Week 8 -- Keepin' It Steady

Start Weight: 226.0
Week 8 Weight: 210.3
Weekly Loss/Gain (+): 1.4
Program-to-Date (PTD) Loss: 15.7
% Weekly Loss/(Gain): .66
% PTD Loss: 6.95
Program Goal Weight Loss: 36.0
Program Goal % Loss: 15.9

I feel some weird ramblings coming on tonight, so whatever is, is. Somewhat spaced out... I think it's due to our friend Sara who has been keeping us up nights. After she goes down for the night (fusses for about 10 minutes), at exactly 90 minutes past that, she'll wake up crying for between 17-22 minutes. We all fade off then she'll wake up at exactly 4:00 AM every morning, the same 17-22 minutes of wailing.... we all nod off, then I'm up at 5:45 to start the day. She then wakes up at 8:00 to start the day, all happyified. Gail and I cracked open our 1994 Positive Parenting book last night around 1:00 AM and read... "virtually all babies experience problems of fussiness during naptime and bedtime".. uh huh... put them down and then let them go... yep we do that... they'll outgrow it, yada, yada.... just make sure "during the waking hours, there must be frequent and pleasant interactions between the parent/caregiver and the child"... we've got that covered. In the meantime, baggy eyes.

But, 1.4 lbs came off this week, steady as she goes.... in the larger picture, I'm getting there. I'll do away with the gym pictures for a while, I'm getting tired of them. I posed in front of the weight sets today, even though I didn't pick up weights this week. Have to get some better pictures going. Actually, a lot happened this week.... two free lunches at the ISO, Shelley had her baby, Michael's doing great with his drum lessons, an "Aha" moment at AM/PM, unfortunate/possibly fortunate bike news, and my too-slow-of-weight loss placed squarely on President Bush....so let's ramble for a while and let it hang out.

RESULTS: Almost 16 lbs in 8 weeks, that's 2 lbs/week, but I'm just not feeling it. I had way too much chocolate this week and spent too much time at the gym. That balance just isn't sustainable... so something's gotta give. I cut down on the AM/PM runs however... I was in there this week sometime, saw a guy... he was dressed well, probably late 30's, he looked in shape... an image of what I think I look like. I'm at the condiment counter, piling stuff on my two cheeseburgers... he's five feet away from me with a Monster energy drink in one hand and going through the assorted donut stack with the other. He chooses a bonus pack of donettes and a Hostess cherry pie... I think what kind of junk he's gonna shovel down, kind of a weird smirk on my face. He looks up, our eyes meet for maybe 10 seconds... an eternity... He sees me looking at him.. I kind of look at his "lunch", raise an eyebrow, and shrug. No reaction from him, he just looks me over for a split second, then looks at my double-fisted cheeseburgers, and at my 32 oz Diet Pepsi..... gives me "who-you-callin'-a-junkie" look, shrugs himself, buys a few lottery tickets and then he's out the door. I stood convicted.... didn't stop me from eating the burgers though... sooooooooooo...... I gotta bring some sense to this... lifestyle change, that sort of thing, and I know that ain't easy.

Then, you've got the Department of Energy.... someone back East comes out with a memo saying federal dollars can't be used for buying paper and plastic utensils for employee lunchrooms.... not a proper use of appropriated funds, etc.... I have a fridge full of yogurts for breakfast... go to the lunchroom for a spoon..... nope all cleaned out. No spoon, no yogurt... I've done this Groundhog Day thing about 10 days in a row now...so, it's just one small step from no yogurt to the PopTarts in the vending machine. The Memo Guy works for President Bush somehow.... I oughta write a letter.... what's next, no TP? Man.... enough of all that.... again, just not feeling it this week.

ON THE BIKE: Steve at work, his bike, (the one I fell in love with for the15 min I rode it) is not quite the right size for him.... he's trying to modify it to get it right... if that doesn't happen, he said he might have to take a different approach... that bike might be on the market... that's where I step in..maybe we could both win at this..... not opportunistic or anything, but.... the weather is colder and darker, but that would make it even better to ride.... even JaBen's antics can't get me riled this week.... see if I can get out of the funk for next week....

ODDS N' ENDS: This will brighten the mood some.... BV won a thriller against Yuba City, now 2-1.... I hear Folsom lost to unranked Ponderosa.... now the Bulldogs are 2-1.... Arthur, I will call you to get the story. Shelley, Gail's sister, had her baby... Jill Renee... Gail helped with the birth... you'll have to contact her directly for the details...



A huge thanks to the Atens, Ryan and Arianna, for teaching the drums to Michael.... they have an agreement worked out with him, and everyone's happy? How 'bout the neighbors off Kenneth Avenue???


See if I can post this video... don't know how it'll sound, but it sounded real good in person...great folks those Atens.... and Michael too.



Sara is all over the place... (again quite the happy child during daylight hours).. here's another short clip of her...



.... happened to have my camera with me..... what exactly is a "Poultry and small animal exchange"? I can trade my hamster for a chicken?.... JaBen for a duck??? the things you see....

...finally.... if you're one of my kids' cousins, and you're visiting our place, and happen to get a little out of hand...here's your fate.... no threats, just facts.... but we're happy to have you anytime.....

.... we're done with the Corn Mothers updates, until at least Russell does an essay on the book... Steven had his camera stolen his second week in Mexico... asking us to put $300 in his account to get a new one...um.. isn't he in Mexico??? maybe he meant 300 pesos... can't you buy a whole recording studio for $300?? anyway, he seems to be doing well...

FAQs:
Q. What is the real cause of your foul mood?

A. Grant Napear is a spokesman for the Diamond and Gold Exchange... there are a bazillion people to choose from, but no....

Should be better next week.... 'til then

Brian

Week 7 -- Back on Track

Start Weight: 226.0
Week 7 Weight: 211.7
Weekly Loss/Gain (+): 2.2
Program-to-Date (PTD) Loss: 14.3
% Weekly Loss/(Gain): 1.0
% PTD Loss: 6.33
Program Goal Weight Loss: 36.0
Program Goal % Loss: 15.9

***WARNING*** DUE TO THE GRAPHIC NATURE OF THE LAST PICTURE IN THIS BLOG, IT IS ADVISED TO KEEP ALL CHILDREN AT A SAFE DISTANCE. ANY PSYCHOLOGICAL DAMAGE RESULTING IN THE VIEWING, IS THE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE VIEWER.

Having said that however, the picture must be shown. All in all, a good week. Michigan fulfilled its prediction of whuppin' Notre Dame, and I fulfilled mine of at least a 2 lb loss. 2.2 came off, it wasn't easy as my appetite is now back in full force. Only one In-N-Out run, one Jamba Juice, and then the whole Friday night eating at the church bar-b-que. What saved me was the time put in at the gym, six day's worth at 45 min a pop. I haven't started with the weights yet, afraid I might bulk up too much... might become unrecognizable to friends and family. Not willing to take that risk yet. This week though, at some point, I commit to starting with some kind of weights. So, the weather is a little colder, mornings are a little darker, and it takes a little more umph to get started at 0545. This week was mostly uneventful... had a good time at the bar-b-que, Gail's sister is having a baby any time now, the "rest of the story" on the banned BYU book, and my JaBen friends have had several screws knocked loose.

RESULTS: I was hungry all week long, but I only did the two-cheeseburger deal once. I had the tuna delight about three times, and had Subway sandwiches a few times. I did break down with a few diet sodas... mostly water with some Gatorade thrown in. The crispy Maui-onion potato chips were good too.... and I still have a stash of chocolates in my drawer at work, not going completely without yet. Gail has been making some really good food here, and that sure helps. I was thumbing through some diet books at the store... didn't feel compelled to buy any. The self-loathing books were the best... from one dust cover, "If you put crap in your body, then you are crap..." not my idea of motivation. I do get some mentions of looking thinner... a co-worker and I happened to be finishing up business in the men's room, he exercises regularly, been trying to drop a few pounds himself... he asks me how I'm doing... says I look thinner in the face... I mention I've dropped about 15 lbs, he says yeah, it must be all from my face... I hand him one of of my blog cards over the top (not the bottom) of the stall divider and we go our separate ways.... is my face that much thinner? Here's week 1 vs week 7.... Need to have it come off my waist.... the gym saved me this week.
















ON THE BIKE: Now that the weather is colder, I'm tempted to once again save up a little more for the bike I really want. I've had a few more offers for a loaner bike. I do miss the riding and the social connections... I had to watch from a distance, but well within earshot, as JaBen had a group of men enthralled with his bike stories. He (it) came off as an expert, easily fielding questions from the crowd. I was impressed, thinking all the while, that could be me... I taught him (it) all I know... instead I'm on the outside looking in. But as the days get shorter, I'm seeing riding as a weekend thing if I don't get the commuter bike I want.... still I long for the call of the trail...

ODDS N' ENDS: Folsom HS smashed #8 (?) ranked Oak Ridge, I think it was 38-14, I'll have to call Arthur and see how that went. Folsom must've moved up the rankings... offense looks great. Shelly's baby shower over here on Saturday, over 40 Morford and Johnson women and friends... Michael and I made ourselves scarce.

















The annual church bar-b-que was great as always... lots and lots of good food and company...




















Last of the BYU book story... the Corn Mothers in New Mexico, Sexuality and Power 1500-1846 book was banned by the History Dept... Russell tells me this was because a freshman kid (referred to as "Bubble Boy" (BB), because he grew up in the "bubble" of central Utah) before the first day of class went directly to the History Chair and demanded the book be recalled. BB then dropped the class before the first session. BB was offended because the Pueblo Indians named some of the natural landscape after female body parts... the prof apologized to the class, but found there were several copies of the book in the school library. Prof said the students now had to choose a book to do an essay on... and off-handedly mentioned that since the class already bought the Corn Mothers book... might be good to "choose" that book as a tribute to BB... all had a good laugh... Russell thinks it's a gimme "A"....

Well..... JaBen is officially certified.... as evidenced by the latest rants and raves on their website, hope is just about lost. I found this article just this week in the WSJ about their kookiness.... imaginary friends, imaginary therapists, etc... and.... I finally got a picture of JaBen to develop... I've tried before, but the picture always fades to nothing, no substance at all... but I accidentally had the camera on a super-high molecular frequency, and I happened upon this... this is JaBen in all its glory and wonder... it stretches the bounds of credulity.... but here it is..

Draw your own conclusions... I.. I... I'm speechless...

On that note, I've got to go.... looking for around the 210 mark next week... I'm answering no FAQs this week... I really have to get off this page now....that picture....

'Til next week.... Brian

Week 6 -- Stalled Out... Temporarily....

Start Weight: 226.0
Week 6 Weight: 213.9
Weekly Loss/Gain (+): (0.3)
Program-to-Date (PTD) Loss: 12.1
% Weekly Loss/(Gain): (.14)
% PTD Loss: 5.35
Program Goal Weight Loss: 36.0
Program Goal % Loss: 15.9


Well... I guess it was bound to happen, I put on .3 of a pound this week. I thought I was doing pretty good after the glow of the Provo experience, but a week of no real exercising and a free lunch (is there such a thing?) at the California ISO yesterday put me on the wrong side of the scale. But hear this, my equilibrium (intestinally) has returned, and I guarantee (just like Michigan is guaranteeing a victory over Notre Dame this weekend) at least a two-pound loss this week. That will be sub 212 at week 7. You can go ahead and place your bets on that... this week saw BV get a whuppin' at the hands of Folsom, a couple of bottles of Pepto-Bismol, a textbook recalled at BYU, a new Eagle Scout in the family, Sara's first jog, and an inquisition of my dear, sweet Wendy that reeks of the JaBen stink. So, other than I gained a few ounces, it was a great week.

RESULTS: Early in the week I was still hung over from the Provo eating, nothing looked good, except for yep.... the $1.29 two cheeseburger deal at AM/PM. I had that two days in a row, after that, I didn't eat anything for a few days. By Sunday, while my compadres were throwing down cupcakes and Twinkies, I was on my second Pepto-Bismol bottle. But by Sunday night, after the 5-100 calorie packs I had on my 3-minute ride home from church, my appetite came back.















Even without exercising during the week, I thought I'd drop something because I'd gone about three days out of the seven without eating anything at all. But, reality hit when I got on the scale this morning. Then, the free lunch of chicken, pork, mashed potatoes, salads, rolls, and desserts I had at a meeting at the California ISO yesterday couldn't have helped much. Michael tells me there's no such thing as a free lunch.. so the ISO paid the caterer, the ISO then charged the wholesale market participants (SMUD) who then charged the retail customers (you). To all the FOBS, thanks for the lunch. Then again, you benefited greatly by my being at the meeting, so we're even. Glad that worked out.

I'm now happily back to the tuna medley... today was a tuna surprise, because, I suppose, a disgruntled AM/PM employee mixed some jalapenos in with the pickle relish at the condiment counter and I had a fiery first few bites... so... sub-212 by next week and you'll see some pictures from the gym. There...having said it, now let it be done.

ON THE BIKE: Nothing new. Stuck between new and used. The weather though is perfect for riding. Weird thing is Gail is encouraging me strongly to go get a bike. I can't figure that one out... makes me a little nervous.. something strange may be afoot here at the local Circle K... hate to have to watch out for that. There's a baby shower at the house on Saturday, so I'll get out and do some looking and/or shopping.

ODDS N' ENDS: There's quite a bit here, so let's get to it. Folsom HS put a whuppin' on, or as Wendy said, "completely destroyed" the BV Broncos 45-12, and it wasn't even that close. Arthur and Ro's boy Matt had a great game.. here's his line... 1 rushing TD, 3 carries for 21 yds, 2 receptions for 24 yds, and on the defensive side, 4 tackles and one flying leap for an interception.. Arthur says he's had to pay out already on Matt's incentive-laden contract. The best to the Bulldogs... and a prayer for the Broncos. Chase McKee had great game for the Freshmen Broncos... I met a couple of Russell's former teammates there... here's Hui Li and a friend... a real good guy.


... Sara's first recorded steps... I counted about 20 here... she's now on her way to go everywhere and leave a path of piles and piles in her wake.. sure is fun though..



... I complained (not out loud really) about one of Russell's history books.. something about Corn Mothers and Jesus in New Mexico... Russell got this e-mail from his teacher..

Subject: Stop Reading!
>Date: Wed, 19 Sep 2007 00:17:25 -0600
>
>Students,
>Due to overlooked graphic material in When Jesus Came,
the Corn Mothers Went Away we will not be reading this
book for the class. Due to the publisher not being able
to provide the desired book for this class, I made a last
minute change to a book that I thought I had read as a
student at BYU.  Obviously this was not the case, and I
forgot about the content in the book.  I sincerely,
sincerely apologize to those who read this material.
>
>Dr. Roger Blomquist

There you have it.... a small victory in this big, big world.... Brad Loomis, Gail's sister's (Lynne) son had his Eagle Court of Honor... was very nice.. some random pics...



Lastly, and I'm not sure how to handle this...have to give it some more thought... I'd rather deal with the Alliance directly, but...... Wendy went to a YM activity last week... lot of talk about what might or might not be on this blog... JaBen and his (its) henchwomen are mining for trouble... I just don't get it... Wendy was whisked away to a back room and interrogated for some time... bright lights, good cop, bad cop, the whole bit...


I'm proud of Wendy.....she didn't crack, but the pressure was tough.

MEMO to JaBen: Think of what you've become! To what levels you've stooped! Shake yourself and come back home. We can grant you conditional amnesty... let's talk...


FAQs:
Q. Um... don't you think this post was way too long? Getting away from the fact you gained weight despite not eating anything for three straight days?

A. Yes... and touche to you.

'Til next week..... Brian

Week 5 -- Good Week... Not So Good Week

Start Weight: 226.0
Week 5 Weight: 213.6
Weekly Loss/Gain (+): 1.6
Program-to-Date (PTD) Loss: 12.4
% Weekly Loss: 0.74
% PTD Loss: 5.49
Program Goal Weight Loss: 36.0
Program Goal % Loss: 15.9

Well, what a week... a series of ups and downs. Another 1.6 lbs came off for a total of 12.4, that is a miracle in and of itself. Numbers say I'm about a third of the way to my goal with about 75% of the time left, I can't predict what this week will bring, just trying to be active and cut down on the volume intake, so far so good. We got Russell off to school successfully, had a good trip... except for on the way back, when Sara lost it and puked up about 10 miles from home. We've all been a little queasy since then, but I have to credit that for my good numbers for the week. I haven't eaten anything since Sunday night, everything looks like a plate from Chuck-O-Rama, mixed in with odors from the back seat. The highlights and lowlights of the week:

RESULTS: We left last Wednesday, Sara made it to Elko without having to stop. Gail made it to about Battle Mountain, but we kept on going. So, with just the one stop between here and Provo, it cut down my chances for any road food. I did consume a king size box of Junior Mints on the way, but had fruits and yogurts otherwise and wasn't the worse off for it. Have stayed off of sodas for two weeks now without any ill effects. Gail and Stacie, and Michael too have given up sugar for about a month now... I'm not ready for that. We got into town and were hungry and had a craving for Skippers... a sentimental favorite for me, that's where here in Sacramento, I first knew I loved Gail, over a bowl of clam chowder and fish n' chips. We move back to Sacto, no Skippers, but we knew there was one in Orem... well we thought so... the sign said they were even hiring....

but, we get ready to go in and....... here's what we get...

I don't even remember what we settled for that night... bad mojo all around.. We stayed with Aunt Lois, I brought my double-wide air mattress and it worked fine. She was having a doc appt on Thurs so no chance at going out to eat. Unbeknown to us, she was supposed to have surgery on her shoulder on Friday, and would be out of commission for the rest of our stay... we thought that would cut way down on our going out to eat... but after her appt on Thursday, she said her surgery was postponed, so the buffet (chuck) wagon was on. We hit IHOP, Village Inn, Sizzler, and the Chuck-O-Rama... I really couldn't take much more of it, but after a series of icy stares from you-know-who... I just grinned and bared it.

On the exercise front, I didn't do much of any.... we walked all over campus on Thursday... on Friday morning I got up to go walking... and I broke out in a nice jog, don't know how long I went, but I explored a few neighborhoods. I get up Saturday morning and my legs just buckle... sore as sore can be... I haven't done a run like that in years, must not use the same muscles as the ol' elliptical trainer. I'm just now getting back to normal. So, no food and no exercise for about three days straight now.... great way to lose a pound and a half.

ON THE BIKE: Nothing at all, except there's been a little movement from Gail... she says I need a bike soon, that my blog is somewhat flat without the bike trail episodes. And, Steve from work is now back at work with his bike... starting to talk about it again. Plus, I started twitching when I saw the bike rack outside of Russell's dorm, I almost took a joy ride.


ODDS N' ENDS: The Arizona/BYU football game was sold out, 65,000+, scalped seats were pretty steep, so we watched the game at Lois' house... what was very exciting was the women's volleyball match.. #10 Wisconsin vs. #15 BYU... we beat them in the 5th game 15-13.. was very nice.... $429 was the tab for Russell's books for four basic subjects... he has four books just for American History... I about pitched a fit right there in the bookstore.. one of his books is titled, "When Jesus Came, the Corn Mothers Went Away: Marriage, Sexuality, and Power in New Mexico, 1500-1846" What???? All that in a 200 page book, for only $39.99...... How 'bout Washington, Adams, Jefferson??.... random school pictures... each of my brothers and sister has a son at BYU... left to right Joel (Tim), Scott (Randy), Andrew (Diane), and Russell (me).

Almost done... just one FAQ this week:

Q. Now that you have a son at BYU, will you quit slammin' church schools.... just because you didn't want to go there (or was it couldn't go there?) as a young adult?

A. Yes.... I'm done with the "too many Mormons" sentiment.. you'll hear it no more from me, I think he'll get a great education...notwithstanding the Corn Mothers in New Mexico in 1500.

One more....

Q. I've been dying to know... what is the AM/PM special for the month?

A. Two cheeseburgers for $1.29.... just doesn't call to me right now... hope it doesn't... I was rooting for the bar-b-que sandwich for $.99.... maybe next month.

'Til next week..... Brian

Week 4 - Nest a Little Emptier

Start Weight: 226.0
Week 4 Weight: 215.2
Weekly Loss/Gain (+): 2.5
Program-to-Date (PTD) Loss: 10.8
% Weekly Loss: 1.15
% PTD Loss: 4.78
Program Goal Weight Loss: 36.0
Program Goal % Loss: 15.9

So.... we're 4 weeks into the Program and there's been some reductions... broke the 10 lb barrier and almost at the 5% mark....seems like I've been doing it for a long time. But knowing I have to post on Wednesday helps me to keep with it. As soon as I finish here, we're off to Provo and our date with Aunt Lois. Plus, we have a dinner engagement next Tuesday night right before Wed AM weigh-ins, so I will count a no-gain week as a victory. The pictures aren't really any better, but a man at church (who's been out of town for three weeks) asked me if I was losing weight, said my face was thinner.... this should be the last of the pool shots, unless it stays over 100 degrees. This week.... Hurricane Dean didn't hit Steven too bad, High School football starts up, Michael gets his own room, parties and receptions, and ..........was there a reported reconciliation with JaBen? Have to keep reading to find out.

RESULTS: My routine stayed pretty much the same this week, I only did the tuna/mayo surprise two times.... I've got to vary the lunch routine some. I'm really waiting for the new AM/PM monthly special to come out September 1st. I'm betting it will be any 3 items (hot dog, corn dog, jalapeno cheese dog, hamburger, pizza slice, chicken sandwich... I know there's more) for $1.99. However, no matter much I'd like to, I'm trying to do the mental gymnastics on how I can justify doing that even once... I think it's wrong on quite a few levels. But, in the heat of the moment.... Do they have AM/PMs in Provo? Anyhow, if any of you find out what the special is, drop me a note. The gym routine was the same.. 45-60 minutes on the machines... that is starting to be a habit... I can do better on the diet, I popped a few small bags of peanut M&Ms, a few lonely Jolly Ranchers, and a (I found out later) a 640-calorie Strawberry Surf Rider Jamba Juice.

ON THE BIKE: Stuck in the same gear if you know what I mean... Same $399 in the account, however I spoke to both Dee and Brian (bike shop guys) and they say I can get a decent new hybrid commuter bike for that amount. Brings me full circle to JaBen's threats and shouts of "just go buy the bike!!!".... seems to maybe be a good idea. However, Steve's SOMA Double Cross at work is just very nice...truth is I didn't put a lot of thought into it this week as we're getting ready for our trip. So, I'll visit both Dee and Brian when I get back, they've both agreed to help out. I did have a dream this week that I was Jean Valjean in 18th century Paris , slogging through the sewer on the run, when a little kid on my stolen bike rides past... I chase him down, just start to muff him real good when Inspector Javert clamps down on my shoulder.... I must have issues. Speaking of JaBen.... I thought there was a "reconciliation moment" this week. We both were at the same wedding reception, and I spied him/it across the crowded floor. We both/all knew we had to talk.... I saw something in its eye suggesting we could get it done, but after we exchanged pleasantries, conditions deteriorated... he said he'd have to talk to his people, something about a pre-summit meeting, then the summit meeting, then the Alliance would have to ratify it, on and on, ad nauseum. He/it has too many masters to please. I told it my door was always open... I get home that night and there's a new slam against us on their website.... just have to press on....

ODDS N' ENDS: We rec'd two e-mails from Steven, Dean spared his area... only heavy rains. The Mission President directed that they stay inside for three full days... I guess there's only so much Bible and Book of Mormon study they could do, so they bought a bootleg copy of Transformers and Harry Potter V off of a kid outside their house for 30 pesos (how many $$$ is that?) and watched those movies in Spanish... that's my boy... says he's doing great, but is ready to really go to work.... let us know if you want his e-mails forwarded to you.... BV vs Folsom football on 9/7, we'll be there... now that Russell's not playing, BV has a new head coach and a good returning team.... don't know however, Arthur, if I'm up to wagering a dinner again this year. Arthur and Ro's boy is a great Senior player for Folsom.. they beat us 33-31 last year... anyway we'll see you at the game... Russell starts school, Michael is rejoicing for his own room... the house will be a little quieter. Girls will out number the boys...

































...and we had a small get-together at the house.




































FAQs:
1Q. You're 4 weeks in... what have you learned?

1A. That I have to go to work to lose weight... this week will be a test.

'Til next week... I can check in from Lois'.....

Brian

Week 3 -- Slowin' Down a Little

Start Weight: 226.0
Week 2 Weight: 217.7
Weekly Loss/Gain (+): 1.8
Program-to-Date (PTD) Loss: 8.3
% Weekly Loss: 0.82
% PTD Loss: 3.67
Program Goal Weight Loss: 36.0
Program Goal % Loss: 15.9


Well.... here we are again, another week has come and gone, and yes it was somewhat rougher this week than the last two. To be expected, but still the realization of slow, gradual changes hit home a bit. I thought I'd stick with the swimming pool theme as it's been very hot (102 degrees today). The pictures still aren't too flattering (honestly do I look that... uh "round in the middle" jumping in the pool?), suppose it's time to accept that. Clothes fit just a little looser, but still miles to go before I sleep. Interesting week... Hurricane Dean on Steven in Mexico, Elvis at the State Fair, and even an Alliance formed in opposition to all of our good names ... http://wwwjaben-alliance.blogspot.com/ ) So... here we go....

RESULTS: Another 1.8 lbs came off this week for a total of 8.3 lbs so far. There goes the "10 lbs in 3 weeks!!!" infomercial I had planned. I'm still on the tuna/mayo/relish/pepper/onions and Diet Pepsi for lunch with a handful of Wheat Thins. Got a lecture at home on how the diet sodas, any sodas for that matter, are just horrible for you.....had no rebuttal for that. I think they're right. Staying with the yogurt and bananas for breakfast, I did go overboard with the pistachio nuts though. One trip to In-N-Out, had a double burger, no cheese, light spread and extra veggies. Trouble is you can't even see those thin slabs of beef on the burger, let alone taste them... and yep, I had a boat of fries. And... one day I went into Winco for some bananas... happened to be at lunch time, and I came out with a slice of combo pizza and a few Elvis Pressley peanut butter/banana cups.



















Elvis and I both loved peanut butter and banana sandwiches, they had 'em deep fried at the State Fair this year. No matter how much that sounded mucho delicioso, I couldn't do it...let's just say the radio show I heard on the coroner's report of Elvis's 40-lb colon at time of his death, kind of put a damper on my appetite..... but I did pick up, let's say a few of these PB cups. Still doing the 45 minutes at work on the trainer/treadmill, about 50/50 now. I'm planning on mixing in some weight training after we come back from Utah on Labor Day.... mix up the routine for the winter months coming soon. So, all in all, I got what I deserved this week. Busted my butt at the gym, but offset that with some questionable diet. Goal is to hit 215 before we head out to Provo next Wednesday morning.

On the Bike: Nothing really except that the fund went up by $75 to $399... I rec'd a $150 safety bonus at work, if you had no reportable safety incidents for the year, $150 reward. Since I'll see about half that after taxes and such... fund now near $400. I think I better commit those funds to the bike before they happen to go somewhere else. I followed a few Craigslist leads, but bikes were not the right size and/or already sold. So, the urgency has died down a bit, but that hasn't stopped the bike brigade from piling on. If you have nothing better to do, check out their site.... and to think at one time we rode in peace and love together, they were my support group. Their tactics have now gone beyond riding.... see what they brought into a church meeting and plopped right in front of my face:



















Really leaves one speechless... decency, human kindness, etc,. have gone right out the window. I will press on with or without them.




ODDS N' ENDS: We haven't heard from Steven yet.... all the news reports we've heard is no loss of life on the Yucatan from Dean, property damage wasn't as bad as predicted, tourists got out OK, etc,.... except for this one gem and I quote, "

Officials said they had received
no reports of deaths in the Yucatan
Peninsula, though driving rain,
poor communications and impassable
roads made it difficult to determine
how isolated Mayan communities fared
in the sparsely populated jungle.
Earlier, Dean killed 13 people in
the Caribbean...."

Doesn't exactly instill complete confidence, I'm sure we'll hear soon. We're off to Provo next week, school and seminary started this week... life is pretty good.


FAQs:

I'll just pick one out this week that I'd like to respond to:

Q. I hear there was a huge party, celebrating the last episode of "So You Think You Can Dance" at JaBen's house, started at about 10:00 PM and the after-party went until about 3:00 AM. Reports are the crowd got out of control and it ended up not being very pretty. All of this on a weeknight.... were you there? and if so, what really happened?

A. I knew about the party, but was not invited... this was about the time of the bike threats I rec'd last week. I was privy to the party invite conversations, I heard that I was not "hip" enough to be there, way too old to stay up that late, etc... have been completely cast aside byJaBen.... but just as well... with all that partying going on, I understand there were eight children under the age of nine in various stages of (non) supervision at the all-nighter. I really can't comment further.

'Til next week...... Brian