Day 291 Explaining Lyrical Interpretation and A Midnight Swim

Day 291

Explaining Lyrical Interpretation and A Midnight Swim

I received an e-mail today concerning last night's blog. It seemed written with an annoyed tone, maybe it's just me, what do you think?: “I'm yours by Jason Mraz is special to me and my husband. Explain to me how you could say it applies to your losing weight journey.” That was it. No name, no “enjoy your blog,” no “just wondering, lol,” No “please.” Nothing but a demand for an explanation. I suspect this reader isn't a reader at all. She probably found last night's posting because it mentioned Mraz, and couldn't figure out how in the world someone could manipulate the meaning her and husband find so special. I replied with one sentence: “I'll respond on Day 291's entry.” I didn't have time to write a big long personal response explaining why I find that song special and how I've transformed it from a love song into a motivating weight loss song. This explanation is easy:
Musical interpretation is up to each individual person. The reasons I find that song special doesn't take away from the meaning and specialness for you and your husband. That's it. I don't know your life, and you don't know mine (if you haven't read this blog), so understanding each others' interpretation of this song isn't possible. Here are a few lyrics and the interpretation as it applies to me---First verse and chorus---line by line. Lyric: Well you done done me in, you bet I felt it. Interpretation: My morbid obesity was doing me in, and you can bet, I was feeling it. Lyric: I tried to be chill but you're so hot that I melted. Interpretation: I never took my obesity serious enough, past attempts were made with a “chill out” excuse friendly attitude. It was such a major undertaking, that I crumbled, or “melted” under the pressure. Lyric: I fell right through the cracks, now I'm trying to get back. Interpretation: I failed so many times, but now I'm attempting again. Lyric: Before the cool done run out, I'll be given it my bestest. Interpretation: Before it's too late, I'm giving it my best, most consistent effort ever, my “bestest.” Lyric: And nothings gonna stop me but divine intervention. Interpretation: I'm doing this no matter what, unless God has other plans, meaning--none of us are guaranteed a long life just because we're determined to make positive changes now. Lyric: I reckon it's again my turn, to win some or learn some. Interpretation: We win with our victories along the way and we learn from our stumbles. Lyric: But I wont hesitate, no more, no more, it cannot wait, I'm yours. Interpretation: I'm doing it this time...I can't wait any longer...Commitment, I'm yours! I could keep going, but you get the idea.

I had a personal appearance/remote broadcast this morning. They were grilling hot dogs, the bun length kind. The 170 calories each kind. I really didn't want to invest 430 calories in a hotdog and chips, but I needed to eat something before the broadcast ended, so I had a hotdog minus the bun, dipping it in mustard. There are so many more wonderful ways to “spend” 170 calories, I hated to do it with a bun-less dog, but sometimes you just have to make the best possible choice based on the circumstances. After the broadcast I picked up a Wendy's grilled chicken go-wrap with regular mustard instead of the calorie laden honey mustard. I also ordered it without cheese. I whittled the calories down to 180 for that thing by making those changes. I normally leave the cheese on, I mean really, you know about me and cheese right? But I was “paying” for such a bad calorie value in the hotdog earlier.

On the way home I stopped by the Oklahoma Blood Institute for their 3rd Annual Catfish dinner blood drive. I wasn't donating today, not till later this month for me, but they still insisted I try the fish. I did and it was amazing!

I grilled some lean burgers on the grill tonight. Only 200 calories each make these a wonderful treat at least once or twice a week around here. I added an actual bun for 110, some onions and mustard and 20 calories worth of ketchup...oh, and a half piece of American cheese for 30 calories.

After dinner I received a phone call from a friend. He wanted me to come over and “show my body” to his company. What he meant was, I hadn't been in the same room with this friend of his since I weighed over 500 pounds. It was way more than a “wow reaction,” it was a “I can't print what he said” reaction. And he just wouldn't stop mentioning the difference. It was real good.

After spending the evening with these friends, I enjoyed a really good workout in the pool at midnight! Oh my, yes...midnight swimming! After completing my workout, I just floated on my back, staring at the stars above. It was a wonderful way to unwind after a big busy day. I also planned on walking at least a 5K tonight, but those plans changed with the advancing hour. I did get a good workout in the pool, so this day wasn't a complete exercise bust!

I talked to my mom again tonight. She's so happy these days. She's losing weight consistently for the first time in a long time. She weighed today and logged another 2 ½ pound loss. She fully understands why she's having success...it's consistency. She walks every night, at least a mile, without fail. And she keeps her calories within budget every single day. I'm so proud of you mom! You can do this, I mean...look at you!!! You ARE doing this! Love you mom.

Friday is a very busy day. I'm off from my morning radio show, thank goodness, considering how horribly late it is right now. I've been hired to MC the independence weekend festivities at one of the big casinos around here. I voice all of their radio commercials too, so it makes sense. It's a two day job. They're having “family friendly” events in the parking lot, so it should be a bunch of sun and fun! I need to remember to take the sunblock. I don't tan, I burn. I must protect myself!
I'm headed to get some seriously needed sleep. Thank you for the wonderful comments and for reading everyday along this journey. It's an amazing feeling to be this far along, believe me! Goodnight and...

Good Choices,
Sean