancakes or waffles, I require a meat product with them.
I really have no "INSIDE VOICE!"
I like to meander when I shop. Really...
I tend to leave stuff out after I use them
I waaaaaaaaaaay overthink dang near everything
I could be a Hoarder if I wasn't careful.

Anyway, I need to start developing some good habits, aside from working out to de-flabbify m'self. Therefore, I will be attempting to do one creative thing every day from now on. Whether it's working on new songs for my band (currently on super-hiatus), this blog, Epinions reviews, or playing guitar. You know, just to do something! I need to do something to stimulate my brain as well as my body, because I feel like I am stagnating a bit, and I think it's going to help me an awful lot.

oh, and because I am oh! so current, I have a Twitter account now, so you can follow me @OldManConroy

It's basically a way to pimp this blog, Grover Kent, my Epinions reviews and whatever other goofy endeavors I might undertake.

Week 138- About the same, thanks...

2011-02-09T19:08:00.001-05:00

I was gonna title this week after the Misfits "We Are 138" but that'd be a bit of an unhealthy weight for me, you know?

Starting weight: 264.2
Weight last week (OK, last weigh in which was 1/19!): 245.0
Current weight: 243.0
Lost this week: 2

Total lost to date: 21.2

Weight left to lose: 63.0

Hey, two pounds is OK. Despite sporadic gym attendance, it looks like trying to not eat like a complete asshole pays off. I still have my moments, mind you. Big Ed and his goddamn Pulled Pork Sliders are no help, mind you.

Look, I'm not going to lie and tell you they are not delicious, heck no. I am going to warn you that they are insidiously delicious and if you are like me and have absolutely no self control built into your skull, you should avoid them like Lindsay Lohan avoids Sobriety.

Oh, and did you hear that Ms. Lohan is said recently that she was worried about Charlie Sheen? Seriously, if Lindsay Lohan thinks you may have a problem, maybe it's time to peel it frick back a little, eh, Charlie?

Week 134- I am a dope

2011-01-12T21:39:00.000-05:00

Snowstorm, enormous sinus headache and at noon I realized "Aw shit. I didn't weigh in!"

Week 133- Welcome to a New Year!

2011-01-05T18:04:00.000-05:00

A new year brings new resolutions and so off to the gym I go. But first lemme get this out of the way:

Starting weight: 264.2
Weight last week: 233.6
Current weight: 243.1
Lost this week: .5

Total lost to date: 21.1

Weight left to lose: 63.1

Sweet Cracker Sandwich, that's pretty sad, after all that. I'm not going to focus on the failures of the past, because they will only get me further behind.

Oh, I am changing the weigh-in day to Wednesday because I am off and some days at 5:15 when I leave the house for work I have not pooped so BANWAP is not possible.

Let's be Done by 41!

Week 130- This should not be what it takes...

2010-12-14T18:35:00.003-05:00

I am at the age now where older relatives start, well to be blunt, dying.

My cousin (more properly, my father's cousin) died on Friday and she was only 66. Holy Shit and etcetera! That's not all that much older than I am, and it scares the living hell out out of me.

She was drastically overweight, and diabetic and while that wasn't what ultimately killed her, but it sure as hell didn't help her situation, that's for damn sure.

I'm scared, I don't mind telling you.

I have to tighten up my shit and do it quick.

It's a start.

2010-11-24T23:07:00.001-05:00

I know tomorrow the Holiday Eating Season gets into full swing and I am sort of dreading it. Oh, I like my family, don't get me wrong, but I tend to eat like I am going to the electric chair on Thanksgiving. At my mother in law's one year I put away a good portion of the leftover turkey (with a little help, but still!)

Ah well, I am back at the gym tomorrow because I can be, and then it's a ballistic day on Black (coffee) Friday. Hopefully I will be able to go again then.

Saturday looks like a Flea Market Day(tm) if the weather holds up.

Week 127- I come to the conclusion that I need to do something drastic

2010-11-23T22:06:00.000-05:00

Starting weight: 264.2
Weight last week: 239.4
Current weight: 243.6
Lost this week: UP 4.2

Total lost to date: 20.6

Weight left to lose: 63.4

All right, lets face it, almost 6 pounds up in three weeks is simply unacceptable. I'm completely disgusted with myself. I am becoming the same very out of shape guy I was when I started this journey and that seriously pisses me off. My clothes are tight again, and I am tired all the time.

I just feel pretty miserable and I'm eating like I feel. I sort of feel out of contool about it. The very early hours at work son't especially help, because I eat breakfast at like 5:30 am and lunch at like 10:30. I want to eat dinner later, but when I get out of work at 1 I am freaking famished some days.

I just need to make better food choices. I know what I'm doing, I feel like I'm watching someone else do it sometimes, you know?

Back into it, hardcore. Walking tonight for sure.

Week 125 And still, I grow ever fatter...

2010-11-11T17:29:00.000-05:00

Starting weight: 264.2
Weight last week: 230.0
Current weight: 239.4
Lost this week: UP 1.4

Total lost to date: 24.8

Weight left to lose: 59.4

Week 124- still no comment :(

2010-11-02T17:28:00.000-04:00

Starting weight: 264.2
Weight last week: 239.9
Current weight: 238.0
Lost this week: 1.9

Total lost to date: 26.2

Weight left to lose: 58.0

Week 123

2010-10-26T17:28:00.000-04:00

Starting weight: 264.2
Weight last week: 238.0
Current weight: 239.9
Lost this week: UP 1.9

Total lost to date: 24.3

Weight left to lose: 59.9

Week 122

2010-10-19T17:27:00.000-04:00

Starting weight: 264.2

Weight last week: 237.0
Current weight: 238.0
Lost this week: UP 1.0

Total lost to date: 26.2

Weight left to lose: 58.0

When there's no room left in Hell, the dead will walk the Earth, and look for hamburgers, I suppose...

2010-10-15T19:49:00.001-04:00

Our good buddy (OK, our buddy from the TeeVee, but still...) posted this on Facebook. It's a Happy Meal that was left alone for 6 months.

http://gizmodo.com/5662271/watch-six-months-of-a-happy-meals-eternal-life?ref=nf

Obviously the meat used for these burgers has the Z-virus!

Oh, and speaking of which, AMC's Walking Dead starts on Halloween! I can't wait!

Here's the trailer. http://tv.ign.com/articles/111/1115632p1.html

Week 121- And so it begins, the slow road to recovery

2010-10-12T19:48:00.000-04:00

Starting weight: 264.2
Weight last week: 238.1 (OK, last weigh in that I can find!)
Current weight: 237
Lost this week: 1.1

Total lost to date: 27.2

Weight left to lose: 57.0

OK. I'll take it. Things progress slowly to be getting on with. Let's face it, I'm almost starting from zero again, biologically speaking.

We're going to be hitting this very, very hard, so stay tuned. I am committing myself to doing this properly, and I want to progress steadily into smaller pants and shirts

Week 120- Adrift in a sea of flab

2010-10-05T13:00:00.000-04:00

Starting weight: 264.2
Weight last week: 231.0 (OK, last weigh in that I can find!)
Current weight: 238.1
Lost this week: UP 7.1 (in 6 bloody weeks!!!!)

Total lost to date: 26.1 (This is totaly making me miserable right now...)

Weight left to lose: 58.1

If those numbers aren't enough to make me depressed the fact that my 34in waist pants* are getting tight are sure enough uh...enough. Hrm, grammatically awkward sentence there.

Anyway, I simply HAVE to get back to the gym. I just can't seem to find the time. I know, it's an excuse. I don't think I've been since July.

July!

That, my friends is both depressing, pathetic and fucking revolting all at the same time. I'm going to go to the gym tomorrow morning after I put the kid on the bus. I have to take the first step.

Walking and standing at work doesn't seem to do it, so I have to get back in that gym and attack it like I used to.

*Comfort stretch! So they are 36 inches, really.

Not dead, sleeping

2010-09-30T22:09:00.003-04:00

I just started working @ an unnamed coffee shop*, so things have been hectic. I have a backlog of stuff to post.

FYI, my fat ass has hit 237 again, so I need to step it up.

Autism walk this Saturday, so that's good but I gotta get moving!

*Rhymes with Farbucks. Just sayin'.

Happy Burfday to me! Plus a new motto!

2010-08-27T22:54:00.002-04:00

Well, lookee there! I'm the big Four-Oh! I ought to be svelte and sexy, right?

Well I didn't make it.

No shit, Sherlock. I've been a complete trainwreck fitness wise for going on, oh I dunno, damn near two months now.

Don't get me wrong, I'm happy to have made it to forty. There were times in my life where it was looking a little shaky, let me tell you. So, I guess it's you just have to keep on trucking, right?

So, here's the tally for the I just turned 40 weigh in.

Starting weight: 264.2
Weight last week: 231.0
Current weight: 234.0
Lost this week: UP 3

Total lost to date: 31.2

Weight left to lose: 54.0

So there you have it. 54 pounds left to go before I reach my goal.

I'm giving myself a year, thus making my new motto: GETTING IT DONE BY FORTY ONE!

No, I will not be changing the blog title.

Week 114- Move over fat lady, there's a fat dude warming up...

2010-08-24T22:38:00.001-04:00

Starting weight: 264.2
Weight last week: 230.8
Current weight: 231.0
Lost this week: UP .2

Total lost to date: 34.2

Weight left to lose: 51.0

no comment because there is none needed. I feel shitty enough without beating myself up in public about it.

Wait a minute, wasn't that the whole point of this thing?!?!?!

Ooops....

Week 113: Part Deux- more bad neuxs

2010-08-17T18:40:00.000-04:00

Starting weight: 264.2
Weight last week: 228.2
Current weight: 230.8
Lost this week: UP 2.6

Total lost to date: 34.4

Weight left to lose: 50.8

yeah... totally not making it are we?

Week 113- cr2032, where art thou?

2010-08-17T13:24:00.003-04:00

Seriously, how hard is it to find a crummy battery?!?!?!?

Feeling a little thinner, back on the horse big time. I'm gonna weigh in tomorrow, providing I can get a battery.

Needless to say, I will not make my goal, and I'm seriously pissed off about it*.

I mean, I'm pissed in general and at myself specifically. I got lazy, and yeah, I could have gotten up at 5 to go to the gym but didn't because I was "too tired." No shock there, dum-dum, you're tired because your fat ass has been sitting around and getting wider instead of getting up, getting sweaty and thereby gaining the energy you're complaining about not having!

Also I appear to be typing in run on sentences.

* you should see how bad the typos were when I first banged this out, for example. Sheesh.

Week 112- Weigh in will be delayed...

2010-08-10T09:28:00.000-04:00

as the damn scale is not working. I am looking for a new battery :)

My guess is I am up again. I'm just not doing what I need to do.

Knowing I did not make my goal, mainly due to not being committed enough and being lazy and busy with other stuff is really a kick in the ass.

I almost want to shut the blog down and erase the whole thing, but that's no use. What would that serve?

I need it as a reminder of what I can do and did not do. I need it as motivation as I'm not giving up, just in a slump.

Why is it...

2010-08-05T13:59:00.002-04:00

...when you forget your cell phone at home you may as well be in 1888 because there's no pay phones?

I mean, come on! Surely gas stations should have them.

I hate the cell phone and think it's one of the worst inventions ever, but it's a necessary evil these days, sadly.

Week 111- Keep eating bad kids and you too can look like me...

2010-08-03T17:00:00.000-04:00

Starting weight: 264.2
Weight last week: 226.8
Current weight: 228.2
Lost this week: UP 2.4

Total lost to date: 36.0

Weight left to lose: 48.2

What in the hell am I doing to myself?

Seriously, I know my life has become ridiculously stressful in the last year but this in inexcusable.

Self sabotage, perhaps?

Perhaps...

...and here's another reason you're fat, America!

2010-07-28T23:00:00.002-04:00

Whilst I was picking up my coffee the other morning @ Quick Chek, my faux-rista* friend Julia told me about customers who expect to be served by the staff at the self serve coffee bar. I shook my head ruefully. She then told me of another man that morning who became completely livid when the deli workers wouldn't take his order and instructed him to enter it via their touch screen system, so it could be processed in order.

When acting like a petulant spoiled little brat didn't work, he declared “That's it, I'm going to McDonald's where I don't have to work to get my meal!” and stormed out.

Yep, pushing a few buttons to get food is too much work for this guy. Look you asshat, if it was good enough for George Fucking Jetson, I think it's probably OK for you as well.

This is another reason we're fat. Pushing buttons is too much work. Sweet Cracker Sandwich, is this what it's come to?

I mean, I bet you if he did drive to the Golden Arches, he sat in the drive-through to order and ate in the car.

Which brings me to Rich's Obvious Food Tip #1: Any food you order from your car** is, more than likely, pretty crappy for you.

*I call her a “faux-rista” because while she makes all the coffee and stocks all the accouterments and such, she does not actually serve the coffee to the customer. You do this yourself, unless you're a goddamned idiot or fresh off the turnip truck or something and can't wrap your feeble brain around the concept.

** and generally eat in your car!

Week 110- I have nothing clever to say about week 110.

2010-07-27T08:56:00.000-04:00

Starting weight: 264.2
Weight last week: 227.2
Current weight: 226.8
Lost this week: down .4

Total lost to date: 37.4

Weight left to lose: 46.8

Well, it's not much...

Ah, who am I kidding? I expected a gain, so I'll take it.

Week 109- I am getting fatter. This is not according to plan.

2010-07-25T11:12:00.001-04:00

Starting weight: 264.2
Weight last week: 222.1
Current weight: 227.2
Lost this week: UP FIVE POINT ONE?!?!?!

Total lost to date: 37.0

Weight left to lose: 47.2

Seriously, what in the hell is going on? I know I didn't eat that badly.

Admission time.

I haven't been to the gym in over two months.

Yeah. I know. Way to fail, fatty. I'm going to get back to it this week for sure. I have to. I've been stiff and sore all week and I know it's because I am not moving like I ought to.

I'd still like to be under 200 by my birthday. Is it possible?

I say we find out!

PLEASE NOTE: This weigh in did occur on Tuesday, the normal weigh in day.

Seriously, China, I'm asking a question here...

2010-07-14T20:55:00.002-04:00

What's with all the spam comments I have been having to filter out? Please go hawk your surely bootleg boner pills someplace else, OK?

Oh, and please stop using cadmium in kid's jewelry. Seriously, that's just goddamn irresponsible and stupid.

With love,

Your pal Rich.

PS- Tell Jackie Chan I said "hey!"

Week 108- Staying the course, thank goodness!

2010-07-13T08:52:00.000-04:00

Starting weight: 264.2
Weight last week: 222.1
Current weight: 222.1
Lost this week: nada, but I'll take it.

Total lost to date: 42.1

Weight left to lose: 42.1

Considering I again ate the sliders at Big Ed's this week, I thought for sure I was boned, but I was OK on the scale. Now, I'm pretty sure had I not had them, I'd have gone down.

I can live with it.

Week 107- Back in the saddle, and a good bit lighter for it.

2010-07-06T17:39:00.000-04:00

Starting weight: 264.2
Weight last week: 228.1
Current weight: 222.1
Lost this week: 6 pounds! Wooo!

Total lost to date: 42.1

Weight left to lose: 42.1

OK, how freaking odd is it I am EXACTLY at my halfway to goal?

Now, you and I know that there's no way on God's Green Earth that I am going to lose 42.1 pounds by August 27^th 2010, short of getting ebola or losing my torso or something.*

So, I shall amend my goal to be under or as close to 200 pounds by then as possible. I think now that I am back on course, I should be able to manage this. I was a little upset with myself that I didn't reach my goal by now and when I realized I wasn't going to get it done in time I got a little self-berating.

No, I'm self-deprecating to a fault, any of my friends will tell you that, but it's usually played for a laugh. Sometimes, however, I get pretty down on myself. It's only recently I have begun to recognize when I am doing it, and pull myself out of it. This is something that I seriously needed to do, and I'm still sorting it out.

Anyhow, back to the weight loss bit, eh? Quite frankly, it's about 100 degrees with 90 some percent humidity out, so standing outside is like being an a sauna, just with less shirtless old men. Urf. Seriously, cooking in the kitchen is hot. I'm totally making my own gravy over here.

I had two people tell me I was looking better this week, so that's nice. I am feeling a little better about myself, enough so that I was able to take my shirt off at the waterpark yesterday. That's something anyway.

*Dear God, this is not a request or serious suggestion. Hyperbole, baby!

We could probably end our dependence on foreign oil...

2010-07-01T17:57:00.000-04:00

..if we drilled a hole into my GI tract and siphoned of the abundant Natural Gas deposits that are currently terrorizing my family.

Seriously, it's terrible. It's the GI Apocalypse! I have cramps, I'm so bloated that I feel like a family of schmoos* have moved into my belly. I'm bloated beyond my capacity for rational thought. This makes me very, very surly.

Then there's there's the smell.

It's like a million landfills burning in my hindquarters and gullet. Heavens above, Gromit! I take this opportunity to publicly apologize to anyone who happened to be downwind of the Superfund site that was my ass for the past 48 hours.

On the plus side, with all the trips to the International Room**, I ought to drop some weigh this week.

*Although, according to the Wiki, the plural is “Schmoon!”. Also, I learned a “nogoodnik” as an evil schmoo! Who knew?

** When you go in you're Russian, then European, and when you come out, you're Finnish!

Week 106- No weigh? Yes, no weigh!

2010-06-29T19:34:00.002-04:00

Yeah, it's my wife's birthday today and my dumb ass forgot to weigh in. ah well, what can you do? I'm going to wait until next week.

Week 105- Bad news, folks...

2010-06-22T19:32:00.000-04:00

Starting weight: 264.2
Weight last week: 222.6
Current weight: 228.1
Lost this week: Sweet Jesus, up FIVE AND A HALF GODDAMN POUNDS!

Total lost to date: 36.1

Weight left to lose: 48.1

Warn the townsfolk at the bottom of the mountain! It's a flab-alanche!

Yeah, I kinda knew it was coming, but still it's a heartbreaker, you know?

Part of it is stress and the eating that can invariably come with it.

Too many desserts is another.

Big Ed's 3.99 BBQ Pork Sliders lunch was the fat straw that broke my sweaty back.

For 3.99 you get 3 pulled pork sliders with potato wedges (or fries) and cole slaw. Now, as you know, I believe Cheese to be the Devil. If that is the case, Mayonnaise is Cheese's right hand man in culinary evil, followed quickly by scrambled eggs.

Anyway these sammiches are served on those little garlic rolls you get before the meal.

It is why the term “OMFG” was invented.

Also, OMFGIATIACFA* as well

*Oh my effin' God, I am turning into a colossal fat-ass!

Good grief!

2010-06-21T14:57:00.000-04:00

Met my wife 13 years ago today.

That's pretty astounding, isn't it. This year we'll be married for 10 years or fully 1/4 of my life!

Happy anniversary, chickie! I love you :)

Week 104- Plateau-ing the line

2010-06-17T16:42:00.002-04:00

Starting weight: 264.2
Weight last week: 222.6
Current weight: 222.6
Lost this week: 0

Total lost to date: 41.6

Weight left to lose: 42.6

OK, it's not UP, but it's not down. Sorry for not getting this up at a normal time, but there was a lot going on...This result IS from Tuesday though, so don't worry, the results are not skewed.

I have been told that, believe it or not, Chili's has removed the Awesome Blossom from it's menu. This is probably old news, as I haven't eaten at Chili's in at least a year, and when I was last there, I'm pretty sure we only laughed about the damned thing.

Upon researching this, it appears this occurred about 2 years ago. I am out of the loop as far as the chain restaurants go.

Week 103- Good News/Bad News

2010-06-09T12:15:00.003-04:00

Starting weight: 264.2
Weight last week: 224.6
Current weight: 222.6
Lost this week: 2.0

Total lost to date: 41.6

Weight left to lose: 42.6

Sorry for the late update, kids. I did my tuesday weigh in, but the home PC is virused up pretty thoroughly. I’d like to meet the guy who wrote the program and punch him in the sack, and I’m not referring to hitting him while he’s asleep.

That’s the bad news. The good news is I am down two pounds! Wooooooo!

OK, I’m pretty psyched that I lost two pounds, and I go for more bloodwork on Thursday so we’ll see how that’s going.

My arms are getting more defined and that’s nice, but the gut still vexes me.*

Also, I discovered that while 34 waist shorts are perfectly fine, that does not translate to board shorts, as the Most Awesome Bathing Suit Ever (seriously, it’s ridiculous. Pictures forthcoming!) failed to cover my junk properly**. It would have been pretty rad for a trip to say, Hedonism or I dunno, the Tri-State Show Us Your Wang convention, but wholly inappropriate for the apartment complex pool.

Nobody needs to be involved in that situation.

* Shush already, I know. More crunches for the muscles, more running and sweating for the flab.

**Sorry, Ladies. This ship has sailed. :)

The "Worst Food Product Ever" May Have Been Found

2010-06-07T18:35:00.003-04:00

Sweet Fancy Moses...

Pork Brains In Milk Gravy.

Seriously.

Calorie-wise, you say "Well, that's not bad. 150 Calories in a whole can. Not too bad!" and then you look at the cholesterol.

1170%

What in the hell would possess someone to eat this?

I mean unless this is the food equivalent of the Giant Check you get when Publisher's Clearinghouse shows up*. I mean, that'd maybe be convincing but I dunno.

Well, weigh in tomorrow. See you then.

* or sex. I mean it could be like sex, I guess. They say brains are sexy, right?

Week 102- 1 pound down. Also, the computer :)

2010-06-03T10:19:00.002-04:00

Starting weight: 264.2
Weight last week: 225.6
Current weight: 224.6
Lost this week: 1.0
Total lost to date: 39.6

Weight left to lose: 44.6

Sorry this was posted late, but I have a RootKit virus on my PC. So, I have been backing up that which was not yet backed up, and getting ready for the arduous task of reinstalling every damned thing onto the PC.

Joy and rapture.

This can't be a suprise to anyone, can it?

2010-05-27T15:23:00.003-04:00

From Men's Health and the Consumerist-

2,010 Calorie shake from Cold Stone Named Worst Drink in America:

Only days after the Center for Science in the Public Interest ruined everyone's dinner plans with their list of the worst meals available at U.S. restaurants, the muscle-bound dudes over at Men's Health Magazine have released their own list of the worst drinks in America.

Topping the list is the PB&C shake from Cold Stone Creamery, which in the 24 oz. (aka "gotta have it") size contains 2,010 calories, 131 g fat (68 g saturated) and 153 g sugars. The Men's Health people put it in perspective, equating one shake to 30 Chewy Chips Ahoy Cookies and claiming it has as much saturated fat as 68 strips of bacon.

Also on the Men's Health Worst Drink list:

* Smoothie King Peanut Power Plus Grape (large, 40 fl oz):
1,498 calories; 44 g fat (8 g saturated); 214 g sugars

* McDonald’s Triple Thick Chocolate Shake (large, 32 fl oz):
1,160 calories; 27 g fat (16 g saturated, 2 g trans); 168 g sugars

* Krispy Kreme Lemon Sherbet Chiller (20 fl oz):
980 calories; 40 g fat (36 g saturated); 115 g sugars

* Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream Soda (vanilla ice cream and cola) (large, 28.6 fl oz):
960 calories; 40 g fat (25 g saturated, 1.5 g trans); 136 g sugars

To see all 20 belly-busting beverages on the list, head over to Men's Health.

Again, with the 68 strips of bacon! Sweet Valley High, that's a lot of fat. I mean, why not go just go all out and eat a seal pup?

I am astounded that the "Gotta Have It" size does not refer to a stroke.

I have only eaten at Coldstone maybe three times in my life, but there was one never the Blockbuster I used to frequent (in the same plaza as a Weight Watchers actually! Synergy!) and more often than not they were of the "behemoth" variety.

I know that sounds cruel, but look, I was there. OK, maybe I wasn't in the Behemoth category, but I was at least in the Junior Division. I know you eat to fill a void, I've been there. You don't feel like you're worth anything to anyone, so you eat. You get fatter, and think even less of yourself so you eat more.

I just want to assure you, you can change it. It doesn't matter how bad you have let yourself get. You need to get up and get moving. I won't lie to you, it's hard, it's damned hard. You need to celebrate every win, no matter how small, because they are all building blocks to get to where you want to go.

You will fall down. Everyone does. I did, hell I still do. Just get up, dust yourself off, and start again.

Week 101. I gotta get back on this goddamn horse.

2010-05-25T22:54:00.000-04:00

Starting weight: 264.2
Weight last week: 223.6
Current weight: 225.6
Lost this week: +2.0
Total lost to date: 38.6

Weight left to lose: 45.6

Whattya know? Eating crappy and not exercising properly makes you put on weight! Who would have guessed?

Back in action as of now. I may not make my goal, but I will be under 200 by my birthday.

Week 100- Hooray! I'm still fat! Wait a second...

2010-05-18T15:32:00.001-04:00

Starting weight: 264.2
Weight last week: 221.5
Current weight: 223.6
Lost this week: +2.1
Total lost to date: 40.6

Weight left to lose: 43.6

Damn, blast and double-damn!

At this rate, I'm blowing this big time.

My head weighs like 20 pounds (it has to, it's huuuuuge!) so there's always the option of removing that :)

I gotta keep my big trap shut (not a post about eating!)!

2010-05-12T20:07:00.005-04:00

I realize every time I make one of those "Man, I am so gonna kill it next week!" posts, I don't so much kill it, you know?

I got lucky. Despite not as much gymming as I should have, I stayed the same. I attribute that to two days of busting my hump @ the Flea Market and one day of busting our collective humps (me an the missus) sorting out the garage. This is a good thing, because previously, it looked like the Salvation Army exploded. Currently, due to high stacks of plastic storage bins with walkways intertwined, it looks like I'm hiding the Ark of the Covenant (see below):

(this is an actual photo of my garage. No, really*!)

Anyway, I'm off to the gym to get all sweaty and listen to the latest edition of the Uncanny Xcast, my favorite podcast. It's not for kids, and you don't really have to be into the comics to enjoy it.

Remind me to tell you about Irony Wednesday.

*No, not really!

Week 99- Houston, we have a problem.

2010-05-11T08:38:00.001-04:00

Starting weight: 264.2
Weight last week: 221.5
Current weight: 221.5
Lost this week: 0
Total lost to date: 42.7

Weight left to lose: 41.5

Well...

piffle!

Week 98- downward ho!

2010-05-04T12:20:00.002-04:00

Starting weight: 264.2
Weight last week: 223.0
Current weight: 221.5
Lost this week: 1.5
Total lost to date: 42.7

Weight left to lose: 41.5

OK, this is getting exciting.

I now have less to lose than I have lost total, so that's good.

I am 1.5 pounds away from The Wall. Yes, the Wall. I have yet to get past The Wall of 220.

I will do it this week.

I am going to work my ass off and I don't care if I am 219.9, I will be under 220 this time next week.

I'm in a friendly contest with my friend Bill Moon and he's at 220 today, the bastard.

I gotta step up or push him into a buffet, one or the other.

Well, shit...

2010-05-03T20:09:00.002-04:00

62 days is obviously false. This is what I get for not checking my facts.

The counter is obviously boned right now.

I'm going to look for a new one, because I can't make it work otherwise. Sheesh.

My goodness! 62 days left!! Does anyone know where I can rent a bear?

2010-05-03T19:00:00.000-04:00

Brown, Black, Kodiak. Hell, even a surly Panda should do the trick. I'm going to carry some fresh salmon* and let the bear chase me on the treadmill.

I did 600 calories on the thing the other night. I didn't gym it up this weekend, but I was all over the damn place at Sesame Place on Saturday so I think I got a pretty good sweat going at least.

I'm going to beat myself pretty senseless at the gym later. I am hoping for a loss this week. The weather has turned much warmer, and I feel I probably lose more weight in the summer because I am sweating more.

I could also be clutching at straws :)

* in the case of the panda, bamboo sandwiches...

Week 97- This here is the home stretch!

2010-04-27T17:14:00.005-04:00

Starting weight: 264.2
Weight last week: 225.0
Current weight: 223.0
Lost this week: Down 2!
Total lost to date: 41.2

Weight left to lose: 43.0

OK. Four months to go. Damn, that seems like the blink of an eye, doesn't it?

Four months to lose 43 pounds.

This is going to be tough. 16 weeks, at two pounds a week (optimistically) is only 32 pounds which pulls me up 11 pounds short.

I do not wish to be 11 pounds short.

Last night's workout was severe for two reasons. 1) I wanted to make sure I lost this week so I beat the living daylights out of myself. 2) they play patently awful dance/club music at the gym at night. When I hate the music I seem to work out harder.

And man, do I hate that music. Duing the day they sometimes play the Boneyard on Sirius/XM and yeah, that's pretty good stuff. When that's on I am good to go for the most part. Classic Rock with more of a metal edge, you know, Scorpions, Maiden, Priest, etc.

Then sometimes they play horrible, horrible disco music. Terrible, crappy music with robotic Auto-Tuned vocals. Completely soulless, and relentlessly offensive, aesthetically at least, to me.

It seems nights have been also attracting a lot of muscle-head Guido types*, although I did see a kid there in a Suicidal Tendencies shirt last night, so that was something. I'm sure he was suffering as well. Anyway, back to the Guidos. Most of them are OK, and I find most people there are reasonably friendly all-around, but I like the AM/Early afternoon folks more. I have little nicknames for them, and invent back stories or whatever.

Look, it keeps it interesting if I think Super Virile Asian Guy is fooling around with the MILFy Twins. I try not to involve thoughts of Short-Shorts/Cop Mustache is all.**

Anyway, I'm really trying to up the intensity of the workouts so I can get some bigger numbers. I'd like to lose three this week and hit 220. That seems to be some invisible barrier or something. When I hit that I think 200 will be the next tough nut to crack.

* That don't make you a bad person, but it's a "gruntier" experience, you know?

** Yes there are Night People with nicknames as well. There's Divorced Blonde Mom and daughter(who does not have a name, she's DBM's sidekick), Garlic Woman, Sparkly Scotty (so named because he wears his hat sideways [YES, at the gym!] like scotty from the little Rascals and bedazzled shirts, and Lacrosse Girl.

Last week, I forgot to mention-

2010-04-26T14:14:00.003-04:00

I bested my best time on the Blue Trail at Cheesequake.

It's a 2.5 mile trail, mostly steep hills and rickety Staircases of Death(tm) and one perilously shaky sounding boardwalk over a salt marsh. I won't run on the walkway anymore. Not because I don't think it's solid, because it is, but because it's a little warped and, to be frank, I don't need to bathe in a swamp.

I did it in 43 minutes, which is 7 minutes better than my previous time.

So, last week wasn't all bad :) I also saw a lot of animals on that run. 2 deer, a rather surly frog, a very shy snake, and a couple little fat blue birds that looked like winged blue racket balls. Adorable!

Week 96 is goddamn depressing...

2010-04-20T23:21:00.001-04:00

Sorry for the delay in posting. Things were a little crazy, then the damn internet connection kept going down, etc. Fun stuff.

Starting weight: 264.2
Weight last week: 223.0
Current weight: 225.0
Lost this week: up two. Seriously, WTF?!?!?!
Total lost to date: 39.2

Weight left to lose: 45.0

Up?

This is really annoying. Maybe I built some muscle? Clothes fit better, and yet, I am heavier.

"Awesome" could not possibly weigh this much, could it?

Did 4.5 miles in 40 minutes in the Yellow trail in Cheesequake on Tuesday. It's an easy trail, so I made good time. I saw a huge mess of deer and tiny blue bird that looked like Disney cartoons. It was pretty good.

Two milestones achieved...

2010-04-19T12:00:00.000-04:00

1) I managed to do some pull ups for the first time ever. 39 years, pull up free and I managed 5. Yay for me!

2) Two words- Medium Underpants!*

* you betcha!

Happy Birthday(s)!

2010-04-16T10:32:00.002-04:00

Happy 04 to my son, on Wednesday, and happy 81 to my Dad today!

Week 95- Honestly, I'm getting a little annoyed...

2010-04-13T09:23:00.002-04:00

Starting weight: 264.2
Weight last week: 224.0
Current weight: 223.0
Lost this week: 1.0
Total lost to date: 41.2

Weight left to lose: 43.0

One pound, eh?

Well.

I guess I have no choice but to switch to Plan B. I'm going to have to take up smoking crack.*

* Just kidding, kids. Freebasing cocaine is way better for weight loss!**

** it saddens me to have to put this here, but I am KIDDING. I don't wanna be responsible for some moron kid on Intervention in a couple years crying into a dirty flannel shirt about how he just wanted to drop "that last 10 pounds" and that he saw this on a blog.