The Weight

I'm sorry I haven't been here in a month, but I've been making a few life changes that required some getting used to. I hope the two or three of you still reading this forgive my absence!


I've always been a big guy. With the exception of 3 or 4 years in my late teens, I have always been on the "husky" side of the equation, and I've been okay with that.

My health has always been great, my quality of life has never been affected and aside from not being able to wear a speedo while out sunbathing, it didn't really bother me.

Since I started working in office environments about 12 years ago and finding myself mostly sedentary for most of my working day, my weight has steadily climbed each and every year. It never increased to the point where I thought it was a problem, and I was content with carrying around a few extra pounds.
Self-delusion is a wonderful tool that can convince you of anything. "A couple of pounds here or there isn't a big deal! This shirt must be made small because this is my normal size! I'm in as good of shape now as I ever was! Why are they making these airplane seat belts tighter and tighter?"

I got on a bathroom scale for the first time in a couple of years before Christmas and any shred of denial I had went screaming off down the street, but only a few feet at a time because it was overweight and out of shape just like the rest of me. The number on the scale frightened me. There was an uncomfortable moment of self awareness as I wondered aloud how I got to that absurd number blinking back at me from the digital display. Without getting into specifics, it was more fitting of an NFL offensive lineman than a 30-something father of two.

Then, a stark realization hit. It dawned on me that the two boys I am father to wouldn't have their Dad around much longer if that number didn't become a lot smaller than it was. Since I am not in possession of a magic lamp, nor am I owed any outstanding wishes by magical fairies,  it was going to take some work on my part.

So that's what I'm doing.

As clichéd as it was, I chose January 1st as the day where I would take my life and health back. Unlike most resolutions, this is one that I intend to keep. With the support of my wife and more willpower than I ever thought I possessed, I'm doing it.

24 days into the month, I have shed almost 20 pounds by just eating more sensibly and adding more healthy food to my diet. No crazy diets, no overpriced shakes, just using my head.

I feel good. Every Sunday when I weigh in, I feel even better.

My ultimate goal is to drop 100 pounds.

My other goal is a little more personal in nature.

There's an indoor amusement park in the city, and every time we have gone as a family my oldest boy always looks at the roller coaster that winds around the floor. The cars seat an adult and a child semi-comfortably, or a guy like me pretty uncomfortably - if not impossibly.

I want to ride the roller coaster with my boy by the end of the year, and you bet your ass (I'll bet mine if it'll get rid of it quicker) that I will.

Wish me luck.