WHAT I ATE TODAY
Hmm, now let’s see. There was cereal for breakfast (though I fear the milk might be going bad), a ham sandwich, followed by two Weight Watchers meals with a tangerine, and then a salad around 11:30, in bed around 4 a.m., so that’s not too bad. Looks like around 1,800 calories by my estimations. Fat would be around 15 grams.
EXERCISE
Went to the gym for the first time since Thursday. Got in the standard 30 minutes on the elliptical, all good stuff. Afterwards, I admonished myself for not embracing the gym more. And just repeated in my head, “Every time I walk into this place, I am one small step closer to my goal.” And it’s true. You can’t deny the effects of burning 500 calories. If I do that even three times per week, it’s a free half pound. So yeah, I realize the importance.
THE REAL REASON I BROUGHT YOU HERE TODAY
So I had movie night at the old Nied compound on Monday. Went to Blockbuster and grabbed copies of Reign Over Me, the Don Cheadle/Adam Sandler vehicle, and Rocket Science, a tale of a stuttering high school kid who joins the debate team. (It looked interesting, it was fair).
Rocket Science was a bit more comedic, and Reign Over Me quite dramatic. You might not know that I tend to strike the mood of the movies I watch. And right before I sat down to write this, I finished up Reign Over Me. So now I am reflective, even though it wasn’t the greatest movie I have ever seen.
Sometimes, before writing, I try to come up with one question to answer. I form the question in my head, and try to answer it on paper. It’s a good trick to make sure you eventually write exactly what you want to write.
So there I was walking up the stairs to my bedroom at 2 a.m., Adam Sandler’s crazy ass character in my head, thinking out this entry. There was an idea I wanted to get across, but couldn’t figure out how to frame it in a question.
Article comments
1 - alexandria jackson
Dan, the sheer power of your posts are my undoing. I read this and teared up, a lot. There is so much that you put out there for all and sundry.... I totally get the "I love it, I hate it" ambivalence of posting your guts here. But first things first:
The sandwich from the superbowl sounds divine. I did think of you during the game and hoped you were truly enjoying the sandwich without guilt. It is your tradition and it is meaningful. Don't feel guilt because as the skinny man you will be next year, you will oncce again have that sandwich (I hope) and not feel the guilt. It's too much fun to eat! Celebrate some things...!
Next: I lost one hundred pounds about 15 years ago. I NEVER lost the image of myself as a fat girl.... people used to look at me and say, "You're so lucky you're skinny" and I'd say, "no luck involved. I literally worked my ass off." I became addicted to the gym instead of the couch. But I still never lost that fat little girl in the mirror. And I'm glad. i judge people less than others on their physical appearance and I like that I went through my teens on the larger size. I was protected, well-padded from the idiots who care only for physical appearance. My friends are true and long-lasting. I will never be a skinny girl, no matter what others think when they see me. (have since gained back some weight but not anywhere near what I was - that's why I feel kindred with you).
And finally, you're saving now. That's good enough. I know 50 year olds who don't have $500 in the bank. You're an amazing person. I want to be invited to your wedding. Or at least to the bachelor party !
2 - Kevin
Best post in a while, my friend.
3 - Guy
Good post sir. I like when you get into the underlying reasons of why you're doing this. I think the guy who questioned why this blog was in the science section is actually off base. Dan, you're doing a good job of making this as much about the psychology of a a weight loss/life overhaul plan as you are capturing the calories consumed/calories burned part of this deal. Keep it up and I'll keep up with the reading.
And to Alexandria- I hope to plan said bachelor party some day and I will most definitely make sure your invited. But you may have to drive the party bus/trolley on our tour of metro-Detroits fine gentlemen establishments.
4 - alexandria jackson
Guy, if I have to be the designated driver, that's just fine. Martha can help me keep you guys in line.....