T-shirts.
Life is Good.
I have four of them. Jake playing golf. Jake playing tennis. Jake's shoes saying "gotta run". and Jake's dog saying, "run like a dog." the running shirts were a gift from my wife...a subtle hint a year ago. ok...maybe not so subtle.
i also have a t-shirt that says on the front, "fight to the finish". on the back it says, "trample the weak, hurdle the dead." This is the one i wear to coach my 10 year old girls CYO basketball team...gotta teach them at an early age, right?
So, basically, on any given day i toggle from "life is good" to "trample the weak".
don't we all?
September 29, 2009
September 28, 2009
Focus
It’s easy to get distracted.
At work, when we talk to clients we ask them what their objectives are. Normally, we get a lot of feedback to the point where you are now looking at a flipchart with about 12-15 different objectives for one particular training or communications program.
12-15 objectives…
12-15 goals...
Which one is most important? Which one will lead to the greatest success? Which one will mean the most to you?
At work, we help clients narrow down their objectives to three.
Three objectives so when their audience leaves to go home…they know the three things they need to accomplish. No confusion. No chance for them to say… “I didn’t know”.
It’s like that in all aspects of life.
Lots of objectives. Lots of goals…for me, my kids, my company, my team, my clients. I want to help everyone succeed…and still have a little time left over to be with my wife and watch a Yankee game. But too many objectives leads to distracted efforts…and watered down results.
So…I am being my own client.
Three objectives…
1) Rapid Growth (personal and professional) – if it doesn’t help grow revenue at work, teach me something I didn’t know, or make me a better person in some way…it’s gone. Rapid, because at almost 42 years old…I don’t have time to waste anymore.
2) Exceptional Health – Be consistent in choices that pertain to the well being of the body and mind. Health is easy…exceptional health is a challenge worth pursuing.
3) Positive Culture – It’s easy to be negative…to think of what we don’t want rather than what we do want. Focus on the “Law of attraction” to bring only good things to my life. Eliminate gossip and negativity both at work and at home.
I believe if I focus on these three objectives…then the actions I take to get there will align with the need to take care of myself, my company, my family and my clients.
What are your three objectives?
At work, when we talk to clients we ask them what their objectives are. Normally, we get a lot of feedback to the point where you are now looking at a flipchart with about 12-15 different objectives for one particular training or communications program.
12-15 objectives…
12-15 goals...
Which one is most important? Which one will lead to the greatest success? Which one will mean the most to you?
At work, we help clients narrow down their objectives to three.
Three objectives so when their audience leaves to go home…they know the three things they need to accomplish. No confusion. No chance for them to say… “I didn’t know”.
It’s like that in all aspects of life.
Lots of objectives. Lots of goals…for me, my kids, my company, my team, my clients. I want to help everyone succeed…and still have a little time left over to be with my wife and watch a Yankee game. But too many objectives leads to distracted efforts…and watered down results.
So…I am being my own client.
Three objectives…
1) Rapid Growth (personal and professional) – if it doesn’t help grow revenue at work, teach me something I didn’t know, or make me a better person in some way…it’s gone. Rapid, because at almost 42 years old…I don’t have time to waste anymore.
2) Exceptional Health – Be consistent in choices that pertain to the well being of the body and mind. Health is easy…exceptional health is a challenge worth pursuing.
3) Positive Culture – It’s easy to be negative…to think of what we don’t want rather than what we do want. Focus on the “Law of attraction” to bring only good things to my life. Eliminate gossip and negativity both at work and at home.
I believe if I focus on these three objectives…then the actions I take to get there will align with the need to take care of myself, my company, my family and my clients.
What are your three objectives?
September 27, 2009
Streaks
So, yesterday i didn't write.
It was a crazy day. sports in the morning and afternoon...no internet service...run home and get ready for fundraising event...get home late...and well...it was the season premiere of "saturday night live". before you know it, it's after midnight and i missed my deadline.
Honestly...i was not in the mood to be funny or profound....so, i remained silent.
but, it got me thinking....3 weeks on....one day off.
If I can keep that kind of commitment going for working out, eating and better personal communications...then that's a hell of a lot better than one day on and three weeks off.
I am not going to beat myself up for not writing. But, I do feel a bit guilty....
So, I like to think of it like baseball. A batter has a streak of hitting safely in 20 games...suddenly he goes hitless and the streak is over. does he stop trying to hit? Does he feel bad about himself for not keeping the streak alive? Or, does he try to start another streak?
Life is not one long streak....it's full of many smaller streaks. The key is to commit to a new one the moment the old one stops.
It was a crazy day. sports in the morning and afternoon...no internet service...run home and get ready for fundraising event...get home late...and well...it was the season premiere of "saturday night live". before you know it, it's after midnight and i missed my deadline.
Honestly...i was not in the mood to be funny or profound....so, i remained silent.
but, it got me thinking....3 weeks on....one day off.
If I can keep that kind of commitment going for working out, eating and better personal communications...then that's a hell of a lot better than one day on and three weeks off.
I am not going to beat myself up for not writing. But, I do feel a bit guilty....
So, I like to think of it like baseball. A batter has a streak of hitting safely in 20 games...suddenly he goes hitless and the streak is over. does he stop trying to hit? Does he feel bad about himself for not keeping the streak alive? Or, does he try to start another streak?
Life is not one long streak....it's full of many smaller streaks. The key is to commit to a new one the moment the old one stops.
September 25, 2009
no bags
tonight, i am reminded of the saying...
"be funny, profound, or silent."
Too tired to be funny....so, we'll go for profound.
If it comes out of a bag...chances are someone manipulated what you are about to eat...so that you will want to eat more than you should.
my new philosphy....no processed foods. keep it natural...
and no, cheetos don't grow on trees.
"be funny, profound, or silent."
Too tired to be funny....so, we'll go for profound.
If it comes out of a bag...chances are someone manipulated what you are about to eat...so that you will want to eat more than you should.
my new philosphy....no processed foods. keep it natural...
and no, cheetos don't grow on trees.
September 24, 2009
Climate Change
taking a poll...
how long does it take for the body to cool down after a workout before the shower actually takes?
Nothing worse than the morning workout followed by an ice cold shower..and you still get to work looking like you just went through a car wash.
And, god forbid you have a hot cup of coffee after you think you finally cooled down....
Any suggestions how to have a morning workout, still make the train, grab a coffee and make it into the office in time for 9:00am Big Picture Meeting....and not look like you got caught in a monsoon.
Anyone? Anyone?
how long does it take for the body to cool down after a workout before the shower actually takes?
Nothing worse than the morning workout followed by an ice cold shower..and you still get to work looking like you just went through a car wash.
And, god forbid you have a hot cup of coffee after you think you finally cooled down....
Any suggestions how to have a morning workout, still make the train, grab a coffee and make it into the office in time for 9:00am Big Picture Meeting....and not look like you got caught in a monsoon.
Anyone? Anyone?
September 23, 2009
Smile
mirror: so?
scale: so....what?
mirror: so...what's the data?
scale: well, it's not great.
mirror: I could have told you that.
scale: He's sort of at a plateau...
mirror: a plateau would mean he actually lost something first.
scale: three pounds.
mirror: in two weeks...
scale: he did say he wanted to take it slow this time.
mirror: you make me sick.
scale: you don't have to be so cruel!!
mirror: I tell the truth...
scale: so do I...
mirror: yeah, but you don't see what i see.
scale: fine. i'll be harder on him. I'll tell him he's got to do better.
mirror: good...and now that he's actually set a real goal, maybe he can lose something significant.
scale: just smile at him in the morning....he likes that. Positive reinforcement.
mirror: I'll do what i can.
scale: that's all i ask...when you're happy...we're all happy.
scale: so....what?
mirror: so...what's the data?
scale: well, it's not great.
mirror: I could have told you that.
scale: He's sort of at a plateau...
mirror: a plateau would mean he actually lost something first.
scale: three pounds.
mirror: in two weeks...
scale: he did say he wanted to take it slow this time.
mirror: you make me sick.
scale: you don't have to be so cruel!!
mirror: I tell the truth...
scale: so do I...
mirror: yeah, but you don't see what i see.
scale: fine. i'll be harder on him. I'll tell him he's got to do better.
mirror: good...and now that he's actually set a real goal, maybe he can lose something significant.
scale: just smile at him in the morning....he likes that. Positive reinforcement.
mirror: I'll do what i can.
scale: that's all i ask...when you're happy...we're all happy.
September 22, 2009
You Don't Swim
I was reminded at the dinner table tonight that the farthest i have ever swam was to the other side of the pool bar. So, why would i pick a triathalon? how about another marathon keep it safe? how about a biathalon...or even a winter biathalon where at least i could stop and shoot something while i catch my breath. Nope. New challenges are what define us. i know a guy who has been climbing mountains over the past 4 years. he used to be almost triple his current weight and drank wine like water...he continues to keep himself in check by eating right and creating new challenges for himself. he is set on climbing mt. everest this year. yes...mt everest.
If he can do mt. everest...i can put on the speedo and get in the pool.
on second thought...i'll hold off on the speedo
wouldn't want to traumatize anyone...
If he can do mt. everest...i can put on the speedo and get in the pool.
on second thought...i'll hold off on the speedo
wouldn't want to traumatize anyone...
September 21, 2009
Serious
OK.
I've had a lot of fun these past two weeks...getting my creative juices flowing in my writing....letting all the "what does it feel like to be a fat guy" perspective get out of me.
It's a little different than in the past. in the past, i have gone gung ho for 2 weeks, lifted more than i should until i can't straighten my arms...while not being able to sit up because i decided to do a month's worth of abs in one night. this time around, i decided to start slow. start with some writing and some goals....some lifting and some cardio....start slow. well, I've started slow...and now it's time to kick it in high gear.
I am going to start researching some triathalon training materials...and how to cross train for a summer '10 event.
I ran the NYC Marathon back in '96. it was the thought of stopping at mile 18...right in front of the bar i used to work at... that kept me training. This time around...i am looking to train with my kids, who can right now, kick my ass in each of the events. So, a chance to do something i have never done...a chance to be a better me...and a chance to connect to my kids in the process.
sounds like a win, win, win.
I've had a lot of fun these past two weeks...getting my creative juices flowing in my writing....letting all the "what does it feel like to be a fat guy" perspective get out of me.
It's a little different than in the past. in the past, i have gone gung ho for 2 weeks, lifted more than i should until i can't straighten my arms...while not being able to sit up because i decided to do a month's worth of abs in one night. this time around, i decided to start slow. start with some writing and some goals....some lifting and some cardio....start slow. well, I've started slow...and now it's time to kick it in high gear.
I am going to start researching some triathalon training materials...and how to cross train for a summer '10 event.
I ran the NYC Marathon back in '96. it was the thought of stopping at mile 18...right in front of the bar i used to work at... that kept me training. This time around...i am looking to train with my kids, who can right now, kick my ass in each of the events. So, a chance to do something i have never done...a chance to be a better me...and a chance to connect to my kids in the process.
sounds like a win, win, win.
September 20, 2009
Think Big
My son runs Cross Country.
My Daughter just qualified for Varsity Swimming county champs as an 8th grader.
My Youngest loves to Bike.
My college roommate said it best....three words to change your life...
Tri-Atha-Lon.
Thinking Big...and once you put it out to the world....you have the chance to make it real.
Who's with me?
My Daughter just qualified for Varsity Swimming county champs as an 8th grader.
My Youngest loves to Bike.
My college roommate said it best....three words to change your life...
Tri-Atha-Lon.
Thinking Big...and once you put it out to the world....you have the chance to make it real.
Who's with me?
September 19, 2009
Think Small
1 pound...
An apple instead of a brownie...
walk to the store....
If it's too big, we'll never do it.
Time to break up the big goals into smaller ones.
That way, you get to celebrate every day...not just at the end of the month.
An apple instead of a brownie...
walk to the store....
If it's too big, we'll never do it.
Time to break up the big goals into smaller ones.
That way, you get to celebrate every day...not just at the end of the month.
September 18, 2009
The End of Overeating
In the book, "The End of Overeating," Dr. David Kessler, the dynamic former FDA commissioner who reinvented the food label and tackled the tobacco industry, reveals how the food industry has hijacked the brains of millions of Americans. The result? America's number-one public health issue. Dr. Kessler cracks the code of overeating by explaining how our bodies and minds are changed when we consume foods that contain sugar, fat, and salt. Food manufacturers create products by manipulating these ingredients to stimulate our appetites, setting in motion a cycle of desire and consumption that ends with a nation of overeaters.
As I have said, this book was one of the impulses for writing this blog.
Knowledge is power. If we know when we are being manipulated, it makes it a lot easier to fight the "subconscious" impulses.
Great book. Give it a read.
As I have said, this book was one of the impulses for writing this blog.
Knowledge is power. If we know when we are being manipulated, it makes it a lot easier to fight the "subconscious" impulses.
Great book. Give it a read.
September 17, 2009
Cravings
Pstt…
Hey big boy…in here…that's right...in the pantry…3rd shelf… No…not there…up here….that’s it…behind the Doritos….next to the pretzels…no, no…just past the cookies…yeah, i know you think you want the brownies from costco....but not tonight. tonight you're not really sure what you want...but you know you want to be bad. You deserve it, big boy. You worked hard today. You put in the effort and damn if you don't deserve a treat. So take me.
Oh, crap...i hear someone coming...quick...shut the door.
Ok. They're gone. They don't need to know about us. They wouldn't understand our relationhip. Ok. coast is clear. Now it's just you and me, big boy. open the door again...that's it. no one is around. no one will know. just you and me. you know you want me. you've been thinking about me all day...just take me.
Screw the apple. You know the apple won't give you the satisfaction. sweet, yes...but not sweet like me.
and the apple doesn't appreciate how hard you work the way I do....NOW! Take me NOW!
Where are you going? Come back!!
Fine. Go to your precious refrigerator and take your Red Delicious. But, you know it won't be as delicious as me....i can wait....and one day....i know you'll be back. It might not be tomorrow...it might not be the next day...but i know one day, you will take me again. because you and me...we have something special. we have a past...a history.
So, I'll wait as long as it takes...and i'll keep calling for you, my big boy.
you know I will...
Hey big boy…in here…that's right...in the pantry…3rd shelf… No…not there…up here….that’s it…behind the Doritos….next to the pretzels…no, no…just past the cookies…yeah, i know you think you want the brownies from costco....but not tonight. tonight you're not really sure what you want...but you know you want to be bad. You deserve it, big boy. You worked hard today. You put in the effort and damn if you don't deserve a treat. So take me.
Oh, crap...i hear someone coming...quick...shut the door.
Ok. They're gone. They don't need to know about us. They wouldn't understand our relationhip. Ok. coast is clear. Now it's just you and me, big boy. open the door again...that's it. no one is around. no one will know. just you and me. you know you want me. you've been thinking about me all day...just take me.
Screw the apple. You know the apple won't give you the satisfaction. sweet, yes...but not sweet like me.
and the apple doesn't appreciate how hard you work the way I do....NOW! Take me NOW!
Where are you going? Come back!!
Fine. Go to your precious refrigerator and take your Red Delicious. But, you know it won't be as delicious as me....i can wait....and one day....i know you'll be back. It might not be tomorrow...it might not be the next day...but i know one day, you will take me again. because you and me...we have something special. we have a past...a history.
So, I'll wait as long as it takes...and i'll keep calling for you, my big boy.
you know I will...
September 16, 2009
And....Action!
They were shooting a movie on my block today...just down the street from the office.
I'm not sure what the movie was or who were the stars...but there were a lot of people standing around hoping to catch a glimpse of somebody famous.
Always makes me wonder, and I'm sure you've played this game before...who would play the lead role in the story of your life? what famous person would it be...and, yes....they have to be living. Go! Quick. Think.
Ok...now stop...and be honest with yourself. Not so much who you would want to play you....but, if you were a casting director and had to pick someone who could pull of the role the way jamie foxx did as Ray Charles...or Deniro in Raging Bull....who would it be?
For me....Alec Baldwin...not "Working Girl" Alec...but, present day "30 Rock "Alec Baldwin...daddy belly and all.
My goal....is to recast my movie...and be able to look for a healthier looking, stronger leading man.
And, if Alec wants the role badly enough...he's going to have to make some big changes.
I'm not sure what the movie was or who were the stars...but there were a lot of people standing around hoping to catch a glimpse of somebody famous.
Always makes me wonder, and I'm sure you've played this game before...who would play the lead role in the story of your life? what famous person would it be...and, yes....they have to be living. Go! Quick. Think.
Ok...now stop...and be honest with yourself. Not so much who you would want to play you....but, if you were a casting director and had to pick someone who could pull of the role the way jamie foxx did as Ray Charles...or Deniro in Raging Bull....who would it be?
For me....Alec Baldwin...not "Working Girl" Alec...but, present day "30 Rock "Alec Baldwin...daddy belly and all.
My goal....is to recast my movie...and be able to look for a healthier looking, stronger leading man.
And, if Alec wants the role badly enough...he's going to have to make some big changes.
September 15, 2009
Stay in the Dark
I am facinated by articles like the one that popped up on my MSN browser when i started up my computer today.
click the header...
"my husband has gained weight and i am not attracted to him...what should I do? "
turn down the lights? try different smells? do some new moves? fantasize?
really? that's the advice you're going to throw out there to the world?
facinating. no wonder we don't mind staying heavy...
the experts tell us it's okay as long as we pretend or hide.
click the header...
"my husband has gained weight and i am not attracted to him...what should I do? "
turn down the lights? try different smells? do some new moves? fantasize?
really? that's the advice you're going to throw out there to the world?
facinating. no wonder we don't mind staying heavy...
the experts tell us it's okay as long as we pretend or hide.
September 14, 2009
Back to School
This is a killer week.
Three kids in three different schools..Monday high school, Tuesday middle school and Wednesday elementary school.
They call it back to school night...where you follow your kid's schedule, meet the teachers and get a feeling for whether your kid is going to come home with 5 hours of homework or 5 minutes of homework.
I like being in the classroom. Reminds me that whatever i think i know...there is always something else to learn. the perfect script letters....( i still make my capital G's wrong)...the math equations that i have long forgotten....and forget going to french class. I took Spanish in school so my kids are on their own. I love helping them study french. i give them the english...they give the french...and i have no idea if they are right or not. we're done in 10 minutes and they usually get A's. So, who am i to question?
I feel like i'm going back to school in other ways too. fitness speaking....it's like mental rehabilitation. like my mind and body forgot how to walk or do simple math or write my full name properly. I know what i need to do...i know 2calories + 2 calories + no exercise = daddy belly. but, it's like when you get to a different stage in your life, you have to relearn certain things...as they apply to you.
ask me the difference between a plain and a plateau? how about long division? or why Rome fell? I learned all this...at one time in my life...and as i got older...i had no use for it...so i forgot.
I think that is what happens to those of us who don't continue to eat right and exercise...we think we don't have any use for it...so, we forget...conveniently.
So, I say go back to school and learn what you already know.
like how much is pie?
I mean Pi.
Pie is about 20 bucks....and a week on the treadmill.
Three kids in three different schools..Monday high school, Tuesday middle school and Wednesday elementary school.
They call it back to school night...where you follow your kid's schedule, meet the teachers and get a feeling for whether your kid is going to come home with 5 hours of homework or 5 minutes of homework.
I like being in the classroom. Reminds me that whatever i think i know...there is always something else to learn. the perfect script letters....( i still make my capital G's wrong)...the math equations that i have long forgotten....and forget going to french class. I took Spanish in school so my kids are on their own. I love helping them study french. i give them the english...they give the french...and i have no idea if they are right or not. we're done in 10 minutes and they usually get A's. So, who am i to question?
I feel like i'm going back to school in other ways too. fitness speaking....it's like mental rehabilitation. like my mind and body forgot how to walk or do simple math or write my full name properly. I know what i need to do...i know 2calories + 2 calories + no exercise = daddy belly. but, it's like when you get to a different stage in your life, you have to relearn certain things...as they apply to you.
ask me the difference between a plain and a plateau? how about long division? or why Rome fell? I learned all this...at one time in my life...and as i got older...i had no use for it...so i forgot.
I think that is what happens to those of us who don't continue to eat right and exercise...we think we don't have any use for it...so, we forget...conveniently.
So, I say go back to school and learn what you already know.
like how much is pie?
I mean Pi.
Pie is about 20 bucks....and a week on the treadmill.
September 13, 2009
So it's friends who make you fat?
Great Article from the NY Times Magazine this weekend.
click the header...
Goes to show...it's not what you know...it's who you know.
Alright...maybe it's a bit of both.
click the header...
Goes to show...it's not what you know...it's who you know.
Alright...maybe it's a bit of both.
September 12, 2009
That Fat Dad Thing
I want to thank everyone who has started reading my blog on a regular basis. As i said when i started a week ago...my goal was to get to my wedding weight...but then revamped it through my thinking and writing to really focus on a vision for myself...and values to live by.
The writing helps...and knowing people are out there to read and respond...REALLY helps. It keeps me honest in my activity and my thoughts around food, fat and fatherhood. Who would have thought a chick flick (julie and julia) would have inspired such a thing.
My findings from week one...even my wife didn't get what i was trying to do until my last post. she affectionately referred my blog to her friends as "that fat dad thing". good for a laugh...but, after a week...she finally has the title right...and is now forwarding the blog address to friends with pride..and the hope daddy belly leaves our bedroom soon!!
You have to do what you do for yourself first. people will follow if you are passionate, committed, and honest.
The late Professor Randy Pausch who came to fame with his viral "last lecture" video said it best...and had a great impact on me. "Don't tell people how to live their lives. Tell Stories. They'll figure out what applies to them."
Hopefully, you are getting something out of this...I know I am.
Thanks again. Please pass it on.
The writing helps...and knowing people are out there to read and respond...REALLY helps. It keeps me honest in my activity and my thoughts around food, fat and fatherhood. Who would have thought a chick flick (julie and julia) would have inspired such a thing.
My findings from week one...even my wife didn't get what i was trying to do until my last post. she affectionately referred my blog to her friends as "that fat dad thing". good for a laugh...but, after a week...she finally has the title right...and is now forwarding the blog address to friends with pride..and the hope daddy belly leaves our bedroom soon!!
You have to do what you do for yourself first. people will follow if you are passionate, committed, and honest.
The late Professor Randy Pausch who came to fame with his viral "last lecture" video said it best...and had a great impact on me. "Don't tell people how to live their lives. Tell Stories. They'll figure out what applies to them."
Hopefully, you are getting something out of this...I know I am.
Thanks again. Please pass it on.
September 11, 2009
Good Communication
Scale: so, half a pound…that’s a good start.
Mirror: please…have you seen this guy?
Scale: I don’t see him as much as feel him…and he’s usually naked.
Mirror: I see him naked too… not...good...and half a pound down and he’s looking at me like he’s brad pitt.
Scale: but you have to be positive. Half a pound down is better than half a pound up.
Mirror: you have to stop messing with his head. let’s be real..he craps half a pound.
Scale: you’re gross.
Mirror: but truthful…he’s lowered his expectations of himself.
Scale: he’s trying.
Mirror: I get that…but I remember when he used to look at me through a different set of eyes .
Scale: what are you talking about?
Mirror: This guy once had abs…and bicep cuts…and a jaw line.
Scale: Yes…I remember those days. It was much easier on me as well…
Mirror: So, don’t kiss his feet every time he drops half a pound.
Scale: well, don’t beat him up every time he turns to you for approval.
Mirror: tell him to give me something to approve…how about consistency?
Scale: he does go up and down on the weekends..
Mirror: Damn right…half a pound on a Friday and he’s celebrating with 3 vodka/rocks.
Scale: and then he’s up 3 pounds on Monday…
Mirror: and brad pitt is no more…
Scale: Ok, OK…so maybe we can work together to get him those abs back.
Mirror: fine. I’ll make sure he is really looking at himself truthfully…
Scale: and I will back you up with real data.
Mirror: We’ve got some work to do…you know that, right?
Scale: Yes…I know…but I think he can do it. He really wants to be better.
Mirror: I agree… Talk to you tomorrow?
Scale: Every day.
Mirror: Done.
Scale: Done.
Mirror: please…have you seen this guy?
Scale: I don’t see him as much as feel him…and he’s usually naked.
Mirror: I see him naked too… not...good...and half a pound down and he’s looking at me like he’s brad pitt.
Scale: but you have to be positive. Half a pound down is better than half a pound up.
Mirror: you have to stop messing with his head. let’s be real..he craps half a pound.
Scale: you’re gross.
Mirror: but truthful…he’s lowered his expectations of himself.
Scale: he’s trying.
Mirror: I get that…but I remember when he used to look at me through a different set of eyes .
Scale: what are you talking about?
Mirror: This guy once had abs…and bicep cuts…and a jaw line.
Scale: Yes…I remember those days. It was much easier on me as well…
Mirror: So, don’t kiss his feet every time he drops half a pound.
Scale: well, don’t beat him up every time he turns to you for approval.
Mirror: tell him to give me something to approve…how about consistency?
Scale: he does go up and down on the weekends..
Mirror: Damn right…half a pound on a Friday and he’s celebrating with 3 vodka/rocks.
Scale: and then he’s up 3 pounds on Monday…
Mirror: and brad pitt is no more…
Scale: Ok, OK…so maybe we can work together to get him those abs back.
Mirror: fine. I’ll make sure he is really looking at himself truthfully…
Scale: and I will back you up with real data.
Mirror: We’ve got some work to do…you know that, right?
Scale: Yes…I know…but I think he can do it. He really wants to be better.
Mirror: I agree… Talk to you tomorrow?
Scale: Every day.
Mirror: Done.
Scale: Done.
September 10, 2009
Fast Food Nation
For anyone who still craves a hamburger from mcdonalds as part of your diet…get onto netflix and get “Fast Food Nation” in your cue right away.
It was a good book…but as a movie it is quite inspiring to never eat fast food ever again. plus it’s got bruce willis in it.
I saw this movie about 2 years ago…and haven’t been in a burger king since.
We need to do what we can to demonize the foods that we know are not part of our values, culture or vision. Find ways to associate them with bad things…not great memories. The more we can do that…the better choices we will make from what’s left over.
Haven’t had a hot dog since high school when I read that there was an acceptable amount of rat hairs in each dog....
yet, i do enjoy sausage and peppers....
ahh, the mind is a tangled web.
It was a good book…but as a movie it is quite inspiring to never eat fast food ever again. plus it’s got bruce willis in it.
I saw this movie about 2 years ago…and haven’t been in a burger king since.
We need to do what we can to demonize the foods that we know are not part of our values, culture or vision. Find ways to associate them with bad things…not great memories. The more we can do that…the better choices we will make from what’s left over.
Haven’t had a hot dog since high school when I read that there was an acceptable amount of rat hairs in each dog....
yet, i do enjoy sausage and peppers....
ahh, the mind is a tangled web.
September 9, 2009
Dear DB
Dear Daddy Belly-
Dude…what’s up.
Listen…we have to talk. I’ve been thinking…we’ve been together a long time…and well, this is hard for me to write but here goes.
We’ve had some great times together…and you have been one of my closest friends. We’ve actually been through a lot…so many ups and downs. Me and the DB. You have been so good to me throughout the years.
You always got me that extra middle seat on the train, turning people away with your “don’t sit here look”…and, remember when we won those stuffed animals at the amusement park in the “guess my weight” booth. DB is more dense than they think!!! Where did I put those pink elephants?
You always hooked me up in a group dinner…getting people to consistently ask if I want the last…whatever. You rocked it.
And, what about making the all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant owners cry. “You no eat here anymore!! You pig!!” I remember you liked the spider rolls very much. They’ll miss us.
Yeah…DB…we had some good times.
But, like all friendships, if we don’t grow together…we eventually grow apart…and where I’m going…I don’t think you can come.
Yeah, yeah…I know I said this before and I know I took you back the last few times…but I was weak…and you were the fun one. So, who wouldn’t want you around?
But, I’m going to do bigger things this time…bro. things you wouldn’t be able to handle. So, you can hang around for a bit longer…but every day…you’ll see that I’m going to need you a little less…and one day…I’ll wake up…you just won’t be here anymore.
Don’t worry though…I’m sure you’ll find new friends. New guys who just had kids…and bought a house with a high mortgage. They will love having you around.
I’ll miss you, man.
Goodbye.
Dude…what’s up.
Listen…we have to talk. I’ve been thinking…we’ve been together a long time…and well, this is hard for me to write but here goes.
We’ve had some great times together…and you have been one of my closest friends. We’ve actually been through a lot…so many ups and downs. Me and the DB. You have been so good to me throughout the years.
You always got me that extra middle seat on the train, turning people away with your “don’t sit here look”…and, remember when we won those stuffed animals at the amusement park in the “guess my weight” booth. DB is more dense than they think!!! Where did I put those pink elephants?
You always hooked me up in a group dinner…getting people to consistently ask if I want the last…whatever. You rocked it.
And, what about making the all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant owners cry. “You no eat here anymore!! You pig!!” I remember you liked the spider rolls very much. They’ll miss us.
Yeah…DB…we had some good times.
But, like all friendships, if we don’t grow together…we eventually grow apart…and where I’m going…I don’t think you can come.
Yeah, yeah…I know I said this before and I know I took you back the last few times…but I was weak…and you were the fun one. So, who wouldn’t want you around?
But, I’m going to do bigger things this time…bro. things you wouldn’t be able to handle. So, you can hang around for a bit longer…but every day…you’ll see that I’m going to need you a little less…and one day…I’ll wake up…you just won’t be here anymore.
Don’t worry though…I’m sure you’ll find new friends. New guys who just had kids…and bought a house with a high mortgage. They will love having you around.
I’ll miss you, man.
Goodbye.
September 8, 2009
Vision
So, it’s 4 days into the blog and I realize I have already set myself up for failure.
I have already set the wrong goal.
I said my goal was to be 189 pounds within a year and make it stick.
This is not a long term goal. This is a byproduct of a greater goal. This is a destination..with a finite ending. My goal in writing this blog was to help in getting me to my ideal weight, but also to continue writing once I got there to make sure the daddy belly never returns.
My goal, therefore, is not big enough. Your goal…is not big enough.
My day job is strategizing with companies on communications strategy and internal marketing and branding in initiatives. Companies have both short and long term goals. But, most companies have a vision….a culture….and set of values. So, if we were to think of ourselves as a company…
The vision is expressed as a mission statement and acts as the framework to guide you towards sustainable achievements. (see the movie Jerry Maguire for more on mission statements)
The culture defines the attitudes and beliefs to make the vision a reality
The values serve as a compass on how to behave in the world no matter the outside influences and changes.
It’s not easy to have your culture and your values match your vision. It takes a lot of work…and a lot of communication. There are many people who say one thing and do another. I say I want to lose weight, but my chicken onion pizza/Mississippi mud pie night actions are not in line with the vision of losing weight. There will always be outside influences…like “special days”. And it will be easy to abandon the goal if we don’t have a real mission to work towards. We will abandon our goals if there is no vision to guide us each step of the way. We will certainly abandon our goal if we do not define our culture…and with no values to live by…we don’t ever have a chance.
There needs to be alignment between who we think we are, who we want to be, and how we intend to get there.
So, forgetting about the weight loss for a second…some new thinking….
My Vision: Be a role model for my kids in everything I do
My Culture: Be better than yesterday and walk the talk
My Values: inspire, motivate and educate
Hmm…Now 189 pounds seems like the easy part....
and a slice of chicken onion pizza with a piece of mud pie sounds pretty stupid.
Don't you agree?
I have already set the wrong goal.
I said my goal was to be 189 pounds within a year and make it stick.
This is not a long term goal. This is a byproduct of a greater goal. This is a destination..with a finite ending. My goal in writing this blog was to help in getting me to my ideal weight, but also to continue writing once I got there to make sure the daddy belly never returns.
My goal, therefore, is not big enough. Your goal…is not big enough.
My day job is strategizing with companies on communications strategy and internal marketing and branding in initiatives. Companies have both short and long term goals. But, most companies have a vision….a culture….and set of values. So, if we were to think of ourselves as a company…
The vision is expressed as a mission statement and acts as the framework to guide you towards sustainable achievements. (see the movie Jerry Maguire for more on mission statements)
The culture defines the attitudes and beliefs to make the vision a reality
The values serve as a compass on how to behave in the world no matter the outside influences and changes.
It’s not easy to have your culture and your values match your vision. It takes a lot of work…and a lot of communication. There are many people who say one thing and do another. I say I want to lose weight, but my chicken onion pizza/Mississippi mud pie night actions are not in line with the vision of losing weight. There will always be outside influences…like “special days”. And it will be easy to abandon the goal if we don’t have a real mission to work towards. We will abandon our goals if there is no vision to guide us each step of the way. We will certainly abandon our goal if we do not define our culture…and with no values to live by…we don’t ever have a chance.
There needs to be alignment between who we think we are, who we want to be, and how we intend to get there.
So, forgetting about the weight loss for a second…some new thinking….
My Vision: Be a role model for my kids in everything I do
My Culture: Be better than yesterday and walk the talk
My Values: inspire, motivate and educate
Hmm…Now 189 pounds seems like the easy part....
and a slice of chicken onion pizza with a piece of mud pie sounds pretty stupid.
Don't you agree?
September 7, 2009
Special Days
What is a special day?
By special day, I mean...a day where you "let yourself go" and give yourself the opportunity to be lax on your rules.
In my house, we don't allow soda...except on special days. This would be birthdays, christmas, and most of the major holidays when cousins and/or friends would come over and hang with my kids. We try not to be to strict, but knowing soda is diabetes in a can and has like 240 teaspoons of sugar per serving...or something like that...we know this is a battle worth fighting...no matter what kid in the neighborhood thinks I'm a soda nazi.
But, my kids are like anyone else...if they get an inch...they'll find a way to take foot...and then a mile. Birthdays and major holidays turned into summer get togethers with friends...and then it wasn't just their birthdays....it was friends and friends of friends birthdays...and when miley cyrus had a birthday, well that was a special day for my 10 year old...so that should count too...right?
which brings me to labor day. special day? It is a holiday. No mail delivered. Lots of people have off of work. No school. So, it must be a special day. But is it really special? Because if you call labor day special, what about Sundays during football season...special days? Saturdays during College football season? How about Cinco de Mayo, St. Patty's day, April Fools day, Arbor day, Halloween, Valentines day, the week between christmas and new years, the last day of school, first day of school, and of course the entire Thanksgiving Vacation.
So, if it's okay to eat and drink whatever we want on those days because we have assigned a "no rules" value to them...isn't it a no brainer to to start making more days "special" when we want to eat and drink what we crave?
Hmmm....maybe our kids are not the only ones that take an extra inch now and then.
The way i see it...we have two choices. We can stay true to what we really mean by special days....
Or, we can find better ways to celebrate them...ways that in the long term will make us feel special because we did something good for ourselves, our mind, and our bodies.
I spent today's end of summer holiday at the new Yankee Stadium...I wanted the hot pretzel, the ice cream, the 2 hotdogs, all the beers of the world and the souvenir tub of popcorn. I did want all that. But, what i had was... One drink. One chicken hero. Lots of water. Yankess won 4-1.
Happy "Special Day" to everyone.
By special day, I mean...a day where you "let yourself go" and give yourself the opportunity to be lax on your rules.
In my house, we don't allow soda...except on special days. This would be birthdays, christmas, and most of the major holidays when cousins and/or friends would come over and hang with my kids. We try not to be to strict, but knowing soda is diabetes in a can and has like 240 teaspoons of sugar per serving...or something like that...we know this is a battle worth fighting...no matter what kid in the neighborhood thinks I'm a soda nazi.
But, my kids are like anyone else...if they get an inch...they'll find a way to take foot...and then a mile. Birthdays and major holidays turned into summer get togethers with friends...and then it wasn't just their birthdays....it was friends and friends of friends birthdays...and when miley cyrus had a birthday, well that was a special day for my 10 year old...so that should count too...right?
which brings me to labor day. special day? It is a holiday. No mail delivered. Lots of people have off of work. No school. So, it must be a special day. But is it really special? Because if you call labor day special, what about Sundays during football season...special days? Saturdays during College football season? How about Cinco de Mayo, St. Patty's day, April Fools day, Arbor day, Halloween, Valentines day, the week between christmas and new years, the last day of school, first day of school, and of course the entire Thanksgiving Vacation.
So, if it's okay to eat and drink whatever we want on those days because we have assigned a "no rules" value to them...isn't it a no brainer to to start making more days "special" when we want to eat and drink what we crave?
Hmmm....maybe our kids are not the only ones that take an extra inch now and then.
The way i see it...we have two choices. We can stay true to what we really mean by special days....
Or, we can find better ways to celebrate them...ways that in the long term will make us feel special because we did something good for ourselves, our mind, and our bodies.
I spent today's end of summer holiday at the new Yankee Stadium...I wanted the hot pretzel, the ice cream, the 2 hotdogs, all the beers of the world and the souvenir tub of popcorn. I did want all that. But, what i had was... One drink. One chicken hero. Lots of water. Yankess won 4-1.
Happy "Special Day" to everyone.
September 6, 2009
Film or Digital
My mother in law still takes pictures with a film camera. at her birthday she pulled out the digital we gave her 3 years ago for the first time in....3 years. This prompted a quick tutorial from my 10 year old daughter, but at the same time started a discussion at the table.
my sister in law said that in addition to her digital, she still has a film camera...which she likes better. I scoffed, saying it was a waste because what do you do with the bad shots that don't come out right. with digital, you get to eliminate the bad before printing.
she said, "well...some people still want to see that life isn't always perfect."
so true. how many albums will we have in the future that are just about the perfect shots...and not about the goofy ones where we are making funny faces or have 3 chins and red eyes.
we aren't perfect....life isn't digital.
i guess that's my way of saying....I worked out yesterday (good photo) but, I had chicken and onion pizza last night at the party with a piece of mississippi mud pie (3 chin photo).
there is no delete button in life...so the only way to erase that bad photo is to get my ass on the elliptical and commit to start taking better pictures.
September 5, 2009
choices
In the fat and food category...click the header "choices" above.
great marketing if you are in the processed foods industry....but come on....froot loops as the better choice?
if it comes in a box or a plastic wrapper...chances are it's not the best choice...unless of course you compare it to a donut.
It's like your kid coming home with an F, but letting you know he didn't kill anyone that day...
Perspective is a powerful thing.
great marketing if you are in the processed foods industry....but come on....froot loops as the better choice?
if it comes in a box or a plastic wrapper...chances are it's not the best choice...unless of course you compare it to a donut.
It's like your kid coming home with an F, but letting you know he didn't kill anyone that day...
Perspective is a powerful thing.
push
So, I'm watching my son at his first high school saturday Cross Country practice. In a week of practice it is apparent that he and two other kids are within seconds of one another and each one could win a race on any given day. So, he says, they are pushing each other to be better.
Takes me back to my football days, when we would be doing double and triple sessions in the summer heat. pushing our bodies to the point of exhaustion...and some even to the point of puking or passing out. I remember a few kids having to go get IVs from dehydration. I would come home dead tired, knowing that 10 hours later I'd be waking up to do it all over again. There was no, "I'll get to it tomorrow". There was no "I don't have time for this". It was a given. I was getting up to go get my ass kicked. And, i never quesitioned it. If the coach said monkey rolls...you did monkey rolls. if the coach said run a lap...you ran a lap. if the coach said knock someone down...you knocked someone down. period.
So, when did I lose that want...that edge....that desire to feel like gave it my all and was better for it.
I still feel that way at work...and while winning the big account feels amazing in its own right....because a lot of work went into it....it's just not the same as pushing yourself till you want to pass out.
So, what changed?
Goals.
20 years ago...the goal was to win. not to be in shape so you don't look like the guy at dunkin donuts getting the 12 pack...and you know it's all for him. the goal was to be as good as you could be so you didn't let your teammates down...not do enough so you fit into size 32 jeans. 20 years ago, you ate what you wanted to eat because it was fuel for the machine...not a way to satisfy a craving because someone said you had a nose hair hanging out and you feel bad about yourself.
So, if the goal is to win....what are we winning? Dying later in life vs. earlier is not a goal. Looking good is not good enough of a goal. we need to get that feeling back...of being on a team...of having someone to push you to the point of exhaustion...
the goal can't have a finite ending...because if it does...we'll always go back to the old ways...and then the daddy belly will come back...again, and again.,
I lost 52 pounds in 14 weeks. biggest loser competition with my tennis buddies. came in second. a year later it was all back because the competition was over. no one to push me to continue to be better. no one to tell me to stay in shape because next season we will win the champtionship if we stay focused. so, i went back to the old ways...the old beliefs...and my off season led to complacency.
we have to believe that there is always a "next season". goals need to be real and concrete...and once we reach them...we immediately have to set a new one.
So find someone to push you...or find a reason to push yourself...the way you did back in high school or college...when you were competitive with others....as well as yourself.
and of course, when i say you....I mean me.
see you at the track.
Takes me back to my football days, when we would be doing double and triple sessions in the summer heat. pushing our bodies to the point of exhaustion...and some even to the point of puking or passing out. I remember a few kids having to go get IVs from dehydration. I would come home dead tired, knowing that 10 hours later I'd be waking up to do it all over again. There was no, "I'll get to it tomorrow". There was no "I don't have time for this". It was a given. I was getting up to go get my ass kicked. And, i never quesitioned it. If the coach said monkey rolls...you did monkey rolls. if the coach said run a lap...you ran a lap. if the coach said knock someone down...you knocked someone down. period.
So, when did I lose that want...that edge....that desire to feel like gave it my all and was better for it.
I still feel that way at work...and while winning the big account feels amazing in its own right....because a lot of work went into it....it's just not the same as pushing yourself till you want to pass out.
So, what changed?
Goals.
20 years ago...the goal was to win. not to be in shape so you don't look like the guy at dunkin donuts getting the 12 pack...and you know it's all for him. the goal was to be as good as you could be so you didn't let your teammates down...not do enough so you fit into size 32 jeans. 20 years ago, you ate what you wanted to eat because it was fuel for the machine...not a way to satisfy a craving because someone said you had a nose hair hanging out and you feel bad about yourself.
So, if the goal is to win....what are we winning? Dying later in life vs. earlier is not a goal. Looking good is not good enough of a goal. we need to get that feeling back...of being on a team...of having someone to push you to the point of exhaustion...
the goal can't have a finite ending...because if it does...we'll always go back to the old ways...and then the daddy belly will come back...again, and again.,
I lost 52 pounds in 14 weeks. biggest loser competition with my tennis buddies. came in second. a year later it was all back because the competition was over. no one to push me to continue to be better. no one to tell me to stay in shape because next season we will win the champtionship if we stay focused. so, i went back to the old ways...the old beliefs...and my off season led to complacency.
we have to believe that there is always a "next season". goals need to be real and concrete...and once we reach them...we immediately have to set a new one.
So find someone to push you...or find a reason to push yourself...the way you did back in high school or college...when you were competitive with others....as well as yourself.
and of course, when i say you....I mean me.
see you at the track.
September 4, 2009
Day 1:
I didn't always have a daddy belly.
I was in shape. played football in high school and college. Got married to a really attractive woman. Had really great kids. Fortunate to have a job I love that keeps me on my toes. Life is good as it is for most dads. We love our families and work really hard to provide, hoping that we can give our kids a better life than we had. Isn't that the goal? To be better than the generation before?
But something happens when you go from life without kids to life with kids. You put the we before the me....and you don't really take care of yourself. So, you continue to eat as you always have...okay, maybe a bit more. And, you exercise less because you have to be at work earlier...and work later. You try to get the time in on the weekends...but that never works out, or it never sticks and becomes a habit.
So, you gain 5 pounds one year...and then 5 the next...and 5 the next....just enough each year that the weight creeps up on you...so when your oldest is 14 years old and starting high school you find yourself almost 45 pounds over your ideal weight...and the wii fit is calling you obese.
I don't feel obese...but, I have bought new clothes to hide the daddy belly. and don't tuck my shirt in anymore unless I'm wearing the suit jacket. I'm fat. My mother in law would be the first to tell you that's true.
I've done the diet thing...and even did a biggest loser contest where I lost 52 pounds and could see my "acting days" cheek bones again....only to gain it all back again a year later.
So, my goal...to get to my wedding day weight of 189 pounds in a healthy way...by September 3rd, 2010....and make it stick by changing my mental view of food as well as finding that long lost six pack.
I was inspired by three things...a workout book by tom venutto that touted the physical and the mental aspects of weight gain and weight loss, a book called The End of Overeating that exposed how the food industry is engineering food to make us fat....and the movie julie and julia...which showed me the value of setting a goal and being held to that goal by a commitment to myself and others...through blogging.
So, this is not so much a blog to tell you how much weight i lost every day. it's hopefully a dialogue for anyone who like me...is looking for a bit of the past in their future.
I'll try to be funny...entertaining...and maybe even a bit helpful...but mostly...i'll be honest.
I hope my daily thoughts on food, fat and fatherhood will help if you have a goal of getting rid of the weight creep that your kids also affectionately refer to as "the daddy belly".
I was in shape. played football in high school and college. Got married to a really attractive woman. Had really great kids. Fortunate to have a job I love that keeps me on my toes. Life is good as it is for most dads. We love our families and work really hard to provide, hoping that we can give our kids a better life than we had. Isn't that the goal? To be better than the generation before?
But something happens when you go from life without kids to life with kids. You put the we before the me....and you don't really take care of yourself. So, you continue to eat as you always have...okay, maybe a bit more. And, you exercise less because you have to be at work earlier...and work later. You try to get the time in on the weekends...but that never works out, or it never sticks and becomes a habit.
So, you gain 5 pounds one year...and then 5 the next...and 5 the next....just enough each year that the weight creeps up on you...so when your oldest is 14 years old and starting high school you find yourself almost 45 pounds over your ideal weight...and the wii fit is calling you obese.
I don't feel obese...but, I have bought new clothes to hide the daddy belly. and don't tuck my shirt in anymore unless I'm wearing the suit jacket. I'm fat. My mother in law would be the first to tell you that's true.
I've done the diet thing...and even did a biggest loser contest where I lost 52 pounds and could see my "acting days" cheek bones again....only to gain it all back again a year later.
So, my goal...to get to my wedding day weight of 189 pounds in a healthy way...by September 3rd, 2010....and make it stick by changing my mental view of food as well as finding that long lost six pack.
I was inspired by three things...a workout book by tom venutto that touted the physical and the mental aspects of weight gain and weight loss, a book called The End of Overeating that exposed how the food industry is engineering food to make us fat....and the movie julie and julia...which showed me the value of setting a goal and being held to that goal by a commitment to myself and others...through blogging.
So, this is not so much a blog to tell you how much weight i lost every day. it's hopefully a dialogue for anyone who like me...is looking for a bit of the past in their future.
I'll try to be funny...entertaining...and maybe even a bit helpful...but mostly...i'll be honest.
I hope my daily thoughts on food, fat and fatherhood will help if you have a goal of getting rid of the weight creep that your kids also affectionately refer to as "the daddy belly".
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