365 Days and Counting

I went to Alpine today as the original plan was to go to Old Town, but there was an afternoon game today, so the Trolley would be too busy.  I'll do Old Town next time.  It was a perfect day, and my knee was not bothering me (whew); however, there really wasn't that much walking and I ended up with only 8K steps, so when I got back home, I took the Mesa Park circle to complete my 10K.  The Pickleball courts were jammed. I didn't do much the rest of the day aside from the laps and the sauna at the gym.  I seems I still have to find something in the middle of the day.  Yes, I should start returning to Pickleball, but I just haven't quite "got there" yet. Food intake: omelet (150); chicken breasts (620); large chicken salad (500).

I went to Mission Beach for the steps and finished the day with 13K steps; however, my right knee is acting up a bit, so I will cut out the jogging for a day or two and just walk in order to let it heal. I enjoyed the walk, as I always do there.  It was already packed when I arrived at 9AM and all the volleyball courts were in full swing.  It's not even summer yet and I had to get lucky to grab a parking space.  As June through August approach, I am going to have to go earlier and earlier.  I noted there were so many parents with toddlers and that almost 2/3s of the children were girls.  Is there something going on?  It did make me miss parenthood...for about four seconds...and then I sobered up.  I made myself a large (too big) chicken salad.  I need to remember to cut down my portions in the future.  I think that old myth of your stomach shrinking just might be true. The swim at the gym went without a hitch, and just like last week,...

On this day, it was a mixed bag.  I started my walk at Vacation Village and went around that and then across to the other side of the island and I still only had a little more than half of my steps.  I was going to take the Encinitas tour and have lunch with my son in Carlsbad, but he texted that he was going to be out of town today, so I cancelled that and headed back home. I end up walking the Fanita circle.  They were just finishing up Pickleball at the Mesa Park.  I'm still on the fence about asking to play and then starting that.  I don't know why...I just am.  There's a part of me who's happy with my routine of walking in the morning and then swimming my laps at night, but I do realize the playing Pickleball would do nothing but help my diet as well as give me another outlet to stay active all day.  I've cut my TV time down as well as my computer time, but I still find myself sitting and watching a lot.  I'm sure I'll come to a decision ev...

It was errand day, so I decided to make my Santee Lakes circle this morning to get my steps in.  I did manage to jog a lot of it.  I completed it in a little over an hour and 15 minutes and it's just over the 10K goal.  I finished the day with 13K steps. While I was jogging, I got a call from Lowe's saying my chairs were ready to be picked up.  I first went to Costco and loaded up on Chicken, coffee, condiments, and lemonade.  The bill came to $105, which seemed like a lot, but I'm covered for the next couple of months in chicken. I picked up the chairs and after a little confusion on if they were assembled or not, we got them home and they are terrific.  I put the covers on (they fit fine) and though I spent more than I intended, I'm very happy with them. I did get in my laps at the pool and some time in sauna.  Other than that, just a lot of piddling around. Food intake: grapes and banana (250); chicken breasts (500); chicken nuggets (500).

It was a okay day thought I'm questioning my food intake calorie amount.  I went to Fiesta Island and though I took the long way around, it still was only a little over 8K steps, so I know I will need to add some more.  When I returned, Cindy asked me to pass out 3rd St rents, which I did and that got me over my daily goal.  I end up with just over 12K for the day. It was Wednesday, so it's dinner with the folks.  Pop called and asked to meet at Tio Leo's and we had dinner there.  I did choose the tortilla soup, but I also had one enchilada and Mom had me take one slice of her quesadilla.  The soup 300 and the enchilada was 350.  I'll guess the quesadilla as 300.  Add to that chicken strips 200 and some grapes at 100, I should be okay. 

It was trash day, so I did my usual routine of going to the gym to do the treadmill for an hour and then the trash.  We finished the trash in an hour and a half, another great time to get that done, and then when it was over, I was still short of my 10K goal.  However, I knew that I would be running around a lot of the day and would no doubt make it up. I decided to buy the two patio chairs for my deck.  I went to the Lowe's by me and it turned out they didn't have them in stock, so I went to the Mission Valley store and purchased them.  My fear was right when I saw that you did need to assemble them, which I hate, but the girl asked if I'd like to have them put together for $10--I jumped at that even when I was told they wouldn't be ready until Friday.  That's just fine. While I was down there and it was lunch time, I walked next door to the IKEA store and had that salmon lunch.  It was good but I didn't get the sale's price of $4.99 because I wasn'...

I took the trolley to the stadium today and walked the perimeter and then over to Ikea and checked out their menu...wow...like old Vegas prices.  I will need to one day drive there and pick up a few things.  I've forgotten how many cool things are there. I also walked through Lowe's and found a couple of perfect chairs for my place.  They're expensive ($350 for two), but I think I will buy them possibly this week. I weeded my backyard and I was joined by my neighbor, Norm, who I've probable not said more than an hundred words in the last year.  He suddenly began helping me.  What?  I certainly appreciated the help, but it also made me a little uncomfortable and I honestly don't know why. I did manage my 13 K steps but have to be honest and didn't go to the gym to swim.  I don't feel good about that but I've maintained that it's not on my challenge goal and will miss it occasionally.  I simply wasn't up for it. I'm still concerned abou...

It was off to Mission Beach once again for my steps and it was a good day as I did manage all the jogging areas--but just barely.  I'm fighting on whether or not to take a day off from my steps.  My legs are honestly tired, but I don't know if it would actually accomplish anything other than losing my string of days.  I suppose I'll keep it up until something comes up.  I did manage almost 14+ K steps for the day. The day went by really fast.  I did find some salad mix at Von's so I was glad to finally have a salad for lunch.  I then just watched TV and played on the computer until it was time to go to the gym and do my 10 laps and sauna, which I'm enjoying. I finished Lost in Space  on Netflix, and that turned out to be a great series.  Also I'm wrapping up Homeland , which is about to conclude.  It's a very good season. Food intake: grapes (200); chicken salad (400); chicken nuggets (500).

It was a good day in every respect.  The book club met at my home as the club house was unavailable and there were no problems there.  Though I didn't care for the book, we had a good discussion.  I was okay with the breakfast potluck.  I avoided the obvious no-no's, but did enjoy two plates of eggs, and a potato casserole.  I don't believe the plate was too many calories.  I went the the gym before cleaning the house for the meet and got in my steps and finished Jessica Jones , which I thought was a disappointment after enjoying the first season so much.  I'm hoping next season will get back to its roots.  I watched some TV and even took an hour's nap.  I gave serious thought of NOT going to the gym for my swim, but just did it and am glad I did.  I need to think of this as this year's job--where the pay is my weight challenge and treat it like any other job: do it, be on time.  I'm always glad when I do.  This night I had...

I was off to Mission Beach and aside from not being in great shape and mission a couple of the jogs back, things went just fine.  Today was to finish the book, which I did.  Overall, not one of my favorites, but I'm glad I'm done.  At my security check, I found that the park set up their pot luck a day early so I'm going to have to have my book club at my place.  That should be okay...we'll see. I did make it to the swim.  It's amazing just how hard it is to swim more than six or seven laps right now.  My arms truly get very tired.  Being Friday, all the youngsters were out and about, so there was plenty of room in the gym and I was able to grab a lane right away. Food intake: banana (100); omelet (150); chicken nuggets (500); chicken strips and broccoli (400).

After all the morning duties, I thought I'd give Lake Murray a try and find out how many total steps it is from the beginning to the end and back.  However, it began to rain about half way, possibly 3/4 through and I turned around and ended up with only 6K.  I then took the Mesa Dr. Park run and was almost to my goal and finally went over the 10K late at night.  It's not my finest accomplishment for the day, but at least I made it.  Add to that I did make my lap swimming (6 laps) and sauna.  So, overall a good day exercise wise.  The food area is a little mystifying for me.  I had the usual chicken in the morning and then decided to go for the Panda Express substituting veggies for the rice or chow mien.  My two items added were a couple of beef items that said 170 calories per serving each, but I honestly have no clue how big is their serving size.  I will say that after finishing, I felt it was a ton of food and I was truly full.  I ...

After finishing all of the morning's duties, I headed to Mission Beach once again.  I have no doubt this will be my "go to" place to get my steps in.  I have markers that encourage me to jog instead of just walk and I'm getting close to jogging almost half the course rather than just walk, which I know doesn't give me as much change to lose calories as just walking. I also took a walk through Ocean Beach.  This place has added a few new stores, but it remains an eye sore full of homeless and bums.  It is San Diego's Hippie magnet and the city doesn't seem to try to change that.  There are still far too many empty store fronts.  I ended the day with over 14 K steps. I didn't get any reading done, so now I'm going to have to spend the next two days finishing the book.  I did go to the gym at 8 PM to swim.  There wasn't a lane open, so I stayed in the sauna until one did.  I stupidly forgot that my keys were in my pocket and I messed up the ...

It's surprising how day to day my attitude and body changes.  Yesterday, I was all optimistic and feeling good and then today things just didn't feel the same.  Yes, it was trash day and yes, I accomplished what I set out to do, but I still fell short as my body turned on me a little. I was up early enough and I did my hour on the treadmill at the gym and then filled the tank with gas before doing the trash, which went very well. We were done in an hour and a half, well a shade past that.  I already had 11 K+ steps, so that was no longer a concern. I read some of my book, but not as much as I should have.  I caught up with my TV shows and started the Lost in Space  episodes on Netflix, which are very good. However, by 7 PM, I was dragging and falling asleep.  I finally had to give in a go to bed for a few hours before doing my rounds, therefore, missing the pool.  Of course, as I've mentioned, the pool is only added to my diet and an extra element ...

It was a good day on the diet.  I went to Mission Beach and had a good walk, jogging almost half the way and felt good after I finished--very different from yesterday when I was completely spent.  I can only assume getting eight hours of sleep in my own bed made a big difference.  I also finally went to swim laps at the gym. I had gone a 4 PM, but the place was so crowded I turned and did some shopping instead.  I bought some more mushrooms from the discount market and unfortunately, The Sprouts market didn't have my salad or a soup that I wanted, so I only bought some Pico de Gallo. I headed back to the gym at 8 PM and there was a lane open. I could only swim about six laps and was spent.  It seems it's like when I first started walking, it's going to take some practice.  I also found that I could not pull myself out of the pool.  I'm not sure if it was because I'm still too fat, or and most likely, my arms were so tired from the swim I had no mor...

To anyone who may one day read these daily notes, keep in mind that everything I describe is from the previous day.  I write these in the morning about yesterday's results.  Therefore, Day 106 is the beginning the diet/exercise experiment. I use the word experiment with some trepidation.  I can't truly say I know what I'm doing here other than desperately trying to lose weight.  Even when I do, will I be able to continue this new healthier living style after I reach my goal.  I am tempted every day with something new. In Laughlin, it was the BBQ Rib competition, in Las Vegas it was the myriad of small restaurants and bar foods, and even here at home, I salivate every time I pass the classic burger place outside Walmart.  Will I remain strong when this is all over? I was struck a little when my friend, Terry, texted me congratulating me on "sticking with it" this long.  No question a compliment, but then I asked myself was this a way of saying, you'...

Woke up and took care of all the morning business and headed over to the Belle around 7:30 but there were already 14 people on the list, so I went ahead to do my walk.   I walked to the Davis Dam and back (about 11K steps or 5.5 miles).   I played some 7/5 progressives (royal at $1080 and quad Aces at $117).   I played for about two hours and never caught a quad—surprised I lasted that long but finally lost the hundred. I got in the car drove to get gas and stop at Safeway in Bullhead to buy some grapes.   There were no grapes (odd), but they had some tortilla soup and I bought a bowl and had some tea at Starbucks (Wow—the soup was fantastic—I’ll put that in the memory loop).   I headed back and parked at the Trop and walked over to the Belle to play some poker and got right into a game.   I played for four hours.   I was dealt red aces and was upset that an ace came on the flop but fortunately a, King, Jack and Queen end up on the board and so...

Day 3 I checked of the D at 8AM and headed down Fremont to Sam’s Town where I once again used my points at the breakfast buffet.   I had a veggie omelet and some fruit.   I decided to once again play the tournament.   This time I made it to the break with mid-range chips but with only 15 players left (out of 50), I was getting to that point of needing to double up.   An A/Q came my way and I went all in.   One player called me with pocket 10s and the board was all low cards.   You’ve got to win some all ins and show downs to win tournaments.   I did play a little more VP and Quick Quads.   Here’s some good news…Sam’s has actually done something in the player’s interest and not their own, they put in new machines with the full pay deuces, and they no longer have the 4-1 point rule.   I played both nickels and quarters and every dollar was getting a point.   It could be an oversight, but grab it while you can.   Unfortunatel...

I was up at 4 AM, but considering I went to sleep at 8 PM the night before, that was a good night's sleep considering all the Fremont Experience going on outside.  I picked up my car from the valet and headed for Mandalay Bay but with a stop at a market to buy a couple of bananas for breakfast. I parked and began the walk.  The plan was to make the Mandalay Bay to Stratosphere first on the west side of the Strip then come back via the east side.  I was in no rush and walked through as many casinos along the way checking out remodels or new displays or machines.  Considering I've been walking for over a hundred days now, I didn't expect any leg or feet issues.  I started at 7:30 AM, so most of the shops along the way were closed. I was surprised to see just how far down the Slots-of-Fun has come.  Now it's more like a dive bar than a casino.  I'm not being hyperbolic when I say I must have passed a Starbucks every two or three blocks.  They are...

I went to bed at 8 PM in hopes of getting enough sleep so I could drive to Vegas at 2 AM.  Aside from waking a couple of times, that worked out and I got out of the house at 2:15.  The drive was uneventful. I arrived in Las Vegas at 7:30 and stopped at the Starbucks on Tropicana for about an hour to take care of some daily writing and other computer things.  I drove to Sam's Town.  It's Senior Day so I swiped my card and received 15X slots and 7X poker...not bad.  I put a $20 in the upstairs nickel Joker's Wild as the progressive was over $600 with the intention of double or nothing.  I got as hight as $38.50 and eventually lost it all. I walked down to the 8/5 BP and the progressive was $1171.  I played there all the way until it was time for the poker tournament and was down almost $100.  I was dealt four to the royal twice to no avail.  The tournament was a mess.  I was card dead and only picked up one small pot and was out just b...

This is going to be short because I can hardly see my screen as I'm Las Vegas at a Starbucks and the sun us shinning directly on me. Yesterday was an okay day.  Trash went fine and then I finished my laundry and went to get some grapes for my trip here to Vegas...trying to stay clear of fast food joints.  I went to Parkway and saw BLOCKERS, which was predictable, but fun.  I then got my haircut.  I did finish up my 10 K for the day walking the mall. I went to bed early knowing I had to get up at 2 AM.  Food intake: scrambled eggs:(100); popcorn (500); salad (400).

A bit of a mile stone for me as this marks my straight days into the three digits.  Day 100 finds me feeling pretty damn good about my accomplishment of discipline, a previous problem, and determination with this diet.  I have NOT had one "cheat" day or a slip.  Of course, there have been those days when eating a Mom's and Pop's that I had foods that I stay away from the rest of the week, but even on those days, I have had smaller portions.  I don't remember one day of the hundred that I went over 2000 calories.  Here's hoping that I can say the same thing on Day 200. I can absolutely say that I feel more energetic in my walk and all manner.  The only true downside is that I continue to be sore in my legs and feet; however, this soon wanes as soon as I begin exercising.  I still have some intestine issues, but nothing I haven't dealt with before.  Tomorrow I leave for Vegas and Laughlin for four days, so it's going to be important for me to stay...

I was seriously thinking my legs needed a day break from the walk, but I just knew that if I did, I'd have to write about it here and I would have to add it to days I didn't do my walk, and so I begrudgingly got dressed and headed out. I took the western route from my house with the intention of going to the Mission Trails hiking spot, but knowing I don't really like dirt paths, I changed my mind and headed to Santee Lakes.  This was a new route and I came across West Hills Park, which I had never seen before and found that it was next door to West Hills High School, again, not knowing it was located here.  This was another nice discovery right here in my back yard. I was surprised that church services were being held at the high school and I couldn't help but wonder if that was appropriate considering public schools shouldn't have a religious connotation, but what do I know.  Perhaps they just rent it out for more funds.  Whatever... The entire circle back to...

I walked the San Diego River route through Mast Park, which was nice.  I did have to stop twice to massage my left foot.  At least it does work so I can keep walking, which is the most important thing. I got a lot of response from my steps picture of the day.  I also got a really good response to the video I posted for Tori's birthday of their Mean Girls skit.  It was four days ago and am still getting responses as other people are re-posting it.  I decided in a couple of months or so I will release the skit with the teachers.  I'll be curious to see how that response goes as well. I was disappointed that Sprouts Market didn't have the tortilla soup I liked so much.  The change the menu each day, so with the exception of chicken noodle, which is always there, it's going to be a hit or miss.  I did pick up some more salad and Pico de Gallo. Food intake: soup (260); two chicken breasts (420); chicken nuggets (500).

Crazy day:  I woke up with only 5 hours sleep and that was it, I got up.  I had some grapes, turned in my time sheet, and headed to Liberty Station where I was going to do my walk.  I went around Liberty Station and headed for Rosecrans to walk.  There were fewer shops than I anticipated and then took the Shelter Island round; however, by the time I got to the pier feeling I had walked and jogged a lot and sure enough, I had almost covered 8 K.  I headed back but took a short detour to take a picture on my old condo and then got back to the car. I took another little walk to the Liberty Station market with the intention of buying some soup, but I never did figuring I'd finish up my salad mix at home.  When I had finally finished, I had over 17 K for the day...eight and half miles.  My legs were spent. I took some medicine to get my bowels moving and after about six hours that took in effect, finally, and I felt much better. By the time it was 8:3...

It was a good day as I got a lot of things done.  It seems I feel more accomplished when I set out to do things and I actually do them...big surprise. I parked at the Santee Trolley stations and took the Trolley downtown where I bought a month long pass for $18 which allows me to use unlimited trolley and buses.  I walked downtown for my steps and enjoyed the morning looking at all the different restaurants and stores.  I ended the day with 13+ K steps. After a couple hours, I headed back home.  I noticed many good potential points to walk along the trolley stop routes.  I'm looking forward to using it and will likely set up my pass to renew every month. I went to Papa's with his birthday gifts only to find that I had the wrong day as his birthday is Sunday.  Oh well, so he got his gifts early. Food intake: grapes (100); chicken salad (400); chicken nuggets (500).

It was a better day.  I did my walk at the zoo and Balboa park and managed over 10 K. I paid $5 to see the Myth Buster exhibit, but was disappointed.  The rest of the walk went well.  Dinner a mom and pop's was okay with Chop Suey and though there was some fried rice, I didn't eat a lot of it and kept my portions reasonable.  However, it turns out the fried rice is really high in calories, so I'll need to completely stay away from that this year...good to know. Not much more to say today...hmm. Food intake: scrambled eggs (100); chicken salad (400); chop suey and fried rice (750).

It was not a banner day for me.  I didn't make my 10 K and though I knew I could, I just knew my head wasn't in it.  After trash I did have 5 K, but after doing a few errands, I just didn't feel up to do anything else about it.  Of course, I'm regretting it now. I did eat more than usual, but not enough to be too concerned.  I'll just chalk it up a rough day.  On the good side, I went to Spouts to buy some more salad and found they have fresh soups and I bought some of their tortilla soup, which was fantastic.  I will look for it in the future. Trash went well and we finished in record time, 8:30. Food intake: tortilla soup (300); chicken nuggets -twice (750); banana (100); chicken breasts (400).

I went to the gym for the first time in a while.  I managed 8 K, so walked the park route and went over my 10 K and ended the day with just over 13 K.  All walking, no jogging...I'm not happy about that.  Also, I never went to the lap pool.  I will do this, I just haven't quite opened the door yet.  I'm sure that once I do, I'll be good.  The same goes for pickelball.  I have no idea why I didn't just walk up and ask as there was the perfect situation to do so at the park, but I didn't.  I would like to know why I freeze up with situations like this.  It seems I've become more shy than when I was younger.  I could be that I'm getting more and more used to being and doing things alone.  My social skills are getting worse and I'm finding that I don't like putting myself in those situations.  I'll need to monitor that. I did go see Ready, Player One .  I was very typical Spielberg and I enjoyed it but didn't love it....

I went to Pacific Beach for my walk.  I decided to walk Grand and Garnet and check out the assorted small businesses.  I came across a couple of really nice coffee/bakeries that looked wonderful.  It's just too bad I can't sample these places this year.  But I'll certainly keep them in mind. I took another walk to the end of the pier and sure enough, the dolphins were out there again feeding.  I was a nice walk but I did no jogging, so I'll need to fix that today.  My legs are "heavy" in that I can feel them wearing with all of this non-stop exercise.  It's been 92 straight days (I may have missed one day when I picked up Terry and Louise at the airport, but I'm really not sure) of exercise.  I have to believe that taking one day off is not going to be detrimental, but the truth is, though I'm sure my body could use it, my head won't.  I'm so damn concerned about falling back into old habits.  Besides, I've no doubt I will get sick so...

It's Easter Sunday. Big day as it was weigh in day.  I am now at 251 pounds, a 13 pound loss for the month.  I won't lie when I say I'm disappointed.  I built up in my head that I would hit the 240s, and I didn't.  There is NO shame in that weight loss considering my overall goal is ten pounds a month.  But I've been so good about everything, I was hoping for more of a loss.  I also need to keep in the back of my mind (and I will considering I spend the month obsessing this) that if I can manage anything over a 10 pounds loss in April, I will have cracked the 230s by May 1.  At this rate, I should still make all the goals I intended by the end of the year. The big thing for me now is to not allow this to be a setback.  I will continue to do everything I've been doing.  I did spend the morning on my usual Mission Beach walk and made a trek to the end of the Pacific Beach pier.  It was cool seeing dolphins in the distance feeding....