Reconnecting With an Old Friend Reading

It seems to have been a while since I have written anything.  All I have to offer for an excuse is the general busyness of the holidays.  However to be totally truthful, I have to admit I have been spending some time reconnecting with a hobby that I have been all too long ignoring: reading.  Maybe it is simply because the ground here in Michigan is frozen solid making metal detecting near impossible thereby freeing up a lot of time.  More likely it is just the season for finding a comfy spot and getting all snugly and warm with a good book.   So in the coming days I want to share a few book reviews with you.  Until then, I want to wish each and everyone of you a very Happy New Year.  May we lose more weight and find more gold!!  Check out Crazy Christmas Kayaking!!

Fire in the Sky

These photos are from last night.  We always get nice sunsets in summer, but not so much in the winter. The colors were very intense, but only lasted for a brief few minutes.

If you look close, you can see one of the local swans enjoying the sunset also!

 Hope you all have a great day, and thanks for stopping by!!

It's Hard to be Fat

Well this is pretty much how most fall days look here in Michigan.  Clear blue skies and bright sunshine.

I haven't been out in the kayak recently, but have been trying to get in as much exercise as I can metal detecting.  As you may or may not be aware, there is a lot of exercise to metal detecting.  Of course there is the walking around.  For me that is the easy part.  The hard part comes from having to get down to the ground and then get back up again.  I have to use the shovel handle to pull myself up off the ground!  Doing this time after time gets to be a bit of a workout!!  I am so getting tired of being fat.  Being heavy really does take away some of the pleasure of hobbies like kayaking and metal detecting.  I am eating less and know that weight loss will take time.  I find that the struggle off the ground is a good reminder for me of why I want to lose weight.  As much as I love to eat, metal detecting never ceases to drill it into my hard head that I MUST lose weight.

If you ever want to share some blogger love, I have added an Amazon banner at the top of the page.  If you click on it, it will take you directly to Amazon.  If you click on it right before you intend to buy stuff on Amazon, I will get a little commission, but the prices you pay are always the same.  Cool deal.  Thanks!

A Sunrise and a Wish

This was about 7:15 this morning...I love the mist as it lays on the water.  Of course tomorrow is going to be a temptation for all of us attempting to lose weight.  I plan to go with moderation as my guide.  So,  I wish you a happy time of food and fun.  I plan to cook a turkey.  BTW we love turkey and cook them throughout the year.  I never did understand why some only eat them on T-Day.  Also, remember you can substitute these for mashed potatoes.


What do you think???

Weight Loss and No Scales?

I am back in the old weight loss saddle again.  However, this time I think I will be weighing in less.  I wonder if one could lose weight without weighing in at all?  I know in the past I would get depressed if I weighted in and didn't lose or actually gained.  A bad weigh in really used to hurt my forward progress.  This time around I think I am going to just judge my success by how my clothes feel.  All I know is it is time to try something.   What do you think??

I went out for a short paddle today in an effort to get some exercise.  It is really nice to be able to kayak in mid-November in Michigan and still be nice and warm!!

Morning Colors

I just love the colors of morning.  When the sun starts to peek up over the horizon is the best time to see the most incredible pinks and blues.  Mornings at the lake usually come along with some beautiful mist that just blends with the sky like only the late and great Bob Ross could paint.  The quiet and the stillness are just breathtaking!  

 Today, at 7:30am...

 Husband and wife swans.  They don't mind the cold...

Winter Exercise

The lake was like glass today.  You can see the the hull of my kayak in this shot.  It kinda looks lonely sitting upside down on the shore...waiting.  I love paddling in still water, but it was pretty cold today.

Weight loss is going to be a challenge in the winter.  I really like to be out exercising in the nice weather, but exercising outside in winter is not so much fun.  Anyone with some good advice??

Of Hobbies and Sunsets...

I guess I have a lot of hobbies.  I can't help myself, I find a lot of things interesting and enjoy doing many different things.  Lately I have found myself playing around with my old camera.  It is a Canon A590; nothing special.   I bought it at Walmart years ago.  Now they go for about $100.  I always like pictures of the lake, especially at sunset.  This was last night...

Something Really Scary

Now that Halloween is over, let me tell you something that is REALLY scary: I have put on much of the weight I had lost.  Yep, and it sucks.  All of the effort wasted.  Well, I just have to get back to the healthy choices that I was making like eating smaller portions and juicing for a meal several times a week.  I was going fine until I started back eating bread.  It seems for me carbs are the real problem.  So I guess you will be seeing more weight loss content in the near future.  Of course instead of the tasty Halloween candy that always seems to find its way into the house, I will have to remember...check it out...Have you ever been a yo-yo dieter?

Still Struggling With Weight Loss?

Are you still struggling with weight loss?  I know I am.  Maybe struggling is too strong of a word as I can't say I have been doing much on the weight loss front at all.  I know what I need to do to lose weight, but there are an infinite number of reasons why I often choose not to do what I need to do.  The problem is I really enjoy cooking, and unfortunately I enjoy eating even more!  Ever feel the same way??

Of Cookies and Pies

It seems as if fall is making a stand for real up here in Michigan.  There are several things that bear witness to that fact.  The colors are in full effect, the days are getting cooler, and the nights longer.  I can add one more proof of fall and that is the fun of baking when the house is a little chilly in the morning.  There is nothing better that sitting down with a coffee in the morning, snuggling up to the laptop to do some reading while enjoying the smell of an apple pie baking in the oven.  Acknowledging that summer is over is always a bittersweet thing for me.  As much as I love summer, fall is a magical time also.  It sure was a good feeling to break out the old apple peeler that had been sitting on the shelf since last fall.  Tonight I just finished baking a raft of chocolate chip cookies.  Boy, it sure seems like fall can be a dangerous time for my waistline, it's a good thing it only comes around once a year!  What do you like to bake in fall???

The Shooting - A Day That Changed My Life

I am fortunate enough to live in a seemingly peaceful neighborhood that is a suburban setting of well-kept houses. All the homes are nestled close together and feature lush green lawns and tidy landscaping with vibrantly colored flowers and precisely manicured bushes.  These homes provide charming living quarters for quite a diverse group of well-meaning and hardworking people.  My neighbors are a friendly bunch of people that are quick to give a wave and a smile.   This area in which I live is the kind of a place where neighbors often stop mowing grass to chat with another that was simply walking by.  I like to think of my neighborhood as a bubble where we are safe and sheltered from the harsh realities of life.  Usually, the worst crime in my community is to accidentally not notice a wave from a fellow resident and thereby hurt their feelings.  Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that the protective bubble of my neighborhood could have been popped by what happened.

It is a routine of mine to ride my bike every day on the smoothly paved roads of my cul-de-sac with my dad and brother.  We always ride from my home to the end of the neighborhood where the entrance meets the main road.  I have always loved to ride this particular route because of the spacious field alongside the road.  This field is very large, stretching from the road way far back to where the eye can barely see.   Just when you think the field is going to run that way forever, it is abruptly cut off by a cluster of woods.  This field is a sea of pale yellows and gold because the grass has grown wild and dry.  If you are riding alongside it at precisely the right time of the evening when the sun has just started to sink below the tree line of the distant woods, then you will behold a glorious sight; its grasses all catching the rays of the faraway sun and turning the field into a thousand different shades of orange.  So after I ride to my beloved field I will turn to the other direction and continue on my way home, already looking forward to tomorrow’s bike ride when I will see the splendor of the field again.

As fate would have it on a cool Saturday in early September, I did not ride my bike to the field as I always did at five o’clock in the evening.  As much as I love my daily ride, I just didn’t feel like riding at the usual time on this day.  I thought it odd of myself that I did not want to ride at this time of day because I did not have a reason in the world to keep me from going.  The day was just like any other day and everything and everyone was just as they had always been: friendly, normal, and peaceful.  Little did I know that at the same time, just down the road next to the field, a man lay dead from a brutal gunshot to the face.  A man carrying a gun had shot him, killing the victim instantly.  The shooter also fired shots at the victim’s brother.  The assailant then proceeded to steal the victim’s car.  A next-door neighbor had heard the shots and called the police.  When the police arrived at the crime scene, the suspect was already making his getaway.  The police followed him in hot pursuit.  The suspect then ditched the getaway car and ran from the police, eventually stealing another car from a nearby home.  Hours later the police used tire spikes to stop the stolen car and the suspect surrendered.

A little while later than usual, I decided that I would ride my bike because it would be foolish to waste the beautiful day all because of some feeling I had.  So like we always did, my family and I started to ride our bikes to the field.  In the distance I could see the flashing of police cars’ lights.  I could smell the diesel exhaust from all the emergency vehicles, and I could hear a fire truck’s sirens screaming as it raced down the road to the scene. When suddenly a life-flight helicopter roared overhead as it landed in my favorite field, I knew that something was terribly wrong.

What I learned that day has changed my life.  Now I know that looks can be deceiving.  Just because one might live in a seemingly safe environment does not mean that it always will be safe.  Ever since that terrible event I value my safety and my life more than I ever did before.  I came to realize that when it is your time to depart this world it is your time and that each day could be your last.  

This piece is a true story that was written by my daughter for her 9th grade Lit class.  I have included it here because I am proud of her and because I couldn't have said (or written) it any better.  I would love to hear your thoughts!!!

Better Than Candy, Substitute Grapes for Weight Loss

We are definitely starting to see the first inklings of fall here in Michigan.  The days are shorter, the shadows are longer, and most nights are starting to bring a chill.  If you are like me and share the house with others that are not trying to lose weight, then this is also a season for candy and treats.  Since I am still fighting the weight loss battle, I thought I would share an idea that helps me avoid the ubiquitous sweets-substitute with sweet red grapes.  Now of course they do have sugar and calories, so you cannot go crazy eating them, but they sure do hit the spot for me.  Let me know what you think.

I love My Kayak

The shadows are starting to get longer here in Michigan and the days are growing shorter as we slip into fall.  The nights are nice and cool, but during the day it still feels plenty hot when in the sunlight.  I am taking advantage of the continual nice weather by going for a paddle as often as I can.  After trying an inflatable kayak for the first time earlier in the spring, I was hooked.  I soon bought these inexpensive Pelican Kayaks, and use them daily.  I just love them, so check out the video...

Let me know what you think.

Clint Eastwood's Speech

If you have been reading this blog for any amount of time, you know I do not tend to get very political.  However after watching Clint Eastwood's speech last night, I felt.......sad.  I am not commenting about the man's political views.  I just think his performance last night was sad on a personal level for him.  Clint seemed to come across as an old guy that was lost and was barely making any sense.  I felt bad for the guy.  It was like a very slow motion train wreck.  The speech was ad-libed, but came across as rambling and incoherent.  I always appreciate some grey area humor, but Clint seemed to go over the line, not only once but twice.  I think that was stooping too low for the context.  It only made the speech even more humiliating and pathetic.  He did nothing but tarnish his brand and maybe Romney's too.   Some people seem to just age gracefully, while other do not.  I always respected Johnny Carson because he knew when to get out.  He had the sense to quit while on top.

I would love to hear your thoughts...

The Drought of 2012 Continues

The weather here is beautiful.  A little too beautiful and perfect.  Everyday is the same: sunny.  It never rains.  Sometimes we will get a few clouds and it even might look like rain, but they soon pass.  It is never like this here in Michigan.  We usually get more than our share of rain.  I shot a video to show what the drought looks like to us on the lake.  Usually I have water about 6-8 inches at our seawall.  Now there is 10 FEET of dry sand in front of the seawall that is growing larger everyday.  Check it out and let me know what the weather is like where you are.

Will It Ever Rain???

The weather in Michigan has been great so far this summer.  We have had plenty of sun, and almost no rain.  This makes for easy planning of outdoor activities, but it is playing havoc on our lake levels.  At this time of year we usually have several inches of water depth at the seawall.  This year we have about 7 FEET of dry sand in front of the seawall!  No one can remember the lake being down so much.  I never thought I would say this in Michigan, but we could really use some rain!

I am afraid to take the boat out for hitting the prop.  Thankfully, we can still kayak with no problems!  Hope you are all having a good summer.  Is it dry where you are???

Another Day Metal Detecting the Beach

I hit the beach again for some more metal detecting.  It was cooler than has become our new normal in Michigan this summer.  We even had a little rain which we really need more of.  Our lake is very low from the ongoing drought.  I must have burned a few calories walking through waist deep water for a couple of hours!

Metal Detecting Can Be Addicting

Hi guys.  Sorry, I have not been posting much lately.  It is hard to spend time in front of the computer when the weather has been so nice!  However, I wanted to take a minute for a quick update.  I have been spending a lot of time enjoying the outdoors and being active.   I continue to enjoy kayaking and usually go for an evening paddle most days.  My endurance is even slowly improving.  Kayaking to where I used to get tired when I first started now doesn't even break a sweat!

 I have also been enjoying some new hobbies.  I decided I wanted to try treasure hunting or more commonly, metal detecting.   I didn't want to spend too much until I knew I liked the hobby, but I knew I didn't want to buy a crappy detector either.  So I bought myself a Garrett Ace 250 metal detector from Amazon.  So far I really enjoy it because it involves being outdoors and walking around which is good for weight loss.  So far I haven't found  a chest of buried gold treasure, but I have been finding coins!  Check out my vid for more...

Bitten By the Bug - Bad

I have been bitten buy a bug and it is bad.  I have been bitten by the kayaking bug and have a bad case of kayaking fever!!  I went out and bought 3 new Pelican kayaks, so now my kids and I each have one.  The weather here in Michigan has been great so we have been spending a lot of time on the water.  Of course this has taken away some of my blogging time so sorry for the lack of posts.  I want to get some film of it but I am waiting to get a waterproof case for my camera.

Anyway, suffice it to say I have been getting in a good workout on the kayak.  It is really the best of both worlds in that it is fun, but also good exercise.  In fact it is so much fun, I usually forget that it is exercise--at least until the next day when I am stiff and sore!  In fact I am finding I am sore in places I didn't know you could be sore in LOL!  Are you finding any fun ways to get your exercise in??

My Anniversary

Today is a special day for our family.  My wife and I are celebrating twenty two years of ....um, marital bliss, yes that's it.  I know this will come as a shock to many of you that are doing the math and thinking, "Wow, he must have gotten married at ten!!" LOL!!

We are certainly not the same as we were 22 years ago.  Let's just say we have both "grown" in many ways.  Check out the video where I talk about how we are both trying to lose weight to "ungrow" and what our weight loss goals are.  Have you learned any marriage tips that you would care to share??  I love your comments!

Kayaking for Fitness

In my never ending quest to lose a pound or two and achieve any semblance of fitness, I have embarked on a new hobby...kayaking.  I really like it.  I believe that exercise is important to our overall health, and that the best way to make sure we exercise is to make it as enjoyable as possible.  Kayaking was a no brainer for me as the water was here already and my son already owned the kayak.  Although I am grossly over the max weight allowed for the kayak, I thought it was worth a try to "get my feet wet" and see if I liked it.



 I really am enjoying it as it is very peaceful.  It came with a vary nice paddle that is sturdy and yet compacts down to about 2 feet.  The kayak comes with a handy travel bag (think duffle bag)  in which it can be deflated and taken anywhere.  It also comes with an awesome air pump that inflates it in no time.  This is our second year with this kayak and we have had no leaks or problems.  You will want to check out the videos.  The second one is pretty funny as my son filmed one of my first attempts at getting in the kayak




Now if you want to laugh, check this out.  If you do though, you owe it to me to at least consider buying a 99 cent copy of my book, Scrawlings of a Fat Man.  After all, I need to buy another kayak for me to use so I wont have to hog my son's kayak LOL.

OK, so who want an "uplifting" motivator like my son lol????  What do you think??

A Non Scale Victory Over the Long Weekend

Well the long holiday weekend is over and I am pretty pleased with myself over my performance.  I think over all, I was mindful of proper portions.  I had one SMALL piece of chocolate cake.  That to me is a huge victory in that I was able to keep it under control and not eat most of the whole darn cake!

I think I did well on the exercise side also.  I was outdoors  often which is a good thing.  I went for walks and was swimming.  I even started a new exercise activity.  I want to make a video about it before I let on what it is!!

I also was able to get in a fair amount of fishing with a little bit of catching.  The following video was filmed by my 11 year old son.  He started filming his lures when I unexpectantly got one and he was able to get it on film!  Fun times!  Did you have a good weekend?  What did you do for fun??

Memorial Day

I really appreciate all of my readers who aren't in the States so I just wanted to start with a brief description of what Memorial Day is for us here.  It is a day where we remember the men and women who have given their lives in our armed forces.  It is a federal holiday on Monday, so banks are closed, no mail will run, and the stock market is closed.   This three day weekend is also the traditional start of the summer holiday season.  On our lake, everyone with a boat will be out.  Many people will be outdoors grilling steaks and burgers.

Of course for those of us trying to lose weight, it is yet another temptation to go overboard on all of the yummy carb laden food.  I will be on guard to not pig out on some of my favorite pasta dishes and potato salad.  We are having some people over that have requested one of my chocolate home made cakes.  That is certainly going to put my will power to the test lol.

I want to introduce you to a weight loss blog that is new to me called Fat Girl on a Diet.  The author is Mary and she did a very nice review of my book, Scrawlings of a Fat Man.   She also runs another blog where she does book reviews called Mary Ellen's Musings.  She even featured it there too!!  I received her permission so I wanted to share what she wrote:
The weight loss blogging world tends to be very small. It wouldn't surprise me in the slightest if most of you already know Paul Wheatley or follow his blog, Virtual Paul. I hadn't heard of Paul or his blog, until about two days ago. I follow Blog Wobble, and she posted a review of the book.

Being the book fiend that I am, I decided to try it out.

Scrawlings of a Fat Man turned out to be a really good book. I was very pleasantly surprised. It is a very short book, but the pages are filled with great lessons.

What makes the book so great is that any person dieting, whether they be beginners or someone almost finished with their journey, can relate to what is being said. The book is easy to read, with a bit of a light-hearted tone to it. There is no bashing you over the head with diets tips and regimens. Instead Paul simply tells you what worked for him and explains it in a way for you to try it yourself.

As someone who has a long way to go in the weight loss journey, I realize that sometimes you just need a boost of positivity. This book has done that for me. I love the attitude about dieting that is shown here. Paul encourages you to make a life style change and not only see it as a diet. He lets you know that it is alright to stumble, as long as you pick yourself up and start again. I also learned in chapter 4 that I am quite possibly my work place's diet snob. Ooops! I need to work on that apparently.

Overall, I definitely recommend this book to any person thinking about starting a weight loss plan or who feels they need a little extra encouragement. There are sections of this book I know I will read when the tough days come along.

Paul Wheatley has a way with words. I know this is his first book, but I sincerely hope he decides to write other things. 

I really want to thank Mary Ellen for her very kind words.  I look forward to getting to know her better and encourage you to check out her weight loss blog and support her.

Don't forget if you have a little free time this holiday weekend, why not treat yourself to a copy of Scrawlings of a Fat Man.  Hey, it's 99 cents!!  Do you guys have any exciting plans for the weekend??

Let's Wobble Over

I wanted to take a minute to say a heart-felt thank you to each and every one of my readers.  In such a busy world, I keenly appreciate the time you invest when to stop by to read what I have written.  I especially want to say thank you to those that have purchased my book, Scrawlings of a Fat Man for 99 cents.  It has really been a shot of encouragement to this newbie writer.

Today, I want to feature a fellow weight loss blogger who took the time to do a very nice review of my book on her blog.  Her blog is called Blog Wobble.   She is an Aussie and a great writer as is evidenced by this post that recounts her history with being teased and uncomfortable with her body.  I got her permission to share her review of Scrawlings of a Fat Man here:

"I have been following Paul's blog for a while now. I can't even remember how we stumbled across each other, but we did and here I am today with a wonderful opportunity.
Paul has written a book about his journey.....
And I am going to review it :D (Yay!!)

Imagine how amazed and really quite proud I was when I woke this morning, opened my google reader with my morning coffee and saw this post, Finally It's Done!
Needless to say, I went straight to Amazon to download it. I finally got to reading it this afternoon. I wasn't disappointed.

Scrawlings of a Fat Man is insightful, informative and relatable.
I started this journey 1 week after Paul started his. We have a lot in common when it comes to our views on it.
I would admit, I feel like an old pro at this whole weight loss thing after years of attempts, and yet I still learned so much from this book. Seeing it from another's point of view, so clearly, I found it well written and enjoyable.
Scrawlings of a Fat Man is informative for both beginners on this journey and seasoned pro's. As an experienced hand I could identify with everything that was written and still I learned a few new things reading his helpful hints and useful tips."


I really appreciate Blog Wobble for not only buying Scrawlings of a Fat Man, but for taking the time to write such a kind review.  Let's all wobble over and check out her blog!!

Friends Down Under

One of my first posts ever on this blog was about internet friends.  It sure is nice to have some friends on the internet.  These are the type of people that will keep you accountable, as well as offer support, motivation, and inspiration.  I would like to introduce one of my internet friends to you.  His name is Tommy and he lives in Brisbane, Australia.  Tommy runs the YouTube Weight Loss Community on Facebook.  He also makes some great weight loss videos on YouTube.

Tommy wrote a very nice comment about my new book, Scrawlings of a Fat Man.  I received his permission to share it so here it is:
Great book & a great read covering many of the issues that most of us have or are currently dealing with regarding being overweight & how you have personally dealt with this by acknowledging your weaknesses, taking action, building your weight-loss plan & sticking to it. 

What I like particularly about your book Paul is that it allows the reader an insight into your story (to date) as opposed to just segments of the story which (to me) is kind of the experience I get when watching someones youtube updates. Seldom do we take the time to watch all of their past videos as this would be very time consuming & impractical therefore your not getting their complete story, but we applaud & support them in their ongoing efforts at whatever point we connect with that person. Your book allows the reader to connect to your story not only in the present tense but also in the past leading up to to present. 

Congratulations Paul - great book
Engaging, Relevant & Helpful. 
& only $1 :)


Wow, isn't that really nice.  That is better than any paid advertisement!!  All from a man I have never meet face to face.  That is truly the beauty of the internet to bring people into our life that we would otherwise never be able to meet.  As I told him if he ever gets to Michigan, or I get to Australia, I would love to have dinner with him.  Be sure to check out his videos and weight loss page on Facebook.  He is a great guy.  Do you have any internet friends that you have never met?  Have you ever met one of your internet friends in real life?  I would love to hear about it!

Finally, it is DONE!

Today I finally worked up the courage to hit the publish button for my new ebook Scrawlings of a Fat Man.  It is available at Amazon for .99 cents for Kindle.  Although I know most of you are much more tech savvy than me, I just learned you do not need a Kindle to view Kindle books.  There is a free download from Amazon that lets you view Kindle books on either your PC or Mac.   I never knew this!!  It is so cool because there are even some free books available.  It works really well and the books just come right into your computer in no time!  The wonders of technology.  Wow, I must really be getting old lol.

This was the first book I have ever written so don't be too harsh of a critic if you waste a dollar, support your old friend and fellow weight loss blogger LOL.  The way I see it, even a surgeon has to have had a first patient at some time.

I wrote this book because I really do like sharing the trials and triumphs of my weight loss journey.  I am the first to admit I am no expert, however I think there are some valuable tips and ideas in there.  I also think there is a certain audience that will buy a book, but would never find this blog.  If I can help motivate one person to start or to stay on the road to being healthier, it will have been worth the effort.  Thanks as always for your continued support and readership.  Please let me know what you think, whether good or bad for a first try...Scrawlings of a Fat Man

Working on the Top and Bottom

Let me just say the weather here in Michigan has been beautiful.  I have been taking advantage of it by getting out as much as I can and enjoying it.  Of course I am trying to use my outdoor time to further the old weight loss cause and am working on the top of me as well as the bottom.  For the bottom half,  I am bike riding further and further.  For the top half, I started rowing my little rowboat around.  In the video, I talk about where I am with my weight loss.  It's kind of funny because I get interrupted by several boats.  Anyway, all I know is finding things that I enjoy doing helps me to want to do my exercises!!

Blogging About Weight Loss Helps Me

I have learned that blogging about weight loss helps me lose weight.  When weight loss is on my mind I want to share with others about it.  It means my head is in the game and I am all systems go.  Conversely, I have also found out that when I am not as active in the weight loss community in terms of blogging/vlogging, there is a good chance that I am not losing weight or worse yet I am even gaining.  Needless to say I really want to get back on track losing weight, so I plan to get back to blogging.  I just needed a short break from always thinking and writing about weight loss.

Speaking of writing about weight loss, I have been writing a little ebook about my weight loss journey so far.  I plan to publish it on Amazon soon.  Let me just say that this little book writing experiment has certainly been an eye opening one for me.  Whoever it was that said "easy reading is damn hard writing" could not be more right lol.  How is the spring treating you and your weight loss?  Are you finding some good activities to do outdoors?  I would love to hear what is new with you all...

Back in the Saddle

I have been away for about two weeks.  I really do not have a good excuse.  I just have been doing a lot of...well see the video lol...and I will get back to posting more regularly.

Vacation For Some of Us

Hello friends, just a quick update.  Weight wise I have been in a 1-2 pound range for like forever.  I keep bouncing between 283-284 so nothing new and exciting there.

My wife and the kids went on a mini vacation for a couple of days to a horse show in Ohio and museums and an aquarium in Kentucky.  I am baby sitting our 2 large, spoiled dogs, not to mention my son's bearded dragon and 3 tanks of fish.  Of course I have been working like crazy on projects around the house.  They have my video camera, so I haven't been blogging because I like to do a blog/vlog combo usually LOL.  They should be back tonight so things should be back to normal soon.  I hope you are all out enjoying the weather.  I look forward to getting back in the swing of things.  Biking alone without my son is not as much fun!

Gloomy Weather Makes for a Gloomy Update

Hi all.  Just wanted to give a quick update.  The weather here in Michigan has turned really cold.  Let me put it in context for you.  Last week my son was swimming in the lake, yesterday it was snowing.  Yeah, not good.  When the weather is so cold (low 40's day/ low 30's at night) it really puts a damper on wanting to get outside and exercise.  I was really improving my stamina on the bike too :(  Oh well, it is nothing we can control.  I will just have to work back up to where I was.  

I weighed in at 283 and that was about 1 pound down from the week before.  Very slow, but in the right direction I guess.

I have been spending some time on Google+.  I have to say I like it better than Facebook because you can actually meet new people that you don't already know unlike Facebook.  I put a link for my profile at the top right of this page.  If you are on G+, please feel free to circle me.  If you haven't tried G+ yet, give it a shot, I bet you will like it.  If you tried it a while ago, they just rolled out a total update today that is really very nice.  Have you tried Google+ yet?  What do you think?  Are you still using Facebook?  Let me know what you think!!  Hope the weather where you are is better than here.  Please comment on how nice it is there so at least I can think of moving lol.

To Lose Weight You Have to Make Sacrifices

Hope everyone had a great Easter dinner.  I have to admit ours was lacking some of my favorites!  I guess we are willing to give up some things in order to lose weight-even if it is grudgingly lol.  So, let's talk about what wasn't there this year.  No sweet potatoes.  Let me just say I love sweet potatoes-too much.  There were no mashed potatoes.  How can you have turkey without mashed potatoes.  Such is life trying to go low carb.  There was no gravy.  I still missed it on the turkey, but hey, who needs it if there are no potatoes to put it on anyways.  Plus, there were no pies, no cakes, and no brownies.  Yeah, i guess I am still pouting about it, but no one ever said losing weight was easy.  I just hope to see some results soon.  Before I run out of food to cut lol.  Did you do without any favorites this year?

Exercise and a Full Moon

A Good Friday to all my friends of the interwebs.  I hope you all have a great Easter weekend.  I got in a lot of bike riding in today.  In fact, we have been riding so much even with my big seat, my butt is getting sore.  TMI I know, but we are all about the honesty here LOL.

I just wanted to share a few shots of the moon taken from the dock tonight.  Let me tell you the moon was huge and the pictures cannot even begin to convey how large it was.  It almost looked like the sunrise.  My son is pretty proud of these as he took them.  He is only 11 and did these freehand without the tripod.

Anyway, I hope you all can get out and get some exercise in this weekend.  Of course, we all must refrain from over indulging in the ever present chocolate of the season.  Remember as the saying goes, "Once on the lips, forever on the hips".  Do you have a weakness for chocolate?  What are you going to be watching out for this weekend?

Bike Riding for Weight Loss

CAUTION: THE FOLLOWING VIDEO CONTAINS SCENES OF A FAT MAN ON A BIKE AND MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR ALL AUDIENCES!!!  YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.

A while back I posted about starting to ride my bike.  A couple of people wanted some pics and I am always happy to oblige.  Now, if you are going to watch the video, make sure you are sitting down.  I don't want anyone getting hurt if you fall over from laughing!  As always, let me know what you think and thanks for stopping by.

Changes to My Weight Loss Plan

What do you guys think?  I need to change, so your ideas would be greatly appreciated.  I really value each of you, and your opinion and advice means so much to me.  I have learned so much from you all.  I really appreciate the time and effort you continue to give to help me.  Please share your thoughts.

Raspberry Keytone for Weight Loss 2 - My Thoughts

I really appreciate the response from my last post on Raspberry Keytone.  The Raspberry Keytone post is by far my most viewed post ever already.  Evidently, this is a topic of interest to many.  However, by far the overwhelming thought in the comments is negative.  I think this is good because we can put out ideas here in a respectful manner and have a discussion over things we may not be 100 % in agreement on.  I just want to explain where my thinking is in the video.  It's hard to explain because in many ways I have been and STILL am in your camp on this.  Check out the video and let me know what you think.  This is a big change for my thinking and I am not sure I understand it myself.  It is probably just desperation on my part, but what if they would work?  Please watch and let me know where I am wrong and help me understand why I seem to be changing my mind?  Thanks for your time and for your help!!

Raspberry Ketone for Weight Loss

You know I like to keep things simple and easy.  That's just my style.  I usually like to do things the old school way.  Especially about weight loss.  I don't go in for a lot of fads or pills.  I am not one to take chemical stimulants in order to increase my weight loss.  However, I have been hearing more and more people talking about raspberry ketones.  I didn't see it when it aired, but Dr. Oz featured it as the best "miracle fat burner in a bottle".  You can see him talk about it here.  Anyways, it sounds to be all natural and is available from some manufacturers without a bunch of other crap mixed in.

I don't know if it is a gimmick.  From what I have read, it works on rats, but there is not human clinical trial information.  For what it is worth, there is a lot of anecdotal evidence from people that swear that it works.   I am thinking of trying a bottle and seeing what happens.  The Food and Drug Administration list it as safe, so it doesn't sound overly risky.  Of course, I will report my finding here to the group.  But, before I ordered it, I wanted to ask you all if you have had any experience with it?  Has anyone tried it?  If you have heard anything about it, please share with it with us!

A Quickie and I Am Sore

I just have time for a quickie update.  I blame my wife.  See, I have not been on the computer much for the past several days.  I have not been posting or reading and I feel guilty about it.  I have been involved in a honey-do project that has taken a big chunk out of my computer time.  In our kitchen, my wife decided she wanted to stone the area above the counter tops and below the cabinets.  So I have been carrying heavy bags of mortar and grout.  Mind you, I have been lifting weights, but there is something about bending and twisting and working that works muscles you do not usually use!  I guess it is my version of handyman yoga lol.  I feel like I did when I just started lifting weights.  Maybe there is something to that yoga business after all?

Anyways, that job is winding down so I hopefully will be back making the rounds reading your blogs soon.  As a guy that has mainly women readers, I am not exactly expecting any sympathy.  In fact I probably just lost a few followers for complaining!  If you would like to send your condolences for a poor, over worked husband, I want to hear them.  Or at least let me know if you ever tried yoga?  Is there any value to that?  Is it for your mind, or does it help you lose weight?  Let me know what you think!

Oh, and my friend Tim from England wanted more pics from the lake.  I will get you some soon, but until then, my son Ben will take you on an evening paddle.

One Weight Loss Goal Done and Housekeeping

Last week I reported that my doctor took me off my diabetes medicine.  So, I was cleaning out the cupboards and getting ready to throw out some of the old pills.  All of a sudden I felt a feeling of deja vu.  I really felt that I had done this before.   Then it hit me, I had done this before in an old video.  About six months ago I started vlogging my weight loss journey.  At that time there was a tag going around about the five best things about losing weight.  You can see the original video over in the right column.  You should check it out because it has some funny parts.  Anyways, one of the things I said I was looking forward to was getting of this diabetes medicine and I pitched them.  Sure enough, six months later they are going for good!

The Amazon ads are here because my wife loves Amazon, and I trust them think they are quality and not crappy ads.  If you click on one it is just a link that takes you straight to Amazon's site.  It does not change the price you pay.  They just give me a small referral commission.  Are the ads too big, or too obnoxious or can we live with them?  Let me know what you think.  You can find out more about the program here if you like.

Lastly, if any of you ladies out there that know your way around the kitchen need a laugh, I have all my cooking videos at my new cooking blog here.  I make meals that are so simple and easy, even a man can do it LOL!

You know I love to hear from you.  Let me know what you think about the ads or the videos, or anything else!!

Sometimes Life is More Than Weight Loss

Sometimes life is more than just weight loss.  I am sorry, but I have nothing new on the losing weight front today.  The weather here in Michigan has just been fabulous!  We have posted record high temps for the past three days.  In fact, my son has been swimming each of the past three days!  This is just unheard of for March in Michigan. 

My son and I were just starting to put in some of our dock, but we had to stop work when an uninvited guest stopped in.  I thought you might like a short look at him. 

Losing Weight has Benefits

Well guys, I am sorry I have been away from blogging for a few days. It kinda feels like forever!  I have to somewhat blame the unseasonably nice weather we are having in Michigan,

I just wanted to share some good news.  I had to go to the doctor Monday for my yearly physical.  To say my Doc was pleased with my weight loss would be an understatement.  It's kinda funny they keep entering my new weight into the computer, and the computer keep asking them to verify the reading was correct because it is a big change in weight.  So officially a year ago I was 329, as of today at the office I was 284 with clothes on.  That is a total of 45 pounds gone.  Not bad since I only really got serious since six months ago.

I thought that was some pretty cool news, but it only got better. As many of you know, I have been taking medication to treat my diabetes for years.  Well today,my A1C, (which is a glucose test for diabetes) was well into the normal range.  Diabetes pills are now history for now (per Dr's orders)!  I am glad because I was only taking half my prescribed dose anyway.  See, when I really watch what I eat and exercise, my sugar would get too low.

So yesterday was a day that was hard to beat.  Now I share this not in a bragging sort of way , but to encourage and motivate you.   Now I just need to keep up the progress, or should I say break this current stall.  I have to get out of the 280's or bust!  I'll see you all soon, but for now I am off to enjoy some beautiful weather.  It is so warm here in Michigan for this time of year, I feel like I'm living in the South!!  I love it.  Maybe I'll start saying "y'all" ;-)  Do y'all have any good news to share.  You know I love to hear from y'all!

Secret Weapon for Weight Loss

Even up here in the frigid north, winter seems to be losing it's grip.  Today I was outside with no jacket.  Tomorrow it is supposed to be sunny and 70 degrees.  That may not sound like a big deal where you are, but for us folk here in Michigan, it is awesome to have such pleasant weather so early in the year.  Yesterday, I rolled out my secret weapon for weight loss, my bike lol.   I bought this bike several years ago when I was first diagnosed with diabetes.  My intention then was to ride to lose weight.  Unfortunately, riding just killed my knee joints.  So I put the bike away thinking that I would bring it back our when I lost some weight and the strain on my joints would not be so bad.   Well that was about 30-40 pounds ago.  After inflating the tires and riding all around for two days, I am thrilled to report I have not had any joint pain.

I love having my elliptical and I use it all the time.  Even in the summer if the weather gets bad, I will jump on for a little exercise.  However, the elliptic can get a little boring.  So, as Michigan starts to warm, I am hoping to melt of a few pounds on my "new" bike that I can finally ride.  How is that for a non-scale victory?  What do you all look forward to doing now that the weather is starting to change???

Weight Loss and Your Spouse

If you have read my blog for any time, you know that I think losing weight is a battle.  It is both physically and mentally taxing.  Do any of you have the situation where you feel your significant other sometimes hinders your progress?  If so I have someone that would like to ask you a favor.  Her name is Amanda and she is  a clinical psychology doctoral student at Clark University interested in learning more about the experiences of those whose partners (at least sometimes) interfere with their weight loss.   She is looking for the last few volunteers to take part in a short, anonymous survey.  This survey is designed for those who can answer yes to the following questions:

• Are you at least 18 years old?

• Have you been participating in a weight loss program for the last 5 consecutive weeks?

  

• Have you been in a committed, cohabitating relationship for the last two years?  

•  Do you ever feel like your current partner/spouse gets in the way of your weight loss? 

 Besides helping to advance scientific inquiry on this topic, each participant who completes the survey may also select to have $1 donated by the researcher to the participant’s choice of 1 of these 5 charities:  Playworks, The Carter Center , Teach for America, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, or MAP International.  Additionally, participants may opt to enter a drawing for 1 of 10 gift cards (one $100 card and nine $25 cards).  The survey should take between 30-45 minutes and the responses cannot be tracked back to you.

I told Amanda I would gladly take her survey, but I do not meet the parameters.  Fortunately for me but unfortunately for the survey, my wife is supportive and encouraging in every way of my weight loss.  She also is trying to lose weight and is doing really well.  In fact I affectionately call her "the carb buster" because she is the driving force of limiting carbs in our house.

 I know how hard it is to lose weight even with a supportive spouse, I cannot imagine how hard it must be if you have a spouse that is sabotaging your efforts.  If you find yourself in this situation, why not help Amanda transition from being Amanda to being Dr. Amanda and take her survey.  All the information you need is here.

Losing Weight vs Maintaining

I have been told by people who have lost weight and hit their goal that maintaining weight is harder than losing it.  In fact I have heard this so often that I am apt to believe them.  It is a fact that I am a LONG way away from my goal weight.  I know I have a long road ahead.  However, once I get there, I think I will be able to maintain.  Let me explain:

I can hit a weight and bam I will stop dead right there.  Pick a number and I may have to struggle like crazy to get there, but if I get there I bet I can stick.  Losing weight for me is a bear, but I can maintain like a boss. (my 11 year old son says "like a boss" whenever he is confident he can do something, so I had to throw it in here lol).

This tells me something.  Basically all the exercising I do and the smaller portions  I eat is still not enough to lose weight .  I am just burning what I am consuming and nothing more.  It is frustrating but it is what it is.  Now let me be clear, I am not writing this in a down spirited way.  Not at all.  In fact the sun is out and the weather is starting to warm.  I do my exercises and I am feeling good both mentally and physically.

As with most things in life there are two ways to look at this.  The cup half empty side of me is disappointed.   See, in my mind I am already doing what I should do to lose weight.  I already eat less than I used to.  Heck, I am eating less than I want to.  I already am staying away from bread and pasta.  I stay away from all sweets (except for a little cake incident).  I don't want to cut out anything else.  I don't want to lower my amount of anything.  I don't want to, but I will have to if I want to lose more weight.

Now, with the glass half full side of me, I say OK.  If I have to bite the bullet for a while yet, I will.  I can eat less.  I don't want to, but I can.  I can be a big boy and say I will do it until the weight comes off.  I can do it until I hit my goal.  Because now we all know when I get to my goal I will maintain.  In fact, I will maintain like a boss.

What are your experiences on your journey?  What do you think?