Day 70: 228 pounds

Well it was another normal Wednesday for me as I headed back to work and started on my diet again.  Well I tried to start the best I could.  I still don't feel 100% after my Vegas weekend, but I'm getting better.  By tomorrow I think I will be back to where I need to be. 

Sticking with the game plan of my normal weigh in days, I decided to weight myself this morning as it was Wednesday.  I had not been on a scale since Saturday morning before I left for Vegas.  If you remember I was at 226 pounds, so one pound away from my goal (its ok).  After the weekend I had of drinking, eating pizza and chicken wings to name a few, I was fully expecting to see at least a 5 pound gain.  So with it only being 2 pounds I'm super happy!  I can get that back within a few days just by getting back on track.

As for today and my eating.  Well like I said I tried to get back on track the best I could and think I did pretty good for the day.  Dinner is probably where I over did it.  However I didn't care because Dawn cooked Chicken Parmesan for the first time ever.  It was so good that I wanted to eat the entire pan.  I'm not kidding, I kept telling her that it was better than any restaurants!  It was that awesome, and there was plenty leftover for lunch tomorrow.  No way I'm letting it go to waste!  After dinner I had planned to go run or bike, however I was tired and just didn't think it was a good idea yet. 

Next weigh in is Friday and hopefully I have one or two of those pounds back!

Daily Recap: 

• Breakfast:  Nuti Gran Bar & Water
• Morning Snack:  Orange
• Lunch:  2 Grilled Chicken Wraps (Wendy's - no tortilla's) & water
• Afternoon Snack:  Fiber One bar (they are very good!)
• Dinner:  Chicken Parmesan, Broccoli, Garlic Bread (1 slice)
• Exercise:  none
• Weight:  228 pounds (2 pound gain from previous weigh in)
• Grade:  C+

Day 66, 67, 68 & 69

I'm back!  My guys weekend in Vegas came to an end yesterday and I'm back home trying to get rested and ready for normal schedule again.  I say that because when your in Vegas there is nothing about keeping a normal schedule.  I mean after all your in the city that never sleeps and that was just the case for us.  However it was awesome and I had an amazing time.  It started off by all my friends who I have not seen in a while saying "wow man, you have lost some weight".  Its so awesome to hear those words when you have worked so hard at something.  After that I knew the rest of the trip would be great!  So with that said here is a summary of the days I didn't post a blog.

Day 66 (Saturday):
As my previous post showed, this day started off with me doing a quick weigh in before heading out to the airport.  After that is where the vacation started.  Once we got to the airport and checked in we wanted some breakfast.  I got a bagel breakfast sandwich from Paradise Bakery.  It was very good and I'm sure not that good for me, but who cares I was on vacation.  We landed in Vegas about 10:30am and headed to the hotel (MGM Grand).  We were unable to get into our rooms till 3pm, so we all checked out bags at the desk and went out to find some food.  It took a while to get some lunch, however didn't take long to get some drinks.  The Hooters Casino had $1.50 bud and bud lights, so that was our first stop.  After a few rounds there we headed down the strip to O'Sheas and Bills Gambling Hall and Saloon.  Not only do they have cheap tables, but the drinks are cheap there also.  Before going inside we stopped at a food court for a quick meal.  I had one slice of pizza from this New York style place.  It was awesome!  After a few hours (one slice of pizza and lots of drink) we ended up back at the MGM to get into our rooms.  We all got ready to head out for the night, dinner, night club and drinks, drinks and more drinks.  I do remember that for dinner I had some chick wings.  So overall my eating was not that over the top.  As for the rest of the night, well like the saying goes "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas" or maybe its because I don't remember it.  I do remember not getting to bed till about 5am!  So night one was a success!

Day 67 (Sunday):
Not getting to bed till about 5am means not getting up till about 3pm, however not the case.  We wanted to hang out at the pool so we were all up by around 9am.  After a very long night and our bodies hatting us for it, it was time for the pool.  Before heading out to the pool, we stopped by the food court in the MGM and got some breakfast.  Its funny that we all choose greasy pizza, gee I wonder why!  We spent the day at the pool and you guessed it, lots of drinks were on the menu.  After about 7 hours by the pool and a few dozen buckets of beer we called it a day.  We all headed back to our rooms to hang out, drink some more and then get ready to go out.  Brad and I went down the strip to pick up more alcohol as its much cheaper to mix up drinks in your room beforehand.  On our way back from the store we stopped at a Del Taco and got some tacos.  It hit the spot!  We all finally headed out to Vanity at the Hard Rock for some bachelor party fun.  We were on the guest list and had our own reserved table.  This was good times, again what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas!  Once we got back to the MGM a few of us went to the club there for an hour and then made our way over to the food court for another slice of heaven!  Bed time was once again about 5am!  Overall my eating of the day was not good.  Pizza for breakfast, Del Taco for dinner and pizza again after the long night! 

Day 68 (Monday):
This was the wind down head home day.  I got up about 10am, cleaned up and packed my bags.  We didn't have to check out till 3ish.  Before leaving, we all played a little more blackjack (didn't win of course).  Not all of us were on the same flight home, mine being at 5:25pm, however I wanted to get to the airport with the guys leaving at 3:30 with hopes of getting on that flight.  However that didn't happen.  Not only could I not get on the early flight, but my flight at 5:25 got delayed till 6:15.  So I went and got some food, not pizza but a big grilled chicken burrito from The Blue Burrito.  It was so good that I think I ate it within 2 minutes!  I finally got on my flight and went home.  Dawn and the kids picked me up and it was home sweet home!  Dawn told me on the way home they had ordered pizza for dinner so I could have some, haha.  I'm pretty sure I wont want pizza for at least a few weeks.  After a few water bottles I passed out on the couch around 9pm.  I didn't eat that much because all I wanted was water.  It was good to be home.

Day 69 (Tuesday):
I was smart and took today off because I knew I would not feel like going to work the day after getting home from Vegas.  What a good decision that was!  I tried to get back on schedule today with my eating and exercise, however my body was still not 100% and I knew I needed to get some carbs, water and more rest in my body before getting back full speed on my diet.  For sure no exercise until I'm ready because with this heat the last thing I need is to pass out running around the neighborhood.  So as for my day today, well for breakfast I ate a fiber one bar and some honey nut Cheerios.  For lunch I had some leftover pasta and cheese that hand some meat in it.  My afternoon snack was some grapes and dinner was a few tacos from Jack In he Box.  I also drank water all day.  I will be ready tomorrow.

So to sum everything up, mainly my weekend.  It was awesome!  I really didn't eat that much, but sure did make up for it in drinking.  One thing I was worried about was the buffets and how much food I would eat at those, but sadly we didn't eat at any.  Just never had time.  I had an amazing time with some of my longest and closet friends and now a new found love and its name is Las Vegas.  I cant wait to get back, this time with Dawn, however will look forward to going back with the guys again as well.

Tomorrow is a new day!   

Day 66: 226 pounds

The day has finally come....Vegas Baby!

As you can see by my post title, I didn't hit my goal of 225, however only being 1 pound off is still awesome and pretty much a win in my books.  I mean heck its only a pound!  I have not gone the bathroom in a few days so I'm sure once that happens I will be under 225 (lol).  Either way I'm still very proud of myself to have come this far.  It has not been easy, but all the hard work has paid off so far!

I will also not be putting up any posts for the next few days.  Not only will I not be around a computer, but I'm pretty sure I wont be in any condition to operate a keyboard.  I get home on Monday night, so I will either try and get them updated (day by day) that night or on Tuesday.

Thanks to everyone who has followed me and been pulling for me day in and day out.  My Journey is no where near finished and I will continue full speed once returning from the bright lights of Vegas!

No daily recap because its 6:30am and I have not ate anything yet.  However the weight update is below.

• Weight:  226 pounds (down 2 pounds from previous weigh in)

Day 65

Today is normally a weigh in day for me, however like I mentioned in my post yesterday I'm not going to weigh myself until tomorrow morning.  I'm planning to wake up early, weigh in and right a quick post so everyone can see.  If the scale says 225 I will have succeeded n my first goal!  Now what I weigh when I return from Vegas is another story.  I'm not going to over due it, however I'm giving my self a pass for the weekend so I can have fun and not worry about anything diet related. 

As for today, well it was good.  I had a quick breakfast on the got as I drove to work.  I didn't pack a lunch so it was off to Wendy's for a grilled chicken wrap.  Dawn made Chicken Enchilada's for dinner so I got to enjoy a nice home cooked meal as my last meal before a weekend of buffets!

Daily Recap:

• Breakfast:  Nuti Gran Bar
• Lunch:  Grilled Chicken Wrap (no tortilla)
• Afternoon Snack:  Yogurt Cup
• Dinner:  Chicken Enchilada's & Refried Beans
• Exercise:  Running (20 minutes)
• Weight:  n/a
• Grade:  A-

Day 64

It was another busy day for me, not only with work but running around after work getting things for my trip this weekend.  I have been wanting to get a new pair of jeans and a few new shirts for the trip, so tonight I went to Old Navy to do just that.  Dawn gave me a 30% off my total bill coupon, however that wasn't the best part.  The best part was I was down a full waist size and very close to another one.  For the longest time I have been a 40 waist, and a pretty snug one I might add.  No matter how snug the pants were I would never go above 40 as I just couldn't get myself to do it.  I'm very and I mean very proud to say that tonight I got into a size 38!  Even better is they are a little lose on me, so I'm not to far off a 36!  Awesome!  Old Navy shirts all run a bit small, so I still had to get XXL.  However I know that I'm not to far off being back in an XL. 

Anyways, I'm two days away from leaving for Vegas and my first goal deadline.  I don't know if I will reach my goal of 225 by Saturday morning, however I know I will be very close.  I'm not going to have a weigh in tomorrow like I normally do on Fridays, but rather do it on Saturday morning before I leave.  This way when I get home I will know the true damage number.

As for my eating today, it was good.  I picked up a Papa Murphy's pizza and took it home to be cooked.  We get the "lite" thin crust pizza so its a little better for you, or so they say.  We also got a salad and some desert pizza.  Breakfast and Lunch were normal yet again.  No exercise tonight because I had to go shopping. 

Daily Recap:

• Breakfast:  Nuti Gran Bar & Water
• Morning Snack:  Grapes
• Lunch:  Grilled Chicken Breast & Yogurt Cup
• Dinner:  Pizza (2 slices), Side Salad & 1 slice of desert pizza
• Exercise:  none
• Weight:  n/a
• Grade:  B-

Day 63: 228 pounds

The letter of today is W (Wednesday, work from home, weigh in)!  The day started off great because when I weighed myself it displayed my lowest weight today.  I lost 2 pounds since my previous weight in on Friday, yah for me!

Today was a busy day.  Both Brady and Lily stayed home because they didn't feel good.  Lily felt sick, and Brady was still letting his foot heal.  He should be good to go back to school tomorrow and hopefully Lily as well.  After taking Brady to the doctors to have his foot looked at I took the kids to Jamba Juice.  They both were very excited for their smoothies!  We finally got home after a busy morning and it was time for some work.  After a little work I decided to head out and do the yard work.  It was about 2 weeks overdue and with me being out of town this weekend it had to get done today.  So there I was mowing and trimming at the hottest time of the day.  However it made for some good exercise! 

Not only did the grass need to be cut, my hair was in the same boat.  About 5pm I headed up to get my hair cut and would pick up dinner when done.  Dinner was take out from Pei Wei!  After dinner was over and the kids had a bath and were down for bed I went out for a run.  So overall it was a great day!

Daily Recap:

• Breakfast:  English Muffin
• Lunch:  Chicken & Rice Casserole (leftovers)
• Dinner:  Chicken Lettuce Wraps (Wei Pei)
• Exercise:  Running (20 minutes, 1.4 miles), 1 hour of yard work
• Weight:  228 pounds (down 2 pounds from previous weigh in)
• Grade:  A-

Day 62

I don't have much to say about today so I will keep it short.  It was another normal day of eating with my breakfast and lunch.  Dinner was push a few hours because Dawn and I had curriculum night at the kids school.  Once we were done with that we hit up the Wendy's drive thru for something quick.  By the time we were done and picked up the kids it was to late to get any exercise in.  No worries, because tomorrow is yard work time, so I will get plenty of exercise during that time. 

Tomorrow is another weigh in day and considering I didn't get the chance to exercise today I'm hoping that I didn't gain anything.  Well shall see!

Daily Recap:

• Breakfast:  Nuti-Grain Bar & Water
• Morning Snack:  Grapes
• Lunch:  Grilled Chicken Breast & Yogurt
• Afternoon Snack:  Grapes
• Dinner:  Grilled Chicken Wrap (Wendy's)
• Exercise:  none
• Weight:  n/a
• Grade:  B-

Day 61: 230 pounds

Well I guessed it again, this time it was only one pound, but non the less it was a pound in the wrong direction.  Its what I get for eating bad this past weekend.  Oh well its in the past and time to move on.  I had a great day today and feel that I will easily get that pound back and maybe another one by Wednesday.  The deadline for my first goal is quickly approaching as this Saturday is the day.  Looking back on my first post I set a goal of being at 225 pounds, so a 20 pound drop by the time I went to Vegas.  Well my flight leaves at 9:25am on Saturday and unless a miracle happens I don't think I will drop 5 pounds by that time. 

As for today, well it was a normal week day for me.  I ate about the same breakfast and lunch as I normally do.  Dawn made a chick and rice casserole for dinner with a corn on the cob on the side.  It has been one of our favorites for many years.  It was awesome.  After dinner I did all the dishes and cleaned up the kitchen while Dawn gave the girls baths.  After all that was said and done it was desert time for the kids and of course that means ice cream. Is there anything better then a nice cold ice cream cone on a hot summer night, nope didn't think so!

After desert time came exercise time.  As Forrest Gump says "I was running"!  

Daily Recap:

• Breakfast:  Yogurt Cup & Water
• Morning Snack:  Apple
• Lunch:  Grilled Chicken and Peppers
• Afternoon Snack:  Yogurt Cup
• Dinner:  Chicken & Rice Casserole with Corn on the Cob
• Exercise:  Running (20 minutes, 1.5 miles)
• Weight:  230 pounds (+1 since previous weigh in)
• Grade:  A

Day 60

I'm not going to lie, today was not a good day of eating for me.  It started off with Dawn and I cooking breakfast for us and the kids.  She made the French Toast and I worked on the eggs and bacon.  After breakfast we all just hung around the house and were lazy until we had to leave about 1pm.  One of Dawn's friends just had a little baby boy and they had a open house for people to come see him.  They live over in Glendale near the Cardinals stadium, so getting there took a little bit.  After we left the house the kids, mostly Charlotte were hungry so we drove thru McDonald's and got them a fry to share.  Dawn and I each got a small vanilla cone for the drive.  At first I felt guilty for getting it, but after looking it up and seeing that it was low fat and not many calories, I didn't feel so bad.  Plus it was amazing!

Once we got the their house they had a nice food setup for everyone to enjoy.  I referred to it as Super Bowl food where you have a ton of quick finger foods (meatballs, 7 layer dip, pretzels, taquitos, etc).  Now all of you know that I'm a sucker for a "good meatball" and boy did I ever enjoy these.  I must have ate at least 10 of those, a few taquitos, oh hell I tried everything!  

The entire drive home I didn't want to think about food and that included dinner.  However after a few hours we were all hungry so we had to whip up something.  We thawed out some chicken and steak cut up some green peppers and onions and made some kabobs.  Dawn also made some corn on the cob.  It was a great dinner.  I also got some left over chicken and peppers or lunch tomorrow.  After dinner and dishes I changed into my stinky clothes for exercising and headed out for a bike ride.  It was a good way to end the day.

Tomorrow is Monday so that's a weigh in day for me.  I'm really dreading that because I didn't eat that good this weekend.  Wish me luck!

Daily Recap:

• Breakfast:  Eggs, Bacon & French Toast
• Morning Snack:  Vanilla Cone (Small - McDonald's)
• Lunch:  Random Finger foods (Meatballs, Taquitos, 7 layer dip)
• Dinner:  Chicken & Steak Kabob's with Corn on the Cob
• Exercise:  Bike (25 minutes. 3+ miles)
• Weight:  n/a
• Grade:  D

Day 59

Today was great!  It started off with us meeting my Dad and Marie for breakfast at Crackers & Co in Mesa.  Not only did they come, but John and Debbie (Shindledecker) came also.  It was really nice to see them and enjoy breakfast with everyone.  After breakfast we all went in our own directions.  Come lunch time we were still all pretty full from breakfast, however needed to eat something.  It was a "find whatever you can" type of lunch for us.  The kids had some Easy Mac-n-Cheese while Dawn and I heated up some left over pizza.  There was also some grapes because that's Charlotte's favorite food. 

After lunch we all just hung around and relaxed.  It was a wicked hot day, so going outside and doing my yard work had to be pushed back a day.  Hopefully I get motivation to get it done tomorrow.  As for Dinner, well that was another quick and easy meal.  I made Grilled Cheese Sandwich's for everyone with Tater Tots on the side.  The kids also added a fruit cup to their meals.  It was a great dinner!

After dinner and getting Charlotte to bed I put on my running shoes and headed out.  I did my normal run, however one of these days I might have to extend it a bit just to push myself a little more.  So overall it was a good day.  My eating could have been better, but I got to see family so I don't care.

Daily Recap:

• Breakfast:  Eggs, Bacon, Potatoes, Toast & Water
• Lunch:  Pizza (Leftovers)
• Afternoon Snack:  Grapes 
• Dinner:  Grilled Cheese & Tater Tots
• Exercise:  Running (20 minutes, 1/4 miles)
• Weight:  n/a
• Grade:  C-

Day 58: 229 pounds

If you read my post from yesterday you will know that I didn't have the best of dinners.  Because of this and how things have been going with my weight, I didn't expect to lose anything, in fact I thought I might have been up a pound or two.  However this morning when I weighed in it was the same.  I will take it!  The rest of today, well it was busy.  Not work busy, but just busy with little things here and there.

Breakfast and lunch were pretty simple/normal, however dinner was out of the norm.  As I stated yesterday my dad and step mom were going to be in town tonight and tomorrow morning before they head to the Grand Canyon.  So we all went out to dinner, and Mexican was the choice.  We went to Nando's Mexican Restaurant in Gilbert (Val Vista & Baseline), and was it every so yummy.  About the best thing on the menu for me would be the chicken fajitas.  The chicken is grilled, it comes with onions, peppers, beans, rice, etc.  So Dawn and I shared those and they hit the spot.  However after just two I was full, so I stopped there. 

After dinner we headed over to a soft serve yogurt place and all enjoyed some very good and good for you yogurt.  I had a very small serving of the mint flavor.  It was awesome.  After we left there it was back home to relax.  I will also add that by this time my stomach had already started to hate me for what I ate at dinner.  It got to the point where I was yelling at Dawn to drive faster.  I'm sure you can assume why!  Lets just say that my "issues" continued the rest of the night.  It clearly shows that my body was not ready for what I ate.  Oh well I will survive, its not like I have not been down that road before (haha). 

No exercise tonight.  I think I pulled a muscle on the bottom of my foot or something as the ball of my foot hurts.  I think I need to take a few days off from really putting pressure on it.  Well maybe not a few days, but just one.  Tomorrow morning we are meeting my Dad and Marie for breakfast and I have no idea what I'm going to get.  Maybe an egg white omelet or something of that nature.  We will see!

Daily Recap:

• Breakfast:  English Muffin
• Lunch:  Chicken Tortilla Soup (leftovers)
• Afternoon Snack:  Yogurt Cup
• Dinner:  Chicken Fajitas (shared with Dawn)
• Night Snack:  Soft Serve Yogurt (Small)
• Exercise:  None
• Weight:  229 pounds (same as previous weigh in)
• Grade:  C- (Dinner killed me)

Day 57

Another day in the books and even better another day closer to Friday.  I love my weekends and this weekend is even more special as I get to see my dad and step mom.  It will be a very short visit as they are coming to Arizona to hike the Grand Canyon.  They arrive on Friday afternoon and don't need to be to the Canyon till Saturday night.  So that means we get to see them for dinner tomorrow and possibly Saturday morning.  Either way I will take it because 10 minutes is better than no minutes. 

My eating was good today with exception of dinner (more on that in a few).  I still have yet to purchase more protein powder so my breakfast today was a bit different.  Lunch was leftovers and my afternoon snack was yogurt.  Now as for dinner, well it was an order a pizza night for us.  Not only was it a pizza, but some wings and a side salad.  Dawn ordered it from Barros and I picked it up on my way home.  I will say that it was so good and hit the spot.  I didn't go overboard, but trust me I could have easily put down a few slices and a dozen wings. 

Dawn went shopping after dinner, so I got the kids to bed and then played some video games until she got home.  Once she got home I helped unload everything and then headed out for a run.  Tomorrow is another weigh in day and after my dinner tonight I will be happy to see the same number (229) again.

Daily Recap:

• Breakfast:  Apple & Water
• Lunch:  Chicken Tortilla Soup (leftovers)
• Afternoon Snack:  Yogurt Cup
• Dinner:  Pizza (2 slices), Wings (3) and Salad
• Exercise:  Running (20 minutes, 1.4 miles)
• Weight:  n/a
• Grade:  B-

Day 56: 229 pounds

Today was another weigh in day as it was Wednesday.  I didn't drop anything from Monday, however I didn't gain either.  That's a win in my books.  Hopefully by Friday morning I will be under 229. 

I ran out of my protein powder the other day so I had to change it up for breakfast.  Since I work form home on Wednesdays I decided to whip up some egg whites.  Lunch had more eggs involved as I made some egg salad do Dawn and I could have a sandwich.  As for dinner, well that was extra yummy!  Dawn was making homemade Chicken Tortilla Soup.  It made the house smell good all day and it tasted even better!  It had loads of chicken, black beans, corn and tomatoes to name a few.  There was a ton of other stuff in there as well.  It was awesome! 

After dinner Brady and I went up to the batting cages and then I followed that up with a bike ride.  So overall it was a good day.  I ate some good, filling and fairly healthy food and got some exercise in.

Daily Recap:

• Breakfast:  Egg Whites (4)
• Lunch:  Egg Salad Sandwich
• Afternoon Snack:  Graham Crackers (2)
• Dinner:  Chicken Tortilla Soup
• Exercise:  Bike Ride (25 minutes, 5 miles) & Sit-ups
• Weight:  229 pounds (same as previous weigh in)
• Grade:  A-

Day 55

The past two days I have really been trying hard to eat something ever few hours.  I have been doing this since I started this journey, however there are times when I don't stick to it.  So I'm hoping by really sticking to this it might help balance everything and allow me to lose weight quicker.  Not that I'm not happy with my progress, however based on what I eat and how many calories I take in, I should probably be losing it at a quicker pace.  I also downloaded an eating/exercise app for my phone today that so far is awesome.  I don't know why I didn't do this on day one.

My eating was good today and I got out and went running.  Other than that it was pretty normal.  Tomorrow is another weigh in day and my work from home day.  Wednesdays are always tricky/tough for me.

Daily Recap:

• Breakfast:  Protein Shake
• Morning Snack:  Yogurt Cup
• Lunch:  Grilled Chicken
• Afternoon Snack:  Apple
• Dinner:  Cheese Crisp (2) & Frozen Pizza (2 small slices)
• Exercise:  Running (20 minutes / 1.4 miles), 30 crunches, 20 push-ups
• Weight:  n/a
• Grade:  A-

Day 54: 229 pounds

Yes you are seeing that correct.  I was finally able to break 230 pound mark and get into the 220's on an official weigh in day.  I was super excited this morning and have been all day.  As for the rest of my day, well I kept up with my normal weekday routine by trying to each small things every few hours, etc.  I think if I can be strict on this over the next two weeks, I should have no problem hitting my first goal.  In case your wondering my first goal was to be down to 225 pounds (20 pounds total) by the time I went to Vegas with my buddies.  That is two weeks away, so I have a good shot at it.  

I didn't get out and run or bike tonight because I took Brady to the batting cages.  I was hoping to when we got home, but it was pretty windy out and smelt like rain was just around the corner.  Besides my legs were still tired from the past two nights of running and biking.  I will get back at it tomorrow night.

Daily Recap:

• Breakfast:  Protein Shake
• Morning Snack:  Yogurt Cup
• Lunch:  BBQ Chicken Breast & Broccoli (left overs)
• Afternoon Snack:  Apple
• Dinner:  Pasta with meat sauce, green beans and garlic bread
• Exercise:  none
• Weight:  229 pounds (down 1 pound from previous weigh in)
• Grade:  C+ (Darn you garlic bread...haha)

Day 53

Sunday, Sunday, Sunday!  We got up this morning and headed out to church as a family.  While the kids were getting ready I whipped up some egg whites and down then for a change.  I only have enough protein powder for one more shake and wanted to save that for Monday morning.  Hopefully I can get to the store on my way home tomorrow and get more.  After church we had to rush home because I had to meet some buddies for our fantasy football draft order selection.  I run a football league and a few weeks before our draft we pick the order in which each person will pick.  I got the 7th out of 10 and hate it, but oh well I will do my best with it.  We all met at Zipps Sports Bar and at first I was worried because I love everything on their menu especially their wings.  However I was very strong and got the grilled chicken salad and an ice tea, and it was awesome!  High Five Bryan!

Dawn cooked dinner tonight and boy did the house smell good.  She was making BBQ chicken in the crock pot.  She also made this special broccoli recipe she got online.  She roasted it and then put some garlic, lemon, pepper and some graded Parmesan cheese.  It was very yummy!  But that wasn't it, she also made some homemade garlic and cheese biscuits.  There was tons of great food, but I only had one plate, so in my eyes it was another win.  Plus I wanted to have some leftovers for work tomorrow. 

After dinner was done I did all the dishes while Dawn gave baths.  I will say that I worked up a good sweat doing them (there were tons).  I told Brady all weekend that I would take him to the batting cages this weekend, so after all the dishes were done and the girls cleaned it was time to head up there.  One problem, they closed at 6pm on Sunday.  I told him we would try tomorrow night.  So we did the next best thing, picked up ice cream and took it home for him, Lily and Dawn.  Once we got home I decided I wanted to go for a bike ride rather than run.  My knees needed another night off so I pumped up the tires and headed out.  This was the first time I have biked on this journey and really enjoyed it.  I think going forward I will rotate between running and biking every other night.  I can do it!

Wish me luck tomorrow for my next weigh in.

Daily Recap:

• Breakfast:  3 egg whites
• Lunch:  Grilled Chicken Salad & Ice Tea
• Afternoon Snack:  Wheat Thins (just a few)
• Dinner:  BBQ Chicken Breast, Roasted Broccoli and Biscuits
• Exercise:  Biked (25 minutes, 5.6 miles), 50 situps/crunches
• Weight:  n/a
• Grade:  A-

Day 52

Today was a busy Saturday for me.  I got to take Lily to dance (Brady came also) as Dawn stayed home to start cleaning the house.  After dance class we headed to Costco to pick up some photos.  Once we got home I helped dawn clean up a little more and then made lunch.  Lily really wanted pizza when we were at Costco, however I didn't have cash so I told her that I would make a frozen pizza when we got home.  It was one of those small Tostinos pizza's, yes that's right we eat nothing but the best (they rule).  I  made sure there was a few extra pieces for myself.  After the pizza Dawn made some nachos (chips with cheese then baked) for herself and I managed to get a few of those as well.  Lunch was for sure out of the norm for me today. 

After lunch I had to get ready for work as I had to do another dbacks game tonight.  The game I worked Friday night served grilled chicken and veggies, so I knew that I would not get lucky in back to back nights with something I can really enjoy.  Sure enough I was right.  Dinner tonight was chicken pot pie with corn on the cob and mashed potatoes.  I passed on all that and just had the salad bar!

Because Saturday games are at 5pm I normally get home about 8:30pm, however tonight's game was only 2 hours and 15 minutes so I was home about 7:45pm (awesome).  This meant I was able to get out and go running.  I also found out that my iPod keeps track of my info such as the distance (steps), time and calories of each session.  Tonight was the second time I used it and I'm proud to say that I shaved a full minute of my previous time.  I also added in some arm exercises (push ups).

Daily Recap:

• Breakfast:  Protein Shake
• Lunch:  2 slices of frozen pizza and a few nachos
• Afternoon Snack:  Wheat Thins
• Dinner:  Salad (dbacks game)
• Exercise:  Running (1.4 miles), 50 sit-ups, 30 push-ups
• Weight:  n/a
• Grade:  B-

Day 51: 230 pounds

Well today was another weigh in for me and I was hoping so bad to be in the 220's!  However that didn't happen yet again as it seems that I'm stuck in the 230's.  Well it is what it is and I will continue to work hard.  Hopefully something clicks with my body in the next few days and I drop a few pounds.  That would be awesome!

That's about all I have to say about today.  Nothing big happened as I stuck to my normal diet plan.  I didn't get any exercise because I had to work the Dbacks game, however I'm going to try and get up early tomorrow and go running.  Wish me luck!

Daily Recap:

• Breakfast:  Protein Shake
• Morning Snack:  Yogurt Cup
• Lunch:  Grilled Chicken Breast
• Afternoon Snack:  Yogurt Cup
• Dinner:  Grilled Chicken and veggies with a side salad (Dbacks game)
• Exercise:  none
• Weight:  230.0 pounds (same as previous weigh in)
• Grade:  B+

Day 50

Wow its been 50 days, can you say amazing!  Other then that, the rest of the day was pretty normal.  I did really good today because I knew there was another weigh in day tomorrow.  I really want to be in the 220's and I hope tomorrow is finally the day that happens.  As for my eating today, well like I said it was a good day (plus exercise).

Daily Recap:

• Breakfast:  Protein Shake
• Morning Snack:  Yogurt Cup
• Lunch:  Grilled Chicken & Broccoli
• Afternoon Snack:  Apple
• Dinner:  Tuna Sandwich (home made)
• Exercise:  Run (20 minutes, 1.4 miles) & Situps
• Weight:  n/a
• Grade:  A+

Day 49: 230 pounds

Not only was today weigh in day, it was also back to school day!  Brady was heading into 2nd grade and my little princess Lily was heading to preschool.  Where does the time go?  After Dawn and I dropped them off we decided to go out to breakfast as a "we are free again" celebration.  You see for the past few months Brady has been home with Dawn as she works and with me on Wednesday's when I work from home.  At first it was fun, but over the last few weeks you could tell he didn't want to be here anymore and was really bored.  He needed to get back into school with his friends!  So breakfast was a nice relaxing treat for us.  We went to The Good Egg and it was great.  I know this was probably not the best move for me, however I really enjoyed it.

For lunch I made Dawn and I each a cheese crisp and it was then back to work in a quiet house.  No more iCarley, Spongebob Square Pants or Big Time Rush playing in the background.  It was awesome.  As for dinner, well it was just me and the kids as Dawn had plans with her cousin to go see the movie "The Help".  They all read the book so they were really excited to see the movie.  So I cooked up some chicken nuggets for the kids and made a piece of grilled chicken for myself.  I also cooked up some broccoli to go with it.  After dinner and baths I told the kids if they helped me clean up I would take them to get ice cream as a first day back to school thing.  They wanted Dairy Queen so I ordered two small blizzards and a cup of water.  Guess what one was mine. 

As for my weight this morning, well I dropped a half pound getting me back to 230.0.  Please, please let me get into the 220's by my Friday weigh in.

Daily Recap:

• Breakfast:  The Good Egg (two eggs, potatoes, bacon & one piece of toast) =(
• Lunch:  Cheese Crisp
• Dinner:  Grilled Chicken Breast & Broccoli
• Exercise:  None
• Weight:  230.0 pounds (down 1/2 pound from previous weigh in)
• Grade:  C+

Day 48

I don't have much to report on today so I will keep this short.  I worked the Dbacks game tonight so I didn't get the chance to exercise.  I was planning to still go when I got home, however the game took forever to complete and I didn't get home till about 11pm.  I was to tired at that point to go out and run.

Tomorrow is back to school for Brady and the start of school for Lily.  It should be a crazy and busy day!

Daily Recap:

• Breakfast:  Protein Shake & Hard Boiled egg (egg white only)
• Morning Snack:  Yogurt Cup
• Lunch:  Grilled Chicken Breast
• Afternoon Snack:  Apple
• Dinner:  Soup & Salad (dbacks game)
• Exercise:  none
• Weight:  n/a
• Grade:  A-

Day 47: 230.5 pounds

Monday means another weigh in day.  I was hoping to get back to 230 after what I guess was a rough weekend that had me gain 2 pounds.  Well I came close, I dropped 1.5 pounds getting down to 230.5.  Mark my words when I say I will be below 230 come Wednesday.  Don't get me wrong I'm still very happy with having lost 1.5 pounds.  Any weight gone is good with me.

As for the rest of today, well breakfast and lunch were about the same as they always are during the week. I got out of work early so we could go meet Brady and Lily's teachers.  They both start school on Wednesday and both couldn't be more excited.  Its awesome to see the excitement on their faces when they talk about it.  Because we had to go to the school it meant a quick meal.  On my way home I stopped and picked up the family chicken nugget meal from McDonald's.  I'm proud to say that I only ate 3 nuggets and left the rest (and fries) for them.  This wasn't the only thing I ate, I also made a cheese crisp and had that.  I know a cheese crisp and 3 nuggets is not that good, but it still wasn't bad (my opinion).

I did resume my exercise routine and got out for a run tonight.  My legs were a bit tight at first, but after a few minutes they got loose and felt good.  I don't keep the time it takes me, however know I'm getting faster.  Maybe going forward I will start using a stopwatch.  I think there is one built in my ipod.

Daily Recap:

• Breakfast:  Protein Shake
• Morning Snack:  Yogurt Cup
• Lunch:  Grilled Chicken Breast
• Afternoon Snack:  Apple
• Dinner:  Cheese Crisp & 3 Chicken Nuggets
• Exercise:  Running (20 minutes, 1.4 miles) & Situps
• Weight:  230.5 (down 1.5 from previous weigh in)
• Grade:  A-

Day 46

It wasn't as busy today as it was yesterday for me, however I did manage to get my car cleaned and repaired the busted toilet (filler valve).  Other than that it was a pretty normal day.  I cooked breakfast for the family (eggs & bacon) and cooked grilled cheese sandwich's for lunch.  I was good and only ate a little bit of the eggs but had 2 pieces of bacon.  I passed on the grilled cheese and had a piece of grilled chicken.  We all went over to Dawn's parents house for dinner, so it was someone else cooking.  They cooked up some burgers & dogs and had some noodles and baked beans.  It was very yummy!

I didn't get out and exercise today/tonight because of how much I did yesterday.  I needed to give my legs and body a rest.  Lets hope that decision doesn't hurt me come weigh in day tomorrow.  My last weigh in I was back up 2 pounds to 232.  So hopefully I'm back at 230 or less tomorrow morning.  Stay tuned!

Daily Recap:

• Breakfast:  Eggs & Bacon (2 pieces)
• Lunch:  Grilled Chicken Breast
• Dinner:  Hamburger, baked beans, noodles & small salad (all this was on one plate, so small servings)
• After Dinner Snack:  Pickle
• Exercise:  None
• Weight:  n/a
• Grade:  B+

Day 45

I was an active/exercise machine today.  The morning started with Dawn getting up early as she went to take photos of a girlfriends newborn.  This was her first photo shoot where someone wanted her to do it.  I'm very proud of her as she is really becoming good and really enjoys it.  Maybe someday it will make her some side money.  She left the house at 8am and at which time I started to clean.  The kids all played and stayed out of my way as I went room to room.  After I had the inside done I put Charlotte down for a nap and headed outside.  To me this is all exercise!

I had 4 tickets to the Dbacks game tonight, so Dawn and I took both Brady and Lily.  Charlotte is still to small so she went over to Nanny & Poppy's for a little bit.  For being at a baseball game I did ok with my eating, again it was a baseball game with my family.  After the game and picking up Charlotte I returned home, laced up my shoes and headed out for a run.  As Forrest Gump said "I was running!"

Overall it was a good day.  I got lots done, ate good, got to go to a baseball game with my family and got a run in.  It was swell!

Daily Recap:

• Breakfast:  Yogurt Cup
• Lunch:  Grilled Chicken Breast & Protein Shake
• Dinner:  Hot Dog, few Nachos, 1/4 pretzel.
• Exercise:  House Cleaning (3 hours),  Yard work (2 hours), Running (30 minutes 1.4 miles)
• Weight:  n/a
• Grade:  B- (food at the ball park hurt, but exercise helped)

Day 44: 232 pounds

I was not a happy camper this morning as my weight went back up to 232, meaning I gained those darn 2 pounds back.  Looks like I'm in one of those funky states again.  I ate good all day even with working the dbacks game so hopefully I can stay on that same pace and get out of this funk.  Tomorrow night I'm planning to take Brady to the game, so I will have to be extra strong with my eating.  I'm planning to work hard at my exercise this weekend and know I can get those two pounds back!

Other than that I don't have much to say about today.

Daily Recap:

• Breakfast:  Protein Shake
• Morning Snack:  Yogurt Cup
• Lunch:  Grilled Chicken Breast & Veggies
• Afternoon Snack:  Yogurt Cup
• Dinner:  Soup & Salad (worked dbacks game)
• Exercise:  n/a
• Weight:  232 pounds (+2 from previous weigh in)
• Grade:  A-

Day 43

Today Dawn and I took Brady and one of his buddies to the movies to see the Smurf's.  He wanted to see the movie before going back to school and we thought it would be fun if he took a friend.  Because of this I worked from home again so we could all go.  I'm not going to lie when I say I'm worried for my weigh in tomorrow morning.  Based on what I ate today, I have a feeling that I wont hit my goal of 229.0.  Oh well, it was worth it as Brady had fun and it was awesome taking him and his buddy to the movies. 

I wasn't able to exercise tonight because Dawn was out and it was my playing Mr. Mom.  She had a scrapbook thing and didn't get home till late.  I'm going to try really hard to get up extra early tomorrow and go running before work and mostly before I weigh myself.  I know I have said this in the past and have never been able to (i love to sleep), but I'm really going to try. 

Wish me luck tomorrow morning!

Daily Recap:

• Breakfast:  Protein Shake
• Morning Snack:  Yogurt Cup
• Lunch:  1/2 sandwich & 1/2 salad from Paradise Bakery
• Afternoon Snack:  Popcorn at the movies (I only had a little bit)
• Dinner:  Small Turkey sandwich & grapes
• Exercise:  None
• Weight:  n/a
• Grade:  C-

Day 42: 230 pounds

Today was a weigh in day for me and my goal was to get back the two pounds I had gained last weekend plus one.  Well I hit the first part of my goal, but not the plus one.  I was still very happy with seeing the 230.0 again.  As for the rest of today, well it was pretty normal.  I went to the store with Brady and picked up some things so the house was not empty anymore.  When we got home we made sandwiches with the lunch meat I had just purchased and added a side of grapes.  Dinner was some chicken and pasta with a side salad and some veggies.  Dawn has been making the pasta meal for a while, however we have not had it in a long time so when she suggested it I was super happy. 

Thanks to another monsoon storm I was unable to get out and run tonight.  I was kinda happy because I wasn't really in the mood and just wanted to relax.  It was also good to give my legs a rest.  I will be back at it tomorrow for sure.

Friday is my next weigh in day.  I'm hoping to see 228 on the scale!

Daily Recap:

• Breakfast:  Protein Shake
• Lunch:  Turkey Sandwich & Grapes
• Afternoon Snack:  Graham Cracker
• Dinner:  Chicken Pasta, Salad & Veggies
• Exercise:  n/a
• Weight:  230 pounds (down 2 from previous number)
• Grade:  B+

Day 41

So yesterday was a good day of exercise and eating except for the garlic bread at dinner.  I was hoping to have that same momentum carry over into today and sure enough it did.  Nothing different with my breakfast and lunch, however I did add in a different type of snack other then yogurt.  I love my yogurt cups, however I'm all out of them right now.  Same goes with dinner food, we are out of just about everything and need to get to the store.  Tonight we cooked up a frozen pizza and some chicken nuggets.  It was no where near the size of a normal restaurant pizza, so the 3 slices I ate were probably equal to 2 normal slices.  I also snuck in a two chicken nuggets that were left over from the kids.  So overall dinner was not the best for me, but I had to eat and like I said it was all we had.

After dinner I went out for another run making it back to back nights that I have gone.  This time of year I need to take advantage of every night that we are not having a monsoon storm.  I'm pretty happy with myself that I have done almost 3 miles in two days.  I could have never done that a few months ago, so I have come a long way in 41 days.

Tomorrow morning is weigh in day and I'm really hoping that I got those 2 pounds back plus one.  I'm hoping to see 229!

Daily Recap:

• Breakfast:  Protein Shake
• Morning Snack:  Apple
• Lunch:  Grilled Chicken Breast
• Afternoon Snack:  Apple
• Dinner:  Frozen Pizza (3 slices) & 2 chicken nuggets
• Exercise:  Run/walk 30 minutes (1.4 miles)
• Weight:  n/a
• Grade:  B-

Day 40: 232 pounds

Well what I thought would happen, happened!  The scale this morning read 233.0, I had gained 2 pounds since my last weigh in on Friday.  Based on the weekend I had of eating, only 2 pounds is not bad and I will deal with it.  Of course I'm not happy about it, but there is nothing I can do about it except bounce back strong this week.  

My dad has been keeping a close eye on me via this blog and he thought I was going to come out of the weekend down an extra pound to 229.  I so wish that was the case.  Hopefully by my next weigh in (Wednesday) I will be back to 230 or less.  Either way I say thanks dad for the daily support, or as Billy Madison would say "thank you daddy".

As for the rest of the day, well I got right back on track.  Protein shake for breakfast, grilled chicken for lunch and lots of water throughout the day.  Dinner has been the only meal that I have been mixing up on a regular basis.  Tonight was chicken and pasta with spinach, green beans on the side and some garlic bread.  I didn't go overboard and kept it under control.  After dinner was over I put on my running shoes and headed out.  Overall it was a great Monday!

Next weigh in day will be this Wednesday (8-3-11).  Keep your fingers crossed I get my two pounds back.

Daily Recap:

• Breakfast:  Protein Shake
• Lunch:  Grilled Chicken Breast & Apple sauce cup
• Afternoon snack:  Yogurt cup
• Dinner:  Chicken pasta with spinach, green beans & garlic bread
• Exercise:  Run/Walk 30 minutes (1.4 miles) 50 sit-ups
• Weight:  232 pounds (2 pound gain from previous weight)
• Grade:  B+