Colder than uh.....

What can anyone tell me about this picture? What is missing?

Monkey mooonkkey MONKEY

I love Monkeys.

Ganju

It has been a week and it still makes me sad that Ganju is gone. I DID find a home for him! Yeahhhhhhh!! I am glad about that, but sad I had to let him go. After having him a touch over a week, I REALLY grew fond of him. Okay....I loved him. I LOVED GANJU! When we found him he was so scrawny you could see his bones. When he left us, he had put on weight and had really just blossomed into a sweet big bundle of Ganju. When giving him to his new owners I cried and cried.

You could say I am overly sensitive, a boo baby, a big kid... you name it but I bawled. Thankfully the new owners gave me their number and I was able to check on him. It has taken everything I have not to call them six times a day and ask them to hold the phone to his ear. I haven't done that, but boy do I want to.

Ladies and gentleman do I have a find for you!

This dog literally found me!! I went to my dads and opened the car door and as I moved my feet to get out of the car he hopped in. It took me and my dad close to 30 minutes to get him out and then he just didn’t want to go anywhere. We went inside and he stayed outside until I came back out again. He stayed and he stayed and I HAD to feed him. Here it is Monday, and he is till at my dad’s house for a short time and I REALLY need to find him a home. He is part pit, seems afraid of men, is aggressive to anyone who looks like they are in my space but does not seem aggressive with his food or toys. He knows how to sit, he heels AND he rides GREAT in the car.



I had him de-wormed, had him get shots including rabies, he has his own bed, harness and leash, and again is really cute!



I do not feel this dog should be around kids or in any hm where there are mean dogs.



I have named him Ganju but he can be renamed if in the right home….SOOOOOO whatya say? Also please forward this to any folks you know.



Thanks,
April

Oh what a relief it is…..

I met with Tony Monday and guess what? NO tears! HOORAH!!! I had lost weight and he said good job!! YEAH!! Gosh that feels good.

I was sure I was going to walk right into our meeting and quit. Not because of the meeting, mainly because I have just not been getting it. BUT, not one minute before I said the words, Jenny text me and said “please don’t quit.” WOW, how “just in the nick of time” was that? I would have to say pretty darn “nick of time”….ish.

Well, I didn’t quit, I didn’t get yelled at and I went to work. This week has been a pretty darn good week. My foot still hurts, my hubby is still job hunting, I have added high blood pressure to the list, but you know what has been good about it? For all of the issues and all of my anxieties, I have actually been in a pretty darn good mood. Relatively speaking of course!

I think the reason is do to the chillins I am watching this week. They are SUPER, smart, funny, well behaved kids. How can you really be sad around them? I mean seriously? These kids ask how you have been, they ask if you slept okay, they make up funny stories, they laugh, they say thank you, they do their homework, they go to bed on time, they forgo TV to do their homework, they eat what you fix, and the list goes on. I mean they are really good kids. The best part is the smiling and the fun. They joke, they dance, they say things in made up voices and guess what? I get to do that too!!

I have to say I am pretty lucky this week. Oh next week we can get into why I need to be more positive, and I need to hang in there and all of the usual talk about getting my boohonkus in gear, but for now, I am going to be happy being happy and I am going to enjoy the kids and learn from their happy- go- lucky innocence!!

Clarification!

Boot camp is not bad. The awesome chickadees I roll with are just that...Awesome! The exercise is fun and different. The weight loss is a great move toward my health. It is the contest I am not digging. It is my own negative attitude I am trying to throw out the window, it is me allowing things I cannot change to make me have a constant pout!!It is the pressure I am building in my own bones that is making me cranky.

By gosh I am fun, silly, goofy and gosh darnit...a generally happy person. I am coming back!!

I pledge now and forevor more to be positive again! Yeah!

Boy did I hit a wrong note!

I feel like a child who has been scolded in front of the class. I have my head down and am just waiting for my mamma to pick me up and then she finds out!! LOL Just kidding! But seriously....You ladies don't play around!!

Yes, I have been down in the dumps. I have been, dare I say…cranky. I have even been self pitying. I got it! I know it, and I am gonna pull through like a champ with a big fat smile and a rainbow at the end! I am totally gonna do that!

I was just letting my support group know, I wasn’t doing what I said I would. It rankles to have to tell the truth, it is not fun admitting when you screw up….BUT, I didn’t want to hide it either. I for sure am a little (okay a lot) on the downside, but it is all gonna be fine.

That is where my perspective comes in. That is where knowing I am supported and loved comes in (all of you). That is where Paxil comes in!!! Your words of advice…all of them, have been super fantastic. Thank you for offering them and thanks for kicking my butt! I really am not gonna break!! I know right now it seems like I am a loose cannon and perhaps I feel that way too, but there is no way it won’t get better!

All of you rock except for Elizabeth who turned me on to a new Greek restaurant by work….They have a spicy feta dip that is out of this world! Taunting me with cheese is just wrong!! Bad Elizabeth!

It is called "big fat ball of whiny pants."

In case any of you are unfamiliar with this term, it means a person, who when asked how they are, always actually answers with a long laundry list of issues that really no one wants to hear. That my friends, is currently the title I am now holding. For instance, if you asked me how I was, I would tell you my pants are to tight, my back is aching, my boohonkus is shaking from the left to the right. I would tell you my bunions were acting up, my frog died and that I have had bad hair days all week.

Okay so not quite that but enough to where even I think I am annoying!! I mean I may have been annoying to some of you for a long time anyway, but this annoyance is annoying me.

I need to get my positive pants out!!

My Own Update

I badgered you guys. I sent email after email saying “look what I can do”. I said I can do it. Ladies and gent, I am not so sure I can. I did GREAT during the contest for the radio station. I did great when my cousin and I took a little challenge with him (boot camp) for two months a jillion years ago. I DID do well.

This time…not so much. Tony may make me cry, this contest may not be what I thought it was going to be (for reasons I will get into later) but he was right when he said he thought I would jump into this contest with both feet and hit the ground running. He did think that…so did I (well originally).

Heck, I badgered the stew out of him to be in the contest. I bugged my boss about it, to the point he just wanted me to hush I think!

In the time I did all this, I gathered up a big batch of depression, had multitudes of tests for post gallbladder surgery (icky belly but have good medicine), helped my dad clean out a 5000sq foot house, quit going to dodge-ball, my hubby lost his job, I hurt my foot, etc. Oh there is more but that would only show you more of my character flaws!!

Anyway, STUFF! STUFF that happens to every single one of us. STUFF, that really should be irrelevant in the scheme of things. No, Cliff’s job is not irrelevant, but how I handle it along with anything is really the issue.

Actually, for some reason, that is one thing I seem to have calmness about. It just feels like it will be okay.

Anyway, back to the point of this hugely rambling email…..I don’t like boot camp. I actually kinda hate it. I feel pressured but not in a good way, I feel disappointed in myself for myself and for what I am showing you guys, I feel frustrated that the contest is not what I thought it would be, I am mad at myself for letting things get to me, I don’t like being compared to my cousin (who has done a FANTABULOUS JOB) but I am compared just the same.

I don’t know what I am going to do and I needed you to know that. OH I TOTALLY know if I quit, you guys get your mula back. Really as it stands, you really deserve it back anyway. I have not held up my end of the bargain. Anyway, please know I know. I am working on things and trying to put a number of things into perspective. Anyway, I just want you to know I know.

Thank you for you support. I have not lived up to it, but I thank you none the less! You guys do rock even if I happen to be stubborn as a rock, or should have rocks thrown at me…or something like that, you get the picture right?

It was just four tiny pieces....

I just ate some caramels. By boss, who sponsored me, said he was going to email Tony and tattle on me. Tattle on me…… Can you believe it? I begged him not to. All I have done is cry every time I have had to meet with Tony. I have truly been dreading class and each meeting I have with him. THEN I go and eat caramel and I can just hear what he would say to that. My boss pulling the sponsor card did not help!  He thinks it is sooooooo funny! I of course begged, but you never know what he will do. I mean, I write my stuff down, even the pc of caramel, but the thought that I might get another chewing from Tony makes me want to run and hide in a small place.

Oh I know I can’t! I have to lose weight first to fit into a small place!! So I am trying to tell my boss why I cried. He would have none of it. You see…he too is a military man. He said for me to quit crying and then added the word maggot to the end. At that point, I stuck my fingers in my ears, stuck out my tongue and started humming something….anything….so I did not have to listen! Oh that is okay……I’ve got him…..I have peanuted his office and car. Posted noted his whole office, put fake eyeballs and flowers in the skulls he has in his office (for work)…..I am sure I can think of something else! Oh there was also the time; I stuck some irreverent bumper stickers on the back of his car. Although that one backfired, I couldn’t get them out and he said he had to take it to the shop. In reality, he used some of his surgical tools and got it out, but not until after he had me booing like a baby!!

So anyway, I am telling on myself. I ate some caramel. THE END!

Does anyone have cheese to go with my whine?

This weekend started out great! I slept in, saw my friends little girl win the championship for her age group in a volleyball tournament, went to a kick bootay Halloween party, spent time with a girlfriend and lollygagged most of the rest of the weekend. That part was great.

The bad part was having my car go kaput! $1200 DOLLARS WORTH OF KAPUT! UGH!

My tires were dry rotting, my valve gasket thingy and some other dooojamhicky, not to mention an oil change, front end alignment and something about my first born child was involved.

Are you kidding me? I offered to work for them cleaning, pulling weeds, and mopping up oil. I am pretty sure they thought I was kidding, but I can say definitely for sure I was not.

YEP! I am officially a basket case. I have been working my way there all year. Didn’t I say a few blogs ago I was going to make a decision to make myself happy? I was just gonna do it and not dwell? Does anyone know how I was gonna do that? The “how to” has escaped yet again. The “how to” is a slippery little fella. He gets really close to you then in a blink of an eye he darts off in another direction! The little booger!

Cognitive evaluation theory

The most detailed explanation for the overjustification effect is cognitive evaluation theory. This theory proposes that tangible rewards (like money) are perceived as controlling or coercive, and act to decrease perceived self-determination and undermine intrinsic motivation. Because unexpected tangible rewards do not motivate behavior during a task, they are less likely to be perceived as controlling, and thus less likely to undermine intrinsic motivation. Informational rewards (like praise) increase perceived self-determination and feelings of competence, and consequently tend to enhance intrinsic motivation.I am just saying......

One day closer.....

So I met a new peep last night. Well, I didn’t meet her last night, but I did get to speak with her a good bit. And guess what? She is the enemy. That is right…I said it….I am consorting with the enemy!! She is one of the other contestants who just happens to be kicking my boohonkus. So why hang out with her you may ask? Well…uhhhmmm…she is kinda, nice and funny and…Okay so she is not really the enemy! She is just a cool chick who is going through the same process I am to lose weight. Well, her process I believe is working better because she has actually lost weight!! Yeah!!

My point is just that some of the folks who are doing this are supper cool people. She isn’t the only one I have met and while she rocks, it seems like most of them do. Who knew? I mean I didn’t expect people to be just hateful, but it is a competition and that can make for heated exchanges at some point. Well at least I think that is how it works sometimes. So far the only heated exchanges I have had are with Tony.

“Like as in I am gonna put you in a headlock you big whiny turd!” Of course that was Tony. We all know how quiet and genteel I am! I would never have an attitude, raise my voice or take issue with anything someone else said! I of course merely smiled and said “as you wish.”

Okay, so maybe that isn’t exactly how things have gone down but trust me when I say I am STRUGGLING with this whole thing. But, today is another day! And tomorrow is one more day after that!

See here is the thing.....

There is so much I want to write here. Why don't I? Well er uhh cuz people use these musings for evil that is why. You? NO! not you, but people. My space, facebook....all of them can be used to catch criminals. Employers look at them to see what they can about possible future employees. Mean girls use them to be mean to other girls. I think even a wife or two has used it to get back at their none to faithful husband. You name it.....I am SURE someone has thought of or tried using blogs, etc. for not so helpful reasons.

My point is, that writing is therapeutic for me. I like to babble. I tell all my business, that is just what I do. I don't mean to really, but I do it. I am having to restrain myself here and keep from getting all up in my private life. You all read about my weight struggles. Many of you know my personal battles. But I want so much to write about work, home, fun etc. You may or may not want to read it, but I still have the urge to do so.

What stops me? Well, a lot of my "issues" as I like to call them involve others. Sometimes it is something small and really insignificant. Sometimes it is the "elephant in the room" issue, but all of them generally have a smidgen of info about somebody else. I do not want to get the beat down from any of you.

I personally feel that we all go through much of the same things and commiserating with others can really help, but to do so in this arena would just be asking to for a smackdown.

Anybody feel like a fight?

Naw, just kidding.....trying to get my "fussies" out today in a no name calling, non specific, avoiding the issues way today!!

Clarification!

I want all of you to know I am thankful to all of you! Just like the fist time, I couldn't do it without any of you! I may be treading water right now, but I will get there. I may not always like something I hear, or even how some people push, but I do now what I am here for and why and you are all to thank for supporting me!

Thanks Lisa!

Do any of you know how good it feels to have someone support you? Not just people you know. People you don't really know. People you just met. People who are working on themselves while supporting a friend? It feels good! It feels good to have the support of friends and family and then new friends! Falling behind does NOT feel good. Being behind because of your own decisions feels worse. Then BAM! It only takes a second to get a new handle on things when you are encouraged! I am encouraged by many but for this blog, today.....here's to you Lisa and for your unexpected encouragement! Thank you for your support!

My act is gonna get better.....

Ladies and gents,

I just have to be honest. I have NOT been into this contest. If there was something I could say to justify that I would. About the only thing I can say is that it hasn’t just been boot camp. I have not been into dodgeball, work, my eating habits, my friends, and the list goes on. What is it? Why? Yeah yeah…I have thought of everything from depression, to anxiety, to sheer exhaustion. Could be a little of one, all of one, or some of all three. It could merely be that the polarity of the earth has shifted in some way that has aligned my Chakra’s in a disorganized pattern. The simple fact is, I have just not had my act together. Sure there has been stuff going on. Who doesn’t have stuff going on? Right now, this second, I am having tummy problems…AGAIN. Yeah yeah I KNOW. I AM going to the doctor and have seen a doctor. YES, it could be how I eat, or a bug, or perhaps I was stolen by aliens who probed me in a none to gently fashion and then just left me back here on earth to suffer.

I am just meaning to say that we all have “stuff.” And believe it or not, no matter how bad your “stuff” is, someone else is having “stuff” too. Maybe even worse. What can I do about it? I know what I can do. ME! I Know what ME, MYSELF, and I can do…..I can get it together. I can make a conscience decision to just get it together. Why can’t I do that?

Should I continue to wallow? Should I focus on pain, negativity and upset? OR…OR, can I wake up and decide to have a good day. Can I go through my day and TRY just try to enjoy it. Can I get to the end of the day, when it is time for sleepygonightnight and pray that I am able to NOT worry about things I cannot change and then wake up the next morning to change the things I can?

Today I decided that is exactly what I can do. That is what I WILL do.

PS

I also jogged a whole mile yesterday without stopping. Okay, actually calling it jogging may be a tad on the exaggerated side. I mean I didn't walk (at first), and I wasn't walking fast like the people at the mall with their hands swinging to and fro. I did however sorta shufflejogg. Is that a word? YES, that is what I did.

Shufflejogging is akin to what street cleaners do. WHAT? Street cleaners. Ya know... they are those big machines that make a lot of noise that drive on the outside lane picking up ick off the ground? It is like that. You see they don't go fast and really look as if they are barely moving at all, yet soon enough they have made it from point A to point B. They are kinda loud, as was my constant wheeze, and since I am slow, just like they are, I had to remand myself to the outside lane on the track. There was some ick, but that mainly came from my profuse sweating. All in all I would say it is an apt description. Fast? NO, accomplished something? YES!

Why is it always cheese?

So I got reprimanded last week. BIG TIME. This week, so far, I have been to training everyday. My eating habits are better (I am eating fish right now), but I think I have a way to go with that still. I think I was eating in relative moderation until yesterday when Allen brought a cheese ball. A CHEESE BALL!!! You have got to be kidding me! Okay and maybe some beer. Anyway, long story short…cheese ball good, my tummy hurt bad!

In the meantime, I have had emails and comments from some of my benefactors telling me to GET WITH IT!! You do know it was a cheese ball right?

Anyway, just a quick note to let everyone know this week is going along better. Aside from three workouts so far I have dodgeball tonight which is more exercise and I should be going to Boot Camp Thursday and Friday as well, so I AM picking up momentum!

Say what?

April,

I am NOT happy.

You BEGGED me to let you into this contest ... right? But your progress isn't much to get excited about.
I'm serious about you being successful and I'm assuming that you are too, right? Or am I more serious about you being successful than you are?
I want you at BOOT CAMP no less than 4 times next week! And when you do your cardio, I want you to WORK YOUR ASS OFF! You can walk and stroll at the mall.
We need to meet ASAP. I'll meet you at 5 at the church this afternoon. Email me to confirm.

Tony

So....if any of you think I am not being called on the carpet for being a slacker than think again. I met with Tony at 5 on Friday and the tone of that meeting was the same if not more scary than the email. No I don't mean scary like I thought he was going to shave my head, put me in the "hole" and not let me out until I was hungry, broken and ready to tell all of my secrets and yours the second he let me out. But it was scary/stern enough that I had to remind myself I am an adult, I am not in grade school and about to lose my recess for the week. I had to remind myself that I am an adult and I am not waiting for my mom to pick me up from school all the while knowing when she gets there, the teacher is gonna tell her why I lost my recess.

Let me just say, I could definetely see the "Marine" that day. But you know, while his demeanor Friday took me aback, it was not unwarranted. That is what I paid for. That is what YOU paid for.

I may be a whiner and I am for sure a cryer, but I am not a quitter.

So let me end this for now....I need to start running!

Slacker

I have been slacking on my blogs for quite some time now. It appears that I am slacking in many areas these days but I hope to change that soon. I made the new contest. Did I tell you guys that? I did. It is called Combat the Fat 2008. And…..and…..I have some really good peeps supporting me in this. Not just mentally, but financially as well. This was not a cheap endeavor. I say that, but overall it will be well worth it. I have six months to learn better habits and to get in shape. This is my second week and so far I have not been all fired up and gung ho and ready to go just yet. I will be though, just give me a few more days. Wow! Listen to me already putting things off or making excuses….

Actually, I was on vacation last week but had to help my pappy with some things so I was kinda off kilter. This week, I am back to work, and I went to work out Monday and have not been back.

Today is Thursday and I have to PU one of the chillins I am keeping until Sunday when the parents come home. I am going to class tonight, but this week, as last, I will have made my obligatory three visits ONLY. NOT good. Well, it fits the bill, I am not breaking any rules, but I am also not gonna lose this big ole butt with any quickness by just playing it safe. I BEGGED to be in this competition so know I just have to get off my boohonkus and do it!!

By the way the folks I have listed to the left with my picture are the folks that helped financially so I could do this! Just wanted to say thanks!

Me again? YEP!!!

This is what I got about the contest (see below….no further below FIRST).

Can some of you guys please sponsor me? Long distance or not I promise not to let you down. PLEASE PLEASE? J He wants emails so he can send updates to all of you to tell you if I am not holding to my end of the bargain or if I am doing what I said and literally working my tail off. The difference between ( | ) and (|) !!!!!

I am gonna kick boootay no matter what! Your support monetarily will be helpful BUT if that is not possible (which I FOR SURE understand), your goodwill will mean more than you can imagine!! Last time you guys kept me from giving up. There is no voting or things like that. I plan to continue my blog to help ME keep going and give you all something to laugh about! Yeah so I think I am funny......!!!

The money is so that peeps will feel I am an investment and keep pushing me! PLUS and I say PLUS, with me knowing you are investing in ME, the process becomes more than a life change and a competition, it becomes an opportunity for you to get a return on your investment. You get your money back and with me being healthier you get to keep me around longer!! Hahahaahahhahahahah LOLOL Yes, I know….. Someone just shot their drink through their nose over that one, but you get what I mean!! Actually, for those of you with no $$ on the list….that just means you get to kick my boohonkus for free!!

Again, in NO WAY do you have to give mula. I am putting it on the line for six months to get myself in shape for the long term and I feel lucky to have friends and family to even be able to email this to!

P.S. I think he still has spaces for any of you who want to try it!! We CAN do it together!

Thanks again, Ape


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: TonyLudlow
Sent: Thursday, August 21, 2008 11:14 AM
To: TonyLudlow@aol.com
Subject: Sgt. Tony's $5,000 Combat the Fat Weight Loss Challenge!



Greetings All,

This is the first official email sent to the contestants of the Second Combat the Fat Challenge!

You've been chosen!

Congratulations!!!

I have HUGE expectations for you!

We will officially begin the challenge at our mandatory Kick Off Celebration on September 6 at 11 AM at Jason's Deli, Highland and Poplar (behind Perkins). We will be meeting in our own conference room at Jason's where we'll also conduct your initial weigh in.

On that morning, come in your regular street clothes, but bring shorts and a t-shirt to change into for the weigh in. Also bring your very own scales. We will weigh you using both my scales and yours at the same time. After you weigh in, you'll have your picture taken.

After you've had your picture taken you may change back into your street clothes and go through the line at Jason's and get your lunch, if you'd like. Lunch is on me, so when you get to the register just tell the clerk that you're with the Boot Camp group in the conference room.

You are encouraged to bring your spouse (their lunch is also provided) or significant support person(s). No children, please.

During the meeting the details of the contest will be gone over again and you'll be asked to sign a contract agreeing to the terms of the contest.

In addition to the information that I'll give you during the meeting, there will be lectures presented by Eric Flanders, owner of Fleet Feet Sports dealing with proper footwear. Mary Read, a registered dietician and nutritionist, will speak to you regarding your approach to eating. We will also have a panel discussion made up of Boot Campers and members of the First Challenge. You'll have opportunity to ask them questions or to speak with them afterwards.

The meeting will take about 2 hours.

Between now and our Kick Off, you will need to:

1) Get a clearance letter from your physician clearing you to participate in the program. This may or may not require you to get a physical. I must have a current clearance letter on file for you to participate.

2) Your entry fee of $1,000 is due on September 6.

3) At least half of your entry fee must come from a minimum of 5 sponsors. You can have more than 5 sponsors and they can contribute up to $700 of your $1000 entry fee. You must have a minimum of $300 of your own money invested. Checks should be made out to Tony Ludlow or USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP. Either one is fine. Bring a list of your sponsors and the amount of their "investment in you" to that meeting.

** A word about WHO should be your sponsors: ANYONE who will hold your feet to the fire and keep you accountable is perfect. Your sweet lil' granny who has always rewarded you with brownies and milk shakes and thinks you do no wrong is NOT suitable. Sorry. Granny won't kick your butt. I need your sponsors to butt kickin' nazis! Local is better than long distance. People you see regularly.

** Tell your prospective sponsors that they are investing in you and your FUTURE! Use the word "investment" in soliciting them for support. It's the word that really and truly fits!

4) Email me the list of your sponsors with their names AND their email addresses, on or before September 6. The list should be in a format that I can copy and paste from, so that I can easily add their email addresses to my email address book. So no PDF files.

5) Come to the meeting prepared to change your life!!

Let me know if you have any further questions. I'll be in touch!

Again, CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Sergeant Tony

Sergeant Major Tony Ludlow
USMC Fitness BOOT CAMP, Commanding
5358 Denwood
Memphis, TN 38120
901-644-0145

www.usmcfitnessbootcamp.com

www.shaklee.net/tonyludlow/main

I have tried to start this a few times and decided to steal from my own blog (see previous blog). During the last contest, for which most of you are familiar, I had to blog everyday. I think it really helps when you feel the need to vent or when trying to hold yourself accountable for things. Seeing some of your thoughts in writing ya know?

So I took a little hiatus from my musings (blogs). Well I DID muse, but I mused to myself. Sometimes it is better to muse to ones self than to muse out in the open where everyone can see you muse, hear you muse, or be all up in your muse.

Well, I am back. I am back for another season of "where is my cheese." I am going to try and participate in another contest ($5000 to the winner) having to do with hard work, dedication and food that tastes like cardboard. Oh I CAN do it....my question is whether giving up cheese and beer for a second time will actually cause me to have a mild case of Tourette’s! But, being that I am a chunky dunk, the removal of these items is the only viable option.

It begins in September. It is for six months and this time it is outside. OUTSIDE!! In the rain, in the heat, in the cold. They say “beauty is pain” and I can honestly say I hope to be in agony. I actually have not even been offered a position in the contest yet so please keep your fingers crossed. I should know by August 4th.

There will be no voting, no radio show to post videos, and no hearing me say goobersmooch things on the air. It will just be good old fashion wheezing and Ibuprofen by the bed.

“But April….. You lost 30+ lbs.”

Well, sure I did! But you didn’t think I was done did you? That was some HARD CORE shitake if you know what I am sayin’. This new thing is a little less in the DO IT OR DIE ARRRGGGGG!!! category and more on the, you need to do this for your health and well being category. Get the difference? A little less on the GI JANE, SHAVE YOUR HEAD AND EAT BEATLES kind of thing and more on the gusto and commitment will help teach me long term life changes.

Okay so now that I have explained it to death, I come to the part of my discourse where I explain its main purpose. To ask for your support one more time (I could not have had better)! As I stated above, no voting, no show to listen to, nothing but your good verbal, written or mental thoughts, put forth during this new period to help encourage and boost me to change my life for the better.

Please help!! And BTW there are ten spots available and you can go to http://www.usmcfitnessbootcamp.com/sitemap.html if you are interested!

I know some of you are dealing with bigger things in your own lives. Please know my want for support in no way makes light of anything you may be going through. I may not always understand the depth of your needs and wants but I am thankful to all of you and want you to know that I am here for you in anyway that I can be.

I am back!

So I took a little hiatus from my musings. Well I mused, but I mused to myself. Sometimes it is better to muse to ones self then to muse out in the open where everyone can see you muse, or hear you muse, or be all up in your muse. That is all I am sayin.............okay, I am still sayin, but you know what I mean right? Well, I am back. I am back for another season of "where is my cheese." I am going to try and participate in another contest having to do with hard work, dedication and food that tastes like cardboard.

Oh I can do it....the question will be if I can give up cheese and beer yet for a second time. I mean what sane person would do that? Well, I may not be sane, but I am a chunky dunk so for me it is the only viable option. I haven't started yet. I actually have not even been offered a position in the contest (keep your fingers crossed).

It begins in September. It is for six months and this time it is outside. OUTSIDE. In the rain, in the heat, in the cold. Beauty is pain and I hope to be in agony.

There will be no voting, no radio show to post videos, and none of getting to hear me say goobersmooch things on the air. It will just be good old fashion wheezing and Ibuprofen by the bed.

Time to change.

Okay, so I need to change the pic up at the top. I will. I will some time when I remember and am at a computer that has my pics saved. On my list of things to do I also have on there to add some pics to my My Space page. Alas, it is still on my list of things to do. I imagine it will remain there for some time. Currently I am house sitting and child sitting. I hate to say baby sitting. These two aren't babies and while they are kids, they seem so grown! Anyway, I also need to clean out our storage, house and dog sit and have my gall bladder out. Throw in work, dodgeball and some various and sundry chores and events, and you can see that photos are on the back burner.

I also want to figure out how to link this blog to my my space page where you don't actually have to click on the Blogger thing to get here. Anyone know?

For now I just want to add a really cute thing I saw on MSN.