Fuji Apple Bottom Jeans, Blogs With The Fur!

Whenever I first meet someone, I always ask them one simple question

"What kind of music do you like?"

I always feel like I can get some sort of idea of a person when they give me an answer.

Except when they say:

"Oh, I like all kinds of music. I like it all except for rap, pop, country, opera, alternative, folk,R and B, heavy metal and classical. But I like all types of music!"

Huh!

Anyway, on my comments, a couple people asked me my all time favorite forum question:

"What is on your Ipod?"

The truth is, I do like all kinds of music!

For cardio, I love pop music. I like all the hip top 40 artists, like Pat Benetar, Duran Duran....

Oh wait, it is not 1984! It says it is 2009 on my Swatch Watch!

No, I know all about the Hanna MonJonas BrothLady GagJordan SparClarkson! That is some hip pop music!

I also like remixes of songs. Nothing like listening to a Space Cowboy mega mix of "Dancing on the Ceiling!"

For lifting weights, I like metal.

I love Metallica. I could listen to them all day. Well, not the newer stuff, but the older albums.

I also like Papa Roach, Rage Against the Machine, and POD. That type of music pushes me hard at the gym.

Hey, and don't discredit 80's hairbands either. nothing wrong with a little Winger and Skid Row!

In my car, I love 80's rap.
I like old LL Cool J, NWA, Run DMC, Audio Two,Public Enemy, Stetsasonic, and EPMD.

I do not like Ice T. I like him on Law and Order SVU, but I could never get into his rap.

By the way, in my opinion, there is not better rapper that Erik B and Rakim. To me, that is what rap is all about!

With my wife, I love Marc Cohn and Michael Buble. I also am a Clay Aiken fan. I have been made fun of for this for a while. But if I cared what people thought, then I would not dance when I worked out.

By the way, maybe this is because I am a guy, but I never have understood the quote "Dance like no one is watching". I dance like everyone is watching! I also never understood why people say they are going to do a "happy dance" for me. Just be happy!

So I told you what kind of music I like, but what is on my Ipod? Well, here are my top 5 songs on there now:

Mmm Papi- Britney Spears
Addicted- Saving Abel
Numb- Linkin Park (Probably my favorite song)
It's Raining Men- The Weather Girls (I mean, God bless mother nature)
Crack A Bottle- Eminem

Now, tell me, what song is on your Ipod? Give me a few ideas!

A year of change!

It was exactly a year ago today, February 25th, 2008.

I was standing in my kitchen at 8am. I was angry!

At 420 pounds, my life was in shambles. I had many health issues. I was on 4 different medications for my heart and cholesterol, and did not take any!

How selfish is that!

I was considered "the fat guy who was always in the office" at work.I was documented twice for being "lazy".

I also was told by my doctor that I needed to get surgery, or I would die!

I was angry with myself. How did I let my life go?

I remember talking to God in my kitchen that day. I am not religious by any stretch of the imagination, but I needed help. I remember asking him why I was so weak? Why couldn't I control my eating? Why do I live the way I do?

Not wanting surgery, I decided to go on this journey on my own. I have lost weight in the past.

I could do it again, right?

I joined Weight Watchers. I started to count my points, and lowered my food intake. I was losing a good amount of weight.

Then...it hit me!

I was at work when I was talking to an employee. She was eating a snack, and she said "Uhhh, I am full!" and threw away half of her snack.

At that moment, I came to some realizations about myself!

I am a food addict. I do not love food, nor have I ever! But I eat a lot. I have gotten better with my portions, but how long would that last. I was already over 400 pounds. If I fail now, would I get to be 500 pounds? Being a food addict does not go away in time, it is there for the rest of your life! I needed to deal with it!

I never understood the meaning of "being full". People say that they learn senses of being full, and I am getting better, but it is hard!

I also learned that I was scared. Scared that I would fail again. Scared that I would die!

I have always said that fear brings out the best in people. It FINALLY brought the best out in me!

So I made the hardest decision I ever have. I changed my life!

I decided to only drink water, and a occasional coffee. I decided to only eat certain types of food (fruit, vegetables, lean meats, etc.). I decided to work out.

I also decided that every one of these decisions would be for the rest of my life! I can not diet anymore. I have to change.

Since that time, my life has changed. Changed for the better.

While it changed, I realized more and more that life is more than chocolate or Chinese food.

It is about living. It is about my wife, baby on the way, parents, and myself. I can not forget about myself!

I deserve a healthy life!

It is a lot of work. It is not easy at all. My life does not work for everyone. That is why I have such a hard time giving advice. I am such an extreme case. I knew I had to make it work!

So today marks a year that I have made a life change. I stood in the same kitchen at 8am, but I did not talk to God today.

No, he knows how thankful I am!

I know my priorities!

Last week was very hard on me!

I found out my Dad was in the hospital for surgery, and I flew out to Charlotte when I heard the news. I was lucky enough to get a flight, get off of work, and pack within 53 minutes.

Going to Charlotte, NC last week was probably one of the best decisions I have made! Seeing my parents was wonderful, even though it was not the best circumstances. Seeing my Dad getting better was awesome!

When I got back into town yesterday, some friends of mine were curious to see if I "stayed on plan" or if I took a week off from "eating good".

Well.....let's see!

When I was at the airport, I went to three stores to purchase a tub of berries. It cost eight bucks! I could have gotten a Snickers or a Twix, but it did not interest me!The berries filled me up for the fight to Charlotte.

I know my priorities!

When I flew into Charlotte, my family went to eat at The Cheesecake Factory. I spend a good 10 minutes telling the server what I wanted, how I wanted it cooked, and how I would write a letter to corporate if it did not come out the way I wanted it. My wife is the only one that has seen me order like this.I could have just ordered something off the menu and be done with it!

My food came out perfect by the way!

I know my priorities!

When I got to my parents house, there was good food to eat. My mom eats pretty clean, so
there were a lot of fruits, vegetables, and lean meats. Although there were a lot of foods to eat, I still went to the grocery store to get some other goodies I like.

And yes, cauliflower was on the top of my list!

I know my priorities!

We would go to the hospital around 8am every morning. I woke up at 5am to go to the gym. It was 25 minutes from the house, and it was 20 degrees every morning in Charlotte! It would have been easy to sleep in, but...

I know my priorities!

The truth is that there are no days off, or "cheat" days in my life. what you see is what you get! After doing this for a year, and struggling with diets for 32 years, I can finally say this with confidence!

Living the way I do is not hard for me anymore. I am used to it. I see benefits from it every day.

When my mom told me she was proud of me, and she worried I would die every day, I knew I was living life now!

When my Dad looked at me and said "You look good!" I knew that living this way is worth it.

I envy people that can just control portions their whole life and keep off weight, or people who do not have to work out, and live in "Onederland".

I have to realize that I will never be this person. I am okay with it! I have to know that I have to life this life not only for me, but for all the people around me that care!

So now that I am back from Charlotte, I worked 8-3 on my day off!

I know my priorities!

I got my wedding ring sized for the FOURTH time. It was falling off!

I know my priorities!

Finally, I was able to go to a Weight Watchers Weigh In/Meeting. It was packed!

The leader was this woman whom I love! She was so excited to see me as well!

I popped on the scale, and I lost a pound!!!!!! 218.4 pounds down!

The leader told me the meeting was about "filling foods" and she would love for me to talk a little about my weight loss!

As much as I wanted to stay, I couldn't! My wife is working a 16 hour day today, and she wanted a nice dinner brought to her.

I know my priorities!

Success Stories!

I feel like I have not blogged in forever! Well, I guess forever is two days!

I have a ton to blog about this week. How exciting!

So, lets start off a nice Monday while I am at the airport with a nice little tale.

I wish I would have come to Charlotte under better circumstances. It was tough seeing my Dad in the hospital. He is doing a lot better, so I do thank everyone for their well wishes!

At one point, my Dad wanted some books to read. So my mom, brother and I went to a local bookstore. While we were looking for some books, I finally saw a copy of "Half-Assed" by Jennette Fulda.

I picked up the book since I was not able to find it in Orlando, and Amazon was supposed to send it to me, but they never did. That is another story in itself.

When I got the book, my mom was asking me about it.

"What is that book about!"

Jennette, aka "PastaQueen" is my favorite weight loss blogger. There are so many different genres in health blogs now. There are your diet blogs, fitness blogs, nutrition blogs, and weight loss blogs. Each one is very unique. For instance, I would consider Mizfit a fitness blogger, while Roni would be a diet blogger.

Ehh, it gets confusing!

Pastaqueen is my personal favorite because she always gave me hope. I love success stories! I love to hear about people succeeding in life, whether it is a financial success or a health success.

At 400 pounds, there is not a ton of hope. At least I thought there was not.

Jennette always gave me hope. Here was a woman who has lost over 200 pounds without surgery, and was able to keep it off. I am coming up on a year of my new lifestyle. I need the success stories to let me know I can keep this weight off!

She writes from the heart and you can feel it every time you read a post of hers.

Not only that, but every time I have sent her an email, she always replied. I do not care what anyone says, getting a response is a great feeling!

There are others who have lost over 200 pounds, but not a lot. I see a couple in a WW magazine here and there, or on the Today show.

I want to see more of it.

I want to see people succeed with weight loss.

But there are a lot of success stories out there.

People who have survived cancer and heart attacks.
People who have come from nothing to be financially stable.
People who have overcome all of the odds to become that one special diamond in the rough!

That is why I love blogs.Actually, this is why I love life! I can really feel where people are coming from. I can see peoples triumphs and struggles. You can see mine. If you read my blog, you know my weaknesses. You also know my strengths.

Jennette lets me know that losing 200 pounds and keeping it off is possible.

Right now, that is all I need :)

Going Home Part Two, Everyone Loves Costco!

This weeks blogs is dedicated to my wonderful wife, family and friends who have been so supportive of my father this week!
Thank you all so much!

As much I would like to say that this has been a fun trip, it has not been.

My father had major surgery this week, and I really felt like I should be with my parents.

My wonderful wife, mother and father in law, and boss helped me get out to North Carolina as soon as possible. I really thank them, and will never forget it!

My dad is doing better, which makes everyone feel better! It is still scary, but the progress has been very good!

My Dad loves my blog. Not as much as my brother's, but the truth is, I love my brother's incredible writing!

My Dad does not like me writing about sappy things! So I will make him happy!

No, today, I am going to write about "Warehouse" stores. You know what they they are!

I love Sam's Club, my father-in-law loves BJ's, and my parents love Costco!

They are all the same (Don't tell my Mom that)!

But since I am here with my parents, I will use Costco as the model!

To me, there is nothing like it. I mean, where else can you get a keg of peanut butter, and a 20 pound container of tuna.

You know, I work in a restaurant, and to this day, I still have never seen the purpose for a 20 pound can of tuna. I mean, how much tuna salad can you make? How many tuna melts are you going to eat!

But, besides for the food, Costco is sooo much more!

You can get clothes there. Never the best fashions, but things that were hot about 8 months ago. There are some Polo, a sprinkling of Nautica, and maybe Nike. It is never what you want, but at $6.75 a shirt, you will snatch them up!

You can get books there! They have a few of the New York Times Bestsellers. Then, all of the sudden, you will see a 2000 page book called "The History of Jokes" or "The First World War" for only $3.78. You would never get these books otherwise....

But what a bargain!

You can get video games there! The best part is you can not get a XBox 360. No, you get a XBox 360, 17 controllers, 12 games made in 2006, and a memory card. Costco is the king of bundle packages. The Xbox would cost you $300 at Best Buy. But, if you get it with all the goodies, you spend about $600 dollars, but save $8.51.

What a deal!

You can get a barrel of Cheer Detergent, or a beautiful sheet cake for $12.00. They also have some of the best produce money can buy, but make sure you like it. What is the point of getting 5o pounds of tangerines if you are not going to eat them.

You can get computers galore, and phones with 32 receivers, a nice king size bed, or new tires for your car!

You can also get a vending machine. This is something that I have dreams about. A beautiful machine for $4000 that holds 12 different sodas at 38 degrees. Okay, so I do not drink soda anymore, but it would hold my water at 38 degrees. I remember telling my wife I really wanted this! I think I even tried to explain how we could make money if I had this vending machine.

We do not talk about the vending machine in our house.

Secretly, I will get it one day!!!

Oh, Costco, how you have your 6 pack of deodorants, and 50 pound bags of rice!

The truth is, I feel like a pirate every time I go. There is always that special treasure just waiting to be scooped up! Sometimes it is a digital picture frame, and other times it is a 55 pack of Northern Toilet Paper!

But, in Costco, there is a very special day!

A day where they have everyone on the staff working!

A day where Costco employees dress up like chefs!

That is right....

Sample Day!

I do not know how they prepare for this day, but there must be some preparation:

"Okay people...remember to put the toothpick directly in the bagel bite! No exceptions! Who needs more napkins for their stations......oh yeah, remember, older people and children can have three servings, everyone else has one! Are we clear team!"

Sample day is great! You can taste a variety of Costco foods. Plus, it is a nice meal!

When I go to see my Dad tomorrow, I will tell him about this blog, and he will ask me what this has to do with my weight loss?

Well, I will tell him that I am the proud father of the biggest tub of cottage cheese known to man!

Thank you Costco!

Going Home, Part One

This weeks blogs is dedicated to my wonderful wife, family and friends who have been so supportive of my father this week!

Thank you all so much!

Weight loss is all about decisions and choices.

Should I eat this piece of cake or go work out?

Do I really need to go three times through the buffet line?

Can I get the fish baked instead of fried?

Well, this week, I think I made a very good decision!

My dad had surgery this week.

Although I love my parents very much, I have not seen them in over four years!

For some time, I did not visit my parents because I could not fly on a plane.

At 400 pounds, I did not want to buy two plane tickets.

At 400 pounds, no one wants to sit next to you.

At 400 pounds, you do not want to be a burden to others!

So this week, I decided to come to North Carolina and visit my parents. I thought I should be there for my Dad, and support my Mom as well!

I got a flight out on Wednesday. I flew coach, and the flight was packed.

Before getting on the plane, I was nervous.

I was not nervous because of flying, I was nervous because of the seat!

Although I have lost 217 pounds, I still have this mentality that I will not fit in something.

I cringe when I am going to a restaurant booth, although I fit in all of them now!

I cringe when I put on a seat belt!

I cringe when I have to tie my shoe!

Well, I cringed when I got on the plane. A packed plane, with those small seats just made me nervous!

The worst part is on my ticket I was in Zone 8. That means I was the last person called on the plane!

So I finally went on the plane. I saw my seat!

Wow, the seat looked smaller than ever!

I went to sit into it, and I fit comfortably. Not only that, but I was able to put the seat belt on without an extender.

I have said before that people ask me how can I only eat certain foods? Don't I get to a point where I want to eat what I used to?

Well, sitting in that seat on the plane with room to spare makes my weight loss worth it.

Now, the teaspoon of coffee that was $2.00 on the plane, well, that is a different story!

I am glad I am able to see my parents after four years!

Life is Beautiful!

The other day, we had a lunch party of 40 people come into the restaurant.

40 people is a lot! It was awesome!

I was the chef that day, so I had a lot of fun cooking the food for everyone. I had a couple of people assisting me, and we put out some tasty dishes.

Everything went very well! The food looked great, and it all came out in a timely manner. I had a great staff on, and, well..it could not have gone any better!

After the meal, a server came up to me and said:

"Someone in the party needs to talk to you!"

Now, as a restaurant manager, that is not what you want to hear. That usually means that something in the party did not go very well, and that I would be trying to please the guest!

" I am so sorry you were not happy with your NY Strip? Would you like my car to make it up to you!"

But what could have gone wrong?

The food was perfect, I had my best servers on the party, and I even had a great host seating the table.
Not only that, but there were two people who came in the kitchen just to tell me how great the party was!

Moment of Truth!

So I went out, and a woman was standing there without a smile!

Great!

I went up to her and introduced myself. She looked at me and said:

" I can not believe you gave up processed food for foods like cauliflower!"

Whhhhaaaaa......

"It is just awesome, Jared (smiling)"

That is when it hit me! The three words I can say now:

Life Is Good!

You know, a year ago, I would be in a empty parking lot at 2am with $25 of Taco Bell food, eating away, not caring if I would be alive the next day or not!

A year ago, I could not walk properly. I would be out of breath just going upstairs in my house!

A year ago, I could care less if I had high blood pressure or high cholesterol!

If I did not change my life, I would have been dead!

Almost a year later, and my life is great. Sure I have struggles (like everyone else) but they are not nearly the struggles like I used to have!

I can deal with stress from a job, and financial issues. Those will come and go!

I am glad I do not have to worry about a heart attack every day. I am glad I am doing everything in my power to live a healthy life!

Now, the main worry I have is being known as the cauliflower guy! Well, my name is on the door at the restaurant!

I am happy I am able to live my life with my wife. Sure, jobs will change in many years, and so will homes, and cars. It is nice to know that I will be around for my wife for a while.

I am just plain happy now! It sounds cheesy, and fluffy, but you know what...

I am happy!
I am happy that I changed my life!
I am happy I lost the weight!
I am happy to inspire people!

But most of all:

I am happy to be alive!

This REMIX does not have Akon or 50 Cent in it!

I never liked the term "old skool"! But.....

Today I am kickin' it "old skool" Yeaaahhhh Booooyyyyyyy!!!!

For the first time in a month, I was able to go to my regular weigh in on Monday morning.

So lets start from the top.

I woke up today with the dog-a-barking!
When I went to pick her up, she looked at me and said:

"You know father, it is an amazing thing. A year ago, you would eat BBQ ribs. Now, I can feel your ribs when you hold me. Simply amazing!"

I told her I was not in the mood for her commentary this morning!

After walking her, it was off to the gym. Because it was a very busy weekend, I was not able to go for the last two days, so I was pumped today!

I got on the elliptical, and was working out next to "male model" and a new character:

"I-Pod Deluxe"

"I-Pod Deluxe" had the biggest I-Pod strapped on her arm. It was HUGE! It must have help like 2000 gig of music!

Carrying that seemed like a workout in itself.

After 65 minutes of great cardio, I hit the weights for about 30 minutes, and then left.

After taking a shower, it was off to my Weight Watchers meeting!

I really never talk about this, but the one thing I love about WW is that I only weight myself once a week. It is one of the best habits I have learned! On other diets, I would go CRAZY weighing myself every day. I would know how much a pair of pants would weigh, the difference of my weight with shoes or without, etc.
What it also did was upset me a lot. I would be confused why I would have gained a pound one day, and lose two the next! It was not healthy.

So once a week is the lifestyle for me!

I walked in to WW, and Barb was super excited to see me!

I was excited as well!
I have not seen her in a month. She did say that she has been asking about me, and checking my progress on the computer!

That made me feel real good!

"Well Tony! I am ready when you are!"

Before I go on the scale, I always think about my week! I always see if I could have done something different or better.
Believe it or not, I am a perfectionist. I will never say my weight loss is easy. That would make me look like a fool! It take so much work and dedication. It is fun now, but it still takes a lot of determination!

But I never fear the scale!Not anymore. Not with my work ethic!

So I hopped on, and I lost 3.8 pounds this week!

3.8 pounds, WOW!!! I guess the plateau was off for President's Day!!!

Barb said "Tony, I am so proud of you!"

I smiled. After losing 217.4 pounds, I guess I am a little proud of myself as well!

Have I told you lately......

So if you read my blog, you know three things about me:

1. I love my wife
2. I love cauliflower
3. My dog talks

Well, although I really would like to talk about the wonderful food that is cauliflower.

Oh cauliflower, how your crunch is addictive!

Instead, I am going to talk about my true love......

My wife!

See, it is Valentine's Day! A day of romance, where guys take their girlfriends/ significant others out on the town and shower them with expensive gifts! Where couples sit on the same side of a restaurant booth, and purchase a chocolate malt with one straw!

Well, maybe it is not 1958!

My wife loves me! But she knows i am no romantic!

Wait! I take that back!

In 2006, I bought my wife "all purpose" and "hi-gluten" flour because she said I never buy her "flours"!

Yeah, I am no romantic!

Valentine's Day is a tough day because I always work. It is one of the busiest days of the year, and as a manager, you have to work hard to make it a special day for so many guests who come in!

Well, today was a sixteen hour day for me! It was very successful, and fun.

I really did not talk to my wife today because I was working. I did get a nice text from her and the dog wishing me good luck today!
While I was working today, I thought about my wife. I think about her a lot!

I met her 8 years ago, and I am very lucky that I did.

My wife is wonderful! I never have said a bad thing about her because...

Well, I can't think of anything!

The one thing I thought about today was how she makes me a better person!

There I was at work running around, moving from place to place, and really helping out! People were impressed at how fast I move. Employees respect me more now that I am able to be more helpful!

This was the first Valentine's Day in over 10 years that I was able to do that! Usually I would be in the office!

A lot of my weight loss has to do with my wife. She pushes me to be better.

She reads my blog every day, yet we rarely talk about it. Once in a while she will tell me about a post she liked.

She liked this one!

So even though I did not call my wife, or really talk to her today, I thought about her.

I love her very much.

I can not imagine my life without her! Happy St. Cauliflower Day!

If you do not like controversy, please do not read Part 1

A few weeks ago, I saw one of my favorite bloggers doing this.

When I saw it, I was confused!At first, i did not understand, so I ignored it.

Who am I to judge!

Then, a week later, I saw another blogger do this.

Still confused, I ignored it. I mean, who cares! It did bother me, but oh well!

Today I saw it for the third time.

Enough is enough! I have to say something. I do not care about the backlash!

I mean, my name is The Anti-Jared!

What motivates a "Weight Loss Blogger" to write a review of a 765 calorie meal (16 points) from a fast food restaurant!

I guess Long John Silver's is getting bloggers to review their new "healthier options" menu. I was offered as well.

I laughed when I was!

Do not get me wrong, healthy options in restaurant are essential. Most fast food restaurants have a great selection of healthy options. Heck, I think every item at Chick Fil-A is under 500 calories!

Here is my question.

What healthy option has a bread stick, corn with butter oil (FYI- Butter oil is the butter that they use on movie popcorn) and over a 1/4 cup of rice (sides totaling 590 calories)?

Of course it tastes good, it is not healthy!

Why am I saying it is not healthy. Well, lets compare:

FreshGrille menu item at LJS- 765-800 calories (Depending on the protein picked)
McDonald's Dbl 1/4 Pounder with Cheese- 740 calories
Taco Bell Grilled Stuffed Burrito- 680 calories
McDonald's Dbl Cheeseburger with Small Fries- 670 calories
Taco Bell Nachos BellGrande- 760 Calories

Heck, even the Ultimate Fish Sandwich at LJS (Yes, I said Ultimate!) has 530 calories!

Restaurants will be around forever.

Actually, thank God they are, because that is how I make a living.

Restaurants are a great place to go with your family, somewhere quick, party, etc. I love being involved with restaurants!

Sometimes, what people think are healthy are not healthy at all. That is the problem!

So you would eat something that was 16 points, and not even flinch.

Because there is a Fresh in the name!

You should be able to order whatever you want in a restaurant. I think the key is portion control!

So, being in restaurants, I am going to give you a couple of tips that I know. Ready!

1. In a restaurant, order what you want! Whatever it is, order it!
2. Only eat a third of it! Either take home the rest (in two to-go boxes) or throw it out!

To me, restaurant foods are all about portion sizes. If a meal is 1000 calories, and you eat a third, you can get full, and still enjoy a 330 calorie dinner.

As I said, just advice!

After reading about this food for the third time today, I realized something.

I will never be a famous weight loss blogger.

I can't do it! I can not sell out for Pirate Bucks!

I can not tell people weight loss is easy!

I can not tell people that i can eat what i want when I want!

With that being said:

I can not see myself walking on Oprah with a head of cauliflower saying "I just ate a half dozed hard boiled eggs! I am stuffed..."

Controversy Part 2

Yes, I posted two posts at the same time.

Two for Thursday!!

I felt like I needed to give a little background on the first post, and my many ramblings!

Enjoy!

Before I get into this post, let me tell you a little about me!

When I started blogging, I wanted to please everyone. If you look at my early posts, they were very politically correct. I thought if I could be the model blogger, I could be on television and inspire people!

I was wrong!

Once I started to blog, I saw things that I really did not like. At first, I was afraid to talk about them because I did not want to get negative feedback. I wanted to be well liked.
Well, one day, I realized that when it comes to blogging (actually life in general), although it is awesome to have a great audience, you really should write/do for yourself (if you feel passionately about the situation!).

Sure, comments are great, but more important, the content has to be to the writer's liking.

So I started to write about things that kind of irritated me. I tried to write is as nicely as I could. In fact, I think I might have written four bad words on over 130 posts.

Here is a recap of my irritations:

1. My first post was about a guy who told me I should get Gastric Bypass surgery. He was a nice enough guy, but he wanted me to get a consultation, even though I lost over 135 pounds on my own at the time. He told me I would gain the weight back eventually. I do not mind confident people, but do not rub your confidence on others!

2. In this post here, I received my first negative email. It is amazing how much I have changed. I do get irritated at times, but I have learned to let things roll off my back.
FYI- I leave on all negative and positive comments on my posts (Unless the comment offends another person.). I realized I do not need to defend myself!

3. In this post, I made fun of Weight Watchers Leaders. As I have been told, this post has sealed the deal for me never to become a leader.

Ehhh, who cares. It was worth it!

4. This post I talked about a woman who had a PayPal account on her blog to sponsor her. I thought it was tacky! I still do!

5. This post is just plain dumb. Why I wanted to be in BlogHer is...well...don't ask me.
Actually, why can't I be in it!

6. Finally, this post is one of my favorites! it is where I talk about how bloggers are getting together to stop fake weight loss blogs, yet they promote these blogs on their sites with Google AdSense. That makes no AdSense.

Anyway, The previous post is something that really bothered me today!
I respect all the people who were involved with it, I just do not understand!

Uncovering an inspiration!

People have been inspired by my story.

It is a huge honor!

I do not think I am an inspiration, but I can see how my story is inspiring!
To know that my story has helped people stay focused or make better decisions makes me...well, feel wonderful!
Inspirations come from so many different places. I talk about my wife and my family as my inspiration!

Pamela is my inspiration as well. She is a wonderful inspiration!

Before I tell you how she has inspired me, let me tell you what I know about her. I know she lives in the Midwest, and she loves her family. She has maintained a HUGE weight loss, well over 100 pounds, I think closer to 150 pounds if I am not mistaken!
I know she has a good heart. It is evident in the passion of her writing! She is pleasantly honest, and does not have anything bad to say about people. In fact, I do not think I have ever seen or heard of a blogger who did not like her.

How could you not like Pamela!

She also supports bloggers and weight loss. Her comments are on a lot of blogs, rooting people on. I respect her for that!

Here is why she is my inspiration, a story that she probably does not even know.

Before I started to blog, I used to post on the Weight Watchers boards. I did this quite often!
I mainly posted on the "200 pounds to lose" board because...well...I needed to lose 200 pounds!

I am not a good posting person! I never have been!

Well, when I was 381, I just lost 8.9 pounds. Yep, I was 389.9, and I busted down to 381.

I was thrilled!

I remember posting it on the forum, and then I left to run some errands.

When I came back, I had 23 replies.

23 replies! Awesome!

22 replies were telling me how I was not following Weight Watchers, and I would not succeed if I kept doing what I was doing. It made me feel bad!

One post said "That is awesome, keep up the good work!"

That one post was Pamela!

I checked out her website and blog, and was AMAZED at her before and current pics.

I still am amazed at her before and current pics!

I wrote her an email telling her how I wanted to lose weight like her. She replied back instantly letting me know she would do whatever she could to help!

At 381 pounds, I followed her blog religiously! I would leave comments as much as I could. I wanted people to know:

How much her pictures meant to me.

How much her writing meant to me.

To this day, Pamela is my inspiration. She is one of the best bloggers out there, and what she did for me...well, I will never forget.

She wrote a great post about the honeymoon stage of dieting!

I loved it!

For me, the honeymoon just started. Thank you Pamela!

Who has inspired you on your journey!

The F word I refuse to say, and it does not rhyme with Puck!

I used to be a cashier in a sports store when I was 18 years old.

I hated the job!

I hated my boss!

I worked for this 40 something guy who always flirted with the girls. He was not very nice to me at all!
He used to tell me that when he was 25 he had a Porsche, and he dated a stripper, and how he used to have so much money! He was awesome....15 years prior!
One day, I was in a bad mood, and he was telling me all about the good old days! Then, he told me how I would never be like him. He said it to impress some girl that was next to me.

I looked at him, and said, in a very polite way:

"I hope I am never like you."

Very, very shocked, he looked at me and said:

"Www...Tony! What did you just say to me!"

As respectful as I could be, i said:

"I am sorry. I just hope that I never live in the past like you do. I hope that I look forward to every day! I hope my best years are not behind me!"

I got sent home that day!
Only time that has ever happened!

15 years later, I agree with everything I said then!

I do not want to live in the past. I want to learn from it! I think that we all should!
I have made so many bad decisions in life. I have made so many selfish ones. I want to be able to make better ones. I have been!

Somebody today at work asked me one of the most asked questions I get! See if you can guess:

A: How much loose skin do you have?
B: Why will you not fail this time? How are you so sure!
C: If you are the Anti-Jared, does that mean you hate Jared! I mean, he seems like a nice guy!
D: Do you think you will ever be on Oprah?

If you guessed B, you are right!

Why will I not fail this time?
Is it will power or determination like I have written about?

The more I think about it, it could be the fact that I have failed so many times before, that I finally changed the way I live my life!
When I woke up in February of 2008, I was going to start a diet like I always have!

Smaller Portions!

I joined Weight Watchers, and ate less food. I tracked everything!

During that time, I realized that eventually, my portions would grow. It was not an insult to me. I just know how I am!
I made the decision to completely change the way I eat! At first, I joked that I only ate apples. Truthfully, I eat a lot of food!
I always will!

I decided to eat a cleaner diet. I changed my life. I changed for the future!

In my wildest dreams, I never thought I would lose over 200 pounds!

I read about people like Eric from The Biggest Loser. Although I am not a fan of the show, I do see how it inspires so many people!
Well, I read about how Eric, who lost over 200 pounds during the show, has gained back over 100 of the pounds. He is around 315 now.

That could have been me!
It still could!

In 2006, I was in line at a Biggest Loser audition in Florida. I looked at people in the line, and realized that no one was as big as I was. There was no doubt in my mind that I would be picked to be on the show. I thought about my credentials:

1. I was over 400 pounds
2. I was outgoing
3. I was a chef

I had it in the bag. No question!
Then my phone rang. It was my wife asking me where I was. I told her I was in line for the auditions, and she just said, in a very soft voice:
"I do not think that is for you."
I remember hanging up the phone, and going home.

I thank my wife every day for that phone call!


Why am I so confident I will not gain it back. Because i am different. my diet is different, everything about me is different.
My wife and puppy are the only things that stayed the same in my life!

So why am I rambling for so long today! Well, I refuse to fail. I have too many people in my life that do not want me to FAIL!

Sometimes I think about my weight loss journey. I would not change anything about it!

I'm not a perfect person......

Life is all about choices. We all make them every day!

I went to the gym last week, and I decided to take my workout up a notch. I decided to put the elliptical machine at the highest level.

I have never done that before!

It was tough at first, but luckily I had some new motivating music on my Blackberry.

I was so motivated while working out, that I did not realize I was REALLY dancing to the music.

Not like a little boogie, but like a full N Sync dance. When I was done, I felt great!

I saw a couple of girls laughing at me because of my "Bye, Bye, Bye" dance.

I don't blame them, my dancing was a bit silly.

At work, I was walking around with a head of cauliflower, chomping away!
Yep, just like this video, I truly love cauliflower!
No seasoning, no sauce, just a head of cauliflower.
A few of my employees were laughing at me.

"You know, you could just cook it. You do work in a kitchen!"
I don't blame them for laughing at me.

Eating a head of cauliflower is a bit silly!

Yesterday, I went to the grocery store. I made the mistake of not eating before I got there, so I was HUNGRY!!!! I looked around for something to snack on, and I finally found a bag of 6 hard boiled eggs. I opened the bag, popped the eggs in my mouth like they were TicTac's , and kept the wrapper so I could pay for it at the cash out line.

When I went to pay, the cashier looked at the empty wrapper and said laughing:

"Wow! That is the first time I have ever seen someone eat eggs in a grocery store before!"

I agreed with her. It was a bit silly!

Earlier today, my wife took a few pictures of me in some old clothing. I donated all of my clothes, but these pants were in such bad shape, I was just going to throw them out. But, before I did, I wanted one last dance with the pants!















After seeing me in these pants, my wife and I started to laugh. Not only were these pants HUGE on me now, but they were small on me at one time in my 400 pound days.

It is silly to think this is the way I once lived.

So this evening, I went to my weigh in at Weight Watchers. The meeting was about restaurant foods and good choices. I went to get weighed in, and I lost 1.2 pounds. That is 213.6 pounds lost in less than a year. In fact, I have only gained .2 pounds one time during this journey. I have lost consistently every other week!

I thought about all of my choices this week. As silly as they were, they were the right ones for me, and I am glad I made them!

My father, my hero!

This week was a very busy week at work. My mind was focused on making sure everything in my restaurant was running right. I was making phone calls to people, and managing my staff!
On Wednesday, I was on the phone with a guest at work when it hit me:

I am going to be a father!

Yeah, I know my wife has been pregnant for a few months but I just realized that I was going to be a Papa!
It was not a fearful realization, but a very joyful one!

Joyful because of the love I have for my father.

I do not talk about my Dad very often, but I love him very much. He is an amazing person!
I have never met a person with a better work ethic. My Dad still works about 40 hours a week, but when I was younger, he worked about 70-80 hours a week.
He would leave the house at 5am, and come home at 6pm, six to seven days a week. They loved him at his job. In fact, I do not know anyone who does not love my Dad.
Yet, with working so much, he always had time for me. He would always be there to play catch with me, or take me to flea markets, or go out to eat, or go see me act in plays.
He loves the fact that I am a dreamer. He always has.
When I wanted to be an actor as a child, he would drive me to every audition.

He would take me to every rehearsal.

He would be the first person to give me a standing ovation.

I have not seen my parents in about four years. I think about how wonderful they are a lot.
The reason I have not seen them is because I did not want to get on an airplane at 420 pounds.

I couldn't!

I will be able to this year!

My Dad is celebrating his birthday this weekend. I called him to wish him a happy birthday. He did not want to talk about his birthday. He wanted to talk about my blog! He never wants to talk about himself. He wants to know about others!

"I loved how you wrote about Weight Watchers"
"I loved the Cauliflower video! When are you making another!"
"Did Oprah call yet!"

I can see in fifteen years, my child will tell me that he/she will want to be a rockstar.
I will be in the store buying musical instruments and rooting my child on!

If I am half the father my Dad was, I will be a success!

I did not kiss a girl, and liked it!

Next Saturday is Valentine's Day!!!

For all of you lovers out there, it is a great romantic day day where chocolates and roses make you smile!

For me, it is a 17 hour work day filled with running around the restaurant and making you happy!

"I am so sorry your food took so long! Let me get a dozen roses for the lady!"

The one thing I am happy about is that Valentine's Day is the last major holiday that I have not celebrated through this life change. It is amazing that I have done this lifestyle for a year, without questioning how I eat! That is right, I have survived Mother's Day, Fourth Of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years.......

Now I will survive Valentine's Day!!

I do remember loving this holiday when I was 8 years old. Oh yes, good ole' 1983! Where Sassoon Jeans ruled the world!

As a overweight child, nothing feels better than eating chalk candy that says "Hug Me" and "I'm Yours" on them and getting rejected by the ladies.

Oh yes!

Believe it or not, but I was not the ladies man in my younger days.Actually, thank God I am married, because I am not the ladies man today either!
In my elementary school days, I would try to get a girlfriend during this time of year.
I would scope out the classroom, find my target, and write her a wonderful letter. It went like this:

I like you! Do you like me!
Check the box!
Yes__
No__
Maybe__

Ahhhh, like a little Mark Twain!

I would deliver the letter, and get so excited to see the response. You never know!

Actually, I learned that I would end up knowing the answer!

When I would get the letter back, it always had the No checked off. It hurt, but I got used to it!
Now, after many years, I realized what I did wrong.

I gave the girls too many options to choose from.

So maybe I did not get to have Betty Vanderlay as my Valentine!

But I learned how to eat well and stay disciplined.

It is because I sent myself this letter last year:

You need to eat better for the rest of your life! Will you?
Check the box!
Yes___

Yep, only one option on that letter, and failure is not one of them.

It can't be this time!

Well, all the cool bloggers are doing it!!! Why can't I!

Every time I would go to the computer room, I would see a video camera that i spend over $900 on, that I have never used.

Well, I used it, but who knows if it is for good use!

You be the judge!

For Rebecca

I just got home from work. It was a good day, just a little long and tiring.

I am sure you know the feeling!

I went to the computer just to check a couple of things, and then go to bed.

Nothing special. I was going to write a post tomorrow.

Then, I looked at the bottom of my computer screen at the date, and it said 2/5/09!

That is right, today marks my nineteenth anniversary of weight loss!

On February 5th, 1990, I was a 5 foot 1 220 pound ninth grader! I am not sure how your school was, but 5 foot 1 220 pound kids were not the most popular.

On this day, for the first time, I woke up, and decided to lose weight.

I did!

I ate smaller portions, and lost about 65 pounds in four months.

As you know, I gained it back.

For the next nineteen years, I have lost and gained back weight. It was not until last year that I finally made the decision to change the way I eat.

Why did I do it?

Determination?

Willpower?

No, one other word.

Rebecca

I love my wife with all of my heart.More than I have ever loved anyone. She means the world to me.
She also has made me a better person.
Not only does she support my weight loss journey at all costs, but she supports my blog. She is very proud.
She never knew I loved to write, and she did not know how funny I was until she read a few of my posts. She never knew how passionate I was about her, nor did she know how well I can express my emotions.
Now, she loves the blog. It is one of the main reasons I keep it going. Some days when I do not want to write, she always gives me an idea:

"Tony, you should write about cupcakes!"
"Tony, you should write about the dog!"
"Tony, you should write about the gym!"

It makes me feel great that she loves this.

She is my inspiration!

In nineteen years, I am the happiest I have ever been. There is no more living in the past. It is all about the future.

And you know all about my life now!

About a month ago, I wrote about "Pimping your Blog".

Well, what inspires you?
Tell me about your blog!
Tell me why you write!
Who in your life motivates you!

As always, let me put you in my blogroll if you are not there already! No strings attached!

I will not be called lazy anymore!

People are amazed am my weight loss. Losing 200 pounds is no easy feat. It does take willpower and dedication.

To me, the most amazing part of my story is that I work 70 hours a week in a restaurant. I am around pasta, Alfredo Sauce, Chocolate Cake, and Fried Mozzarella all day long! People get mad when their significant other bring a candy bar in the house when they are trying to eat well.

It is like I work in a candy factory!

No...I take that back! The most amazing part of my story is that I lost the first 100 pounds working at Chili's Bar and Grill!

Yes, Chili's. Where they serve 8 of the top 20 worst foods in America. Where fryers and batters run a muck! Where the only healthy option is a napkin, and that is 350 calories!

Although I have been a chef for six years with the same company, I did take a eight month break to work at Chili's. It paid better at the time, and it was closer to my house.
I remember going to my interview at Chili's weighing 420 pounds. The interview was about 25 minutes from my house, and I had to stop three times to change my shirt because I sweat through each one.

I remember going to my interview, and embarrassed that I had to pull up a chair at the booth because I could not fit into the booth.

I remember breathing so heavy that the interviewer asked me if I was okay!

Luckily I had a good background and I interview well.

I got hired, and started three weeks later!

I did not realize how high pace that job was. Chili's managers really run around!

As a chef, I would sit in the office for a while to work on numbers.

At Chili's you are running around, carrying food, cleaning, and doing everything!

At first, I could not keep up. I tried real hard, but it was tough! My back hurt from walking, and I could not fit on their small cook line to help them cook. It was rough.
Plus, i would eat everything in sight. I would deep fry anything I could. Steaks, Ribs, my hand! Whatever I could. I loved to eat!

Not only that, but my boss saw that I was slow, and I would eat a lot. So I got the label:

Fat, Lazy, and Sloppy!

Yep, I was lazy and sloppy. The fat was a given! I got bad marks during my management training. I tried real hard, but all that weight really put a damper on me. It made me sad because I was a good manager, and I did not want to get fired because I could not keep up!

I did make it though training, and I transferred to another Chili's after that, and I was once again called lazy. I hate being called lazy. I put in a lot of hours at work, I always have!I really tried to run around, but I would get fatigued very fast!
Finally in February of last year, I started to lose the weight. Chili's was not the reason, my family was! Once I started to lose, work got easier.

I would run around more. I was no longer lazy! I felt better. I was losing weight.

I lost about 100 pounds there.

I left Chili's in June to go back to my true love.

I was promoted about a month later.

The funny thing is I am so different now. I love management, and I love running around! I was never a runner at work. Now, I can't believe how much I used to sit down!

I realized something yesterday. I look NOTHING like I used to! Nothing at all.
Not only that, but I am very different as well!
As I wrote yesterday, I met up with people who didn't know who I was, even though I worked with them for quite some time.
So today, I went back to see my old training manager. I wanted to see if I could shock him!

I went up to him, and said hi.

Nothing.

I asked him how he was doing!

Nothing.

Finally, I told him who I was.

SHOCK!!!!!

"Oh my God..WOW! You look great. How did you...surgery?"

"Nah, just sick of being called lazy!"

You're so vein! You probably think this blog is about you!

I am not scared!

I am not sad!

I am not fearful!

I am incredibly happy!

I have lost an incredible amount of weight. I work very hard at it, changed my life, work out a good amount, and stay positive!

About three weeks ago, I talked about plateaus. I stated that I knew one was coming! I was a little scared, but knew I needed to embrace it!

I think I have been in one for a little bit, but I am not sure? I mean, I am losing weight, just not as much as I used to!

I have lost .8 pounds the last two weeks respectively. I have been pleased with the results!

I mean, I have not changed the way I have eaten, my workouts are consistent, I am just losing less weight!

When I get home from work though, I read other bloggers that lose the same amount of weight who are mad, or upset, or say that this is not worth it!

I also read blogs about people who lose INCREDIBLE amounts of weight, and when they hit this point, they lose focus, and do not work through it to achieve their ultimate goal!

That does put a little fear in me!

I have lost 4 pounds in a month. I lost 208 pounds the other 10 months.

I was getting a little scared!

I needed some motivation!

Something to help me through this "plateau".

It happened today:

1. Today, I went to go visit a friend of mine who I have not seen since I lost the weight. Not like a friend-friend, but someone who I liked working with. I went to his restaurant, and started talking to him. I was talking to him for 5 minutes, when I realized he was looking at me strange. I was confused at first, and then said:

"You do know who I am, right?"

He shook his head!

"No, I have no idea. How do you know so much about me?"

WHAT! I know so much because I helped you for like 6 months. Finally I explained who I was, and he almost passed out!He was in shock! We had to end the conversation short.

This happened three other times today. Not to that extreme, but people who did not recognize me!

2. My jeans are getting a little loose. I just bought them three weeks ago, and now they have some room in the waist!
Side note- I love the titles of some of the spam emails I receive. I got the best one today:

"Delicious way to fit into those jeans Tony!"

3. I am going to have to get my wedding ring sized for the 4th time!

And the most exciting one!

4. Today, when I was picking up a quarter off the ground, I looked at my arm. I saw a vein pop out in my forearm. Yeah, like a work out healthy vein. I have never had one, I felt the bump for hours. I am proud of it. I named him Delaney Veiny!

So as busy as work has been, and as stressful as this world is getting, I am still working out and eating right. I am not going to go off course. I got to take care of that vein!
I also know that I might be losing or gaining weight at this stage with no rhyme or reason. I know that I am giving it my all, and I do not need the scale to tell me if I am a success or not!

Finally, after work, I was able to sneak into a Weight Watchers meeting. I would have loved to be present for the meeting, but the leader was wearing pink galoshes, so I knew from that it would not be a good fit for me. Nope, just a quick weigh in!

I hopped on the scale, and the receptionist said:

".4 pounds lost!"

Woohoo! That is two pounds in three weeks lost. Nice!!!

I do not know if this is a plateau, but I am losing weight and loving life!!!!