Happy New Year

Yesterday I mentioned the movie "The Bucket List." What are the things I’d like to do before I “kick the bucket?” I’m not actually sure of the storyline of the movie is, but I know it involves making a list of things to do before you die. I’ve been thinking about this since seeing a commercial for the movie and I’m actually thinking that I might want to see it. Haven’t been to a movie since my 1st wedding anniversary and seeing that we’ve been married for over 7 years, it hasn’t been a recent movie.

One thing that I would love to do is to be on a reality show. I still don’t know what I’d like to be on, but there is a cool show on FOX Reality called “Solitude” that tests the contestant’s inner strength. It puts each contestant in a pod and they really compete against themselves while also being eliminated if they are the first to give up in a specific task. Other reality shows I wouldn’t mind being part of: Big Brother, Apprentice, Survivor and Amazing Race.

I would love to travel the world and see every continent, but I don’t see that happening anytime soon. We went on a cruise for our honeymoon and I loved it. I know we’ll do it again soon, but next time I won’t be as concerned about the food as I will about the trip itself.

I’d love to make a CD sometime just for the heck of it. I’m sure no one would want it, but it is something that I’d like to do before I’m six feet under.

Seeing my children succeed would be a great achievement. My kids are still very young, but each day I think about what they will be like in twenty years. Will they be married, working, still going to school, living nearby, etc.?

Before I “kick the bucket,” I’d like to know that my life had an impact on others. I remember so many people that have touched my life and are no longer with us and this time of the year usually brings back several memories as I pack away paperwork for the year and recall those that have passed on. There is something unique about everyone and I’ve hoping, there’s something unique that will strike a chord with someone.

There's my ridiculous list. Maybe I'll wake up early tomorrow and join the Polar Bear Plunge. A dip in Lake Michigan on New Year's Day. The water temps are FREEZING!

So here’s to the years past, the years to come, and most importantly the year at hand. May it be a year that finds everyone healthy, happy and inspired to do great things. Remember, the best day to start something is today!

The Bucket List

I saw a commercial for Taco Bell today during the Packer game today that reminded me of my wife. It's a couple sitting on the couch and the lady is obviously pregnant. She sends her husband out for something crunchy. Before he leaves, she tacks on "and chewy...and cheesy!" Once he gets in the car, she calls he on his cell phone to add "add melty!" That sounds a lot like my world lately and my wife's cravings are my temptations. I have been very good so far, but will continue the battle till D-Day.

It was a day for TV watching as I also saw an intriguing commercial for a new movie starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman called "The Bucket List." Not exactly sure what the story is about, but by watching the trailers, it seems to be about the things you'd like to do before you "kick the bucket." I was thinking of doing a end of the recap tomorrow, but I may just throw together a "Bucket List" of my own. It seems fitting as most people live in the present and it's not about the past, but "what have you done for me lately" that counts.

Of course, I was not just sitting around watching the Packer game, I hopped on my elliptical for most of the first half. Ended up being an hour workout. I will miss my Sundays with the Pack as it has been an easy hour to exercise and watch something entertaining. Hopefully, they continue to fight towards the Super Bowl so I can get a few more Sundays in before the end of the season.

New Year's Resolutions

I have never stuck to my New Year's resolutions of: I'm gonna lose weight, I'm gonna exercise more, I'm gonna stop drinking soda, etc. I've already noticed tons of commercials on TV for Weight Watchers, I'm sure they're getting ready for a big push after New Year's. I'll be right there on Wednesday waiting for more "bling" after losing 75 pounds. I have .4 to go and I'm sure I'll do it barring any unforeseen challenges.

This year, I'm still pondering the resolution that I'll make and not stick to. I've already lost some weight, I exercise plenty and since I'm drinking so much water I don't have a taste for soda anymore.

My goal is to reach 190 by my birthday, Feb. 3. I hope to reach lifetime in turn by Easter. The best resolution that I can think of is to keep the 75 pounds off that I've lost and keep plugging away the same way that I have for the last 7+ months. Sounds good to me.

Accomplishments of this past year have been great and I plan to ponder them as well in the next few days.

No Excuses

It's been hard to go for a walk lately in Wisconsin. It's been cold, snowy, icy, dark, etc. So instead of getting down and out, I bought a new pair of country walking shoes to help me keep walking during the winter months. Since the snow came in early December, I have walked to church and back, but that's about it. I have continued to walk at work during lunch, but those walks have moved inside for the most part as well. Yesterday was the first time in a while that I got to go for a walk outside. The snow has mostly melted off the sidewalks and I was able to get around the block at work a few times during lunch.

I also bought a new Columbia Hat. I wanted one that went well over my ears, so I can keep the winter wind from howling too much. My daughters went shopping with me last night and they were really troopers as we made four stops and got home about 9:30pm. Considering they usually go to bed by 8:00, it was a late evening for them.

Now I have no excuse not to get out and walk, except for the fact that I fell down the steps inside our home on Christmas Eve and clonked the back of my head. I've been taking Ibuprofen regularly and I think I'm back to normal, but don't tell my wife. I'm milking this for as long as I can!

Christmas Recap

Well, Old St. Nick passed on the fruit and went right for the cookies, but luckily he's the one person that should be fat. My kids really got a kick out the plate of fruit left behind. Unfortunately, it backfired as now they think that because Santa didn't eat the fruit, they don't need to either.

I had a great Christmas...starting on the weekend with an extended family Christmas and on Monday with my wife's family. I had to work till 3:00 on Christmas Eve, which saved me from being around Christmas cookies all day. My goal was not to have a cookie or any points for that matter until after dinner. I made it, snacking on carrots and peppers before dinner. After dinner, I did have a few cookies, but stayed within my points for the day. On Christmas Day, we went to my sister's house and the aftermath tells the whole story.



I received several new sweaters and tonight I went to look for a few more since I was waiting till Christmas before raiding the clearance racks. I'll be on the outlook for more bargains in the next few weeks as the clearance racks become stacked with winter clothes.

The one item that really struck me was a simple keychain that I received from one of my sister-in-laws. She had gone to visit another SIL in New York over Thanksgiving and picked up this keychain for me. I get excited over gifts that have a meaning and she was reminded of me when she saw this and got it for me even though she really didn't have to get me anything. I've hung it near my WW magnets and attached to my 10% keychain.

Week 35

Week 35: 195.6
Last Week: 198
Progress: Down 2.4
Starting Weight: 270.2
Total Weight Loss: 74.6
Average Weekly Loss: 2.13

I've worked extremely hard this week to rectify the gain I had last week. Somehow, I did it and lost another .2 to boot. I rode the elliptical 4 times this week for an hour and the other 3 days for half an hour. I was determined to keep my gain to a minimum. Even with the 2.4 loss, I still feel that I ate plenty and actually felt that I ate a little too much on Christmas. My stomach was aching after a few cookies. Christmas Day was the first day since beginning WW that I did not track what I had eaten. Not that I ate too much, but I couldn't remember everything late in the evening from the morning.

Cookies are still in the house thanks to my MIL. I've snacked on a few, but nothing like previous years when the plate would have been licked clean already.

Merry Christmas!

For unto us a Child is born,
To us a Son is giv’n;
The government shall rest on Him,
Th’ anointed One from Heav’n.
His name is Wonderful Counselor,
The Mighty God is He,
The Everlasting Father,
The humble Prince of Peace.



Merry Christmas!!

Pink Pajamas and Remembering Last Christmas

Link to Christmas Story and the Pink Pajamas

Yesterday, I made a comment on Kathy's Blog about her handmade sweaters for her grandchildren. If you haven't seen them, they are really cute. She also gave them funny glasses to wear along with them and it just reminded me of this clip from "A Christmas Story." Ralphie gets some pajamas from his Aunt and I'm sure he would have been grateful to receive some glasses to hide behind. I hope I didn't offend her, by comparing her to Ralphie's Aunt, because Kathy's sweaters were something that could actually be worn in public, not like Ralphie's PJ's.

My wife's family had done homemade/handmade presents for several years, but for the last few years, we have done away with that tradition. I do have to say it was fun to make things as presents and it seems to mean more in the long run, since I still remember the gifts we both received and gave. On the other hand, can't remember what my wife got me last year, but luckily I'm not alone as I saw this on the news this week Brits Can't Remember Last Christmas. Made me feel better about not remembering what I got my wife either.

It also makes me think, food isn't everything. I'll eat something today, but by tomorrow, I'll forget what exactly I ate. And if you ask me what we had last Christmas, I could give you the main dish, but beyond that, I'm lost. I am going to start remembering that food is like Christmas presents: soon I'll forget what it was that I really wanted.

A Successful Family Party

I was a bit scared to attend our extended family Christmas today as I know there are always snacks readily available. I was extremely disciplined and held off on the snacking while waiting for dinner. Instead of snacking, I actually conversed with relatives. Imagine that, actually putting family in front of food. I had some good conversations about renovating a home, since both I and my wife's cousin have converted duplexes into single family homes. I discussed gluten allergies with another cousin, who had problems his whole life, but did not get diagnosed with the allergy until about 6 years ago. I had been interested in this since reading D's Health and Weight Loss Journey and hearing about her allergy. I was amazed to find out the simplest things from him that bother him, such as tooth paste, shampoo, and other household products that contain gluten. That is definitely one allergy I am glad I don't have to worry about.

Our dinner was not at all point friendly either including assorted dinner rolls, pork tenderloin, homemade Polish sausage, Waldorf salad, layered jello, cheesy potatoes, another potato choice, which was much more friendly as it was gluten free, a small bowl of beans and a small bowl of corn along with the vast array of snacks including chips and more chips, popcorn, carmel corn, nuts, snack mix, etc. I decided to have two rolls with pork and some potatoes and veggies. I did as I planned by only filling my plate once and throwing it out as soon as I was done as not to allow myself a chance to talk myself into going back for seconds. I did indulge in two bites of cheesecake, but I had planned on doing so since it is something I rarely get.

All in all, it was a successful dinner with the choices available. I am a little disappointed in the snacking I did after dinner as I know I was doing it only because it was there, not because I was hungry.

Leaving Fruit for Santa?

Last week, Skinny Guy mentioned the one guy who should be fat, Santa! Tonight, my wife has been asking the kids what we should leave Santa under the Christmas tree. I don't think it will be an apple or a grapefruit, but my kids are still debating since they enjoy Lazytown and the character, Sportacus, the debate is still underway. Sportacus is a character who strives to do his best while eating healthy and exercising. His "candy" is apples and he gets his needed energy boast from fruit. I may get the kids to leave some apples for Santa after all, since they know how the power-food effects Sportacus. I'll be sure to take a picture of what ever we decide to leave for good old St. Nick!

Why We Gain Weight

I've been contemplating my poor week and found this article Weight Loss: Why We Gain Weight? It points to three factors that cause us to gain weight.
1. Our genetic make up~in other words, if your family is overweight you are more likely to be overweight as well.
2. The environment in which we live~our exercise habits, our workplace environment and the ease at which we can find convenient foods.
3. Our lifestyle~this is the biggest change we can make towards losing weight.

We don't have much control over our genetics and our environment is tough to ignore, but our lifestyle is the one thing that we can change to help in our weight loss journey. When looking back at the past year, I can't believe how much my lifestyle has changed. I used to come home from work and lay on the couch all night getting up occasionally to grab a snack. I would plan my snack and eat it after the kids went to bed. Now, I rarely lay down and I'm not sitting down for more than a half an hour at a time before getting up to walk. Snacks are still scheduled, but they sure have changed. No more chips, salty snacks instead I'm eating veggies WW ice cream or popcorn. I still like my scheduled evening snack, but I'm sure I was consuming the "500 calories a day more" than my body requirement more often than not. It's a wonder I wasn't heavier than I was.

Week 34

Week 34: 198
Last Week: 195.8
Progress: UP 2.2
Starting Weight: 270.2
Total Weight Loss: 72.2
Average Weekly Loss: 2.12

I knew it was coming as I have let the snacks get the best of me this week. I'm glad it happened before Christmas. I will have that much more motivation to stay disciplined this week. Family Christmas' a plenty this week. Saturday an extended family get together Monday and Tuesday, big feasts with family. This gain will serve as a reminder that it is much easier to gain 2 pounds than it is to lose 2 pounds!

This week, we focused on anchoring in our meeting. I don't have a secret anchor, but definitely use this blog and the WW message boards as support and an anchor. I am ready for the week and can't wait for the upcoming days ahead. I will be successful this week and focus on the holiday and family rather than the food. Hopefully, I have learned my snacking lesson.

One Bite

I've been trying to work on the "one bite" method this holiday season. One bite of a treat and that's it. Unfortunately, there are so many treats to try that one bite of this and one bite of that turns into an awful lot. One chocolate, one bite of brownie, one bite of cake, one handful of popcorn, one etc., etc., etc. I have been trying to stay within my daily points, but it is extremely difficult. I'm also trying to get all of my healthy guidelines (healthy oils, water, fruits/veggies, vitamins, whole grains, dairy, protein, less sugar).

To tell the truth, I had to look them all up!

The last two days my supper has consisted of brownies. Tonight at least I added some veggies and a side salad. The Good Health Guidelines have gone out the window this holiday season and I am guilty of calling it a holiSEASON instead of the holiDAY that everyone has been suggesting.

This "one bite" method has got to be worked on for a while as I bite of this and that is adding to too much of my daily intake!

Happy Holidays!

Our Christmas Card!

2 yr. old Birthday

Luckily the snow came yesterday and we were able to dig out before my son's 2nd birthday. I did alright considering the amount of food I always make. I used a fruit salad recipe from the WW site, made a spinach salad with raspberries, mandarin oranges and walnuts, and served tons of fruit and veggies. There was plenty of food and not much left over, which makes the temptations that much easier. Usually when we have birthday parties, my wife makes a cake and cupcakes as well. This time, she said she was just making a cake since we threw about 4 cupcakes away after my oldest daughters birthday in August. I am definitely changing my eating habits as I didn't think the cake was worth the points. Not to say my wife is a horrible baker, I'm just saying, there are so many other things I'd rather eat. My Dad and I actually went outside to install a new gadget for our garage door while everyone else was feasting on cake. Much better to get out while the temptation was highest.
He had a great time today. Just a few pictures for the fam...











Definitely the prize for favorite present, his own vacuum.


Tricky Auntie Katie disguising her present in a 100 calorie snack box. Definitely the way a true "Rebarchik" wraps presents. Sorry, he was definitely more interested in the juice after he saw the box...





...those books definitely caught his attention though. Nice!

Oreos vs. Pedometers

Opps, sorry about that, here's the right link!

"John is Fit" is having a grand give away I am Giving Away a Pedometer. His thinking is that it will get more people to visit his blog. I'm thinking an oreo giveaway would have created much more buzz.

Top Five Reasons You Bought a Pedometer!
5. It helps me keep track of how many steps I take daily, Duh!
4. I love the stylish look it creates by wearing it on my belt.
3. It comes in handy when you need a clock.
2. It will keep you accountable for reaching daily goals.
1. You forgot what that thing is called that tells you the temperature and bought a pedometer by mistake.

Top Five Reasons To Buy Oreos instead of a Pedometer!
5. There are a lot more oreos that come in a pack.
4. If you dunk an oreo in milk it only gets better.
3. It is so much easier to eat an oreo than a pedometer.
2. Have you ever seen a double stuffed pedometer, I don't think so.
1. One word: Chocolate.

Bake Sale, Chocolates, Cookies, etc.

Well, I survived Friday. I worked this morning and there was a Red Hat Bake Sale today. Since I work in the Activity Department, I was assigned to work for an hour. Bought trail mix, cookies, a few ornaments and I ended up not eating supper tonight. Too many cookies and trail mix. I'm not far over my daily points, but I did not eat very healthy at all today. This holiday season is doing me in. Chocolates from families that sit in the employee lounge have done me in as well this week. I'm beginning to think I may be happy maintaining during this month and not even trying to lose, but I am so looking to hit 190, so I will keep trying. Unfortunately, the Christmas treats are beating me right now. I am doing much better than in the past.

Our busy Friday is over. I had a concert this evening, my 1st Grade daughter had a concert this evening, my wife had a work Christmas Party and my 3 yr. old and soon to be 2 yr. old stayed home with a babysitter. My officemate volunteered her 13 yr. old son to watch my kids and it turned out wonderfully. They loved him and he said they behaved well, not sure if he would have told me otherwise, but I'll get the lowdown on Monday.

Sunday, we're celebrating my son's 2nd birthday. I've tried to make healthy choices for a menu, so we'll see how it goes.

Cold Hands, Warm Heart...

Dirty Feet, No Sweetheart!

Ever since I've started losing weight, my hands have been freezing. The fact that we keep our heat set at 63 during the day and 58 at night probably has not helped. I wake up in the morning and I feel warm except for my hands. I get to work, hands still cold. I exercise with the residents for a half and hour, still cold. I'm not quite sure how to get them warm short of wearing mittens all day. My gloves don't even seem to help anymore.

When I went to the doctor, I did mention that my hands are always cold. I told him that I felt that it was because I've lost a lot of "insulation" and it has been a pretty quick big weight loss. He was still concerned enough to do a blood test, but everything came up fine.

I'm resigned to the fact the I have cold hands. Well at least I don't have to worry about that sweetheart!

I'm not on a Diet

Yesterday, on the GOAD message board, I posted a thread entitled "Am I Lying?". I have stopped telling people that I'm on Weight Watchers as I have come to realize it's more of a lifestyle change and not a diet. In my opinion, most people associate Weight Watchers with a diet and I don't consider myself on a diet. I am watching my portions, eating more fruits and vegetables, drinking more water and exercising. All of these are part of Weight Watchers, but they are also part of adapting a healthier lifestyle.

I'm not embarrassed to say that I'm on Weight Watchers, in fact, I've talked to my wife about the possibility of becoming a leader to stay more accountable to myself after I reach a lifetime status withing Weight Watchers guidelines. I am uncomfortable with the response I get when I tell people I'm on Weight Watchers. It's as if they look at me and I can hear them thinking, "he'll put that weight back on in no time!" I want to be associated with a healthier lifestyle, but I don't want to be on a diet. It happens mostly with people I don't know all that well, so I guess I shouldn't let it bother me. I will be successful as I have made these changes part of my daily routine and they have become a daily habit and if I miss my exercise, water, vitamin, etc. I don't feel right.


Weight Watchers Info
Apparently, the info we received at our meeting is just a more comprehensive guide called "Kickstart" and not meant to have members eat only 20 points a day. It really was not explained well at the meetings. Especially mine, as our site went computerized this week and our leader was quite flustered. On the Weight Watcher message boards there has been a big buzz about the info and debate about what the brochure really means.

Week 33

Week 33: 195.8
Last Week: 197.8
Progress: Down 2
Starting Weight: 270.2
Total Weight Loss: 74.4
Average Weekly Loss: 2.25

I had to weigh in two days early this week. I'm glad I got to go tonight as a friend from the choir that I sing in reached her lifetime status tonight. Three other people hit 10%, so it was a meeting filled with awards. It was a very hectic meeting as the workers were struggling with a new computer system. I'm sure they're trying to get the kinks worked out before the big January rush.

In the meeting, we received new week 1 books and WW rolled out the Kickstart booklet as well. It's supposed to be a two week program to get your weight loss started at the beginning of the program. 20 points a day for two weeks. Yikes! I would not do well with 20 points.

Today, I went to the doctor for the first time in several years. Probably over six years as a matter of fact as I have not seen a doctor since my children were born. I wanted to meet with a doctor to make sure I'm on the right track and to get a second opinion on a goal weight. My WW goal had been set at 184 and after speaking with my doctor, I'm upping it to 190. He gave me a note to take to my leader and so it is, 190.

I know I could get lower than 190, but my thinking is that I want this to be something I can practically maintain. I will keep losing for a while after 190, but I don't want to get lower than 180. I am very happy with this new goal as I know it is something I'll be able to maintain.

Progress Pictures

I guess I haven't put any pictures up for a while. Here's an old one of my wedding day. I was at 264. The other one is today, 197. I'm wearing my L vest!

Concert Last Night

I sing in a Community Choir, Suburban Singers, and last night we had our first of two consecutive Friday concerts. Last year, I wore a XXL vest. They run a bit small and actually that XXL was getting a little snug last night. To my delight, this year I fit into a L with room to spare. I washed my XXL and brought it in for one of the new singers to wear. I was so surprised at how big the XXL looked on me. My wife asked me to try it on so she could see exactly how it looked. She was amazed and said that our 3 year old could fit instead the vest with me now. It was a great concert! I have a solo in one of the pieces singing, "Let It Snow!" I also found that this year, I am not out of breath nearly as fast as I was last year. I can see all the long notes and phrases without taking unnecessary breaths.

Week 32

Week 32: 197.8
Last Week: 199.6
Progress: Down 1.8
Starting Weight: 270.2
Total Weight Loss: 72.4
Average Weekly Loss: 2.26

Tonight, I reached my third 10% goal. First 10%: lost 27; second 10%: lost 24; third 10% lost 21. I talked to my leader and we decided on a goal weight. I went to the "wall" to get measured and to my surprise I was closer to 6'1" than I was to 6'. 184 is the highest weight for 6' and I will shoot for that giving myself a bit of a cushion as I would like to settle in at 180.

Our meeting tonight focused on the many things done right. We tried to list as many good things that happened in the last week. I brought up my exercise as I did the elliptical 6 out of 7 days. It is good to focus on the good while there is plenty of bad to get me down.

It's been a very busy week and it does not look like it will be slowing any time soon. Concert on Friday, Santa on Saturday, Christmas party where I'll be playing piano on Sunday along with a Packer Party at the same time. Think I'll be wearing green to the Christmas Party. Next week will be just as busy, we're trying to figure out what to do about next Friday as I have another concert, my wife has a work Christmas party that she does not want to miss and my 1st grader has a concert as well. All the babysitters are either in the concert with my daughter or the family sitters are busy. I'm sure it will all work out, but it's a stressor for the time being.

This Week in Winter

It could be a long winter if the weather stays cold, snowy and icy. I've missed my outside walks the last few days with the snow and icy sidewalks. Today I decided to go on a walk at lunch anyhow and I was surprised at how poor the sidewalks still appeared. In browsing through blogs, I've come to enjoy John is Fit and his weekly check ins. He makes a list of things that he did well for the week and things that did not go so well. I tend to be one of the those "glass half empty" kind of people when it comes to weight loss. I try not to focus on the "what have you done lately?" but it's so hard to focus on the good when I make such stupid choices at times. I will do better!

This week's good things:
Exercised daily at least 30 minutes on the elliptical and hit 10,000 steps daily 5 out of 7 days.
Stayed within my points allowance 4 out of 7 days and had plenty of weekly points to cover the other 3 days.
Did not skip dinner on Thursday even though I was 10 points over my daily points by 3:00pm.

This week's bad things:
Too much mindless eating.
Ate too many Fiber One Bars in one seating and will not be buying them for a while.
Ate 4 peanut butter cookies in one seating without looking back. Would have eaten more, but they were all gone.

I will do better this week. My leader has asked us if we would be happy losing, maintaining, or gaining during this holiday season and I do not want to be one of the gainers. My goal is 194.2 by January 1st and I plan on making it!

Snow

I took a walk to church this morning and noticed three different sidewalks. The sidewalks that had been shoveled yesterday were completely a sheet of ice. The sidewalks not shoveled at all were slushy and hard to walk through. The sidewalks, like mine, shoveled this morning were drying and easy to walk on.

I will not be going for another walk since most of the sidewalks I walk are city sidewalks and I doubt they will be plowed today. I got plenty of exercise shoveling for a good 1/2 hour before church and another 1/2 hour after church. One thing that I did not plan on when I put the fence around our backyard was the difference it made in my snow removal. I used to shovel a bunch of snow into our garden, which is now fenced in. I'm hoping there is a lot of melting between all of our snowfalls otherwise I will be creating some high piles.

Happy December, last December 1st we had 10 inches of snow, this year only about 4, but it was very wet and heavy. Don't see myself getting a snow blower anytime soon though! I like the exercise.

Saturday

Today is the first big snowfall of the year. It started snowing just as the West Allis Christmas Parade was about to begin. It really did make for a beautiful setting. It is cold and snowy and our family has been in a sick mode this week. My oldest daughter has an ear infection and our other two kids are still battling colds. My wife is pregnant...enough said!

We have all gone to bed early this week, which has helped with not snacking in the evening, but it's the rest of the day that has been a killer this week. I really should have thought of a different mantra for the week because the "No mindless eating!" has seemed to make me want more and more without thinking. I shall go on and make the better choice. I know there are so many things I am doing well, but I hate making dumb choice that I regret making as soon as I make them.