The Tale of Two Scales

I went in for my doctor's appointment. I admit, I was filled with mixed emotions going into it. I have full of hopes being that the scale was moving in the direction that I wanted it to go. I was optimistic and yet open to hear what he was going to say about the numbers I produced through my blood test.

The first thing I did this morning was jump on the scale to see how much I weighed going into this appointment. Now according to my scale, since I first started this whole thing, I am suppose to have lost a total of 15 pounds!!! Great right? I was all happy!!!

Fast forward to my jumping on the scale at the doctor's office. What does it read? 241!!! No! That can't be right!!!! But then 7 pounds isn't too bad too, right? How can my scale be off by 8 lbs.?

Immediately in my head that stupid Christmas song "The Restroom Door Said Gentleman" played in my head. Someone must be playing a joke on me! Blah!!! All my confidence just went down the toilet. However, that pep talk from "Superhero Man" started to play in my head. It must have had a calming affect on me because my blood pressure wasn't high.

As if to play on my nerves, the next 45 minutes waiting in the exam room was pure torture! All those stupid comic strips of being over weight, not exercising and eating right seemed to be laughing at me!

First thing the doctor walks in, he is looking at the notes and blurts out, "Not bad, you lost 4 pounds since I last saw you!" In a total unprecedented moment of utter self defeat, I said "Dems fighting words!" He looked at me and I started to tell him how disappointed I was that in my books, I had lost  15 lbs., but really only 4 lbs., and that I was a little upset that my scale was off by 8 lbs.

He laughed and was explaining how all scales are different and how even in his office al this scales read differently, the main thing is to be consistant. Blah, was that suppose to comfort me? To comfort myself, since his words were lack luster, I drew things out on paper, and this is going to be my official story if people ask me about today's visit. I think it's totally plausible.

So if I was 245 lbs at my last doctor's visit, my scale would have read 237 lbs. Since then, the holidays happened, and so I could see myself hitting 248 lbs on my scale on January 1st. On the doctor's scale it would have read 256 lbs. I have been that heavy previously. So then at my next weight in on January 8, my scale read 240 lbs., and so my doctor's scale would have read  248 lbs. So then today would make total sense, 233 lbs. on my scale and 241 lbs on the doctor's scale! So maybe there is something to that consistency thing. Sorry Doc, you right!

As far as my numbers from the blood test, he says that there is nothing really to worry about. It's a mix of genetics, false positives as my triglycerides is now way down, but my cholesterol is still a little high. So there is some stuff I can still work on.

All in all, I am ok with the outcome, there is still a lot more work to be done. I think at this point I am good with the direction I am going, considering that I have no map in front of me, and "just shooting from the hips", as they say.

Attention Members and Guests! Rash of Break-ins at the Gym

In recent weeks, the gym I go to has been a target of a rash of break-ins and theft. In one weeks time, three cars have been broken into and many lockers both in the men's and women's have been broken in to and had things stolen. Many people are up in arms about how the gym management seems like they really don't care. My thinking is that they really have their hands tied. It is mall management who refuse to install cameras in the parking lot. So it is easy for people to break in to cars especially at night. This mall management are bunch of asses. They have been slowly driving out the local retailers and bringing in mainland franchise restaurants and stores.

The gym has several cameras to look out at the property. However ummm duh, they are not going to put cameras in the locker rooms! Hello!

I think people just have to be extra careful, buy better locks, leave valuables out of plain sight or at home. I really don't have anything with me when I go. If you break into my locker, all there really is are my extra clothes, swim wear, stuff for the shower and my towel. Car keys are on me, well except for when I swim, but now I started to walk considering its exercise and I don't have to worry about my car being broken in to.

What is this world coming to? Be careful out there!!!

The Pep Talk That Started With Me Almost Shittin In My Pants!

Since this whole thing started, I have been trying to keep to myself to fight all the demons, and face my fears, yes even the one of going to the gym to work out. I am still the one in the corner riding the bike, slowly meandering to the weight machines, trying not to make eye contact with anyone, and quickly retreating to the pool to swim, relax in the hot tub, shower quickly, change quickly, and I am out of the door! Mind you, at this time of night, it's not like I am trying to hide from anyone, there is hardly even anyone there, sometimes it's just me!

In my mind, I have made up names to the people who are normally there. I have done that with the people who either stand out or were regulars. People like "Jeans Man", the guy who works out in his jeans and white undershirt, "Bruce Lee", the Asian guy who wears a matching yellow sweatshirt and sweatpants, "Miss America" who I swear does not work out, just waves and talks story to people, and then there is "Old Lady Silver Sneakers", the super strong elderly lady who is super strong and could probably kick your ass if you are mean to her.

At night, there is "The Lady Formerly Known as The Thong Sweat Lady", I introduced her in a previous post, who now is dressed a little more and now cleans down her machines, There is "Mr. Olympia" buff man who every so often will strike a pose in the mirror. He's another one that kind of just keeps to himself. When you pass by and just accidentally make eye contact, you'll get a "sup!" and a smile if he's not doing anything. I return the favor, it's the least I can do. Every so often he'll go into the excersize room and strip off his workout clothes and do his posing routine in the mirror in his underwear, posing suit, what ever you call it. He's crazy big!

Every so often there is "Mr. and Mrs. Smith", although they are Asian, it just came to mind. They are the husband and wife team who are constantly motivating each other and spotting each other. 

Outside in the pool area, there is "Military Man" and his "Companion" I hate to assume, but they carry on as if the gym is there "secret rendezvous" point. Him in his short military shorts and her in her seductive ways and clothing full on making out in the pool, hot tub or steam room. I just want to yell "Eww! Get a room!"

Recently there is "Superhero Man". Not the super buff person like "Mr. Olympia", just "toned" I guess you would say. I am deftly afraid of him, for some odd reason, although I know it's just in my head. 

He comes in, shakes hands with whoever is at the front desk, goes to the locker room to change and comes out to workout. He kind of waves to "Mr. Olympia" as if it were some formality. He's always dressed in a long sleeve compression shirt, shorts and tights. Always matching, all red, all blue, or all black. He'll eye roll "The Lady Formerly Known as The Thong Sweat Lady." Looks like there is no friendship at all there! He is one of those who I don't make eye contact and pray a little prayer of invisibility if I ever need to pass him, while at the same time, I don't want to make it seem like I am unfriendly and trying to snob him.

I pass him and through my ear phones I can hear him, "Hey! Hey you!" I look over in his direction and point at myself, "Who me?" I am super scared, I feel small and want to run away, but it feels as it I need to see what he wants or I'll get beaten up. Kind of like that scene in Christmas Story when Scot Farkus is calling out to Richie and his friends. He nods.

"Yes?" I answer as I come to the side of the bench he is working on. "Come try help me a little bit. Can you spot me?" Of all the people in the gym, why does he pick me out? I am sure "Mr. Olymipa" could spot him with just his pinky! He is just a few benches over.

I reluctantly spot him. I grow even smaller as he is now making faces and quietly moaning as he is lifting the weights. I help him to put the bar back up at the end of the set. I thought it was all over. I get the feeling he senses my fear and starts up a conversation.

"You know..... I've been watching you......" he starts off.  All these thoughts are going though my head as I am trying to make sense of where this conversation is going. Is he trying to hit on me? Did I do something wrong? Do I know him outside of the gym?

Then he delivers a pep talk that I probably have been looking for through out this journey. He was talking about not giving up. Somehow in his scanning of me over the past few weeks, he pictured his former self. He talked about how he was overweight and wanted to make a change in his life and all the challenges that he went though. Where was this all coming from? Why did he decide to reach out to me?

Out of curiosity, I asked him. I felt like such a wise ass for asking. He said he was glad he asked, because he didn't know if I would accept his words of wisdom. Suddenly, this spandex clad man truly became a super hero in my books. I admitted to him that I was scared of him even though it was just pure mind games. He laughed as he shook my hand. It was such a father-son moment, even though he couldn't be as old as my father. He just wanted to assure me that he was there if I ever needed help and that he'd be there to be that one to give me that extra drive. He just wanted to aspire me, since I was just like him.

We talked more and parted our ways as I went to the pool and he called it a night. As I swam, his worlds were constantly replaying in my mind. Never mind the music coming through the earphones. It was all about perseverance, making goals, rehearsing them daily. Also in there were jabs about attacking those machines like I own them and not "mousing" over to them and getting overwhelmed. Dam I should have taken notes!

This morning as I meditated, my meditation was in appreciation to him and his words. Fear turned into encouragement. For me, I think I needed to hear the stories of failure and rising up. If it were all about success, I think more and more I'd feel like a failure.

I think I am going to have a different feeling tonight in the gym, one of more courage and grit. Thank you "Superhero Man"! Your words last night was just the medicine I needed, especially heading into my doctor's appointment this week!

To Hell With Those Numbers! The Journey CONTINUES!

Despite yesterday's asinine numbers, I have decided that I am not going to give up. I am 26 days into this and failure is not an option at this point! I am not going to give up because of some stupid numbers.

As I reflected on the numbers and printed out a different graft that was available online, I came to the realization that it really wasn't too bad. Most if not all are still in the normal range.

Last night I still swam, and this morning I still went walking. Jumped on the scale and now I am 11 pounds lighter than when I first started at the beginning of the month. I am still hopeful and optimistic that things will get better.

During my workout last night and this morning, I was listing to my newest "WakeUpTime" album titled "Motivation for Workout and Personal Growth." Loving it!!! Just the medicine I needed to keep the fight up.

This morning on my walk, I saw my Kangen Water lady. She said that in her experience, many people experience a spike in their numbers before it starts to normalize. I guess I hit my body's reset button or upgrading to a new operating system. That gave me further hope that all of this is a phase and that its going to get better.

I mean what's the worse that can happen? I am always getting scoldings from the doctor anyways.

The Results Are In! NOT a HAPPY CAMPER!

Yesterday I went in to my blood lab work for my up coming doctor's appointment. I had to admit, I was optimistic about what the lab results were going to be like. I am exercising more, watching what I am eating, and have lost some weight.

I got the results this morning, and I must say, IS ALL OF THIS HARD WORK WORTH IT? Seems like the answer is "NO!"

Seems like my numbers were well when I was enjoying those delicious greasy hamburgers, pasta, chocolate, and all those other things. Since September of 2016 all the way up to my previous lab work in September of 2017 (four appointments), you can see the gradual decline in the numbers, but then now, it shot right back up. it's like a big check mark on all the graphs.

It's disappointing to be working very hard to see these kinds of numbers. It's like a big slap in the face to change this lifestyle when my numbers were all good. Its not good for my self-esteem, my self image, myself-conscious self.

23 Days In, and I Am Starting to Need New Clothes!

It's been 23 days since I started this new journey. I can confidently say that I am feeling good despite still wanting to take mid day naps. I am now 11 pounds lighter than when I first started. While there is no significant discernible appearance, or at least from my perspective, I have slowly started to get rid of some of the clothes that I have been wearing.

I don't know if I am just hallucinating, or its the power of suggestion, but I have started to notice that some of my clothes have been getting bigger to the point that some stuff are getting baggy, and I have started to wear clothes that I haven't been wearing for over 10 years now.

I have started to go to stores that I could not imagine myself going into. The great thing is now I can find clothes that ACTUALLY FIT!!! The Clearance section has clearly become my friend! How can you beat 2 pairs of shorts and 2 shirts all for less than $75?

Last night at the gym, there was an informational table set up in which this lady was trying to sell the C3fit line of compression wear. She went on to explain the 3-C's, Compression, Conditioning and Comfort.

Apparently in Japan, this C3fit line of compression wear are considered to be "Certified General Medical Devices." I still doing know what that means, or if it's just some marketable ploy to get you to buy.

She went on to explain that these compression shorts, tights, knee and arm sleeves promote blood circulation, supplies the body oxygen and nutrients, all the while conditioning your bodying reducing recovery time. In daily use, it reduced swelling in the legs.

There have been several scientific studies done over the years, and so I guess there is some truth to what she was claiming.

Her big thing was that it was developed using Japan "Standards" and that over 100 prototypes were tested with 200,000 to 300,000 areas on the body were scanned to gather the right information needed to produce the final product. Legs were scanned before and after use to get a better understanding of leg swelling and evaluate its effects on swelling reduction.

In the Men's Health Magazine, there was an article about compression gear that said:

But be warned: The same reason that compression gear “feels nice”—mainly, the clothing’s nut-caressing properties—is also why it may not look so nice to others.  

“It gives off a lot of information, if you know what I mean. That can make other people uncomfortable,” says MH Fashion Editor Brian Boye.  

His advice is to treat tight gear like underwear. “Wear it as a base layer, under traditional gym clothing,” he says.

I really don't care what people think, no I take that back, especially since I am the one trying to be invisible in the gym while working out, I should "To each his/her own", whether you are trying to "showoff your goods" or trying doing what these compression gear is marketed to do, I think that it is important to take care of your body, so if you decided to wear compression clothing, good for you, if you don't, I think you should consider it. After all, this is the only body we have.

I am just all excited that I am able to wear smaller sized clothes, let alone, now I should be taking care if it!!!

Does Anyone Cheat BEFORE Their Blood Work or Doctor's Appointment?

This week should be fun. I am preparing myself physically and mentally for my first doctor's appointment since this whole "lifestyle" change. I am clearly nervous!!! I have found myself needing to do a little more, anticipation of wanting to look good. Just as is, with the continuous days of eating well, and exercising more, I already assume that the numbers will look good, but I have come to terms with the saying "When you assume, you make an ASS out of U and ME."

I highly doubt the part about "U", because the doctor will not be an ass, he'll probably just scold me and point out some of his cartoons on his wall. I hate those comics, it's like it makes me laugh and also mocks me at the same time.

I remember when I was younger, this fire man that use to live down the road from me use to exercise more before his physical. Is that considered cheating?

I find myself wanting to do more, especially since I feel the need to impress my doctor that I am actually doing something for my health. It's as if this change is not enough.

He's already given me options like surgery and all these programs, one of which said I don't qualify, but I really don't want to do it. I want to do it on my terms.

This week I have to do blood and urine tests. I am drinking a lot of water and now being super picky at what I eat. Yesterday, I had a party to attend, I stuck to the mixed greens and skipped all that luscious chicken, fish, spareribs, cake and other desserts. BLAH!!!!

Oh the Weather Outside is Frightful, But the Massage Will Be Delightful (AND Frightful)!

While our friends and family on the mainland are freezing, I should not be complaining that it's 68 degrees here with winds 20-30 miles an hour with some occasional gusts of up to 70 miles per hour. But boy, it's chilly out this morning! Great weather to stay indoors and do nothing!

As much as I wish I could do that, I did manage to get some walking around the neighborhood done, which is a nice 2 miles and I did get some laps in also. Mornings at the gym are packed with those "silver sneakers", so I don't even try to move in on their "territory." I love those "Excuse me, but you are on MY bike."......

I have more respect than to make a scene, so I'll just come back later to workout (Pool was empty since it is so windy and cold!). I cannot wait to turn their age and repeat those same words to some young innocent person! Not to mention the senior citizen price coffee and discounts!

Later on today, I will be having my first massage of the New Year. I purchased one of those memberships at the massage joint that I go to, but only have been racking up the credits, so I decided, its time to go on a more frequent basis.

I guess its my self consciousness make me panic all the time. That's a bad habit of mine. Deep in my head I am always battling the voices of "What is the therapist going to think? I am so fat! I am going to break the massage table! I have all that back hair!" My latest thing now, especially since I have been drinking that Kangen Water is, that I have been breaking out with zits (apparently my body is detoxifying) all over my body. Paranoia is starting to set in.......

For me, it's not as bad as going to the gym, my therapist is getting paid to see my grossness, plus I am going to tip him after. I guess you could say that tip is apologies for having to see all that grossness.

The Weight Loss-Healthy Living Program The Told Me "No"

So there are a lot of health programs out there. You see them on television, radio and in the newspaper (Does anyone even read a newspaper now?). There was one that recently caught my eye and have always thought of giving them a call.

I was at a restaurant one day and some how, this lady and I started to talk while waiting for our take out order and the conversation came about this one particular program. She mentioned how she had gotten some great results, good enough where her husband joined her and told me to try it out.

I finally gained some motivation to give them a call, especially since my doctor too gave me some of his thoughts about this "program". (Notice how I didn't say what "program" this is thus far?)

So I gave them a call, answered a few questions, and they said they would have to send my doctor some paperwork to fill out and then they would get back to me..............

Nothing


So I called and they said I don't have a health history that would allow me to be in the program. "Huh? What?" I said. Apparently I have to have a history of all these health issues even before they would consider me.

Hello! I am severely obese (according to the BMI) I have other health issues and I get a "no"? Thats a little moronic. I am trying to gain some better knowledge about how I can get a better lifestyle and they are saying "I don't qualify"? What a way to pop the balloon!

Never mind then! I don't need you! I can look for something else!

The Great Ballistic Missile Alert of 2018

Today will go down in history as one of the greatest mishaps in Modern Hawai'i History. Imagine being awaken from a early morning slumber by a squealing alarm from your cellphone and see the message on the left!

My heart was about to fall out my ass! Minutes later calls after calls concerning this message by frantic friends and relatives, some of which are giving, what they think, are their final goodbyes and "I love you."

Last year, we were told that if there was a missile  launch from North Korea, we would have 15 minutes until the missile would hit us here. Provided that the the first minute or two is uncounted, being that the satellites in space need time to even pick up the missile launch.

It's a Saturday morning! What the hell! I am going to spend the last 15 minutes of my life with no one around, and I cannot go anywhere! No bomb shelter, my wife is still at work, more than 15 minutes away! I'M SCREWED!!!!

She frantically calls me to say what she had heard and to get ready, she is on her way home. She wants me to pick up a few things from the market, so I reluctantly go. Is this the last time I am going to hear her? I tell her "I love you" and "Please don't worry." I doubt that has any reassuring qualities to it.

Minutes later, I find myself in the car listening to the radio. Slowly, some word is getting out that this is a false alarm. I get another call from my wife asking me where I was. I told her I had just arrived at the market and told her what I had heard. She's now super pissed off! She had been calling all over the island and to the mainland US reassuring her family that everything was going to be okay and giving her "I love you" also.

I grab whatever, and now it's 38 minutes after the initial alert and this alert comes on. A sigh of relief comes upon us. Later at home, slowly by slowly, more information becomes available. The Governor, the mayor and the head of civil defense are addressing the media.

Some "asshat" accidentally hit the wrong button as the work crew was transitioning from one shift to another. How the hell does that happen???

Someone's head is gong to be chopped off for this!!! Some are calling for the mayor and the governor to resign. Why? They didn't press the button!

More questions....more answers will be coming in the next few days.......

I have found my hero! #progressisperfection

Silk launched a new campaign this week featuring Olympic champion Michael Phelps and "Greg", your atypical everyday man. "Progress is Perfection" I would guess highlights "Greg" in his daily conquest not to be like Phelps, but the hard working everyday man who toys to be healthy by drinking silk, riding his bike to the pool and swimming before work, who in of it's self is what "perfection" is all about.

"Greg" represents me and probably a lot of people, who try to do what is right. I think this campaign is great in timing, and the motivation I need to keep trekking along on my journey to wellness.

#progressisperfection

Wait, he's eating a SALAD???

I had a business lunch to go to, and without even thinking, I went straight for the salad section of the menu.

It was like I had done this before. I had the remark, "Wait, you're eating a salad?"

Sure I could have ordered pretty much anything, especially since the company was paying, but I simply made a health choice, which was just delicious!!!!

Good grief! Me turn down delicious Japanese food for a salad and not even think twice? What's wrong with me?????

We do frequent this restaurant a lot, from birthdays, to family gatherings and even Christmas. Now, I think I just may have found a new favorite. Especially since they recently changed their menu and all my favorites are gone.......

One Week Check In

One week ago we ushered in the New Year. 2018, I told myself was the year to reclaim my health. I was 248 lbs.

Today, just for kicks, I jumped on the scale out of curiosity to see how I have been progressing. Wow! 240 lbs.! I'll take that!!!

Just the motivation I needed to see today!

Here's to more Buddha Bowls, Kangen Water, no sodas, and no more ass sweat on weight benches and bikes!

Totally psyched today! I'm gonna have a giant greasy, oily burger!!! NOT!

*Sorry, no pictures, it's gross enough!!!

Thank you all who have been stopping by to read my posts here on this blog! Please subscribe and follow me along this crazy journey of mine!!! Comments are welcomed too!

The Gym: The Self-Conscious Person's Worse Nightmare

A friend of mine recently suggested that I could go online to find some simple workouts for the gym. I hate the gym, I loath the gym. When I was growing up, I found every excuse NOT to go to the gym with my friends.

It smells of sweat, people with overactive testosterone, and just the weird feelings you get, especially when you don't look like them..... In shape. It can get a bit overwhelming, especially if you're super self-conscious like me.

One thing I can appreciate though is that the gym up the road from me is open 24 hours a day. So I can go workout, or at least "pretend" to workout while all the "meatheads" are sleeping. There is nothing more sedate than an empty gym to try and forge a relationship with something I hate so much, let alone using a "cheatsheet" to document a workout that I copied off the internet.

Normally, I would drive to the gym, but in trying to be all "healthy" and stuff, I decided to walk. Walking 9 at night??? What am I thinking?

Tonight was relatively quiet as this adonis rode the bike waaaaaaaaaaay in the corner, as to not drive attention to myself. iPod going, TV showing the latest NFL highlights and a few people here and there.

I head on over to the weight machines, my heart pumping in trepidation and anxiety. I am remembering why I hate this part of the gym. Luckily, a lady is wiping herself down and is slowly moving to weight bench.

I am praying that this workout goes by really fast so that I can go jump in the pool, an environment I am more comfortable in. My stomach is twisting and turning. I so want to be nonexistent right now.

The lady, now is doing biceps curls and staring at herself in the mirror. Her eyes are fixated on her form reflecting in the mirror. So narcissistic! She stands up to put her weights back, she is all sweaty as she walks back to get a drink of water from her water bottle. She walks away leaving her thong leotard ass sweat on the weight bench. So gross!!!! She has no second thoughts as to wiping it down. At least wear some pants! The 80's are over!!! Is she dressed like this thinking that she could get away by being so skimpily clad because it's not overly crowded?

She is now at the stationary bike, she is spreading more of her sweaty ass sweat around the gym. It reminds me of how a friend of mine recently got ring worms on his arm from dirty equipment. Even more I am regretting being in this gym. I am just mortified!

The hero of the night is now walking in her direction. Our hero is now scolding her and telling her to clean the equipment that she was using. The gym attendant now walks back to the counter and is watching our ass sweat friend intently.

I call it quits, wipe down my equipment and head to the locker room to change. No sense getting scoldings too!

I am going to have nightmares about this tonight!!! I still hate being in the gym, and tonight justified it even more!!!!!

Buddha Bowls for ALL!!!!!

Who doesn't love food? If you don't, WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU?! One of the things that I have started to fall in love with are Buddha Bowls. The choices are endless and you could probably never eat the same thing over and over unless you choose to.

I've been told, that there is not "right" or "wrong" way to make it, but if you follow the super simple directions, you'd be done in no time, and simply enjoying this awesome and simple meal!

How can you go wrong with sweet potatoes, spinach, soba, edamame, avocado and some peanut sauce???

Super awesome stuff! I am sure you can find the right combination even for the pickiest eater!

Oh the Joys of Toys!

Yes, I have to admit, I am still a kid at heart, and I love my toys! Legos, Funko Pops, and electronics! iPods have been always the coolest things, I use mine for every facet of my life, even to swim. Yes, you can take it into the pool! Nothing like swimming and listen to music or an audiobook. But like anything, technology changes and so I have been through quite a few over the past couple of years.

I still find it rather odd that there were time that I have been in the middle of a chapter, of listening to a lecture, and it was getting to the good part and my workout was over. So I just merely muddle around the lane just to listen. People must think I am crazy!!! Sometimes, SOMETIMES, I will extend my swim. SOMETIMES................

Lately, I have been into motivational stuff. I recently downloaded "Motivation for Creativity, Overcoming Anxiety, Focus, Confidence" by Wakeuptime. Unless I am looking up the wring thing, there is really not too much info on this group. Never the less, I am loving it! I play it in the house, in the car, in the pool and even in the office. All it really is, is snippets of motivational talks set to music. I highly recommend this.  I don't even know how I found this, but I am loving it!!! There are more albums, and I am looking forward to getting them!

One of the things that I have been looking for, is a tracker device for swimming. Sometimes it's hard to keep track of things while I am swimming. Especially if I am listening to something, or concentrating. Swim Outlet, my go to website for swimming stuff is launching a new product in which I am having high hopes for. It's called "Spire". In the press release, it states that this "will allow users to track, log and analyze data from their swims just by putting on their favorite suit. The device will automatically start tracking when the suit is put on and data will sync to the phone over bluetooth where it is analyzed by Swim.com's advanced algorithms." Its a little device that's sewn into the suit.  No more will I have to worry about forgetting it at home!

The site says: The Spire Health Tag will offer several special features that make it a revolution in the world of swim-tracking and fitness wearables:

• No charging needed: the embedded battery lasts the life of your suit
• No buttons to press: just put on your suit and start swimming
• A low-profile, soft-touch and comfortable design that never interferes with the swimmer's feel for the water
• Automatic bluetooth syncing to get advanced swim tracking from Swim.com right on your smartphone
Starting this spring, customers will be able to choose from a wide variety of suits on SwimOutlet.com available with Spire Health Tag integration for Swim.com.

Customers will be able to customize their choice of swimsuit ordered from SwimOutlet.com with the exclusive Spire Health Tag integrated for only $30 in addition to the price of the suit.

I am all for that! Now I really don't have an excuse to get off my ass and swim! I am looking forward to this! I wish it came in time from Christmas or sooner!

Soda! Soda! Soda!

There was a point in my life where a cup like this was heavily involved in my life. It was a 52 oz cup from 7-11. Can you imagine, I was able to drink 4 of these in one day? Yes! 208 oz of soda!!!

Now that I look back on it, I was crazy! I am lucky I don't have diabetes!!!

I have noticed that as I am getting older, my taste for things have changed quite a lot. Even the size of things. You figure, 208 oz of soda back then, and now days, I cannot even finish a Trenta sized iced tea from Starbucks in one day. That's 31 oz.

My taste for soda is almost, I said almost non-existent. I've noticed that it is too acidic for me now, and so I'll take an iced tea any day, or even water.

What was I thinking in those days??? Heck, I don't think I even drink that much water in one day! Speaking of which, I tried my best to drink half my body weight in oz of that Kangen Water yesterday. Not very successful, but boy did I have to go to the bathroom all day! 124 oz of water! I think it is recommended that on a daily basis, one is suppose to drink 64 oz of water, so that's about double that! I swam last night, and being the typical swimmer, I had no problems peeing in the water........Thank goodness for chlorine...........

Multivitamins and Water

Every time I go to the doctor, he asks me if I take any multivitamins. Hopefully I don't get scoldings at the end of the month by telling him that I have invested in three bottles of various "Performix" Brand Products.

At the recommendation of the folks at GNC, I am trying this regime. In the morning, I start off with the SST v2x. It's suppose to heighten my mental focus and help with fat metabolism.

I just think the blue and black beads in the capsule look cool!

Then at breakfast, which is usually a cup of yogurt, I have the Men's 8 hr Time-Release Multi with Fish oil and Prostate Complex. Its suppose to help with stress and increase energy. Does anyone really like the taste of fish oil? My burps have that gross fishy taste in it. Blah!!!







Then with lunch, I take the Time-Release Sport CLA. So CLA is suppose to help with weight management and blood sugar level, and has been recommended by my doctor.









So with all of that, lets see what happens.

Another thing that has been shared with me is Kangen Water. I don't know too much about ionized alkaline water, but since someone so graciously delivered to me and promised to deliver again, I will try it. Some of the health food stores have slowly brought in water machines that you can fill your water bottles with. So maybe it's worth trying. I don't know if I can drink 15 cups of water a day though....... Kangen suggests drinking half your body weight in ounces per day

In the Beginning

Ok, where do I begin?

In 2017, I officially became "old." I was diagnosed with several health issues. With that being the case, I started to take up several "holistic" approaches to maintaining my health. Some to which, have been great! Plus, I got to have some "Me" time.

Now, that 2018 has arrived, I have decided that health will be my main resolution for the year, and probably for the rest of my life.

Many health professionals still use the Body Mass Index (BMI) to gauge the body fat in adults. Let's do the math. So if I am 5'6 and 248 lbs, my BMI would be 40. That would put me in the "Extremely Obese" Category. Not a pretty thing to hear at my yearly physical. Especially since I swim and walk nearly every day. Noticed I said "nearly", and in our house, we really don't eat meat.

Using this graph, in order to be in the "Healthy" range, I would have to lose at least 98 lbs. Let's round it up to a good whole number. Let's say I have to lose 100 lbs.

Good Lord that's a lot!

Coming from the perspective of looking outward, I only see myself if I look at myself in the mirror. So spatially, structurally, psychologically and effectually,  the perspective that I have is based on the reflection through the mirror. To say the least, it's a little difficult to see the real perspective of what exactly I look like.

So if the primary goal of this blog is to even try to represent or encapsulate this journey, and not just add in the fluffy stuff, I have to get real. As the reader, I am assuming and hoping you are not here to fat shame me, and want to get some kind of motivation to lose weight and gain a foothold on a healthy lifestyle also.

So what exactly are we looking at? I was a competitive swimmer for a good part of my life, and I still swim, but not competitively. Thank goodness for "jammers", they can hide some of my fat. I still wear Speedos, but under my jammers. If there were no "jammers" this is the nightmare that would be walking out of the locker room, on to the pool deck.

I have to say though, thank goodness my local gym in open 24 hours a day and I can go swim at 11:00 at night when no one is really there. As you can see, the suit can't even contain my fat. I have to admit, only after I took these pictures, I was truly mortified at how big I truly am!!!

I think I needed to see this. I am a visual person, so at least I know what I have to work with.

YIKES!!!!!

Lets see how this goes!

I am wondering now if I dare take more of these pictures as the year goes by to see my progress. Wait, I take that back, I think it is necessary to visually see it not only on the weight scale, but on my body also.

I think I need a "graphic warning" label in the future, just to warn not only myself, but others who are reading this too.......

Ok, let's get this show on the road.