2014, Bring it On (and other cliches)

My first post in 2014. This is actually my first post in a while actually. I hope you like it. If you don't, please lie and tell me that you like it.

It's been a busy time. Christmas, New Years, and two birthdays later, I think I'm caught up, at least a little.  If you follow my posts on Facebook you know that I'm in enough DietBet (www.dietbetter.com) and I'm fully committed. I think. I've been very diligent about drinking more water (which FYI make sure you can easily make it to the bathroom in a pinch) and exercising everyday, each day getting more intense. Runtastic makes some great apps that work well for that. Right now (not yet half way through the bet) I have went down three pounds, and up two. So I'm down one pound at the moment. That's cool, as long as I don't go up.

I've been building a home gym, and it is firmly my belief that if I put to get the equipment and stare at it that I get buff. So, I usually try to spend an hour or so each day staring at it. Hard.  I feel the burn. And sometimes I use it. Take these for instance:

These are awesome, the are the selectable dumb bells. No bulky sets, just these.  I do use them. Once again an app helps with with my routines (Maybe I use too much technology? Nah, hahah, sorry, I don't know what I was thinking, never enough technology.) I've also got a Power Tower and an incline bench.  I will be so buff by the time I stop staring. I hope my shirts still fit.

Other than that going on, I did buy an Xbox One, been playing some games on there, but I've kinda put it aside for now while I work on the bod. In addition to putting some gaming on hold, I've also put the fast food and dining out on hold, making more food myself (ask my family how good it is. I'm a natural in the kitchen.). It's healthier and it's really fun, especially since we got a new dishwasher that actually works and there is not a lot of washing by hand. It's like a dream come true.  I will have update pictures if you want them, maybe making them in 3D so you can see exactly how large my pectorals are.  Notice I said pectorals and not man boobs.

A Bit on Body Art

Some of you know that I like tattoos. I have only one, but I have plans to change that. I do want to mention that these changes will probably be after the calendar, but don't worry - there is always next year.

Some of you may also know that I'm a big fan of Batman and Nightwing (Look it up). My current tattoo is of the 1989 Batman logo on my right upper arm. I plan on getting it (or the 1992, there is a difference) on my chest (post pectoral growth), the Nightwing logo on my upper left arm, and a variation of the Nightwing logo on my back (complete upper back, possibly to upper arms).

My mother won't be happy. She wasn't happy about the one I have now, so I'm going into proactive mode trying to ease into it. You know, your can't upset your momma, and she is always right, so I'm going to be out of luck no matter what. Maybe I'll wear makeup on them? But when I go swimming at their house ... well I couldn't. This requires more thought.

What are your thoughts on tattoos?

Untitled Post About Real Talk

First off, this post has two sections today. The funny section and the serious section. Sorry, I'm bipolar (type 2), deal with it.

Part One
I won't lie, lately it's been rough. Sure I put on a good facade, but I'm a sensitive guy, always have been. In fact, I'm so sensitive, that my skin is sensitive too, and I have to buy all sorts of special hygiene products to handle said sensitive skin. I joke, I know it's not related, but still I am sensitive about my sensitive skin.

I've apparently went on a food bender recently and have gained an inordinate amount of body weight. I am actually at the heaviest weight I've ever been. A lot of it is stress weight, and I'm retaining water. As long as it isn't my fault, then that's the problem.  I have said many times "I'm going on a diet and this time I mean it" and all I would really do was this:

This time, I am more motivated to get the results I want, and to keep them. The up and down of the scale's readings will be no more. One motivational factor is my health. I have a ton of health issues, and I don't want to die just yet, so I have to bring down my weight and BMI. If, however, I can not get the weight off, I will be Santa, forever.

I will be documenting my progress, and I will be taking photos and videos of my progress, but I won't show you. Well, if you ask nicely I might. None of these photos will be going in the calendar though. Not one.

Part Two
Sorry, I mixed both parts together into one part. I don't regret it.

And now for something completely different

I like to post on Facebook. I like to post funny things, witty retorts and the like. Do I do it too much? A recent incident (if you can call it that) has got me thinking about it.  If I'm making fun of myself, why would that offend you? Now, if I were outright being rude to you - sure, be upset with me, I get it.  This inner-searching, as it were, has led me to the conclusion that silence is better than anything.

You see I'm one of those people who try to make lemonade, or something like that. Laughter is the best medicine (at least the best without a prescription) and I like to dish it out to as many people as often as I can. Sure this one comment about my humor upset me, and sure I'm blowing it out of proportion, but they are my feelings and I can use them how I see fit.

I am in such a contemplative state about this that I've even been thinking about deleting a lot of my funny comments, because maybe they offended someone else and they never let me know. So, for all those I have indadvertedly offended:

I'm Sorry.

Excuse me kind sir, why is Batman here?

We went to the Texas Renaissance Festival this past weekend. They are always fun, between the activities, shows and the people watching, my body is about to give out. To expand on the title of today's post, I shall first tell you that indeed, there were a great many people dressed in period attire (as my wife and three girls were), but others were ... not in appropriate attire.

I can forgive and even agree with things like the Tardis, Dr. Who, and other such time and space traveling characters (it's a bit of a stretch, much like Sheldon going as Spock), but I'm cool with that. I saw Batman. In full, poor quality attire. It wasn't a Medieval Batman, it was Batman from The Dark Knight. It was odd and I didn't get my phone out fast enough for a picture. Also, I learned there is no way to quickly reach into your pocket to pull out your camera and take a photo without looking like a pervert.

Of course, as always After seeing my fat face in the pictures I have become depressed about losing weight. So I guess I'll get back to it. I wish it wasn't so undelicious.

Halloween Preparations et al

Before I continue, the contest from the previous post is still going on (go read it).

I now have my costume ready. I won't give away any hints because of the contest (not directly anyway). I think I might wear it to the Renaissance Faire in Houston as well, but this does not mean I won't be out of place, but I would hate to stand out.

As Alexandria (my five year old) sat up at the bar at our house and looked at me, she asked "Can I eat a lot of candy on Halloween?" Immediately I responded with "Yes."  I hope that doesn't make me a bad parent, but I remember my childhood and looking forward to bingeing on candy. I also remember the bellyache (or what I like to call the "Candy Hangover"). Now, as an adult (or what passes as one) I really don't care that much for candy. Call it a form of conditioning (like Pavlov's dogs) but it worked and it wouldn't be a bad thing if they stopped liking super sugary sticky candy.

Recently I was made aware of a condition I have, which is sleep apnea. I was also informed that because of it, that could be the reason for my high blood pressure, fatigue, and inability to lose weight (or maintain lost weight). Sleep study scheduled. 

Wow, this one is short. That's not what she said.

A Little Bit of Serious (Part 2)

There was an overwhelming amount of feedback (that I kept private) in response to my previous post. Thank you to everyone who took time to send me comments, I was quite moved.

For those of you who didn't send me anything - I won't judge you. (Yes I will)

Just kidding, I try not to judge anyone, because I've been judged too many times.

Enough of the serious, let's laugh a little. That's enough.

As you know (or should, if not - go back and read my blog. I'll wait. Done? Good, you may continue) I have been on a diet and I've been exercising. I'm not you know, super strict or anything so I'm obviously not meeting my goals. I want to look like:

Instead, I think I look like this:

I'd even settle for:

But, it's a work in progress so I can't be too judgmental about myself. Also therefore, neither can you.

Halloween is coming up, the only holiday where grown ups can dress up like little kids and little kids can dress up like grown ups (although looking at the students in middle school, you would think that they were much older than they are. I blame Miley Cyrus. Why Not.). I have a great costume in mind, and no, it's not Batman! Remember, I've got a fear of being labeled Fatman, so lay off. It will be a surprise for you, dear reader. All I can say is, it will be a great, great surprise if you see me.

CONTEST!!!

I would like to hear (read) your feedback. I would like you to tell me what you think I should be for Halloween. The Prize, you ask? Respect. Also I'll through in an amazon card or something ($15). I will randomly pick a winner before Halloween. Ready? Set! Go!