"Fill your life with as many moments and experiences of joy and passion as you humanly can. Start with one experience and build on it." ---Wieder Marcia
Have you ever met someone whose attitude and enthusiasm is contagious? A person that you are drawn to be near. An individual that makes you smile and feel good? Someone that is so enthusiastic and positive, you believe you can accomplish anything. If you remember the late Steve Irwin (Crocodile Hunter), he was just that type of person. Looking back on his career, I wonder if he did not have passion and enthusiasm if he would have been successful at all. Passion and enthusiasm can carry you a long way in this life. It is something others are drawn to and want to be near. It also allows others to be at ease and allow their own passions to come out.
If I had to narrow down a successful, happy life to any single trait, it would be passion. Throw in a positive attitude and enthusiasm and you have a very powerful combination. This combination is hard to ignore and usually will get you further in life. Passion is so powerful that it can overcome other weaknesses. Approaching life and all situations with passion brings happiness. Imagine if tomorrow you woke and decided to live your life with passion, regardless of your situation. Even getting up early, or going to a less than desirable job now appears less unpleasant.
When I began this journey, I realized that I wanted more than anything to live a passionate life. I want to be a Steve Irwin in my own life. I desire to be the one people are drawn to and want to be near. I want my beautiful children to see a passionate father that loves them and life. I desire them to see I am passionate, enthusiastic, positive and full of life. As I continue to move towards this goal, I find I am in a happier place and enjoy life more.
"Without passion man is a mere latent force and possibility, like the flint which awaits the shock of the iron before it can give forth its spark." ---Henri Frederic Amiel
"Nothing is so contagious as enthusiasm." ---Samuel Taylor Coleridge
JL Steve Irwin 2005 interview
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Sunday, October 31, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
How the Heck do I get to my Heaven on Earth?
“Never let go of hope. One day you will see that it all has finally come together. What you have always wished for has finally come to be. You will look back and laugh at what has passed and you will ask yourself... 'How did I get through all of that?” ---Author Unknown
I know exactly what I want and what will make my life the Heaven I always wanted. I was at the local mall twice this past weekend and nowhere was it sitting on a shelf for purchase. I find it a bit surreal that I am actually shopping in a regular mall again. I find this odd for many reasons. First, I only went to malls in post High School days and early College days to check out the young women. Now, these young women and the young men checking them out seem stupid. Good heavens, was I like that as an 18-22 year-old? I was getting my handsome son his Birthday gift when a young man said to a cute young woman he was following, “Like, the color of your bra strap is really hot.” Yes, her bra strap was showing as so many young women do today. It was reddish, maroon color and if that is your color, perhaps it was hot. Second, I really do not like shopping alone unless it is Home Depot, Car Dealerships or Electronics stores. Those three are my favorites and my weaknesses. I really do not want someone with me that is going to rain on my parade with a big, no-no-no, put it back, you cannot have it. The largest reason I cannot believe I am shopping in the mall again. I have not been able to purchase clothes from a regular department store for nearly twenty years. It is great fun to try things on and realize I fit into clothes right off the regular rack. My goodness how sad it is how far the mighty have fallen. Did I, a dude, just say I love to try things on? Unfortunately, I confess to this ugly new habit. I am so stinking tickled I can wear clothes from a regular men’s section in a department store, that I want to try everything on just so I can laugh in the dressing room. Just a week ago at Macy’s an employee heard me giggling behind the door and asked if everything was okay? Can we say uncomfortable, especially when I walked out alone.
Now, I know what I want and I want it quickly. However, how do we get what we want with no roadmap or without continued struggles? I have found that when you focus in on what you want that life then will open the gates and obstacles come at you at light speed. My heaven is sitting in front of me and it will take great efforts, a little self-created luck, and cooperation from a few amazing people, love and passion. Not to mention a gargantuan belief in myself, Ironman Skin, persistence, unyielding integrity and honesty, Mars to sustain life, and Heck to freeze over. However, it is possible.
I know the people, I know the career, I know the place, I know the desired outcome. Now, how do I bring it all home and win the day? This is a daily educational event as I learn just how to navigate my way to the chosen life, the life of living by design. Some mornings I wake wondering if I am worthy or adequate. Then I remember that God wants us to live a life by design. In doing so, you become the person that he wants you to be. Living by design creates passion, love, generosity, kindness, compassion, and everlasting happiness. The path to living by design is blocked by many things. We must fight or push our way through these obstacles. The past two decades for me, I felt like I was chained to a torture wall in the hottest room in hell. Losing the weight and the negative influences in my life has been liberating. Now, how the hell do I get to my heaven here on Earth? I build it, one day at a time, one perfect, precious person at a time.
"To everyone is given the key to heaven; the same key opens the gates of hell." ---Ancient Proverb
"The aim of life is some way of living, as flexible and gentle as human nature; so that ambition may stoop to kindness, and philosophy to condor and humor. Neither prosperity nor empire nor heaven can be worth winning at the price of a virulent temper, bloody hands, an anguished spirit, and a vain hatred of the rest of the world." ---George Santayana
I know exactly what I want and what will make my life the Heaven I always wanted. I was at the local mall twice this past weekend and nowhere was it sitting on a shelf for purchase. I find it a bit surreal that I am actually shopping in a regular mall again. I find this odd for many reasons. First, I only went to malls in post High School days and early College days to check out the young women. Now, these young women and the young men checking them out seem stupid. Good heavens, was I like that as an 18-22 year-old? I was getting my handsome son his Birthday gift when a young man said to a cute young woman he was following, “Like, the color of your bra strap is really hot.” Yes, her bra strap was showing as so many young women do today. It was reddish, maroon color and if that is your color, perhaps it was hot. Second, I really do not like shopping alone unless it is Home Depot, Car Dealerships or Electronics stores. Those three are my favorites and my weaknesses. I really do not want someone with me that is going to rain on my parade with a big, no-no-no, put it back, you cannot have it. The largest reason I cannot believe I am shopping in the mall again. I have not been able to purchase clothes from a regular department store for nearly twenty years. It is great fun to try things on and realize I fit into clothes right off the regular rack. My goodness how sad it is how far the mighty have fallen. Did I, a dude, just say I love to try things on? Unfortunately, I confess to this ugly new habit. I am so stinking tickled I can wear clothes from a regular men’s section in a department store, that I want to try everything on just so I can laugh in the dressing room. Just a week ago at Macy’s an employee heard me giggling behind the door and asked if everything was okay? Can we say uncomfortable, especially when I walked out alone.
Now, I know what I want and I want it quickly. However, how do we get what we want with no roadmap or without continued struggles? I have found that when you focus in on what you want that life then will open the gates and obstacles come at you at light speed. My heaven is sitting in front of me and it will take great efforts, a little self-created luck, and cooperation from a few amazing people, love and passion. Not to mention a gargantuan belief in myself, Ironman Skin, persistence, unyielding integrity and honesty, Mars to sustain life, and Heck to freeze over. However, it is possible.
I know the people, I know the career, I know the place, I know the desired outcome. Now, how do I bring it all home and win the day? This is a daily educational event as I learn just how to navigate my way to the chosen life, the life of living by design. Some mornings I wake wondering if I am worthy or adequate. Then I remember that God wants us to live a life by design. In doing so, you become the person that he wants you to be. Living by design creates passion, love, generosity, kindness, compassion, and everlasting happiness. The path to living by design is blocked by many things. We must fight or push our way through these obstacles. The past two decades for me, I felt like I was chained to a torture wall in the hottest room in hell. Losing the weight and the negative influences in my life has been liberating. Now, how the hell do I get to my heaven here on Earth? I build it, one day at a time, one perfect, precious person at a time.
"To everyone is given the key to heaven; the same key opens the gates of hell." ---Ancient Proverb
"The aim of life is some way of living, as flexible and gentle as human nature; so that ambition may stoop to kindness, and philosophy to condor and humor. Neither prosperity nor empire nor heaven can be worth winning at the price of a virulent temper, bloody hands, an anguished spirit, and a vain hatred of the rest of the world." ---George Santayana
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Sent it Packing!
"Resolve that whatever you do, you will bring the whole man to it; that you will fling the whole weight of your being into it." ---Orison Swett Marden
I weighed in today at work for the weight loss challenge. I am still in second place by a good margin and well behind the leader. He is doing amazing and I am so excited for him. There are three weeks remaining and in order to move into first place I would have to lose an estimated 4.9 pounds per week the final three weeks. This would put my total percentage of body weight lost near his weekly average and what I predict he will finish with. Certainly not impossible, however at this late hour in my journey it would take a monumental effort and perhaps not the safest effort. I discovered I have a nasal infection and recovering from an abscess tooth. I am on a very strong antibiotic to combat both of these problems and the Doctor and Pharmacist both said, eat food with these antibiotics.
The good news of the day is that all my Vegas souvenirs are gone. In addition, I lost an additional 1.8 pounds for the week, since my last weigh-in. Of course, it was mostly water weight (the Vegas gain) as suspected as having a 10 pound turnaround in a matter of four days is extreme.
Our company had a healthy assessment day and they did fitness, weight, blood lab work and blood pressure. The woman in charge quietly pulled me aside and said you had a great year. You have lost 120 pounds since last October. That is great news and I am more than happy to hear that.
I am thinking on going to South Carolina in November with my Producer Friend Scott. He is the producer for a new film being made in South Carolina and has invited me to be on set and take part in this filming. I originally started schooling to get into this industry, more on a writing level than producing, directing level. I hope I can make it come together with time off, finances and Scott is feeling well enough to take on a roomy. It could be the experience of a lifetime... oh, one other thing is there is someone I want to meet just a seven hour drive away in Florida. An experience of a lifetime if my employer will cooperate. I am off the week following Thanksgiving, but I think I would need time off before this date. I will keep you updated on this matter as it becomes more clear.
"These two truths are the same in weight and importance. Accept and love WHO and WHERE you are now, and all good things shall find you there." ---Source Unknown
"Paula Poundstone: I'm not keeping canned goods in my apartment for an earthquake! If I get trapped beneath a beam for three days I'm gonna at least lose weight. I don't want them finding me miraculously after three days and saying Well, Christ, she's huge...I was able to get to some beans, thank God."
(Very Crude, but Paula makes me laugh. I saw her in Vegas once... great laughs but a bit foul she is. :-O )
I weighed in today at work for the weight loss challenge. I am still in second place by a good margin and well behind the leader. He is doing amazing and I am so excited for him. There are three weeks remaining and in order to move into first place I would have to lose an estimated 4.9 pounds per week the final three weeks. This would put my total percentage of body weight lost near his weekly average and what I predict he will finish with. Certainly not impossible, however at this late hour in my journey it would take a monumental effort and perhaps not the safest effort. I discovered I have a nasal infection and recovering from an abscess tooth. I am on a very strong antibiotic to combat both of these problems and the Doctor and Pharmacist both said, eat food with these antibiotics.
The good news of the day is that all my Vegas souvenirs are gone. In addition, I lost an additional 1.8 pounds for the week, since my last weigh-in. Of course, it was mostly water weight (the Vegas gain) as suspected as having a 10 pound turnaround in a matter of four days is extreme.
Our company had a healthy assessment day and they did fitness, weight, blood lab work and blood pressure. The woman in charge quietly pulled me aside and said you had a great year. You have lost 120 pounds since last October. That is great news and I am more than happy to hear that.
I am thinking on going to South Carolina in November with my Producer Friend Scott. He is the producer for a new film being made in South Carolina and has invited me to be on set and take part in this filming. I originally started schooling to get into this industry, more on a writing level than producing, directing level. I hope I can make it come together with time off, finances and Scott is feeling well enough to take on a roomy. It could be the experience of a lifetime... oh, one other thing is there is someone I want to meet just a seven hour drive away in Florida. An experience of a lifetime if my employer will cooperate. I am off the week following Thanksgiving, but I think I would need time off before this date. I will keep you updated on this matter as it becomes more clear.
"These two truths are the same in weight and importance. Accept and love WHO and WHERE you are now, and all good things shall find you there." ---Source Unknown
"Paula Poundstone: I'm not keeping canned goods in my apartment for an earthquake! If I get trapped beneath a beam for three days I'm gonna at least lose weight. I don't want them finding me miraculously after three days and saying Well, Christ, she's huge...I was able to get to some beans, thank God."
(Very Crude, but Paula makes me laugh. I saw her in Vegas once... great laughs but a bit foul she is. :-O )
The Power of Love
"A heart that loves is always young." ---Greek Proverb
During my trip to Las Vegas, my beautiful, younger sister purchased and gave me a little book. This book is small, but has some great information. I learned long ago that transitioning from living by default to living by design took a great deal of change in my thought process. I needed to break free from those that were negative in my life and from things that were causing me to entertain negative thoughts. Eliminating people and things in your life that cause these thoughts is not easy; in fact, at times it has been extremely difficult and sad. There are casualties along the way, unintended casualties and the loss can be extreme. This loss of unintended casualties can throw your life into crisis or chaos. How you channel your emotions during this crisis or chaos can make all the difference in the world in your own journey.
Fortunately, for me this channeling came out in the direction of increased exercise and better eating choices. I learned in counseling that many people do just the opposite during times of crisis. In the past, I am sure I also did the opposite. Changing your thought process is a wonderful and beautiful process. Sadly, many around you cannot handle this changing and decide to distance themselves from you and your change. I have found it very interesting the amount of people that have been negative towards my metamorphosis, from a super morbidly obese person living by default to a thinner person living by design. When you undergo such extreme changes in your life, you quickly learn who your true supporters are.
However, not all things in this process are sad and difficult. Many things are simply amazing and wonderful. You meet new people that are the most supportive and positive people you will ever know. You attract a more positive and enthusiastic support group. In addition, many people you knew from the past that really wanted no part of your life when you were negative; suddenly want to be part of your new life. If you think about that for a moment, you (or I) were the negative person they removed from their lives.
Yesterday at work, I had an experience that gives an example of this. There is a coworker that years ago were a very negative person. Two years ago as I began my journey, I came across this person and they were, really going on about how they wish someone would die so they could be rid of them. I looked this person in the eyes and said; you know, you are one of the most negative people I know and you drain the life from me. Please do not speak to me unless it is positive. This person had made many comments about my weight in the past and was not a very kind individual. During the past few months as this coworker watched from afar how my life was changing they would make the occasional comment about my weight loss or improved attitude. I worked the night shift last night and as I was getting off work, walking from the vehicle to the office, he cut me off to speak to me. He said, Todd, you have really changed and everything you do is positive. Earlier today, I observed you take an issue that was not yours and completely handle it on your own without complaining or turning another employee in for not doing their duty. The last time someone discovered the problem that person charged into our building, started screaming, and nearly caused a fight. You entered our building, said hello to everyone, joked with us, and then just took care of the problem without one negative comment. I was so impressed that after you left I filled out an accommodation and made sure the General Manager knew how you handled this situation. Amazing how one change to positive behavior brought about another change of positive behavior in someone else.
The book The Power by Rhonda Byrne calls this the power of love. I recommend the book, but simply it is the power of love. Love is positive and if we love things or people, we attract that back to us. According to this book, if we are experiencing negative things in our life, it is because we do not love enough. All great things in our life are a result of love according to this book. I looked back on the past twenty years of my life and put this theory to test. I have suffered my share of negative, painful experiences in the past twenty years and I wondered if I loved more would they be non-existent. The answer is yes, and no. It is love that could have prevented many of these things, but it would have required an outside party to show me this love as well as me practicing it in my own life. When I did not experience this love and encountered harshness instead, I responded with negativity. This resulted for those that dealt the harshness, experiencing their negative response (my reaction) to non-love. Sadly, I incorrectly responded with harshness of my own in many areas of my life. This resulted in my own negative experiences over the past twenty years. This manifested itself in weight gain and other areas of my life.
Two years ago, I realized I needed to change my life and make changes to eliminate this non-love from my life. Unfortunately, as I progressed and improved my life; it was too late for many areas of my life. However, I think it is a very positive thing and the future is very promising. Rarely, does an individual be awarded a start-over to build a life of positive energy, surrounded by people with an enormous capacity for love. I will be more thorough in those I associate with and allow into my life in the future. I will be diligent in my desire to make sure my support groups and those I surround myself with are positive, enthusiastic and optimistic people. The types of people that will cheer for you, instead of criticize you. The types of people that see you on a bad day, reach out their hand, and ask you if they can be of help.
The Power of Love, it is real and it will result in getting back what you put out.
"I get the best feeling in the world when you say hi or even smile at me because I know, even if its just for a second, that I've crossed your mind." ---Author Unknown
"Live the life you've dreamed" ---Henry David Thoreau
"I believe in the sun even if it isn't shining. I believe in love even when I am alone. I believe in God even when He is silent." ---Source Unknown
During my trip to Las Vegas, my beautiful, younger sister purchased and gave me a little book. This book is small, but has some great information. I learned long ago that transitioning from living by default to living by design took a great deal of change in my thought process. I needed to break free from those that were negative in my life and from things that were causing me to entertain negative thoughts. Eliminating people and things in your life that cause these thoughts is not easy; in fact, at times it has been extremely difficult and sad. There are casualties along the way, unintended casualties and the loss can be extreme. This loss of unintended casualties can throw your life into crisis or chaos. How you channel your emotions during this crisis or chaos can make all the difference in the world in your own journey.
Fortunately, for me this channeling came out in the direction of increased exercise and better eating choices. I learned in counseling that many people do just the opposite during times of crisis. In the past, I am sure I also did the opposite. Changing your thought process is a wonderful and beautiful process. Sadly, many around you cannot handle this changing and decide to distance themselves from you and your change. I have found it very interesting the amount of people that have been negative towards my metamorphosis, from a super morbidly obese person living by default to a thinner person living by design. When you undergo such extreme changes in your life, you quickly learn who your true supporters are.
However, not all things in this process are sad and difficult. Many things are simply amazing and wonderful. You meet new people that are the most supportive and positive people you will ever know. You attract a more positive and enthusiastic support group. In addition, many people you knew from the past that really wanted no part of your life when you were negative; suddenly want to be part of your new life. If you think about that for a moment, you (or I) were the negative person they removed from their lives.
Yesterday at work, I had an experience that gives an example of this. There is a coworker that years ago were a very negative person. Two years ago as I began my journey, I came across this person and they were, really going on about how they wish someone would die so they could be rid of them. I looked this person in the eyes and said; you know, you are one of the most negative people I know and you drain the life from me. Please do not speak to me unless it is positive. This person had made many comments about my weight in the past and was not a very kind individual. During the past few months as this coworker watched from afar how my life was changing they would make the occasional comment about my weight loss or improved attitude. I worked the night shift last night and as I was getting off work, walking from the vehicle to the office, he cut me off to speak to me. He said, Todd, you have really changed and everything you do is positive. Earlier today, I observed you take an issue that was not yours and completely handle it on your own without complaining or turning another employee in for not doing their duty. The last time someone discovered the problem that person charged into our building, started screaming, and nearly caused a fight. You entered our building, said hello to everyone, joked with us, and then just took care of the problem without one negative comment. I was so impressed that after you left I filled out an accommodation and made sure the General Manager knew how you handled this situation. Amazing how one change to positive behavior brought about another change of positive behavior in someone else.
The book The Power by Rhonda Byrne calls this the power of love. I recommend the book, but simply it is the power of love. Love is positive and if we love things or people, we attract that back to us. According to this book, if we are experiencing negative things in our life, it is because we do not love enough. All great things in our life are a result of love according to this book. I looked back on the past twenty years of my life and put this theory to test. I have suffered my share of negative, painful experiences in the past twenty years and I wondered if I loved more would they be non-existent. The answer is yes, and no. It is love that could have prevented many of these things, but it would have required an outside party to show me this love as well as me practicing it in my own life. When I did not experience this love and encountered harshness instead, I responded with negativity. This resulted for those that dealt the harshness, experiencing their negative response (my reaction) to non-love. Sadly, I incorrectly responded with harshness of my own in many areas of my life. This resulted in my own negative experiences over the past twenty years. This manifested itself in weight gain and other areas of my life.
Two years ago, I realized I needed to change my life and make changes to eliminate this non-love from my life. Unfortunately, as I progressed and improved my life; it was too late for many areas of my life. However, I think it is a very positive thing and the future is very promising. Rarely, does an individual be awarded a start-over to build a life of positive energy, surrounded by people with an enormous capacity for love. I will be more thorough in those I associate with and allow into my life in the future. I will be diligent in my desire to make sure my support groups and those I surround myself with are positive, enthusiastic and optimistic people. The types of people that will cheer for you, instead of criticize you. The types of people that see you on a bad day, reach out their hand, and ask you if they can be of help.
The Power of Love, it is real and it will result in getting back what you put out.
"I get the best feeling in the world when you say hi or even smile at me because I know, even if its just for a second, that I've crossed your mind." ---Author Unknown
"Live the life you've dreamed" ---Henry David Thoreau
"I believe in the sun even if it isn't shining. I believe in love even when I am alone. I believe in God even when He is silent." ---Source Unknown
Monday, October 18, 2010
What Happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas… I Think Not!
"What would you attempt, if you knew you could not fail?" ---Author Unknown
Please pardon my absence, but I escaped to Las Vegas for a four-day get-a-way. I attended my Nephew’s wedding, visited with many family members, and made a few new friends. It was fun getting to know our neighbors from the North, the Canadian family and friends of the bride. My newest Niece-in-law is from Canada. If she, her sister and best friends are an indicator of the women from the Country to the North, perhaps it is time for a trip to Canada. My goodness the entire group are stunning women.
I am sure you have heard the saying, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.” Well, I am here to tell you that this is not always the case. I went to Vegas with that thought in mind. I arrived and decided it was time to relax, enjoy and take some time off from reality. I ate, drank and was merry the entire trip. Well, I did not really drink alcohol as I do not drink the stuff. I was very merry, but honestly, I would have rather met someone named Mary… that did not happen. Therefore, that leaves ate. I can tell you that ate, I did. In fact, I went out to eat five times in four days. I exercised while I was in Vegas. In fact, I went a minimum of nearly three miles per day. It was tough to get myself out of bed and go jogging on a path that was filled with perfectly sculpted women. Who pays for all their plastic enhancements anyhow? Nevertheless, it was quite the site, seeing all that medical induced perfection. It gave me a craving to get my own liposuction. Add a little Botox to my lips; I am perfect for the plastic pathway of Summerlin Las Vegas. All I want for Christmas is my two pouty lips, my lipo-sucked abs, and a Mary under my tree. However, I digress; this is about what I brought back from Vegas. Now, stop thinking that. It does not require antibiotics or a trip to a discreet medical clinic.
I brought a souvenir of the worst type back from Las Vegas. My souvenir is one that I really do not want. The souvenir I brought back from my trip to Las Vegas weighs eight-pounds, two-ounces. Once again, stop thinking like that; I already have two children. My souvenir from Las Vegas was an added eight pounds of girth! I know, much of it is water weight from the sudden salty foods that I consumed; but still, weight is weight. Thankfully, today I spent a great deal of time getting rid of those eight pounds, now that I am back on my disciplined program. I went jogging/walking for nearly six miles after work today. If I could get rid of the abscess tooth I have I could actually get some sleep. However, I cannot get into my dentist until Thursday and no over-the-counter pain medicines are working. I will have to endure until Thursday. Now, that it is bedtime and I cannot sleep because of the constant pounding in my jaw, I guess I will take the dog for a late night walk.
What happens in Vegas, followed me home and tried to take up residence!
"Your body keeps an accurate journal regardless of what you write down." ---Author Unknown
"In my stars I am above thee, but be not afraid of greatness. Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness; thrust upon em." ---William Shakespeare
"O sleep, O gentle sleep, nature's soft nurse, how have I frightened thee, that thou no more wilt weigh my eye-lids down and steep my senses in forgetfulness?" ---William Shakespeare
Please pardon my absence, but I escaped to Las Vegas for a four-day get-a-way. I attended my Nephew’s wedding, visited with many family members, and made a few new friends. It was fun getting to know our neighbors from the North, the Canadian family and friends of the bride. My newest Niece-in-law is from Canada. If she, her sister and best friends are an indicator of the women from the Country to the North, perhaps it is time for a trip to Canada. My goodness the entire group are stunning women.
I am sure you have heard the saying, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.” Well, I am here to tell you that this is not always the case. I went to Vegas with that thought in mind. I arrived and decided it was time to relax, enjoy and take some time off from reality. I ate, drank and was merry the entire trip. Well, I did not really drink alcohol as I do not drink the stuff. I was very merry, but honestly, I would have rather met someone named Mary… that did not happen. Therefore, that leaves ate. I can tell you that ate, I did. In fact, I went out to eat five times in four days. I exercised while I was in Vegas. In fact, I went a minimum of nearly three miles per day. It was tough to get myself out of bed and go jogging on a path that was filled with perfectly sculpted women. Who pays for all their plastic enhancements anyhow? Nevertheless, it was quite the site, seeing all that medical induced perfection. It gave me a craving to get my own liposuction. Add a little Botox to my lips; I am perfect for the plastic pathway of Summerlin Las Vegas. All I want for Christmas is my two pouty lips, my lipo-sucked abs, and a Mary under my tree. However, I digress; this is about what I brought back from Vegas. Now, stop thinking that. It does not require antibiotics or a trip to a discreet medical clinic.
I brought a souvenir of the worst type back from Las Vegas. My souvenir is one that I really do not want. The souvenir I brought back from my trip to Las Vegas weighs eight-pounds, two-ounces. Once again, stop thinking like that; I already have two children. My souvenir from Las Vegas was an added eight pounds of girth! I know, much of it is water weight from the sudden salty foods that I consumed; but still, weight is weight. Thankfully, today I spent a great deal of time getting rid of those eight pounds, now that I am back on my disciplined program. I went jogging/walking for nearly six miles after work today. If I could get rid of the abscess tooth I have I could actually get some sleep. However, I cannot get into my dentist until Thursday and no over-the-counter pain medicines are working. I will have to endure until Thursday. Now, that it is bedtime and I cannot sleep because of the constant pounding in my jaw, I guess I will take the dog for a late night walk.
What happens in Vegas, followed me home and tried to take up residence!
"Your body keeps an accurate journal regardless of what you write down." ---Author Unknown
"In my stars I am above thee, but be not afraid of greatness. Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness; thrust upon em." ---William Shakespeare
"O sleep, O gentle sleep, nature's soft nurse, how have I frightened thee, that thou no more wilt weigh my eye-lids down and steep my senses in forgetfulness?" ---William Shakespeare
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Is Close Considered a Victory?
"You will achieve grand dream, a day at a time, so set goals for each day -- not long and difficult projects, but chores that will take you, step by step, toward your rainbow. Write them down, if you must, but limit your list so that you won't have to drag today's undone matters into tomorrow. Remember that you cannot build your pyramid in twenty-four hours. Be patient. Never allow your day to become so cluttered that you neglect your most important goal -- to do the best you can, enjoy this day, and rest satisfied with what you have accomplished." ---Og Mandino
A passing thought before I head to bed. A woman asked me today while waiting for my handsome son to get out of his kindergarten class, how I was going to celebrate my weight loss victory. I explained that I was not finished. Her comment caught me off guard. She said, good grief you are close enough you look great. Then playfully grabbed my shirt and tugged on it.
When did coming close become a victory? I know, in sports and in the Olympics, we are taught that winning is not everything. It is competing and having fun, giving it your all. However, I do not know one Olympic athlete or any athlete on any level that set out for close. I did not start this journey to come close to my original goal. I set out with a goal in mind and that is where I will celebrate. I appreciated the comment and even the little flirtatious tugging of the shirt; it was grand for my ego. However, this is just one more example of how the world conspires to keep you from achieving your end goal. Just think of all the people of the world that were so close to their dream or goal; only to quit just shy of reaching it.
"After the cheers have died down and the stadium is empty, after the headlines have been written and after you are back in the quiet of your room and the championship ring has been placed on the dresser and all the pomp and fanfare has faded, the enduring things that are left are: the dedication to excellence, the dedication to victory, and the dedication to doing with our lives the very best we can to make the world a better place in which to live." ---Vince Lombardi
"I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who conquers his enemies; for the hardest victory is over self." ---Aristotle
"On the shores of hesitation, bleach the bones of countless millions, who at the dawn of victory, sat to wait and waiting died." ---Author Unknown
A passing thought before I head to bed. A woman asked me today while waiting for my handsome son to get out of his kindergarten class, how I was going to celebrate my weight loss victory. I explained that I was not finished. Her comment caught me off guard. She said, good grief you are close enough you look great. Then playfully grabbed my shirt and tugged on it.
When did coming close become a victory? I know, in sports and in the Olympics, we are taught that winning is not everything. It is competing and having fun, giving it your all. However, I do not know one Olympic athlete or any athlete on any level that set out for close. I did not start this journey to come close to my original goal. I set out with a goal in mind and that is where I will celebrate. I appreciated the comment and even the little flirtatious tugging of the shirt; it was grand for my ego. However, this is just one more example of how the world conspires to keep you from achieving your end goal. Just think of all the people of the world that were so close to their dream or goal; only to quit just shy of reaching it.
"After the cheers have died down and the stadium is empty, after the headlines have been written and after you are back in the quiet of your room and the championship ring has been placed on the dresser and all the pomp and fanfare has faded, the enduring things that are left are: the dedication to excellence, the dedication to victory, and the dedication to doing with our lives the very best we can to make the world a better place in which to live." ---Vince Lombardi
"I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who conquers his enemies; for the hardest victory is over self." ---Aristotle
"On the shores of hesitation, bleach the bones of countless millions, who at the dawn of victory, sat to wait and waiting died." ---Author Unknown
Pant Rant
"The greatest discovery of my generation is that man can alter his life simply by altering his attitude of mind." ---James Truslow Adams
Once again, people are making fun of my baggy pants. A female coworker grabbed my pants in the rear section and chimed another pair about to fall off you. She added I love walking behind you because I know that eventually I am going to get a show when those fall off. When I got home yesterday, I marched right up to my bedroom. I slammed the door shut and dropped to the bed in a rain shower of tears. How could they do this to me, how could my pants just abandon me like this… Oh, Please… Stop the drama! The truth is I arrived home and calmly walked up to my bedroom. It used to be the Bridal Suite, now I call it the Unfurnished Man Cave. Like chalk lines around a deceased body, I have carpet indent-lines where glorious furniture used to dwell. The positive side to this is I have not stubbed my toe in the dark since this furniture moved to a new residence. However, there is a slight annoyance to this as well. I now have an echo in my Unfurnished Man Cave.
Once I made it upstairs to the Unfurnished Man Cave, I opened the pant-storage drawer. If you remember when I purchased pants during the last baggy pant rant, I purchased the next few sizes smaller. I stripped out of my pants, posted the strip tease on the internet :-) and reached for the next smaller size. I slowly pulled them up. First the left leg and all was good. Then the right leg and all was good. Then over the butt and all was good. Finally, the big moment as I sucked my gut in as far as it would go without throwing out my back. Left hand on the left of the enclosure, right hand on the right of the enclosure. Then one more suck the gut in and pull like there is no tomorrow. The result was two sides coming together in harmony with a common goal to keep my assets hidden. Now, I must warn people that if the enclosure to these smaller pants happens to fail, it could be deadly. The metal enclosure would shoot off like a Ninja Star.
When I realized I was actually wearing and fitting into the smaller pants, I grabbed the baggy pair and beat on it. I did some karate moves, a little kung-fu, stomped on them, and then threw them like a fastball onto the donation pile for a thrifty store. I walked with new-found pride today in my smaller pants. I was extremely careful not to bend at the waist. I am thrilled to be in another size smaller and wish to continue the trend.
Update 10/07/2010
Weight Loss Challenge
I remain in second place in the weight loss challenge at work. I have had difficulty catching the leader. Since the first week, when he lost a great deal of weight; I have kept pace and gained a little ground. However, my admiration goes to this guy as he has continued to be motivated and disciplined for six weeks. No easy task to accomplish in the first six weeks of a weight loss program. I am happy for him and will refocus on my efforts to catch him in the remaining six weeks of the program. As of this writing, I have lost 6.50% of my body weight in the first six weeks of the program. The leader has lost an astounding 8.5% of his body weight in six weeks. Well done.
"I am learning to understand rather than immediately judge or to be judged. I cannot blindly follow the crowd and accept their approach. I will not allow myself to indulge in the usual manipulating game of role creation. Fortunately for me, my self-knowledge has transcended that and I have come to understand that life is best to be lived and not to be conceptualized. I am happy because I am growing daily and I am honestly not knowing where the limit lies. To be certain, every day there can be a revelation or a new discovery. I treasure the memory of the past misfortunes. It has added more to my bank of fortitude." ---Bruce Lee
Once again, people are making fun of my baggy pants. A female coworker grabbed my pants in the rear section and chimed another pair about to fall off you. She added I love walking behind you because I know that eventually I am going to get a show when those fall off. When I got home yesterday, I marched right up to my bedroom. I slammed the door shut and dropped to the bed in a rain shower of tears. How could they do this to me, how could my pants just abandon me like this… Oh, Please… Stop the drama! The truth is I arrived home and calmly walked up to my bedroom. It used to be the Bridal Suite, now I call it the Unfurnished Man Cave. Like chalk lines around a deceased body, I have carpet indent-lines where glorious furniture used to dwell. The positive side to this is I have not stubbed my toe in the dark since this furniture moved to a new residence. However, there is a slight annoyance to this as well. I now have an echo in my Unfurnished Man Cave.
Once I made it upstairs to the Unfurnished Man Cave, I opened the pant-storage drawer. If you remember when I purchased pants during the last baggy pant rant, I purchased the next few sizes smaller. I stripped out of my pants, posted the strip tease on the internet :-) and reached for the next smaller size. I slowly pulled them up. First the left leg and all was good. Then the right leg and all was good. Then over the butt and all was good. Finally, the big moment as I sucked my gut in as far as it would go without throwing out my back. Left hand on the left of the enclosure, right hand on the right of the enclosure. Then one more suck the gut in and pull like there is no tomorrow. The result was two sides coming together in harmony with a common goal to keep my assets hidden. Now, I must warn people that if the enclosure to these smaller pants happens to fail, it could be deadly. The metal enclosure would shoot off like a Ninja Star.
When I realized I was actually wearing and fitting into the smaller pants, I grabbed the baggy pair and beat on it. I did some karate moves, a little kung-fu, stomped on them, and then threw them like a fastball onto the donation pile for a thrifty store. I walked with new-found pride today in my smaller pants. I was extremely careful not to bend at the waist. I am thrilled to be in another size smaller and wish to continue the trend.
Update 10/07/2010
Weight Loss Challenge
I remain in second place in the weight loss challenge at work. I have had difficulty catching the leader. Since the first week, when he lost a great deal of weight; I have kept pace and gained a little ground. However, my admiration goes to this guy as he has continued to be motivated and disciplined for six weeks. No easy task to accomplish in the first six weeks of a weight loss program. I am happy for him and will refocus on my efforts to catch him in the remaining six weeks of the program. As of this writing, I have lost 6.50% of my body weight in the first six weeks of the program. The leader has lost an astounding 8.5% of his body weight in six weeks. Well done.
"I am learning to understand rather than immediately judge or to be judged. I cannot blindly follow the crowd and accept their approach. I will not allow myself to indulge in the usual manipulating game of role creation. Fortunately for me, my self-knowledge has transcended that and I have come to understand that life is best to be lived and not to be conceptualized. I am happy because I am growing daily and I am honestly not knowing where the limit lies. To be certain, every day there can be a revelation or a new discovery. I treasure the memory of the past misfortunes. It has added more to my bank of fortitude." ---Bruce Lee
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Weight a Minute
"Failure is the opportunity to begin again more intelligently" ---Henry Ford
This morning while making pancakes for my beautiful children, I almost caught myself about to sit down with one of these huge carbohydrate pillows. Quickly, I got online and looked up how much hiking, walking or jogging I would have to do to burn off a carbohydrate pillow. Ouch, that pancake certainly does not sound that good.
Every day we are faced with choices. These choices determine exactly where we are in the future. It can be the near future or long term future, nonetheless our choices today determine our future tomorrows. During the period where I used food as a drug, I was only concerned about the present and how I felt at that moment. Trying to hide an emotion behind food determined the eventual future of over 430 pounds.
I have to admit that I still have days that I get side-tracked and lose sight of what I have eaten. However, the next day or sometimes later that day, I get right back on track by clearing my mind. I immediately start loading my mind with positive self-growth materials and inspirational stories to assist me in avoiding further deviation from a healthy lifestyle.
Is it easy, is a question I keep getting. In the first twelve months of a complete lifestyle change it is not easy. In fact, it was very difficult and very challenging. There were times I nearly came to tears and thought why would I put myself through this. Maintaining weight and losing weight are two completely different worlds. Losing weight requires deprivation, regardless of program it has to be reduced from a maintenance schedule to continue to lose weight. Stay the course, because after that twelve month mark something miraculous took place. It became a way of life without feeling any deprivation at all. I continue to lose nearly two pounds a week and only if I deviate too much does this amount of weight loss diminish.
"Nobody is stronger, nobody is weaker than someone who came back.There is nothing you can do to such a person because whatever you could do is less than what has already been done to him. We have already paid the price." ---Elie Wiesel
"I would rather be ashes than dust! I would rather that my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze than it should be stifled by dry rot. I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet. The proper function of man is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them. I shall use my time." --- Jack London
This morning while making pancakes for my beautiful children, I almost caught myself about to sit down with one of these huge carbohydrate pillows. Quickly, I got online and looked up how much hiking, walking or jogging I would have to do to burn off a carbohydrate pillow. Ouch, that pancake certainly does not sound that good.
Every day we are faced with choices. These choices determine exactly where we are in the future. It can be the near future or long term future, nonetheless our choices today determine our future tomorrows. During the period where I used food as a drug, I was only concerned about the present and how I felt at that moment. Trying to hide an emotion behind food determined the eventual future of over 430 pounds.
I have to admit that I still have days that I get side-tracked and lose sight of what I have eaten. However, the next day or sometimes later that day, I get right back on track by clearing my mind. I immediately start loading my mind with positive self-growth materials and inspirational stories to assist me in avoiding further deviation from a healthy lifestyle.
Is it easy, is a question I keep getting. In the first twelve months of a complete lifestyle change it is not easy. In fact, it was very difficult and very challenging. There were times I nearly came to tears and thought why would I put myself through this. Maintaining weight and losing weight are two completely different worlds. Losing weight requires deprivation, regardless of program it has to be reduced from a maintenance schedule to continue to lose weight. Stay the course, because after that twelve month mark something miraculous took place. It became a way of life without feeling any deprivation at all. I continue to lose nearly two pounds a week and only if I deviate too much does this amount of weight loss diminish.
"Nobody is stronger, nobody is weaker than someone who came back.There is nothing you can do to such a person because whatever you could do is less than what has already been done to him. We have already paid the price." ---Elie Wiesel
"I would rather be ashes than dust! I would rather that my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze than it should be stifled by dry rot. I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet. The proper function of man is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them. I shall use my time." --- Jack London
Fear
"I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain." ---Frank Herbert, Dune - Bene Gesserit Litany Against Fear
I consider fear the single largest culprit in people living lives less than they desired than any other issue today. When I look back on my life thus far, I realize that almost every chance I had to become and obtain exactly what I want in life was lost due to fear of some type. Once the weight piled on, the more fear took deep root within me. When I reached my defining moment two years ago, I vowed that I would never allow fear to paralyze my life again. Now, to me fear and confidence are two different issues. One can lose the fear and still not have the confidence necessary to carry yourself in a successful manner. This is where weight loss is paramount in conquering fear and regaining massive confidence.
There are two words that I have used recently that seemed a little silly. I have used these words to plant a seed that there is a possibility of something. Despite insurmountable odds and enormous obstacles, there is hope. I use these two words to portray the possibility of something great and wonderful. However, this evening my beautiful daughter asked me to rent the movie Letters to Juliet. In this movie, near the end they read a letter that really brought home what these two little words actually mean. They can be powerful when combined and if not pursued can be tragically haunting.
Letters to Juliet:
"'What' and ‘if’ two words as nonthreatening as words come. But put them together side-by-side and they have the power to haunt you for the rest of your life: ‘What if?'..."
"I don't know how your story ended. But I know that if what you felt then was love - true love – then it's never too late. If it was true then, why wouldn't it be true now? You need only the courage to follow your heart..."
"I don't know what a love like that feels like... a love to leave loved ones for, a love to cross oceans for... but I'd like to believe if I ever felt it. I'd have the courage to seize it. I hope you had the courage to seize it, Claire. And if you didn't, I hope one day that you will."
Those two words are seriously tragic when combined. Looking back on your own life, how many “what if’s” are there? I know my past life is full of them. My life since my defining moment and my divorce will never again be filled with “what if”. In order to live by design and assemble the life that you want for yourself, the life God wants for you. The life your family and friends want for you. All “what if’s” must be pursued and we need to make sure that we do not leave that issue unresolved. We must place fear, doubt and lack of confidence away and lock the door of that closet. Follow your dreams and live by design. Dissolve from your life all “what if” scenarios, go out, and conquer your world. I intend to and my first five items on my goal list will be pursued to the end. I will either reach them, obtain them, be part of them or perhaps I just may win the day. Either way, win or lose there will be no more what if scenarios for the rest of my life. It is my sincere hope you do the same. No matter what the topic is business, career, love, faith, geography, health, weight loss, or anything else you desire.
"Courage is the price that Life exacts for granting peace." ---Amelia Earhart
"Enthusiasm is the best protection in any situation. Wholeheartedness is contagious. Give yourself, if you wish to get others." ---David Seabury
I consider fear the single largest culprit in people living lives less than they desired than any other issue today. When I look back on my life thus far, I realize that almost every chance I had to become and obtain exactly what I want in life was lost due to fear of some type. Once the weight piled on, the more fear took deep root within me. When I reached my defining moment two years ago, I vowed that I would never allow fear to paralyze my life again. Now, to me fear and confidence are two different issues. One can lose the fear and still not have the confidence necessary to carry yourself in a successful manner. This is where weight loss is paramount in conquering fear and regaining massive confidence.
There are two words that I have used recently that seemed a little silly. I have used these words to plant a seed that there is a possibility of something. Despite insurmountable odds and enormous obstacles, there is hope. I use these two words to portray the possibility of something great and wonderful. However, this evening my beautiful daughter asked me to rent the movie Letters to Juliet. In this movie, near the end they read a letter that really brought home what these two little words actually mean. They can be powerful when combined and if not pursued can be tragically haunting.
Letters to Juliet:
"'What' and ‘if’ two words as nonthreatening as words come. But put them together side-by-side and they have the power to haunt you for the rest of your life: ‘What if?'..."
"I don't know how your story ended. But I know that if what you felt then was love - true love – then it's never too late. If it was true then, why wouldn't it be true now? You need only the courage to follow your heart..."
"I don't know what a love like that feels like... a love to leave loved ones for, a love to cross oceans for... but I'd like to believe if I ever felt it. I'd have the courage to seize it. I hope you had the courage to seize it, Claire. And if you didn't, I hope one day that you will."
Those two words are seriously tragic when combined. Looking back on your own life, how many “what if’s” are there? I know my past life is full of them. My life since my defining moment and my divorce will never again be filled with “what if”. In order to live by design and assemble the life that you want for yourself, the life God wants for you. The life your family and friends want for you. All “what if’s” must be pursued and we need to make sure that we do not leave that issue unresolved. We must place fear, doubt and lack of confidence away and lock the door of that closet. Follow your dreams and live by design. Dissolve from your life all “what if” scenarios, go out, and conquer your world. I intend to and my first five items on my goal list will be pursued to the end. I will either reach them, obtain them, be part of them or perhaps I just may win the day. Either way, win or lose there will be no more what if scenarios for the rest of my life. It is my sincere hope you do the same. No matter what the topic is business, career, love, faith, geography, health, weight loss, or anything else you desire.
"Courage is the price that Life exacts for granting peace." ---Amelia Earhart
"Enthusiasm is the best protection in any situation. Wholeheartedness is contagious. Give yourself, if you wish to get others." ---David Seabury
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