TOMORROW NEVER DIES

Thursday my 1:00PM appointment was about two hours northwest of Chicago (in traffic), which gave me the opportunity to take an urban hike of six miles right after an early breakfast. I still cannot figure myself out. How did I fail to exercise at all for so many weeks this past summer? And yet, since the beginning of September, I have not missed even one day? How did I manage to go so far backwards in my weight management before I finally reversed course?  Have you ever heard of someone losing 80 pounds and then putting them all back on, and sometimes more? It's a very stupid thing to do. I did  it around 10 years ago. I had vowed to myself that I would never let that happen again. Nevertheless, I was recently heading for the same stupidity, but this time, I did manage to stop myself. This serves as one more reminder, that the best day to make a life change is today. And if you let today, slip by, then tomorrow. Just don't let too many tomorrows pile up. Tomorrow never dies. There is always a tomorrow.

Tomorrow never dies, there is always another tomorrow

Just fooling around with the 'black & white' filtering with my photo application.

Your Food Diary For:

Thursday, September 28, 2017

BREAKFAST	Calories kcal	Carbs g	Fat g	Protein g	Sodium mg	Sugar g
Eggs - Poached, 4	300	2	20	26	599	2
Quaker - Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal	480	96	8	12	540	30
	780	98	28	38	1,139	32
L U N C H
Bagel With Cream Cheese	400	58	12	13	780	4
	400	58	12	13	780	4
D I N N E R
Johnsonville Polish Kielbasa Sausage	340	4	30	14	1,140	2
Campbell's Manhattan Clam Chowder	240	36	6	10	1,600	6
	580	40	36	24	2,740	8
S N A C K S
Fresh Thyme - Praline Pecans	151	16	9	1	64	14
	151	16	9	1	64	14
Totals	1,911	212	85	76	4,723	58
Your Daily Goal	2,946	368	98	148	2,300	110
Remaining	1,035	156	13	72	-2,423	52
	Calories kcal	Carbs g	Fat g	Protein g	Sodium mg	Sugar g
	*You've earned 1,016 extra calories from exercise today

If every day were like today...   You'd weigh 227.2 lbs in 5 weeks     

FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE

OK, lefties... enough. There is not a shred of evidence that Russia tried to install Donald Trump to the Presidency. It is far more likely, that if they actually were behind the wikileaking that diminished Hillary Clinton - it was too weaken her as President. That is what adversaries do. Russia is an adversary that does not share our values. In fact, most of the countries on Earth are adversaries that do not share our values. What DEMOCRAT in America, would have heard anything shameful or horrible about Hillary Clinton that was not already known about her fragile relationship with honesty and integrity and said to himself or herself.... "Yup, I don't like what I am hearing about Hillary. I better change my focus 180° and vote REPUBLICAN and vote for Donald Trump."  This is so preposterous, that whoever invented this myth must be amazed at the level of stupidity of Americans that eat this up, hook, line and sinker. Enough. 

Russian Spies, Boris and Natasha exiting Trump Tower

Your Food Diary For:

Monday, March 27, 2017

BREAKFAST	Calories kcal	Carbs g	Fat g	Protein g	Sodium mg	Sugar g
Apples & Cinnamon Instant Oatmeal	390	81	5	9	510	36
Met-rx - Big100 Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough	720	104	10	56	320	50
	1,110	185	15	65	830	86
L U N C H
Sushi - California Roll	900	164	16	25	1,309	16
	900	164	16	25	1,309	16
D I N N E R
Aldi - Asian Cruch Sesame Dressing Chopped Salad	600	52	44	12	1,520	24
365 - dark chocolate chip granola bar	300	0	3	5	0	0
	900	52	47	17	1,520	24
S N A C K S
Zico - Pure Coconut Water, 16 fl oz	140	26	0	0	320	24
	140	26	0	0	320	24
Totals	3,050	427	78	107	3,979	150
Your Daily Goal	2,132	266	71	107	2,300	80
Remaining	-918	-161	-7	0	-1,679	-70
	Calories kcal	Carbs g	Fat g	Protein g	Sodium mg	Sugar g

SPECTRE

The plan for yesterday, with our daughter out-of-town (Paris, France) was to see the new James Bond movie, SPECTRE.  All the showings which we wanted to see at our neighborhood theatre were sold out so we instead purchased tickets for today, Sunday, at 10:30AM.   Since I did not see the movie as planned on Saturday that opened a lot of free time and I spent that time walking for more than 3 hours, a bit over 15 miles.  For three solid hours I listened to nothing but 'James Bond' soundtrack music - music that spans more than half a century.  Just to clarify...John Barry was the greatest composer of James Bond music. (From Russia with Love, Goldfinger, Thunderball, You Only Live Twice, On Her Majesties Secret Service, Diamonds are Forever)

This movie was released two days ago - and inexplicably I have not seen it yet..... That changes this morning... My wife and I have tickets (and seat assignments) for a 10:30AM showing.... I saw an ad on TV for this move and the ad claims that this is the 'BEST BOND EVER.   I am old enough to know that every single Bond Movie since the first one has been promoted in the very same way.  

.

Our daughter sent a photograph of herself in front of the Eiffel Tower.  That real photo inspired me to create this photo and email it to her. I have not heard yet if she was amused or not.

.

.

Your Food Diary For:

Saturday, November 7, 2015

BREAKFAST	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
Club Crackers - Crackers, 8 crackers	140	18	6	0	250	2
Sage - Red Delicious Apple, 1 medium apple (170g)	95	25	0	1	2	19
Roundy's - Center Cut Bacon, 3 Slices	70	0	4	7	220	0
Quaker - Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bar, 3 bar (24G)	300	51	11	3	225	21
FORRELLI - MULTIGRAIN RICE CAKES, 18 SLICE	360	72	0	0	360	0
	965	166	21	11	1,057	42
L U N C H
MARIANO'S - HUGE SPINACH SALAD, 1 SALAD	500	0	0	0	0	0
WHOLE FOODS - NATURAL WASABI GREEN PEAS, 1/3 cup (30 grams)	120	19	3	4	240	2
WHOLE FOODS - DARK CHOCOLATE GINGER, 40 g (approx 4 pieces)	170	29	7	1	5	25
Whole Foods - Carob Spirulina Chunks, 3 chunks	195	23	11	6	15	12
WHOLE FOODS 9269 - DRIED PAPAYA, 7.5 slices (40g)	125	31	0	1	13	19
WHOLE FOODS 5938 - UNSWEETENED BANANA CHIPS, 45 g (1/4 cup)	255	24	15	3	8	2
	1,365	126	36	15	280	59
D I N N E R
Luna Protein - Mint Chocolate Chip, 2 bar	340	42	10	24	480	28
Sage - Red Delicious Apple, 2 medium apple	190	50	1	1	4	38
WHOLE FOODS 8497 - CHERRY VANILLA GRANOLA, 68.75 g (3/4 cup)	300	50	9	6	75	19
	830	142	19	31	559	85
S N A C K S
Totals	3,160	434	76	57	1,895	186
Your Daily Goal	5,275	659	176	264	2,300	197
Remaining	2,115	224	100	207	404	11
	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
. Your Exercise Diary for: Saturday, November 7, 2015 Cardiovascular Minutes Calories Burned Walking, 5.0 mph 196 3,202 MFP iOS calorie adjustment N/A 143     Daily Total / Goal 197 / 30 3,345 / 590   Weekly Total / Goal 971 / 210 17,425 / 4,130 . . TOTAL CALORIES CONSUMED 3160 TOTAL CALORIES BURNED 3202 NET CALORIES 42 CALORIE DEFECIT . ....................... fitbit day 66 40028 steps ........................ .

CASINO ROYALE

I had three amazing workout sessions on three consecutive days: Friday, Saturday and Sunday. In each of those three days, I had lasted a full two hours on the elliptical machine.   I guess one can say that Monday was my relaxing day - as I only spent one hour on the elliptical.

Yesterday morning I thought it would be fun to watch a James Bond movie during my workout.  The movie I selected was CASINO ROYALE starring Daniel Craig.  This movie is 144 minutes - and yesterday - so was my workout!   Another exhilarating day at the YMCA.   This particular YMCA in Moline, Illinois had a hot tub which I made use of after my workout.   Since I started my day around 6:00AM, I was able to enjoy a very intense morning workout and still be ready to face my first customer right on time.

I was always a Sean Connery guy when it came to Bond - but Daniel Craig is (also) James Bond!

My first customer was not just any customer.  My appointment was with Harlene Rivelli at Quilts by the Oz.  Harlene has owned this quilt shop since the late 80's and I have known her since I started in the business back in 1993.  I had recently seen Harlene at a small fabric show in February when my weight loss was just beginning.   It turns out, that Harlene (all 5 feet • no inches of her) was also embarking on a weight loss program.   At this February show we wished each other success. (which we both found)   From the time that Harlene began she has lost 48 lbs!   This is not easy for a woman, and it is less easy for a woman that is 80 years old!   Harlene has managed this success without adding exercise to her lifestyle.

But she did have one secret weapon.  (which she cheerfully shared with me)

Harlene had discovered a very healthy, low calorie CABBAGE SOUP recipe and was crediting a lot of her success to this menu item which she consumed at least once per day, Monday through Friday.   I had gotten the recipe from her, although I can't claim to have been the chef.   This was prepared at home a number of times and it is filling, tasty, healthy and low calorie.  When I visited my Mom in April - even she made the soup for me.   Harlene makes one batch each week - she estimates that she has made at least 20 batches since February!

My appointment with Harlene today was allegedly to sell her some fabrics (which I did)   The thing that I was really looking forward to during my visit was having lunch with Harlene - and I did.  Harlene was gracious enough to bring a bowl to her shop today which I could have with her around lunchtime. (I had specifically made this request when I booked the appointment!)   She always tweaks the recipe and today's batch had bok choy, and quite a few other specialized items.  IT WAS DELICIOUS!

Harlene and I, 'The Low Calorie Cousins'  had to pose for a photograph.   Between the two of us we have lost 139 pounds (and counting....)

If you find yourself in Moline, Illinois or anywhere in the Quad Cities - may I recommend that you visit this quilt shop.

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 TUESDAY MENU

breakfast  Starbucks Turkey sandwich, green apple, anjou pears (2)   510 calories
lunch        HARLENE RIVELLI'S CABBAGE SOUP
                 smoked chicken, granola                                                      455 calories
dinner      Fresh Market: cashews, wasabi peas, green bean chips
                fruit chips, Bahama Breeze blend, wasabi mix, chili lemon  1624 calories
SNACK   teriyaki beef jerky, delicious apple                                          225 calories

TOTAL CALORIES CONSUMED 2926

calories burned

MOLINE YMCA PRECOR AMT ELLIPTICAL INTERVAL SESSION

65 MINUTES, 6.43 MILES DISTANCE     1029 CALORIES
short 5 minute intermission
65 MINUTES, 6.17 MILES DISTANCE     1021 CALORIES
short 5 minute intermission
14 MINUTES, 2.03 MILES DISTANCE         228 CALORIES

TOTAL WORKOUT 144 MINUTES, 14.63 MILES
(I really dont know exactly what this mileage stat means when one is on the elliptical - surely it indicates that I took a lot of strides!)

Tuesday net calories burned 2291 calories

TUESDAY NET CALORIES  635 CALORIES

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I will say this... The amount of calories burned watching a James Bond movie while sitting on the couch chomping on popcorn is not quite as high as the amount of calories burned while watching a James Bond movie while working out on an elliptical machine.   As far as the workout is concerned, it went by in a flash... Excellent flick.  (Although SKYFALL was somehow amazingly better after a lackluster Quantum of Solace)   I am looking forward to November later this year when the 4th Daniel Craig Bond movie will debut in the theatre:

SPECTRE

JAMES BOND WILL RETURN - NOVEMBER 2015

JAMES BOND 007

Sean Connery, as James Bond, secret agent 007, saved the day by diffusing a time bomb inside of Fort Knox in the 1965 movie, GOLDFINGER.   I have also recently diffused a time bomb.  In my case, I was the time bomb - perhaps ready to 'go off' at any moment.

It's never easy to diffuse a time bomb.  Compared to the the obstacles faced by Sean Connery as  James Bond in GOLDFINGER, one might argue that my task of diffusing the time bomb that was me was far easier. I didn't have to defeat a super-strong, golf-ball crushing, mute Korean named OddJob!   I only had to defeat my own deeply entrenched poor habits.

Since I am no longer obese...I no longer must deal with...
25% increased likelihood of becoming depressed
200% increased likelihood of contracting multiple sclerosis
33% increased likelihood of contracting asthma
50% increased likelihood of developing diabetes,
10% increased likelihood of contracting cancer
150% increased likelihood of suffering from high blood pressure
104% increased likelihood of experiencing heart failure
or
30% increased likelihood of succumbing to dementia.

Any of these unpleasant things can still occur... but I have tipped the scales a little bit in my favor against them happening to me.

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TUESDAY MENU

breakfast   two hard-boiled eggs, one apple                                                     156 calories
lunch         SUBWAY double chicken spinach salad w/tomato                        220 calories
dinner       JIMMY JOHN'S bootlegger UNWICH, Campbell's tortilla soup  490 calories

total calories consumed   1026 calories

calories burned
ANN ARBOR YMCA ELLIPTICAL 8AM 40 minutes   523 calories

TUESDAY NET CALORIES 503 CALORIES
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USA. USA. USA.  WE'RE NUMBER 1!

In this case, nothing to be proud of...

I used to be the guy on the extreme right.... now, I am the second guy from the left.
AND IT FEELS REAL GOOD!

I noticed yesterday when I visited a JIMMY JOHN'S  in Ann Arbor, Michigan that this particular
restaurant is rather adamant that folks stay out of their parking lot unless they are a customer!