Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Merry Christmas to all of you and a happy New Year. With the new year will come a new committment to my health life... Stay Tuned, its ugly right now but the FIGHT will renew in 2009 and we'll do better than ever...

Talk to you all soon.

Bc

Not Going to STRESS Out

You know it's become apparent that I won't be under 300 by January 1st and for once I am NOT going to stress out about it. As a matter of fact I am taking a well deserved break from the stress of trying to lose weight and get into shape to enjoy the holidays. January 1st will be a new and improved effort, one not seen in these parts since JAN,FEB,MAR,APRIL of 2007. I am not going to think about being healthy or dieting or anything of that nature until then, I am going to enjoy the holidays. DONT get me wrong I am not going off the deep end, just giving it a rest.

Perspective - The glass IS half full

I got this today in email and wanted to share.

I AM THANKFUL:
FOR THE WIFE WHO SAYS IT'S HOT DOGS TONIGHT,BECAUSE SHE IS HOME WITH ME,AND NOT OUT WITH SOMEONE ELSE.

FOR THE HUSBAND WHO IS ON THE SOFA BEING A COUCH POTATO,BECAUSE HE IS HOME WITH ME AND NOT OUT AT THE BARS.

FOR THE TEENAGER WHO IS COMPLAINING ABOUT DOING DISHESBECAUSE IT MEANS SHE IS AT HOME,NOT ON THE STREETS.

FOR THE TAXES I PAY BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM EMPLOYED.

FOR THE MESS TO CLEAN AFTER A PARTY BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN SURROUNDED BY FRIENDS.

FOR THE CLOTHES THAT FIT A LITTLE TOO SNUGBECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE ENOUGH TO EAT.

FOR MY SHADOW THAT WATCHES ME WORK BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM OUT IN THE SUNSHINE

FOR A LAWN THAT NEEDS MOWING,WINDOWS THAT NEED CLEANING,AND GUTTERS THAT NEED FIXING BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE A HOME.

FOR ALL THE COMPLAINING I HEAR ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT BECAUSE IT MEANS WE HAVE FREEDOM OF SPEECH.

FOR THE PARKING SPOT I FIND AT THE FAR END OF THE PARKING LOT BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM CAPABLE OF WALKING AND I HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH TRANSPORTATION.

FOR MY HUGE HEATING BILL BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM WARM.

FOR THE LADY BEHIND ME IN CHURCH WHO SINGS OFF KEY BECAUSE IT MEANS I CAN HEAR.

FOR THE PILE OF LAUNDRY AND IRONING BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE CLOTHES TO WEAR.

FOR WEARINESS AND ACHING MUSCLES AT THE END OF THE DAY BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN CAPABLE OF WORKING HARD.

FOR THE ALARM THAT GOES OFFIN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM ALIVE.

AND FINALLY, FOR E-MAIL's BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE FRIENDS WHO ARE THINKING OF ME.

Live well, Laugh often, & Love with all of your heart!

Friday Weigh IN

Sorry, haven't posted my friday update yet - FURNACE OUT at home, HUGE EXPENSE right on TOP of the new TRUCK I bought, (see my other blog) too much other CRAP going on so for now... 334.8, still going the righ way... MORE TO COME SOON...

FRIDAY Weigh In - 10/31/08

Today: 336.6
Last Time: 338.4
Week Lost: 1.8
Month Lost: 18.0
Lost Since OCT 1st: 18.0
Max Density: 418.0
Total Lost since MAX: 81.4 lbs.
Current Goal: 299.9 before Jan 1, 2009
To Goal: 36.7
To Achieve:
68 Days/ .60 lbs per day
8 Weeks: 4.58 lbs per week
2.0 Months: 18.35 lbs per month

Progress I guess. We'll the next two months have to be better to be where I want to be. The thing of it is I watched my food intake pretty well last week but didn't get to the gym or on the bike or anything extra. I AM GOING for this goal so this weekend I will get everything in order to become a workout FOOL for the next two months. If you don't combine working out with managing your consumption then you are really HALF ASSING it. I Guess that's what I did for the month of October SO, CARDIO and WEIGHTS and a BUNCH of walking here I come. I can be happy with an 18 pound month but wont be happy if I don't have a 20 pound month in November.

Why is it so DAMN hard to do the right thing. I guess I have to work better on keeping the temptations at bay and getting my will power in full gear. When it really comes right down to it WILL POWER is the key.

Friday Weigh In - 10/24/08

Today: 338.4
Last Time: 339.6
Week Lost: 1.2
Month Lost: 16.2
Lost Since OCT 1st: 16.2
Max Density: 418.0
Total Lost since MAX: 79.6 lbs.
Current Goal: 299.9 before Jan 1, 2009
To Goal: 38.5
To Achieve: 68 Days/ .57 lbs per day
9 Weeks: 4.27 lbs per week
2.25 Months: 17.11 lbs per month

Weekly progress was not what I expected but I did maintain the correct direction. I need to pop off a good week this week to keep my momentum. I had one major bad day last week where I ate Chinese for lunch anticipating a good rest of the day and ended up at Buffalo Wild Wings that night. I also had a bad day camping with a new variation of Peach Cobbler :-). It's Valerie and Alyssa's favorite place to eat, not to mention mine as well. We'll keep plugging away and I plan on a good week this week. 3.5 lbs this week and I would be fired up. Oh, yea, I forgot to do any structured exercise last week so that's dumb on my part.

Everyone KEEP working hard and continue Fighting the FAT and Keep the Faith.

10/17 Weigh In

MOVING my weigh in day to Friday Mornings.

Today: 339.6
Last Monday: 342.8
Week Lost: 3.2
Month Lost: 15
Lost Since OCT 1st: 15
Max Density: 418.0
Total Lost since MAX: 78.4 lbs.
Current Goal: 299.9 before Jan 1, 2009
To Goal: 39.7
To Achieve: 75 Days/ .52 lbs per day
10 Weeks: 3.97 lbs per week
2.5 Months: 15.88 lbs per month

A little party last weekend derailed me a bit but still on track. Extra walking and focused on calorie intake is working and will continue to work. Looking for a 5 pound week this week. Anything more than that really isn't healthy at all and even that is pushing it. Losing 5 lbs for a 340 pounder is the same as losing 2.5 for 180 pounder so its not too extreme. I contribute HUGE loss the first week to basically SHOCKING my system with exercise and food restriction so I won't see another one like that but that's the norm. Moving weigh ins to Friday will help keep my head in the game better as Monday mornings can tend to be risky with weekend activities and I always do better during the week with my focus and structure...

Keep fighting baby.

FTF and Keep the Faith - Bc

Health Fair Results

We had our health fair today at work and I had a few things checked as I always do. Here are the results as they were made aware to me today:

Total Cholesterol - 108
Blood Sugar - 85
Blood Pressure - 130/84

Now if I could JUST do something about that "3" in front of my weight....

FTF - B

10/6 Weigh In - WHOA.....

Today: 342.8
Last Monday: 354.6
Week Lost: 11.8
Month Lost: 11.8
Max Density: 418.0
Total Lost since MAX: 75.2 lbs.
Current Goal: 299.9 before Jan 1, 2009
To Goal: 42.9
To Achieve: 86 Days/.49lbs per day
12 Weeks: 3.58 lbs per week
3 Months: 14.3 lbs per month (rough)

I've got to say I had my most focused week in at least the last 6 months last week. I went back to the fitday tracker and that sure makes me accountable. Tracking all you intake throughout the days and week makes it much clearer to see where you are headed.

Even with great focus I had a couple of bad moments during the week. I had a few drinks on Friday night and then again on Saturday. Those empty calories and the lack of focus that usually comes after them arn't any good for anybody, BUT thats me and thats who I am. My goal was to maintain about 2000 caloreis a day for the week and the weekly average came in at about 2200 even with the extra drinks. Extra walking, exercise and really very limited soda intake and cut down on caffine as well will pay dividends.

350LBS on a 1800 - 2200 a day restriction is definately a recipet for success. We'll keep with that focus for this week. I plan to continue with extra physical activity this week and will get into the weight room as well for a planned focus lifting session a couple times this week.

Planning ahead I know I am going out with the boys this weekend (Will be at homecoming in WAYNE America for 3 days) and will definately have the opportunity to overinduldge some so EXTRA focus early in the week a key here too. Better choices during the upcoming weekend will help too, grilled chicken breast sandwich as opposed to the double whopper at the fast food joint and staying away from GODFATHERS BUFFET will be part of the goal. Once back in the day I set a record in my group for eathing 17 pieced of Pizza at that buffet. It still gets talked about from time to time....

FTF and Keep the Faith...

B

INSANITY and SMALL CHANGES plus OCTOBERFEST

You all know the definition of INSANITY is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. That's pretty much been the YO-YO for me the past few month; have a good week or two and drop 3 pounds and then have a bad week and gain 5 pounds. Can't go one step forward and two back and EVER get anywhere.

A few observations and goals for Oktoberfest; some are very simple but important.

A. Parking - Why is it that everyone always tries to find the closest parking stall to the door, weather it be at the office, at the mall or at the grocery store. I paced it off yesterday from my normal spot at the office (as close as I can get to the door) its about 82 paces to my office. This morning I parked at the furthest spot from the front door and its 220 paces to my office. That's 270% more walking than before. 3 Trips each day was 246 paces and is now 660 paces NO BRAINER...

B. Working out with both weights and cardio a minimum of 3 times a week and doing something a little extra on "non workout" days such as a lap around the building or a couple of laps at the mall.

C. 2000 Good calories a day is IT for now as well as a lot of good old fashion water and ONE pop a day at the MAX (if any).

D. I plan to be accountable to the FTF blog and most importantly myself. Remembering that MIND OVER MATTER is the key for me as well as making better choices.

E. No more talk, time to work, if it was easy everyone would be slim.

FTF and Keep the Faith... B

Tuesday Morning Weigh In

It all caught up with me. Too many temptations, too much birthday cake, too many drinks, too much bad food and too much unhealthy snacking... 354.6 on Tuesday morning.

OCTOBERFEST is ON - October will be the best month yet, I've said it before but I really mean it. I've actually set some goals and have gone back to my fitday account to start tracking my food and activities. It was the key to success before and it will get me back on track again. I was really starting to feel good at my birthday last year in the ballpark of 300 lbs so I guess I just felt I didn't have to try as much and look where I am now. 40 plus pounds up in one year basically... That's BS...

Keep the Faith and FTF.

Monday Weigh In

I am amazed I didn't gain last week as I had three bad days. Beers, appetizers and more beers one day, Buffalo Wild wings "gorgefest" another day and a party on Saturday night were I had drinks and way too much food. ILL TAKE IT. 1.2 lbs for the week. Looking for good things this week as I have 4 workouts scheduled that I WILL NOT MISS.

Happy Birthday to me today - 41 feeling physically 51 and mentally 31...

Monday Morning Weigh In

A couple of pounds this last week is okay with me. Getting the ball rolling and its at the top of the hill just starting down the hill, its moving, its getting ready to start picking up speed. A couple of workouts last week, some push ups, extra walking, yep, I feel good about it.

The Best is Yet to Come...

B

Too Paralized to ACT

Dammit, trying to get focused with everything going on and constantly worrying a bout trying to lose weight has got me headed in the WRONG direction. I've got to become like NIKE, Just do it.... Just do something besides filling my face!!!! My motto the last several weeks has been the old "if you ignore something it will just go away" motto. We'll now there is more of me to go away. I had a goal to start the Monday after labor day and I started tracking but didn't officially start anything until last night. As I floundered on the floor watching TV and eating Lemon cookies dunked in milk I decided I had put TOO much effort into getting some of this weight off to let go and in no time be back at 418 PLUS in no time. SO, i actually did 5 sets of 10 push ups last night for my first actual exercise in months. Granted they were CHICK push-ups off my knees but dammit its a start.

Gotta GO, NOW... Whatever the problem is with my commitment to a healthier lifestyle has GOT TO GO - No more excuses and no more letting outside distractions get in my way.

No MORE "Analysis Paralysis" - I know I've said it before but now is the time and I am committed to it as much as I've been since the beginning...

Wish me luck and say a prayer for me cause I'll need all the help I can get.

Anybody know any 400 pound 70 year olds???

B

Getting Political

Dear Mr. Obama - Until I figure out how to post video here please review this. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TG4fe9GlWS8

I AM Back

We are back from vacation and I am looking to start making my move on the health front. I really have several things to talk about over the next few weeks that I've come to realize and after a 10 day vacation with you family you realize the word "SIMPLIFY" becomes more of something to strive for.

We'll talk more soon...

FTF and Keep the FAITH

B

PS: One pound gain durning vacation ROCKS....

HORRIBLE

I am a horrible blogger right now. The scale said 328 this morning so I am doing OKAY in that aspect since I am not GAINING weight.

In the last 2/3 months WORK has NEVER been busier. I mean in all the 40 years of my existence I have NEVER been busier with anything. We've got two MAJOR projects going on at the same time and have doubled our workload, added employees and taken on a WHOLE lot more. Its actually been good, I enjoy the challenge and the time has FLOWN by but its just TOO Busy. I think we've finally got all the major items fixed and running and it finally feels as though I may be able to breathe again... :-)

We're actually heading out on VACATION on the 1st for 10 days. This is the vacation originally scheduled for the first week in JUNE that I ended up postponing so it is definitely OVERDUE. We are not going far, just into IOWA and pulling our camper but its just EXACTLY what we wanted to do. Get away and RELAX. ( http://clemfamcamp.blogspot.com/ )

BE ON THE LOOK out because my WINTER CONDITIONING program will be kicking off shortly after LABOR day and by the time the start of next summer comes around you WONT RECOGNIZE ME...

FTF and Keep the Faith...

4th of July Challenge

I really petered out at the end and over the last three weeks of this challenge. The word on the street is that now we are having a Labor Day Challenge. I am game and ready to keep moving forward with MORE determination. I do want 300 by the end of the year so its time to PUT UP OR SHUT UP.

FADE....

I haven't had a lot of time lately to blog but I am still looking after my weight and health. I've been on the bike several times and been watching my bad food intake pretty closely too. It doesn't happen to quickly anymore but I have to realize that where I am right now is what you would call my "Set Point". The weight you body gets used to and you really need to shock your system to blow through a set point. I was as this weight from January of '86 for probably 15 years until I put on the next 75lbs, that may be why it is much harder now than it was to get the initial 75 off. We'll keep working on it and get there at some point in time. My goals are a little less aggressive than they have been in the past but slow and steady wins the race. Reality tells me I can be under 300 by the end of the year and that is my VERY realistic goal now. Patience is the KEY.

Thanks everyone for your support.

Looks like the captain and everyone else is kind of fading on this 4th of July Challenge. Spidey may still have a chance but I don't plan on giving up so bring it on.

Liberty's 90th Party

I wanted to post a few pictures of my Grandmother's 90th Birthday party here. Some of my family frequents this blog to check up on my FAT FIGHT and for those of you that couldn't make this party I just wanted to share. If you click (or double click) on the pictures they will enlarge and if you right click on it you should be able to save it if you want it. OKAY, so I lied about double clicking to enlarge but please feel free to save to your files if you wish.

Thanks and God Bless..

Spidey Hits the NAIL on the HEAD

Read Spidey's post and know that he hits the nail directly on the head. LINK

Finally Ready Again

I am finally ready to make a concerted effort toward improving my health. I made HUGE progress last year and kind of rested on my laurels so to speak, still working but not putting my WHOLE efforts into it, so its time again.

Sunday I got 4 miles in on the bike and last night I went for an hour and got in about 10 miles and finally found the West Papio Trail. It's so much nicer and safer to be on the trail that to travel through town stopping at stop signs, dodging cars and riding on the narrow sidewalks at times. I've got a headlight and a taillight on my bike so completing this at 10pm was really no big deal.

I am excited and feel refreshed today and ready to do it again. Golf league tonight and then back to the trail on Thursday night. We'll be camping this weekend but will take the bikes along too so look for some good exercise over the weekend too.

Only a MONTH left in the 4th of July Challenge and I WILL win it FOR SURE. There is no doubt in my mind.

Taking it in the SHORTS...

The 4th of July Challenge took a HIT this weekend... Surprisingly only a small one and I'll be back on track hard this week.

Friday - Bar-B-Que at our home - Brats, Beers, Salads, Beers, Scotch, Cookies, Beers Snacks - WHEW
Saturday - James 40th at his house - Ron's famous smoked pork ribs and shoulder, Old Milwaukee, PBR, JagerBombs, Salads, Brownies, Banana pudding ETC...
Sunday - Grandma's 90th Party - Food GALORE, BEERS, more food, more beers...
Sunday Night - Pam's 40th Party - Food, Drinks, CAKE (luckily by this time I was pretty worn out and kind of petered out)
Monday - ALL the LEFTOVERS including CUPCAKES, NACHOS, CHIPS, SNACKS ETC...

AMAZINGLY only a two pound gain... Gotta FIGHT BACK...

B

No Excuses, Just the Facts

I am having a hard time getting work outs in right now. I've been monitoring my food and doing okay there but am struggling to get to the gym, and I even have one set up in the basement. I am busier than ever at the office and seem to be running every minute of every day that I am not at the office. On a positive note a lot more GENERAL activities are going on as they usually do over the summer; Golf League, yard work, honey do list, so the activity level is up since the winter but not enough. I have golf league tonight and plan on walking the course so that's a step in the right direction and I plan on working out sometime today, even if its at 11pm after golf league. (even push ups and sit ups every night before jumping into bed would be good)...

FTF and Keep the Faith...

PS: Did you hear the one about some congressman somewhere trying to pass legislation somewhere making it illegal for restaurants to serve OBESE people? Now, what the hell is that, really steams my ass. How in the world of common sense could he ever think that would be a solution or even legal in these United States. OH, wait didn't we have something like that in the past with "White Only" declarations - I guess even the US it totally moronic and STUPID at times...

Challenge Note

I will be away camping at the great Ponca State Park this weekend so will not be able to post weight again after tomorrow morning until Monday morning. You guys better behave this weekend as I plan to come back with a little surprise on my next weighin...

Go Team - Fight the Fat baby...

4th of July Challenge

Me and a couple of my other blogger fatties are starting a new challenge. The 4th of July Challenge is ON. I'll be posting weight nearly every day and we'll see who can make the biggest dent by then. Nothing RADICAL, just wise. Exercise and nutrition not starvation. I'll post more on this soon but for now Good Night.

We're Off

335.2 Today and 34.6 BF... Its ON....

Tired of it...

You know what I am FED UP and TIRED of the BS. I've been talking the talk but not walking the walk. Its a BUNCH OF CRAP, TODAY it starts again. NO more excuses, how in the hell would I expect to make positive steps if I am not WHOLE heartedly INTO the process. What's the definition of INSANITY. "to continue doing what you have been doing and expecting different results". NO MORE... Grocery shopping toinght, weighing in and body fat tomorrow morning and GO BABY GO...

2008 - Week 15 Update

Weight Today: 330.0
Lost this Year: 8.6lbs
Total Since MAX: 88lbs
April Goal: 323.4 (yikes)

I did hit the weights once last week and once two weeks ago and just can't get that JUMP Start I need to get more focused on the issue at hand. I feel like I am busy all the time but that's just an excuse to not exercise. Everyone is always only as busy as they want to be and can do a better job of prioritizing. I did however get a few miles in on the bike over the course of the last two weeks and feel that my bike BUTT is better now and with the weather getting better its only a matter of time before I am ready for the TACO RUN. A better effort this week I promise.

My spiritual life is a little off as well, maybe its just that time of year. Maybe a trip to MSGR Dunne this week is in order. :-)

By no means am I "down in the dumps" about either of these things I just know when both are in HIGH gear there's no better feeling.

Keep the Faith and Fight the Fat - B

2008 - Week 13 Update

2008 - Week 13 Update (Week 9, 10, 11, 12 too)
Weight Today: 331.4
Lbs Lost this Year: 7.2
Current Body Fat: 33.2
Total Since MAX Density: 86.6
April 30 Goal: 323.4

I have been extremely busy at work and started a new hobby in my personal life that has taken a bunch of time so I haven't posted here lately but I KNOW I need to get back to it.

I have continued to watch my eating and have even broken in the bike and am trying to get my "BIKE BUTT" back. (my butt is sore right now) We did approximately 8 miles on the bike on Saturday and walked approximately 4 miles this past weekend so I am starting to get back at it. Tomorrow I will have the gym at home all set back up so there can be no excuses. Looking for a minimum loss of 8 pounds by the end of April and I am "in the right mind" to make this all happen. Thanks for your support and encouragement.

THE renewed serious dedication is now. On March 25th my cousin, at the grand old age of 43, went to the hospital not feeling well with shortness of breath and came out a few days later having a triple bypass and an issue with one of his valves fixed. I've suddenly got some motivation back. We joked a bit on the phone last week that the only time we talk is when someone dies or is really sick or someone gets married. We'll were all married off for the most part so I guess we better do something about changing the fact that we congregate only at times of peril. :-)

IN the whole scheme of things we never know our time and when its time its time but one thing to consider is WHERE are you going when its YOUR TIME...

Keep the Faith and Fight the FAT.

B

Updates Coming

I am a little behind as its been a very busy time but I plan to update by Monday night and April 1st is a big DATE for RENEWED effort.

Cherokee Grey Wolf 28BH

Taken from www.acnrv.com

A Good Friends Rough Time

My good Friend Lyle mother passed away Saturday so its been a pretty tough week for him and his family. He sang and talked at the service all while fighting of what seemed to me that nasty flu bug that was going around. He did a teriffic job at the service as I knew he would and I know his mom was very proud of him. Kind of brought up a bunch of good memories about Genelle, mom's are AWESOME, I can't wait to someday see mine again...

D. Elaine Waterhouse, age 74, of Missouri Valley, Iowa, passed away Saturday, March 8, 2008 at the Community Memorial Hospital in Missouri Valley. Survivors include her children, Ellen Tjarks and husband Tim, of Aurora, Ill., Lyle Waterhouse and wife Deborah, of Missouri Valley, Iowa, Beth Briggs and husband Donnie, of Missouri Valley, Iowa; eleven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sisters, Frances Coleman, of Boring, Ore., Ardell Jorgensen, of Watertown, S.D., JoAnne Gaver and husband Larry, of Missouri Valley, Iowa. Visitation with the family will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Monday at the Hennessey-Aman Funeral Home in Missouri Valley. Services Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Final resting place in Rose Hill Memorial Garden in Missouri Valley.

B

2008 - Week NINE Update

Weight Today: 330.0
+/- Since last week: -.2
Total Loss Since MAXIMUM DENSITY: 88.0 lbs
Total Loss This Year: 8.6Lbs
March Loss: -.2Lbs
Current Body Fat: 32.4%

Well, well, well a net NULL for the week. I'll take it because I got what I worked for and that was pretty much a stalemate. I did figure out what was going on with my body fat as I seemed to have been stuck on 35.5 to 36% for the longest time. Well DUH, the "measurer" has to take into consideration your current weight and I hadn't change it since 355LBS. I eagerly reset the gizmo and found that I had made a little progress. The last 5 times I have worked out I have included weghts as well, specifically the 5 main upper body muscles SO, we'll keep that going.

Its been a long week already as you can see my NORMAL Monday Weekly summary has come out on Tuesday night. :-)

Been doing real well with my Lenten resolutions and plan to hit Boys Town Mass on Wednesday again, giving up drinking has not been that REAL hard but I know I probably won't make that resolution again (sounds like I am a drunk or something which is NOT the case) as there have been two or three times where I would have liked to have a beer with the gang. SPECIFICALLY at the Holy Name Fish Fry on Friday night, if you've never been there its definately worth the trip, its kind of like a CULT following. You and 4000 of your closest friends waiting in lines that sometimes exceed a couple of hours to eat ALL YOU CAN EAT fish and fries. On a SAD note Mr. Suds retired after last year....

Made a trip to Storage and took a few things out to the camper - MAN AM I READY TO GO. I have to admit I am a bit nervous as there is MUCH more than meets the eye the first few times you make a trip with a 30 FT Travel Trailer. I am sure it will be fine, maybe I'll post a pic if I can find one...

Take Care and God Bless

Keep the Faith and Fight the Fat

B

A Three Pound Week is in order.

Girl Scout Cookies - "YUMMY"

Why are the good things in life so bad for you... :-) Now, before I go too far with this rant I want you to know that I support the Girl Scouts and what they do and have done for girls throughout the years. This isn't a Girl Scout bashing post just some simple facts having to do with their DARN addictive cookies.

All of these numbers are based on their Peanut Butter Patties, MY FAVORITE...

There was an article I read in one of the Omaha monthly publications that stated the OMAHA grils scouts set a RECORD by selling 750,000 boxes of cookies this year. Wow, WOW.... Thats basically one for every MAN, WOMAN and CHILD in the greater OMAHA metro area. I got to thinking after I CHOWED down my box of Peanut Butter Patties last night, WHAT HAVE I DONE. I turned the box over and to my HORROR I had just injested 8 searvings of PBP's at the tune of 150 calories per serving. I wanted to puke but I also deep down inside wanted the SAVOR the taste as I knew I didnt want to make this a habbit. :-)

My curiousity peaked and I pulled together some ball park numbers:

• The average person riding 15 miles an hour on a bike for an hour can/could burn 1000 calories. (this may or may not be high based on different circumstances but we'll use this number for the sake of ease)
• The average box of PBP's is 1200 calories - Hence, 1.2 Hours and 18 miles to burn off a box of PBP's
• The Omaha Area Metro Area is said to have approximately 800,000 people in the area.

DID YOU KNOW:

• 750,000 boxes of GSC's @ 1200 calores a box would be 900 Million Calories !
• One man would have to ride a bike 15 miles an hour, 24 Hours a DAY for 102.7 years to burn off that many calories. Impossible, so get 9 of your closest friends to help you and you'd each only have to do 10.2 years of biking 24/7.
• He could go to the MOON AND BACK 23 times.
• He would have to circle the Earth 542 times.
• He could make the trip from NY to LA 5,507 times.
• He would have to make the trip from Omaha to Scottsbluff (always seemed like a LONG drive to me) a total of 34,177 times.
• He would have to circle a quarter mile track 54 MILLION times.
• He would have to do 2,177,419 10 K's

This is not a ONE man battle, its everyone concern. SO, with that being said I need EVERYONE in the Omaha/Metro area to get out and get your 16.87 miles on the bike in this weekend. Yes, grandma and the new baby too....

Keep the Faith and Fight the Fat

B

PS: On the bright side that poor guy doing all the biking would only have to go 8% of the way to Saturn and turn around and come on back to get it done...

2008 - Week EIGHT Update

Weight Today: 330.2
+/- Since last week: +1.6
Total Loss Since MAXIMUM DENSITY: 87.8 lbs
Total Loss This Year: 8.4Lbs
February Loss: -4.6Lbs.

I won't complain about the small gain this week. My plans for my Houston trip went by the wayside. The gym was closed, but I could get a free pass to Balley's which was only a 20 minute drive from the hotel ???(^*(^$(). So, I thought to myself, how about a swim? Pool was closed @#!@#@^. We also ate like ROCK stars each night of the trip so I am totally at ease with my progress this last week. It could have been worse as I made up some ground the last half of the week with my nutrition. I actually cant wait to get it going again this week. I actually felt dissappointment at the fact that I couldn't get to the gym this week as opposed to the "Oh Well" that I seem to feel more often than not. I am looking for a very good week this week so we'll see how it goes.

My grandma surgery went well and they got the blockage out and she seems to be recovering very well. She's still at the hospital but I expect that will change in the next day or two. I plan to stop out and see her again over the lunch hour today, we'll see where everything stands then.

Did a little shopping for items for the Camper this weekend. I think we pretty much have it licked and are really CHOMPING at the bit to get our CAMP on.

Hit 5:30pm mass at St Leo last night. Fr. Larry Gillick was the Piest and he always has a way of making a good point and has a fun sense of humor. He's blind and part of his discussion last night talked about HEARING vs LISTENING. He talked of the conception that people who are blind tend to develope their other senses more to help offset the blindness. While he didnt know if his HEARING has developed any more or better because of his blindness he did know that he is a better LISTENER. BIG DIFFERENCE as we all hear a lot of things but when we stop and really LISTEN thats when we really HEAR.

We finally got over to see Travis and Sabra's new baby. Olivia Rose Mackey is a sweetheart, what a true blessing. We'd been sick and traveling so hadn't been there yet but I am glad to stop over and see her finally. Travis and Sabra, you are truely blessed.

Keep the Faith and Fight the Fat.

B

2008 - Week SEVEN Update

Weight Today: 328.6
+/- Since last week: -5.4
Total Loss Since MAXIMUM DENSITY: 89.4 lbs
Total Loss This Year: 10 Lbs

So I am headed to Houston today on business so I weighed in a day early and KNEW I was having a good week. I am really happy with this past week. My nutrition was very good and I made it to the gym three times for both cardio and weight training. My motivation is getting better as the spring approaches, time to come out of hibernation mode...

Tomorrow my grandmother Liberty goes in for surgery. She is having a cyst or a pollyp removed from her intestine or colon (not exactly sure) and will have a lenghly recovery time. She's 89 years old and I can't recall her being in the hospital ever (my memory is not as sharp as it used to be) and has always been healthy as a horse. She's a strong willed woman and I am sure things will go okay but I know she's got to be pretty nervous. I've tried to reach her and my dad a couple of times today to visit a bit but no luck, so we'll try again later. Please send prayers for her successful surgery and recovery as well as prayers for the doctors and surgeons who will be working on her.

We picked up our new Travel Trailer on Saturday and we are all really pumped to get out and do some camping this year. We are looking to make a trip to the Black Hills as a big trip and many, many small trips throughout the season. We got a 30ft. grey wolf with a slide out so we are really STOKED. No more primitave camping for us... :-)

I am headed to the airport now, we'll report in again later. Wish me luck in the nutrition phase of my plan as its always harder when your on the road to eat like you should. One thing though is that I plan to work out each night while I am down there. No going out and partying since I gave up drinking for LENT...

Fight the Fat and Keep the Faith...

B

2008 - Week SIX Update

Today: 334.0

Just a quick note to let you know how the week went, we'll post more when I have more time.

Headed the right direction and thats really what I want to see each and every week. I did a pretty good job with nutrition last week but TERRIBLE working out, as a matter of fact I only did one cardio work out last week and nothing else.

We're all still fighting the CRUD and that makes it even harder to motivate BUT none the less. Alyssa is home today sick and had a fever all weekend.

Since I gave up drinking for Lent I haven't missed it, maybe there is still hope for me yet. :-)

Fight the Fat and Keep the Faith

B

2008 Week 6 - Mid Week Update

As far as my weight goes I think I am finally turning the corner and expect a good week this week. I've got a few things ironed out and we'll see where we are on Monday...

Fight the Fat and Keep the Faith

B

Power of the Word

I hadn't been to Boys Town lunch time mass for probaby over 6 months at least. There was a time that I was going there pretty regularly and I really miss the service and the setting. I added more mass as a Lenten promise but I plan to continue on after Lent and go often during the week.

It's really a special place and a very, VERY spiritual setting. You can feel the spirit as you walk up to the doors of this church. You cant help leaving with a little extra bounce in your step and going on Wednesdays is a great way to break up the week and usually by Wednesday I could use a boost from the Holy Spirit.

One thing that makes it more special is when MSGR. Dunne presides over the mass. This man is the most genuine and holy man I know. His passion and pure LOVE for the Lord is clearly evident EVERY time he does the mass (actually every time you hear him speak or visit with him). Many times he's brought to near tears as he does the Eucharist. I've heard many of my Catholic bretheren call him a "Living Saint" and I definately can't argue that position. Its a GREAT blessing to hear him and just to be in his presence. I had the opportunity to work a CEC weekend where he was the spiritual coordinator a few years ago and it was as AWESOME of an experience as I've ever had. (more on cec down the line). As he was speaking I knew I was supposed to be at this particular mass at this particular time. He talked about "Mastering our Sins and Conquering our Pride". WOW, that hit me right in the MOUTH, he was speaking DIRECTLY to me. I'm totally clear now on a few things that I need to work on to become a more spiritual person and I'm so very glad he made it clear to me. Sometimes my "human-ness" gets in the way and makes things a little cloudy. If you ever get the opportunity to go to mass at Boys Town and hear MSGR. Dunne you'll not forget it. He's old now and has been in poor health off and on the past few years but I think GOD still has a plan for him and thats to speak to people like me.

Keep the Faith...

B

2008 - Week FIVE Summary

Today - 335.2 LBS

You know sometimes you bang your head against the wall and it actually hurts. Now, I know this isn't easy and I know I wont be perfect in my quest BUT I think sometimes your body simply gives you the finger and says it will be "MY WAY" not your way. Last week I did cardio twice to the tune of 50 minutes and 12 miles, I had 100 calories LESS a day on the average and 16 Grams of FAT less a day on the average but yet STILL managed to gain a half a pound. I swear that scale has a mind of its own. I felt I spread my eating over 5 different periods of the day and expected a little reward for my "better than LATE" focus. 2200 calories a day was my count this week as comparted to 2300 last week. According to everything I have ever read a guy my size should be able to lose on that amount of calories simply by the amount of calories a day it take to "RUN my body".

I've take some time and looked at some history and it appears to me that my water intake is down and my caffine intake is UP. SO, this week we'll go with decaf and more water. We'll also try REAL hard to make a day 2000 calories and 4 big cardio workouts and go from there.

I think my body LIKES where it is right now. This is basically where I was from 1986 to 1996 roughly so maybe this is what they call a "Set Point" which means harder work and MORE focus to crash through this darn thing. Like I've said before my goal has never been to be a 200 LB man, hell I'd look like BLADE at my height but I'd sure like to maintain myself in the 265 - 270 lb area.

PS: NO pancakes this week either...

Keep the Faith and Fight the FAT.

B

Who's healthier???

I got this email from Bob today and thought I'd share;

For those of you who watch what you eat, here's the final word on nutrition and health. It's a relief to know the truth after all those conflicting nutritional studies.

1. The Japanese eat very little fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
2. The Mexicans eat a lot of fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
3. The Chinese drink very little red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
4. The Italians drink a lot of red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.
5. The Germans drink a lot of beers and eat lots of sausages and fats and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

CONCLUSION - Eat and drink what you like. Speaking English is apparently what kills you.

:-) - B

ASH Wednesday

As this LENTEN season kicks off I can't help but reflect on where I am spiritually right now. The last several years has been a roller coaster spiritually, the CEC weekend and my conversion, my mom passing, various illnesses and deaths, temptations and general acceptance of my humanity. I can honestly say I am not where I wish I was at this point in time but I am in a much better place than I could have imagined even 10 years ago. I'll expand on those items in later posts.

The verse kicking off the Lenten section of http://www.eten.com/ reads as follows. "Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the Lord, your God. (Joel 2:13)".

That verse really hits home with me, "return to the LORD" is something I always think I am striving for but in retrospect sometimes it comes off as LIP SERVICE with good intentions. (You know what they say about that ROAD and good intentions....) I NEED to strive to have a better spiritual life and ALL else will fall in place behind that. Common sense tells me this but sometimes its easier to make excuses and blame it on distractions. DONT GET ME WRONG HERE, just because you go to church more than the next guy or read the bible more than the next guy DOESNT make you a better Christian, BUT it does give you the OPPORTUNITY to become more SPIRITUALLY FIT. It all boils down to your heart and your relationship with JESUS.

Lent is always a SOLUMN time and sometimes that gives me concern. You see, if it weren't for the LORD being crucified and rising from the dead for our SALVATION we'd be doomed. In a way shouldn't it be a celebration of THANKS? More on that down the line...

In the tradition of sacrafice I am giving up DRINKING for Lent, attending at least one extra mass during the week and will read the Gospels. (Going to be a bit more of a challenge compared to my usual sacrafice of giving up RAP music and spinich :-) )

I've rambled enought for now. May you Lenten season be all that you need it to be.


B

Great Cardio Workout

So, I went to the gym at our office yesterday afternoon a little hesitant of what I may realize. When I initially started this battle with the bulge back on January 8th of 07 I clearly remember hitting the bike in the gym here and having a terrible time getting 5 minutes in at a 10 MPH pace. My stamina eventually increased and was getting pretty good at it. Including our 20 plus mile rides on the trails this summer.

I ONLY hoped I hadn't slipped too far since I really had not done much of any structured working out since september. I was plesently surprised and happy with what I was able to do. I did 22 minutes at a 15 MPH pace and probably could have gone another 8 minutes SO, although I slipped some I feel great that I wont have to come all the way back. YEA, go team...

We'll do it again this afternoon.

2008 - Week FOUR Summary

Not much to report this past week. Trying to shake off the SICKNESS I had and still feeling real tired and worn out with some congestion. I have decided to go on the wagon for February and passed up all sorts of alcholic indulgences this past weekend. Got to get into the GYM this week and start to change my mentality and make sure things start getting done.

No change in weight this week. 334.8 again this morning.

Keep the Faith and FTF - BC

My Local Hero

What a great story. Omaha man John Lapitz has lost over 600 LBS through diet and exercise alone. He sounds a lot like me with his obsessive compulsive tendancies. :-) What pain and suffering he's been through, nobody can quite understand it until you've walked a mile in his shoes but I give him credit, he's made it work and he's kept it off. This article is from 2006 but they had an article on him in the http://www.ketv.com/ today so that made me look a little deeper.

http://www.redorbit.com/news/health/686634/omahan_john_lapitz_weighs_less_than_onefourth_of_what_he/index.html

I may send him a letter or try to find an email for him... We'll see...

2008 - Week THREE Summary

Self abuse hurt me this week. I weighed in today because I was scared to on Sunday night. 334.8 makes it about a 5 pound gain, the funny thing is that I was home SICK as a DOG since SUNDAY night which probably kept me from registering a 10 pound gain for last week. No WHINNING or COMPLAINING about that, I did it to myself as I lost ALMOST all controll over the BOYS trip and ate and drank as if it didnt matter. The past is the past so I am done talking about that.

Feeling like shit still today but thats 100 times better than the COLD, SHAKES, FEVER, BODY ACHES, ETC that hit me on Sunday night. I could say it was a "hangover" from the weekend but really it wasn't. I felt fine on sunday afternoon, a little tired maybe but otherwise fine. By bedtime sunday night I was a MESS and on Monday I felt like I could DIE. Monday night I swore I was going to EMERGICARE on Tuesday morning if I didnt feel better and then on Tuesday morning I woke up in a pool of sweat, my pants and shirt felt soaked as if they just came out of the washer. I felt a little more alive after that so I took some more drugs and managed througout the day. Hopefully I'll shake this in the next couple of days so I can focus on working out and making FEBRUARY a fantastic month.

Go team...

The BEST is YET to come...

FTF and Keep the FAITH

B

2008 - Week TWO Summary

Another week gone and some small progress. On the scale it was about 3/4 of a pound this last week, but that could have just been from having a full bladder vs. an empty one. Essentially a push for the week. The small victory appears to be in my Fat % which has been steady at 36% for ever it seems and was at 35.5 after getting another weight lifting work out in last week.

The problem this week is that I killed myself over the weekend. Had WAY too much BAD food and WAY to many empty alcohol calories. It seems the weekends have not been my friend as of late where they were where I really kicked ass previously. We'll work on that moving forward.

As I write this I am preparing for our Men's FISHING Trip this coming weekend. A bunch of us from college have been doing this twice yearly for over 10 years. I think we've caught maybe 5 fish between the dozen of us. I guess you actually have to fish to catch anything :-). It's just a get away from reality, unload all our stress, drink beer, hang out with good friends type of weekend. There's definitely no shortage on TESTOSTERONE on this trip and its ALWAYS awesome to see the guys.

SO, I need to plan a bit here. I know I wont have the opportunity to be truly healthy on this trip NOR will I stress about it, but I will plan for it. Early this week I will exercise and be extra good so I can offset a bit of the trip. I will go for a walk of some sort at least ONCE while on the trip and I will pack fruit and veggies to snack on as opposed to CHIPS AND CHEESE. Those three steps are more than I've ever done in the past and every little bit helps so WISH ME LUCK.

I wouldn't trade this trip for anything in the world so planning once again is the KEY...

Valerie turned 40 this past weekend and we had a party on Saturday night and then a family gathering on Sunday. I think she was a little stressed about the whole 40 thing but she seems to be doing okay now. I need to pull her along on my journey to better health and know she wants to do it as well so together we'll prop each other up. We just cant afford to be down about it at the SAME time...

Enough rambling for now...

Keep the Faith and FTF

BC

25 Biggest Weight Loss Mistakes

Boy, she hit the nail on the head with a few of these. I am pre-destined to be big is a good one I use all the time... Number 20 is KILLING me too, empty calories at the expense of a morning hang-over just doesnt make any sense...

http://blog.ediets.com/2008/01/25-biggest-weight-loss-mistakes.html

It Adds Up Quickly

Interesting perspective that you dont think about every day. One can of REGULAR Soda a day come to over 65,000 calories a year - HUMMMM - Thats over 32 day less of calories on a 2000 calorie a day play. See some other interesting tidbits by clicking the link below...

Keep the Faith and FTF

BC

http://77085.blogspot.com/2008_01_14_archive.html

2008 - Week ONE Summary

Last week ended up a good week for me with a 4.6 LBS loss. It feels good to be back on track again after a disappointing couple of months to end 2007. My food balance last week was pretty darn good.

Three things that hindered my process for the week.

I only exercised - structured workout - once during the week but did get in a lot of WALKING on Saturday.
Friday night I went to play cards and had a couple more drinks than I planned and then hit the choke and puke on the way out of town for a NUCLEAR sandwich, a honey bun and a twin bing. Three drinks and a couple of snacks are what I had budgeted for the night so I over did it a bit.
Saturday we went to the dreaded CHINA BUFFET with Jane and Nathan - It was not great but was good to see them and spend some time with them. It could have been worse as I mostly just ate veggies and protein and left out the RICE and all the extra BAD stuff I used to get there.

I think those three things probably cost me another 2 LBS for the week - NO WORRIES just have to make the best choices when those things come up. The rest of my week was balanced with meals spread out throughout the week and keeping very close to the 2000 CAL limit I have imposed for myself.

Goals for this week are to have structured exercise at least TWICE and to only blow my eating regime ONCE as opposed to TWICE last week.

One thing I have come to put a lot of my focus on is something that I read in Men's Health a couple of weeks ago. "Your body is MADE 25% in the GYM and 75% in the kitchen". Really this is a NO BRAINER. A guy can eat cheese, big Mac’s and BEER and limit himself to 2000 calories a day and lose weight - when your my size - but if I eat lean meat, chicken, broccoli and veggies and fruit etc and limit myself to 2000 calories a day I'll also lose weight but wont look like a pear when I'm done. No prophetic muses with this but something I obviously will focus on more.

Thanks for Listening.

Hope your FIGHT is going well, I'd love to hear from you.

Keep the FAITH and FTF.

BC

2006 MAXIMUM Density 417 lbs. -
2007 Start 399.2 LOW POINT 309 on 9/22 END 336.8 - 64.2 lbs in 2007 - 82 Overall
2008 Start 338.2 Current 330.4 - 7.8 lbs in 2008 - 86.6 Overall

30.5 lbs to GOAL of 299.9 by Easter - GO TEAM

PS: You can hit my FIT DAY website too by looking at the LINKS area of this blog.

2008 Goals

Well 2008 FTF is off and running for this year and this week has been a good week. We worked out last night and I was a little stiff this morning but its a good kind of stiff :-). I actually have Valerie motivated to make a difference this year too so that's a BIG help on the home front. I know she's tired of being tired all the time and working with her on meals and home work outs and support will be a GOD Send for me.

My goals for 2008 will be much the same as last year. The main thing is to continue making improvement. I will incorporate more weight training into the plan and when the weather warms up the BIKE trails are MINE. The first initial CHECK POINT will be hitting 300 by EASTER. My focus is BACK and I look forward to the challenge. I had originally thought Easter was the first Sunday in April but it is MARCH 23rd so gotta hit it hard.

36 Pounds in 73 days is about 2.5 lbs a week to get there and I know I got that in me.

350 Miles on the BIKE last year turns into 500 this year and my actual desire is to be at 275 lbs by the time my 41st birthday comes around. I believe this is a pretty conservative goal but you know what they say its better to under promise and over deliver. That would be 60 LBS in 9.5 months or 6.3 LBS a month or 1.5 a week. VERY DOABLE.

A couple of us are having a little contest at work so that will be some added motivation as well.

Here's hoping you're back on the Fitness trail as well. I'd love to hear from you.

FTF and Keep the FAITH

BC

The Battle Site: Logan, God's Cowboy

The Battle Site: Logan, God's Cowboy An amazing story about FAITH...

Pictures

A couple of pictures to show a little change... :-) That beer in my hand never helps the fit routine but after all "all work and no play" makes Jack a dull boy. That was at our 40th birthday party.

Well, 2007 came to a close and the battle was a little sloppy the last couple of months of the year. After hitting 309 pounds on my birthday in September I proceeded to loose motivation and ended the year by gaining back 29lbs. Once we moved in September I spent a lot of time working around the house and forgot to exercise and maintain my healthy eating plan. I am not going to beat myself up over it and I realize that this is going to be a life long battle, I accept that and know it will all work out. So for a final total for 2007;

Jan 8, 2007 - 399.2 LBS - 54 waist
Jan 7, 2007 - 335.0 LBS - 48 and 46 fit fine... :-)
Low Point - 309 LBS on Sept 22

64.2 LBS off my body for the year and my body says thank you.... :-)

I rode almost 350 miles on my bike this past year and that's about 349 more than I had done in the previous 20 years...

I'll talk about this years goals and post some of the results from last year in my next blog...

"FTF" and Keep the FAITH

B