What a beautiful night for observing! Saturn and Jupiter were both crystal clear as well as several of their moons. I lugged my ancient laptop and webcam out to try a couple photos. Saturn was a bust, but I managed to capture a so-so image of Jupiter.

Not great, but not bad either. Still a little blurry, but I think my whole problem is my OLD laptop. Its a blazing 166MHz with a maxed-out whopping 84Mb of RAM and ancient video technology. Slow as molasses! By the time the video catches up to my focusing attempts, my subject has nearly moved out of the FOV. And the old LCD leaves a LOT to be desired. Sheesh!

Oh well... Im having fun!

~James~

I went back and processed a little more... I think it looks a little better.

The seeing and transparency were pretty bad last night, so I’m thinking that’s why my resulting photo is blurry.

These photos were taken with a webcam attached to my telescope. You take a movie in AVI format and process each frame. Then you "stack" the frames to get the sharpest resulting frame possible. I post-process the result in Paint Shop Pro, but it’s pretty difficult to pull pixels out of a blurry photo!

I’m not there yet, but I’ll keep trying!

~James~

Here’s my latest photo of Saturn, taken with a webcam attached to my telescope.

It’s tiny and lacks detail, but it’s definitely Saturn!

~James~

Well, it looks like I’m getting back into doing some bike riding. I’ve been riding 2 or 3 times a week and it’s feeling pretty good!

My goal was 25 miles yesterday. I’ve been riding 10-20 mile rides and felt like my endurance and strength were coming right along. So I decided to see how 25 miles felt.

I got 12.5 miles out and it just didn’t feel right to turn around yet. So I figured I’d go for another 2.5 miles and make it 30 round trip. Made it to the 15 mile point and I really had to pee! I knew there was a sanican just ahead... it was another 3 miles ahead. It was worth it!

So I ended up going 36 miles in 2.5 hours with an average speed of 13.5 mph. The points tracker says 2.5 hours of moderate riding speed is 15 APs and at a fast riding speed would be 25 points.

I think the break between moderate and fast is 14 mph... I’m splitting the difference and taking 20 APs! Doesn’t really matter, I won’t eat ’em all anyway!


~James~

Actually, there’s no thinking...

I KNOW I CAN!

I’ve been posting on several of the more OT threads on Guys on a Diet in the past several weeks... mainly to avoid facing the fact that I’ve been off-program for waaaay too long. I haven’t journaled, and I’ve caved in with many poor food choices. I’ve just gotten totally frustrated with myself!

I haven’t lost the desire to continue on my journey, but the will-power and motivation just haven’t been there.

I can easily blame it on the stresses I’ve been going through with my son with his brain tumor, an uncertain future with my job, and good ol’ depression. Those stresses are very real for me. And I know that stress can really mess with you.

But at some point, you have to find some firm ground to stand on and move on. I’m pretty sure I’ve hit that point. It’s time to get a grip and move on! I’ve gained 12 pounds since the first of the year and that just adds to my frustration.

Dealing with my weight gain is something I CAN do. I know I can, because I’ve been successful at it already. I CAN do it!

So far this week, I’ve journaled four days in a row, I have 31 Flex points left, I’ve ridden 47 miles on my bike, and I’m drinking all my water. I need to work on my fruits and veggies and milk, but they’ll come.

Thanks for listening... I just needed to get this out and off my chest!


~James~

I’m participating in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life walk and am doing some fundraising for cancer research.

As most of you know, my son, Bill, was recently diagnosed with brain cancer and is now receiving radiation treatments. He’s doing well and hasn’t had any major side effects... Thank God and for all your prayers and thoughts!

It’s been a time of turmoil for the entire family, but Bill is being very positive about it. He’s convinced that cancer researchers will find new treatment paths in his lifetime. And it finally dawned on me that research takes money and it has become more real than ever that I CAN HELP! I’ve never been a great fan of fund raising, and it took something this close to home to finally open my eyes!

I’ve also never been comfortable asking for donations, but I’m going to do it anyway! I’m doing it to help all cancer victims and their families.

Please don’t feel obligated, but won’t you consider helping out? There is an ACS website set up for online donations:

Relay for Life

Thank you for considering!

~James~

It’s been a while, but I got motivated today! I dug out my road bike, cleaned it up, pumped up the tires, lubed the chain, and went for a 13.5 mile ride! And lived to tell about it! WooooHoooo!

I’ve been thinking about it for a while, but kept putting it off until today. Someone (housefly) posted on the WW Guys on a Diet forum, encouraging others to go for a ride today... that’s all it took!

I had a little trouble finding my helmet and riding shoes, but found ’em right where I left them a couple years ago!

I’ve decided to try to not be so competitive when I ride. I’m thinking that’s why I fizzled out before... it just wasn’t fun anymore. So, I’ll try to be a little more casual and keep the speed and distance down for a while. Much more enjoyable!

~James~

I’ve been wanting to share this little tidbit for quite a while now...

Many years ago, when I actually weighed less than I do now, my doctor put me on that old OptiFast all-liquid diet. It was the easiest diet I’ve ever been on. The only choices were vanilla, strawberry, or chocolate canned shakes. No food touched my lips for three months! Just three shake a day. (***I am NOT promoting this! Don’t do it!***)

I was "hungry", no, I was "starving" for the first few days. Then an amazing thing happened... I realized that I just wasn’t hungry anymore! I was able to cook dinners for my wife and kids, then turn around and drink my shake and be completely satisfied! No hunger!

It was then that I learned a very important lesson that I constantly remember today:

Hunger is a state of mind!

My "hunger" is more than likely just a craving. And just a small portion of whatever it is that I’m craving is completely satisfying. Ahhh... the beauty of Weight Watchers... I can satisfy my cravings!

My point is, the next time you think you’re hungry... analyze it a little! You may be able to satisfy the feeling with just a taste!



~James~

Wow, have I ever been geeking out!

What started out to be a practice page to try out some ideas is turning out to be a whole new website! I really like the new look! I think Ill keep it!

My goal is to develop a template for a simple personal or family site that looks professional. Ive had so many people ask me about how to build a site that allows photo uploads, mini-forums, blogs, and other whistles-and-bells.

If this turns out like I envision it, Ill market it along with affordable hosting... may be a good niche!

Heres a link to the old site for comparison. Ive still got LOTS of work on this one, but its coming along!

~James~

And I’m thrilled!

On 1/3/04, I weighed in at 208.8... last week I weighed in at 216. Folks, that’s a 7.2 pound gain since the new year started. Sheesh!

Last week, I posted that it was "enough already" and laid out my plan to eat no more than 10 points per meal. It was something that I felt like I could handle with the other stresses in my life right now. One meal at a time!

Well, I’m calling it a success! This week, I weighed in at 216... MY SECOND WEEK SINCE JANUARY 3rd WITHOUT A GAIN! A week with no gain has really sparked my motivation and resolve! I’m a happy camper!

The losses will come back soon enough. And I’ll welcome a loss. But the lesson I’ve learned here is the value of sticking to it and not giving up! The reward will come... and the reward may not always be losing a pound on the scale!

So, even though I didn’t lose on the scale, I’m counting it a win!



~James~

It's time!

I've gained 7.2 pounds since the new year began.

ENOUGH ALREADY! It's time to start losing again!

Here are the facts:
I get 26 points a day and 35 Flex points a week. I'm having trouble even thinking in terms of a full day. I'm not journaling or exercising. I'm not drinking enough water.

Here is my plan:
I'm splitting the day up into thirds. I'll allow myself up to 10 points each for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I think I can handle that. I will drink at least 24oz of water before 10:00am, another 24oz before 3:00pm, and another 24oz before bedtime.

I'll make a good plan for journaling and exercising by February 25, my next weigh-in day. I'll take this one step at a time, until I get back on track!

I MUST do this... I WILL do this... I AM doing this!



~James~

A lot of people who are serious about losing weight know what "The Click" is... it's that time and place where something in your brain finally "clicks" and you become totally committed to losing weight. No more lip-service, you're serious!

Well... I seem to have misplaced my "click" for the moment! I know I'll find it eventually, but right now I'm really struggling with motivation. I've been doing this long enough to know all the motivational tricks and tips, and I'm working them. But my head just isn't cooperating!

I'm thinking that the stresses in my life right now are a big factor and I'm in the process of learning how to deal with them. Tough times right now!

Im still committed and really want to lose more weight. I know that this is just a bump in the road! And I know that I'll get my "click" back... eventually!

Patience James... patience!


~James~

This cracks me up! I’ve discovered something about myself while out on my walks on the trail...

I’m... "passive competitive"!

It kicks in when someone is ahead of me a hundred yards or so. I just feel this overwelming need to catch up and pass them! It’s the same if someone’s behind me... I just can’t let them catch me!

The walkers that I’m "competing" with don’t even know that I’m doing it, and when I pass them, I simply make eye contact, smile, and nod my head. But inside... I’ve just won a marathon!

LOL! It’s amazing what we learn about ourselves on this journey!


~James~

I finally got my GoaD hat and shirt! Ill need to wash the shirt and try to shrink it... I ordered an XXL!

<--- Click on the photos for larger images!




Cool!

~James~

My normal meeting is Wednesday evening, but with Christmas Eve and New Years Eve there were no meetings to go to. And I actually missed them!

So this morning, I hauled myself out of bed, scraped all the snow off my truck, and went to a meeting. Im feeling pretty dang good about that!

My goal was to maintain over the holidays and although I was +0.2 pounds up, Im calling it a successful weigh-in! Im happy with that, because the biggest lesson Ive learned so far is:

ITS NOT ALL ABOUT THE SCALE!

Im wearing size Large shirts and 38" waist pants. Thats down from XXL and 44" waist. Thats as significant to me as the weight-loss Ive experienced!

Im DOING this!


~James~

I’m seeing a bad behavior pattern developing in my journey and I suspect others may have the same problem.

I’m starting to really let my guard down the two or three days following weigh-in. I’m not journaling like I should, not drinking enough water, and not exercising.

Then I buck-up on the few days prior to my next weigh-in and try to make up for it. I haven’t always done this, but I’ve noticed it for my last few weigh-ins.

I’m glad I caught this and am taking steps to change it! I respond well to having serious meetings with myself and have done that. I’m also motivated by posting for all the world to see, so here it is!

So, today I journaled, I just finished my 3rd 32oz water bottle, and I’m heading out the door for a walk around the neighborhood!

If anyone else is experiencing this... I invite you join me and nip it in the bud... NOW!

I’m DOING this!

~James~

Maybe I’ve finally broken through the loooong plateau I’ve been on...

I weighed in at 1.4 pounds less than last week!

I got my last 5-pound star TEN weeks ago and have only lost 3.2 pounds since then... and two of those were in the last two weeks! Sheesh!

My friends... ya’ really have to be committed and patient to be successful through the slow times! And NEVER give up!

I am SO doing this!



~James~

A couple of entries ago, I wrote about commitment.

Once again, commitment has got me back on track! I took a 3-day detour, but always knew that Id be back. And here I am!

I went back and journaled for the three days I missed and the damage wasnt nearly as bad as I thought it would be. Im still on program and actually have a few flex points left.

What I learned from this is that when I get off track, I need to go back and assess the damage so I know exactly where I stand. Then I just need to start again!

Also... I just cant thank my friends at GoaD enough! They came through with flying colors with overwelming support!

Im DOING this!

~James~

Amazing how fickle we can be... Ive been so gung-ho about being OP and exercising and just really being motivated about this.

Then BAM!

Ive had three weight gains in three weigh-ins. Granted, theyre small gains... 0.2, 0.4, and 0.2, but frustrating just the same. I almost didnt go to my meeting because I peeked at the scale and knew Id gained.

Heres the frustrating part... Im doing EVERYTHING right. Im journaling, drinking my water, eating my fruits and veggies, staying well within my points range, and exercising. Im sure the gains are because of the exercise, and my leader is having me tweak with my points this week.

So heres the fickle part. What have I done since Wednesday weigh-in? I fell off the wagon and had myself a little fling. I just lost all motivation and didnt journal, exercise, or drink my water. I ate donuts and cookies. I even ate a big ol cheeseburger and fries today. It wasnt worth it. But it sure tasted good at the time!

And Ive avoided GoaD because I was embarrassed for myself and didnt want to face it! Ive had to dig very deep to post this message. I didnt want to post, but I knew I had to. Its part of the process.

So somebody put their hand out and help me back on the wagon... please! Ive had my fling and Im ready!

Thanks... I needed that!


~James~

Ever had one of those words just pop into your head with new meaning?

On my way to work this morning, I was thinking about a thread on GoaD the other day asking about what keeps you going. It was a great question and it’s given me some real pause for thought.

The word "commitment" keeps bubbling to the top of my thoughts. When I got to work, I looked it up:

------------------------------
Commitment

1: the trait of sincere and steadfast fixity of purpose; "a man of energy and commitment"

2: the act of binding yourself (intellectually and/or emotionally) to a course of action.
------------------------------

I like both those definitions. For me, they really describe where my head is on this journey. And they parrot my answer to that thread... that something changed in my "inner-being" and given me drive and direction. Now I know what changed; it’s commitment.

So even when I stumble, the strong commitment to changing my lifestyle is there to guide me, allow me to forgive myself, and move on!

Hope this makes some sense! But more than that, I hope it helps someone else!

I’m DOING this!

~James~

After posting on the Daily Basics thread on GoaD and realizing that my daily walks were fast becoming a weekly walk... I got off my duff, headed out the door, and down to the trail I went!

First off... I had to adjust my fanny pack... I hadnt used it since before I started Weight Watchers. The belt was adjusted as BIG as it could go. Today, I had to tighten it up a full FIVE INCHES! WOW!

Anyway, I walked not two, not three, but FOUR miles today. And it only took me an hour and three minutes... thats a pretty fast clip for a guy with a 27-inch inseam! Four miles an hour! Ive managed to impress myself!

In 1992, I was on that same trail riding my bicycle for the first time in years. I turned around at the very same place then - four miles was all I could do. And I was only riding at 5 or 6 miles an hour and whining all the way!

But in that same year I trained for several months and ended up riding the STP, Seattle-to-Portland, a two day, 200-mile bike ride! And I averaged 14 or 15 miles-an-hour

It was a significant walk indeed! Today I walked as far as my first few bike rides eleven years ago! And almost as fast! What a milestone in my journey! It brought tears to my eyes!

~James~

Weigh-in tonight produced a 0.6 pound GAIN...

I’m trying not to let it get to me, but I’ve worked sooooo hard the last couple of weeks. I’m walking four times a week. I’m journaling EVERYTHING, I’m well within my points limit...

...so what am I NOT doing?

I’m not drinking enough water and I’m not eating enough fruits and veggies.

So... my challenge this week is:

• Drink eight cups of water every day.
• Eat five fruit and veggie servings every day.

I AM doing this!

~James~

Its still a ways off, but when I took my walk today I started thinking about what Id like to do when I finally hit my goal weight. And I thought of something...

Theres a photo of me on this website from September 1999. Wed taken a tram up to a beautiful veiwpoint in Jasper, Alberta in Canada. The view was overlooking Jasper and was an awesome sight except for one thing... I was in the photo! And Im blocking the view! Check out the photo... youll see what Im talking about!

When I reach goal, I want to go back there to that very same spot (I know right where it is), and get another photo of the "new" James! That photo has plagued me ever since it was taken... its time to replace it!

Im DOING this!


~James~

So I was thinking about not walking today; it’s rainy and cold in Seattle. Then I saw a fellow GoaDie’s thread on the Weight Watcher’s site about going out for his walk, and I knew I had to go! I’m so glad I did!

I bundled up and headed out for the trail, figuring I’d take it kind of easy. NOT! It was raining pretty hard when I started, but as I reached my turn-around point at a mile and a half, I could see the outline of the sun through the clouds. Now I was feeling pretty good about myself for actually getting out and started reflecting on how happy I am with my progress on my weightloss journey.

When I turned around to head back, the clouds were very black and ominous looking. Wow, I thought, I really don’t want to go back there! I related it to how much I never want to go back to being really overweight.

Suddenly, the sun came out and lit up all the trees. It was beautiful with the dark clouds in the background. I’m sure you’ve seen a similar scene. It’s one of my favorite sights.

Then one of the most brilliant rainbows I’ve ever seen in my life appeared! WOW! It took my breath away! It was like a huge reward for actually getting out of the house and walking! I took it as an affirmation that I’m doing the right thing!

What a GREAT walk!


~James~

In anyone else’s eyes, a 0.8 pound weight loss is a drop in the bucket! Maybe so... but it was a HUGE drop in the bucket for me!

I weighed in at 209.6 pounds tonight. That crushed one of my mini-goals... saying goodbye to the 210’s! Those mini-goals are really keeping me going. My next one is 207 pounds... I’ll get my seventh 5-pound-loss star for a total of 35 pounds lost!

I walked for 2-miles four times this past week. I’m doing the 2 miles in 30 minutes, so it’s a pretty good clip for my short legs! And I journaled EVERYTHING and stayed well within my points limit.

I wonder what it’s like in one-derland... 9.7 more pounds and I’ll be there!

I am SO doing this!

~James~

WOW! That stinkin two-tenths of a pound I gained at my last weigh-in had a profound effect on me!

Ive journaled like a madman since then and stayed well within my points limit. Ive had no desire to "cheat" at all. Ive even started walking again and earned 7 activity points in two days!

Hey... Ill take a two-tenths of a pound gain now and then if thats all it takes to motivate me like this!

Im not trying anymore... Im DOING this!

~James~

I know that it happens, but its still a reality check just the same! I gained 0.2 pounds this week.

And I know why! I got cocky about journaling and figured I could keep track in my head instead. Trouble is, along with that myth, I guess-timated portion sizes and snack points. James, James, James... tsk, tsk, tsk!

But ya know what? Im in this for the long haul! And Ive adjusted my attitude accordingly! Two-tenths of a pound is nothing... it was a great lesson.

Im DOING this!

~James~

I posted on the GoaD board asking what method everyone uses for journalling. I've REALLY slacked off (read "quit") and figured I needed a fresh approach to get me going again. Lots of good advice... eTools, PDAs, notepads, etc...

But I just had a little meeting with myself and decided that I'm trying to solve the wrong problem!

I just got cocky and figured that I could keep track in my head... that might work for some people, but it's not working for me. It's waaaaay too easy to "forget" stuff! And when I dont journal, I have NO real idea of where I am for the day.

I've come way too far (twice) to let my cockiness mess me up... the answer is plain, simple, and right in front of my face - I JUST NEED TO JOURNAL!

I can do this!

~James~

Well, they're upon us... we're officially in the holiday season! It can be a dangerous time for people trying to lose weight... trying!

But who's trying? I'm not trying... I AM losing weight! I'm DOING it!

When we say were trying to do something, Im thinking that what were really saying is this... "I really doubt if I can do that, but I guess I'll try." Then if/when we fail, we have an excuse... we didnt think we could do it in the first place, but at least we tried!

I'm not going to try to lose weight anymore... I'm DOING it! DOING it makes it a lot easier to make healthy food choices and decisions.

Bring on the holidays!

~James~

Had a good weigh-in tonight! I lost another pound!

That puts me one pound closer to my "Less is More in 2004" goal of 199.9 pounds! I want that so bad I can taste it! Ive got 10.3 pounds to go!

By January 1, 2004, I WILL be in "One-derland"!

Count on it!

~James~

My daughter, Sarah, emailed me today informing me that she was "braggin" on me to her Atkins friends.

She posted a link to this site on the forum she frequents, encouraging people to take a look at my site! Wow! That made me feel great!

Heres a link to the post:
http://www.atkids.net/index.php?showtopic=483&hl=

Thanks Sarah!

~James~

Well, I snuck a peek at the mechanical monster scale this morning... it said 208 pounds! I can’t remember when I last saw 208 pounds on a scale "I" was standing on!

Of course I was butt-nekkid, but the lowest weight I’ve seen recently in the butt-nekkid state was 210. Of course, I’ll be wearing clothes to weigh in tomorrow! But hopefully, I’ll show a good loss!

~James~

Man... I wish this cold would go away!

Weigh-in tonight, here’s hoping I show a loss! My next mini-goal is 209... that’s when I can say goodbye to the 210’s.

I’ve got 11.9 pounds to go to break 200 and enter "one-derland". I’m pretty pumped about that!

~James~

Man... sore throat, runny nose, coughing, headache... the works!

I haven’t felt this bad for quite a while. I stayed home from work yesterday and I just called in sick again today. Feeling pretty crappy!

I don’t like this one bit!

~James~

Ya know... this life-style change is really working! I had a great weigh-in last night with another 1.4 pounds lost. That made it 30.2 pounds total to hit my "30-pounds-lost" mini-goal. I got my sixth 5-pound star. Today, I feel like I can really do this!

I NEED to remember this feeling! Ive been doing this long enough to know that you dont feel this way when you crash and burn. And I know that recalling feelings like this will help be get back on track!

I’m learning!

~James~

Pretty dang good weigh-in last night!

I lost 1.4 pounds this week for a total of 30.2 pounds! I weighed in at 211.8 pounds.

212 pounds, 30 pounds lost, was one of my mini-goals, so I got to scratch that one off! Next mini-goal is 209 pounds... when I can say goodbye to the 210's! I also got another 5-pound star at the meeting... that's six of 'em!

~James~

I had a pretty good day today, although I succumbed to a buttermilk donut this afternoon. It was calling my name and I answered! That bakery at school is such a temptation... urrrggghhh!

Tomorrow is weigh-in and Id sure like to hit 212 pounds. I guess buttermilk donuts dont really help!

~James~

LOL... it's been so long since I've had an actual waistline, I don't even know where it is anymore!

I've been one of those guys whose gut hung out over his belt. Now all my pants are getting so loose that I can actually get them around my belly! I'm thrilled, but am in a quandry! Where does my belly-button go?

I was blessed with short legs and have always had to have my pants shortened. I've NEVER bought anything off the rack that fit!

Now, I want to buy some new pants and will have to get them shortened, but I'm not sure where my waistline should be! Right at my belly-button, below my belly-button, above it??? I'm thinking below, but how far below?

This is kind of tongue-in-cheek, but actually wearing my pants around my belly is something I haven't thought about for years!

~James~

I weighed in last night. Down a mere six-tenths of a pound... but I was wearing long pants instead of the shorts I usually wear. So I figure it was more like a pound or so. Earlier today I was feeling a little impatient with the slow weight loss lately, until some of my good friends at GoaD (Guys on a Diet) at the Weight Watchers website set me straight. I'm actually in a pretty healthy weight loss trend at 0.5 - 1.5 pounds a week! I guess I knew that, but sometimes we need to get reminded! I'm much better now!

~James~

Sheesh... just when you're starting to feel smug... BAM! It's been two weigh-ins since I posted last. I wasn't in the mood after gaining 0.8 pounds! I was pretty frustrated... I know, I know, it's only a stinkin' eight tenths of a pound... that's nuthin! But I'd been TOTALLY on track that week and really expected to lose a good amount. My Weight Watcher leader told me that my body was just adjusting to my increased exercise and after the dust settled it would be just fine. I guess I knew that, but just seeing an increase after so many successful weigh-ins - it frustrated me! So I was bad this week! Actually not that bad, but I just wasn't very gung-ho about journalling and exercising. I'm pretty sure I stayed within my points range, but I'm not sure because I didn't keep track. So I lost 1.4 pounds this week. Go figure! I finally made it to 214... that's my lowest weight since I recommitted and for more years than I care to reveal! And it's a benchmark for me. I really wanted this and worked hard for it. I just didn't expect it to take me almost a month to lose that last 2 pounds! But I finally did it and and I'm moving on! OK... I'll quit boring you now!

~James~

This week I journalled religiously, weighed and measured my food instead of guesstimating, exercised, drank my water, ate my fruits and veggies, and took my vitamins.

That, my friends, produced a 1.6 pound weight loss for the week! That's 27.6 pounds total!

My friends, the Weight Watchers program works if you work the program!

~James~

I've been setting mini-goals of 2 pounds at a time and it's proven very helpful for me. 2 pounds at a time seems do-able and attainable. But I need a longer term goal... I want to hit 199 pounds by my birthday, 12/6/03. That's a little over 12 weeks away and works out to about a pound and a quarter per week. My brain says I can do it!

~James~

Tonight I had pizza! Two slices of pepperoni pizza! That's what I really like about Weight Watchers... there are NO restrictions on what you can eat. You simply plan for those treats and eat 'em up. Plus WW gives you 35 "Flex Points" per week to use any way you want. I chose to spend 14 points on pizza... and it's OK! I'm still well within my points range for the week and I WILL lose some weight this week! Ya' gotta love a "diet" like this!

~James~