"Winning!"

February 7, 2012: Day 92; 1:54PM:  Numbers first, then experiences and observations.  I lost 2.4 pounds this week bringing me to an even 45.0 pounds in 91 days and I sit currently at 230.0 pounds.

Now last week was anything but normal, as we had our first event, hours and routine were longer and tougher to keep, and workouts were consistent and productive.  But again I continue to be inspired by others sharing their experiences with me.

Three particular instances I want to reflect upon.  I find them both humorous because I seem to be in need of being hit over the head to realize things that apparently are right in front of me, and motivation to continue this journey with even more vigor and focus.  Allow me to explain.

During our event on Sunday, which was a great success and became a benchmark of expectation for us in preparing for June, I had the opportunity to see people do incredible things, enjoy the experience of being active and fit, and make the day one the whole family could participate in.  In doing so I had the opportunity to interact with friends, and make new ones, and promote our company to all and our community as a whole with pride in both us and our sponsors. 

The First example came as we were set to announce our winners in the different categories, I took to the podium at the Pro Football Hall of Fame to introduce myself, welcome the participants, and turn the program over to one of my bosses.  In doing so, as I introduced my self - I happened to scan down to two tables right in front of the podium, and two ladies had recognized me from some of the local publicity going around due to this journey and I actually overheard the one say to the other, "That's the Guy from the paper!"  I physically had to stop myself from chuckling because A.) I never anticipated such an overwhelming flood of support from so many who I have never had the opportunity to meet, and B.)  I have to admit as the physical changes have begun to take shape in a way that is more noticeable as of late, I cringe at the thought of recognizing my former physical stature.  Fat Camp  (Aultman Weight Loss Center) is truly amazing and I am and will be forever grateful for the very real "new lease on life" but boy am I excited to get some of the after pics up!  ;-)

Second, came just last night at Fat Camp (Aultman Weight Loss Center).  I met a wonderfully sweet lady who has just begun the program.  She was very nervous and it was her first experience with weigh in and class.  She explained that her daughter has been in the program and she started due to the overwhelming success the daughter has had, losing 60 plus pounds! Being new, and not knowing me from Adam, she confided in me her anxiety and introduction to the shakes, and asked questions of me and how I felt about my experiences with the program, products, trials, tribulations, etc.  I was very excited to encourage someone through the different emotional as well as physical adjustments that I made and did my best to quell her anxiety.  The humor came when she asked if I noticed a difference in my physical appearance.  I pulled up a picture from my phone taken a month before I joined the program.  As she reviewed it and looked back at my current self,..she grew more and more impressed, (No That's not the funny part).  She then said (here it comes) "Wow, you're handsome either way (feel free to belly laugh here), but that is a striking difference."  Chuckling out loud I thanked her for the compliment and said "No need to lie Ma'am, I'm comfortable with my short comings at this point."  She sincerely met it, but I still find those remarks a bit far fetched with the lights on.

Finally, also at fat camp last night the head dietitian had me for the consultation part of the  evening immediately following weigh in.  Maleda (Please excuse the spelling as I'm not entirely sure of it's accuracy) after asking questions she had similarly touched on recently mentioned that she'd really prefer I attend the actual class portion more.  She feels it would be more beneficial to not only my overall progress, but also to the blog, and give me a more substantial depth to experience on all levels.  She was right for two reasons.  One, I found some fairly useful hints I took away from the otherwise familiar information presented in class.  To continue to  have an opportunity at big numbers the further along we are into the program, we have to continue to increase water consumption.  While I have been fairly consistent with consuming between 120-150 ounces of water each day, I have not in the better part of a month attempted to increase my consumption.  Huh, imagine that, regular attendance improves results.  I certainly wish my college professors had been a little more adamant, I might have learned more than keg stands, how many shots I could do when mixing beer, and spent less time developing my "Fun Bobby" alternate personality.  ;-)  Second, it gave me the opportunity to meet the wonderful lady mentioned above which continues to motivate me to new heights in progress.  The conspicuous aspect of the request was that when I said yes I would be happy to do so and firm up the lose ends, Maleda kept revisiting the issue as if I had not originally conceded.  HA!  I am wondering if she didn't have a conversation with my wife or mother and was warned I would be a difficult sell?!?!?!?  Rest assured Maleda, I'm in with both feet!