John's Weblog

Day 1961

2011-01-10T21:46:00.000-08:00

Since my last post, its been two years, four months, and two days. Its been 1,961 days since beginning my weight loss journey on August 22, 2005.

Today I swam about 20 laps - 500 yards and ran about 3 miles.

Diet: Breakfast: toaster waffles w/almond butter; snack: jerky, grapes, almonds; dinner: veggie chili & popcorn; snack: toaster waffles. Dessert: dark chocolate

Current weight: 236

My lowest weight was the spring of 2009, circa april 30 - 212 lbs. Difference of 24 pounds.

My goal is to get to 190lbs.

Day 1107

2008-09-08T21:50:00.000-07:00

Not having an easy time here. Im really upset, angry, stuck, mad, and I want to be left alone. .

Day 1095

2008-08-27T22:37:00.000-07:00

Today was tough, I did well with the diet and exersize, but Im just in gridlock with everything else. My schedule is a mess, I can't get my students organized, Im not prepared to go on the road, Im tired, and I need my time to get ready for all the shows coming up. Im definitely feeling the stress right now.

Tomorrow marks the 3 year mark of losing weight. Im really proud of myself. I know I've kept it off this long and I can keep it off. Now I just need to lose another 50 pounds and Ill be home free.

I can do it. I was closer today.

Diet:

Oatmeal, almonds, pistacios, potstickers w/hummus, apple, 2 luna bars, more almonds and pistasios, jerky, a turkey sand (this was whipped together in a short amount of time and had some stuff I didn't want, like mayo and white bread, but still a good choice) then at 9:30 when I got home, I had pita w/turkey, cabbage, lettuce, and more hummus

Workout was a good run on the beach today.

My weight is up today at 224-225. Very discouraging, but I know its just the beginning. Got to keep moving on and looking at past blog entries.

Thanks for the support.

Day 1094

2008-08-26T23:31:00.001-07:00

Getting close to the three year mark, trying to balance my weight down by the 220 mark for the anniversary.

Diet:

BreakfasT: oatmeal. Lunch: potstickers w/hummus. Snack: assorted jellies, 100 grand bar, diet 7up. later snack: apple; dinner: whole wheat pasta, chicken, w/hummus

I ate way too much pasta tonight,should have avoided the sugared bars

excersize: twice around the lake

I wish I had someone to be with right now. Im so freaking lonely.

Day 1093

2008-08-25T23:04:00.000-07:00

Went to the grocery store. Tried to load up on as many fruits and veggies that I would actually eat and not have sitting around my house like ornaments.

Brunch: fixed cuban style black beans with brown rice and turkey meatballs. . . didn't finish half of it

teaching snack: tortilla chips, granny smith apple, rice cakes, luna bar.

dinner at 9:30pm: whole wheat pasta, 3 small chicken thighs, little mozzarella and hummus

Really all hit the spot, not that bad for me. . . except my dinner was too late, and i ate too large of a portion before going to bed. As I sit here and write this blog, its all going to the mid section. . .

Excersize was great, walked around echo park lake this morning and jogged from hermosa to manhattan at night. If only I did that for the past 1000 plus days. . . then id probably have it off of me. .

The good news, Im feeling alot better today than I did last week after feeding on fast food everyday while i stressed out about everything in my life. Right now Im trying to excert that stress into postitive gains like working out and eating right. We'll see how long this goes. . . Its going to go for a while now. . . ill just say that.

Weight: 224

Day 1092

2008-08-24T22:42:00.000-07:00

Hello to my blog, how I have missed our regular hang.

I've not been around because I've been lazy, forgetful, tired, and in general, off track. Im ready to get back on. Its time for me to get moving again.

I leave on tour next week for a month with New West. We're now a trio, its better than ever. Still no love life yet. Still somewhere around 225 pounds. Was 214 last march. I know I can reach 190 by the end of the year with my trainer. There's a reason I've been large the past two years. I know I can really look great below 200 mark.

Going to go to the store in the morning and get the groceries for the week. Im committing myself to eating well, and base my diet around fruits and vegitables. Tomorrow, and maybe wednesday, are my final days of running on the beach until the end of tour. Going to try and kick my ass tomorrow.

Things are going to be great in the fall and Im going to prime myself in september by trying to lose some pounds on the road.

I thank god, my mom, and my friends, for continuing their support.

Things have never been so messed up in my dad's family as they are now. And you know what, Im going to let it all go. Im going to try to figure out how to let go of the anger so I don't let it out on someone and either kill them, or assult them. That would be bad.

Going to start dating again in the fall, whether or not Im as thin as I want to be.

And anyone who doesn't believe that this can happen, myself included, can just go screw themselves.

Cheers and looking forward to getting there. Im going to get myself a new outfit when I do. Something in style at the moment. Not even sure what it is right now.

Day 781

2007-10-17T09:07:00.000-07:00

emergency, working on getting back into it.
Will post more info at a later date.
Current mark: 228.

Day 771

2007-10-07T01:01:00.000-07:00

Free day.

excersize: walk/run around echo park lake

food:

1. eggs
2. cottage cheese
3. 2 hamburger patties
4. tomatoes
5. 2 cookies
6. ham and cheese croissant
7. in n out burger and fries - killer! . . . .was awesome
8. 2 twix bars!!
9. and water
10. some diet coke

Day 770

2007-10-05T22:17:00.000-07:00

Excersize: a brisk walk around the lake. . . again. . .

1. cereal w/milk
2. some peanut butter
3. corned beef sandich w/lettuce, tomato, mustard
4. pickle
5. diet coke
6. 1 small brownie
7. 2 tamales w/salsa
8. yep you guess it, water

nice rehearsal w/pritchard and hang with brian green and brady today, lots of fun. Practiced and prepared for the new west gig tommorrow - looking forward to that. Had a nice chat with my friend v.f. on ichat about her fish, and other random stuff. I don't care what it is we talk about, i always enjoy talking with her. Then i sat and watchted TV and messed around on the internet, thinking about my fitness way too much. Im glad I don't have a scale in the house right now. I don't need it.

Day 769

2007-10-04T20:09:00.000-07:00

Excersize: four times around echo park lake, running and walking intervals

diet:
1. cereal
2. peanut butter spoonful
3. turkey sanwich w/swiss and mustard
4. chips and salsa
5. 2 lean beef patties
6. cottage cheese
7. tomato
8. 4 eggs (between breakfast and dinner)
9. water
10. 2 lean turkey sausages w/buns and mustard

Perfect, I give myself a 10 today.

Practice, did a ton in the morning and none in the evening.

Day 768

2007-10-04T00:29:00.000-07:00

Great day today! Practice was off and on, but i taught a bunch and had a productive new west rehearsal. Im going to shed like crazy for the next three days to prepare for the video shoot.

Excersize: twice around the lake

Diet:
1. cereal w/milk
2. scrambled eggs w/salsa
3. 1 spoonful of peanut butter
4. 1 chicken cesar salad wrap w/pickles and peppers
5. 12" subway tuna sub w/all the right veggies
6. bag of lays baked chips
7. diet coke
8. water

I resisted tempation to eat candy and cookies twice today - i really made some progress. . .
i can see the trends. Today was a big day for me, Im definetly on the road again. Lets see how I do tommorrow!

190 here I come. . .

Day 767

2007-10-02T20:51:00.000-07:00

Today ran twice - first, twice around echo park lake, then second, around elysian park up and down in the hills. I like this neighborhood, its great for excersizing. . . . . .

Today i ate well:

1. cereal
2. 2 spoonfuls of peanut butter
3. water
4. chicken tamales w/salsa
5. some tortilla chips
6. 2 clif bars throughout the day
7. chicken
8. rice
9. salad w/italian dressing
10. 1 slice of bread
11. water
12. twix bar

This was a great diet, based around protein at every meal, but also good fats. While I could have cut calories by avoiding the twix bar, and the dressing, and the chips, that would probably have been 500 calories right there. Tommorrow, im going to make my big lunch, and a nice breakfast. Ill have to plan on my meal for the evening.

Practice wise, I worked again on coltrane tunes, at pretty fast tempos. Spent some time looking at chord chemestry, and frankly enjoying my way getting into the groove.

Day 766

2007-10-01T22:36:00.000-07:00

Settled into my new place, i ran around echo park lake today. Very nice, im going to do this everyday from now on.

Today i ate:

1. kashi cereal
2. 1 toast w/peanut butter
3. 2 chicken tamales
4. chips/salsa
5. bread
6. bbq chicken salad
7. soda

Today I practiced about an hour, again worked on Lazy Bird, Stella, and in general, my phrasing.

alright- tommorrow, leaner, no soda, avoid chips, more running, and perhaps some sit ups too. . . look over some tunes haven't seen in a while. Work on ii-V ideas.

and Im on the road to recovery. . .

Day 750

2007-09-16T09:13:00.001-07:00

What a past few months

Ive been to europe, been on tour with NWGQ (and as of today, still on the road for another week), marked the 10th anniversary of my dad's stroke, moved out of long beach, and am still in the middle of trying to start over again for this year

My weight goals haven't been met, and while Im giving myself another year, I know its going to take several more months to catch up and near the mark i have been wanting to be at for over two years.

Its amazing to think that I've keep off about 75 pounds, and even more daunting to know I would like to lose 40 more. I reached 216 back in may, and now have ballooned back up to 230. Eating weird food at weird hours in weird places while being on the road for two months definetly takes its toll after a while.

I made it through yesterday. It wasn't easy, I can remember how bad things were 10 years ago and how far many of us still have to go. My mom still is trying to get settled, and of course, being in my profession, im still trying to get grounded as well. My dad is trying his best, and I could only wish that we were able to have more in common. It seems our paths are spread so far apart now. I wish we could spend more time together and get to know one another again, or at least do lots of the stuff we used to do together. It was so nice to go fishing again back in july.

Seeing my friends in Bend, OR really hit home for me, now I see where Id probably be had we not left town. I saw the girl who I have missed so much the past 10 years, and it was like seeing her all over again for the first time. That was difficult to say goodbye again.

I drove through Pendleton on tour and spent a week there prior to leaving. Its a difficult place to visit. I feel so much pain while im there, and yet this ever present connection to my past which I can't seem to let go of. Also, for one reason or another, i feel guilty every time I go there. Like i could have prevented everything and the misery that I see all my family go through. Still not sure quite what to do about those feelings. Bend was hard too, it was great to see old friends but i was so sad to be back there and not call it home. I just wanted to park my car in front of 1861 autumnwood ct, walk in, see our dog, my parents - probably my mom would be working in the garden and my dad flipping through daytime TV shows on his so called "break' from work (which in the end was pretty much always). Then walk up stairs to my room, which would probably feel a bit out dated, and then visit my friends who i would have seen and been with all those years. I guess this is all a dream which, for some sad reason, was never supposed to come true for me.

So today im making another promise to myself again, to constantly work toward building my sense of home and stability in my life. A lot of this also has to do with the weight loss goals I've had.

-trying to make wherever I am feel like home, because home is where the heart is.
-moving on from wanting my childhood back, which came to an abrupt halt when my family crumbled apart on sept. 15 1997
-stop blaming myself for the decisions my parents made, which included the poor health habits i saw in my father
-stop wishing that my parents will change and start accepting them and "coping" with their lifestyles
-finding new ways of getting support in my life from my friends, career and myself.
-taking the next step in bettering myself by trying to feel good about my physique, and losing the weight
-Realizing that the weight is simply a physical manifestation of how i have felt inside all these years, and its okay and reasonable to think im going to struggle with reaching my goal
-losing the physical weight is much easier than unloading the emotional weight.

So im going to keep trying. And while this week might be difficult, considering im still traveling, im going to at least attempt to bring down that number i saw on the scale this morning.

Day 750 here we go. . . . ..

Day 641

2007-06-06T20:13:00.000-07:00

1. Trader Joe's soup
2. Chicken Sandwich w/tomato and lettuce
3. caesar salad
4. walnut cookie
5. 1 orange soda
6. glass of water

excersize: 20 min eliptical

Tommorrow, im going to try and take a dent into the food I have here at my place, and prepare to go grocery shop for the next two weeks on monday - also going to do some weights tommorrow, im going to go to bed early tonight so I can get up in time in the morning.

Day 635

2007-05-31T21:02:00.000-07:00

Wow, a month went by, and I completly blew off my blog. . . I guess this is still part of this long journey im still on -

This month has not been very strong for me in terms of staying on track, however I have made some improvements here and there. Its a new month tommorrow and June 2007 is going to be a big month for me with regards to my health.

Salude,

John

Day 600! (day 22 of BFL challenge)

2007-04-23T09:35:00.000-07:00

600 days and nearly half the man i was, here I am in my apartment beginning another day of practicing and composing, preparing myself for further musical adventures down the road. While I may not have a gig tonight, I know that my gigs are coming soon and like all men in the military i must be ready for action.

My fitness plan has overwhealmingly gone superb. Ive kept the weight off, and lost another 10 pounds for over a year. While I still want to lose another 30 pounds, I know im on the verge of it. Right now, I need to focus more on my music and hopefully that will distract me enough to get the last bit off. . . . .

I broke my promise to myself this morning though, and stepped on the scale. But Its good news because I seem to have lost a few pounds the past couple weeks, and yet my waist line is still the same - i guess this means im gaining some muscle and losing some flab.. . .

Today I started using a timer in the weight room - I didn't realize how fast I was going before. Now I can pace myself a bit more (to quote good old Mr. Talbot, wherever you are. . .) and slow down. I think that slowing down my weight routiene, in particular, will get me some better results. New workout clothes yesterday, always excite me, and im ready to start doubling up on my cardio sessions. Since today was a weight day, tommorrow will be some eliptical action in the morning and then im going to go for a run when i get back from what will presumably be a slow day of teaching tommorrow.

So todays song is going to have two vibes. . . . im trying to figure them out right now, we'll see how it goes.

Wish me luck with all this, it seems my life is so simple right now - all i have to do is write about 10 tunes for myself, another few tunes for the guitar quartet, continue to book our summer tour, and lose another 30-45 pounds! And while all these tasks may seem easy, they do take a lot of planning and goal work. We'll see how it all goes. . .

Cheers to 600 days and a NEW LIFE!

597/19

2007-04-20T21:35:00.000-07:00

The day started off perfect and ended in utter catastrophe diet wise. Excersize was good today too, tommorrow is going to be hard also with the swimming and all, im looking forward to it.

By next week, things should be back to normal. Im actually seeing some better definition this week, im excited that improvements have surely been made the past couple weeks.

Music wise, worked on the new west record today, didn't get much practicing in. . .

595/17 (yesterday)

2007-04-19T07:43:00.000-07:00

Splurged quite a bit at the harbor house, had fries and the works, still had a great workout in the morning. At night had a nice shrimp dinner

Today is day 596/18 and im going to go swimming right now. . . .

started working on a version of im getting sentimental over you for the quartet, in a samba style, we'll see how it goes. . . more to come for today's post. . .

Day 594/16

2007-04-17T07:47:00.000-07:00

I had three meals this weekend that would qualify as destructive to my diet, not only because they were pretty big, but because I ate so late into the evening. I seem to be back on track now - the excersize is coming along great, yesterday worked upper body exclusively and today Im going to go swim hard. I packed a great lunch yesterday and wasn't hungry for a second . . . thats so much the key. . .

Im still working on this goal for a due date of early july, and I think I can still get there. This is really, really, really hard work for me now. I never thought it would be this tough.

Music wise, im excited to work on some organ trio arrangements today. I've got some great gigs coming up in the coming months to look forward to and im so excited for this.

Thanks so much for all your support everyone and I look forward to the journey ahead!

Day 589/11

2007-04-12T14:19:00.000-07:00

So far, so good - still doing well with the excersizing. However, yesterday i ate out all three meals, but i still made good decisions. Today, i've been a bit off, having cereal, 2 pieces of toast for breakfast, and for lunch 2 beef patties, 2 corn dogs, 1 whole wheat pita. For my dinner im going to pack, ill be sure to put in a bunch of vegitables and maybe a half of a sandwhich instead of a whole one. I swam hard this morning, and it felt great. Tommorrow, is lower body weights. Saturday morning, im going on a long run. I've started measuring again, which i really should stop. But im doing well, i've lost 1 1/2 inches the past 11 days! so now i only need to lose 8 to get to my goal. . . i can do it! cheers

Music wise, composed some more pop stuff today, and worked on that hard classical piece i have to perform on sunday. Ran through the changes on a few tunes, now its off to teach and tonight a rehearsal with Slide Fx - should be fun.

. . . here comes mom again. . . uh oh. . .

day 587/9

2007-04-10T10:16:00.000-07:00

Last night was fun again, an evening of jamming at the mint and hanging with lots of friends from out of town. Although I sounded like crap last night, im still trying to not be too self-concious of my playing.

Man its so tempting to drop a line on the AIM, but i know she's busy and ill have to wait until at least tommorrow afternoon. . . the suspense is just crazy!!!! !?!?!!@#!@!

Today, i rode the bike at the Y, cause the machines were all taken, still feeeling amazing, and i've already lost over an inch around my waist! Im still determined to not step on the scale until the end of the month. . ..

diet has been great, yesterday ate perfectly, today i intend on doing the same.

Hopefully when my mom comes to town this week, ill be able to plow through and not fall victim to her taking me out for dinners and stuff. I've bought my groceries, and I intend on still cooking them here.

I think the key to success right now is to really focus on my music, and then the weight will come off, i've been so fixiated with the goal i think its been frankly rather distracting and defeated the whole purpose to begin with. And everything has changed since i met her last weekend, i think this has helped too, we'll see how well it all goes. . . .

Day 586/8

2007-04-09T10:12:00.000-07:00

Things have been great! Yesterday ate a great diet, today shopped at trader joes, bought enough food for a couple weeks, have been doing well with the excersize and it feels good to stay away from the scale for a while. My goal is to get to my birthday with this and then scale in. Talk about a wonderful week - i was out all week listening to music and sitting in at jam sessions, and on friday I hung out with some friends and met the most amazing girl ;-) then saturday i had an evening to myself where i swayed from the diet for one meal and had some delicious fish tacos and a brownie for desert - yum. Yesterday was all protein, lean ground w/cottage cheeze, peaches, tomatoes, and lettuce and for dinner spinich/potato soup.

Im excited for this week to get to hang with her again, continue to write and practice, and focus on progressing with my lifing routine. Today i did lower body, tommorrow is all cardio, and then ill work on upper body on wednesday.

I also budgeted things out for me this week and i seem to be doing quite well for myself financially right now.

Things could be worse. . . wish me luck with it all :-)

Day 582/4

2007-04-05T10:34:00.000-07:00

After four days on the challenge, im feeling great - and im seeing and feeling huge improvements. Although, its been tough to make this a perfect week, but it sure has been perfect in all aspects of the word. My diet has been streamlined, and my excersize has been balanced and effective. Yesterday:

Lower body routine - leg press, lunges, crunches, standing calf raises, etc.

Diet:

1. cereal
2. cottage cheeze
3. brown rice
4. vegie patties
5. artichoke hearts
6. salsa
7. cesar salad
8. salmon - 3-4 oz
9. steamed veggies
10. some white bread w/sesame seeds
11. wheat toast w/peanut butter
12. water water water

Today, i had a great swimming session in the morning, and a good breakfast, im going to shoot for a similar lunch and dinner, i think that my motto of "consistancy gets results" still holds true, and while Im going to try my best with not getting bored with this food, im going to try to stick to the same stuff, maybe then ill drop a few more pounds.

I really want to take things one day at a time right now and focus on the goal . . . come the 4th of july i want to see some results. Its been a great year so far, march had its ups and downs, but overall, i've had great trajectory and I need to keep the positive reinforcement going. Maybe this body for life challege will really push me over the top? We'll see!

Day 580/2

2007-04-03T10:42:00.000-07:00

The dawn of a new horizon, and April, have both arrived. After a month of frankly being rather depressed, being invaded by the big M for the majority of the month, and the spring break season, im now ready to buckle down for the next 12 weeks and get these damn results that have been so flimsy for me the past few months. I've decided to enter the body for life challege, and we'll see how it goes, my before pictures are still pretty etrocious, and I can only hope that ill see that six pack come july. So here are a few changes i've made to my diet and plan:

1. Im taking a vacation from the scale and tape measure - im not going to weigh in until my birthday - May 5 or the day of the Pioneer Challege - May 10. and then ill weigh in after the challenge is done.
2. Im cutting out the processed foods i was buying like pretzels, chips, any sort of snack bar, and any other sort of thing that trader joes has, you'd think it would be healthy, but i think its been preventing me from getting to my goals.
3. Im trying my best to cut all soda out all together, that includes diet soda
4. Im trying to eat out only once a week right now - this might be the hardest goal . . .
5. Im going to alternate between weight routiene and cardio routienes - this way i can maximize both sessions without just dabbling in both for an extended period of time
6. And honestly, im trying NOT TO THINK ABOUT IT all the time!

I have my music to work on, lots of composition goals, and tunes to write . . . I honestly believe that it will come to me when i least expect it, and most want it. . . and after 9 months of staggering 30-50 pounds from my goal, I know now that i want it bad. . . I also want my music bad too, and after last night's session, that was once again re-iterated for me again. . .

yesterday I had:

1. cereal
2. cottage cheese
3. carrots
4. peanutbutter/jam on whole wheat pita
5. almonds
6. celery
7. brown rice
8. 2 morningstar veggie patties
9. artichoke hearts
10. salsa
11. cobb salad w/avocado, chicken, bacon, apple, and balsamic vinegarette dressing

exersize: upper weights routine, the seated dumbell press was hardest for me . . .

today Im going to have:

1. cereal
2. cottage cheese
3. carrots
4. brown rice
5. artichoke hearts
6. 1 mini-pizza bambino
7. peanut butter/jam sandwhich
8. celery
9. almonds
10. laughing cow cheese

exersize: cardio on the eliptical 25 minutes - from 10-25, alternating intervals low int 2 min, high int 1 min. . .

So far im on the right track and I already feel better, and its only been 2 days into this - more journaling to come. . .

Day 565

2007-03-19T12:58:00.000-07:00

Less inspiration today unfortunetly, haven't really gotten into my groove with the writing thing . . . . still chopping out this arrangment of pensativa, not sure where exactly its going right now . . . hopefully tommorrow, more with that.

Workout was good today, still around 218-220 range. Had a great breakfast, cereal and cottage cheese followed by a lunch with a mini-pizza, brown rice, and green beans. After lunch, I had a crazy chocolate craving!! had to ignore that one, started nibling on some cereal to get my mind off of it. I must say though, its hard, i almost walked down the street to seven-eleven to get my twix . .. . ahh the tempations. ..

dinner is TBD, but probably pack myself a sandwich and some celery and carrots. hopefully that will be enough to get me through the teaching tonight - a long one, i think i got like 3.5 hours today. . .

Day 564

2007-03-18T12:57:00.000-07:00

Goodness, such progress! This morning, went for a run in the bolsa chica preserve - its so nice out there, really had a great time. Hopped on the scale today and saw a 218! i can't believe it, im back to where i once was - - now i really wanna see some results this week - although my mom is coming to town on thursday, i musn't let her destroy my trajectory!!! hahaha

Tonight, planning on seeing the LAGQ after a gig in san diego, its on my way back up.

Day 563

2007-03-17T08:34:00.000-07:00

March has been madness alright, no luck with the weight loss yet this month. I started off on the wrong foot, on the first, after entering in my blog.

This week was alright, i did rather well - but im pretty convinced that regardless of what you eat when you eat out, you're never helping your diet. I can't budge beyond my current weight!! this is so agrivating. I guess this week, its gonna be worth it for me to really count the calories. I have 20 weeks before i leave on tour, my goal is to have lost 20 pounds by then - i wanna see 190-200 by the time i leave on tour. I guess the inspiration of knowing ill need new clothes and the such is good enough for me.

Im getting nervous about this summer and fall - its looking a lot like last summer's plans. Ill leave on tour, then get back and have no idea where to live or what to do. Im pretty much done with the idea of teaching.

The unknown . . . and yet, these are the glory years.

Still, i wanna get down 45 more lbs, and lose anywhere from 8 to 10 inches off the tummy. Why is my excersizing not working for me?

Here we go again. . . . . . . . .

Day 546

2007-03-01T13:07:00.000-08:00

Nice to know that today, march 1st has come. I've lost over 15 pounds since christmas, and working on losing another 5 pounds this month. With the mixes of the new west record taking up most of my day, im working on focusing my efforts a bit more into my own compositions as well.

Day 542

2007-02-25T16:32:00.000-08:00

Today, a nice day to myself in long beach. Its looking like its gonna rain out, and its been rather cold all day. I went for a run this morning, and nearly froze off the last 30 pounds. . . just couldn't bring myself to do it.

Last night, dinner alone at gladstones, followed by a minute in borders and some ice cream which never tasted so good. After arriving home, I stayed up till 3 writing a song for melinda - im really happy with it, its got a nice beat to it, and some layered voice and guitar parts which emphasize my feelings for her.

Goal wise, im 221!!! Congradulations, to myself. Im now back to the greener side. As march comes, im confident I can at least get to 215 by the end of the month - working on these last 30 is crazy. My body is having a hard time adjusting, but its so important to me right now - maybe more than ever. I want to look my best. Im gonna look the best.

Day 535

2007-02-18T10:47:00.000-08:00

This week, I injured my shoulder somehow, and as a result, i didn't workout from tuesday to friday. Ironically, I lost about 5 pounds this week, reaching 219 on the scale today. I ate very light most days, nearly fasting since i didn't need all that food. Its amazing how I've lost around 15 pounds since new year's, this being the most progress in my diet for almost 9 months. While this low number on the scale im sure reflects dehydration, its still exciting to see that I really only have 29 pounds left to go until my goal of 190. Today I also read a bit about the Master Cleanse diet, and while I don't want to do it yet, I think Im gonna try it once I get to 190. Then maybe itll take me down to 175. Im going to try and see the chiropractor this week, maybe he can help me with my upper shoulder. In the mean time, im gonna try and stay off the computer - i think that's part of the problem. Man, pizza sounds good right now.

Day 528

2007-02-11T14:48:00.000-08:00

What a weekend - had such an unbelievable time last night, saw some great music at the jazz bakery and I hung out with some amazing ladies in manhattan beach. It was so much fun dancing with caitlin and hanging with her friends, she's such an amazing woman.

Paul Dooley's recital went very well, the piece was amazing. And the teaching was good on saturday, and then in the morning i met the most amazing girl at seattle's best in irvine. I did the usual drop of the note to tell her how pretty she was, hopefully ill run into her again.

And then. . . . even after eating cake at dooley's recital and everything else - i still managed to weigh in at 222 today! even seeing a 221.8! Thats unbelievable, considering I weighed 10 lbs more about a month ago. Im definetly on the right track now. Its for sure gonna happen. Going to target today and picking up some new dress clothes made me feel good, even though I know I still have a "weigh"s to go hahah.

this week i have a lot of work to do, and im gonna get it im sure. I have a recording session on friday for new west, some papers to write and more recordings to do. . . ill keep you posted. Thanks to the YMCA, im back to where I was in october.

See you at 190 (or more like 175) hahah

Day 525

2007-02-08T09:57:00.000-08:00

Things are moving along today, im now 224, and i had a great workout day yesterday - gym in the morning, and running at night. This morning, I worked out my legs, and ran for 10 minutes, and did the eliptical for 20. Hopefully, Im not doing too much. Right now, my primary goal is to get below 218, where I was back in october. At this rate, Ill hopefully be there by the end of the month.

This cut on my finger has really set me back - im gonna have to shed this solo guitar thing im recording tommorrow, with three fingers - ugh. As soon as I enter this entry, im logging out for the day on the web. This internet thing is driving me nuts right now, don't quite know what to do.

Day 524

2007-02-07T11:30:00.000-08:00

Well, i had a frustrating day yesterday, my teaching schedule constantly changing, and then i had a bit of a stomping fest with my scale. I guess i shouldn't get so upset if im up or down a few pounds every other day.

The point is right now im on the right track at least, currently, im about 225. I really want to be back to 218 by the end of the month, and maybe 210 by the end of march, followed by a trend into the 200s in april and may, then maybe 190 and beyond by this summer. At least my waist is getting smaller and i weigh the same, that means im putting on some muscle.

Food wise, im really stuck right now, i broke my george forman on the floor of the kitchen by accident, so i can't cook chicken. Im so sick and tired of brown rice and veggies - they really stink. I hate eating these little tiny pizzas that are full of fat, but are the only thing that fills me up. I hate making sandwiches, its just the same old crap over and over again. I gotta figure out my grocery situation a bit more. I know trader joe's is the trick, but i need to diversify a bit. Im just afraid im gonna get the wrong thing that will lead me to maintain or gain weight over the course of two weeks.

Right now, im doing my laundry. As I sift through my clothes, I can't wait to get new ones. My clothes are so worn and old, i only have a couple of shirts that fit me right now, and one pair of jeans that fit. I don't want to get new ones until i get this waist size down a bit more. Only a couple more months and then ill go get that stuff.

Im on the internet so much right now, i need to slow down a bit. After entering this blog, im gonna log out until 5:00 when i should check in with my student.

Help

Fri - Day 519 (today 520)

2007-02-03T08:06:00.000-08:00

Friday's are not my good days. I hate how I find myself alone in the evening, no where to go, the end of a week that was less than productive, debating weather or not to go out or face the gloom reprise of staying in. Last night, I went to the yard house. Ate a nice chicken salad - dressing on the side of course. Then went to go see a terrible movie called "Because I said So". Thank god its saturday morning now. I can go teach my lessons and then come home and get the ball rolling on some serious practicing for a week of recording sessions.

Weight wise, I was around 227 this morning. I guess it fluxuates a few pounds, im probably more like 225. With this being my first week of my mom gone, I can tell that its gonna be easier to stick to a strict diet plan, not being tempted to go eat out for free or get free slop food from her sorority house.

Men's health has a nice issue this month that seems to directly speak to me. Focusing on weight loss, it seems that all the tips they're giving the readers, im following, and it sounds like, when you read the article, that Im the one writing it. This reassures me, and hopefully with some more consistancy, ill eventually reach my weight goals. Right now im just trying to get to 218 again, then ill be back to the lowest spot in this journey (approx. sept-oct 06).

I can see myself reaching there by the end of the month and hopefully reaching into the 2-teens.

Im really desperate for some new clothes, the ones Ive been wearing for about a year are really not doing the trick and I have only three shirts that fit me properly. But why go buy new clothes when Im only gonna throw those ones out after getting to 175-190???

Also, I figured out that its probably wise to skip a day of excersize a week becuase the body gets used to such activity and becomes less impactful on my body. This morning i tried to get up at 7, but no luck. Tommorrow, ill go for a run in the evening after I return from LA.

On friday I ate:

1. Cereal
2. 2 pieces of toast w/peanut butter
3. low fat cottage cheeze
4. grapes
5. pastrami and turkey sand
6. chips/pretzels/doodads
7. chicken salad w/avocado, fried stuff (probably should have avoided that garnish), corn, beans, lettuce, tomato, chipolte and ranch dressing.

So besides the dressing, the fried stuff on the salad, and the fact that I had around 6 servings of carbs, it was a pretty good day. I also ran down to the pier from here. Ill probably make it to the gym on monday for another week of weights/cardio/and jolting this fucking hill off my chest.

Day 518

2007-02-01T14:00:00.000-08:00

Things are well, i've really got a grip on this. Im working on these last 45 pounds, and at this rate, ill be there by july.

Current: Feb 1: 224, 42"
Goal: July 23: 175, 32-34" (day 689)

So maybe by day 700- thats only 200 days off of my original goal - we'll see.

Day 517

2007-01-31T11:42:00.000-08:00

Progress has been made so far - now im back to around 225! Im gonna have to hold out strong on day 518, 519, and 520, and thurs, fri, and sats have always been my problem days. I re-evaluated my calendar, and its looking like the pioneer challenge is still on schedule - and unfortunetly for my spare tire - its looking like ill be there come may or june. Ultimately, Ive decided Id like to get to 175, but im going to work on 200, then 190, then 185, and finally 175 - it seems that will be the toughest.

As of today, my mom is gone. She's moved back to portland. I guess you could say this is a positive thing, im excited to see her head home. I feel so much more free now, I feel like I can really get out there and not have to worry about her. Its gonna be so much better having her 1000 miles away in portland.

I think today is a piviotal day in this 500+ day journal. When i started out, I had no idea it would take this long. Here I am, still 49 pounds away from the goal, and look at what ive learned.

Day 508

2007-01-22T12:37:00.000-08:00

It was hard, but I had to do it. Today, I stepped onto the scale. I know things haven't been perfect in december, and while for the most part january has been good, ive still not been able to work out as much as I need. Regardless, I had to know. And the damage is in. Im up to 230 now. No arguing with this one. I was 218 back in the fall, and now Ive managed to pack 10+ on.

As I sit here in my disheveled apartment, waiting for another day of teaching to befall me, I look out my window and see the two towering palms over my apartment and the blue sky behind them. Im thinking - can I really get there? What are people going to think this summer if I haven't reached 190? Will they see me as a failure? Will I be able to lose the weight in time? How does my mom affect my weight and will her move to Portland change things? How can I work around my difficulties?

So now, Its up to me to answer these questions. First of all, Im going to clean my apartment right away, and the teaching will be easy today - mostly new students and continuations of things we've been working on, as always.

Answers:

1. Yes, I can get there, because that's where I should be.
2. If I haven't reached 190, people will still be impressed by my weight loss
3. No, they won't see me as a failure
4. Yes, I can lose the weight in time - its 15 weeks till the pioneer challege, and 20+ weeks until the tour
5. Eating out affects my weight, and thats what I do around my mom - after she's back in portland, im sure things will get easier for me without the temptation to make bad choices
6. Plan ahead, keep packing lunches, and keep driving back to Long Beach - its worth the gasoline money and time to come back down here for a workout - or keep an extra set of workout clothes in the escort.

If I try to lose 2 pounds/wk until my birthday, I can be 200 by the pioneer challenge and 190 by the tour - but I have to start this week!

Day 501

2007-01-14T10:28:00.000-08:00

So far, so good this month, as I have worked hard on turning a new leaf. Practicing has come well for me the past few days, preparing for the new record this week has proved to be quite inspiring. My apartment looks great, Ive spent a lot of time organizing and getting off on the right foot.

Diet and excersize wise, had a decent week. A couple of days I forgot my packed lunch/dinner before I headed out the door. But I still managed to make wise decisions. I went to the YMCA a few days this week and really had a couple of great workouts. This next week, im going to focus on my lower body a bit more, and continue with the agressive cardio workouts I have been doing in the morning.

I still don't want to hop on the scale until the end of the month - I know if I continue to do what Im doing, then ill get closer to having both feet back on the ground. Im really shooting to reward myself come march, hopefully after getting closer to my goal.
I still think its possible to see some results come june or july, at this rate. While I know day 500 had originally been my intention to achieve the goal, sometimes we just can't forsee the results as much as we'd like to.

Day 496 cont. . .

2007-01-09T22:27:00.000-08:00

What a productive day - had a great talk with Pat Martino on the phone, he's such a nice person, not to mention jazz legend. After tallying up the day, I totalled about 5 hours of practicing, maybe a bit more. I spent almost the entire day just playing be-bop. Tommorrow will probably be similar.

Excersize wise, as I said earlier, I got to go run today for a couple miles. Diet wise was perfect, having all the stuff thats in my zone.

Tommorrow, Im going to hit the Y early in the morning and work the muscles. Start off by doing about 20 laps in the pool freestyle, the doing upper body work and 100 crunches. Maybe spend some time on the eliptical and tredmill as well. I want to work my ass off.

Its hard realizing how far I still have to go, I really should get down to 180 or so. But for now, its just a matter of consistancy as that will get the results. Good night and good riddens!

Day 496

2007-01-09T09:08:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, day 495, was a monday. A monday in every respect of the word. I was chased down by some random dude on the street and had to call the police, then I had to round-up all my students to remind them about lessons and in the process lost a few, I practiced for three hours, but then wasted two on the phone, only taught for an hour in irvine and spent two and a half hours in the car then another 30 minutes parking the car.

Luckily, I ended it on a high note - visiting Land up on 2nd street, and seeing Matt Otto and Adam Schroeder with a bunch of great cats - definetly a good hang. And I managed to get two sessions out of it!

Diet and excersize wise, I have really succeeded the past 9 days of the new year. Ive been able to resist temptation for certain foods, managed to excersize almost every day, and included new weight training over at the YMCA in Los Altos. I think Im going to join that gym since its the most economic for me.

As day 500 approaches, I am reminded of my long-term goals. While I didn't reach my penultimate goal for day 500, I am on the right track. This kind of health plan takes a much longer time to work itself through, and I figure by may or june I should be closer to the goal weight, if not there.

I guess the only thing stopping me right now is making sure that I don't eat out and that I pack all my meals to work/rehearsals/gigs/etc. I also need to figure out my excersizing on fridays and saturdays. Those seem to be the hardest days for me, but I know I can schedule it if I wake up earlier.

Music wise, I started my practice journal again. Today, Im going to compose a tune, review the new west book again for our upcoming record, possibly transcribe some Breaker off of "Two Blocks from the Edge" which Im listening to right now. I really want to go CD shopping - ill have to go in another couple of weeks.

Well enough for now - I have to get to work!

Day 492

2007-01-05T19:35:00.000-08:00

Things going well into the new year! After a week of traveling down from Portland, my mom and I finally got to Long Beach. The rain was killer, and im so happy to be back in the sunshine!

Music wise, today I didn't get much accomplished as Im practically re-moving into my apartment and trying to get myself straigtened out as far as my organization is concerned.

Tried working out at the Los Altos YMCA today and I really liked it! I think thats the place for me, and Im going to join! Its great since I have a free week's pass there, im gonna see how easy it is for me to get over there. Today I swam 500 yards, ran 1 mile, worked on the eliptical for 5 min at a gradual intensity, and worked on triceps, did about 60 crunches, and bicep curls.

Tomorrow, im going to get up early, go for my run on the beach, fix my lunch to take to teaching, then come back and have a nice shrimp dinner here. My mom is my houseguest the next couple of days while her Sorority is doing some work.

So the final verdict, is that I gained some weight, im back to 230, but Im not fretting. I know Ill get to 200 by march, and 190 by april. So long as I can stick to eating at home, kill the soda pop, stop eating out, and excersize as much as I can. I guess I need to balance out the strength and cardio traning every-other day. Im going to get serious come another week - first I need to get into gear with the teaching and practicing.

Hopefully, Ill be blogging more about my music than my health, but then again, Im trying to track my progress with the health thing just as much, if not more, than my music goals.

Day 488 - Happy New Year/Here we go again!!

2007-01-01T12:18:00.000-08:00

Well with a new year comes resolutions, and since practicing more and getting into shape seem to be once again this year's theme, im thinking this just might be my year!

So far today, Ive done over 100 crunches, 35 pushups, and a bunch of other abdominal exercises. Breakfast was kashi cereal and toast w/peanut butter. Hooray for a good start!

Be sure to keep an eye on the blog for my entries as I document and track my diet and health plan for all to see. I started this blog 488 days ago as a way to keep track of what Im doing, now its become more of a journal. I figured that if I had a bad day, then this blog would be a good motivator/embarrasser since I have to post everything I eat and how I excersized. Perhaps thats why the past six months have been rather unsuccessful - since Ive seemed to stop blogging as much. Its hard to be on my plan starting today since Im still on vacation for a week - but I still plan on working out and following through with as many healthy choices as I can.

Good luck to you all in the new year, and I know that you all can accomplish whatever it is you are setting out to achieve!

Day 487

2006-12-31T10:28:00.000-08:00

Happy New Years to all! Its wonderful to look back on 2006 and see all I accomplished - graduating from college, touring with new west, holding a great senior recital, starting a teaching studio, moving into a new apartment, and, oh yea, losing around 50 pounds.

Looking forward, this year is going to be a great one. Im still working on my health goals and working every day to achieve them. Even though Im a bit off right now, being on vacation and all, I know that by march Ill start seeing some more results. By may or june Ill be at my goal. While I know its a bit dangerous to write that, (looking back at August and seeing how these past few months I have failed my objectives), Im going into january knowing the challenges that lie ahead of me, and forcing myself to compensate for them. Frankly, I can't wait to not have to blog anymore about this and start writing about my musical and career goals!

New West will be recording here in a couple of weeks which I am very excited about. Our new record is going to be amazing and Ill keep everyone posted with regards to how that goes. We'll be touring this summer, probably in july-august so Ill be contacting many of you to locate good venues and residencies for our '07 tour.

Have a good holiday tonight!

Day 484

2006-12-28T19:29:00.000-08:00

Still here in Portland, battling the cold weather, but I must admit it is nice for a change. Last night, I made my way down to Jimmy Maks. It was great to be welcomed and invited to play with Mel and the guys, hearing a kind "welcome home" really made my day. We played "But Not for Me" and "Stablemates". Im actually going to head down there tonight again, this time more to enjoy the music and hang with the guys. Louis will be on the B-3 and ronato on the tenor. Definetly, JMs is where I belong.

Finally worked out today - went over to the YMCA in sherwood and gathered myself a week's pass. I spent the first part of the workout swimming, then I went and tested my weights again, followed by some abs work and eliptical, then to conclude again i the pool. I stepped on the scale upstairs and - big mistake - the reading was well into the 230s. But considering the devastaing week I had in Pendleton, where my diet seemed to be strictly consisting of comfort food and sugar cookies, Im not really too concerned. I do feel bigger though, Ive got my work cut out for me the next few months.

Food wise, still didn't make the best of choices:

no breakfast
burrito bol from chipolte - I know it sounds bad, but it was actually pretty good for me - I opted to not have the tortilla and had lots of chicken in mine -
diet coke
then dinner was half a roasted chicken - should have avoided the skin but I never do.
more diet coke
had a dinner roll last night at 3:00am and one this morning again

Man, this diet is really hard while on the road traveling. I bought some salmon today so Im planning on having that tommorrow, Im going to eat some cereal first thing in the morning and we'll see what the rest of the day brings.

Looked around for weights today, and I found a posting on craigs list for some selecttech bowflex dumbells. I think that is a good thing for me - freeweights are what I need right now.

While I appoach day 500, I reflect on how these past 17 months have changed my life. I have gone in many phases, sometimes focusing on the outside, sometimes on the inside. August to December of this year has been the hardest part of my journey - maybe even one of the most challenging parts of my life to date. I began with a great momentum after touring with new west and then crashed into this three week vacation here in oregon, only to find myself at the same weight I was at in august. I know its only up from here, and My goal is still to be at 190 pounds - now by june.

Day 475

2006-12-19T08:31:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, i didn't really get the chance to run - its freezing here in Portland. i did my strength training though - ill have to try and get over to the round-up club in pendleton while im up there to maintain the cardio stuff.

diet wise, still off the ball a bit - no breakfast, lunch = turkey sand w/bacon, avocado, veggies, on wheat - munched on chocolate during the day - then dinner prawns fried, skewered, battered, and baked w/chowder and salad.

these next 25, I really want to hit the ground hard! Ill keep you posted!

Day 471

2006-12-15T22:15:00.000-08:00

Ran and did interval training, approx. 4 miles today - although I could have gone harder, it was a bit cold outside

Diet wise, ahem. . .

Breaded Chicken Strips w/fries
Grilled Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Pineapple Pizza
Diet Coke, Diet Coke, and more Diet Coke!

and a cookie for breakfast . . .

and we wonder why im still 25 pounds from my goal!

Music today - rehearsed with David Pritchard - got my ass kicked with the reading once again . . . .

Tommorrow morning - Oregon 06-07!

Day 470

2006-12-14T01:31:00.000-08:00

Doing better these days, heard some great music tonight by Robby Marshall. Had an easy gig today for a corporate chistmas party, ya know how those go. Ive been working on the tune "Naima" recently - wow, such a pretty melody - coltrane is such a genius

Health wise, ive been good about the excersize, but made some lax decisions about my diet - got more to write but its getting late. Cheers!

Day 444

2006-11-17T09:27:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was wonderful, I finished writing two new songs for myself, practiced a good 4-5 hours, and had a fun evening with some interesting peoples. Today, Im really looking forward to rehearsing with New West and playing for the kids at the LAMAS academy.

Tuesday means a trip to Park City, UT, all 800 miles of it. While i dread driving in the car alone all that way, i think its gonna give me some nice down time to reflect and prepare for thanksgiving, hahaha. Thanksgiving is just one of those holidays where i dread the thought of putting on a few pounds - even though I won't this year - i know it.

These past few months have sucked hard - I hate this anticipation of getting to my goal weight, while not budging where Im at right now. WIll I get there? Or will this struggle drench me to the bone? I guess time will tell. Regardless, Im still on my "Pioneer" challenge - Ill be where Im gonna be by May 10, 2007. Here's to following through with a dream!

173 days and counting till May 10.

Means, basically, every week I have to lose 1 pound to get to my goal - well I guess in order to do that, Ill need to have a few power weeks in there, with little error room!

Day 426

2006-10-30T13:50:00.000-08:00

As these days keep adding up, i realize how much progress ive been making in my musical goals and health goals as well! Musically, these past couple of weeks, ive been still working on writing and composition as well as looking forward to the new west record to be recorded in january. This week is going to be pretty chill - my tuesday students have all bailed on me cause of halloween, so im trying to fill up my time with jam sessions and the like.

While im in my third week of the abs diet now, things are going well - ive noticed a difference and i seem to be back on track - i just need to push myself to do the strength training more - that seems to be my weakness. I really don't like all the crunches and sit-ups i have to do all by myself here in the apartment - but its alright im sure. Diet wise, im doing quite well cooking - went to the grocery store yesterday, got my stuff ready for the week. Here i go!

Day 413

2006-10-17T21:25:00.000-07:00

And yet, another stellar day. I had a great morning - practiced for about three hours, mainly playing along with some great records by Eric Alexander, Jim Hall, and Chris Potter. Then I continued further with my David Pritchard Music which Is really coming together well! Still breaking in my new strat, and boy I sure like it - super comfortable and really easy when it comes to my teaching b/c it doesn't take up much of my studio space. The New West album is coming together well - I had a great talk with Perry over the phone discussing in greater detail the arrangements and solo order, et al. I think this next album is going to be one of my most proudest moments as a guitarist.

As for my diet and excersize, a wonderful day once again - similar to yesterday except I followed the abs diet again, and rather than walking like I had done yesterday, I did abs and strength training today. Man, im super weak - but I know Ill get stronger - I just need to keep track and push myself farther and farther!

Diet wise, yet another great day (except for my little splurge just a moment ago :-) hehe

1. Kashi cereal
2. protein shake - a whopping 60% of my daily protein right there
3. toast w/ jam
4. brown rice
5. chicken
6. tomatoes
7. broccoli
8. soy corn dogs (which may sound bad, but man they're really really good)
9. popcorn
10. almonds
11. strawberries
12. dark chocolate
13. strawberry coffee cake
14. diet coke
15. water (although I really ought to have more than Ive been drinking)

So here it goes, day 3 of 40, I think Im going to see some major strides in the next few weeks!

Day 412

2006-10-16T21:40:00.000-07:00

Today was phenomenal - got a new guitar - a shiny Fender Strat, american made, with a pickup system a bit different from ordinary strats, and a nice butterscotch finish. I needed a solid body, i have two gigs this week where im gonna need this kinda guitar so Im glad I got it. And boy! what a steal! the guys at the music store gave it to me for nearly half off.

My excersize was great - I did 20 minutes of interval training, i started cramping up at the end so im glad i didn't have to go any farther!

And food wise - get this!

1. Protein shake w/almonds
2. Kashi Cereal
3. toast w/jam
4. chicken breast
5. brown rice
6. broccoli
7. tomatoes
8. almonds
9. popcorn
10. peanut butter non salted pretzels

Unbelievable, the only unfortunate thing is I didn't get a dinner, but I did have a huge lunch so thats good. Today is 2 of 40 for my abs diet routine. Kinda silly to be thinking about toning my abs right now, but I think im on the right track with this plan. We'll see how it goes!

Day 411

2006-10-15T20:06:00.000-07:00

After a week of great performances with New West and my quartet, plus great rehearsals on friday, teaching on thurs and sat as normal, id say it was a pretty productive week for me. Im very happy with how things are coming together in the guitar quartet - it seems that we will really have our stuff together for the new record. Music wise, im getting ready for another heavy week - three days teaching, a casual gig, two musical gigs (which are gonna be really challenging - that book is tough!), and a David Pritchard concert which I really need to shed for!

On the flip side, I decided to take a complete break from working out so in general i felt like crap. I also took time away from my diet plan which I think was good because my current diet plan wasn't working out very well for me anyway. I went to Trader Joe's today and I think ill be set for the week, i got some really great stuff.

Today is day 1 of 40, whereby in six weeks I want to complete the abs diet program. Ive had the book since summer and I haven't really launched myself yet - but im really gonna try it this week. After writing this entry im gonna plan out my schedule for the week and get it planned! thats how we do it!

My current weight is around 220, my goal is 200-205 by Jan 1, 190 by 3/07, and 173-178 by 12/07. Im thinking long term here! I know its monotonous to keep writing the goal, but thats what i started the blog for anyway!

Cheers!

Day 405

2006-10-09T09:38:00.000-07:00

Working hard today - Ive got to practice my new west book and my own stuff to get ready for a week of great music! Im so excited. Listened to Metheny and some Kenny Wheeler today, id also like to get around to grant green if i can.

Schedule looks full for teaching which is nice - rounded off to about 25 students. Looking good for now!

Im getting excited for thanksgiving already - can you believe that? Its such a long way away too, im thinking this is going to be a longer fall than expected.

Continuing with the health stuff, last week I vowed not to hop on the scale at all - I think it was a good choice too. Still, lost only a couple of pounds - im down to about 218-219 now. Thats a good thing to be in the 2-teens, but Im so eager to get lower! I worked out a lot this week, having swam, walked, ran, and did crunches all the time. I need to remember to eat more, even though my food budget is so tight. We'll see how that goes. Its looking like day 450 might be a good goal day for me to be 200-210 - still 20 pounds off from my goal. Im trying to remind myself that all along I wanted to get to 190 so I shouldn't shoot for anything lower until I get there. Now whos to say what my goals will be once I get to the 190, but for now, im looking at it like I have 29 pounds to lose. Thats sure a far cry from the 100 pounds I set out to get.

Here we go! Farther into the 400s

Day 400

2006-10-04T19:34:00.000-07:00

No guitar today, none.

Swam a bunch in the morning, felt great. about 1500 meters, front back fly, tons of strokes.

Here I am at 400, already. Its amazing how time flies! Keep checking back for more updates.

Day 399

2006-10-03T21:55:00.000-07:00

I got a lot done today like yesterday.

7:30am Woke up, had some protein bar
Ran 2 miles walked 1.5 or so
Did crunches, situps, and pushups.

9:30am: changed my strings on the L5.

10:00am: practiced moment's notice, september in the rain, listened to Oscar Peterson Trio, worked on Clockwork - a solo classical guitar piece by David Pritchard, started working on a version of Bud Powell's Crazeology for the guitar quartet, practiced random noodling for an hour or so

-lunch around noon, had some turkey sausage, pretzels, and pita chips

3:00: left for teaching in Irvine

-dinner was at Wendy's but I made a good choice - grilled chicken sandwhich w/small chili and diet coke.

9:15: got home from teaching, continued practicing on clockwork and reviewed some Sor Mozart Variations while I was at it. Total practicing today, around 4-5 hours.

10:00pm: enter blog journal

Tommorrow's a big day for me - day 400. While I promised myself I wouldn't weigh in until the weekend, I can feel confident Im right on track. Im starting off with some swimming first thing in the morning, definetly looking forward to working my butterfly toward the end of the workout.

Today was stressful for me, I just hit the wall a bit - I realized im far from getting my feet on the ground. I don't know when I will, but in the mean time Im trying hard to suspend myself and continue upward. Not an easy task when you're trying to live on your own for the first time ever.

I have so far to go in so many ways - with my health goals, my musical goals, and in general, my life goals. This is such a difficult place to be right now. But I guess it never ends - we must constantly evolve. Evolution is life.

Ill see you all tommorrow on day 400 - a big day for me. 400 days, 80+ pounds later, here I am to tell my storie.

Day 398

2006-10-01T20:52:00.000-07:00

What was once a daily part of my life has now become a weekly or bi-weekly event - my blog. While I don't want to give up journaling, I need to keep trying to enter.

Musically, ive been listening to the Kings of Convenience along with the new Brad Mehldau and pat Metheny record. I really enjoy both. This week, id like to write some more tunes for new west

Today was wonderful, I had a funny gig with my good friend Brian Green performing at a wedding at the very nice St. Regis Resort in Laguna Beach - wow, a complete palace this place was.

Outside of having that fun, i excersized and then took time to myself and walked down to the yard house here in Long Beach, had a beer and a hamburger and I must say , it hit the spot.

The good news, before gulping that stuff down, I got to weigh myself and ive hit 219. I was there earlier this week, and hopefully by the end of the week Ill have established myself down there.

With day 400 on the horizon, im going to try my hardest to be in the 2-teens. You're right though, the number doesn't matter as much, but I must say that it has been my goal all along - I just can't wait until the day comes sometime next year when I hit that number I always wanted, and then I can throw away my scale and just maintain from then on. This weight loss always lingering over me sucks - I just want it to be over with.

With today being October 1st and me being below 220, Im looking ahead to my goals. Id really like to see 210 or 209 by november followed by a 190-200 mark by new years or end of december. I think the key is this journaling, eating more than i have, and swimming at least once or twice a week coupled with the sit ups and crunches, then running and walking every day I can. If I can push myself that far, I know ill get there. Recently, Ive been not eating enough and I know that doesn't work when you have the goals I want.

My goal is so close I can taste it! Everybody pray for me! :-)

October 1: 219
November 1: 209
December 1: 199
Jan 1: 189

amen

hahahahaha

Day 388

2006-09-21T10:13:00.000-07:00

Well, this week has been great - saw Ben Monder on Monday at Club Tropical, I enjoyed his playing, very tasteful. Other than that, its been a rather un-productive week. Didn't accomplish much on tuesday, yesterday took the day off completely, and so far today nothing. But in 45 minutes, im planning on cleaning up my place and getting into gear. Id like to practice 3 hours today before my teaching. Ill start that around 11:00 or so.

I ran hard this morning - had little energy it seemed. Yesterday I ate crap on my day off, had no breakfast, decent lunch, then some sweets followed by popcorn at the movies but then a chicken salad at dinner and topped off with onion rings! So It could have been worse, but still, I gotta watch this. Im planning on going grocery shopping later this week, maybe tomorrow.

So I have 12 days until a big milestone - day 400. October 3rd I guess it will be. I honestly don't know how much longer I can go on like this - its so grueling to be watching the days. Ive done this for over a year now, trying to keep track of my every move. Working on little goals, little steps, slowly but surely getting there. Ive got more I want to lose, with this running it should come off just fine. I wish I knew an accurate BF% for me, I think the little hand held thing I have is crap.

I want it so bad I can taste it! Cheers to success and the abolishment of lazyness here in the real world.

Day 382- thursday

2006-09-15T07:22:00.000-07:00

Well yesterday was just fine, went for a great run in the morning - over three miles total. I got to meet many of the nice gals in my mom's new sorority and followed that up with a good practice session and some lessons down in irvine. its looking like my schedule down there is nearly full which is great - now ive got to figure out how to manage all of them!! haha

Diet wise, not the best of days but still i did alright - a mid-afternoon splurge on finger food with a heavy 10:00am meal coupled with a wendy's chicken sand and chili (actually not as bad for you as it sounds) made yesterday a bit of a heavy day for me. I was up a bit on the scale this morning but what the heck - doesn't make that much of a difference.

Today Ive got a couple of great rehearsals followed by another trip over to SC and then to see once again Peter and Lonnie at the Bakery - its gonna be great!

Everyone should come on sunday to see New West play at the jazz bakery - i think it may be one of our best shows ever.

Day 381

2006-09-13T22:53:00.000-07:00

Wonderful hang today - with Peter Bernstein and Lonnie Smith - we all had a great dinner - sure fun to catch up with Lonnie after so long, and pete is always good company. Man they sounded great - i esp. liked "Just Squeeze Me" and all those bluesy tunes Lonnie writes. Smitty sounded great on drums too - such an amazing feel he has. Pete and I are hopefully going to hang again before he leaves town - I know after this month it will probably be a while as it usually is.

Still shedding moment's notice - worked on that for an hour today, plus continued to memorize new west music, plus the david pritchard music - now its on to more new arrangements for new west, including jobim's fotographia and claire fischer's pensativa - plus some originals as well.

Today was great for another reason - went to the doctor and things are looking very very good. I can't believe my total cholesterol is only 110! my LDLs were 60!!! The doctor said ill quote "live forever" with those kinda numbers. Its sure re-assuring to know this health thing has really worked out for me. Plus, I got on the scale today and hit 219!!! Its amazing - 219. Im finally getting there again - I like it when I see new numbers on that damn scale. Tommorrow Ive got an awkward day ahead of me - since im in LA im gonna try and connect with some peeps before heading down to Irvine to teach.

What a day indeed food wise as well!

1. Cereal w/milk
2. 2 turkey veggie sausages w/whole wheat buns
3. baby carrots
4. 3 pieces dark chocolate
5. some pretzels
6. 1 pizza greco
7. cobb salad w/avocado, egg, some bacon, bleu cheese, light dressing
8. diet coke (unfortunetly i had three of these - too much sodium! but tommorrow ill purge, its fine)
9. oh yeah, lots of water

I had the opportunity twice to eat sweets and turned them both down - sounds like im on a roll again.

While I know the 219 reading was a bit light at this juncture, im gonna keep pressing forward - tommorrow its another three mile run and abs and lower body as well - im gonna make it a full circle. Plus Ive got lots of shedding to do after seeing peter play! Maaaann, so smoking.

more to come. . . . .

Day 380

2006-09-12T21:58:00.000-07:00

Had a productive day, great swimming session at the belmont shores pool - ive found that if I use fins, i can get through the butterfly stroke pretty well! I sure come out of the pool breathing hard though! Its a great feeling to be transforming.

I worked on the David Pritchard music as well as New West book today too - I keep discovering new parts to this music that is so interesting. Ive decided to work on two new west charts a week - hopefully have 10 done by the end of the year. With the new album coming, thats a pretty productive vibe for the group

Health wise here's what I had;

-Kashi cereal w/ milk
-2 slices toast w/ peanut butter and jelly
-chicken breast
-spinich salad w/dressing
-pretzels
-popcorn
-cliff bar
-water

Not nearly enough to eat- I really should be careful - rather than burning, the body conserves calories when you undereat so im putting myself in a bad spot for the weight loss. Its so discouraging when I still see the numbers I am and where I want to be. I still need to drop 33 to be at my goal. Hopefully by day 400 Ill be seeing some better results and by day 450 ill be really on my way out of the 210s - who knows.

Im trying to focus less on the number and more about the feeling - but its so tough when you only have that damn number to hold on to.

Tommorrow I have a follow-up with the doctor regarding my kidneys and we'll see how that goes - im curious to see how the blood work turned out.

190 or bust!!!!!!

Day 378

2006-09-11T13:57:00.000-07:00

Had a funny gig today - with this wedding singer - it was cool though, and some gorgeous people to look at. Long - 4 hours, but the dough was good. The tunes were okay, some standards I had never heard of like "Ive got a rainbow on my shoulder" ???

Food wise, started okay, had one of those new snickers marathon bars - out of all the protein bars Ive found - i like this one the best. Lunch, had a turkey sand w/avocado on whole wheat - always a good choice. At the wedding, the band-wiches were the usual, turkey and some pasta salad- so by 4:00 i had def. overloaded on carbs. I would have been fine the rest of the day, at dinner nibbled on some shrimp and a spinich salad. But then, I was still hungry and I endulged in a shrimp quesedilla - plus this giant sundae concoccion, with all the good stuff for sure. And I wonder why I havent' been taking it off as much as last year at this time ? ? ? ? Sounds to me like Im in for a rebuttal course this week.

At least I ran, about four miles. This cramp thing has been killing me though. It really sucks. Hopfully after seeing the doctor this wednesday Ill have isolated the cause.

Today is 379, 9/11, definetly an important day. This week will be very nostalgic for me. Today with 9/11, such a difficult day for me, not only because of the terrorist attacks. but also other stuff that was going on in my life back in 2001. Plus this friday will be the 9th anniversary of my dad's stroke - so hopefully that won't be as painful as Its been in the past. I hate these days - they make me reflect to the point where I want to go back in time and change everything.

At least Im spending this week getting on track with my diet/excersize routiene. My goal - lose 4 pounds this week - get back to 220-222. Ill keep you posted, post the foods I ate today - so far, so good!

Day 377

2006-09-10T00:36:00.000-07:00

Well, its been a great musical week - just played with Adam Schroeder, JP Maramba and Dan Schnelle up in Sierra Madre - some good tunes tonight - I particularly enjoyed "just in time"

Still working on moments notice . . . .

Today I had: cereal, banana, cliff bar, popcorn, pretzel, pita chips, water, turkey sand, fries!!! ah!! damnit

no excersize - being a true musician

Looks like 377 could have been better aimed toward my goals - hopefully by 400 we'll see some improvements.

Day 376

2006-09-09T08:23:00.000-07:00

Turkey Sandwich, Popcorn, Pita Chips, Banana, Cereal, - and then the day progressed- milano cookies, something from taco bell (damn you paul!) two hamburgers, and a cheese quesedilla - (oh don't mention the fries) - plus some diet coke

Oh yeah, and no excersize today

Well things are on a roll arent they? ha

Day 375

2006-09-07T21:30:00.000-07:00

Well its on again. ..

1. Breakfast Burrito thiingy with vegetarian stuff
2. turkey sand
3. pretzels
4. light popcorn
5. pita chips
6. lots of water
7. an apple

Ran for 30 min - but didn't time it right - def more into working out in the mornings.

Tonight have a session with David Ashkenazy, Adam Schroeder, Mark Massey, and a bunch of other killin kats.
Long day tommorrow as well - NWGQ and Pritchard Rehearsal

Couln't be happier

Day 365 - One Year!!! - 70 pounds, 10 inches, a college degree, and a new life!

2006-08-28T08:17:00.001-07:00

A guitarists transformation, summed up over the course of one year. On August 28th, 2005 I had an epiphany. I realized that my life would go on no matter if I was in good or bad shape. I couldn't fit into any clothes at stores, I found myself with a nearly insatiable hunger. I realized my weight was out of control and that if I didn't change now, I may never have such an opportunity. My senior year in school was easy - I had plenty of time to work out. I knew i was on a financial budget so I could save money by packing my own meals. Plus, I couldn't bear with the fact that I might be heading down a similar road that my father did, which eventually led to him having a massive stroke nearly ten years ago on Sept 15, 1997. The time was right, I had regained my faith in the creator, and I knew I had to get to work.

So here it is - the statistics over the course of one year.

August 28, 2005: 295-300 pounds, 52" waist
August 28, 2006: 220-222 pounds, 42" waist

difference - 70-80 pounds and 10 inches around the waist GONE!!!

Here are my current goals:

August 28, 2006: 222 pounds
December 31, 2006: 200 pounds
May 5, 2007: 185 pounds, 34-36" waist, 8-12% BF

In my entry over a year ago i talked about many things i love and how i was interacting with them at the time:

My love for swimming: I continued to swim throughout the entire school year, eventually working my way up to a 2K daily in the pool. I took swimming as a class in the spring and I continue to swim every chance I get right now

My love for food: I totally changed my diet and eating habits. I cooked at home, packed my lunches for school (and now work) and have learned to remember what I have ate over the course of the whole day. I still love to eat large portions, fried foods, foods high in fat and drinks like soda. But now, i realize that those foods aren't helping me get to my goal weight. Plus I know I can eat those foods every now and then, but not as a regular part of my diet.

My love for "the ladies". Its almost overwhealming how differently people treat you when you've lost weight. For the first time in my life, I feel people are noticing me for the shape im in, and particularly, these ladies I was talking about. While Im still very much single, and happy in the interim that way, I feel Ive definetly made huge strides in this area - more to develop!

Im still a perfectionist, and now with school out of the way, Im able to include excersize and diet as a focal point of my musical life. Ill never make an excuse that I couldn't find time to work out - its always there for me because being healthy is very important to me.

My dad and I are very close and I now realize that m making better choices to help prevent myself from having a stroke like he did. Now, Im just trying to get him inspried to discover his health.

And then most of all, I do love life and I've re-discovered how great it can be when you feel better about yourself, younger, and feel more energized!

So cheers to one year and all this weight having been dispensed from me!!!! I know ill get to my next goal, and in the mean time ill keep adding more entries to my blog. My new goals are to add more music in this blog and talk about many things - not just weight loss and health in general.

Thanks for all your support, without my friends I would not have had nearly the momentum to continue, once the weight started coming off.

Day 363

2006-08-26T21:03:00.000-07:00

As the dawn of one year approaches, i wish i was in better spirits, but Ive got the blues. Maybe its because im listening to some Kenny Burrell Midnight Blue, or perhaps its all the unknowns which have gotten the better half of me right now. Regardless, I need to pursevere! Music has always been my bread, water, air and fire.

Today I was working on a new composition for New West called "California" - and man im struggling. Im trying not to be too hard on myself but for some reason I just haven't found the golden ticket when it comes to my arrangements - especially for that damn group - four guitars - not exactly the easiest (or sometimes inspiring) group to write for. I swear Ive trashed over 10 charts for New West just in the past year because they were all duds.

Teaching has posed its challenges - just the scheduling on a week-to-week basis is hard enough. Nevertheless, im trying to get everything in gear while getting used to the commute - its actually a lot longer drive down to irvine than I thought it would be from Long Beach. Im giving this a year, and then ill re-evaluate - which in my case usually means completely start over again.

I haven't found what it is exactly that i would like to work on when it comes to my playing - all I know is that I want improvement on the horizon. Maybe Ill get back into the hay day of the marathon practice sessions - back when I was 16 and would play for 10 hours a day. Or maybe it will be transcriptions that will get my wheels spinnig - for a while when I was 18 I was doing two or three a week - primarily Dexter Gordon and Hank Mobley with the occasional modern cat or Coltrane lick. Maybe it will be some crazy diminished lick or way around your household II-V-I (which seemed to be this summer's theme) . Whatever it may be, I hope I find it soon because practicing seems so bland to me right now.

Otherwise, im doing great - my mom is 30 miles away from me now, im single so I don't have to worry about pleasing anyone else but me, I have a beautiful Gibson L5 to look at everyday, and im gonna be 30-40 pounds lighter come next spring.

What else would anyone want?

Day 358

2006-08-21T10:09:00.000-07:00

Today, would normally be my first day of classes - but NO! IM DONE!! hahahaha! such bliss . . .

Now on to the real world - i have reciepts to organize, scheules to make, people to phone call, and students to track down - my oh my, can I really do this?

Im sure ill get through these transition times, Im going to look forward to getting settled in now with this teaching job and finding some other gigs in and around my neigborhood. Im glad to know there's a bunch of great jazz musicians living close to me - Adam Schroeder, David Ashkenazy, Josh Nelson, and others.

As for my health - today I went swimming in the glorious Belmont Shores pool. This place is great and I hope to go there as often as I can.

Its looking like ill be around 225 on day 365 which is pretty wonderful. Now I know I can get to 200 by the end of the year and satisfy nearly my entire goal weight. Considering im on a pretty tight budget and the my food choices then become restricted, it makes sense Ill have no problem getting there. hahaha. In all seriousness, Im sure ill get there so long as I keep waking up early and working out first thing in the morning and maybe even in the evening too. I don't want to over do the excersize - especially if my calorie count is down - however, I want to make sure every day i include the excersizing as a way of my life. This past week was tough because I was sick and couldn't work out - now that its all gone i can get back into the swing of things.

Rather than writing out another goal chart, i think ill do that next monday when I can see where Im at with my weight exactly one year from when I decided to change things.

So far today, ive been listening to Sarah Vaughn - ive been really diggin the Geoff Keezer record "Falling Up" as well - since Im working on my writing skills, his compositions and arrangements really go above and beyond the call of talent! Lots to practice this week too: the David Pritchard music needs to be worked on and hopefully we'll have a gig or two in the coming months. Ill try to update my website as well once I get things rolling with my schedule.

Day 350

2006-08-13T22:34:00.000-07:00

Starting tomorrow, I begin my teaching and thus begin my new life - guitar teacher by day - player by night. Im excited - but less excited about finding parking after work. Anyway, as for my health plan this also begins a new time - back in the habit part two. Im super stoked about these next several months - lots of progress to be made in my music and health. Right now, my computer is in the shop - as soon as its back ill be online again making all sorts of daily additions to my blog and keeping everyone posted with regards to my new health regimine. I know the tough part is ahead of me- these last few steps are probably going to take the longest - but at least im prepared to stay online for the long run and make some big changes. Ive stopped stepping on the scale- ill hop on in 15 days - i figure two weeks of eating right and excersizing will make a big difference. While i did great this summer, im excited about furthering my progress into the next level - im getting to a point in my physique which ive never seen before - and its exciting. So I look forward to keeping everyone posted about my musical and physical journeys in the next few months and in the mean time, cheers to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness!

day 345

2006-08-08T19:24:00.000-07:00

After getting moved into my new place, ive been a bit off track with the excersize and diet - still i managed to make a few good choices

-chicken
-potatoes
-broccolli
-carrots
-cauliflour
-corn
-corn bread
-1 piece of pita bread
-two bites of energy bar
-water

tonight, I plan on going for a walk as soon as I get off this darned computer. Today I listened to Paul Motion trio while unpacking my apartment along with some kenny wheeler

Day 344 - alo0o0o00ohHaA! (going back in time??)

2006-08-07T22:39:00.000-07:00

Howdy from the big island, actually I just got back - sitting here in my mom's new place at UCLA - its really nice up here - sure glad I don't have to go back to that crud hole at USC anytime soon - - - -

The dawn of 365 is near - I can't believe in only 21 days it will be one year ago I began my health crusade - its sure exciting to note my progress. You may be wondering why I lost a few days and I realize that somewhere along the way I miscounted - so Im starting over again. After a few days in hawaii and being on vacation, I took time to stop thinking about all the health foods and what not so I could eat whatever I wanted. I can safely say that I did, and now the time has come to get back on track. After stepping of the plane this evening, I think I knew that my goal is in sight and now with my summer tour over its great to have that behind me and the new me ahead.

In terms of short term goals, I want to start eating at my place again starting tommorrow. Im gonna go get groceries and start doing it. I also don't want to weigh myself until monday the 28th. That gives me plenty of time to catch up - three weeks to get back on track and shave off a few pounds.

My long terms have still stayed the same - although its a bit unclear right now what Im going to do in the way of a gym. While I want to get a membership, I don't know if I can afford it right now - so I might be winging it for a couple of months with intense cardio and sit-ups in my apartment.

I still want to be at 200 by new years and 180-190 by my birthday in 2007 and I know I can get there. Id also like to take off 10-11 inches around my waist and something like that off my chest - I figure its gonna happen slowly.

For now, Im very jet lagged so im off to bed - soon my blog is going to get even more detailed I can imagine and deeper into the music end of things as well - we'll see how it all goes! Cheers!

Day 337

2006-07-26T10:42:00.000-07:00

The past three days have been difficult for me - trying to settle in and find a place to live has been proving tough. Had a great gig with New West last night and tonight were at Sangria in Hermosa Beach - thank god for these shows! And im sure blessed to have such great friends to let me stay on their couch while I get settled.

Ill be teaching guitar in Irvine for those who would like to have lessons, email me and maybe Ill fit you into my schedule!

Im looking forward to getting my stability back and settling down for the year into a new place - living on my own will be an adventure!

Im also anxious to start again on my health and fitness goals - I just realized that ive lost two pounds since my physical in early may so Ive kept off these 70 pounds for two months now! Its very exciting to know that its worked for me and I look forward to meeting my goal in the months to come. Im still shooting for a projected midterm goal date of Jan 1, and im going to be finally at the goal by my birthday in 2007. Im trying to think as long term as possible. My goals for the fall will include more weights, a more regimented routiene and diversity in my cardio workouts. Also, once I get my place im not going to eat out for a month as I get settled.

Wish me luck out there!

Day 328

2006-07-17T14:45:00.000-07:00

As I enter this post, im eating M&Ms - maybe that tells you where im at. Honestly though, Ive been making better decisions while traveling. Im still working out daily and making good decisions. Im excited about settling down into a new apartment and getting into some sort of routiene. It will be a year soon and Its exciting to note all the progress that has been made! Cheers!

Day 315 - Independance Day!

2006-07-04T08:32:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th everyone! Celebrate and be merry!

Musically, my practicing seems to be a bit mis-aimed right now - im going to try and grab onto something this week, probably continue to work on some tunes.

While I maybe am not quite at my weight goal I had set for myself back in April, Im definetly on the way, and I know I can get there. This 4th of July is very special for me, I remember a year ago how I felt, being over 300 pounds, and compared to now, its like I have a new lease on my life! I figure, being that today really marks the middle of my summer, it is a good time to re-evaluate my schedule and take a look forward. Now, I just need to focus on the remainder of my journey. So here it is:

July 4th (day 315): 228
Labor Day (day 377): 220
Halloween (day 434): 210
Thanksgiving (day 457): 205
New Year's (Day 496): less than 200
Valentine's Day 2007 (day 540): 190
Birthday: 190 or 175-180
9/15/07 (day 753): 175-190

I have my abs diet book that im going to start to follow - I wish I could find the inspriation to do the other excersizes that Im not used to - I like being in this position - it allows for me to really have something new to work on.

Day 312

2006-07-01T12:39:00.000-07:00

After two days of being sidetracked, im going to try to get back into it today. I woke up early, ran a mile, walked another mile, and have already drank two glasses of water.

Music - i listed a bit to Nicholas Payton's Nick at Nite while on my workout. Im gonna practice some more tunes today, recently ive been trying to play as many as possible.

Day 311

2006-06-30T08:51:00.000-07:00

Today, Im gonna do it the right way - Ive had a bran muffin and two bottles of water already - and Im going to try to do some light excersize just before my gig tonight at the jazz bakery - its gonna be a good one so come out if you're in town!

This week was tough, I realized that I have quite a way to go still. Im still shooting for 190 on day 495.

Im gonna try and put up some picutres soon - ive got some good ones from the road so far this summer.

Day 307

2006-06-26T18:55:00.000-07:00

Music:

Paul Motian "I Have The Room Above Her" w/Joe Lovano and Bill Frisell (ECM 1902)

Diet:

Scrambled Eggs w/avocado
1/2 cinnamon rasin bagel
1 Chicken Salad Sandwich w/avocado, almonds, wheat bread
1 Chicken Breast
Artichoke w/mushrooms
Steamed carrots, cucumbers, legumes, other veggies
2 cups pasta w/tomato sauce
Diet Pepsi

Excersize:

Ran over 2 miles first thing in the morning

Weight:

228.2

Day 304

2006-06-23T14:39:00.000-07:00

Today, my eating habits have been a bit obscured, just so far some cantelope and banana bread with lots of water. I ran 2 miles this morning and Im going to go walk another one maybe here in an hour. The weather is a bit hot out so im gonna be careful.

Ive been working on new tunes today - learned Gone With the Wind, Indian Summer, and I Concentrate on You. There's always so many jazz standards to learn.

Im not gonna let the weight thing get to me today - i know that ill have it by thanksgiving or christmas! When i stepped on the scale today, i wasn't to happy with the results- but give me some more time and ill have it!

Day 302

2006-06-21T17:26:00.000-07:00

Now past the three hundred day mark, its remarkable to see how far Ive come! Even while on tour this summer with my group, ive been able to manage my weight and excersize. Its so exciting to see all the changes and to look forward to whats in store. My goal is still to be at 190 by the end of the year and I know I can hit it.

Right now, Im spending time with the Cohan family of Los Altos, CA - one of my best friends and fellow new west member Brady Cohan's residence. Right now were going to go play some tennis. Cheers to three hundred days of progress and change and to the next three hundred to come!

Music that ive been listening to recently - Tom Warrington Trio - Cordoroy Road w/Larry Koonse and Joe LaBarbara. Wow! I highly advise you all take a listen.

Laters!

Day 284

2006-06-03T14:22:00.000-07:00

With the new west summer tour underway, i have been very exctied about our progress so far! the music is really coming together nicely.

Health wise, im doing great -ive been running most every day. I seem to be lingering in the upper 220s which is fine. Im just trying to keep my eye on it. It sure fun to go running all across the west coast - every new city a new opportunity to run! Ill be sure to keep you all posted! Check www.newwestguitar.com for more information about our tour!

Day 276

2006-05-26T08:52:00.000-07:00

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

2006-05-22T08:32:00.000-07:00

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

2006-05-15T19:38:00.000-07:00

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

2006-05-05T06:43:00.000-07:00

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

I MADE IT!!! DAY 250

2006-04-30T11:12:00.000-07:00

I HAVE MET MY GOAL!!!!

TODAY: 230lbs - goal: 230lbs

AUGUST 2005: 300lbs

NEW LONG TERM GOAL: DAY 450 (new years): 190lbs

short term goal: be in the 220s by the end of May

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HAVE BEEN READING MY BLOG AND FOLLOWIGN MY JOURNEY

Now the challenge begins as I move forward in my life and depart from college. Cheers to success and future endevours!

with much love to all,

John Storie

Day 237

2006-04-18T10:58:00.000-07:00

These past few days have been rather liberal on the food side- besides having a fabulous easter dinner this weekend which included pretty much every imaginable food on my no-no list, I have really been lax the past couple of days. But the good news is that I just got back from the grocery store and Im ready to have another two weeks to finish out the school year - full of good decisions and portion control. Plus, my weight lifting is getting to be more important in my excersize routiene. I sorta killed my win streak with the weight as I hit 231 on friday, but today im well around 236!!! I know - you're thinking how do you go up 5 pounds in the course of a weekend?? The reality is that I didn't eat some 17,000 calories - that would have been awesome - just some carbs and fats coupled with water retention - and my number is pretty high. Im sure that by my recital Ill have returned to my normal low 230s and then settle into the 220s come May. Its an excititng time with graduation around the corner and to know that Im almost 70 pounds less than back in August is pretty inspiring to me!

Day 229

2006-04-11T11:11:00.000-07:00

Today is actually 230, but Im writing about monday plus the weekend. - Things were good - I ate well this weekend, In-N-Out, Pizza (only 2 slices :-), some sugar too. But I nailed the excersize, even finding time on a busy sunday to work out.
My food is getting low here, I should go to the grocery store soon - probably next week.

Exercise wise, Im starting to get more of a workout out of my swimming. Im no longer going overdistance for 1500 or 2000 yards. Rather, im dividing the workout into several smaller sections which include overdistance, sprinting, and broken swims.

My weight training is pretty light, I seem to have less of a routiene other than somedays focusing on lowerbody and others on upper body. Im getting more toned in my arms which is good, but im debating how much weights I want to do since that could risk injury to my hands - which is the important thing here.

I cheated a bit this week and weighed in on friday, sat, and sunday. I was hitting anywhere from 232 to 235, so im gonna say that im 235 for this week. This is pretty huge for me, taking a look at the raw numbers here, my BMI for instance has gone from 38.7 back in august to 30 right now. All I need to do is take off another 10 pounds and Ill be classified as "overweight" from "obese". Such a great feeling and its so inspiring as a musician to have this sort of success in my life right now.

My goal is to be at 230 by the end of the month and i know its gonna happen - hopefully I can even get into the 220s before I leave to go on tour this summer. Then the challenge of course will be to keep it off and to watch what I eat. But im confident that ill make good choices.

So here I am in April, 8 months from when I started. Ive lost over 60 pounds, lost 10 inches around my waist, and gained a new wealth of knowledge about my body and how I can improve. I still want to lose 40 pounds and another 6 inches around my waist - but Im giving myself plenty of time to do so. Im no longer that person who entered on this blog on day one, I now have a greater respect and understanding for self-improvement and life in general.

Day 226

2006-04-07T22:18:00.000-07:00

Didn't eat enough today- Here's what I had

PBJ
Banana
Nuts
Pretzels
Cottage Cheese
1 lowfat babybel cheese
apricots
1 luna bar
those candy jellies and dark chocolate

probably there's less than 1300 calories here, not a good thing

excersized: swam in the dive pool for the last time (its being closed for reconstruction) I have lots of memories in this pool, sad to see it come to an end. I hardly had enough energy to do much of a workout, but it was nice to hop in and go for it. Plus I danced today so that was some more excersize.

I cheated myself today and weighed on the scale. I got a 234 reading which is pretty incredible. Ill keep you posted. Im only 4 pounds from my mid-term goal. Here I go!

Day 225

2006-04-06T16:24:00.000-07:00

Today was a good day, here's what I did:

Swimming class - really kicked my butt - sprinting, hard 50s pulling, back stroke, individual medeley

Food wise:

Cereal
Banana
Toast
water
5 pretzel sticks
some almonds
1 luna brownie bar
salad w/roma tomatoes and balsamic vinagrette
1 pizza bambino
lowfat cottage cheese
water

on the road to 230! to the state of 200 and the border at 190! kapow!

Day 224

2006-04-06T15:24:00.000-07:00

This is getting a bit confusing becuase Im actually writing down what Im eating and excersizing the day after, but what the heck.

Cereal
Toast
Sushi - california roll w/cabbage & miso soup
tuna sandwich w/mayo and dill pickle relish
pretzels
dried apricot
almonds
soy bbq chips
4 jellies
1/4 dark chocolate

Had some fat in the diet today - mayo, almonds, chocolate - but thats like every day. I need the fat for my body, and with all the working out im doing, its getting burned up

Exersize wise, I didn't have a lot of time to swim today, so I sprinted for about 30 minutes. Plus it was freezing cold out and rainy which didn't help.

Day 223

2006-04-05T14:33:00.000-07:00

Today, I had:

1. Kashi Go Lean Cereal
2. Toast w/jam
3. 4 jellies
4. pretzels
5. jerky
6. dried apricot
7. almonds
8. salad w/romane lettuce and roma tomatoes
9. balsamic vinegrette dressing
10. 1 pizza bambino (its okay, there on my good list)
11. Fruit
12. 16oz Powerade
13. 2+ liters water

Exersize: swiming class in the morning, weights in the afternoon

on the road to 230.

Day 222

2006-04-03T22:13:00.000-07:00

Today I had a productive day, and my last Music History exam ever! Thats a great feeling.

In celebration I ate a twix and some M and Ms. Boy that was a real treat.

Then i made up for it and swam a brisk 1500 which included a 500 freestyle, 300 im, and 200 sprint plus a bunch of other stuff. Then I went to trader joes and spent my wad on a bunch of stuff that will now last me two weeks and hopefully take off another 10, or at least as close to 235 as possible.

im really glad I haven't been doing the caliper and measurement stuff - thats just one more number to have to worry about. Right now, its all about 190 and thats where its gonna be come new years!

Musically, I was quite inspired by Bjork today and some Vince Mendoza as well. Good stuff is to come.

I think that when I finally do get to that happy healthy place, im gonna shift gears and have a wake up call to myself to get my music career in gear. I need to apply the same discipline that I am applying in my health to my music and well see what happens. As for the rest, well I guess its all up to the lord!

Day 220

2006-04-01T07:43:00.000-08:00

These past two weeks have been very good for me, Ive lost about 9 pounds to put me in at 238. Ive been eating my stock from trader joes, and it seems whenever i stick to those foods and avoid eating out, i always loose weight. Even better, im not weighing myself every day now, that was just getting way too compulsive. Now, its just on the weekends I weight myself - particularly sunday. While 238 isn't officially my number for this week, Ill count it as that since I was getting readings of 237.5 yesterday. With only four weeks to go until my recital, im pretty confident Ill reach 230 by the recital day. Its gonna be a push, but I need to make sure I am eating here and not out so much.

Im beginning to realize that I will have a big challenge ahead of me this summer while on the road. Considering I won't have a kitchen at my disposal all the time, ill have to make up for it by choosing small portion foods which keep me energized and not groggy. Probably, ill have to keep a cooler with me that has veggies and fruits in it along with protein bars.

Day 207

2006-03-20T09:31:00.000-08:00

1. Grape Nuts
2. Lowfat Yogurt
3. Grilled Chicken Breast
4. Mashed Potatoes
5. Green Beans
6. Pico De Gallo
7. 2 pieces of bread
8. Water
9. lemon marange pie mmmmmmmm

Swimming: 1500 yards swimming

Tommorrow, I got a busy day - we'll see how it goes. Im following through with my commitment to only weigh in once a week now. So Ill keep you posted!

Come to the Jazz Bakery tonight to see the New West Guitar Quartet!

Day 206

2006-03-18T14:53:00.000-08:00

After a few days in Las Vegas, Im offically back on my health plan. Im heading to the grocery store tonight and Im gonna pick up some good stuff. As of day 200, I was in the low 240s, but now im back up to 247. I think Im going to begin a new resolution, im only going to weigh myself on sundays. So starting tomorrow, ill just be marking my numbers on the weekends, its getting to emotional to do it everyday. Ive got 15 to lose over the next 6 weeks - that might be pushing it - but nonetheless - its coming. So far today, Ive had:

1. Grape Nuts w/lowfat milk
2. Peanut butter and jelly sandwhich on wheat
3. pretzels
4. Rasins
5. Water
6. Almonds

Im going to the store tonight, and ill probably have something soy for dinner.

Here we go!

My recital is coming along- ive got my work cut out for me this week though!

Day 198

2006-03-10T14:24:00.000-08:00

The past few days have been rather productive- Im continuing to book performances with the New West Guitar Quartet for our summer tour, so be sure to visit the website www.newwestguitar.com to see where we're coming to a city near you.

Unfortunetly, I didn't make it to the grocery store this week, so ive been a bit lax on my food routiene. However, I still have managed to make good choices. Today, Ive had a sandwich w/ a side of cottage cheeze and peaches. But then I splurged and had a jamba juice and brownie - ouch. I guess its good for your metabolism though to have that stuff at least a couple times a week. My weight has been up and down, but im in the low 240s which is great - haven't seen those numbers since 8th grade.

Im really pushing now, Ive gotta meet my goal by the end of the year. Day 200 is just two days away, and Id like to see a 240 mark on that day. Its fun to go to clothes stores now and be able to try on the things in the store. Ive definetly come a long way! Its sure a testiment that you can make a transformation of your body if you wish - its only a mind-over-matter issue. Ive now become completely obsessed with being healthy - may not be a bad thing afterall.

Today marks the beginning of spring break for me, my final spring break. Im excited that graduation is just around the corner- all I have left are a few papers and exams and thats it. Who knows if ill return to school? ? but for now, the plan is to live a frugal lifestyle, hopefully finding some guitar students and gigs, and then keeping my eyes on the prize. It will be interesting to see how my wellness plan will change after leaving school. Considering college keeps you on your feet all the time, im going to have to make up for that active life somehow. Im sure Ill find a way :-).

Day 195

2006-03-07T10:51:00.000-08:00

Well, I have had a very productive past couple of weeks with the guitar quartet. The film show was a huge success, I can't wait to do it again. Now, its back to trying to book more performances for our summer tour. As for my health, my eating habits haven't been as excellent, but I have still managed to get my numbers down. Today, im 241.8. My goal is to get near 239 by the end of the week. Sunday will be day 200!! I can't believe that Its been 200 days and ive lost over 50 pounds. There is hope afterall! This week, I have been eating high-protein foods like fish and cottage cheese. Yesterday, I only had some cereal, protein bars, and pasta. I need to incorporate more greens into my diet, which is hard cause I hate that stuff.

Swimming has been great, although I really suck at the whip kick and breast stroke. I gotta shed that stuff! Today, I lifed weights as well and that always seems to boost me up.

Ive been listening to Bill Frisell this week - good stuff I gotta admit!

Day 186

2006-02-26T23:40:00.000-08:00

Well, this blog thing hasn't taken off for me this semester - but i guess i should still keep you informed.

Music is going great- New West has a big show this next sunday im for sure going to let the whole world know about tommorrow when i send off a massive email to everyone on earth. Tonight- saw Chris Potter, got to chat a bit, man --- what an unbelivable musician.

As for my health, things are getting better! Im nearing the 50 pound mark, hopefully by day 200 it'll be there. Here's where I stand so far:
Today: 244lbs - since day 1, a difference of 46 pounds!!!!!!!!!!
mid-term goal: 220-230 by day 249 (my recital day). for a grand total of 60-70 pounds off!!!!! wowo
next goal - keep it off over the summer tour months!!! - i think this could be crazy difficult -
But Then im gonna really take it home and get to 190 pounds by day 495 (new years '07) for a grand total loss of 100 pounds. Thats it. My goals and im stickin to them!!!

As for my music goals, right now i have a lot on my plate and after seeing Chris tonight it makes me want to go and learn more and play more. Im gonna reach for it and I suggest all you who are musicians do the same!!!

Day 174

2006-02-14T22:30:00.000-08:00

Well, as you may have noticed, I haven't been keeping up as much with the blog thing right now. First of all, ive been sick for a week, and my excersize routiene has gone to hell for the most part. But starting this week, im getting back into it and im starting off great! Ive been at 250 for a few days so im confident I can really keep it going now! I only have about 25 days before day 200 so my goal may be a bit far fetched. We'll see how this all works out. In the mean time, its back to the gym and my refrigerator in the everlasting attempt to finally get fit! At least ive made it this far and in 175 days I have lost 40 pounds. Good news!!

As for music, things were great today. I had the first "rehearsal" with my new rock band. Were getting some of the tunes started and this seems like an interesting road to travel. We'll see how long it lasts --- Then tonight, I saw our USC Contemporary Music Ensemble perform the Lutoslawski String Quartet (1964). What a piece! With Midori on Violin as well! Really got my ears in tune for some out stuff. New West is drving me crazy right now, we have so much on our plate and I just don't know how its going to come together - but one day at a time!!!

And as for the last thing, today being valentine's day and all, I figure I should make a comment about my first entry on this blog one hundred and seventy four days ago. I have been working on my social skills and trying to raise my confidence in myself. As for girls, its been getting better! And I know the weight thing has something to do with it. I look different and feel different and my appearance is a bit more dynamic because of this. So things are definetly coming together and my prayers are being answered. Ill fill you in more as things develop. Happy valentine's day and let this be a lesson that all resolutions, regardless of when they happen, are worth keeping.

An idea just hit me. I think I am going to declare August 20th my own little holiday. This was the day I made the choice to change and by god it has worked so far. Ill work on this idea . . . .

sor - mozart variations

2006-02-04T00:48:00.000-08:00

Im working on the finale and thrid movements- thinking about doing the whole piece on my recital. Segovia is such a master at his craft.

Also listening - to Kenny Wheeler w/Bill Frisell - man bill's comping is so wonderful.

Ill keep you posted with more