Day 276

Wow, I underestimated my potential this week! I just hopped on the scale and saw 222!!!!!! I think I may be a bit dehydrated right now, so im probably in the area of 225 more the less. Still, my goal was to be in the low 220s by the end of may and bamo Im here!

With the new west tour on the horizon, Im a bit stressed. But never the less, I know things will go well. Ill try to keep my blog posted while on the road

Day 272

This move has really bogged me down, I almost lost my glasses (found them this morning thank god) and considering ill be out of my place in a few days, it seems illogical to go get a bunch of groceries. Ive been eating out almost every day and some hefty portions along with that. Im going to have to be real careful about my food choices as I go on the road with New West this next week. Its and exciting time, but also a very crucial one. I know that Im in the middle of my second (of three) phases in my weight loss journey, so I know that keeping the eyes on the prize is crucial. Im almost too scared to weigh myself this morning becuase I may be a pound or two up from where I was last week at this time. The point is, I do feel better about myself than I did a year ago.

It felt great to clean out my apartment and throw away all the old clothes. So many have such terrible memories - particularly the t-shirts from high school which were all XXL-XXXL. I hated how I was then, and I fully intend on never going back. Just like my music, its simply an issue of keeping it tight and my shit together now. I just cant let it get out of control again - if I do Its for sure a life sentence of struggle.

Music wise, I had a couple of great gigs with Joe Bagg and Matt Slocum this week. And now Im really looking forward to being on the road with New West. I just purchased off iTunes last night a new cd by bassist Tom Warrington with guitarist Larry Koonse - its absolutely marvelous. Larry is such a great player. Plus, I got the new Jack DeJohnette CD with Bill Frisell. Thats some awesome stuff too.

Now with me out of school, I sure feel compelled to practice more. Im looking forward to this. The goals right now are all so very clear for me, with my music, work, and health. I know exactly what I need to do. Now its just an issue of actually accomplishing it. Here's to 272 days, and 70 pounds later!

Day 265 - the real world

Now that Im done with college, it feels great. Ive played more guitar in the past two days than I have all semester it seems. Ive been transcribing, learning new tunes, and composing as well. Im getting excited about a couple of gigs this friday and saturday - two nights with Joe Bagg and Matt Slocum at Cafe 322 in Sierra Madre, CA. Be sure to come out if you're in the area.

Health Column Update:

As for my excersize, things have been rough without the lyon center. I went for a run yesterday and it felt great, but awkward. Im so used to working out in a controlled environment such as the lyon center. Now, Ill have to get used to working out outside. Plus, my eating habits have been off as well, considering im in the middle of a move - I don't really have my food around the house.

My goal for the rest of this week is to get a cooler, and go to the grocery store to buy some stuff to nibble on. I still can make progress while in transition. Maybe my goal should be to just maintain my weight for the next few weeks. Tonight, I had a big splurge, eating a huge cheeseburger with the works - guacamole, veggies, and everything. I feel so terrible right now, especially after all the hard work I have done. I need to keep my eyes on the prize. Its amazing to see how far I have come the past 265 days, and I still have a ways to go.

I think Im going to revise my weight loss goals right now. Here's where I stand

August 2005: 300lbs
Today: 230lbs
By july 4th: 225lbs
By August 31st: 220lbs
By Thanksgiving: 200lbs
By New Years 2007: 190lbs

I think this is a smart move. We'll see how it goes. Im at a major fork right now, with all these things changing so much around me its hard to keep up. But I know I can do it and I plan on sticking to it.

After August, Im going to try and fill up my blog with more music related things as well. For August, Im going to start a musical resolution as well. Im going to revitalize my entire playing and practicing routiene and after a summer of touring with the New West Guitar Quartet, im sure Ill be ready to conquer anything in my way. Cheers!

Day 255 - my 22nd birthday

Here I am, Ive made it past a second goal and now Im heading into the 220s. Im excited for this year, because it may be the first time in my life I have been at a healthy weight. These past few days Ive been making some pretty liberal food choices, but Ill have it under control. My goal was to get to 227 by sunday, but im not sure if ill be there this week. We'll see - im just going to continue to eat 6 meals a day plus excersize the next three days and we'll see what happens.

I will have to say that deciding to do this has been quite a journey during my 21st year. A very appropriate age to do this, I felt that part of becoming an adult was taking charge of your health. So here's to another year of good health and wellness!

today: 229
may 28: 221
august 31st: 200
October: 190