365 Days and Counting

This will be a short entry. It's Halloween night and I'm getting this just under the wire because I forgot to do it until I got up for my security check I realized I missed it and I certainly don't want to screw up the dates that would show a miss.  A bit of thing for me.  I did my run and my swim.  Going to the gym right away has proved to be a good thing.  I had dinner at my parents and again, not the best diet food as spare ribs, potatoes and pumpkin pie.  There was also the morning cookies and candy snacks.  Food intake: cookies (500); assorted candy (500); chicken fingers (500); dinner (900).

Well...Day 300...feels like I should do something to celebrate.  Well, I'd love to say something special happened but no...just another day.  My run went fine in the morning and I went directly to the gym afterward and did my swim.  So, I do find that I really enjoy having all that out of the way.  The plan was to go to the movies but Movie Pass, for whatever reason, suddenly changed the movies available so that was nixed.  What a HUGE difference from when I first received the card and now.  It's almost impossible to see the latest movies.  When my membership expires in January, I will switch to the AMC monthly rate and pass--three movies per month, no restrictions--$20 a month.  Weigh in is in two days and I have no clue whatsoever to expect.  Of course, I'm hoping for some loss but with Las Vegas and the few lapse days, I honestly don't know.  I have been very good about the exercise, so we'll just wait and see.  I suppose wha...

It was...how should I say it...a very undisciplined shitty day for me.  One of the dangers of having lost the weight so early is that there is a little demon in the back of your head that tells you it's okay to have a bit of a cheat.  This goes all against my promise to not have a cheat day and though it wasn't totally off the ends of the earth, I'm having my remorse day today.  It started out just fine.  I did my run in the morning, had a cup of coffee and some crackers, went to the gym and did my swim.  Came back and had some more coffee with crackers.  I later enjoyed an a ham scramble.  So far, so good--450 total calories.  I laid down for a few minutes and realized that I had told myself to go to the Koby's Swap meet down at the Sports Arena.  I got dressed and was down there within a half hour.  My purpose was to find another baseball cap much cheaper than I found at the mall.  Can you believe they want $25 for a San Diego b...

I finished my run and I'm going to make a couple of observations that won't mean anything to any one except me.  It's interesting that with fall here and the temperatures hovering in the low 50s that though my hands are close to numb, I still sweat from the chest.  Strange.  Also, I noticed this morning on a street during my route, there's an 8ft cement wall separating the noise on the street to the homes.  When I run on this stretch, I can feel a noticeable difference in temperature.  Though I'm a few feet away from the wall and running on the street asphalt, I can the radiant heat coming from the wall.  These a just a couple of things I notice as  I'm all alone running at 4:30 in the morning.  Oh yes, another coyote hustling across the street in front me this morning.  As an experiment, I decided to go to the gym and swim after about 20 minutes (to cool down) after my run.  I would imagine there would be fewer people there and gettin...

I have to admit that as I write this, there's always a temptation to talk about what happened this morning, but I shouldn't do that as I'm writing about what happened on Day 297, which is yesterday. But I will throw in this tease, I've discovered a new routine this morning that I will share tomorrow.  I'm a little excited about this as it simplifies my day and pretty much makes everything just a little more simple.  My run went fine.  I've been meaning to write about the role of my legs in all of this.  At 67 years old, I know that I'm treating my body right now as if it's 40 years ago and the part of my body that suffers the most is my legs.  There are days during my run that my legs feel strong and I have no difficulty picking up the pace and then there are those days (the majority) where my legs feel like noodles wobbling along the path.  I don't allow this to deter me, and I just keep moving on.  At no time and knock on wood at this, have I had...

Where the month of September was simply a bad choice month, October is a can't quite get on it month.  It's odd that I have a harder time maintaining the high discipline of the diet AFTER I've lost the weight than before I lost it.  The day started out well.  The run went fine and I had coffee and crackers (2) when I got home.  I tried to nap for an hour or so and then went for my swim, which went fine.  I had chicken popcorn for lunch, which was really good and certainly joining my chicken rotation.  But then I was really hungry and had popcorn--not a bad choice--and then it was off to the parents for dinner.  I simply can not figure out how to access the caloric count with his dinners.  There was white rice and shrimp scampi kind of meal with a tomato sauce.  There was corn on the cob and a salad and a couple very small eclairs.  I came home and went to sleep at 7 and did the security check and back to sleep.  I simply can't f...

Did my run this morning at 4:00 AM, which seems to be my "go time" recently.  I enjoy that the roads are clear and the crisp air.  I'm sure as winter takes hold, I may have to adjust, but at the moment I enjoy it.  I'm always surprised as I tend to pass two or three walkers or runners along the way.  To be absolutely clear, the entire circle is rally 5.6 miles, not 6 that I tend to report; however, I do my walking around all day and it certainly applies.  Either way, for a 67 year old, that's pretty damn good.  I got my swim in at 11:00 so with the day's exercise out of the way, I end up spending the rest of the day with a bit of shopping (my usual sugar free powder drinks at the dollar store) and attempting to nap in the day...I might have gotten in a hour...I'm not sure if I actually slept or what. I am still not happy on how I'm spending my days.  I tend to sit at the computer too much or watch TV.  If my arm still didn't occasionally bother ...

It's back to the routine.  As much as I enjoy going to Las Vegas and Laughlin, there is still no place like home.  I love sleeping in my own bed, running my usual route, and swimming at the fitness center.  Being Tuesday, I took the shorty route and it felt good.  Taking those two days off seemed to help as I had a little more energy than usual.  Trash pickup went very well and we were done before 8:00 AM.  I spent the day catching up on the missed TV shows and the You Tube videos, but I did get my swim in around 1 PM and then even managed a nap for a couple hours.  I did my usual Tuesday Costco run and picked up some more chicken fingers and chicken nuggets but also thought I'd try a bag of the chicken popcorn.  I don't remember seeing it before and was concerned it had more calories, but it turns out it has the same as the chicken fingers, so I picked up a bag.  Turns out, it's pretty good, so I suppose I add that to the list.  I als...

I checked out of the Grand...a very nice hotel that I'd be happy to stay in again.  I met Terry for breakfast and had another veggie griddle.  We said our goodbyes and I headed home taking the San Bernadino route and aside from the bottleneck around the University, it was easy getting home.  I did enjoy a pretzel mix and some Tootsie Pops and crackers as I drove but I'm good with that.  The diet takes full charge ahead tomorrow.  Overall the Vegas trip went just fine.  I did miss my run for two days and I certainly don't feel good about that, but I rationalize that my legs needed a break as I've been running every single day for months.  It's all good. I was hungry when I got home and had some chicken nuggets.  After catching up with many of my You Tube favorites, I went to bed around 6 or 7 and woke up at 9:30 in time for my security check.  I had some more chicken nuggets and went to bed.  I lost too much money AGAIN in Las Vegas...

Got up early and packed everything up as today is moving day and to head back to Las Vegas.   After all the morning routines, I took everything to the car and drove to the Aquarius to meet Terry for breakfast.   I was a little early and found the Brady Bunch penny machines and gave it $20.   I caught features and agreed that is a fun machine with more shots at a win than most.   I won $10.   Breakfast at the Aquarius buffet is excellent and today’s Sunday Brunch menu included seafood so I enjoyed some hot crab legs with my veggie omelet.   Terry admits that it’s going to be hard to give up the green card status as the bennies are so good that he’s giving it just a little thought of renewing once again, he has until April.   While Terry went to check out, I sat down at the 9/6 machines at the river view area.   I did catch a couple of quads, but the full houses and flushes just weren’t there and I end up losing $40. We parked at the Colorad...

I was up too early this morning.  I usually get up between 3:15 and 3:30, but I woke at 2:30 and tried to get back to sleep and finally just gave up.  Fortunately, I went to bed early.  I did my run but it was a bit shorter than usual.  I went Casino Dr. and around behind all the casinos in one large circle.  It wasn't much of a run but I know that today's schedule, I'd make the 10 K and actually was at 14+K by the end of the day.  It's all good. Part of my walk was to go to the Riverside and sign up Terry and I for the Omaha game; however, even at 4:30 in the morning, they already had the table full with three on the waiting list.  So, went to the Colorado Belle and signed us up for their first table the begins at 9 AM.  I met Terry at the Aquarius buffet, which he has comps for and had a very nice breakfast.  I then drove him over to Bullhead and dropped him off at a Pickleball court where he still has friends when he stayed here for th...

It was a rough morning on the run.   I went from the D down Main St to Charleston and then east to Boulder Hwy and then back up Fremont and finally back to the D.   It was the right distance (6 miles), but for whatever reason, the energy level was way down and I end up walking at least half the way.   I suppose that’s going to happen from time to time, but it’s a little deflating.   However, at the end of the day, I had over 20 K steps (over 10 miles), so it’s all good.   Terry and I had breakfast at Magnolia’s and both had my now favorite meal there, the veggie griddle.   It was moving day, so we decided not play poker and check out and head on to Laughlin.   Terry wanted to check Skyline Casino on Boulder Hwy so we stopped there.   They have added a hotel to the old property and we were both very impressed that the place still has all the full pay deuces machines and still all coins.   There were also three full pay machines at far en...

This morning I was up at 3:15 AM.   I had woken up about three times mostly because of the noise on Fremont and the strange bed.   I did manage to get out of room by 4 and ran from the D hotel to the Stratosphere.   I walked around the place and noticed a lot of construction going on.   The second floor is pretty much the same.   I then ran back to the D and was surprised that it was only 7700 steps (5 miles).   I ended up the day with 14 K so it was a good day for the exercise.   I do miss not getting my swim in. I met Terry at 7:30 at the Fremont buffet and used my comps.   It was okay.   We then played poker at Golden Nugget.   Once again, neither of us got a high hand and end up playing for about 3 or 4 hours.   I end up losing $60.   We then went to Red Rock Casino and played some 2/4 Kill.   Terry had a rough time and went to play some full pay deuces and I continued at poker.   We then left and I had a $5...

I was up at 3:15 after about five hours sleep, did the report and and my run.  I left the D and went down Fremont all the way to the Boulder Hwy interchange and then back up Charleston to Main St and finally back to the Plaza and finally to the D.  When I entered my room, I checked and had to laugh as my steps read 9996 steps.  I walked to my bathroom and back and got the 10,000 (six miles).  Of course, that increased by the end of the day.  I waited for Terry to wake up, so after my shower I went to the Golden Gate and played the 8/5 progressives.  I held my own for a long time with my initial $100 but the quads refused to come.  I didn't catch quad 4's until just passing my 1500 hands--horrible.  I end up losing $60 but considering that many hands, I suppose that's not too bad.  Terry and I had lunch at Magnolia's where I discovered an breakfast veggie skillet that was outstanding.  Terry used his comps.  We then played poker ...

The run went well as I used my "Tuesday route" and being that it was 3:30 AM, there were no cars and pretty much anything else other than me running through the streets.  We started trash pickup very early--6:15, which is really too early, but for whatever reason, Jose got in early and I suppose he wanted to get started as to allow me to leave for Las Vegas as early as possible.  We did the entire pickup in record time and was finished at 7:30.  I left for Vegas at 8:30. I took the San Bernadino route and though I did catch some road work stoppage a couple of times, I still managed to make good time.  I made a short stop at the Lottery store in Primm to take a picture.  The Mega Millions jackpot is over $600 million and the line for tickets wrapped around the building twice.  I've never seen so many people there and it warranted a pic that I posted on Facebook. I pulled into the D at 2:45, got checked in immediately and unpacked my things in the room an...

It's definitely getting colder in the morning on my run.  It's not yet to the point where I need a sweatshirt, but it's getting close.  The run and my swim went just fine.  I spent the day cleaning my home as I leave for Vegas after trash pickup tomorrow and I like coming home to a clean house.  I always surprise myself at how fast it really takes to clean my place.  I really should do it more often and not always wait for an occasion.  I did manage a couple hours of sleep before the security check.  I got all my shopping done for Vegas and the car is packed.  I'm good to go. Food intake: Chicken strips (500); gummy bears (500); chicken nuggets (500).

The day started out pretty good.  I, again, managed an extra hour or so sleep before my security check and had no problem falling back asleep.  It's amazing how my "human alarm clock" works as good well as my Iphone.  I have only had the phone alarm wake me up once in last few months as I naturally wake up around 3 AM every morning.  The alarm is set for 4.  I have become very fond of running in the early morning.  It's not only cooler but because there are few cars on the road, I can run in the middle of the street for long stretches of the time.  The bicycle lane where I usually have to run has too many rocks and pebbles I hate stepping on, so I prefer the street when I can.  I've already noted that there is a huge difference in running on asphalt compared to cement, which I try to avoid, which accounts for why I no longer care to run at the beach, though I may still do on occasion just to break up the routine. I had some chicken at noon after...

Fall is certainly upon us.  Not only has it been raining, but the temperature is getting low enough to add a blanket, turn off the fans, and put on long pants.  My run in the morning is just fine but I can feel the cold on my fingers and know that soon I'll have to start adding a sweat shirt and even possibly long sweats to my run.  It's still in the high 50's, so I can hold off for a bit.  The run went fine though I walked a bit more than I like.  I also did my swim early at 11:00, which was nice. I went asleep around 5 PM and slept until 10...so I'm guessing my body was telling me something.  I did manage another for four hours, which gives me nine...wow...haven's slept that much in a long, long time.  I could feel a headache coming on, which happens when I sleep too much, so I'm up and going at 3 AM for the next day's run. Food intake: grapes (100); chicken fingers (700); chicken nuggets (500)

It was a good day for the diet.  I got in my run early and even did my swim at 10 AM which is not a bad time either.  The swim felt really strong today, for whatever reason.  I tried to nap a couple of times to no success, but I sort of feel just laying down for a little while is beneficial.  I end up going to the movies AGAIN and saw Bad Night at the Hotel Royal , which is good, not great.  Jeff  Bridges was the real stand out here.  Went by Mom's to give her Cindy's give from Venice and show her the You Tube of Cindy's vacation and then headed back home where after some TV manage a couple hours sleep before my security check.  We're having some rain and there were a couple of thunderstorms here...very rare. Food intake: grapes (100); popcorn (500); chicken strips (500); chicken nuggets (500)

I'm sitting here trying to figure out if it was a good day or not.  I suppose it was considering I did my run and three hours later, I did my swim.  I had grapes for breakfast and then an omelet.  I went to the movies and saw A Star Is Born  and had the kid's popcorn pack.  I spent the evening and Tracy's and her family where she made salmon, broccoli, and rice for dinner.  You can't get much better than than.   And of course, I had the chicken nuggets--so much a daily routine now, I can't imagine not having them each day.  When I put on my pants--long pants for the first time in I can't remember--they were 36's and as I looked at the waist as I was putting them on, I was thinking there is no way this is going to fit and be comfortable, and yet they were, even a tad bit loose.  It honestly dawned on me at that moment just how successful this diet has been. My caloric intake was over 2000, but I think it was good 2000 because everyt...

The run went okay though there was a tad more walking than usual, but otherwise, a good morning jaunt on the route.  I did my swim at 2 PM and there was only one lane open, but it went well and it seems doing this in the day time is good as it gets my ass off the chair at the computer or TV and out there.  The sleep before the check out is nice as well, though the jury is still out if it's helping me or not. I'm having some constipation issues again and will resort in medicine if it doesn't straighten itself out in the next day or so.  I had a week day.  My sweet tooth, it seems, is stronger than my will and I succumb to some Dots candy, but nothing horrible.  I'm still overall feeling very good about how the diet is going and feeling trim.  I'm still within my daily caloric limit, so I'm tired of beating myself up after a small left turn.  It also helped that my dad cancelled the family dinner, which I know saved me a lot of calories, so we'll cal...

The run went just fine.  Getting the extra two hours sleep seems to help me through the day. I also did manage to get my swim in.  It seems that going around 2 PM seems to be a good time to do the swim, but I've only had luck with finding a lane open for two days now, and I will try again.  My honest guess is there is no perfect time. I did my usual Tuesday thing.  I did the trash pickup that went without a hitch and then got my Costco shopping in.  I then went to the movies and saw Venom , which was nothing like I thought it was going to be with little gore and lots of comedy though it still isn't a good film for children. I walked around the mall for a bit and bought another bathing suit (though I should have two just in case) and it was on clearance for only $2.50.  I also found some shorts for $20 that I liked and were a waist 34--a size I honestly did not expect to actually hit though it was the original goal.  After I got home, I tried them o...

The day went pretty well.  My run was fine and I did manage my swim today going around 1 PM.  There was only one lane open, but that's all I need.  I've mentioned this before, but I'm just not sure what the swimming benefit is other than the 500 meters non-stop certainly helps aerobically and my arms are getting a little bit of a workout.  But the whole swim only takes 15 to 20 minuted.  However, I'm always happy when I've completed it and I know it helps with me not being as sore from the run.  I just feel better the next day...I suppose what I'm saying is that I'm going to continue the swimming for the unforeseeable future.  I thought about going to the movies but will hold off.  I tried to nap twice to no avail, but I did get to sleep at at 10 PM, up to do my security and fell right back asleep.  So, the past few days, I'm manage between 6 and 7 hours of sleep, this is good.  I realize the french fries are an odd choice, but I'm u...

Well...this is going to be short.  I did my run just fine and tried to nap, but couldn't get to sleep.  I watched football, baseball, and movies.  I did sleep from 4:30 until 8 PM, which threw me off from my swim and so I skipped it altogether...that was a mistake and no real reason.  There are some days I'm totally motivated and others, I'm looking for any excuse.  Shame.  Shame.  Shame. Food intake: omelet (200); popcorn (500); chicken strips (500); chicken nuggets (500)

The run this morning went well, though I was a little more tired than normal and walked just a bit more in spots.  However, everything is great after I'm finished.  I can't explain the euphoria of finishing a strenuous (yes, it still is) exercise for the day.  I honestly have no clue how much each day's 6 mile run does for on its own basis, but I do know that I can't imagine not  doing it and what that will fill like.  Las Vegas next week will certainly be a test.  Book club went quite well and I also took some of the clubhouse trash to the dumpsters after clean up.  We've had a great time and I'm glad I still do this after what is 26 years of monthly meetings and books.  I have to truly wonder if I'd read books if it weren't for these meetings what with me being so addicted to movies and TV shows. I did my swim around 1 PM and there was no problem getting a lane.  I watched some TV and got in another almost three hour nap.  I'm stil...

The run this morning went well.  I went to the gym early, about 10:30 and the pool was almost empty.  I'm not sure if it was the time or because it was a Friday, but it was nice to get that out of the way.  I did fall asleep at 5:30 PM and got an extra three hours, which is huge for me.  I'm trying to remember if there was anything significant to report today, but I don't think so.  I am feeling good about how the diet is going.  I did get some shopping done as I need things for the book club tomorrow.  I did finish the book, which turned out to be pretty good, if not predictable.  After many years of movies, and books...you learn to never assume the person guilty is the one the author is leading you. I got the car washed and said good bye to Cynthia as this is her last day.  The whole temporary transition while Cindy was gone went very well.  I also turned in my time sheet.  I received my property tax request...disguised as a m...

It turned out to be a good day.  There was rain right after I got up and I was afraid I'd have to do a gym run; however, it soon passed over and I was able to make the usual route.  I did run all the right points.  I also got in my swim though I did have to go during the afternoon.  There seems to be no rhyme or reason when I can catch open lanes.  I suppose it will always be a hit and miss.  A nice thing about it was that by 7 PM, I was able to nap for about two hours before my security check adding a couple of much needed hours.  Of course it always takes me a while to get it back together after napping but I know it's good for me. I met up with Hugh and we saw the movie Puzzle , which turned out to be very good, though I wasn't happy with the ending.  The UTC shopping center is really nice. I'll need to go there sometime just to really walk around.  They have Tesla store and I would really love to have a Tesla.  Food intake: wat...

It was a rough day in figuring out caloric intake and just a little frustrating, but as problems in life happen...it ain't nothin' to worry about.  I was up at my usual 3:30 and finished the run by 5.  I tried to catch a couple more hours but it just didn't happen.  I'm not sure why I can't get to sleep for these naps, I should be really sleepy having now lived with only 5 hours of sleep every night for months now.  I don't get it.  I went to the gym and all the lanes were full with a waiting list, so I didn't get my swim in.  I did see Night School  with Kevin Hart, which was a predictable, silly comedy, but I like these movies and this one had some really funny moments.  I was a good boy and stuck to the kid's meal.  The problem turned out to be my dinner with the parents who decided we'd eat a Tio Leo's.  I went for the carnie asada plate.  That was a mistake as it was a HUGE amount of food.  I was good and stuck to the ...

It was a pretty good day for the diet.  I stayed within the calorie limit and got in both exercises along with the trash.  The trash pickup went without a hitch and finished before 8 AM.  I have no doubt we're going to get some complaints about picking it up so early, but it really is nice being done by then. I went to the movies and saw  Assassination Nation that turned out to be terrible.  However, I did make a decision.  Because popcorn is half off on Tuesdays, I always buy a medium without butter, which is only 500 calories and a medium Coke Zero.  However, as has been the case for the past few months, I always feel like I've eaten too much and I almost never finish the Coke Zero, so I've decided regardless of the sale, I'm sticking to the Kid's pack, which is only less than 300 calories and I won't feel so full and it's better for me.  After the movie, I went to gym and there was one lane open so I got my swim in.  Nothing much more ...

To coin a trendy phrase these days, I want to be completely transparent.  I had some cookies left over from my September binge because I though there were 31 days in September, so yes, I finished off the cookies with my coffee though I had said October would be my return to sanity month.  I can report it was the only off-the-diet food I had and I am not forgetting the waffle potatoes that I make in my non-oil fryer giving them fewer calories.  However, they are still carbs and I will no longer buy them for a while.  The run went fine and I did get in my swim having gone to the gym at 12:30 and there was one lane open.  I also added some walking because I picked up some Monday trash with Jose calling in sick.  So, overall, I'm feeling pretty good about the day. Food intake: cookies (500); waffle fries (400); chicken fingers (500).

My fears have been realized.  Today I weighed myself and I weigh exactly the same as last month.  Is this a plateau?  Did the cookies and candy do it to me?  Is my body saying enough is enough?  Will and Can I change this?  I refuse to let me become upset to the point of quitting or giving up.  As I say, I'm not really surprised though the science doesn't bear out.  Though I had some cheating moments, each day STILL burned more calories than I took in, so there should have been some improvement, but to be exactly the same? Okay, so if I wasn't already determined to get my ass in gear for October, I certainly am now.  I have three months to lose 15 pounds or more.  I will do it! My run went well but I went to the gym 3 times and all three lanes were taken every time.  I have no idea what is going on there but I certainly tried.  Food intake:  cookies (500); chicken fingers (600);  chicken nuggets (500); frozen ...