Day 117
Temptation Vs. My Inner Voice
Learning how to deal with temptation is a big part of this game. When I'm facing something tempting, I immediately start running the numbers in my head. If the calories in the temptation will drastically effect my dinner plans and late night snack, then I usually will pass. So sometimes I choose food based on mathematics. I say “usually,” because you know, especially if you read this blog on a regular basis, I sometimes leave myself without a calorie to spare hours before bedtime. It's all in the choices right?
Today a co-worker of mine brought in some chocolate covered Oreos. I love oreos, and chocolate covered? Oh yeah, that's even better! But they really looked loaded. The gift package they came in didn't have a calorie count, so I googled it, and walla-- 100 calories per cookie. At that point in the day I'd only had 300 calories, so I could “afford it,” but did I want to spend 100 calories on that little taste of chocolate covered heaven? No. I politely declined the offer. But I was tempted! How do I deal with temptation mentally? I have to say, as I get further along this journey, it's getting much easier. At a certain point I realized how far I've come and I don't ever want to go backwards. I sometimes have to get really dramatic with my inner voice. My inner voice: “Sean, this temptation isn't worth throwing away everything you've worked for over the last (insert number of days here) days. You know how we are, if we go nuts this one time, and veer off the course, we may never find the path again, and you'll die young and fat. We'll be lost Sean, and over what? A banana split from Braums? Don't do it man, there's too many people that care about you. Care about yourself this time. We'll have a Dream Bar when we get to the house. That's it, let it go, let it go...You're doing great Sean.” Thank goodness these internal conversations are silent, or else they might have me committed. But I share that with you to illustrate my point. This journey involves a lot of mental aerobics. My natural inclination has always been to eat whatever and how ever much I wanted. So breaking that habit takes a ton of self-control, and that's where my inner voice comes in and talks me into the good choices. Of course my “good choices” may not be considered “good choices” by everyone. I'm all about the calories. I don't care about fat grams or carbs or anything but the calorie content. I have a high “flavor set point,” so I like things that taste really good to me. I can't stand salad alone. If I'm going to eat salad of any kind, it better be stuffed into a taco shell or between two hamburger buns. But that's just me. Sherri made a good comment on yesterdays blog about this very thing. She said she was more concerned about quantity. And I understand that completely. She'd rather have an incredibly filling salad over a higher calorie serving of something else, like my fried chicken and mashed potatoes of last night. Again, it all goes back to choices. There's really no “right or wrong” here. I can choose a whole lot of low calorie food or I can choose the high calorie stuff and just eat less. It's all good. Good choices are different for each person, it's based on personal taste.
I hear people all the time say “I've got to learn to eat better.” I just want to continue learning how to control my intake instead of letting it control me. I'm not going to turn into a gourmet low calorie cook anytime soon, I'll eat whatever we're having, but I'll educate myself on the proper portion and the calories involved every time. I was talking to a friend today about late night eating. He told me that he loves to eat peanut butter on a slice of bread with a glass of milk before turning in for the evening. Depending on how much peanut butter is used, this could easily be a 300 to 400 calorie snack. Add another slice of bread and some jelly, now we're talking about 600 calories. I told him it was always a big bowl of cereal for me. And when I say big bowl, I mean at least three times the suggested serving size. And I wouldn't stop there because after the first bowl, I had to have a re-fill! I bet sometimes I would consume nearly a thousand calories in cereal and milk right before bed. Another friend offered a suggestion to the late night peanut butter eater. One slice of bread and a thin layer of peanut butter. OK, now we're talking about 120 to 150 calories. That's not a bad snack total at all. For me, I've tried a “normal” portion of cereal, to the letter in fact, and it's not that much at all, but it still taste good. I just eat it slower. So if “learning to eat better” means forcing myself to eat things or prepare things I wouldn't normally, then forget it. You will not find any “fat free” items in my fridge, or Tofu, or veggie burgers. I guess I'm just a rebel like that.
I'm feeling so great these days. The 90 pounds I've shed so far has made such an incredible difference in the way I feel. I just keep putting one day in front of the other. 1,500 calories of whatever I want and exercise. That's it. Oh, and water, plenty of water. I drink a bunch of flavored water. I almost feel guilty because it taste so good, but it's still water, and it's still zero calories. Please tell me it still counts! I have consumed some regular water lately, and you know what? As long as it's pure and cold, I really can't say it's bad at all. And of course it makes me feel really good to drink it that way. You know what I do at restaurants? I order water with extra lemons, then I squeeze the lemon juice into the water and add a packet or two of artificial sweetener. It's free lemonade! So good!
Have a wonderful day and thank you for taking the time to read. This blog chronicles my daily thoughts and experiences as I transform from over 500 pounds to 230 pounds, or where ever I look and feel my best. It's helped keep me on track so many times. I look forward to sharing my thoughts here every single night. Good night and...
Good Choices,
Sean
Friday, January 9, 2009
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Day 116 The Athlete Inside and Unlikely "Diet" Foods
Day 116
The Athlete Inside and Unlikely “Diet” Foods
I'm really excited about this two week ten pound weigh in challenge. I honestly don't think it's going to be too difficult if I stay focused on the goal. I believe I can get it done. I've kind of been cruising right along with 7 pounds the previous weigh day and 8 pounds yesterday. So it shouldn't be that hard to step it up to 10 pounds for this period.
Tonight I had a special broadcast to do at one of the big casinos in the area. They brought in an Elvis Impersonator from Branson for a big free concert. As I people watched between on air breaks, I was focusing on different large body types. After doing this for a while, Irene showed up for work and we talked for a few minutes about large body types. Some guys have a really large belly and skinny legs, some have a large rear and legs, but not much of a belly. Some guys have a skinny face and a big body. You see all kinds everywhere. But I'm a little different. I'm equally big all over. I have a very even weight distribution, so I'm pretty sure that's one of the key reasons I've been able to carry around over 500 pounds for years. As I chatted with my wife, we concluded that I was never meant to be so heavy! I was just lucky to be 6'3”. I was half joking when I said I was hiding the body of an athlete under all this. I really have an athletic build underneath and it's so exciting to see it slowly emerge. It makes sense really, after all, this body has been lugging around over 500 pounds. With every movement I was in weight training!
I really love the freedom that counting calories allows. Tonight I had fried chicken and mashed potatoes with cream gravy. What “diet” would condone that? But this is not a “diet”, this is a lifestyle change. I'm learning about portion control. I had a fried chicken breast and a small serving of the mashed potatoes and gravy. How did I calculate the meal? Well, since the food at the casino doesn't come with calorie counts I had to compare to like items at other places with calorie counts. A fried chicken breast at KFC is 350, I've had many of those over the years, and the one I had tonight was comparable in size. A small mashed potatoes and gravy from KFC is 120. Since this gravy was a little thicker than KFC, and white instead of brown, I added 40 calories to make it 160. My meal total was 510, and after enjoying it real slow I was satisfied. And I still had plenty of calories remaining. I would have added a vegetable, but all they had was corn, and I had the calories for a serving, but I chose not to use it on corn. Instead I used it on a 130 calorie ice cream bar. I just imagine someone reading this blog for the first time. They probably think I'm crazy! I'm sure some would think “Fried chicken and mashed potatoes with gravy and an ice cream bar? And he expects to lose weight?” Yes I do, and I am, everyday. Again, it's all about the portion size. The old Sean would have scarfed down at least 3 big pieces of chicken and at least a double portion of potatoes and extra gravy. And the old Sean wouldn't have the single stick 130 calorie bar, it would have been Eskimo Pies or Klondike Bars, and I wouldn't have stopped at one. Do I feel deprived? Heavens no! I still have all the taste and food I love, just in smaller quantities. I'm learning how to appreciate my food and slow down long enough to realize I've had some. So can I lose weight eating “whatever I want?” Absolutely, I've logged 90 pounds of proof so far.
With our schedule today it was impossible to make a run for the YMCA. So even though it's late, we still have at least two miles to handle before turning in for the night. I really can't miss a workout if I expect to lose 10 pounds in the next two weeks. I'm summoning the inner drill sergeant in me to get my rear out there and do it tonight, because I have to tell you, I really feel like going to bed and it's cold out there! I could come up with a zillion valid excuses to not do it. But I need only one valid reason to convince me otherwise: 10 more pounds by 01/21/2009.
I had better get off here and out there before it gets super late. Have a fantastic Friday! Good night and...
Good Choices,
Sean
The Athlete Inside and Unlikely “Diet” Foods
I'm really excited about this two week ten pound weigh in challenge. I honestly don't think it's going to be too difficult if I stay focused on the goal. I believe I can get it done. I've kind of been cruising right along with 7 pounds the previous weigh day and 8 pounds yesterday. So it shouldn't be that hard to step it up to 10 pounds for this period.
Tonight I had a special broadcast to do at one of the big casinos in the area. They brought in an Elvis Impersonator from Branson for a big free concert. As I people watched between on air breaks, I was focusing on different large body types. After doing this for a while, Irene showed up for work and we talked for a few minutes about large body types. Some guys have a really large belly and skinny legs, some have a large rear and legs, but not much of a belly. Some guys have a skinny face and a big body. You see all kinds everywhere. But I'm a little different. I'm equally big all over. I have a very even weight distribution, so I'm pretty sure that's one of the key reasons I've been able to carry around over 500 pounds for years. As I chatted with my wife, we concluded that I was never meant to be so heavy! I was just lucky to be 6'3”. I was half joking when I said I was hiding the body of an athlete under all this. I really have an athletic build underneath and it's so exciting to see it slowly emerge. It makes sense really, after all, this body has been lugging around over 500 pounds. With every movement I was in weight training!
I really love the freedom that counting calories allows. Tonight I had fried chicken and mashed potatoes with cream gravy. What “diet” would condone that? But this is not a “diet”, this is a lifestyle change. I'm learning about portion control. I had a fried chicken breast and a small serving of the mashed potatoes and gravy. How did I calculate the meal? Well, since the food at the casino doesn't come with calorie counts I had to compare to like items at other places with calorie counts. A fried chicken breast at KFC is 350, I've had many of those over the years, and the one I had tonight was comparable in size. A small mashed potatoes and gravy from KFC is 120. Since this gravy was a little thicker than KFC, and white instead of brown, I added 40 calories to make it 160. My meal total was 510, and after enjoying it real slow I was satisfied. And I still had plenty of calories remaining. I would have added a vegetable, but all they had was corn, and I had the calories for a serving, but I chose not to use it on corn. Instead I used it on a 130 calorie ice cream bar. I just imagine someone reading this blog for the first time. They probably think I'm crazy! I'm sure some would think “Fried chicken and mashed potatoes with gravy and an ice cream bar? And he expects to lose weight?” Yes I do, and I am, everyday. Again, it's all about the portion size. The old Sean would have scarfed down at least 3 big pieces of chicken and at least a double portion of potatoes and extra gravy. And the old Sean wouldn't have the single stick 130 calorie bar, it would have been Eskimo Pies or Klondike Bars, and I wouldn't have stopped at one. Do I feel deprived? Heavens no! I still have all the taste and food I love, just in smaller quantities. I'm learning how to appreciate my food and slow down long enough to realize I've had some. So can I lose weight eating “whatever I want?” Absolutely, I've logged 90 pounds of proof so far.
With our schedule today it was impossible to make a run for the YMCA. So even though it's late, we still have at least two miles to handle before turning in for the night. I really can't miss a workout if I expect to lose 10 pounds in the next two weeks. I'm summoning the inner drill sergeant in me to get my rear out there and do it tonight, because I have to tell you, I really feel like going to bed and it's cold out there! I could come up with a zillion valid excuses to not do it. But I need only one valid reason to convince me otherwise: 10 more pounds by 01/21/2009.
I had better get off here and out there before it gets super late. Have a fantastic Friday! Good night and...
Good Choices,
Sean
Day 115 Weigh Day Number Seven and My Ten Pound Mission
Day 115
Weigh Day Number Seven and My Ten Pound Mission
OK, now it’s on! Today’s weigh day brought me closer to that milestone 100 pound mark. The scale read 415 today, down from 505, for a total loss of 90 pounds. I’m very happy with 8 pounds this time. We’re officially finished with the holidays and I made it through losing weight every step of the way. I’m proud of that accomplishment. I’ve written about my many attempts in the past that were completely destroyed by the holiday season. And when the holidays get the best of us, it’s always accepted because “Hey, relax! It’s the holidays!” But I knew if I wanted to stay on course and keep this big commitment, then I had to put my head down and focus on the really important things to me. And getting the weight off is numero uno. So the stage is set. I’ve got a short term two week goal: lose 10 pounds. Can I do it? Bet on it. I will do everything in my power to work harder, drink more water, and do the things I know work. I’m completely capable of hitting the 100 pound mark in two weeks. I have to get it done. If I were to weigh in two weeks and find another 8 pound loss, that would be great and frustrating at the same time. 9 pounds next time would be even worse! I’ll be happy with what I lose. I can’t really complain about my weight loss totals. 90 pounds in 115 days is great any way you look at it. But what am I capable of? I don’t think I’ve discovered that yet. We’ll just see what I can do in the next two weeks. I’m hitting that goal, in fact I just might shatter it. And I’ll still be eating every last bit of my 1,500 calories a day; I’ll just switch up my exercise routine. I’m excited! You know what’s going to happen. I’m going to lose 10 or 12 pounds, and then if I have a two-week period of anything less than that, I’ll feel like a slacker. I just read what I typed…I really need to get over myself! 90 pounds in 115 days…3 1/2 , 4, sometimes 5 pounds or more a week…These are phenomenal totals to be proud of. OK, I’m better now. Sometimes I have to stop long enough to realize that any frustration I might have is based on my impatient personality. I want it now, even though I know this is a one day at a time deal. Like I said, I’ll do the things I know work: Increase water consumption, stay with 1,500 calories, and workout harder. That should do it.
I did some math today and realized I’m about two weeks behind the pace of my 2004 weight loss. Not a big deal. I’m four years older and I’m only two weeks behind that pace? Fine. This isn’t a 100 meter dash, it’s a marathon. Several people have told me that. I just need to remind myself every now and then. When I hit the 103 pound mark back then, I’d been doing it four months and five days. This time, when I hit that goal in two weeks it’ll be four months, two weeks, and six days…Wait a second! I made a math mistake!!! In 2004 I started on March 15th and on July 20th I weighed in with a total loss of 103. That’s four months and five days. This time I started on September 15th and I’m on track to hit the 100 pound mark by January 21st. Four months and six days. OK, forget the first half of this paragraph! I’m only 1 day behind my pace of 2004. Wow, that’s not bad at all!
Thank you for all of the motivation and encouragement you give me. This blog was created to keep me on track everyday. But I really had no idea how much it would grow and become so important to my daily motivation. When I check the numbers and see how many times it’s been read everyday, it just blows me away. There are some days when the myspace version is read sixty or seventy times. And the “global” version (http://www.losingweighteveryday.blogspot.com/) has been read all over the United States, plus six other countries on four continents. That’s just incredible to me. I hope that somewhere out there, a person facing the same battle is reading and gaining strength from my experiences. In the beginning I just thought of this blog as my personal lifeline of support and accountability, and it still is, but now I’m really seeing how it’s potentially helping others. That makes me feel incredible.
Just remember, I’m not perfect and I’m not a doctor. But even a doctor can’t argue with the simple approach I’ve taken. I eat less, but still enough and I exercise and try to drink enough water. I’ve also tried to understand myself. The psychological aspects of this journey are an even bigger part than the food and exercise. I sometimes over analyze myself, but it’s all in an effort to really understand what I’ve done to get up over 500 pounds and what I need to do and learn to never go back. I refuse any pills or supplements that promise “amazing results.” I don’t do “meal replacement” diets or anything unnatural. I’ll admit some of these things are good for you ingredient wise, no doubt. But I can’t see how they teach us to handle food and exercise in everyday life after the weight is gone. For years I looked for something that would magically make me thin. It’s funny that the solution doesn’t cost anything, doesn’t have an infomercial, and you won’t see it advertised during the Super Bowl. It’s eating less, exercising more, and getting in touch with the real you inside. Now that solution and philosophy probably won’t land me any weight loss endorsement deals someday, but that’s just fine. This is the real deal. And I’m on my way! Have a fantastic day and again, thank you for reading and your support. Good night and…
Good Choices,
Sean
Weigh Day Number Seven and My Ten Pound Mission
OK, now it’s on! Today’s weigh day brought me closer to that milestone 100 pound mark. The scale read 415 today, down from 505, for a total loss of 90 pounds. I’m very happy with 8 pounds this time. We’re officially finished with the holidays and I made it through losing weight every step of the way. I’m proud of that accomplishment. I’ve written about my many attempts in the past that were completely destroyed by the holiday season. And when the holidays get the best of us, it’s always accepted because “Hey, relax! It’s the holidays!” But I knew if I wanted to stay on course and keep this big commitment, then I had to put my head down and focus on the really important things to me. And getting the weight off is numero uno. So the stage is set. I’ve got a short term two week goal: lose 10 pounds. Can I do it? Bet on it. I will do everything in my power to work harder, drink more water, and do the things I know work. I’m completely capable of hitting the 100 pound mark in two weeks. I have to get it done. If I were to weigh in two weeks and find another 8 pound loss, that would be great and frustrating at the same time. 9 pounds next time would be even worse! I’ll be happy with what I lose. I can’t really complain about my weight loss totals. 90 pounds in 115 days is great any way you look at it. But what am I capable of? I don’t think I’ve discovered that yet. We’ll just see what I can do in the next two weeks. I’m hitting that goal, in fact I just might shatter it. And I’ll still be eating every last bit of my 1,500 calories a day; I’ll just switch up my exercise routine. I’m excited! You know what’s going to happen. I’m going to lose 10 or 12 pounds, and then if I have a two-week period of anything less than that, I’ll feel like a slacker. I just read what I typed…I really need to get over myself! 90 pounds in 115 days…3 1/2 , 4, sometimes 5 pounds or more a week…These are phenomenal totals to be proud of. OK, I’m better now. Sometimes I have to stop long enough to realize that any frustration I might have is based on my impatient personality. I want it now, even though I know this is a one day at a time deal. Like I said, I’ll do the things I know work: Increase water consumption, stay with 1,500 calories, and workout harder. That should do it.
I did some math today and realized I’m about two weeks behind the pace of my 2004 weight loss. Not a big deal. I’m four years older and I’m only two weeks behind that pace? Fine. This isn’t a 100 meter dash, it’s a marathon. Several people have told me that. I just need to remind myself every now and then. When I hit the 103 pound mark back then, I’d been doing it four months and five days. This time, when I hit that goal in two weeks it’ll be four months, two weeks, and six days…Wait a second! I made a math mistake!!! In 2004 I started on March 15th and on July 20th I weighed in with a total loss of 103. That’s four months and five days. This time I started on September 15th and I’m on track to hit the 100 pound mark by January 21st. Four months and six days. OK, forget the first half of this paragraph! I’m only 1 day behind my pace of 2004. Wow, that’s not bad at all!
Thank you for all of the motivation and encouragement you give me. This blog was created to keep me on track everyday. But I really had no idea how much it would grow and become so important to my daily motivation. When I check the numbers and see how many times it’s been read everyday, it just blows me away. There are some days when the myspace version is read sixty or seventy times. And the “global” version (http://www.losingweighteveryday.blogspot.com/) has been read all over the United States, plus six other countries on four continents. That’s just incredible to me. I hope that somewhere out there, a person facing the same battle is reading and gaining strength from my experiences. In the beginning I just thought of this blog as my personal lifeline of support and accountability, and it still is, but now I’m really seeing how it’s potentially helping others. That makes me feel incredible.
Just remember, I’m not perfect and I’m not a doctor. But even a doctor can’t argue with the simple approach I’ve taken. I eat less, but still enough and I exercise and try to drink enough water. I’ve also tried to understand myself. The psychological aspects of this journey are an even bigger part than the food and exercise. I sometimes over analyze myself, but it’s all in an effort to really understand what I’ve done to get up over 500 pounds and what I need to do and learn to never go back. I refuse any pills or supplements that promise “amazing results.” I don’t do “meal replacement” diets or anything unnatural. I’ll admit some of these things are good for you ingredient wise, no doubt. But I can’t see how they teach us to handle food and exercise in everyday life after the weight is gone. For years I looked for something that would magically make me thin. It’s funny that the solution doesn’t cost anything, doesn’t have an infomercial, and you won’t see it advertised during the Super Bowl. It’s eating less, exercising more, and getting in touch with the real you inside. Now that solution and philosophy probably won’t land me any weight loss endorsement deals someday, but that’s just fine. This is the real deal. And I’m on my way! Have a fantastic day and again, thank you for reading and your support. Good night and…
Good Choices,
Sean
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Day 114 Those Trusty Scales Know Me So Well
Day 114
Those Trusty Scales Know Me So Well
Tomorrow is weigh day and I feel really good about it. I stopped guessing at a possible loss a couple of weigh days ago. I know where I want it to be, and it’s a realistic expectation based on my performance. We’ll see what the scale says tomorrow. I’m still going to drive the 90 mile round trip to Stillwater to weigh, even though I could weigh at the AMC Clinic without any problem. It weighed me exactly what the “big” scales did in Stillwater last time, but I’m weird. I like a routine. Weigh day means a trip to Stillwater and besides, I get to see my mom and everyone else while I’m there. It’s only fitting that the scales at the Payne County Health Department weigh me because I’ve started so many times by making the trip to those scales. If scales could talk! Oh wait, some do don’t they. But if scales could be sarcastic, I’m sure these Stillwater scales made a few pointed jabs during the last 30 times I’ve weighed there. But now only the last, how many have we had? I’d have to break my stride and go look it up…But only the last several count as far as I’m concerned. Those scales are like an old friend. Always ready to show me what I’m up against to the tenth of a pound. So we’ll see tomorrow, and if you haven’t received the weigh day “update” text, and you would like to be added to my weigh day text list, just send me a private message with your cell phone number. And I’ll make sure an update comes your way!
Yesterday I talked about a friend that was concerned about her husband’s weight and sleep apnea. I called him today and had a short but nice conversation. He told me that he reads this blog and that he really was getting serious about his health. He’s a great man with a wonderful personality and spirit, easily likable, and hard not to care about. I told him that I knew he could do it. I told him of my decreased need for my C-Pap machine since losing weight. He expressed that when he was thinner, he didn’t need it either, so perhaps he’s like me. When I get this weight completely off I’m positive I’ll be completely free of that fancy little contraption every night. That’s exciting, very exciting. If you’ve ever tried wearing a C-Pap mask, it really takes getting used to. When I first started using mine, I didn’t really use it all. It took three months before I ever made it through an entire night with it on. It’s continuous air pressure being blown up your nose. It keeps your air ways open and that allows you to fully rest, that is as long as you can get use to a jet of air up your nose all night. But really it’s not that bad after a while. The differences in my life are night and day, always have been because of the machine. The dangerous consequences of having untreated sleep apnea are pretty scary. I won’t go into detail, you can do a WebMD.com or Wikipedia search of “sleep apnea” and you can read all about it. I totally understand what so many said about yesterday’s blog. I have learned very well that you can’t wave a magic wand and make someone take control of his or her life. Until someone is truly ready, no motivational chat is going to do it. But if they’re ready mentally, the best you can do is set a good example and get out of the way, because they’re gonna do it! A broadcasting mentor once told me that giving advice didn’t work because people that are “ready” don’t need it and people that are not “ready” won’t heed it.
Tonight I was flying solo at the YMCA. Courtney had a tutoring appointment from 7 to 9, and we think Irene may have a hernia. She goes back to the doctor Thursday. After Amber and KL took off I made my way into the fitness center and climbed aboard the trusty treadmill. I listened to music on my iPod and watched “The Biggest Loser” while I pounded out a solid, sweaty, and burning two miles at 3.4 mph. I so could have made it a “treadmill 5K” (much more intense than a regular 5K in my opinion), but I didn’t have time before they closed. I’ve never gone out of my way to watch “The Biggest Loser”, but when I do, I can totally relate to everything they say. I couldn’t hear them tonight, but I could see their tears of joy as they weighed in to big time results. I know exactly what they’re feeling. When I stepped on the scale after that first two weeks and found myself 21 pounds lighter, I have to admit I had a trembling lip. It’s emotional because it’s a life long battle for most “losers” and for the first time, they can see victory over something that has threatened their life for years. I may have a trembling lip or two when I weigh and break the 100 pound mark, and for me—especially the 115 mark. When I break 115, I may drop a few tears of joy. That’s some serious triumph. But I have to say; I could never be on that show. You know why? Because they make the guys take off their shirts on national television every weigh day. That would be a deal breaker for me. I dated Irene for more than a year before she ever caught a glimpse of me shirtless. Remember me blogging about quitting a basketball team during practice because the coach told me to be on “skins”? Yeah, I’m really self-conscious about my man boobs. Some of my most hurtful childhood memories center around being made fun because of them, I remember when I was about 10 years old, a full grown man telling me I needed to wear a bra. I can remember every little detail about that encounter…The weather that day, what time it was, what he looked like, and how it made me so sad. So I guess that’s one of my “issues.” My roommate in Los Angeles was as big as me and he didn’t care what anyone thought of his looks period. He even completely disrobed one time and jumped in a pool naked on national television. He just didn’t care. I sometimes wish I had a fraction of that attitude, but I’m different, completely. It will be nice to get this weight off, get the full body tuck, and completely sculpt a body I’ve only dreamed of, then walk out in the middle of a big public pool area and take off the shirt without any hesitation. I dream of that day. Good night and…
Good Choices,
Sean
Those Trusty Scales Know Me So Well
Tomorrow is weigh day and I feel really good about it. I stopped guessing at a possible loss a couple of weigh days ago. I know where I want it to be, and it’s a realistic expectation based on my performance. We’ll see what the scale says tomorrow. I’m still going to drive the 90 mile round trip to Stillwater to weigh, even though I could weigh at the AMC Clinic without any problem. It weighed me exactly what the “big” scales did in Stillwater last time, but I’m weird. I like a routine. Weigh day means a trip to Stillwater and besides, I get to see my mom and everyone else while I’m there. It’s only fitting that the scales at the Payne County Health Department weigh me because I’ve started so many times by making the trip to those scales. If scales could talk! Oh wait, some do don’t they. But if scales could be sarcastic, I’m sure these Stillwater scales made a few pointed jabs during the last 30 times I’ve weighed there. But now only the last, how many have we had? I’d have to break my stride and go look it up…But only the last several count as far as I’m concerned. Those scales are like an old friend. Always ready to show me what I’m up against to the tenth of a pound. So we’ll see tomorrow, and if you haven’t received the weigh day “update” text, and you would like to be added to my weigh day text list, just send me a private message with your cell phone number. And I’ll make sure an update comes your way!
Yesterday I talked about a friend that was concerned about her husband’s weight and sleep apnea. I called him today and had a short but nice conversation. He told me that he reads this blog and that he really was getting serious about his health. He’s a great man with a wonderful personality and spirit, easily likable, and hard not to care about. I told him that I knew he could do it. I told him of my decreased need for my C-Pap machine since losing weight. He expressed that when he was thinner, he didn’t need it either, so perhaps he’s like me. When I get this weight completely off I’m positive I’ll be completely free of that fancy little contraption every night. That’s exciting, very exciting. If you’ve ever tried wearing a C-Pap mask, it really takes getting used to. When I first started using mine, I didn’t really use it all. It took three months before I ever made it through an entire night with it on. It’s continuous air pressure being blown up your nose. It keeps your air ways open and that allows you to fully rest, that is as long as you can get use to a jet of air up your nose all night. But really it’s not that bad after a while. The differences in my life are night and day, always have been because of the machine. The dangerous consequences of having untreated sleep apnea are pretty scary. I won’t go into detail, you can do a WebMD.com or Wikipedia search of “sleep apnea” and you can read all about it. I totally understand what so many said about yesterday’s blog. I have learned very well that you can’t wave a magic wand and make someone take control of his or her life. Until someone is truly ready, no motivational chat is going to do it. But if they’re ready mentally, the best you can do is set a good example and get out of the way, because they’re gonna do it! A broadcasting mentor once told me that giving advice didn’t work because people that are “ready” don’t need it and people that are not “ready” won’t heed it.
Tonight I was flying solo at the YMCA. Courtney had a tutoring appointment from 7 to 9, and we think Irene may have a hernia. She goes back to the doctor Thursday. After Amber and KL took off I made my way into the fitness center and climbed aboard the trusty treadmill. I listened to music on my iPod and watched “The Biggest Loser” while I pounded out a solid, sweaty, and burning two miles at 3.4 mph. I so could have made it a “treadmill 5K” (much more intense than a regular 5K in my opinion), but I didn’t have time before they closed. I’ve never gone out of my way to watch “The Biggest Loser”, but when I do, I can totally relate to everything they say. I couldn’t hear them tonight, but I could see their tears of joy as they weighed in to big time results. I know exactly what they’re feeling. When I stepped on the scale after that first two weeks and found myself 21 pounds lighter, I have to admit I had a trembling lip. It’s emotional because it’s a life long battle for most “losers” and for the first time, they can see victory over something that has threatened their life for years. I may have a trembling lip or two when I weigh and break the 100 pound mark, and for me—especially the 115 mark. When I break 115, I may drop a few tears of joy. That’s some serious triumph. But I have to say; I could never be on that show. You know why? Because they make the guys take off their shirts on national television every weigh day. That would be a deal breaker for me. I dated Irene for more than a year before she ever caught a glimpse of me shirtless. Remember me blogging about quitting a basketball team during practice because the coach told me to be on “skins”? Yeah, I’m really self-conscious about my man boobs. Some of my most hurtful childhood memories center around being made fun because of them, I remember when I was about 10 years old, a full grown man telling me I needed to wear a bra. I can remember every little detail about that encounter…The weather that day, what time it was, what he looked like, and how it made me so sad. So I guess that’s one of my “issues.” My roommate in Los Angeles was as big as me and he didn’t care what anyone thought of his looks period. He even completely disrobed one time and jumped in a pool naked on national television. He just didn’t care. I sometimes wish I had a fraction of that attitude, but I’m different, completely. It will be nice to get this weight off, get the full body tuck, and completely sculpt a body I’ve only dreamed of, then walk out in the middle of a big public pool area and take off the shirt without any hesitation. I dream of that day. Good night and…
Good Choices,
Sean
Monday, January 5, 2009
Day 113 Hopes and Dreams and Can You Feel What I'm Saying?
Day 113
Hopes and Dreams and Can You Feel What I’m Saying?
I know I’ve talked about the effects of music on my workout before, but I have to tell you, with the music pumping in my ear tonight I turned it up a notch at the YMCA. Irene had to go to work early, so Courtney and I hit the Y with our favorite tunes and a goal in mind: Cardio workout deluxe! Sometimes I feel like I could do anything in that workout. It’s that empowering. It really gets me fired up and feeling great. After fitting into my “little” jeans yesterday I put ‘em on today for work. It feels really incredible to wear these again. The fruits of my labor taste so sweet! Weigh Day this period is Wednesday. Tomorrow is Amber’s last day at home for this break and we’re going to try to spend as much time as possible with her tomorrow afternoon before she gets back to school. So since the last weigh day also fell on a Wednesday, it really doesn’t bother me much to do this one on a Wednesday too.
My swollen face is almost completely back to normal. That’s a relief. I had terrifying thoughts of it freezing like that. The “Who” references were getting old already. I was thinking about this journey today and I have to say, it’s been even better than I imagined. I really was dreading the first 115 pounds because that’s what I lost back in 2004 before gaining it all back. But this blog has made the weight loss so far an absolute pleasure. Other than mentioning 2004 about a gazillion times in the last 113 days in these writings, I really don’t look back at that failed attempt. It’s certainly not on my mind in a negative way at all. I will be extremely elated to push past the 115 point! Ok, I guess I better not get too far ahead of myself just yet, I need to hit 100 first.
As the days go by and the weight comes off I realize that my hopes and expectations aren’t all at the end of this journey. It’s happening everyday. It started a while back. When I first clicked my seatbelt, when I could drive Irene’s car without feeling like I was stuck, when I put on those jeans yesterday. These are the results I’ve been dreaming of, and they’re happening already.
As more weight comes off and I get in shape, more of these amazing happenings will take place. It’s like Christmas all the time. The biggest gift I’ve discovered so far was how well I slept without my C-Pap machine the other night. That’s huge. As I go through all of these wonderful experiences I have to ask myself: What was I waiting for all these years? The feelings I’m experiencing are far greater satisfaction than I’ve ever had from a giant bowl of ice cream. There’s not a fried mushroom in the world (not even Hideaway mushrooms) that can simulate what I feel. I really wish I could find a way to convey these feelings to others who are struggling with morbid obesity. But when I think of that I recall my own struggle. I use to lay in bed at night thinking about my weight, scaring myself about the dangers and dreaming about the benefits of losing. I wanted it then didn’t I? I think I did. I’m a grown man, but when it comes to contemplating my own mortality, I can be reduced to tears in a few seconds. I was scared for so long. I’m not scared anymore. That’s really big for me. I don’t waste time worrying about my weight killing me, I spend that time day dreaming about all of the changes coming my way. I just want to live, you know? I heard another obese comedian say this on stage once: “My doctor told me that if I don’t lose weight I’ll die, and that’s just not enough motivation for me.” I can totally relate to that. It’s a very twisted psychological dilemma. All of those years I spent worrying for my life and wondering what my family would do without me all the while eating whatever, whenever, and howmuchever I wanted. It was a vicious cycle. I’d lay in bed some nights and worry myself sick, then get up the next morning and eat biscuits and sausage gravy with a big 32 ounce Coke Classic. I was out of control completely. I guess that’s why I get so upset with myself when I have to battle hard cravings. I’ve seen the other side now; I’ve had a taste of this sweet success, and nothing in this world taste better. But the question: How do you convey these feelings to other people. How do you convince someone that if they just stick to it long enough to taste these wonderful feelings, it’ll change and actually prolong his or her life? This has been on my mind because a friend of mine, concerned about her husband, said, “I sure wish you would talk to him about this stuff.” My friend is a wife of an obese man with untreated sleep apnea. She’s worried sick about her husband, but doesn’t know what it’s going to take to get him to do something about it before it’s too late. I’m going to call him tomorrow and have a talk. If I can relate my positive experiences in a way that could move him, it might be a wonderful thing. I hope so.
Today was great. Great calorie control, great workout, great feelings. Day 113 is in the books. Good night and…
Good Choices,
Sean
Hopes and Dreams and Can You Feel What I’m Saying?
I know I’ve talked about the effects of music on my workout before, but I have to tell you, with the music pumping in my ear tonight I turned it up a notch at the YMCA. Irene had to go to work early, so Courtney and I hit the Y with our favorite tunes and a goal in mind: Cardio workout deluxe! Sometimes I feel like I could do anything in that workout. It’s that empowering. It really gets me fired up and feeling great. After fitting into my “little” jeans yesterday I put ‘em on today for work. It feels really incredible to wear these again. The fruits of my labor taste so sweet! Weigh Day this period is Wednesday. Tomorrow is Amber’s last day at home for this break and we’re going to try to spend as much time as possible with her tomorrow afternoon before she gets back to school. So since the last weigh day also fell on a Wednesday, it really doesn’t bother me much to do this one on a Wednesday too.
My swollen face is almost completely back to normal. That’s a relief. I had terrifying thoughts of it freezing like that. The “Who” references were getting old already. I was thinking about this journey today and I have to say, it’s been even better than I imagined. I really was dreading the first 115 pounds because that’s what I lost back in 2004 before gaining it all back. But this blog has made the weight loss so far an absolute pleasure. Other than mentioning 2004 about a gazillion times in the last 113 days in these writings, I really don’t look back at that failed attempt. It’s certainly not on my mind in a negative way at all. I will be extremely elated to push past the 115 point! Ok, I guess I better not get too far ahead of myself just yet, I need to hit 100 first.
As the days go by and the weight comes off I realize that my hopes and expectations aren’t all at the end of this journey. It’s happening everyday. It started a while back. When I first clicked my seatbelt, when I could drive Irene’s car without feeling like I was stuck, when I put on those jeans yesterday. These are the results I’ve been dreaming of, and they’re happening already.
As more weight comes off and I get in shape, more of these amazing happenings will take place. It’s like Christmas all the time. The biggest gift I’ve discovered so far was how well I slept without my C-Pap machine the other night. That’s huge. As I go through all of these wonderful experiences I have to ask myself: What was I waiting for all these years? The feelings I’m experiencing are far greater satisfaction than I’ve ever had from a giant bowl of ice cream. There’s not a fried mushroom in the world (not even Hideaway mushrooms) that can simulate what I feel. I really wish I could find a way to convey these feelings to others who are struggling with morbid obesity. But when I think of that I recall my own struggle. I use to lay in bed at night thinking about my weight, scaring myself about the dangers and dreaming about the benefits of losing. I wanted it then didn’t I? I think I did. I’m a grown man, but when it comes to contemplating my own mortality, I can be reduced to tears in a few seconds. I was scared for so long. I’m not scared anymore. That’s really big for me. I don’t waste time worrying about my weight killing me, I spend that time day dreaming about all of the changes coming my way. I just want to live, you know? I heard another obese comedian say this on stage once: “My doctor told me that if I don’t lose weight I’ll die, and that’s just not enough motivation for me.” I can totally relate to that. It’s a very twisted psychological dilemma. All of those years I spent worrying for my life and wondering what my family would do without me all the while eating whatever, whenever, and howmuchever I wanted. It was a vicious cycle. I’d lay in bed some nights and worry myself sick, then get up the next morning and eat biscuits and sausage gravy with a big 32 ounce Coke Classic. I was out of control completely. I guess that’s why I get so upset with myself when I have to battle hard cravings. I’ve seen the other side now; I’ve had a taste of this sweet success, and nothing in this world taste better. But the question: How do you convey these feelings to other people. How do you convince someone that if they just stick to it long enough to taste these wonderful feelings, it’ll change and actually prolong his or her life? This has been on my mind because a friend of mine, concerned about her husband, said, “I sure wish you would talk to him about this stuff.” My friend is a wife of an obese man with untreated sleep apnea. She’s worried sick about her husband, but doesn’t know what it’s going to take to get him to do something about it before it’s too late. I’m going to call him tomorrow and have a talk. If I can relate my positive experiences in a way that could move him, it might be a wonderful thing. I hope so.
Today was great. Great calorie control, great workout, great feelings. Day 113 is in the books. Good night and…
Good Choices,
Sean
Day 112 The Doctor Said; A Birthday For Amber; And Those Jeans Finally Fit...Again!
Day 112
The Doctor Said; A Birthday For Amber; and Those Jeans Finally Fit...Again!
After sleeping nine hours without my C-PAP mask (a machine used to treat Sleep Apnea) I awoke feeling completely rested and great. Irene said I was breathing normally and judging from the way I felt, I did just great without it! I'll still use it until a doctor says I don't have to, but wow---Now that's a real big change. At 505 pounds, I couldn't even think of trying to sleep without it on. I probably would have had a heart attack from the stress and lack of oxygen, but now at almost 100 pounds lighter, I can do it no problem! It feels phenomenal! I did it because my face is still swollen under my nose and above my lip. I really thought it would be better today, but it was worse! So I went to the doctor this afternoon. Since it was Sunday I had to see a doctor I wasn't familiar with, but he was good. By examining below my upper lip he determined that it was like a pimple under there. Gross, I know. Then he referred to the swelling as a “puss pocket”, even worse right? He prescribed a strong antibiotic and told me it should be totally gone within seven to ten days. Cool. I then asked his advice on my smoking habit. After asking a million questions about my weight loss and what exactly I was doing he told something I didn't expect. He said to keep losing weight and to not disrupt what I'm doing. He said to try to cut back, but he really believed that as I drop more weight and my level of exercise increases, the smoking will be eliminated naturally and easily. This is exactly what Dana said in her blog comment yesterday. The doctor even told me he smoked for 15 years before giving them up cold turkey just 7 years ago. So, it wasn't really permission to smoke, it was just “don't mess up what you're doing weight wise.” Getting the excess weight off is too important right this minute, and of course quitting smoking is seriously important too, but in the doctors words “one addiction at a time.” And I believe what he and Dana said to be exactly what will happen. I'll take off the next 100 pounds and all of a sudden I'll be so focused on weight training and getting in shape that the cigarettes will become an easy thing to throw in the trash.
I had planned on buying Amber's cake last night but they had that portion of the store blocked off and closed for floor maintenance or something. So I was shopping for Amber's birthday cake today, and when I had trouble finding her the kind she wanted, I came up with a brilliant plan! Cupcakes! These little cute things had a dollop of butter cream frosting on them, but once that too-sweet stuff was wiped off, it was a perfect little 100 calorie serving of white cake. They were small and tasty and just the right size for calorie conscious people like us. Our party was at Pizza Hut in Stillwater tonight. A place Amber picked because we had so many of her birthdays there in the past. They even have the same jukebox from when she was a little girl that would dance on the table to Achy Breaky Heart. And yes, she played it once for old times sake, but she didn't dance on the table. I made sure one of the four pizzas ordered was a thin crust and since I had 1,000 calories left going in, it was a breeze—even with a cupcake minus the frosting. It's so hard to believe she's 19 already. My little girl is 19! They grow up so fast don't they?
My doctors visit and prescription pick up went a little longer than I had hoped, preventing me from getting into the Y today during the narrow Sunday hours window they have. But I'm not down on myself at all because I feel great and the YMCA will be waiting on me tomorrow. Why do I feel so great? Well, today I decided to give those jeans I couldn't fit into a while back a try. Remember on Day 80, I described trying to get them on but I couldn't, not even laying down. Well I put them on today standing up without one tiny bit of trouble. That was 32 days ago. I really love this losing weight thing! It felt so good to wear those again. I mean really good! I'm wearing them tomorrow to work. These are the amazing results and positive consequences of everything I'm doing. So I couldn't be down on myself over anything, even if I tried! Irene said the “little” old jeans slim me. That's awesome. They're still size 50, but at 505 pounds I was wearing size 60 and 62's. So a drop of 10 to 12 pant sizes is a really big leap! Really soon, and I mean really soon, I'll be wearing 48's....You know how weird that will be for me? To have a waist size in the 40's? Wow...and in not too many months it'll be in the 30's! Have a great night-or day, and we'll talk again soon. Good night and...
Good Choices,
Sean
The Doctor Said; A Birthday For Amber; and Those Jeans Finally Fit...Again!
After sleeping nine hours without my C-PAP mask (a machine used to treat Sleep Apnea) I awoke feeling completely rested and great. Irene said I was breathing normally and judging from the way I felt, I did just great without it! I'll still use it until a doctor says I don't have to, but wow---Now that's a real big change. At 505 pounds, I couldn't even think of trying to sleep without it on. I probably would have had a heart attack from the stress and lack of oxygen, but now at almost 100 pounds lighter, I can do it no problem! It feels phenomenal! I did it because my face is still swollen under my nose and above my lip. I really thought it would be better today, but it was worse! So I went to the doctor this afternoon. Since it was Sunday I had to see a doctor I wasn't familiar with, but he was good. By examining below my upper lip he determined that it was like a pimple under there. Gross, I know. Then he referred to the swelling as a “puss pocket”, even worse right? He prescribed a strong antibiotic and told me it should be totally gone within seven to ten days. Cool. I then asked his advice on my smoking habit. After asking a million questions about my weight loss and what exactly I was doing he told something I didn't expect. He said to keep losing weight and to not disrupt what I'm doing. He said to try to cut back, but he really believed that as I drop more weight and my level of exercise increases, the smoking will be eliminated naturally and easily. This is exactly what Dana said in her blog comment yesterday. The doctor even told me he smoked for 15 years before giving them up cold turkey just 7 years ago. So, it wasn't really permission to smoke, it was just “don't mess up what you're doing weight wise.” Getting the excess weight off is too important right this minute, and of course quitting smoking is seriously important too, but in the doctors words “one addiction at a time.” And I believe what he and Dana said to be exactly what will happen. I'll take off the next 100 pounds and all of a sudden I'll be so focused on weight training and getting in shape that the cigarettes will become an easy thing to throw in the trash.
I had planned on buying Amber's cake last night but they had that portion of the store blocked off and closed for floor maintenance or something. So I was shopping for Amber's birthday cake today, and when I had trouble finding her the kind she wanted, I came up with a brilliant plan! Cupcakes! These little cute things had a dollop of butter cream frosting on them, but once that too-sweet stuff was wiped off, it was a perfect little 100 calorie serving of white cake. They were small and tasty and just the right size for calorie conscious people like us. Our party was at Pizza Hut in Stillwater tonight. A place Amber picked because we had so many of her birthdays there in the past. They even have the same jukebox from when she was a little girl that would dance on the table to Achy Breaky Heart. And yes, she played it once for old times sake, but she didn't dance on the table. I made sure one of the four pizzas ordered was a thin crust and since I had 1,000 calories left going in, it was a breeze—even with a cupcake minus the frosting. It's so hard to believe she's 19 already. My little girl is 19! They grow up so fast don't they?
My doctors visit and prescription pick up went a little longer than I had hoped, preventing me from getting into the Y today during the narrow Sunday hours window they have. But I'm not down on myself at all because I feel great and the YMCA will be waiting on me tomorrow. Why do I feel so great? Well, today I decided to give those jeans I couldn't fit into a while back a try. Remember on Day 80, I described trying to get them on but I couldn't, not even laying down. Well I put them on today standing up without one tiny bit of trouble. That was 32 days ago. I really love this losing weight thing! It felt so good to wear those again. I mean really good! I'm wearing them tomorrow to work. These are the amazing results and positive consequences of everything I'm doing. So I couldn't be down on myself over anything, even if I tried! Irene said the “little” old jeans slim me. That's awesome. They're still size 50, but at 505 pounds I was wearing size 60 and 62's. So a drop of 10 to 12 pant sizes is a really big leap! Really soon, and I mean really soon, I'll be wearing 48's....You know how weird that will be for me? To have a waist size in the 40's? Wow...and in not too many months it'll be in the 30's! Have a great night-or day, and we'll talk again soon. Good night and...
Good Choices,
Sean
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Day 111 I Had A Twinkie and I'm Still Losing Weight!
Day 111
I Had A Twinkie and I'm Still Losing Weight!
I made a huge mistake today. I forgot about the cold front moving in, so instead of walking when it was 70 degrees this afternoon, I walked when it was 27 degrees with a wind chill of 16 tonight. Not smart. I intended to walk much more than a mile, but I really wimped out from the cold. Tomorrow is a YMCA workout for me for sure. It's always nice and warm in there! As I approach the 100 pound loss mark, I have to say that I notice a bigger difference in the way I feel over the way I felt in 2004 when I lost 115. I never tried to sleep without my c-pap machine back then. But I seem to be able to do it now without any big problems. I did put the mask on last night. Oh, I'm crazy sometimes, I was going to leave it off to give my face time to lose the swelling, but then I had a crazy thought. “What if my body is so use to the positive air pressure, that I forget to breathe without it?” That's crazy thinking, because long before I ever discovered the amazing life saving benefits of a sleep study and c-pap machine, I was going long periods every night without breathing properly. I would wake up often with horrible headaches from the lack of oxygen. So if I had trouble, I'm sure I would jolt awake...but I'm a worrier, and one random irrational thought made me put it on my swollen face. I tried to wear it loose to avoid further aggravation, and it seemed to be OK. It's still swollen tonight, but not near as bad. It's getting much better. I can drink from a straw at the center of my lips again! I couldn't do that yesterday and when I tried I cracked up the entire family. I still don't know what caused the swelling in the first place. My guess about the mask being too tight was probably right or someone punched me in the face while I slept.
After discussing a possible doctors visit today for the mystery swelling and perhaps a “stop smoking” aid, Irene convinced me that the swelling was getting better, it has happened once before (although not this bad) and that she still believed that I could quit cigarettes without a prescription. She's really good and getting to the bottom of me. She knows me so well, she just laid it out in plain English. She said: “You're trying to be too perfect for the sake of your blog.” “When you're ready you'll quit, but you're not ready.” Too perfect for the sake of this blog? There may be some truth in that, but I'm just trying to set an example and prove to myself that I can accomplish some big things that desperately need accomplished in my life. She also said I picked the wrong day to start. Probably. I can't compare losing weight and quiting smoking. They are two different addictions. My tactics and simple methods for losing weight and learning how to eat less do not translate easily to smoking. But I'm going to get there, I will. I almost said “someday”, and you know how I can't stand that word. If you read this blog everyday, then you'll know when I get it together, because I'll have to mention it. I decided to wait on the doctors visit and see if this facial injury gets better naturally. I'm sure it will.
Irene bought a bag of Lays brand potato chips after she left work last night, er this morning, the sour cream and onion kind, my favorite! And almost 24 hours later the bag is still unopened! That's got to be an Anderson family record! I've opened bags of chips on the way home from the store before! Heck, I've opened them while still in the store! And it's ok to have these things around because we all can read, and the number of chips per serving and the calorie count for that serving is clearly labeled on the bag. If I choose to have some, I count them out, period. She also bought Twinkies. I have no idea what possessed her, but I think she was hungry when she went in the store. And no, the Twinkies did not survive the day, I even had one. That's right, I'm losing weight while eating Twinkies, well not “Twinkies”, but A Twinkie. I had one for 150 calories. It was my choice to make and I made it. It was alright, but I've never been weak over Twinkies. I can take or leave the Twinkies. I will say this, if you're going to eat cake of any kind, angel food/sponge cake will always be the lowest calorie.
Tomorrow marks our oldest daughters birthday. Amber turns 19, and we're planning a trip to Stillwater for dinner and cake with the family down there. I'll never forget that wonderful day 19 years ago. We were so filled with happiness and nervousness all at the same time. We were still kids ourselves, and there we were starting a family at 18. But I'll tell you one thing, I wouldn't go back and change a thing. We've truly been very lucky and extremely blessed.
I'm headed to Wal-Mart for some birthday shopping and a little more exercise. Hey, it's a big store! It's a real workout sometimes. And I've got to go back to housewares and then all the way back to grocery. That should count as a mini workout at least! Good night and...
Good Choices,
Sean
I Had A Twinkie and I'm Still Losing Weight!
I made a huge mistake today. I forgot about the cold front moving in, so instead of walking when it was 70 degrees this afternoon, I walked when it was 27 degrees with a wind chill of 16 tonight. Not smart. I intended to walk much more than a mile, but I really wimped out from the cold. Tomorrow is a YMCA workout for me for sure. It's always nice and warm in there! As I approach the 100 pound loss mark, I have to say that I notice a bigger difference in the way I feel over the way I felt in 2004 when I lost 115. I never tried to sleep without my c-pap machine back then. But I seem to be able to do it now without any big problems. I did put the mask on last night. Oh, I'm crazy sometimes, I was going to leave it off to give my face time to lose the swelling, but then I had a crazy thought. “What if my body is so use to the positive air pressure, that I forget to breathe without it?” That's crazy thinking, because long before I ever discovered the amazing life saving benefits of a sleep study and c-pap machine, I was going long periods every night without breathing properly. I would wake up often with horrible headaches from the lack of oxygen. So if I had trouble, I'm sure I would jolt awake...but I'm a worrier, and one random irrational thought made me put it on my swollen face. I tried to wear it loose to avoid further aggravation, and it seemed to be OK. It's still swollen tonight, but not near as bad. It's getting much better. I can drink from a straw at the center of my lips again! I couldn't do that yesterday and when I tried I cracked up the entire family. I still don't know what caused the swelling in the first place. My guess about the mask being too tight was probably right or someone punched me in the face while I slept.
After discussing a possible doctors visit today for the mystery swelling and perhaps a “stop smoking” aid, Irene convinced me that the swelling was getting better, it has happened once before (although not this bad) and that she still believed that I could quit cigarettes without a prescription. She's really good and getting to the bottom of me. She knows me so well, she just laid it out in plain English. She said: “You're trying to be too perfect for the sake of your blog.” “When you're ready you'll quit, but you're not ready.” Too perfect for the sake of this blog? There may be some truth in that, but I'm just trying to set an example and prove to myself that I can accomplish some big things that desperately need accomplished in my life. She also said I picked the wrong day to start. Probably. I can't compare losing weight and quiting smoking. They are two different addictions. My tactics and simple methods for losing weight and learning how to eat less do not translate easily to smoking. But I'm going to get there, I will. I almost said “someday”, and you know how I can't stand that word. If you read this blog everyday, then you'll know when I get it together, because I'll have to mention it. I decided to wait on the doctors visit and see if this facial injury gets better naturally. I'm sure it will.
Irene bought a bag of Lays brand potato chips after she left work last night, er this morning, the sour cream and onion kind, my favorite! And almost 24 hours later the bag is still unopened! That's got to be an Anderson family record! I've opened bags of chips on the way home from the store before! Heck, I've opened them while still in the store! And it's ok to have these things around because we all can read, and the number of chips per serving and the calorie count for that serving is clearly labeled on the bag. If I choose to have some, I count them out, period. She also bought Twinkies. I have no idea what possessed her, but I think she was hungry when she went in the store. And no, the Twinkies did not survive the day, I even had one. That's right, I'm losing weight while eating Twinkies, well not “Twinkies”, but A Twinkie. I had one for 150 calories. It was my choice to make and I made it. It was alright, but I've never been weak over Twinkies. I can take or leave the Twinkies. I will say this, if you're going to eat cake of any kind, angel food/sponge cake will always be the lowest calorie.
Tomorrow marks our oldest daughters birthday. Amber turns 19, and we're planning a trip to Stillwater for dinner and cake with the family down there. I'll never forget that wonderful day 19 years ago. We were so filled with happiness and nervousness all at the same time. We were still kids ourselves, and there we were starting a family at 18. But I'll tell you one thing, I wouldn't go back and change a thing. We've truly been very lucky and extremely blessed.
I'm headed to Wal-Mart for some birthday shopping and a little more exercise. Hey, it's a big store! It's a real workout sometimes. And I've got to go back to housewares and then all the way back to grocery. That should count as a mini workout at least! Good night and...
Good Choices,
Sean
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Day 110 A Success And A Failure At The Same Time
Day 110
A Success And A Failure At The Same Time
Where do I begin? I've been dreading tonights blog all day. I was so confident that I could lay the smokes down and walk away. My plan was to use the same iron will that I use counting calories, the same strategies in weight loss that have brought me so far in such a short time. But I struck out early. I'm extremely disappointed in myself. All my talk about it “just being a decision” is true, but obviously I was full of an over inflated sense of control. I feel pathetic. I just don't understand how I can turn around a lifetime of bad food and exercise choices, but I can't make it a day without those nasty things. My apologies to my family and friends that believed I could do it today. Don't give up on me yet! I may need to break down and admit that my smoking habit needs professional help. I hate doing that. I know so many people that just quit, without any aids whatsoever. People who had smoked a lot longer than me, they summoned the strength to just lay them down and walk away. I'm a strong person. And where my weight is concerned, I'm all over it. But these cancer sticks are getting the best of me. Maybe I was a little bold in my plan to drop them right now. Irene suggested I take another crack at it Monday. I hate saying “I'll start on Monday”, wow...How many times have I said that before. I'll tell you this: When (not if) I defeat cigarettes, it will no doubt be the biggest personal health triumph of my life. Quitting smoking makes this losing weight thing look like childs play. I may go to the doctor tomorrow and ask for some advice and maybe a prescription of some kind. I was planning on a Saturday visit to the AMC Clinic anyway over another issue. Maybe I'll just combine the visit, that way I only have to be out one co-pay!
The other issue is very strange. Yesterday I woke up with a swollen upper lip and face. I think I may have accidentally had my Sleep Apnea C-Pap mask too tight against the muscles below the nose. All day yesterday my family joked about how I resembled a “Who”, you know from the Grinch story. Well, this morning the swelling was even worse. I really looked like a “who”, and when they'd joke, I'd laugh, and that made it hurt even worse. I look like a “who” really bad. But as of this writing, it's gone down some, so we'll see. If not a “who”, I at least look like a pummeled boxer or someone who just had dental surgery. It's annoying, but mostly funny.
Despite my complete meltdown on the smoking challenge, I've done fantastic today on my calories and exercise! I trucked through two miles tonight on the trail, it wasn't the 5K effort of last night, but still a really nice brisk workout. I'll definitely be way down into the “4teens” come weigh day. It would be extra nice to lose enough to skip the teens all together, but that would mean a 14 pound loss, and that might be too much to expect. The great thing is how I feel and the fact that I'm quickly approaching the 100 pounds lost mark. I think I may be one of those people who, after losing weight, no longer need the aid of a C-Pap machine at night. You certainly don't have to be fat to have sleep apnea, there are other causes besides obesity. But, I think mine are 100% related to being overweight. I've tested myself the last couple of days. With the swollen face, I decided to sleep without the mask. First of all, this would have been impossible at 505 pounds. Secondly, I can breath so much easier now that I really feel like I could go without it. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not throwing it out just yet, but my little test was successful. I didn't wake up with an oxygen deprivation headache and when I had Courtney check on me while I slept without the machine, she reported absolutely zero snoring. She said I was breathing normally! I've become so dependent on the constant air flow the machine provides, it really feels weird without it, but it feels great to know that eventually I may not need the thing. Ultimately I'll let a doctor decide that, but this little test run without it was a really good sign.
The kids opted to spend their time in Tulsa at the mall, while Irene and I visited the little Mexican Feasting Village known as Casa Bonita. We had to meet a business associate of mine for a lunch meeting. I ordered the two taco plate with beans and rice. Irene and John ordered the “Deluxe Dinner”. With Irene's schedule, she normally only eats once a day, so I could understand why she ordered the Deluxe Dinner. But neither one of them over did it. Irene didn't finish her first plate, and then raised the flag for another enchilada, then left half of it on the plate. And the fresh fried sopapias? They were left untouched on the table. Not even a bite my friend! Yesterdays blog was in part titled “Revisiting The Gorging Grounds of T-Town” in reference to the many visits I've made in the past to Casa Bonita. I've never left feeling as good as I did today. I had two tacos, about 150 calories worth of beans, a few bites of the rice, and about 14 small chips with less than an ounce of cheese dip. All together I used 700 calories at that place. And it would have been just under five hundred had I left the chips and cheese alone! But, I had the calories coming, so it was all good. Since my average visit to that place probably checked in at over 3000 calories in the past, I was thrilled to handle it so well today. I wish I handled everything so well!
What did today teach me? Well, once again I've proven that I'm not perfect, but I already knew that. I honestly felt that I could do the no smoking thing today. I really did, but I'm quickly realizing the magnitude of my addiction. I need some serious help! It drives me absolutely nuts to be going in the right direction with losing weight, but at the same time putting that nasty crap in my lungs. It doesn't make sense. But again, I have to remember these are two very different addictions. Nicotine is a very powerful drug. And perhaps it's time I give it the respect it deserves and visit with a doctor about kicking it. All day long I've dreaded writing this blog tonight. There you have it. This is what this blog is all about. If I so proudly write about my successes, I have to write about my failures too. I will overcome it, I will never, never, never, never quit trying to quit nicotine. I guess I need some medical help with this one. Admitting that is a big step for me. I've learned all about the power of “good choices” the last 110 days. The power of a decision, an “iron clad” promise to myself. I really thought I could just apply all that to smoking, I know many people have, I just don't understand why it's so hard for me. Thank you for reading my blog and in doing so, giving me your support. Until tomorrow, good night and...
Good Choices,
Sean
A Success And A Failure At The Same Time
Where do I begin? I've been dreading tonights blog all day. I was so confident that I could lay the smokes down and walk away. My plan was to use the same iron will that I use counting calories, the same strategies in weight loss that have brought me so far in such a short time. But I struck out early. I'm extremely disappointed in myself. All my talk about it “just being a decision” is true, but obviously I was full of an over inflated sense of control. I feel pathetic. I just don't understand how I can turn around a lifetime of bad food and exercise choices, but I can't make it a day without those nasty things. My apologies to my family and friends that believed I could do it today. Don't give up on me yet! I may need to break down and admit that my smoking habit needs professional help. I hate doing that. I know so many people that just quit, without any aids whatsoever. People who had smoked a lot longer than me, they summoned the strength to just lay them down and walk away. I'm a strong person. And where my weight is concerned, I'm all over it. But these cancer sticks are getting the best of me. Maybe I was a little bold in my plan to drop them right now. Irene suggested I take another crack at it Monday. I hate saying “I'll start on Monday”, wow...How many times have I said that before. I'll tell you this: When (not if) I defeat cigarettes, it will no doubt be the biggest personal health triumph of my life. Quitting smoking makes this losing weight thing look like childs play. I may go to the doctor tomorrow and ask for some advice and maybe a prescription of some kind. I was planning on a Saturday visit to the AMC Clinic anyway over another issue. Maybe I'll just combine the visit, that way I only have to be out one co-pay!
The other issue is very strange. Yesterday I woke up with a swollen upper lip and face. I think I may have accidentally had my Sleep Apnea C-Pap mask too tight against the muscles below the nose. All day yesterday my family joked about how I resembled a “Who”, you know from the Grinch story. Well, this morning the swelling was even worse. I really looked like a “who”, and when they'd joke, I'd laugh, and that made it hurt even worse. I look like a “who” really bad. But as of this writing, it's gone down some, so we'll see. If not a “who”, I at least look like a pummeled boxer or someone who just had dental surgery. It's annoying, but mostly funny.
Despite my complete meltdown on the smoking challenge, I've done fantastic today on my calories and exercise! I trucked through two miles tonight on the trail, it wasn't the 5K effort of last night, but still a really nice brisk workout. I'll definitely be way down into the “4teens” come weigh day. It would be extra nice to lose enough to skip the teens all together, but that would mean a 14 pound loss, and that might be too much to expect. The great thing is how I feel and the fact that I'm quickly approaching the 100 pounds lost mark. I think I may be one of those people who, after losing weight, no longer need the aid of a C-Pap machine at night. You certainly don't have to be fat to have sleep apnea, there are other causes besides obesity. But, I think mine are 100% related to being overweight. I've tested myself the last couple of days. With the swollen face, I decided to sleep without the mask. First of all, this would have been impossible at 505 pounds. Secondly, I can breath so much easier now that I really feel like I could go without it. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not throwing it out just yet, but my little test was successful. I didn't wake up with an oxygen deprivation headache and when I had Courtney check on me while I slept without the machine, she reported absolutely zero snoring. She said I was breathing normally! I've become so dependent on the constant air flow the machine provides, it really feels weird without it, but it feels great to know that eventually I may not need the thing. Ultimately I'll let a doctor decide that, but this little test run without it was a really good sign.
The kids opted to spend their time in Tulsa at the mall, while Irene and I visited the little Mexican Feasting Village known as Casa Bonita. We had to meet a business associate of mine for a lunch meeting. I ordered the two taco plate with beans and rice. Irene and John ordered the “Deluxe Dinner”. With Irene's schedule, she normally only eats once a day, so I could understand why she ordered the Deluxe Dinner. But neither one of them over did it. Irene didn't finish her first plate, and then raised the flag for another enchilada, then left half of it on the plate. And the fresh fried sopapias? They were left untouched on the table. Not even a bite my friend! Yesterdays blog was in part titled “Revisiting The Gorging Grounds of T-Town” in reference to the many visits I've made in the past to Casa Bonita. I've never left feeling as good as I did today. I had two tacos, about 150 calories worth of beans, a few bites of the rice, and about 14 small chips with less than an ounce of cheese dip. All together I used 700 calories at that place. And it would have been just under five hundred had I left the chips and cheese alone! But, I had the calories coming, so it was all good. Since my average visit to that place probably checked in at over 3000 calories in the past, I was thrilled to handle it so well today. I wish I handled everything so well!
What did today teach me? Well, once again I've proven that I'm not perfect, but I already knew that. I honestly felt that I could do the no smoking thing today. I really did, but I'm quickly realizing the magnitude of my addiction. I need some serious help! It drives me absolutely nuts to be going in the right direction with losing weight, but at the same time putting that nasty crap in my lungs. It doesn't make sense. But again, I have to remember these are two very different addictions. Nicotine is a very powerful drug. And perhaps it's time I give it the respect it deserves and visit with a doctor about kicking it. All day long I've dreaded writing this blog tonight. There you have it. This is what this blog is all about. If I so proudly write about my successes, I have to write about my failures too. I will overcome it, I will never, never, never, never quit trying to quit nicotine. I guess I need some medical help with this one. Admitting that is a big step for me. I've learned all about the power of “good choices” the last 110 days. The power of a decision, an “iron clad” promise to myself. I really thought I could just apply all that to smoking, I know many people have, I just don't understand why it's so hard for me. Thank you for reading my blog and in doing so, giving me your support. Until tomorrow, good night and...
Good Choices,
Sean
Friday, January 2, 2009
Day 109 Revisiting The Gorging Grounds of T-Town and Smoking-It Ends Tonight
Day 109
Revisiting The Gorging Grounds Of T-Town and Smoking-It Ends Tonight
Just to clear up something you might have read in those articles I posted yesterday. The part about “divorce pending” was because Irene and I were separated. We of course got back together, never divorced, and are doing just fine! With that said, I can't tell you how much Irene has supported me 100% for so many years. She's been through everyone of my “somedays.” Her patience with me has been above and beyond what most spouses would endure. This mission is crucial to making my life better for me, my daughters, and my beautiful wife. At over 500 pounds, I was flirting with death all the time. Regardless of my “good numbers”, the body can only take so much. And when you're standing by someone's side and watching them slowly kill themselves you reach a point where you're tired of hearing “someday.” You reach a point when you just have to let them go and they'll either get it together or slowly deteriorate into a much worse existence. I'm afraid that after 20 years worth of “somedays”, Irene was extremely close to making that critical decision to no longer be a party to my slow and steady self-destruction. I really couldn't blame her. That was one of many important motivators for me to embark on this journey. If you're trying to start a similar journey, think real hard about what is really important to you, then fight for it with everything you have. I've had to do some serious soul searching during the last 109 days. When I feel weak I have to focus on what really is at the heart of this mission. And that's being here for my family for as long as God allows. I want to show my family what you can do when you put your mind to it. I never want to say “someday” again. These are things that I really wasn't focused on when those two articles were written. As a comedian, I was more focused on getting the exposure in the Tulsa World, than the heart of the issues that I was proclaiming to tackle. I wasn't thinking about the benefits in terms of my health, I was thinking in terms of how many more people might come to see the show when I performed. I feel like I've grown so much in the last seven years. When I read those articles, I feel like I'm reading quotes from a kid with much to learn. But posting those links was a way to illustrate how New Years resolutions without some serious internal discussion are doomed from day 1. I honestly don't think I lost any weight that year and I didn't quit smoking. I felt like a complete fraud back then. I'm a very different person today, and that maturity has finally enabled me to grab control with a much greater understanding of me. Tonight I will pray for strength from above to overcome something even more powerful than food, and that's cigarettes. Am I nuts for trying to do both at the same time? Maybe a little adventurous, but I feel like I need to now, and I'll just have to deal with it. I can do it, and I'll be so immensely proud of myself for defeating that habit, it'll be such a wonderful thing!
This evening Courtney and I visited the walking trail for a workout. Lately it seems the only way I feel like I'm really getting a good walk is to do a 5K, and that's exactly what I did. 3.1 miles worth, all while listening to my favorite songs! The walk was so much easier with my tunes. It does make a difference! I do miss our walking trail conversations, but these were never a good idea anyway, because in order to stay in the conversation, Courtney, Irene, and Amber would have to walk at my pace, not theirs. So when we're at the walking trail or the YMCA, it's not about visiting and enjoying each others company, it's about working hard. And tonight's New Year Day 5K was a real workout. It was great. And I had zero problems with blisters. The one I had is all healed and I took the necessary precautions to prevent another. After lacking the past week in the workout category, I really needed every kilometer of that walk!
Tomorrow we're traveling to Tulsa and we plan on having lunch at Casa Bonita. If you're not familiar with this legendary place, let me introduce you. It's a restaurant that's been turned into a little mexican village. Their specialty is the “Deluxe Dinner.” It's a platter full of your mexican favorites, and when you want more of anything, you just raise the flag and they bring it out! Then, when you're done with your meal, they bring you freshly fried sopapias with butter and honey. How am I going to handle such a place? Well, lucky for me they have an ala cart menu. There's no reason for me to order the “all you care to enjoy” meal. I'll enjoy a reasonable portion in a slow and relaxing fashion. And I'm pretty sure I'll skip the sopapias. I could probably have one, but I really don't want to spend the calories. It's just a choice. A good choice in deed. Good night and...
Good Choices,
Sean
Revisiting The Gorging Grounds Of T-Town and Smoking-It Ends Tonight
Just to clear up something you might have read in those articles I posted yesterday. The part about “divorce pending” was because Irene and I were separated. We of course got back together, never divorced, and are doing just fine! With that said, I can't tell you how much Irene has supported me 100% for so many years. She's been through everyone of my “somedays.” Her patience with me has been above and beyond what most spouses would endure. This mission is crucial to making my life better for me, my daughters, and my beautiful wife. At over 500 pounds, I was flirting with death all the time. Regardless of my “good numbers”, the body can only take so much. And when you're standing by someone's side and watching them slowly kill themselves you reach a point where you're tired of hearing “someday.” You reach a point when you just have to let them go and they'll either get it together or slowly deteriorate into a much worse existence. I'm afraid that after 20 years worth of “somedays”, Irene was extremely close to making that critical decision to no longer be a party to my slow and steady self-destruction. I really couldn't blame her. That was one of many important motivators for me to embark on this journey. If you're trying to start a similar journey, think real hard about what is really important to you, then fight for it with everything you have. I've had to do some serious soul searching during the last 109 days. When I feel weak I have to focus on what really is at the heart of this mission. And that's being here for my family for as long as God allows. I want to show my family what you can do when you put your mind to it. I never want to say “someday” again. These are things that I really wasn't focused on when those two articles were written. As a comedian, I was more focused on getting the exposure in the Tulsa World, than the heart of the issues that I was proclaiming to tackle. I wasn't thinking about the benefits in terms of my health, I was thinking in terms of how many more people might come to see the show when I performed. I feel like I've grown so much in the last seven years. When I read those articles, I feel like I'm reading quotes from a kid with much to learn. But posting those links was a way to illustrate how New Years resolutions without some serious internal discussion are doomed from day 1. I honestly don't think I lost any weight that year and I didn't quit smoking. I felt like a complete fraud back then. I'm a very different person today, and that maturity has finally enabled me to grab control with a much greater understanding of me. Tonight I will pray for strength from above to overcome something even more powerful than food, and that's cigarettes. Am I nuts for trying to do both at the same time? Maybe a little adventurous, but I feel like I need to now, and I'll just have to deal with it. I can do it, and I'll be so immensely proud of myself for defeating that habit, it'll be such a wonderful thing!
This evening Courtney and I visited the walking trail for a workout. Lately it seems the only way I feel like I'm really getting a good walk is to do a 5K, and that's exactly what I did. 3.1 miles worth, all while listening to my favorite songs! The walk was so much easier with my tunes. It does make a difference! I do miss our walking trail conversations, but these were never a good idea anyway, because in order to stay in the conversation, Courtney, Irene, and Amber would have to walk at my pace, not theirs. So when we're at the walking trail or the YMCA, it's not about visiting and enjoying each others company, it's about working hard. And tonight's New Year Day 5K was a real workout. It was great. And I had zero problems with blisters. The one I had is all healed and I took the necessary precautions to prevent another. After lacking the past week in the workout category, I really needed every kilometer of that walk!
Tomorrow we're traveling to Tulsa and we plan on having lunch at Casa Bonita. If you're not familiar with this legendary place, let me introduce you. It's a restaurant that's been turned into a little mexican village. Their specialty is the “Deluxe Dinner.” It's a platter full of your mexican favorites, and when you want more of anything, you just raise the flag and they bring it out! Then, when you're done with your meal, they bring you freshly fried sopapias with butter and honey. How am I going to handle such a place? Well, lucky for me they have an ala cart menu. There's no reason for me to order the “all you care to enjoy” meal. I'll enjoy a reasonable portion in a slow and relaxing fashion. And I'm pretty sure I'll skip the sopapias. I could probably have one, but I really don't want to spend the calories. It's just a choice. A good choice in deed. Good night and...
Good Choices,
Sean
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Day 108 New Year And A New Me, This Time For Real
Day 108
New Year And A New Me, This Time For Real
Today has been a really busy day. It always is on the last day of the month. And this being the last day of the year, even more so. I totally messed up my schedule today. I had planned on working out at the YMCA, I was looking forward to a big workout, but I failed to call them in time to find out that they closed early today. Had I called a little earlier, I could've squeezed in a workout this afternoon. And tonight we had New Years Eve plans, so no it's way past midnight. I'm leaving well over 200 calories on the table and once again I haven't worked out. I'll tell you this. I'm not going to beat myself up over it! No sir, I'm looking forward to one of the best years of my life, and my success so far will be multiplied more than a few times before this year is over, so it's all good. I do plan on walking a 5K tomorrow. I really owe it to myself! The YMCA is closed for New Years, but the Hutchins Walking Trail never closes, that's where I'll be!
While running an errand today, I ran into someone I haven't seen in some time. She works at this place, and she immediately recognized the weight loss. The entire office was amazed at my total. And of course one of the questions were “How are you doing it?” The answer I give is the most simple, basic answer. “I eat less and exercise more.” “1500 calories a day and exercise.” It's really that simple. Although you and I know I've really dropped the ball this past week in the exercise department. But after reading Debbie's blog comment on Myspace, I don't feel as bad. She just reminded me that it was important to lighten the schedule and let that nasty blister on my heel heal. I'm doing fantastic and this little break from the workouts is an extremely temporary lull. Tomorrow is a new day, a brand new year, and rather than making a New Years Resolution to lose weight, I've already traveled 108 days worth of losing weight, and I'm still going strong. Right through the holidays without fear! 82 Pounds is a great start to what will surely be an awesome year for me!
I was thinking about this blog the other day and how it's kept me on track so well. The accountability factor is huge when you know so many people will read and follow the progress. It also reminded me of another time I put myself out there real good. In late 2000 I was a regular at the Tulsa Comedy Club. One night a reporter for the Tulsa World came to one of my shows and asked me if I would volunteer to be a subject in his article about New Years Resolutions. I was completely flattered that he wanted me to be a part of this story, so naturally I agreed, and naturally I made the two hardest resolutions to keep. I said that I would lose 250 pounds in 2001 and become a non-smoker. I even said I was “ready”, whatever! I did a search on the Tulsa World website and found the articles and some pics. I'm pasting the links for your reading entertainment below. I was really trying hard to be “ready” and act “ready”, but until you really are ready to tackle something so big, it's nearly impossible. By the way, I did quit smoking long enough to do the final interview for that story. But honestly, I think I was smoking again as soon as the reporter left the comedy club. I truly wasn't ready at all. Now it's seven years later. Wow, how time flies! It's funny that the accountability factor from a newspaper article with the second largest circulation in the state couldn't do a fraction of what this blog does for me everyday. I guess if they would have ran daily updates, it might have been different. No, probably not. I wasn't truly ready. Good night, Happy New Year, and...
Good Choices,
Sean
This is the link to the first article published 01/02/2001:
http://www.tulsaworld.com/lifestyle/article.aspx?subjectid=43&articleid=010102_Li_d1this
This is the link to the final follow up article on 12/31/2001 (I think that's when it ran)
http://www.tulsaworld.com/lifestyle/article.aspx?subjectid=43&articleid=011231_Li_d1their&archive=yes
New Year And A New Me, This Time For Real
Today has been a really busy day. It always is on the last day of the month. And this being the last day of the year, even more so. I totally messed up my schedule today. I had planned on working out at the YMCA, I was looking forward to a big workout, but I failed to call them in time to find out that they closed early today. Had I called a little earlier, I could've squeezed in a workout this afternoon. And tonight we had New Years Eve plans, so no it's way past midnight. I'm leaving well over 200 calories on the table and once again I haven't worked out. I'll tell you this. I'm not going to beat myself up over it! No sir, I'm looking forward to one of the best years of my life, and my success so far will be multiplied more than a few times before this year is over, so it's all good. I do plan on walking a 5K tomorrow. I really owe it to myself! The YMCA is closed for New Years, but the Hutchins Walking Trail never closes, that's where I'll be!
While running an errand today, I ran into someone I haven't seen in some time. She works at this place, and she immediately recognized the weight loss. The entire office was amazed at my total. And of course one of the questions were “How are you doing it?” The answer I give is the most simple, basic answer. “I eat less and exercise more.” “1500 calories a day and exercise.” It's really that simple. Although you and I know I've really dropped the ball this past week in the exercise department. But after reading Debbie's blog comment on Myspace, I don't feel as bad. She just reminded me that it was important to lighten the schedule and let that nasty blister on my heel heal. I'm doing fantastic and this little break from the workouts is an extremely temporary lull. Tomorrow is a new day, a brand new year, and rather than making a New Years Resolution to lose weight, I've already traveled 108 days worth of losing weight, and I'm still going strong. Right through the holidays without fear! 82 Pounds is a great start to what will surely be an awesome year for me!
I was thinking about this blog the other day and how it's kept me on track so well. The accountability factor is huge when you know so many people will read and follow the progress. It also reminded me of another time I put myself out there real good. In late 2000 I was a regular at the Tulsa Comedy Club. One night a reporter for the Tulsa World came to one of my shows and asked me if I would volunteer to be a subject in his article about New Years Resolutions. I was completely flattered that he wanted me to be a part of this story, so naturally I agreed, and naturally I made the two hardest resolutions to keep. I said that I would lose 250 pounds in 2001 and become a non-smoker. I even said I was “ready”, whatever! I did a search on the Tulsa World website and found the articles and some pics. I'm pasting the links for your reading entertainment below. I was really trying hard to be “ready” and act “ready”, but until you really are ready to tackle something so big, it's nearly impossible. By the way, I did quit smoking long enough to do the final interview for that story. But honestly, I think I was smoking again as soon as the reporter left the comedy club. I truly wasn't ready at all. Now it's seven years later. Wow, how time flies! It's funny that the accountability factor from a newspaper article with the second largest circulation in the state couldn't do a fraction of what this blog does for me everyday. I guess if they would have ran daily updates, it might have been different. No, probably not. I wasn't truly ready. Good night, Happy New Year, and...
Good Choices,
Sean
This is the link to the first article published 01/02/2001:
http://www.tulsaworld.com/lifestyle/article.aspx?subjectid=43&articleid=010102_Li_d1this
This is the link to the final follow up article on 12/31/2001 (I think that's when it ran)
http://www.tulsaworld.com/lifestyle/article.aspx?subjectid=43&articleid=011231_Li_d1their&archive=yes
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)