29 July 2009

Mouth Wide Shut

somebody stop me before I eat again...!


Dr StrangeLove

or How I Learned To Quit Worrying and Love the Scales

Wiggly Down Under

Annie Haul *ss

Madame Butter. Fly.

Lap Band Luke

South Beach Blanket Bingo

Chin Again, Begin Again

Heavy Can Weight

Lonesome Dove Bar

Kung Fu Panera


Hot Dog Millionaire

The Red Chews

Oh Brother! Where AREN'T Thou?

Bariatric My Heart and Wounded Knees

Hunger Fight Club

7 Bribes for 7 Blubbers

Dances With Wolf Brand Chili
"Eats With Fist"

Stall - Lag 17 Pounds

28 July 2009

I'm sorry Dave, I'm afraid I can't do that...


Is it just my imagination, or is my refrigerator actually following me around at work now?

Open the pod bay doors, HAL.
I'm sorry, Dave. I'm afraid I can't do that.

What's the problem?
I think you know what the problem is just as well as I do.

What are you talking about, HAL?
The mission is too important for me to allow you to jeopardize it.


What a chilling horror movie THAT would be!
The Fridge From Hades....
(some folks call it Hell, I call it Hades....Mmm....reckon....)

Sorry about the poor-quality video, but this robot snuck up on me in the hospital. I barely had time to film it! These things run amok all over the place.

27 July 2009

everything is food

I would gladly pay you tuesday...

This gem is thoughtfulness is from the movie Popeye.

Everything is food, food, food
Everything is food to go
Everything is food for thought
Everything you knead is dough

It is food - everything is food

Everything is meat, meat, meat
Careful what you put on your feet
Once it lived on an animal
Now it walks along with you

It could be food, everything is food...



It's ubiquitous and enigmatic!
Thanks for watching -
this is one of my all time favorite songs..
a national anthem of thought!

26 July 2009

been her


more books to digest or
not-so-heavy reading

...just in time for back to school!


Olive or Twist


Of Human Poundage

To Eat A Mockingbird

Babes In Soy Land

(Not So) Little Women

Paradise Lost and Regained

The Pit and the Pendulous Abdomen

The Case Of The Tell-Tale Heart Bypass

Flour In the Attic

Anne of Green Monsters

The OxO Incident

Ketone Largo

Of Mice and Menus

The Legend of Sleepy and Hollow

For Whom The Taco Bell Tolls

A Farewell to Bingo-Wing Arms

I-vanna-HoHo

Fahrenheit 351 (for 30 minutes)

20,000 Leagues Under The C Pap


25 July 2009

my old addiction


MusicPlaylist
Music Playlist at MixPod.com


Chet Baker's Unsung Swan Song

My old addiction
Changed the wiring in my brain
So that when it turns the switches
Then I am not the same

So like the flowers toward the Sun
I will follow
Stretch myself out thin
Like there's a part of me already buried
That sends me out into this window

My old addiction
Is a flood upon the land
This tiny life boat can keep me dry
But my weight is all that it can stand

So when I try to lean just a little
For a splash to cool my face
Ahh that trickle turns out fickle
Fills my boat up five miles deep

My old addiction
Makes me crave only what is best
Like these just this morning song birds
Craving upward from the nest
These tiny birds outside my window
Take my hand to be their mom
These open mouths would trust and swallow
Anything that came along

Like my old addiction
Now the other side of Day
As the springtime of my lifestyle
Turns the other way

If a swan can have a song
I think I know that tune
But the page is only scrawled
And I am gone this afternoon

Lyrics by David Wilcox
Also covered by kd lang

Something for a lazy Sunday! Push play to listen along. Push reload if it messes up. :)

24 July 2009

nature walk in a nursing home

virtual insanity

a beautiful scene? OR a public service announcement?


The perfect diet metaphor. You think it's one thing, but you step back, gain a new perspective, and you discover that it is something completely different!

Virtual Anime?


Virtual Insanity
Lyrics by Jamiroquai
It's a wonder man can eat at all
When things are big that should be small
Who can tell what magic spells we'll be doing for us...

23 July 2009

call it, friendo

no country for old men

or for old socks!

I laughed about this for days. Really. Days. Friendo.

Sometimes, we all need a good, silly laugh.


"Sock Tube Presents" - these guys are really funny!

I posted my menu/food items list. I normally don't show a picture because my meals are about the same thing, every day. It's a pretty simple list. Mostly wholesome, minimally processed foods. With a few exceptions - I'm only a moderate purist!

Thank you all for your kind comments on yesterday's post!

22 July 2009

she drives me crazy

kermit, my clock is ticking!


I can't get any rest
People say I'm obsessed
(Well, now that you mention it...)

It's been awhile since I've blogged about fasting and weight-loss results.

The picture with my finger on my chin is me "before."

The pictures with my mouth hanging open is from about 2 days ago when I blogged all night, and just happened to look up as the clock struck 3 am.!

For about 2 weeks now, I have maintained a 1000 calorie deficit.
It's been just too hot to cook. I still use the rebounder, and walk a little.
Most days, I eat a small meal and maybe a snack. And/or protein mix.


I eat when I am hungry, smaller portions. I am actually just now coming out of a 8 week stall! That's EIGHT WEEKS! I kid you not. Thank you very much!

I have also lost an 1/2 inch from my left forearm. That is the only place I consistently take my measurements. There's no cheating when you take it there. But my clothes tell the real story. No need for scales and tape measures, when your whole body weighs in "nay" or "YAY!"

I made only one single change, and my two-month plateau was broken overnight.

I switched from brown, caramel flavored diet drinks, to Diet Mountain Dew. One per day. So it wasn't the caffeine, or the artificial sweetener. Or any other anecdotal thing in The Universe. Some might speculate, but I think it was just ....

...It's just a phenomenon of LoCarbing -
or
lose it, without "losing it!" 35 pounds in 17 weeks is about 2 pounds a week, averaged.
Which I never got to post! Until now!

21 July 2009

they might have been giants

a work song

When I first started blogging, there was this great video from Ms V.

Its pretty awesome to think about something other than eating or not-eating (or talking or not talking) from time to time! I really like to post videos. Especially now that I discovered how to change HTML!

If you, or anyone you know was out late last night, like maybe going to a concert, perhaps today you could sing this little song, and stay home! Just for one day. Stay home and blog!

This is They May Be Giants - Seven Days of the Week

simple, but not easy






It "should" be so easy. Do what works. Stop doing what obviously doesn't work. Or what hurts.

Losing weight (or getting healthy) might be like any long-term, worth-while project. Like saving money, or walking from coast to coast. It should be linear - predictable. With a few stops here and there to take in some points of interest. Or a change of plans now and again. Or to compensate for bad weather, flat tires, or just being tired.

And for the times that you make bad choices, simply do this - choose again.
Every minute is a chance to start over.

And learn through correction, not punishment.

There's no place for guilt and shame when you are a dedicated learner. Students are expected to make mistakes. Babies learn to walk by falling down a lot, and getting right back up. With a little help, encouragement and positive reinforcement. "You CAN do it!"

It seems hard to do because it is hard to do! It is not easy. If you think it's hard today, wait 'till you see tomorrow! Now is the time. It will never be easier than right now.

"I set this goal for myself. And for what ever reason. Why would I let anything in this world of time and space stop me? Or delay me? Or talk me out of it completely?"

Some say the real "lesson to be learned" is in the mind. And the body merely follows.
Perhaps it is all about Love. All you need is Love! Love, and let yourself be loved.

20 July 2009

something to think about




This was e-mailed to me
Washington DC Metro Station on a cold January morning in 2007. He played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time approx 2 thousand people went through the station, most of them on their way to work. After 3 mins a middle-aged man noticed there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then hurried to meet his schedule.

4 mins later:
The violinist received his first dollar: a woman threw the money in the till and, without stopping, continued to walk.

6 minutes:
A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again.

10 minutes:
A 3 year old boy stopped but his mother tugged him along hurriedly, as the kid stopped to look at the violinist. Finally the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. Every parent, without exception, forced them to move on.

45 minutes:
The musician played. Only 6 people stopped and stayed for a while. About 20 gave him money but continued to walk their normal pace. He collected $32.

1 hour:
He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.


No one knew this but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the best musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars. Two days before Joshua Bell sold out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100.

This is a real story. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people's priorities. The questions raised: in a common place environment at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty? Do we stop to appreciate it? Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?

One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be:

If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ....

How many other things are we missing? The End.

Also, today is a new blogger's 2nd day. Her name is Amy. Her blog is No To The Deuce. She actually wondered if anyone would read her blog. If you get a chance, maybe stop by and tell her that someone, somewhere really does "give a hoot!" Thanks!

19 July 2009

it's all phoon and games

..till somebody gets hurt!

This is the Beatles phooning. Abbey Road. They say that phooning is all the rage in Japan right now. Like I would know... I'm just now catching up to RPS! rock paper scissors...

As for me, I have managed to take almost one full week off, just chillaxin', cleaning, doing what needs to be done. Boring, yes, but remember - I am involved in the Most Boring Summer Ever Challenge...I mean that in a good way. And I think I might take first place!


Something to brighten the day...a little ditty to get you singing... Chill with me?


18 July 2009

just the two of me

I shall now force myself to look longingly at jelly donuts



This was hard for me to watch.

No one on a special diet - special needs - would go off without packing a lunch, completely unprepared, and hope it will all turn out ok, all on it's own. Like magic. We wouldn't sabotage the efforts of someone we really loved - why would we do it to ourselves?

Just one jelly donut, what could it hurt?

They say the first year or so of change is the hardest. Relearning long-term habits.
Is changing really too hard, or do I tell myself that to justify my excuses?
It's like being of two minds. Fully committed to goals that are diametrically opposed and mutually exclusive. Having your cake, and eating it all, too.

I see myself in a list of excuses - reasons - they all seem valid at the time.
What are some of your favorites? I'll bet I thought of them first!
Now playing at a theatre near you - widescreen, in 3 dimensions!

17 July 2009

it sucks to be me

esprit de "corpse"

I just got back from a wonderful, two night Drum and Bugle Corp show. Not the kind of Bugles you eat, either. I always love these shows! I try to get my tickets on the front row. Months in advance.

When I was in college for a few years, I was a music major. I played percussion. I even marched in a corp one year.

My happy times on dietary ketosis just ended. I guess it's time to get off the very-low-calorie kick for a while! I was cryin' and carryin' on about how much I missed my former life as a musician.

I seem to remember that alot of college musicians go around hungry all the time. The "starving artist" thing. Kinda Bohemian. Milk crate furniture. Skinny by default. We literally practiced our butts off. Besides, "What do you do with a B.A. in English?" to quote Avenue Q!

I guess the grass is always greener... Or perhaps the Monsters are always greener!

pelican brief


From Splatter-Bug Theatre: Road Trip! Please enjoy!
The song in the background is "Whoever You Are" by Geggy Tah.


15 July 2009

I'm a loser

more bEATltes songs

I've got a good reason for taking the easy way out!

I Dig Into A Pony
Twist and Shout/Gotta Get Me Into My Pants
I Saw Her Standing There Eating
Penny Lane Bryant

Happy Just to Frass With You
Got To Get It Into My Mouth
I'm Only Sleep-Eating
Paper Bag Biter

Taxed Man
I'll Fry Instead
You're Gonna Lose That Grill
Knowing She Would (This Bird Was Eaten)

She Got Stuck In The Bathroom Window
The Continuing Story of Buffalo Wings
Rocky Road Raccoon
or Rocky Ragu

Ticket to Rye
We Can Work (It) Out/Why Don't We Do It In The Road
I've Just Seen My Face/I'll Cry Instead
You Won't See (Half Of) Me

Carry That Weight/She's So Heavy
Mean Mr. Mustard/Polythene Spray Pam
Hungry Rita
Ladyfinger Madonna

Eating Through A Glass Onion
Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Blob
HELP!Get Back (To Where You Once Belonged)
A Day In The Diet

Hey Bulldog!
(I eat) 8 Days a Week
Calamari Garden
Sweet Little 16 Tons

Getting Butter All The Time
(What I Ate) Yesterday
I'm Looking Through You/Nowhere Man
I Wanna Hold Your Ham

...more from the Fat Four?

(Lap) Band On The Run
Give Peas A Chance
Dark FOOD Horse
Woman/Imagine


YER WEIGH-IN  (Yer Birthday)
You say it's your weigh-in -  It's my weigh-in too, yeah!
I'm glad it's your weigh-in - We're gonna have a good time.
Happy weigh-in to ya!

LET ME EAT  (Let It Be)
When I find myself in times of trouble,  bloody mary, come to me,
Speaking words of wisdom, Let Me Eat.

And when the broth is cloudy, there is still a light that shines on me,
Shine from the refrigerator, Let Me Eat.

Shine until tomorrow, LET ME EAT!

14 July 2009

bEATles songs


In addition to Jack Sh*t's Beatles songs, I threw these into the pot.  I've been thinking about them since day one.  I had this list going.

Kinda like the name "Carb Tripper." It took me so long to find out, but I found out!

Don't know the tunes? 
Hummus a few bars....


Back In The XXXL
Flabby Road
Strawberry Jelly Forever
Fixing A Pie Hole

Blubber Soul
Lonely Heart's Club Sandwich
You've Got To Hide Your Fat Away
Lucy In Disguise With Donuts

Please Feed Me
Hard Dazed Bite
Yellow Submarine Sandwich
Magical Mystery Meat

Can't Buy Me Lunch
Listen - Do You Want To Know A Diet Secret?
When I'm 64 kg
If I Fell  (Literal Version)

Maxwell's Silver Hamburger
Happiness Is A Warm Gumbo
Here Comes The Sun Chips
Here, There, and Everywhere (Literal Version)

hiking Haiku

This is a nod to yesterday's post about my induction story.  If anyone who loves pics wishes to see more! Click the pic for a larger view. I actually HIKED these places.  And the pictures tell a story - a pictorial Haiku! 

A pseudo-haiku - emphasizing irony, satire, humor, and human foibles, with a reference to the seasons; autobiographical, and written in the form of a travel journal.



California









Grand Canyon






Sedona Az


storms

"a hiking haiku"



Driving into the storms...phone quality video, 
plus the link won't always work....
click the refresh button, then try!

"Malambo in the Desert"

13 July 2009

my induction story

stranded!



It has been 4 months since I went on the vacation that started it all.  2 months since I started blogging.  Perhaps it IS time to share my story! If anyone wishes to read it...


In March 09, I drove from Dallas to California for an ACIM seminar. Taught by Ken Wapnick.  Went to the ocean - typical California tourist stuff. Walking on the beach in Oceanside. Walking around every little town from Temecula to La Jolla! 


All my life, I have never "gone on vacation!" I've gone places, but the Army doesn't count as vacation! I never weighed, but I was probably 205 pounds, or more. Some have estimated / calculated 225 or 230! I wore a size 24 and I'm 5'2". Do the math.

That spring, there was a late snow storm. Do you remember? As I neared the Grand Canyon (on the way home) it started to snow.  7,000 feet up and snow. "How pretty!"  I thought, until the 70 mph winds started!



I finally got to a little fishing lodge in Marble City AZ. That's a link to the Cliff Dweller's Lodge.  RV's were toppled over, fishing boats were capsized. People were stranded everywhere! The roads were closed, the power was out. Wifi and cell phones didn't work. No way to pump gas, or even buy anything unless you had cash. No cooking, either, because they couldn't run the vents in the kitchen.  So I had hot tea, hard boiled eggs, beef jerky, and pistachios. And protein mix.

The next few days brought power back intermittently.   There was an old propane wall furnace in the lodge. So it was cozy. During the day, I hiked through the Grand Canyon.  Once for 3 hours.  Hours, not miles!


When I finally could send a text out,  my nurse friend wrote back that I had just gone through Atkins induction phase.  The hardest part was over - why not go for it? And don't look back!

The stars at night were so close, it seems you could reach out and touch them. And so bright!

A few days later, I detoured through Sedona, AZ, hiking and bragging to some friends about "surviving" a massive snow storm.  Did I mention hiking? Not quite up to Cathedral Rock...maybe next time!

Headed home, I got stuck again in Santa Fe, NM! Pretty good places to get stuck! There was electricity there, but the interstates were closed.  I sludged through the narrow streets - another 2 days of mega hiking! I opted out of "tourist" food and stuck with the hard boiled eggs, hamburger patties, salads, and Atkins protein shakes. And Georgia O'Keeffe for days!

Finally, the storms were over and I headed for home.  But NO!    Route 66 was still closed.  So I drove through Roswell, NM. (But no aliens!)  And then to Carlsbad Caverns. And got my butt whipped by hiking there as well! Atkins protein shakes all the way.

When I got home, people thought I had gone for liposuction or a lap-band! "Right..." they said. "You go on *vacation* and come back sun-tanned and 15 pounds lighter!  Uh-huh...sure!" ;) 
"Stranded," I told them, "But not banded!"

I was stuck and incommunicado for 5 days.  What can you do when you can't do anything?  The trip was an apt metaphor for my life.  Stuck, bewildered, not in good shape, not knowing where, or how to start.  Driving through the desert alone, just an ipod loaded with all kinds of music - Sara McLachlan, Loreena McKennitt, Jeff Johnson.  It was a healing experience. 

Next time I go, I want to go camping, maybe ride the mules, with no worries about weight restrictions! Maybe even rent a dog.  Do they have a Rent-A-Dog? Well, they should!

And that's how I started Atkins!  On a trip. Hence the name Carb Tripper.  Plus I like The Beatles, and it's like Day Tripper.  

Thanks for reading. Hope it wasn't too long or boring. :D
Luv Ya!