Random Musings #12 ? Nine Months Edition

A pleasant All Hallow's Eve to y'all. Today just happens to be my Nine Month "Surgiversary" (Hmmm.... I'm not really sure if I like that word or not. I can't put my finger on it, but something about it rubs me the wrong way... Oh well.) and I'm in a bit of a reflective mood. So, I figure that this is a good a day as any for another round of "let's insist on making everyone pay attention to A.J." Oh wait..... Uh...... I Mean, another round of my "Random Musings". (Yeah, that's it.) ? Recently, I've upped my calorie intake to around 1700 cal each day. And, as a result, I've dropped 9 pounds in the last 2 weeks. As of this morning I am 233 lbs, for a total loss so far of 184 (D'oh!). At 6'1", that puts me 6 pounds away from a BMI under 30... Officially making me "overweight". It'll be the first time in about 15 years that I haven't been classified as "obese", "morbidly obese", or "super morbidly obese". Geez... the thought of being called "overweight" never sounded so good. ? This past Sunday was the New Jersey 5K Run for Breast Cancer. It was cold, the wind was unreal, part of the course brought us through a very muddy field, and about one third of it was uphill. Brutal. Here's a picture of Vivian wishing her Daddy "Good Luck": http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/Gyrofork/Pre-5K.jpg I finished in just a hair over 35 minutes. In better conditions, I could have shaved a minute or two off. But hey, this time last year I could barely walk a mile. My brother ran as well. He's 5 years younger than me and was always a great, natural athlete. You know... Captain of our high school basketball team, all-star baseball player... that kind of thing. I finished more than 5 minutes ahead of him. ? So... here's my new before and after pic: http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i229/Gyrofork/9MosBeforeAfter.jpg The "before" shot was a few weeks before surgery. The "after" was Sunday following the 5K. ? The family and I spent a long weekend in the Shenandoah Valley a few weeks ago. We spent one afternoon at an indoor water park. I hit a few of the big water slides 5 or 6 times (climbing 7 flights of stairs each time!) and then decided to try a little body board in the high-powered surfing/wave pool. While waiting my turn, I asked the pretty, young, blonde lifeguard if the water jets had enough power to move someone my size. She gave me a weird look and in a thick, southern accent said, "What do you mean? It won't work for heavy folks... but, you're not big at all." Security asked me to leave after I tried to make out with her. ? Now that I'm training for a triathlon, I've been spending some quality time swimming laps and bike riding. The swimming is a nice change of pace, but, I'm really getting into the cycling thing. I just shelled out a good amount of dough for a brand new 2007 Trek FX 7.5 Hybrid Fitness bike. Man, is it nice. I keep it locked in the back of my truck so I can take it everywhere I go. I even spend about half of my lunch hour riding around the neighborhoods near my office. Cool... Fitness AND Fun. Well... That's what's up in these here parts. Thanks for spending a moment or two with me. You guys rock. Be Well, A.J.

Hey A.J.- So happy to hear that all is good! You look fantastic...and so much younger! Good for you! Your bike sounds great...I was thinking of getting one, myself, but will probably wait until the spring now. I do not think I would enjoy riding a bike on a winter NJ day! Congratulations on your success! Hugs, Jersey

Way to go A.J. You look fantastic! It is great that you have found something that you enjoy doing for exercise. Keep up the good work! Leeanne

AJ! Missed you bud, he he.... Your daughter, I swear, gets more adorable in every photo! You look so young and healthy and great, he he.. what's up with me and the compliments hehe. Congrats on the 5K Run, amazing. Maybe I'll doing something like that... one day Keep up the great work, you're an inspiration to all! Jaci

A. J. I've missed your mussings! Your daughter is absolutely precious Your before and after pics .. HOLY COW!! what a transformation you've made!! Congratulations on your continued success! Anna

Congats on that marathon, it was no easy task and you did it!!!!! Your pictures look great, too. Be well! ~Tiffany