Merry Christmas

Well, it has been a while since the last update. I have been busy, holidays and all. I have tried to walk, and I could have done a better job of it to be honest but it's tough when I am out visiting friends, staying out late, etc etc.
As far as eating, only a one or two sodas, still doing a good job of that, but food is a diffrnet story. I'll just chalk it up to holidays, which means a lot of eating out, and a lot of sweets and a lot of napping.

A side effect of this lack of exercise is starting to show. I am a little more short tempered with the fam. I am usually a little shorter with them because, well, I am used to living alone and doing what I want. They constantly asking where I am going, who I'll be with, when will I be back etc. etc. which just annoys me. Not only to I not have to hear that at home in Athens, but I am old enough that I shouldn't have to hear it anyways. Don't get me wrong, I love them and they usually leave me alone for the most part, but just every once in a while they drive me insane.

The weight isn't to good, I was around 293 when I just weighed myself, but that was on my parents scale, so who knows how accurate it is, or my scale for that matter.

I'm looking forward to returning to Athens so that I can get back into my routine. I am a creature of habit and the holidays don't always allow for that as much.

I hope everyone who reads this has a Merry Christmas, and thanks for all the support and encouragement you guys have given me. Honestly, it keeps me going knowing that at any given time, any one of you could send me a text, make a call, leave a facebook post asking me about this. That keeps me motivated to continue, thank you for that.

Ehh, not going so good...

I walked Monday and Tuesday. Yesterday I got home and took a nap, I don't really know why I was so tired, but I was. Today I was just lazy because it's gross outside. To combat the nasty days, I shall be returning from my parents house with a treadmill after Christmas. Mom bought it for me when I was at West Georgia. Hopefully, I will be more likely to use it now than I did then. I just have to find somewhere to put it.

As far as eating, that has been bad too. I had two cokes this week and I ate out 3 times so far (I drank water with all those meals). Yeah, it's pretty bad, but it has been a rough week at work and I just want to be comfortable when I get home so I eat something thats comfortable and not something I have to work at. I just really hate cooking, why cook for 30 minutes when I can just go get it and eat it in 30 minutes? Anyways, going home should help, my parents live 20 minutes from the nearest fast food place, and there is plenty of nice hills to walk around on. Everyone feel free to send me rude e-mails and texts messages to "encourage" me over the break.

I got no where to go tomorrow, so I shall walk then and of course Saturday morning. I think that over the break it will be good because I'll be able to walk in the morning everyday, which will be nice.

I have been encouraged (guilted) by writing this to go walk today. Have a good one.

Still cold...

Well, I'll just start with the weight. 290.2. Not even a whole pound this week. I am not discouraged by that though, I'm not in it to just lose weight over a short period of time, this is more of a lifestyle change and for me, thats going to take a while. I am going to reduce the number of times I eat out this week, and in the process make a healthier choice for dinner at home (such as a PB sandwich instead of a frozen pizza).

Also, I had a Dr. Pepper on Saturday. It was awesome. Just wanted to get that out there.

I think I am going to extend my route this week, which should be bearable now that I got some thermals to wear under the warm ups now. I also got a new harness type contraption for Lola, it's supposed to reduce pulling. I gave it a short test today to make sure it fit right and it seems to help. Here is a link for any other dog owners with a similar problem.
http://www.amazon.com/Easy-Walk-Harness-Large-Red/dp/B000ZJ7HZM

I used the Gentle Leader head collar before with her and she just flipped out, refused to walk because she was to busy trying to get it off her face.

Wow, it's cold...

So Monday I had to get new tires, went to the shop and had to wait a long time. So what did I do? I walked to get some food down the street. Then when I got home around 6ish, I walked the dog around the block once. It was frigid, I don't think I have ever exercised in so much clothing. I thought that with the walking to dinner and the once around the block it was almost equal (I know it isn't but its better than nothing). Yesterday I didn't walk because I fell asleep on the couch. When I woke up, it was time for me to go back to school for the Christmas performance, which was actually pretty good, and after it was to late (by late I mean it was 7ish and freezing outside). Today I knocked out a nice 2 laps and went to the grocery store (yeah again, I don't like to buy a lot when I go because I end up wasting it). I got some Lean Cuisines that I think I will like. If I can find a few that I like then I will be good, I can mix them in throughout the week and hopefully move into a better diet over a few weeks or so.

I will say that I feel a lot better, less tired, less hungry, sleep better. I still haven't had a coke, which at this point is starting to get to me, I really want some Mr. Pibb (those of you who know me well, know that this is preferred over Dr. Pepper. I am also aware that "dude didn't even get his degree"(Mitch Hedberg fans will laugh at that)) I know one every once in a while won't hurt, but I would rather just not have the temptation because after one, I will want another.

Things I need to do:
1.Get some sort of cold weather gear, the warm up pants don't cut it when its almost freezing outside.
2. Look for more healthy foods to eat that are easy to make (Already have some people willing to help me out with this, a big thanks goes out to them)

Funny story for today, had a student say something very not nice in class today. So I sent them to O.R. (the "opportunity room" which is like I.S.S. for those that don't know). I call the mother's cell phone to let her know, because I didn't even want to write what they said down on the note home. Her "ringback" song was something by Gucci Mane that dropped the "f" word, the "n" word and numerous drug references. I wonder where the kid heard it from.....

Good week, to me at least

This week was a great week, walked to work everyday except one. I exercised every afternoon except Friday and today (Sunday). I think those will be my regular days off, unless I just feel like going on those days anyways. I like Saturdays a lot now. I wake up around 9ish, and go walking then. It's just is a nice way to start the day, and I get it in before anything can get in the way to distract me from doing it or make me not want to do it. If it was freezing in the mornings, I would try to get up early and walk before work, maybe when it warms up a bit.

The moment of truth: 291. Not bad, could have been better.

Something I am proud of this week is that I have had 0 cokes. It's a good feeling to at least knock out one thing that was bringing me down. I feel a lot better, I have been drinking a lot more water (my only other drink options are milk, cran-grape, and occasionally OJ). I have also been trying to goto sleep at a better time. I used to be up till around 11:30 or so every night, but I am trying to move it up to closer to 10.

Something that was talked about in church today that was interesting was Acts 5. They brought it up in both Sunday School and the Service. The story of Ananias and Sapphira. Basically they sold their land and gave the money to the church, except they didn't give it all, they kept some for themselves. So what did God do? He struck them dead. I'ts kind of crazy story to think about. Selfishness leads to death, that was a tough thing for me to hear. I have realized that my selfishness keeps me from a lot of things that would make me happy. I'll end on that thought and let you guys think about it as well.

Today was a good day

Well, after yoga Monday, I was able to get out and walk yesterday and today. Yesterday was a nice little 30+ minute walk. I was able to squeeze it in just before the rain came. Today was a good bit colder. I felt like I had snot-sicles on my face. The dog came with me today too, which I know she loved. She didn't yank my arm off either, which was super nice. 

Yesterday after the walk, I went to the grocery store. That's getting tough now. I want to try and get healthier foods, but I can't (maybe more that I don't know how) to cook and my picky eating doesn't help at all. I think I might have to start with Lean Cusines or something like that, and just find ones I like. 

Yoga ain't for me (at least not yet)

So today I revisited the thing that got this crazy blog started in the first place. Yoga. So today, the nose was feeling pretty clear, the weather was horrible outside, so the stars aligned for an "indoor" workout. I fire up the ole' Xbox for streaming Netflix (thanks sis) and start the yoga video. I tried this one before, and lasted 5 minutes, this time I actually did it for about 30. It was hard to focus for me, my mind is always racing. I think thats why I like playing video games, it requires me to use my eyes, ears, hands, and brain all in unison and with all those things, my mind is clear, it finally stops. So with yoga, I'm just supposed to stand/lay there and breath/focus. Thats crazy hard for me. My nose is running and yellow water is dripping out of it (not snot, water) so that gets my brain going wondering what that is. I'm looking at my floor realizing that it has been way to long since I last vacuumed my house. My stomach is grumbling because I haven't had dinner yet. I'm thinking about how dumb I look, how goofy the lady on the video sounds, how it's impossible to actually do any of these stretches/poses with a gut. All of that is going on when I am supposed to clear my mind and focus on breathing. I can see how this is helpful for some people, it's great stretching and promotes blood flow to all of the extremities, it's just not for me. I will try it again some time, maybe I need to take a class or have someone who is good at it do it with me to help me more, but overall I don't thing it will be a regular part of my routine.

Well, things are looking up...

So I just weighed myself. 293.6. Thats a few pounds (granted I haven't eaten dinner tonight yet). I think mostly due to being sick, and just not eating a lot while I was at home. Anyways, I like to see that number going gown, no matter the reason.

I feel better now, the vets figured out what was wrong with the dog, so those two things are now out of my way.

Thanks to everyone who has encouraged me since starting this. It has been kinda crazy to see how many people have heard about/read this thing. Keep up the kind words and don't be afraid to get on to me if I say I haven't been exercising, and don't let me give you crappy excuses.

Some deep thoughts that have been going on over the last few days.
After seeing a lot of friends of mine who are already married, or about to get married I starting thinking about that event, and what it might mean for me. My wife (if I ever get one) will have to be very similar to me. After being at home with my crazy family and having kids running around every where and screaming/crying/yelling/banging all day, wears me out. After only a few hours with my fam I was looking forward to coming back home to Athens. I miss the calmness of my house (This is why I don't like to have a lot of things on the walls or really decorate, I like things simple and plan because it's calming to me.) Where this affects my wife, is that she will have to play into the calming effect my home has on me. My work is crazy, dealing with a billion kids all with individual issues/needs etc.(I love my job, don't get me wrong) I need to come home to someone who is calming.

All of that is based on the assumption that I get married, or even find someone to think about getting married too. This is where it gets confusing. I love being single. I do what I want, I watch what I want, I eat what I want, I go where I want. Basically, I just get to do what makes me happy whenever I want. Now the problem is, would those things be better with someone? Maybe, maybe not. This whole debate is something that is pretty much constantly going on in my head.

On a spiritual note, I went to my old college ministers church today. I love that man, always gives me what I need to hear. http://www.sermoncloud.com/church-in-the-hills/zack-the-lost-sheep/ That was the message from this week and I recommend listening to more of his stuff. I'll be honest, it's work to listen and follow along sometimes (He loves talking about the Greek or Hebrew text and what the words really mean or just blowing your mind with some crazy ideas) Seriously a great message, to many good quotes for me to list here.

Worst possible time to start this

I came to the conclusion that this was the worst possible time to start this idea. First of all, I am sick. Second, my dog is sick as well, which means numerous trips to the vet during my prime exercise time. Third, it's the holidays so that means traveling, hanging out with family and eating (This is something that I don't really do any more of than normal during this time of the year, odd I know). So all of those things combined for a perfect storm of not doing very much exercise. I guess my plan will be to do my best to get some walking in while I am at home visiting the fam and then when I get back to Athens really get going on this. Hopefully when I get back I will only be down to the dog being sick as my distraction. Those of you that work with me or speak to me on a semi daily basis feel free to give me a hard time about doing this, that's why I start this thing, for everone to be able to hassle me enough to make me do it. Don't expect another post till Sunday when I get back home, unless I exercise, then I'll have to brag about it.

Weekend 1

So Friday I didn't exercise. I went to the Monroe Area High School football game. I also went to the weekly "Friday Fun Club" meeting, which is basically where a few teachers get together after school on Fridays, have a few drinks, and just relax. So with those two things, just didn't make time to walk. On Saturday, I went for a nice long walk, first thing in the morning. I wish I had time to do that every day, but there is no way I am getting up before I absolutely have to. I took Lola with me this time, and after about 15 minutes of me yanking on her leash, she figured out that if she just stays next to me, she won't get choked. I am going to try and take her more often, I know she needs it just as much as I do. Today I didn't exercise because, well, I was just lazy. Slept in, then went to lunch with Sam, Peter and Kyle. Came back home, watched the Falcons game (and took a nice little nap in there) and just relaxed.

Ok, so the big moment, my weight for the week: 295.4 Ouch... That kinda hurts to look at, not gonna lie. I'm not a modest, or really embarrassed type of person, but posting that is a little humbling. I have put on a good bit of weight since high school and I would like to get back down to that weight (245). I think a good goal of about 2-3 pounds a week is a good one. Now I just need to adjust some eating habits (as of today, no more soda) and I think I will be able to do it. Changing my eating habits will be really tough for me. In case you didn't know, I pretty much just eat about 5 things: Pizza, Chicken, Fries, Waffles, Biscuits. There are a few others but those are the big ones. The other thing is that I hate to cook, so eating pre-packaged foods is what usually happens, and that's not good either. This week I am going to try adding an extra lap (this thought occurred before looking at my weight).

Let's make it happen.

Day 4

Walked today, about 20 minutes, shorter than normal. I cut it a little short (better than not doing it at all right?) to goto the middle school basketball games. That was interesting, saw a lot of students from the past two years.

Anyways, so about the exercise. I didn't do yoga because since it focuses on breathing and I can barely do that, it seemed like a bad combination. Nose still stopped up but over all feeling a lot better. The food thing is already starting to take effect. I felt guilty about eating Burger King for dinner, so it's only a matter of time before its grilled chicken and other healthy things like that. Also, I shall post my weights on Sundays starting this weekend. 

Sorry about no deep thoughts on this one, still meditating on the thoughts from yesterday. 

Day 2 (actually 3)

Yesterday was no good. I felt horrible and work was enough to put me down for the afternoon/evening (meaning no exercise yesterday). I just felt bad. Today was better, this cold is starting to fade. I feel ok, just can't breath through my nose which is more annoying than anything. The kids were crazy at work today, it felt like they all hatched an evil plan to just not listen and make teaching them hard. That frustration lead to the NEED to exercise today. The walk was good today, about 25-30 minutes (I try to time myself, but I usually forget to stop the watch until well after I am done, so it does't work out very well)

Today as I was walking, the middle and high school kids were being let out, and since I live in the middle of them I see plenty of the kids while I am out. Every time I see a group of them I wonder if I was that annoying and arrogant when I was their age. It's always interesting to see how you have changed as you have grown, but you never notice it. There isn't a gauge in life showing how "grown up" you are. One day it's empty, then a few years down the  road it's full (or at least should have more in it). You only see how "grown up" you are when faced with similar circumstance as earlier in life, and you can make the wiser/better choice.

I think I will start posting my weight on here weekly. If I weigh myself everyday it starts to lose it's excitement.

Blog 1

Well, this is the first day of the blog. I guess I'll start with why I am doing this (the blog) and trying to lose weight (in no particular order)

1. I would like to live to be older than 60.
2. I would like to be more attractive for the ladies.
3. My body is a temple to God, and right now, my temple has a few broken windows, shingles falling off and a rat problem.
4. To be a better example to my students. (I teach elementary P.E. for those that don't know.)
5. I figure that if I put it on here and my friends/family see it, they will be more likely to ask me about it, ergo, making me actually have to be better at making it happen.

So this is the plan...

I am going to walk around my neighborhood (2 laps) 3 days a week, and attempt yoga (yeah, this is going to be interesting) 2 days a week. I think I am also going to work in a basic work out regiment (push-ups, sit-ups, etc.) I am well aware that my eating habits need to change, and that will happen, just not right now. Baby steps people! I tend to eat better naturally when I am exercising as well, so one will help the other.

Well, today I walked for my 25 minutes or so. The dog is sick and I just had to pay a bunch of money for her, so I needed it as a stress relief. When I go walking/jogging my mind just flys through situations, it's crazy. I feel like Rainman, just not with numbers, with social interactions, life issues, etc. It's really odd. I play out conversations and situations in my head. They can be brand new conversations/interactions that I have had and I play them back with changes that I wish I would have made, or they can be new conversations/interactions that I have not had and I imagine how they go. It's a great way to make the time go by faster.


Just a heads up to everyone who reads this, my writing is horrible. Also, those of you that know me will understand why I use parenthesis so much. When I speak I use a lot of side comments mid sentence, thats what the () are for. I guess thats is it for now. I'll be back soon with a report on yoga. Hopefully it will last longer than 5 minutes this time.