Merry Christmas to All

Howdy from the land of quiet offices and holiday parties!

I wish a Very Merry Christmas to all and a safe New Year.

Eat well, move plenty and count yur blessings.

Pearl of Wisdom from the Mind of WEL
Given enough thought and effort, any need can be fulfilled, any hurdle can be jumped, any river can be crossed.

Monkey see Monkey do?

Howdy from the land of frost burnt Bermuda grass and fire side chairs!

Dr.J had article about childhood obesity and exercise on his Calorielab site. It raised questions in my mind. Do fat parents raise fat kids or does exercises mean less fat kids?

Well, I have said many times , I am not a Doctor nor a Scientist , I'm just a guy with a fair measure of common sense.It does seem to me that parents set examples for their kids to learn by.The kids learn values from not only their parents but from lots of folks they spend time with---parents,friends,teachers even the folks at the store.One thing I know for sure is the more time you spend with your kids the better the chances they pick up your values------which can be good or bad! Like it or not we do set an example.

My kids saw me over eat and heard me say "give me some more desert" too many times in their lives. Now don't get me wrong, not all kids that have fat parents grow up to be fat. The kids do have a mind and the ability to think and reason but the things they learn as "normal" at a very early age can really be hard to over come latter in life.

After all--------Monkey see monkey do.

Let's do something good for the next generation and look at our self to see if we can set a better example for the next Monkey.We are a lazy society and seem to be getting lazier by the year.

Maybe just maybe the best answer for this childhood obesity is "Monkey see Monkey do"??

Pearl of Wisdom form the Mind of WEL
We never really grow up, we just learn how to act in public.

All I want for Christmas

Howdy from the land of approaching reindeer and Jolly HOHOHO's!

I have been doing a 10 day challenge presented by Wilderness Athlete and it is coming right along.The challenge is to use their products for 10 days and you feel better (sales pitch).Using the Wilderness Athlete supplements take some getting used to but are working out OK.The mixing up my calorie burning exercising is working out well, as my knees are not singing a bad tune.

The math is working out real well but this challenge is , well, a CHALLENGE.It is taking some getting used to, a real mind set change.Basically, I switched my main meal of the day to breakfast---I get to eat good food and plenty of it at 5:30-6:00.
I have been eating around 850-950 calories of bacon, eggs and bread each morning.Then for the rest of the day I take my supplements, a shake and apple for both lunch and supper.This totals around 1700-1800 calories total for the day.

The big change in my mind is not feeling real full at night. Another thing I notice is I wake up more alert and ready to eat.I feel better during the day but I still have the thoughts that "it is time to eat"(the old habit thing).

All in all I am going in the right direction on my road.

What do I want for Christmas?? I want you to realize how important your health is to you and take a step down your road , if I can take a step down mine you can jump ahead by a mile. A MER I CAN

Pearl of Wisdom from the Mind of WEL
Light travels faster than sound, that is why some folks appear bright until you hear them speak.

Doing math

Howdy from the land of gusty north winds and empty Crown bottles!

The year is nearly gone.

For the past 4 weeks I have been doing the math and resting my joints--mostly my knees.I have not worried about what I am eating nor how many calories I'm burning.I have however been doing the math, evidently.

I must have been doing some math because I stayed the same weight for a month so I feel like I have made some adjustments over the past two years that have STUCK.Now , I am not at the end of my journey but I am much closer than when I started.

Anyway, I have done the math and the rest of this year I will be spreading my active calorie burning out between walking, riding my bike and some BWEs as to keep my knees from dragging me down the well again.

I am also trying some supplements from Wilderness Athlete to see how I feel.
I just love a Science Project!

Come on and join me as we coast on in to Christmas and see what Santy brings us!

Pearl of Wisdom from the Mind of WEL
Going to church does not make you a Christian any more than standing in the garage makes you a car.

New commerical

Howdy from the land of vocal voters and road side signs!!

Well, the elections are over and now we can look at new commercials for Viagra and stock market investment firms. Both of these the public really needs more of!I will bet it takes years for all the political signs to blow over because I know they won't get picked up.But like it or not we have a whole new group of crooks running things and most ,after the first year, will have no socially redeeming value what so ever----enough of that crap.

My old knees have really been giving me fits for a month.It is really bothering me to the point that I don't want to walk at lunch much.I am going over an exercise plan this weekend to compensate for this knee pain and still get more motion in.

I will also have to really sipher on my calorie consumption based on a revised exercise plan.

I'll let ya know what changes I dream up.

Pearl of Wisdom from the Mind of WEL
If ya see a crawling politician, step on him, we got enough already.

Ya want an example?

Howdy from the land of shining stars and foggy mornings!

Just a quick post about an example of what I pick up by reading other folk's blogs.

I have mentioned Tony AKA theantijared.com

This cat lost 200 yes 200 pounds in 52 weeks, he writes a really good blog and has a lot of followers.Yesterday his post was an answer to a question in an email he got. It asked how he looked at fat people now that he lost 200 pounds.It asked if he thought they were lazy.

Well I love his answer, go read it.

Bottom line is, there is only one reason I am fat---1--one----------I eat more calories than I burn---period.

Pearl of Wisdom from the Mind of WEL
Quit trying to complicate things, it'll get crap all over ya.

It just ain't right

Howdy from the land of Tricker Treaters and orange pumpkins!

Yep Halloween is almost here and I am seeing little kids with costumes everywhere. Janet has some pumpkins around the house and it looks just like a Norman Rockwell picture.

I am in the complaint department here at work. I get the task of answering employee complaints and trying to solve issues before the smoke gets too thick to see the real problem.Yesterday I was cornered up by two employees that were up on their soap boxes about what they thought the company ought to be doing to encourage more people to work out and get fit.

Evidently, what the company is doing right now JUST AIN"T RIGHT.

Well, they kept on belly aching until I finally asked them what they thought the company should do to foster this ENCOURAGEMENT.They both jumped up and said, we should be able to go to the gym after work and the company pay for it. Also they wanted healthier snacks in the vending machines----wrong answers to the wrong guy.

I told them ---BAM---I got the answers----quit buying a Snickers out of the machine and bring an Apple from home.And meet me in front of the building at 11:45 and we'll go walk at lunch---weighted vest optional.

Needless to say that was NOT the answers they wanted----they said "that just ain't right".

Some folks are hard to please.

Pearl of Wisdom from the Mind of WEL
Momma always said ---no one is as pious as a reformed whore.

Try something new?me?

Howdy from the land of sweet fall breezes and rag weed sneezes!

I have said before I am quite a creature of habit and I am.I can eat tuna and cheese everyday at lunch for weeks---no problem. I will order the same dish at a particular restaurant every time I go there. I drive the same route and get gas at the same place even if another is shorter and cheaper because---that's where I always go.

Damn I hate to change and try something out of my box! It is after all MY BOX.

Well, I have blown that concept today and the more I think about it the more nervous I am getting.

Our local school district asks for tutor and mentor volunteers to work with kids that also volunteer to receive some help. I know what your thinking---I did not volunteer to be a spelling coach nor a computer teacher.I did ,however,volunteer to be a mentor.The school will give me a training class and then I will be assigned one student to meet with twice a month.I hope I don't do something terribly wrong.

What does this have to do with fat loss?? I don't know, but I figure maybe fat loss has something to do with me taking this step??

Pearl of Wisdom form the Mind of WEL
One cannot carry your brothers burden nor pay your brothers debt----Matthiew Arnold

Read to loose

Howdy from the land excited deer hunters and nervous turkeys!

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, right past Halloween. It will be here before you know it. I have already started thinking about what I am Thankful for---you should start thinking about it too.

I have not been posting as much as usual, as I have kinda been relaxing. I have been reading all my regular blogs and websites.I have noticed without fail that everyone that has lost a goodly amount of fat has been up and down, over the hill, and around the corner. It was not a cheap ride for them or me. It did take time and effort(worth it yes)but it was not without some slow downs and some set backs.

The one common theme in all my reading has been the most successful fat lose winners have all THOUGHT about what they were doing.They THOUGHT about where they were and where they wanted to be.They THOUGHT about the plan they would use to get to their trips end.

I got all of that info by reading---some of the reading I did (do) is not real fun. I don't like to read a couple of blogs I frequent but I do so I know I don't want to sound like that or think like that.

There is a wealth out there for everyone. I do miss Muata being on vacation and trust he will be motivating us soon.

For now, I'll keep reading. For now , I keep climbing the hill.I continue to learn and long.

Pearl of Wisdom from the Mind of WEL
Be careful you don't ring one of life's bells that you can't un-ring.

Driving makes me hungry

Howdy from the land of falling leaves and snoring dogs!

We had us a little road trip this weekend. Me ,Janet and Hoppy hauled Mac's sailfish and sheep mount to his new house in OKC.There is nothing like an 8 hour drive to get me hungry.

Yep, when I drive I get hungry----really when I get bored I get hungry and when I drive all day I get bored.I did not PLAN (one of the 4 Ps)very well so I ate things that were better left alone.I am getting far enough up in age that I have to stop for a restroom break about every hour and half. This leads to going in a C store and that leads to making a choice on whether or not to get a LITTLE SOMETHING to eat and drink.Sometimes, I try to scare off boredom by singing with my Ipod on----but Janet and Hoppy said NO.

Anyhow, we got back and started the week out right.

One damn thing for sure, I might not always make the best choice while on a rode trip but I make better choices than I used to.

Pearl of Wisdom from the Mind of WEL
Don't argue with an idiot, he'll drag ya down to his level and beat ya with experience.

It's Here

Howdy from the land of cool north winds and falling live oak acorns!

Yep it is here, the first good norther has arrived!!Yeppie, hot dog and man oh man!

I got a lot of good calorie burn over the weekend.My hamstrings are sore this morning. By the count on my Caltrak I used 1130 active calories on Saturday and 882 on Sunday.That's pretty good for the weekend. I got really hungry on Sunday and stuffed myself at supper.But all in all, I had a good weekend.

This week I have to go to dinner twice for work, that is always a challenge. I plan on walking a little extra, if I can get these sore hamstrings worked out.

See ya latter in the week.

Pearl of Wisdom form the Mind of WEL
I thought I wanted a career, turns out all I wanted was paychecks.

I can influence?

Howdy from the land of late night cat fights and mad barking dogs!

At 2:20 this morning , I could have choked a couple of cats if I was quick enough to get my hands on them. I would have turned them yappin dogs out to run them off, but a couple of the damn things won't come back when ya call them.

Last week, when I was doing my Full Pak Trac a guy that jogs most days went to his car and came back wearing a weighted vest. When I caught up with him (a rare thing for me) and asked how long he had been using the vest. He told me that was the second day. He went on to say he had seen how much my vest had helped me and decided to give it a try.

Now this fellow is not fat , not even close, but he said he needed to get stronger and thought it would be good to use the vest while he walks. He asked me lots of questions and I tried not to sound like a pro (Cause I ain't)and more like---"well this is what I did and what worked for me".Anyway, we walked nearly a whole lap (1 mile) and he said he was having a hard time keeping up with me----what a thrill!!He said in some of his conversations with folks, I have been the talking point. Well, I told him I hope they did not get down on me too bad. He laughed and said they only talk about how much I have influenced them to keep jogging and such. Another THRILL for Bill!

My point here is not to brag. My point is to mention again, that we make impressions on lots of people and do not even know it. Some of these impressions are good , some not so good. We shape other people and they shape us.

If I am honest with myself (and I am getting better at this), I will recognize the fact that there have been quite a few folks in my life that shaped me negatively and I am removing them for the shaping table. I just flat ass ain't got the time to spend on someone that wants to drag me in a direction I don't want to go.

My fat loss journey is like that also. I have read some blogs written by people that have succeeded and some that are struggling. Some I continue to read and relate to. Some I don't read any more because they sound like a cry baby having a pity party.Even some of the folks that have managed to lose a bunch make all kinds of excuses for the bumps in the road. I guess it is natural to whine, I know I have done my share, but dat gum,no one likes a cry baby.

See ya down the road, go out and shape some body.

Pearl of Wisdom from the Mind of WEL
Little boys playing with Barbies and Paper Dolls ain't so bad, didn't hurt me none.

Rain

Howdy from the land of wet sand and high school bands!

The weekend was wet, and try as best I could, I just could not get in enough movement. I would get wet and sticky , then I would find any excuse I could to change clothes and go sit down. When I sit down I get bored, when I get bored I want to graze.

It looks like we are in for several more days of showers. I did get over to the track at lunch for 2 1/2 miles of Full Pak Trac.Last Thursday I changed my routine up a little and walked 3/12 miles without any vest. I think I will try this again towards the end of the week.

I am working on getting my neck better SLOWLY. Patience is wearing kinda thin---but I did go back and read my last post so that might help a little.

Pearl of Wisdom from the Mind of WEL

Depression is merely anger without enthusiasm.

The Chicken or the Egg?

Howdy from the land of baby calves and green winged Teal!

I pose a question to myself, "which comes first?? encouragement?? or patience??"

When I first started my journey would have said I needed encouragement first.Patience was second place.I had a long way to go and a lot to lose.

Then while thinking about that question, I asked "which is more important?'

While encouragement from others and from myself has been important and maybe it needed to come first, patience has been the hardest to obtain and sustain. Patience is an extremely hard concept for me.You might say I have the patience of a waterfall.

I guess I fit squarely into the "I want it ALL and I want it NOW" generation.

Encouragement can be gotten from myself as well as from others. Some of the most encouraging people for me and my journey do not even know how much they have influenced my trip.Some of them surely do not even know who I am.Encouragement can be received, given ,sold ,borrowed and traded.

Patience , on the other hand , has to be learned,nurtured and perfected by myself. Others can tell me to have patience,but it is up to me to accept the concept.I can vividly remember my Grandpa telling me "Content yourself". I am here to admit, that is hard for me to do.

An odd thought just crept into my brain---what if the loss of fat is not the most important aspect of this journey? Damn, now I have something else to think about while I Full Pak Trac at lunch.

Planning
Positive thinking
PATIENCE
Perseverance

Pearl of Wisdom from the Mind of WEL
What the hell would happen if you get scared half to death , twice?

Mosquito walk

Howdy from the land of mosquitoes and dragon flies!

The dragon flies should really be happy,happy,happy.They have plenty to eat.When you get out and walk right now, you have got to use your arms as well. Just keeping the mosquitoes off of you can give you a good upper body workout. I don't know if replenishing your blood uses many calories but them blood suckers can get a tea glass full in 45 minutes.

My neck is considerably better and with mowing the grass and working on crap that needed fixing over the weekend I was able to track 3000+ calories burned each day.

I am planning on continuing with my walking and SLOWLY increasing my calorie burning level toward the end of the month.

Come on COOL weather.

Pearl of Wisdom from the mind of WEL
Muhammed Ali---Don't count the days ,make the days count.

Trak Practice

Howdy from the land of dove hunts and tropical rains!

Had us a regular tropical event this week, yes sir.Rain came down like a cow pissing on a flat rock.

Well, today I saddled up my vest and practiced on the track at lunch. It has been several days since I went across the road. My neck feels a little better but them dat gum knees are still there, gonna have to do something about them dang things one day.

It has also been several weeks since I wore my Caltrac, but it is back on now.

Phase of the month is-----left right left, one step at a time.

Fall is just around the corner and I need to be able to take advantage of the weather and move a little father down my road.I still have visions of the final intersection but I am mainly keeping my eyes on the road just ahead of me.I am sure glad I can look back and see I have come farther than I want to go.


Watch for me at a cross roads near you soon.

Pearl of Wisdom from the Mind of WEL
I am blessed to live in the South, ya don't hear about many folks retiring and moving up North.

Really tired

Howdy from the land of thundershowers and smelling diapers!

We took Little Man, Kolt on a road trip this weekend and had a swell time. He got to visit his Uncle Mac and see the Fort Worth Stockyard District.The pic included is Little Man and my squeeze Janet.

I have been really tired the last month. Tired of walking, tired of joints hurting, tired of my damn neck having a pinched nerve. I guess my age is really catching up to me because it takes for ever to get over being sore or pulling a muscle.

I have also gotten really tired and burned out over my Fat Loss Journey. I think a lot of this attitude I have comes from being sore and uncomfortable and also the heat of August. I do look forward to some cooler weather.But part of my poor attitude comes from the disconnect between how long this journey takes and how long I want this journey to take.

I know and fully realize it took me 54 years to get to 305 pounds----well maybe not that long, because I had been right around 305 for a couple of years. And I accept the fact that it will take me years to completely change my life style and my habits.But knowing these facts , sometimes does not satisfy my impatient desire to get it all over and become the rock hard ,chiseled , Greek sculptured example of manliness that I dream about----LOL----but that was a good big Crock of Cold Cat Crap!

Bottom line is I get tired of the uphill walk sometimes. Old Habits are hard to break I guess.And I can't help but tell myself-----I wish I was over there already!
But like Momma always said--wish in one hand and spit in the other, then see which one gets filled first.

I am tired, I have been tired before, I will be tired again.Sometimes,in spite of all the good intentions and knowing all the facts ,figures and formulas the eggs just ain't worth the wear and tear on the chickens ass.

In times like that, I just got to slow down and regroup and quit wishing.

One day soon a cool north wind will blow and my attitude will change.

Pearl of Wisdom from the Mind of WEL
If wishes were horses,beggars would ride.

Aggravation makes me hungry

Howdy from the land of pissed off cowboys and high carb cravings!

Yep, when I get aggravated I get the burning desire to eat something with lots of carbs and sugar. You know , the old standby stuff, doughnuts, ice cream, bread of any kind, taters----yea taters!!All the stuff that for 56 years made me feel good ---WHY?? Because I DESERVE IT.

Seems like I have been aggravated for a week. Don't know why all these people can't be reasonable and do it MY way. Janet says if all of us would just do what she says the world would be a better place, I guess I have that same opinion,only yall ought to listen to ME.

It is amazing how much aggravation fuels my desire and addiction to the stuff ,that for decades gave me comfort.But a slow change is taking place. Monday I was as mad around 6:30 in the evening as I have been in a long time.I mean I was POd, growling like a dull chainsaw. If I'd had some Crown in the house, I could have made a whiskey float w/Bluebell ice cream. Instead I told Janet I was going for a walk. I went to the barn got my pack, stuck a rifle in it and some sand bags for weight. I walked down the pasture , across the creek, thru the brush and checked the water gap.
I found some maintenance work I need to do before the cows go into that pasture, also found some sweat. Best thing I found was some sanity.I got relaxed while I was walking. By the time I got back to the house I was happy as a tornado in a trailer park.--------Ain't life strange?

Now I am not the sharpest knife in the drawer sometimes, but I do know there are enzymes and chemicals the brain and organs put off when I get stressed or aggravated and also when I eat things. All this leads to good feelings and bad feelings in our body. How I react to these highs/lows are key to continuing down my path.By making better choice 51+% of the time I will continue to make changes for the better.

If ya see me, for goodness sake help me out----do it my way so my choices will be easier for me!

Pearl of Wisdom from the Mind of WEL
Compromise can be a good thing,especially when someone else does it.

Never Weaken

Howdy from the land flat tractor tires and pulled neck muscles!

Only those that try will get anything done.For those that make no effort, nothing will be gained.

I may have told you this before but I read a book about Gunnery Sargent Carlos Hathcock, who was a sniper in the Marine Corp. In this book was a quote that hangs in my office---------I like it

" It is not the critic that counts. Not the one who points out how the strong man stumbled or how the doer of deeds might have done them better.The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred with sweat and dust and blood. Who strives valiantly;who errs and comes up short again and again,who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions and spends himself in a worthy cause:who if he wins knows the triumph of high achievement and who, if he fails at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat."

Sometimes I forget just how strong that message is. Sometimes I fail to realize just how powerful the human will can be.

Me,I've set a goal, and come hell or high water I'm gonna get there.

Pearl of Wisdom form the Mind of WEL
The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse get the cheese.

Back space

Howdy from the land of Full Pak Trac and heavy boots!

Yesterday was a better day on the track than last week.My feet did not feel as heavy and my knees were at least tolerable.I opted for 2 laps just to see if last week was just a mean week or if I really needed to back off a little.

I will make sure this week that I eat a little something an hour before I walk so I have enough fuel in my tank. Today I had a little peanut butter and trisquits.

I have noticed over the past two years some of my habits are changing , without me really being aware of it.I don't drive around in the parking lot at the store looking for a close to the front parking space. There are plenty of spaces near the street. Also, I usually get to work early and the parking lot is half empty. Now I just cruise on in and park in the back space. I get to burn a few more calories on the way inside AND I get to stretch my legs a little while getting into the building.

I believe it is about time to walk across the street and see what a wonderful day looks like on the track.

Turns out the day was overcast and sprinkling. I wonder if ya burn more calories if the rain hits ya while you walk?

Pearl of Wisdom from the Mind of WEL
Whistle while you walk, it makes you feel good.

I gotta adjust

Howdy from the land of no breeze and plenty of sunshine!

To sum it up---it is hot!

I was on mile 2 of 3 on the Full Pak Trac today and I got a little light headed. That ain't good because I need my head to stay on straight so I don't fall down.

So, I am gonna make an adjustment to my Dog Days of Summer Mixup Cycle. Instead of pushing 3 laps at lunch I am gonna adjust back to 2 laps for the rest of the month.I think it would be better than falling down.

This trip has been one goal, one trick,one method and one adjustment after another so this is just par for the course.

I will ponder on a way to make up for the adjustment.

Pearl of Wisdom from the Mind of WEL
Being #2 ain't bad, #1 is always having to look back over his shoulder.

See the light

Howdy from the land of red wasps and mockingbirds!

Think,reason,learn,stand in the light of truth.Find truth in everything you do----to see the light, you must come in out of the dark.

My fat loss journey started where most folk's journey starts. I got to do something, well here goes, this is day ONE, etc,etc,etc.

The fact is , I would not have gotten as far as I have without learning,pondering,reading,understanding and finding some of the true facts that are in the shadows.

The truth is:
I am what I eat
I am how much I eat
It does count if I move more
The calorie is KING
Planning,Positive thinking,Patience,Perseverance are must have tools
Steady wins the race
If I think I can't , I can't
If I think I can, I can
I don't have to compete with anyone but me
I can not blame anyone but me
This trip takes a hell of an effort
The effort is worth it

If you feel you are in need of improving your health, you are probably right. If you think you can't do it , YOU ARE WRONG. If I can do this anyone can, I just had to see the light.

Do some research, read some blogs,books and articles.Find a method that is simple and works for you, we are worth it. Find the truth, see the light, get er done damn it!!

Pearl of Wisdom form the Mind of WEL
Life can be like a stool sample, it can go from diarrhea to constipation in one movement.

Mentally challenged

Howdy from the land of live oak acorns and road runners!

SLOWLY, ever so SLOWLY. I am coming to grip with the mentally challenging part of my fat loss journey. My friend and constant supporter of my journey , Muata, said this trip is as much mental as physical. He is mighty right!

I have wished,wanted and desired to lose weight several times in my life---really all of my life.I have on occasion pulled off some significant weight loss.One time I joined Nutrisystem---lost 50 pounds, and gained it back+. Twice I have hit the Atkins System hard--lost 44 and 46 pounds and gained them back +.

I have had to look back and ask myself, how did these attempts work out and WHY?

Both "systems" work because I consume less calories than I burn----duh.Both "systems" fail because mentally I am not approaching where I am and where I want to be the right way.

I am where I am because I eat too damn much, period.Unless I can change the desire to eat by excuse and not by nutrition , I can not hope to make a permanent change.

SLOWLY I will get ahead in the mental part of this trip.

Pearl of Wisdom form the Mind of WEL
To win, ya got to get your head screwed on straight.

Two sets of eyes

Howdy from the land of yearling ticks and grasshoppers!

I was listening to Old Red on the way to work. His poem was about two cowboys standing in the early morning light around the remuda. While waiting their turn to call for their mount for the day one cowboy was commenting on the negative aspects of a bay horse in the group.The other cowboy was asking if he meant the one with all the good features. The first cowboy was thinking the second was looking at a different horse. In the end each was looking at the same bay horse and seeing different things----two different sets of eyes looking at the same thing----no difference than anything we do in life.

While driving to work I got to thinking about my two sets of eyes. I have developed two different views while on my road trip. The view is still changing , I realize.

Once upon a time I was on a DIET, now I have begun to CHANGE THE WAY I EAT . At one time I would WORK OUT,EXERCISE,BUST MY ASS now I PRACTICE,PLAY,MOVE and USE CALORIES.There was a time I would CHEAT on my DIET now I eat WHAT I WANT and REALIZE WHAT I PUT IN MY MOUTH and WHAT EFFECT IT HAS ON ME.

There was a point in my life (for a long time) when I felt I DESERVED A TREAT now I realize I DAMN SURE DESERVE TO EAT BETTER and BE HEALTHIER.

Most importantly I think,for a long time I looked thru eyes that felt I had LITTLE CONTROL over my weight, now I see I am the ONLY ONE THAT HAS CONTROL.

Two sets of eyes, two points of view, I now realize------
I see it is up to me.

Pearl of Wisdom from the mind of WEL
Life is too damn short to put up with dumbasses.

Joints

Howdy from the land of barking dogs and flighty heifers!

I just did not realize how many joints I really have in my body until the last year.I mean I have always known I have two feet with joints, because all my life they have hurt (their FLAT). I have known for years I have two knee joints, because they HURT. But for a while I have begun to feel joints in my hands, elbows and let's not forget the ones in my neck!!! This age thing is beginning to suck.

And Muata better not write and say to take it easy because a Gentleman My Age needs to be careful---LOL.

My point is , while I travel down my fat loss highway,I have been trying different things in an effort to lose fat faster or gain more muscle. Some of these things work well, some make my joints hurt more than necessary. So, I suppose I should take stock in the advice Muata gives me and try and have a little patience in this trip.It seems the more I push the more I run into resistance.

Wishing I would get there just won't make it happen.

Pearl of Wisdom form the Mind of WEL
If wishes were horses , beggars would ride.

Four letter lesson

Howdy from the land of sweaty shirts and dark sunglasses!

Just a quick post.

It is hot, my Full Pak Trac was tuff today.I hope it is better tomorrow.

Pearl of Wisdom from the Mind of WEL
Last four letters in American is I CAN
Last four letters in Republican is I CAN
Last four letters of Democrats is RATS
End of lesson.

Dog Day Challenge

Howdy from the land of red heifers and summer thunder boomers!

It feels like a regular summer around these parts this year.This is what the gulf coast is suppose to be in summer, thunder showers coming in from the gulf and hot humid days.

Today I start my next cycle, appropriately named "The Dog Days of Summer Whama Bam Mix Up Cycle". I am gonna do a 6 week cycle and then a couple of weeks of rest . My plan is to get my routine rolling and make it until Sept 1 so I can have the heat of summer behind me and the cool days of fall ahead.

Now for the challenge----I challenge you to get a mix up calorie burning routine going yourself. Come on, you can do it----get up off your ass and move something. Dance while you vacuum , touch your toes while getting out of the car, park in the back row at work----you get the idea.

Also, if you can think of a way for me to add a mix up to my mix up , let me know-----and NO don't say jog or run because these knees don't do that kinda stuff.

Any new item that will add a few burned up calories to my routine will add up and at the same time keep me from becoming bored.

See ya down the road, take the challenge, it is a good thing.

Pearl Of Wisdom from the Mind of WEL
If your sister hits ya, don't hit her back, they always catch the second person.

What kinda man are ya?

Howdy from the land of wishes and dreams!

Saw a "Pearl" attributed to the Late Great Will Rogers. It said there are three kinds of men,#1 the ones that learn by reading #2 the ones that learn by observation #3 the rest of them have to pee on the electric fence to find out for themselves.

I'll give ya three guesses to which group this cowboy falls in.The answer, I am sure won't be surprising but it will give ya a jolt.

Yep, I just have a hard time accepting the answer someone gives me. I have paid for that habit a number of times.

Today, I put on my boots and weighted vest and did a Full Pak Trac at lunch, to hell with this rest cycle. I can't stand it no more,I got to move. But I won't start the next "Dog Days of Summer Wham Bam Mix Up Cycle" until Monday. This cycle will be 6 weeks and I will rest on Wednesdays.My main focus on this cycle will be the weekends---consistency and moderation.

See ya down the road.

Pearl of Wisdom from the Mind of WEL
I may be in group #3 but I don't need to pee on that fence twice.

Part time?

Howdy from the land of bitter weeds and bull nettles!

I could not read when I was to start the third grade. Damn the rotten luck! I had the same teacher for the first and second grades and I guess she had a hard time teaching a smart ass brat to read when he would rather catch lizards and pill bugs.

I remember Mom getting some phonics records----no young folks , not cd's not online not even tapes----records, vinyl, 45's I think.Anyway, my older sisters worked with me all summer so I could try and catch up and move into third grade. I am still trying to catch up with my reading skills.

At 56 years old, I like to read 100 times more than I did at 20.I get a lot from reading stuff that I never dreamed I would be interested in. That is one thing that has really helped my journey in the Land of Lard Ass Reduction.I get a lot of information from reading other blog spots.I get a lot from reading other folks methods of fat loss.I get to think about how this will work for me and how it won't.

Today, I was reading the AntiJared's post and he said something to the effect that he was not doing weight loss "Part Time". Now that got me to thinking.

This year I have only been working at this journey part time----like maybe 80% of the time. In 2009 I was working at it around 96%. the biggest difference between the two amounts is ---in 2009 even at 96% I was able to lose a good amount of FAT. This year at 80% I am not losing nearly enough because I don't have as much to lose.

So,if I stay at this only 80% of the time, I will never reach my goal of losing 100 pounds of lard.I got to step it up and get out of "PART TIME" and back into "Full Time"-----part time is for retirement.

Pearl of Wisdom from the Mind of WEL
Ya can't get it , ya can't stay.

Rest cycle

Howdy from the land of grasshoppers and damn snails!!

We got more grasshoppers and snails than ought to be allowed ( where is Obama?we need a law about them snails).If I was still going to the tank with a cane pole, I would never run out of bait. And the snails are all over the house , all the way to the roof. They have already ate about four bags of snail bait---aka snail chow!

Well the June Cycle is done. I think I should have called it the June Roller Coaster.Man what a month! Up, down, round the curve, small hurdles in the blind spots----whee, what a ride.

Anyway, I scaled in at the end at 217.Now I guess , I am pleased enough with the end of THIS cycle.I am not at my historic low of 214.8 but I am working in that direction.

I now am going on my rest cycle. It will be two weeks in length. I will walk at lunch but without my boots and without my weight vest. Just little ole me.I am not going to do any BWE or Dumb Bells during this two week cycle.

After this Rest Cycle I will start another Whama Bama Bad Ass cycle to be named latter.

Stay tuned and honk if ya see me on the road. Honk if ya lose some fat. Honk if ya get out and do some exercise----hell just honk----folks will look at ya like you are crazy and you can just laugh and laugh.

Pearl of Wisdom from the Mind of WEL
If ya explain yourself and folks just don't get it, quit explaining and move on, They ain't gonna get it.

What hurricane?

Howdy from the land of cloudy skies and blowing winds!

Gal in the hall this morning said"to bad we can't walk today.The hurricane is coming".

What hurricane ?? The one going to Mexico?

I walked , got wet and the wind blew my hair---LOL.

I don't think I will drop below my historic low of 215 this month, although I feel like I have lost some fat. My jeans are looser in the legs---not in the belly. Man, that pisses me off!Damn belly fat has a suction like a shop vac.

Anyway I will let ya know what I weight at the end of the June Cycle.

My Cycle Off, is gonna be 2 weeks long, no BWE, no dumb bells no weight vest. I will walk at lunch with my tenny shoes ---no boots no vest. THEN--------

Bam , the next Experimental cycle begins.

Pearl of Wisdom from the mind of WEL
Insanity : doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.

The game has 4 quarters

Howdy from the land of sand burs and stripped whip tail lizards!

When summer gets here I see sand burs and when I see sand burs I see stripped whip tail lizards. Them lizards scare the crap out of me around the shop! They seem to run a 100 miles an hour. I can remember catching them as a kid and tying a string around them for a leash.

My June Cycle is rolling along. I have seen several pound swings in my weight. Some of the swings don't make any sense to me. One Wednesday I was 6 pounds heavier than the day before.Fluid I suppose because the next day I swung the other way 6.4 pounds! Maybe I was full of crap??

I do like the Muata mix up BWE/dumb bell calorie burning method, I have been doing.I am getting stronger without really tiring of a routine.

I have had 2 of 3 real consistent weekends this cycle so far.

The game I have been on the last 2 years has 4 quarters for me.

The first quarter was my first 25 pounds of fat loss.This quarter was hard (I thought) and I learned alot about some problems I had.

The second quarter was from around 25-50 pounds of fat loss. This quarter was the worry quarter, I was worried I would not be able to fall below 250 pounds. I did and it felt like I had won the game.

The third quarter was from around 50-75 of fat loss and it was a breeze. I had the world by the ass on a down hill drag!I had learned alot about my nutritional wants & needs. All in all, this quarter I had the most confidence and I could see the end.

The fourth quarter is tuff ,long ,hot , hard, fun, discouraging, and humbling.It is turning into a long process. This quarter is going to be from 75-100 ( yes 100) pounds in length.I am about as determined to complete this quarter or blow a damn gasket , as I have ever been.I have come to the realization that the sports fans are correct----the game is won or lost in the fourth quarter.

Now , I know there are some folks that will say for me not to worry so much over the SCALE, but I am , I do and I ain't stopping until I win the trophy. This game has four quarters and I want and need to complete all four. I want my trophy, I want my MLBF tee shirt,I want a picture with my mentor.

Also, I am kinda like an Airedale Dog ( I ain't as dumb as I look), I know the game is rough and rocky but it is not as challenging as the post game show----but that is another subject to be discussed latter.

Pearl of Wisdom from the Mind of WEL
If ya want it bad enough, figure a way to get it.

what a father's day

Howdy from the land of skunks and rats!

Welcome to the first day of summer.

I had one fine father's day, I hope everyone did as well as me.

I got to go see Kolt Nolan Laas at home with his Momma.Mac came in to support his sister and Tessa was all smiles. Janet is in hog heaven helping Tessa with Kolt and everyone is happy except Hoppy. Hoppy misses Janet but he will be OK when he sees Kolt.

My June cycle is kinda out of whack for the past several days but Sunday I began to get back on track. I think it will fall back in place today and I will move on down the road.

See ya down the road, on the track,on my BWE pad and under the dumb bell. Keep moving and shaking.

Pearl of Wisdom from the Mind on WEL
If ya put a drill on top of the step ladder, remember it is up there BEFORE you move the ladder-----oh my aching head!!

Grandpa here I come

Howdy from the land of early wake up calls!

Don,t look like I will walk at lunch today ,doing something better.

Pearl of Wisdom from the Mind of WEl,

When the women out number you in the room, sit still and make sounds like a carrot.

P.S.
Kolt Nolan Laas
4;14 pm
6-17-2010
7lb 11 oz
20 "

How much does sweat weigh?

Howdy from the land of wet tee shirts and stinky socks!

I got to thinking about how much sweat weighs while I was walking---Full Pak Trac today. If I was a scientist I guess I would know. After one mile I was pretty well wet. After two the sweat was dripping off the bill of my cap in the front and my head sweat in the back.

Seems like I can water the whole track, because I sweat as much as a hog.

To bad ya can't just sweat this damn fat off and it stay on the ground where it fell.

Oh well, if anyone finds out just exactly how much sweat weighs let me know.For now I guess I'll go home and sweat a little more.

My June cycle is going well, tomorrow is rest day.I can feel the extra BWE I have been doing and I am enjoying the Muata Mixup Program at night ( I come up with some real catchy names). I am tired but feel good too ( for a gentleman of my age---LOL---that still cracks me up).

Watch for me going down the road, I'll be the one with the wet shorts and socks on.

Pearl of Wisdom from the Mind of WEL
A clear conscience is just a sign of a bad memory.

Find a silver lining in the junkie shop blues

Howdy from the land of yellow jackets and garden spiders!

I had one great active hot sweaty weekend sports fans!!Had over 2300 Active calories and 6400 total calories on my Caltrac for the weekend.Yippee!! And that ain't half bad for a gentleman my age---LOL.

Mowed grass ,worked under the house,moved stuff at the barn and then I did some maintenance work on my old welding shop. I have neglected the welding shop for a long time and need the space so I decided to do some repairs.Now I have been accused of being a pack rat and not being really----shall we say say ---NEAT.In fact when I finish with something I generally just drop it right where I stand so I can find it again.Why put it up?? Just go look right where I used it last and BAM there it is.

Anyway, I am at the shop working on some issues and I have to step over this and I trip over that.Well after three or two hours of this , along with the sweat, I get mad and throw something down, then I cuss a little(been know for that too)I sit down and say to myself "myself why in the hell don't ya clean this place up?Huh?"

Then I start to laugh, and say to myself "Myself look at all the extra calories you get to burn by stepping over that winch on the floor?"
" And look at the extra work you give your legs when ya trip over that scrap iron and have to jump to keep from falling down?"

So, boys and girls, the lesson here is ----sometimes ya got to work to find that silver lining in life , but it can be done. Ya got to love it! I got some things done and burned some calories and had a laugh too!!

Another lesson here and also a BLESSING for me is, I am damn sure glad I have a place and a way of life where I can do some work and burn some calories at the same time without having to go to the gym or jog aimlessly down the road. Hot Damn I got it going on!! I pity those poor souls that live in an apartment in the city where the sky is grey and the neighbors don't speak.

Pearl of Wisdom from the mind of WEL
It is hard for folks to look at yer ass and read yer mind.

Focus

Howdy from the land of fleas and snails!

Man alive, we got snails ,millions of them, fleas too. I have never seen snails like we have this year.

Focus is the subject of my post today. Focus is a kinda squishy thing for me. Just about the time I get a good grip on it , it seems to squeeze thru my fingers. Along the path that I have been traveling I have noticed the length of time I am able to hold my focus on my journey is increasing.

I will keep my eye on the ball for a few weeks , see success, and after a while I tend to sit back and watch the last shot. Then Focus flies right by me.

I guess my focus is tied to long ingrained habits. Habits that are set after years and years, decades really, of poor choices. I suppose it will take years and years to change the need to FOCUS into just another habit.But hell, it has almost been two years since my journey began. July 1 ,2008 is where my FOCUS started and I can promise I will not loose FOCUS before July 1 , 2010.

If you are having trouble getting a handle on FOCUS --- admit where you are at (call the problem),decide where you want to be (set the goal), come up with a method (get off you ass and get a plan) and then FOCUS ( implement).Sounds simple?

It is simple, not easy. If it was easy the whole world would look like a cast from Bay Watch!

Pearl of Wisdom from the Mind of WEL
A habit is a habit, and a habit you can break.

Active weekend

Howdy from the land of planted grasses and installed windows!

Yep, Janet and her helper finished planting all the grass for this year and I got the last two windows installed in the old house. Hot damn but we had an active weekend. We worked like a couple of Missouri mules.

My Caltrac showed 2094 Active calories burned and 6059 total calories burned over the weekend. That ain't bad. Plus Sunday alot of the calories it recorded were me climbing up and down the ladder and lifting the nail gun and hammer.

All in all, we had an active weekend and made real good food choices.We went to Chili's Saturday at lunch with Tessa and I had a wonderful salad with pineapple and dry cheeries, man it was good but wore off in 3 hours.I have also been drinking more water and less diet cokes for several days while the heat is 95+ and humidity is 80%.

Well, I think I have a good start for the week , back to work, Full Pak Trac, Tuna and an apple. Get out of the way, here I go-----ya can't get it , ya can't stay!!

Pearl of Wisdom from the Mind of WEL
I am a much better judge of people than Janet, why?, simple----she picked me BUT I picked her.

Hot

Howdy from the land of heat and let's see? HEAT !

Man it was hot the last few days! Hot enough to melt the paint right off the house.

My retired squeeze Janet drove the tractor and I sat on the planter and planted 19 acres of Alicia grass Tuesday and Wednesday and we really got hot, sweaty and worn out ----Grandpa always said ---poor folks got poor ways. But we got 98% of the grass planted and last night it rained.

And on top of all that fun we got some good exercise riding on the tractor, I know because we both got sore muscles.

I got a couple of exercise suggestions on my last post from Muata and I am tweaking my June Cycle accordingly. Get out of the way if ya see me coming , I don't want to run anybody over but I got places to go and people to see.

I had to laugh at one line in Muata's comment----he said my exercise was too ambitious for a feller my age-----MY AGE ! Young kid like him ought to have more respect for his elders!! LOL I love it!!if it wasn't for having 70 year old knees I would feel like let see-----55 again. LOL I just feel great.

Let's go walk on the track----Full Pak Trac----93 degrees, if ya can't get it ya can't stay!!

Pearl of Wisdom form the Mind of WEL
Keep your fences horse high,pig tight and bull strong.

June Cycle

Howdy from the land of retiring wives and expecting mothers!

Well I have given thought to the remainder of my fat loss journey and the last mountain to climb is gonna start with a June Cycle.The month of June and up to July 4 I am gonna start a rip roaring calorie deficient cycle of varying BWE sessions and walking.

My plan is to press a CONSISTENT routine very hard for 5 solid weeks and then rest up for 2 weeks.

My plan is to do some fast paced BWE that are easy on my knees several times a week and mix in 4 sessions of push ups and dumbbells in the same week. I will walk with my vest 4 days a week and ride my rusty old bike 2-3 times.

My goal is to burn around 32-3500 calories a day and eat less than 2000.WHAT A PLAN----can I get an AMEN?

As I see it right now , the only thing that can possibly get in the way of my plan could be Kolt Nolan Laas, but I think he will understand if Grandpa has to go walk---for I'll be back.

Pearl of Wisdom from the Mind of WEL
Don't say you AIN'T gonna, say you don't WANT TO----that is a whole hell of a lot easier to take back.

A consistant week

Howdy from the land of house projects and planting wisteria vines!

One thing I am in need of improving to move farther down the fat loss highway, is consistency.Like I have said before, during the week I do real well. On the weekends , not so well.

This past weekend I put more thought into what I was eating and wore my Caltrac all weekend.The Caltrac read around 3300 calories both Saturday and Sunday so that was good.My eating was a whole lot better and I felt better to start the week out.There was no bounce from Friday morning to Monday morning. I guess that shows a Consistent week is Seven days long.

I am still working on finding ways to burn some extra calories that my knees won't raise hell about and breaks up the monotony.I get a little tired after a few weeks of the same routine.

If Consistency is a key ingredient to my journey , planning will bring it about.I have been giving some thought to pre-planning a 4-6 week routine and working on it starting June 1 thru ,say, July 4.I'll let ya know how detailed I get the plan to be.

Pearl of Wisdom from the mind of WEL
Life is like a jar of jalapenos----what you do today may burn your ass tomorrow.

Need knee grease

Howdy from the land of dewberries and mustang grapes!

I think I am gonna have to find some knee grease. I take trigosamine and plenty of ibuprofen, but I think them rusty old knees are getting worse. I have been trying to increase my walk at lunch by one lap (1 mile)and I'm not having much luck. One day I can get er done the next the knees hurt too bad to get there.

I am gonna try riding my old bike some in the evening and see if I can boost my calorie burn as I have not been able to walk at lunch AND on the treadmill on the same day for several weeks----knee thing again.Maybe the bike will help burn some calories and keep the pressure off the joints.

I could really tell my knees are getting worse, and I am used to a lot of pain, because some of the video from our trip to Van Horn shows me walking around on the mesa like Walter Brennan walked on TV. You know the hop along gait, throwing your arms up with each step.Well that is what I'm doing. I guess it takes some weight off my knees when I do that, sure makes me look like a crippled up old fart though.

One good thing about BOTH knees hurting, is, it evens out me wanting to limp.

See ya down the road.

Pearl of Wisdom from the Mind of WEL
When ya need a drink, go to the head of the stream.

Tea for two

Howdy from the land of whippoorwills and box turtles!

The whippoorwills are back, they move in around the house when summer comes. I heard two calling the other night. They make a wonderful sound at night. Growing up as a kid we called them Bull Bats because they flew around the street lights at night like bats and ate bugs. Their calls at night would scare Tessa as a little child , as we did not have AC back then their calls were loud at bed time.I am getting old enough to have childhood memories of two childhoods----mine and my kids.

One real treat Janet and I had in B.C. was having tea for two at Buchart Gardens. I never had "TEA" before, not the British Tea. I have never had hot tea nor even coffee in my life. Ice tea with sugar , you betcha, hot tea ? nope.

Well, it was a treat. Seems it is like lunch to us. Damn hot tea, was not bad. Then ya get a three tier tray with finger foods. I never had a cucumber sandwhich and I'll have to say it was better than I thought.All the food was real good and I got to sit around and act like well to do folks. I tried hard not to act like too much of a hick but it is hard to hide "country comes to town".

Now you might say that this is a dumb post , but I beg to differ. This post shows me I have come a long way from a guy that 35 years ago would not wear a pull over shirt of any kind because of my fat and man boobs. Back then there was no way in hell I would wear a set of swim trunks---maybe ,maybe cut off blue jeans---more than likely I would swim in jeans. Now I have tried a few different things and have found most pretty dat gum enjoyable!

If I had not begun to try new and different things in my life I would still be saying I am fat because of Grandma's genes and looking for a pill to cure my obesity.

And the best part about trying a few new things is I got to file away a memory of me and the love of my life having TEA for TWO in Buchart Gardens -----and that young grasshopper is PRICELESS.

Pearl of Wisdom from the Mind of WEL
Go try something new, if ya don't like it , don't do it again,lesson learned.

vacation over ,back to work

Howdy from the land of thunder showers and lightening flashes!

Well, me and my bride went off on vacation last week and had a swell time.We went and saw the flowers in Victoria British Columbia. Man it was pretty.

We noticed several things while we were up there. The service was wonderful, the country side was clean---no litter.The food was great, but mostly they eat "healthy".No salt on the tables at the cafe. The eat lots of whole grains and fruits and fish.

They seem to re-cycle everything.

Also,they move a lot---no no not moving from house to house---there are a lot of people riding bicycles to work (even in suites) and hundreds jogging here and there. Skateboarding down the streets and walking to work.

We also noticed, you don't see near as many morbidly obese folks there and most of the ones you see are tourists.

I found the fitness room at the hotel and road the bike for 45 minutes each day as my knees were hurting from all the travels. It is funny how different muscles are used on the bike than walking. I got a little sore, but it got me thinking how I need to vary my practice sessions so not to get in a rut.

Back today , it is back to work, back to reality, back to a routine.

Pearl of Wisdom from the mind of WEL
Don't dwell on what MIGHT happen, cause it MIGHT NOT, take control and move forward.

Have I suffered?

Howdy from the land of drying wild flowers and mesquite thorns in tractor tires!

The pretty spring wild flowers are drying up quick and going to seed. Once again South Texas needs rain , pretty bad.

A question was asked of me yesterday that I had to put some thought to.I was asked if I had suffered much losing the all the fat I have lost.

First of all, I have not lost all the fat----I have just lost some of the fat I want/need to lose.

Secondly, NO, I have not suffered.I don't think of it like that. I have wanted to eat a doughnut and maybe I have fantasized about a piece of pie, but suffer?? No,I have felt hungry sometimes and wanted to eat from boredom on other times, But suffer? No, I just don't look at it like that.

I think one of the things that have been a big part of me getting this far down the fat lose highway has been the way I have come to look at things.
Things like
I don't diet, I eat better
I don't workout, I practice
I don't stay away from BAD foods--there are no BAD foods
I don't cheat,I try and make better choices
I am not to blame for my weight, I am responsible
I don't dislike myself,but I am not satisfied where I am at
I don't always make the best choice, but I try to learn something when the choice is not the best
Doughnuts are not evil, but my doughnut gluttony is dumb

Maybe if more folks looked at things a little differently , they would have a different outcome.

Pearl of Wisdom from the mind of WEL
I think we would all be better off if more people would ride for the brand.

I ain't ready

Howdy from the land of baby showers and traveling families!

I ain't ready to give up my tools of fat loss.Friday was scale day weighed 223.6 ---that means I gained 6.4 pounds.I ain't too smart but I know that is not the right direction.

Along with some weight gain I also had some muscle expansion and I learned quite a bit too. I learned I ain't ready to quit writing down what I eat. I learned I ain't ready to quit weighing each day . I learned that guessing at what I am doing is not the right method ---at this time.

Now maybe some of the weight gain was muscle, maybe some was fluid----maybe, maybe's ass, I just don't know. One thing I know for sure, this trip has been an education.

So here I go , moving on down the road.Back to basics, using all the tools I can find.

Pearl of Wisdom from the mind of WEL
I got to KNOW, not think I know.

Choices--damn choices

Howdy from the land of flat tires and root canals!

This post will be short and sweet.

Muata has an inspirational quote on his site everyday. I read it everyday.
Today it hits the nail on the head.

"there are two primary CHOICES in life: to accept conditions as they exist, or accept the responsibility for changing them" Dr. Denis Waitley---damn choices weigh a lot when you are the only one that can carry them, but they can be carried if you get in better shape.

Tomorrow is scale day.

Pearl of Wisdom from the mind of WEL
ADVENTURE usually means you used poor judgement but ya survived.

Scale back week

Howdy from the land of shredding weeds and burning brush!

The past two years of drought ,2008&9, really made a mess of south Texas. I have dozens of dead or dieing post oak trees around the place.And weeds----I GOT weeds!

Yes, this week I get my scale back. Friday morning I am gonna see what I did the month of April. I will have to admit I am really nervous about the outcome.I don't really know why it concerns me so much but it does.I have gotten in some good exercise and added a few reps to each of my BWEs. All in all I feel stronger now so I guess I'll just let the chips fall where they may.

I think part of the reason Friday's weigh-in makes me antsy is I still really need the gauge of the scale to tell me I am still moving in the right direction.

I have learned one thing for sure this month---I ain't as grown up and mature about this journey as I thought I was. I still got to SEE some results to accept the results as FACT.

Pearl of Wisdom form the mind of WEL
Ya can't shit an old shitter.

Beginning to worry

Howdy from the land of worried grasshoppers and silent mentors!

Muata has been "off the air" for 2-3 weeks now and I am beginning to worry. I hope nothing bad has taken place in his world. I trust everything is just fine and he needed a break from the grind. But none the less, I miss his up beat words of wisdom and encouragement.It is always good to hear him talk common sense about fat loss and weight management.

It is strange to me how I need to hear those words of support to help keep my wagon tongue pointed at my north star.

Anyways, if anyone sees Muata tell him I hope all is well as it can be living in the land of "fruits , flakes and nuts"----LOL.

Pearl of wisdom from the mind of WEL
Count your blessings, count them one by one.

I talk when I walk

Howdy from the land of knee high corn and night time June bugs!

Yep, when I walk I talk.I can surely solve most of the world's problem , fix everyone else' issues , spend every dime of a 51 million dollar lotto jackpot BUT I still can't quite determine why I still have trouble passing up a hot biscuit.

I talk to myself while I walk. I talk about how my knees feel and how much the wind is blowing. I try and recite a poem of Red's. Sometimes I talk about mistakes I have made or what I should have said to someone but didn't.All in all, some of my best thinking I do while I am talking.

Some of my best talking I do while I am walking. I get asked why I don't use an IPOD while I walk, like the joggers do. I tell them I could but then I couldn't hear myself think---they look at me like I am strange.

The best think I have discovered about talking and walking is the WALKING. I am really getting to look forward to my walks.

I'll think I'll go out and talk to myself, come with me ----just keep your mouth shut , if ya don't agree with my thinking.

Pearl of Wisdom from the mind of WEL
Quit worrying about the mules, your job is to load the wagon.

I am proud

Howdy from the land of thunder clouds and forgetful minds!!

Man I am getting so damn old I can't remember what day of the week it is unless I write it on a list. My momma says , it starts a little earlier with every generation.I think it does. I went to Mac house on Sunday to get the riding mower and stopped to get gas and discovered I had forgot to bring the trailer-----oh well, change in plans!! I am nothing but adaptable.

Been thinking of a line in one of Red's poems, goes something like this:

If yer not proud of who you are
you won't amount to much

You'll bounce around from job to job
just slightly out of touch

Now there is a whole lot of truth in those lines. And I can look at myself and see some of my life buried underneath those lines.

I am proud of myself. I am proud I have picked good examples of people to use as role models.I am proud I have pushed people that have negative influences on me to the side and moved on.I am proud I have a family to love and a wife that loves me.I am proud of my kids and the paths they walk.I am also proud that I have found MY PATH in losing some fat and getting myself stronger after many years of not taking much pride in myself.

Now I emphasize MY PATH because I had to look and research and massage the method that would work for me in my fat loss journey. Each of us has to find our path. Each of us can find what will give us pride and self respect if we only search long enough, if we never give up.

My fat loss journey is no different than any one's life----each life will find barriers and obstacles in our way. We will have things and people that get in our way or do not conform with what we envisioned. We will have to adjust , we will have to build a bridge and get over the river. We will have to take pride in our self and say "let's try this and work toward a better place".

I am proud I gnawed on this bone until I found a path to walk on. I truly hope each one of you take enough pride in yourself to see the good things you have done and the good decisions you have made.My desire is for each of you to find a method to succeed and a positive path to follow in getting around barriers we face.

Endeavor to persevere.

Pearl of Wisdom from the mind of WEL
Don't forget the mistakes ya make, don't dwell on them either.

Second week no scale

Howdy from the land of quiet yards and mowing weeds!

Well , Mac got Ike the "INTENSE DOG" and they left for OKC. The yard is quiet again and Hoppy is resting now that the little monster is gone. No shortage of weeds to mow in the quiet yard----but that is just one more reason to move.

This week the urge to weigh is not as bad as last week. I do find myself trying to see if my jeans are loser though.

Moved quite a bit this weekend and got several things complete.

I think I will start increasing my BWE a little each week, not much, just maybe 2 push ups or 5 bicycle crunches.Just enough to keep pushing myself along.I have been adding one or two days each week where I walk 3 1/2 miles at lunch instead of 2 1/2. I can really tell when I do that by the way my knees complain.They really sound off when they get more work than normal.

I'll keep moving and working until the cows come home and see where I am at then.

Pearl of Wisdom form the mind of WEL
If a man lay down in the gutter and died, would it be sewerside??

I miss my scale

Howdy from the land of barking dogs and waking up toad frogs!

The toads are coming out at night. That means the ground is getting warm.

This week has been a busy one. I have been doing mountains of paperwork, walking, BWEs, lifting my dumb bells, mowing weeds. My old knees are creaking and popping.

I have really missed getting on the scale to see where I'm at. It makes me nervous that I can't tell where I am at. I think I am doing OK but that damn scale has become quite a pacifier.

Well I got to go, got another sour grape person hear to see me.

Pearl of Wisdom from the mind of WEL
Ron White is right----ya can't fix stupid!!

Jump on, jump off

Howdy from the land of blooming post oaks and messy patios!

Spring is HERE! The post oak trees started blooming this weekend and they really make a mess. Yellow pollen everywhere.

Well, true to form , and being the creature of habit that I am---first thing I did this morning was get out of bed and jump on the scale. Then sparks went off inside my head and I jumped back off before all the wheels were finished in the scale.

I really had a hard time not getting back on the scale , just to see how the weekend "bounce" went. Hahaha---mind games!!

Pearl of Wisdom from the mind of WEL
When you get to feeling you are real smart, try bossing someone Else's cat around.

Set the clock

Howdy from the land of jet setters and bull shitters!

Well, this morning I set the clock on the April Mind Game. Tic Toc the game is locked.

I bottomed out the scale at 217.2

My lowest weight has been 214.9 and I have been floating around 216-220 for a few weeks and gaining some muscle mass in the process.

But here I go---30 days no scale.

I will let ya know how it goes.

Pearl of Wisdom from the mind of WEL
If it smeels like cow poop and looks like cow poop and taste kinda like cow poop----it is probably COW POOP

Mind games

Howdy from the land of peach trees and blooming dewberry vines!

Yep, it looks like a wonderful spring approaching us.

If you have read some of my older posts, you will note that when I started my fat loss journey I was really concerned about my weight.I still am but not to the extent I once was.In the beginning, I would weight faithfully twice a day.

I would weigh at night just before bed and the first thing in the morning.I would write the weights in my day book. I would plot graphs and scheme what my next checker board move would be based on my weight.

After several months I noticed I would 'bounce" up 1-3 pounds over the weekend and lose that same amount from Monday to Tuesday. After a while I began to make poor choices on the weekend knowing I could lose it by Tuesday.I was playing games with myself. Now I was learning a lot also but looking back, I was still playing mind games.

Muata will tell you that fat loss is as much a mental challenge as a physical one and I agree.

For the past two months I have focused more on gaining strength than losing weight. I still have a burning desire to lose FAT and by gaining muscle I am losing some fat. Kinda like trading quarters for a dollar. I can tell I am losing some fat in the process by the way my skin is hanging and clothes are fitting.In the past two months I have only been weighing once a day, in the morning. I still notice a bounce on the weekend, all fluids, and still lose the bounce by Tuesday.

However, I think because I know about the bounce and I know about the loss of the bounce and on Tuesday I confirm this Bounce----I am still using the info to play a little game with myself.

SOOOO--I came up with a new mind game.In April I am gonna weight twice ----April 1 and April 30.That will teach me to play mind games for a damn month and not a week.I think it will be a challenge to stay off the scale for 30 days, but that is the plan.I think it will also make me more mindful of my food choices on the weekends.

I'll post a weight tomorrow to kick off the April Games-----and it won't be no April Fool's joke.

Pearl of Wisdom from the mind of WEL
Inside every old person is a young person saying---"What the hell happened!"

Life in the fast lane

Howdy from the land of good intentions and folks with problems!

I wonder why we fly down the road of life in such a damn big hurry.We all want what we want right now!We get in such a rush to get to the next stop sign that we miss seeing the man on the side of the road in purple underwear!!

Crap, folks slow down!

We need to take a good long look at the world around us. I need to take a good long look at myself. If I want something different in my life ,I got to fix ME.

Our country is going down the road to Hell as fast as a speeding train and all we can do is grab a cell phone and stop at the drive thru window for another 1200 calorie meal.

I am a firm believer in that , without self improvement there is gonna be no community improvement.We all have good intentions but most of us fall a little short on implementation.

Now , I hope this post does not sound like a sermon but there is a reason for my insanity.My boss' wife had a double bypass heart surgery 6-7 weeks ago. This week she is #1 on the regional heart transplant list---she is not 40 years old, they have 3 boys under the age of 10!Their priorities have changed since New Years Day.

This post has less to do with fat loss and more to do with self improvement but I think it is important for us to remind ourselves who and what is important while we fly down the fast lane-----health, life,and someone to love is all we get---the rest is calf slobber. Don't know what in the hell I'm talking about do ya? It is kinda like a coconut cream pie----ya got to have a HEALTHY crust to hold the pie together and the LIFE of the pie is the coconut cream , that is what ya really LOVE. The meringue on top is just calf slobber( that white foam around a calf's mouth when he has been sucking)---looks white and sweet but ya really don't need it if you have the rest of the pie.

Get your priorities in line, take time to look at yourself and the world. Slow down a little , the fast lane is dangerous.

Pearl of Wisdom from the mind of WEL
We live in the land of the free because of the brave.

Falling leaves

Howdy from the land of green winter grass and howling north winds!

Last week me and Janet raked leaves three evenings in a row . We loaded the trailer with three loads and I put them on the tank dam for compost. I got some good exercise those days on top of my walking and BWE.

Then Saturday a norther blew in and it rained 2 inches and the wind BLEW!!I mean Bleeew! And the leaves fell again. Not quite as much to rake this time around. Kinda of a 2 step forward and 1 back deal.

My fat loss is like that right now also.I feel I'm gaining muscle, because I can do more BWE than a month ago,and the skin on my legs is getting a little looser. But the scale is moving real slow. 2 steps forward 1 back.

I'll just keep walking and raking and hauling leaves and doing push ups until I get er done.

One day all the leaves will be moved and the fat will be gone.

Pearl of Wisdom from the mind of WEL
There is no stopping a man that knows he is in the right and keeps on coming.

I call myself a Cowboy

Howdy from the land growing up kids and budding out trees!

I take pride in calling myself a Cowboy. Now I don't ride a horse much anymore but I prefer the Cowboy mentality in all things.

To me the American Cowboy symbolizes common sense ,fair play,integrity,stewardship of the land and beasts.It also brings meaning to personal responsibility and being proud of who you are.Too many people in this country have lost sight of these things in the quest for " I want it NOW!".

Fat loss is taking a first hand approach at personal responsibility. If I don't do it, it ain't gonna get done. It is the same with you.

I have been doing BWE exercises each week and trying to increase the sessions. This seems to really be helping. The dumb bell lifts in the office during the day are helping also. I can feel more muscle and less fat around my old belly and thighs.

I have also begun to work on improving my form when doing my push ups.It is amazing how much harder a damn push up is when ya use the correct form.

See ya down the fat loss road, holler at me and we'll do a few push ups.

Pearl of Wisdom form the mind of WEL
Call yerself a Cowboy ---and mean it.

My north star

Howdy from the land of Shiner beer and fine cowboy music!

I sure like good country music--cowboy songs in particular.In one of Red Steagall's CDs is a song about pointing your wagon tongue towards the north star.

Now this was an old trail drive technique. When making a cattle drive north to the rail the cook would point the wagon tongue towards the north star , in the evening. In this manner if it was cloudy in the morning, there would be no doubt which way north was. As the plains were wide open , with no landmarks, if one could not see where the sun rose and set it was easy to lose direction.

So as the song plays out the reference to pointing your wagon tongue toward your north star is used for guiding oneself thru the obstacles of life.In other words, having GOALS, something to shoot for,some direction or a sense of purpose.

A goal even one like mine , That keeps on moving around is better than just drifting along with no purpose. I sure am glad I have a North Star to point my wagon tongue toward.

Just remember:
My life has been a good one
My hair is turning grey
I've seen a lot of sunshine
But there has been some cloudy days

I suggest you find your North Star, you damn sure don't want to drift too far of course.My North Star---200 pounds, stronger,tighter,better balance. What is your NORTH STAR??

Pearl of Wisdom from the mind of WEL
You'll never lose direction
And you'll know just where you are
If you'll always point your
wagon tongue towards that ole North Star

Animal?

Howdy from the land of thistles and burr clover!!

We Humans think we are really something. We put great stock in ourselves and tend to place our species above all else.

In reality Humans are just an animal nothing more. The big difference between us and the rest of the beasts is we can reason, plan,cheat ,steal , plot and connive.We also hold our own individual ,as well as our species' ,fate in our hands. And at times that is a heavy cross to bear.

I have often said I have control of my fat loss road map. Which way I turn is my choice---and it is.In admitting I have control of the map , I also must turn loose of any excuses I have been carrying around---just in case someone says something I take offense to.

Control is kinda like credit---it is a wonderful thing to have but comes with a price.With control comes individual responsibility. The pay back for control is looking in the mirror and saying ---yep --you did it(good or bad).

So my focus this month is on responding to my control of my choices. This month I am working on the amount of BWE I do for each week.Last week I did 40% more than the week before. This week, I plan on adding about 20% more than last week.If I can increase enough BWE time , I would like to finish the month by doing twice as much as in April.

I think I can make this goal without hurting myself. I can already feel the difference in my body.

Next month, I want to put in the same amount of time but gradually work on better form with my BWEs.

Stay tuned for updates along the road.

Pearl of Wisdom from the mind of WEL
Where wildlife cannot survive, man cannot exist.

Making do dumb bell vest update

Howdy from the land of spring flowers and busy farmers!

Yep, spring is just about here,if ya put stock in the corn farmers.There are busy planting seed corn.The Indian Pinks are beginning to bloom and there are a few peach/pear trees blooming.

I thought I would give an update on my dumb bell/weighted vest.I am getting 25 reps four times a day. It seems to really get my heart to thumping.I gave blood yesterday so i did not do BWE last night , but I will tonight.

I should finish the week with hitting BWE 4 times, next week the goal is 5.

Also my knees are getting better, another week I may be able to get back on the treadmill at home.

I hope everyone has a good weekend and gets in some exercise.Go outside and wave at some stranger going down the road----really WAVE---make them wonder who the hell was that??

Pearl of Wisdom from the mind of WEL
When everything is coming your way---you are in the wrong damn lane.

Making do

Howdy from the land of renewed focus and sore shoulders!

This weight loss trip can damn sure be humbling.I want the trip over now,I want the weight to leave now, I want the skin to tighten up NOW!!

But it don't work like that.

Now I have never been accused of being a real patient feller. In fact , I have about as much patience as a water fall on most things.I am however doing better with my fat loss journey.I have accepted the fact that my completed journey will never really be over. I will need to think about my food choices and calorie burning the rest of my life.I am OK with that.

One reason I am OK with thinking and burning calories is I am gonna get stronger and stronger as time goes on. I will feel better and be able to do more as time goes on----watch out Superman!!I may be able to jump tall buildings one day---LOL

The past few weeks I have been looking at my BWE and thinking about a way to bump up my calorie burn during the day. I thought about doing a few more push ups 3-4 times a day at work.I then thought I did not want to do too much of any one exercise for fear that I would then burn out on that method. I felt it would be better to find a different exercise to add to my routine.One that my knees would accept. I keep going back to Muata talking about resistance training with sandbags and dumb bells.

I thought about going to Academy and buying some dumb bells to bring to work. I did not want to spend any money and my office is really a storage closet so space is limited.

Then I remembered something my old Grandpa used to tell me. Now Burdette was a smart man and he is one of three men in my life I use as an example of a GOOD MAN.I place a lot of stock in the life lessons he let me see and evaluate. Anyhow, he used to tell me "content yourself" "make do with what you got".

So , Monday after I got back from my Full Pak Trac at lunch I slung my 40 pound weighted vest in it's corner of my office (closet) and sat down thinking about this dumb bell thing and wham!!I said to myself "myself there lies a 40 pound dumb bell".

So I have added a new routine during the day. I close the door for a few minutes,I bend over hold onto the vest,while straightening up I lift it to my waist and then over my head, back to my waist,then to the floor--25 times. It might not sound like a lot to the body builder guys but it works me pretty good. I did it twice during the afternoon Monday. My goal is to do it 4 times a day by weeks end.

It is fun to do , makes me more active and it must be burning some calories because my shoulders are sore today.

So here I go down the road, the end is way out there but the real benefit is looking at the scenery while on a road trip.Come travel with me , point out the highlights as we go down the road.

Pearl of Wisdom from the mind of WEL
Poor folks got poor ways---man oh man ---I miss that old man.

Why not the big picture?

Howdy from the land of Ike & Tina--Hoppy & Leroy--Pixie & Miller---all dogs!

Back when I started this trip my doctor asked me how much I wanted to lose and I could not answer.Only that I wanted to lose the LAST TWENTY POUNDS. I did not know what that would be. I still don't know exactly.

One good thing I did , was I did not look at the big picture( I did not realize it was a good thing at the time). I did not look at where I was ---305 pounds ---and say I want to lose 103 pounds. If I had I don't think I would have come as far as I have.

The big picture would have been over whelming.The small details were best for me to focus on. By paying attention to the details the big picture falls in line and become more manageable.

For several months paying attention to the details was easy. I was focused and driven.

The past 3-4 months I have lost sight of the details.Part of the reason I lost sight of the details is my success while I was watching them.---Sounds odd, I suppose, but because I could lose on Monday and Tuesday what I bounced up over the weekend, I began to feel like I could do this forever.

Well, I am here to tell ya, when life slings a cow turd at ya , ya need to keep watching. If you dodge a few turds and get to thinking you got this game by the ass, BAM !! one will hit ya!!

The past 3 months have been hit or miss, and I have gained some weight.Well, hell today's a new day. And, do you know what I get to do? Oh come on , GUESS!!

Hells Bells, you are no fun----I get to go out and lose FAT!!

How ya ask?? With a renewed focus on details.
Detail #1----I put the last 2 pounds in my vest--total 40 pounds
Detail #2----I plan on going back to weighing ALL my food
Detail #3----I plan on doing BWE 5 times a week

Pay attention to details----focus on each line item, the big picture will take care of itself.

Pearl of Wisdom from the mind of WEL
For the want of a nail a shoe was lost,for the want of a shoe a horse was lost,for the want of a horse a rider was lost, for the want of a rider a battle was lost, for the want of a battle the WAR was LOST.

You hear voices??

Howdy from the land of good friends and blessings counted!!

Sometimes I hear voices.

No I am not on drugs,although, I think folks wonder sometimes.

I hear a little voice from time to time. I bet you hear one too.You know the voice I'm talking about----the one that says "come on one cookie" "you lost a pound last week, just one doughnut" " it's raining why walk today".

Yep you hear the VOICE too, we all do.Sometimes the VOICE wins---------DON'T BEAT YERSELF UP OVER THE DAMN VOICE.

Yep sometimes the VOICE wins, sometimes I laugh at the VOICE.A few things I know for sure is----the VOICE wins less often this month than last month. The VOICE is weaker this year than last year.I think more about the VOICE than ever before.I am using my mind to deal with the VOICE.

OMG------when I was growing up I hated, literally hated my father telling me over and over and over again"THINK, use your head for something besides a hat rack, THINK" damn I hated that speech. He was right , of course, but I still hated the speech.

I guess the speech had some effect, whether I wanted it or not. I do think about the VOICE , I think about what I am eating more than ever.Sometimes the VOICE wins,but not as often. The point is today in 2010 I think ,debate,reason and decide what I am gonna eat. Yesterday in 2007, I just ate,ate and mindlessly ate.

Thinking----what a concept for fat loss.I wonder how I can market that diet program?

I can see it now----The Cowboy from Texas'presents The Thinking Mans Diet for only $9.95 +s/h----hell I ought to get rich on that deal---LOL

Weight loss is a multi BILLION dollar business in this country and it ,for the most part, is a waste of time and money.All I have to do is THINK,REASON and MAKE A CHOICE.

Control the VOICE, lose the FAT

Pearl of Wisdom from the mind of WEL
When ya hear the voice, go ahead and start a one man debate team, you can win.

I wish I could I wish I could

Howdy from the land of wishing in one hand and spitting in the other!!

Momma always said to wish in one hand and spit in the other, then see which one got full the fastest.

Last week I was able to climb higher and go way further than I have ever gone at the Coal Mine Ranch. It was not easy but I got er done.

A thought crept into my mind this morning.I am here to tell you I have a vivid imagination and can just see all my desires coming out peaches and cream. In my mind nothing ever goes wrong and I always get to the top of the mountain first. The sky is always the bluest and the fish are always biting-----WHAT A TRIP!!

In reality, I can honestly tell ya ,the feeling I get by being able to do things that I could only wish I could do BEFORE my fat loss journey started is A HELL OF A LOT BETTER than the dreaming I did about things in my imagination, those things I merely wished I could do.

I guess this means the hand with the spit is getting full, while the hand with the wishes is just that ----wishes.

I stand today at yet another cross road,behind me is where I started ( and I have accomplished a lot)---before me is the path I will continue on ( and I have far to go)---to the right and the left are detours and challenges ( I am sure to try a few of those).

I suppose all we can do is try. Endeavor to persevere.But I look back and realize I have set myself up for failure by not preparing well enough.By thinking or expecting fat loss to be easy or fast I was doomed to stumble and fall.

This time around I have educated myself, I have researched a lot, I have opened my mind to other opinions. It has paid off, wishing is not enough.

Travel down the road with me. If ya see me on a detour holler out loud----Hey dumbass this way!!!

Pearl of Wisdom from the mind of WEL
If WISHES were HORSES, BEGGARS would ride.

Pack pics

Here's a couple of pics the camp photographer ,Mac, snagged of me with my back pack.

Pearl of Wisdom from the mind of WEL
Don't put more stuff in yer pack than you can pack.

Windmill Mesa

Howdy from the land of tired feet and throbbing knees!!

I went to Van Horn ,Texas last week and we had a great time. We chased them dirty rotten Aoudad sheep around, we talked smart, we climbed mesa after mesa and generally had a good time.

I guided ole Joe all the way to the rimrock on Windmill Mesa to harvest a real nice ram.The climb was not too bad but the 1000 yard descent was a killer on my knees.All in all, I finally got to go places that I have not been able to go in 6 years of going to the Coal Mine Ranch.

I have put a couple of pics on this post. The top pic is my sheep this year. We walked about a mile on this stalk, over two ridges and down thru two creek beds.On the way out I estimate my pack weight was around 35 pounds. The second pic is from 2008. I was 90 pounds heavier then and if you look close we are only about 100 yards above the road close to the tunnel.I would add, that 100 yard climb in 2008 was a hellava lot harder than the mile stalk this year.

If my knees were pain free I could probably run them sheep down and put salt on their tails.

Today is another day in my journey.I have lots of work to do. I lots of lard to lose and lots of mesas to climb.

Let's move on down the road, you and me.Come on we can do it, I seen me do it.

Pearl of Wisdom from the mind of WEL
Before you die, make a bucket list and get to work on it.

Road trip

Howdy from the land of guns in the truck and grub in the box!

Old Art Coles, I used to work for him decades ago,always said when it's time to go, it's time to go.

It's time.We are leaving to go to Van Horn,Texas for a few days and chase them Aoudad sheep around Gettysburg Peak.What a blast we will have. Man needs to get away every once in a while.

One of the good things about next week will be the walking, nothing flat.All the roads and trails are uphill or down hill. Mostly the sheep are up hill from where I will be.

Got a little injection in my knee yesterday and I have high hopes for going UP after them sheep.

I'll let ya know how the week goes when I get back.

Pearl of Wisdom form the mind of WEL
If man does not leave room for wild things , they will be no man.

It's a boy

Howdy from the land of planned adventures and reality checks!

Tessa is having a boy and everyone seems real pleased. I don't think there is anything wrong with having little girls and for a few years they both eat the same and make the same amount of poop.However, a little boy is just fine with me.

But having Grand kids does get me to thinking about just how to spoil them and what not to do with them. I have been giving some thought to kids and how we effect the way they grow----both mentally and physically.

Now, our First Lady is wanting to work on childhood obesity. I think this is a much needed under taking.

We are certainly what we eat.

I think one of the best things we could give our kids and our Grand kids would be an EXAMPLE----an example of good diet habits, an example of a good exercise routine, an example of good work ethics, an example of loving our spouses, and from my perspective---an example of being a man.

We are products of our raising's after all.We humans tend to do the MONKEY SEE MONKEY DO thing a little too much.So maybe we should turn off the TV and go outside.

I think I need to get some fish stocked in the tank so Grandpa and little poop maker can go walk to the tank and feed the fish.Might need to fix up a pier so little poop maker can run and jump in the tank-----kinda getting ahead of myself I guess.

Anyway, I guess I need to start making a list of EXAMPLES that would be good for Little Poop Maker to see from grandpa-----bet Tessa' doesn't much like the name but it is kinda catchy, don't ya think?

Set an example, work hard, move more, laugh out loud.

Pearl of Wisdom form the mind of WEL
If ya spend enough time with your kids, no man can ever sell them drugs.

To preach OR not to preach?

Howdy from the land super bowl pots and cheese whizz nachos!

Well,for those of you who don't know me, I have been accused on a couple of occasions as being OUTSPOKEN. I don't know why but I have.

Today in the hall I had a lady in the building commenting on my journey and she switched gears into her troubles and her weight and her genes and her big bones.This went on for several minutes with me trying to encourage her and listen. The common theme in her conversation was #1 she had no clue how many calories she eats and #2she only moves from the car to the chair , back to the car and to the chair in front of the TV.

After, 10 minutes of this life style enlightenment, I kinda told her "quit stuffing so much junk in yer pie hole and get up off your butt and move".

And , I'll bet you'll never guess what she said to me???She said I was just like everyone else, just preaching to her!

Ok , maybe I was preaching. Mac would say I was brutally honest.

This got me to thinking about. And I hope my little blog does not sound like I'm preaching but sometimes ya got to call a spade a spade.

Now in an effort to not sound like I am preaching let me tell ya what old Bill has learned on my trip----I am getting old ,so I will probably not mention everything I've learned, but here goes:I've learned

what a calorie is and that the damn thing is KING
that movement uses calories
that I can take in more calories in 10 minutes than I can use in 4 hours
that I don't need sugar---I want sugar
that a habit is a habit ,and a habit I can break
only I have control of what I eat
I can not wish fat off my body, I got to want it off-----bad
the television is a damn communist plot to kill me off with a heart attack
if I go outside and sit down I am not as hungry as if I sit inside
carrots are really sweet
38" jeans look better than 46" jeans---but cost the same , which doesn't make sense
that by educating myself on sound weight loss facts I am succeeding
that if I want to lose fat I need to eat some fat
that if I want to lose some weight I need to pick up some weight
the worse I feel before a practice session the better I feel afterwards

I know I have learned so much that my mind gets clogged up but you see the point.

Learn something about the trip you want to take.Don't just listen to me preach, find out for yourself----------and

if all else fails, quit stuffing junk in your pie hole and get up off your ass.

Pearl of Wisdom form the mind of WEL
Today's mighty oak is just yesterdays nut, that held it's ground.