Lazy Saturdays

It's the last contest day! Annnie Tennis appears to be running away with this - but here's the final picture!

Today - we slept in. Relaxed. Had a nice brunch (scrambled eggs and a few low cal pancakes with sugar free syrup). No formal exercise today - we're going on an adventure - and probably bowling too. :)

Then poker tonight!

It's funny - I peeked at the scale this morning - with consistent exercise, and NO snacking - and lots of water - I'm still losing - even though we went out for a very nice Italian dinner last night. It's quite exciting. :)

Are you excited?

You should be! I am! Monday's going to bring some great news, I think!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Return of the Running Man - and Chuck E. Cheese?

Yes folks - I'm back on track. And it feels great. This morning I did 20 minutes for 1.100 miles total. 3w/5r/4w/5r/3w. I honestly can say I missed running. And now that I'm back up to speed - I'm going to keep pushing myself. I'll do 20 tomorrow and Sunday - and Monday kick it up a notch to 25. The goal is this:

Each week in July I will increase the amount of time I spend on the treadmill by 5 minutes.

That means a total of 45 minutes by July 30th.

Ambitious, right? But hey - if you shoot for the moon, and miss, you still land among the stars.

Now...last night we attended a birthday party for the daughter of my sister-in-law's boyfriend. She's five. It was at the most evil childhood establishment I've ever encountered. Chuck E. Cheese's.

Okay - so maybe I'm biased, but hey: this is my blog. Here's what's so horrid about the place:

1) Crowds. They have like 5 teenagers working 4-6 birthday parties. Everyone runs around noisily and crazy-like with no control, rhyme or reason. There's no level of care or specialness created for your party by the employees. Where's that old Disney magic when you need it?

2) Animatronics?! You call those animatronics? They look demonic with their eyes set way back in their heads - and their two movements snyc'd to a movie that's so low nobody can hear it - and oh yeah - if one's in disrepair - they let it function anyhow and just tell the kids "Sorry, Munchee's broken, that's why he looks weird."

3) Chuck himself. Holy cow. Okay - so I know characters can scare kids, but Brandy (the birthday girl) was TERRIFIED of Chucky. Wouldn't even look at him. She did nod when I asked if she'd rather see Mickey. LOL But Chucky is just a giant gray rat with no personality, who can't even put on a show. UGH!

Okay - now...apologies to anyone who enjoy's Chuck E.'s. It may be that in your area you have a better establishment. But not only did all that happen, but there was a mix up in their reservation, and it took over an hour for them to let in the kids for the party because the Chuck E. employees messed up. And what did they get for their trouble? Nada. Nothing. Zip. Not even so much as an apology. They got some free soft drinks for the adults.

Am I spoiled? Did Disney ruin me for the rest of the service industry? Is it too much to expect to be taken care of as a customer?

*sigh*

Okay - enough of a rant today.

Annie not only ID'd yesterday's pic - she even named Humphrey Bear! (Of course, he was just featured on WDWRadio recently)

How about today? (Only one more after this!)

So in summary: traning - back on track. Food - good. Chuck E. Cheese's - evil. How are you doing?

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Not Feeling Great

So - I woke up this morning with plenty of time to exercise...and was planning to. Except I'm having some fairly painful tummy crampage this morning. Not sure why. Here's yesterday's meals:

B: Sandwich in the car/apple/south beach meal bar

L: WW Frozen/apple/yogurt

D: Buffalo burg/steakfries/veggie (we're out of buffalo for now)

S: Chips and salsa...

My only thought is that I ate the chips and salsa later than normal...and probably had a few too many. The scale is still fine, but I'm just not feeling great in the stomach area.

That being said - I still have time before I have to leave for the day - if I feel better enough - I'll run. But I doubt it today. More likely tomorrow.

I will, however, likely go very light on the food today, which should help counteract the lack of exercise today.

Annie hit the nail on the head with yesterday's contest entry.

Here's todays - can you place where this is - and name ALL the characters?

We've already begun the booking process for MouseFest (are YOU coming?) - but have run into a snag. Concierge is NOT available during our stay at the Contemporary. So - do we stay at the Contemporary anyway (garden wing standard room) - or do we abandon the idea of a monorail resort, and stay Concierge at the BoardWalk?

Oh - and have you subscribed to All About the Mouse yet? My first show as co-host goes live next Friday! Bryan and I were planning it last night - it should be GREAT.

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Early Morning

I have a long drive to court ahead of me - but I still got up early enough to do my morning chores - clean up - and exercise before I leave. :) (Which I'm doing after I post - which is why there are no stats here...)

Nobody got yesterday's contest clue - which was indeed the rose from Beauty and the Beast - but on a stained glass window in the France Pavillion of EPCOT.

Today's post will be short, except to say that I peeked at the scale, and things are going much better with my new plan of less snacks and more water. :) I feel great. It's incredible.

Today's contest entry:

I want to thank you all again for sticking with me - commenting - e-mailing - sponsoring. You guys really make this work for me - and I will always be endebted to you.

More tomorrow - I'm on a tight time schedule this morning. LOL

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The Best Laid Plans

Yes - even they sometimes have issues. But alas - we keep going - and persevere.

Here's what happened: I was so anxious to get back to work yesterday - I left the house without lunch. Completely forgot it. But didn't stop to eat anything all day. So that's good. But also didn't get home from some late appointments until almost 8pm. Ate dinner, and collapsed asleep around 9:45ish.

Woke up at 5.

Woke up again at 6.

Woke up again at 6:45. (seeing the pattern)

So....no exercise this morning. But that's okay. Tomorrow I'll do 20 minutes, and keep right on going. The weight is still coming off, so as long as that goal is being accomplished, everything's okay. :)

Now - to answer a few quick questions:

BUFFALO burgers - are just as tasty as beef (although we usually use the 4% fat ground beef) and a little more robust of a flavor. We can buy it here in our grocery stores...but it comes and goes.

Sponsors - guess what? You are now raising money for the MAKE A WISH Foundation. Lou has partnered with them - and your sponsorship dollars will definately go to a wonderful charity - and still focus on giving pediatric cancer patients a dream trip to the world. Nice, huh?

Annie gets another point for yesterday - is she going to run away with it, folks? Try today's picture!!

That's it for now - more tomorrow!

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Back in the Saddle Again

Goooooooood Morning Blogpersons!

It's a beautifully glorious Monday morning here in Seattle, and I'm back in the swing of things.

I eased myself back into workout mode with a 4/7/4 w/r/w workout for .77 miles. Tomorrow I plan a 3/5/4/5/3 workout - and back to 25 minutes by week's end.

Foodwise, I'm attempting to take some of what I learned in Oklahoma and transport it here - slightly larger breakfast - no mid-day snacking - and lots and lots of water (I've purchased several small four-packs of flavored water for the car).

B: Red Berries/Milk - toasted bagel w/ ff cream cheese.

L: WW Frozen - 100 cal yogurt - apple

D: 1/4 lb. Buffalo burger - baked potato fries - veggies

S: popcorn, perhaps - if anything.

We'll try my best to keep the lack of snack in place, and see what the final week of June has to offer me.

Contest-wise - Erock - you had the right answer yesterday. He's right on your tail Annie Tennis! (The prize, by the way, is a set of TWO Year of a Million Dreams pins!)

Here's today's entry:

(remember - there are only SEVEN more pictures - but since nobody yet has SEVEN right answers - this is anyone's prize!)

Other than that - I'm gearing up for next week to be my first recording session with Bryan, and so I'm clearning my plate of other voicework that has been requested. You might hear me all over the place soon. Well....more than now, I mean. :)

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

331.3

WHAT?

How the heck did that happen? Talk about a beautiful welcome home!

I woke up this morning terrified of facing the scale....and yet, I did it - and tentatively stepped on it to find out...

I'd lost 3.9 pounds in the last week.

That's a huge loss!

I also spent the entire week NOT snacking, so that may have had something to do with it. Most of the week we ate two meals and a dessert, but they were higher calorie. That doesn't fit our normal lives, but what I plan to do is take a little of what I learned, and go with it.

I'm going to eat a slightly larger breakfast, and avoid snacking and eating between meals. Then have a reasonable lunch - and our normal dinner/dessert.

Add the exercise, and I might just have turned a corner.

Is it possible that when I weigh in on July 2, I'll have lost OVER 40 pounds?

How exciting is that?

Have you been waiting for the contest to re-start? Well here you go!

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Guilt

It wasn't emotional eating. We were actually hungry.

See - here's what happened. Yesterday, we got up later than normal - and got to the 'rents at 11. Had breakfast: cereal and bagel. Then nothing until 5, which was dinner (chicken breast, spanish rice, tomatos), but had relatively small portions. Had a snack around 7 (popcorn). Left for the hotel around 10....and were BOTH hungry.

At that time of night in a small town the only option was fast food.

We didn't go overboard, that's the good news. I had a burger, medium fries, and we shared a small cup of frozen yogurt.

I still feel guilty.

I need to get back on track tomorrow. I need to feel like I'm back in the swing of things.

On one hand, I'm terrified of the scale. On the other - I can't wait. I need to know where I'm at. So I can get to where I'm going.

And make no mistake about it. I'll get there. I had the dream again last night - and as I looked up while running, I was already turning the corner towards EPCOT on the return. I was nearly done.

My brain, my heart, and my soul know I can do this.

Now my body has to catch up.

But it will. And I'll make it!

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Almost Home

Thank you all for your comments yesterday. You guys are the greatest, and I'm really proud of all of us!


The entire family enjoyed Ocean's Thirteen. If you haven't seen it - go do so - it's better than 12, and on par with the original. Lots of fun!


No exercise today - but I figure I deserve two days off after working all week hard. We got up later than expected, and have to leave soon to see the 'rents.

Tomorrow night we head home, and my post Sunday will include a weigh-in, and will be from home (with another contest picture).

This will be short, as I'm running short on time.

Just stay with me - and things'll go back to normal on Sunday!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Overcoming a Hard Day

I'm proud of myself for how I handled yesterday. Yesterday was difficult. My grandmother was upset about a lot of things, and her cognitive abilities are starting to falter, and I had to be there for it. It's so hard for my folks, since they're dealing with this 24/7, and I'm just getting glimpse.

When I left their house last night, what I really really wanted, was food. Lots of food. I wanted to eat in front of the TV until I forgot how sad I was.

But between me and Amber, we decided not to do that. Instead I went up to the room, had a diet coke, and went to sleep.

I'm proud of that decision this morning. I'm proud that I'm not letting my hurt and fears counteract my progress.

I'm proud that I'm past the point (it would seem) where emotional eating is an option.

That being said - it was not easy, and thank goodness for my wife to help me through stuff.

In a few moments, I'm heading to the elliptical, and then we're heading out for the day - and seeing Ocean's Thirteen together. Today will be a better day, I hope.

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Happy Birthday Nonnie!

Today my grandmother turns 85 years old. She's very excited about getting her cake today. :)

In other news, I want to thank you all again for the wonderful comments regarding my continuing efforts and the difficulty I'm having this week. Rae, Steve, Erock, and everyone who's e-mailed me - you guys are reminding me why I keep this site going and why I do this.

(Quick shoutout to Steve - have you listened to MuppetCast? WHY NOT? http://www.muppetcast.com/)

Today I'm going to exercise in a few minutes on the elliptical. I woke up not feeling great, but came and played on the computer awhile, and now am feeling better, and am going to exercise. (Editor's Note: I just finished 15 minutes on the elliptical. Man - even with the a/c blasting - it's so hot here. Yes, by the way, I find the elliptical way easier on my knees, but I'm finding tightness and soreness in my thighs - but not an unpleasant type....) :)

Foodwise - things are going well - I'm actually eating less here than normal. Probably the same or slightly more calories, but eating less frequently, and smaller amounts. I'm battling hunger sometimes, but drinking LOTS of water. I think I'm not going to worry about the food anymore until I get home and weigh in.

You guys are great. Keep the e-mails and comments coming! See you tomorrow!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

The Trinity and Old Habits

This morning I tried all three machines for a shorter time.

4.2 mph on treadmill for about 5 minutes.
Exercise bike (level 4) for about 5 minutes.
Elliptical for about 8 minutes.

Not a bad workout - although I'll admit that I'm not pushing myself as hard here as I do at home. I figure I've earned a little respite after losing 35 pounds. And then next week - back at it full speed, right?

The hardest part of this trip for me is the food. I'm surrounded with the opportunity to eat cookies, cakes, pastries, etc. At the hotel - at my mom/dad's house - everywhere. So far I've been doing fine, but it's an active struggle. Yesterday we had: cereal/bagel for breakfast; a bagel turkey sandwich for lunch; sweet italian sausage and peppers for dinner (I had a way smaller portion than I would have last year). I'm not really snacking a lot - but drinking a LOT of water.

I'm just frankly - scared of what'll be when I get home. But whatever it is - I'll combat it. I have a full week and 2 extra days when I get home to get back on track and do what needs to be done to get a positive result for June.

I also know that around my family I have a tendency to emotionally eat more - and I'm really really working hard to counteract that. So far so good. But it's hard - my grandmother's health is not the greatest, and my folks are so harried by it - it's been a great visit so far, but there are moments I want to run to the fridge.

I haven't.

And I won't.

I'm staying strong. For me. And for you.

This is for us.

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Why is it so hot here?

I don't understand - it's RAINING everyday - and rain = coolness in Seattle.

Here apparently it means 88+ degrees and muggy as all get out.

Thankfully, the hotel has that workout room. Did 18 minutes on the elliptical machine. Great workout - worked up a great sweat - and I'm not really all that sore. Might play with that machine this week. :)

Foodwise - things are okay. Yesterday - cereal, a bagel, and a nice dinner out (onion soup and a steak with a potato) but NO dessert at all. Ate dinner at 5pm and didn't sleep until midnight, so lots of time to digest before this morning.

I tell you - while we're visiting and having fun - I don't feel as hungry as I do sitting in my office...

Wonder what that means.

Anyhoo - back to the room to change and go see the 'rents again. It's good to visit. We're having a nice time. But I miss you guys!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Plans were made to change....

...but not too much. :)

Yesterday was a horrific travel day. On only 2 hours of sleep. Ugh.

Foodwise though I did good, I think. A bagel, half a sandwich, and a few ribs for dinner with the family.

Although my family is very supportive of my goals, I'm also on vacation, and they've planned some good food while we're here....moderation is the key...and exercise. (Which today is my day off of, but tomorrow it's back in the saddle!)

Thanks again to all of you for sticking with me! Annie was right yesterday - and Rae - stay with us - focus on the goals we've all set - we'll all get there together.

I promise you all one thing...and Bryan already knows this. As excited as I am about co-hosting AATM, if it starts to compromise my other goals - I have to stop.

Therefore, I won't let it interfere. I promise you all that.

We'll get there together - I promise! ALL OF US!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

335.2

This is odd though. See - Friday morning I was around 332. And then I stayed up until...well now. And I'm up. I didn't eat badly - and I did exercise on Friday.

Maybe I just didn't let my body digest while sleeping.

Who knows?

Regardless - I'm PAST THE 35 pound mark!

And I'm exhausted.

Thank goodness they let you sleep on planes....

Oh - nobody got the contest entry from yesterday - you find those goofballs in Downtown Disney. And thank you all for your comments on yesterday's post! I loved getting all the answers....

Today's contest:

See you in Oklahoma!!

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Your Commentary?

Today I'm asking what you think.

But first: Erock goes to 2 for the contest. Annie, he's right on your tail!

Ran this morning - another .776 miles in 15 minutes. Have to go into work early this morning to get things squared away for the trip. I did find out though that the hotel doesn't have weights, just treadmill, elliptical, and pool. But fear not, I'm going to vary my exercises. (Peeked at the scale this morning - I think keeping better track of food intake is working wonders....)

Foodplan is roughly the same, but since I play poker tonight - tonight's dinner is Subway.

Now - onto today's topic.

I want to know what you think about a variety of topics. I'd like you to post your comments here, although if you'd rather they not be public - feel free to e-mail me at Grizzpyre@yahoo.com

1) What do you think about how far this project has come since February? My progress? My ability to finish strong?

2) What do you think about the new site layout? Do you prefer the black? Or this?

3) What do you think about my decision to join AATM? Am I spreading myself too thin? Is this a wonderful opportunity and the next 'logical' step?

4) Chip n' Dale or Donald?

5) Big Thunder or Splash?

6) EPCOT today - or EPCOT Center circa 1985?

7) Philharmagic: great show or *groan* another 3-D show?

8) Are you going to MouseFest?

Okay - that about covers what I want to know today. I'm not asking too much am I?

Remember - the contest continues to the end of the month, even though I'm on vacation, and won't post pics while gone. I will, however, have computer access at the hotel in the mornings - so keep those e-mails and comments coming! I love getting e-mail from friends while on vacation! And hey - while we're making folks feel good - go shoot Kate a "HAPPY DISNEY TRIP" comment! Have a great time while you're there!!! We'll miss you!

One more post tomorrow - and then off to Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooklahoma where the wind will knock you on your butt....

Hey - who are those guys with Jonathan? And where the heck is he?!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT

Today - I have a major announcement - but first an update:

Food: Yesterday I did very well. I did have one unscheduled foodstop, but ate healthy protien, and did well with it. I think Annie was right - I might not have eaten enough yesterday, so I got hungry around 3:30. I'm tinkering. Today's plan looks like yesterday's.

Exercise: I got up and did it! Not 25 minutes, because my knee started aching, so I cut it short. But I did 4w/7r/4w for .776 miles. Not bad for a shorter workout. Tomorrow is a 25 minute workout - and Saturday nothing until I get to Oklahoma (we have to leave at 4am to get to the plane) - but I'll update before I fly with a weigh-in.

Contest: Byron id'd yesterday's pic as coming from "The Land" pavillion. Erock - 1; Byron - 1; linklewtt - 1; Annie - 4. Today's entry is at the bottom - and it's easy - but it's one of my favorite Disney characters. He and I go waaaaay back.

NEW CONTEST: Well, maybe not a contest - but a request for some help. You guys I'm sure are way better at graphic design than I am, and I'd like a nice "The Voice Of" logo to go at the top of my blog...you will be sufficiently rewarded - any takers?

And now for the announcement - aside from finally changing the black blog and my profile picture....(see how the little boxes at the top kinda make a hidden mickey? Granted - he's square - but so am I!)

I am starting a new endeavor that I hinted at a few days ago. Bryan Ripper has asked me, and I have accepted a position as the new co-host of the All About the Mouse Disney Podcast (http://www.allaboutthemouse.com/). You'll be able to hear me there weekly starting in July.

If you haven't listened yet, AATM, is a weekly show including a short news segment, and then a one topic format. The topic changes from week to week and could include anything from vacation planning, to honeymoons, to hidden mickeys, to marathon running, etc. Special guests drop by all the time, and in general - it's a lot of fun. I'd urge you all, if you haven't already, to go add AATM to your iTunes or other aggregator software, and starting in July - I'll be there (although I'm kinda there now....just not full time....)

Fear not - I'll still do voicework for the other shows I work with - including the Voices Behind the Magic segment on WDWRadio, as well as intros for WDWRadio, Shandy stuff for MDP, and perhaps even a guest spot on MuppetCast. I truly am taking over podcasting - one show at a time...heheheh. :)

But seriously - I really appreciate all your support with this. Apparently, somewhere between having fun trying to get on a show - and doing weekly intros - I've become part of the podcasting community - and you guys, the listeners, podcasters, and friends - have helped make it happen, and for that I am eternally grateful.

Also to my new co-host, Bryan - my gratitude for the invitation. It's gonna be a heckuva ride, man! Buckle up and hang on to them hats and glasses folks!





MAIN STREET AWAITS!!!!

Saviors

Today I am eternally grateful to four people. You may have saved my quest individually and together. More about this in a moment.

Contest: linklewtt - 1 (yes, it was from Disney's California Adventure, in the Animation Courtyard building - see - told you I was tricky!); erock - 1; annie tennis - 4. Still plenty of June left (minus the week I'm gone). Some tricky - some not so. (Anyone guess the prize yet?)

Now - onto the savior part. I'm going to address you guys individually in a moment. But you see, I've realized something. I wasn't getting 'bored' or my workout wasn't 'stale'. I was getting complacent. Lazy. Resting on my laurels. I wasn't keeping good track of my food, I wasn't exercising hard or often, and I was snacking on the wrong things (sure, they're reduced fat and calorie chips from Ritz, but a whole bowlful is still NOT a good idea).

And then, yesterday happened. And everything changed.

Amber: My beautiful wife. As we discussed some of my future plans, you questioned if I was spreading myself too thin. Questioned if I had time to do all the things I want to. And when I assured you that I did, you put your foot down. "If you have time for that, then you have time to exercise." Wow. And it wasn't even 'tough love'. It was just...truth. And she's right. It just...hit me. I was being lazy.

Kate: You commented similarly on the blog yesterday - wondering if my 'announcement' would be too much to handle. I don't know if you were referring to my health goals, or just the fact that more often than not, I'm running around like a chicken with no head - but either way - you cast into sharp relief that I'm slacking off. And I shouldn't be. This is too important.

Rae: Your blog made a huge difference. "How bad do you want it?" Wow. What a question! I want it bad. Bad enough to really hold myself accountable - bad enough to taste it. Or rather, to not taste the stuff I shouldn't. And bad enough to get up when I should and not hit 'snooze'.

Erock: Your post was inspired by Rae, but you were struggling as I was. And you were able to break out of the funk. And so am I. If we all do this together - nothing can stop us.

And so - a new leaf did I turn over. I woke up at 5am, and actually got up at 5:10am. I switched my DVD to something I hadn't seen and wanted to watch (my Walt Disney Treasures: Your Host, Walt Disney collection) - and did my first 25 minute run in weeks. 4w/7r/3w/7r/4w. 1.37 miles. It felt GREAT. My sides are a little sore, but it felt great.

Foodwise - today's plan is:

B: Red Berries and skim milk

L: Sandwich on Oroweat Double Fiber Bread, with hillshire farms low-fat deli meat - one slice of cheese - fat free mayo. One apple. One 100 cal yogurt.

Snack: 100 calorie pack of some sort.

Dinner: WW Chicken Stir Fry.

Dessert (if any): Skinny cow or popcorn.

And I'm stickin' to it - other than adding water and/or diet coke and/or coffee. (But mostly water)

How do you like them apples? Here's a contest photo from a healthy place in WDW! Identify it!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!!!!!

Legs Tiring

I'm really looking forward to this vacation, and one of the big reasons is that I'll have other exercise equipment to play with for a week. I did another run today, but another abbreviated one (15 minutes). Maybe I need to change movies again. Maybe I need to get a better nights sleep and not wake up 30-40 minutes later than planned, so I have TIME to do a good run. Either way - my legs get tired sooner than they did a few weeks ago. I don't think I've been overtraining - but I'm just listening to my body.

Sponsors - your letters are IN THE MAIL.

Contest - although annie tennis phrased her answer in the form of a question a la Ellen's Energy Adventure, she did correctly identify The Crystal Palace as where my wife regressed to a five year old with Tigger. Annie - 4; Erock - 1. There's still plenty of time folks - and today's is a little tricky (that's a hint) - where is it?

Voicework - stay tuned for a potential major announcement. Haven't completely made up my mind yet, but there's something possibly big in the works.

I want to thank you all again for sticking with me through this. Even through the rough patches. I know I can get to a point where I can run that half-marathon in 09. I know it's 18 months away, but I also know it's only 18 months away. I will be ready.

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

336.8

Okay - so I'm up a pound this week.

Last night we had a surprise birthday party for my good friend Timminy Cricket...and I'm sure that's what did it. A burrito and a few cupcakes later in the day (around 6-7ish) with little water, and I woke up feeling sluggish and dry. I've also woken up late. Which means no exercise this morning.

Fear not - I said I'd do 25 minutes, and I shall - just after work tonight.

I'm also behind on the sponsor letters. Those should go out tomorrow.

MouseFest: Kate has sent me some wonderful pricing information, and I appreciate it. Now we just have to see what's available when we book in August. I'm still hoping for the Contemporary, but we'll definately consider the Poly if we can't get it.

Contest: I'm giving it to Annie Tennis, even though she only got 1 of 3. I was in the Italy Pavilion, performing with the World Showcase Players, as "The Municipal Mime" in Romeo and Edna. :) So now Erock - 1; Annie Tennis - 3. I've also decided that the prize for this contest, which will end at the end of the month, will be something of limited edition, and it might even be "pin" related.

Try this image on for size today! It's one of my favorites of Amber. Where are we?

Now - who has suggestions for how to handle this Oklahoma trip? Foodwise? Exercisewise? I don't want setbacks - and in fact, I want to keep going in the right direction. But I'm also on vacation, and with my family, and it's HOT in Oklahoma (although the hotel has a workout room, I understand).

Ideas?

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

MouseFesting

Okay - first of all - I did not exercise yesterday. Remember that family crisis at the beginning of the week - a little more info came out and we had to deal with it - took most of the morning. Everything's fine - just was helping a relative with an issue.

I did exercise this morning - 4/7/4 for .80 miles. Tomorrow I'll do a full 25. I'm really looking forward to our week away - since the hotel we're staying at has a full gym, and I intend to alternate running with some weights. :) I'm hoping to offset some of the really good food my mom already told me she wants to cook for us. LOL

No weigh-ins after this Monday until the 25th, so about two weeks will go by without information...but we'll do a check on Saturday the 16th to see.

Sponsors: your May letters should hit the mailbox tomorrow.


Contest: Nobody got yesterday - so I'm adding a second picture from the same event. The questions are: WHERE am I? WHO am I? And WHAT the heck am I doing? Here's hint #2 (see yesterday for the picture of me)

MouseFest: The plan right now is to arrive around Tuesday Dec 4 and stay until Wednesday the 12th - maybe Thursday. This gives us time on either side of MouseFest to just enjoy a vacation. We're tentatively staying at the Contemporary, and if we can swing it - concierge level. :) How about you?

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Mathematics

So Kate has changed her sponsorship to include math. She figured out that in order to reach my goal weight of 200 pounds by 1/1/09, I have to lose 1.4 pounds per week from now until then.

So instead of sponsoring me per pound, she's thrown down yet another wonderful challenge. She's sponsoring me more money, and per week, but only if I hit that 1.4 pounds.

Kinda keeps me on my toes and keeps it exciting, huh? :)

Bad news on the sponsorship front though - I recieved this information in an e-mail from Lou:

"I am writing to you with some unfortunate news

I received a phone call today from the NY/NJ/CT chapter of the Starlight Starbright Foundation and have been notified that in keeping with their national policy they will no longer be granting "wishes" of sending children to Walt Disney World.

That being said, at this time I plan on continuing with the Dream Team Project, and am actively and immediately seeking another charitable outlet. I have already begun the process and will keep you advised as to its progress.

Also, the auction for the 2007 MagicMeets will continue, and a new charitable organization will be selected and contacted before the event takes place. "

So - if you are a sponsor, and were expecting your money to go to Starlight Starbright, it is no longer going there. It is still going to the DWT Dream Team - and we will find a new charity to work with. This is a setback, but only a minor one. Just another stumble in what has turned out to be a very long week for me.

I'm tired and feel beat up. But on the bright side, today we're going up to the outlet mall, and up there, aside from the clothing shops the wife wants to go to, is a Disney surplus store! Woohoo!!!

I'm going to exercise a little later this morning, and just keep my head down and keep plugging along. I'm over 2/3rds of the way to this week's goal...so there. :)

Ah - contest: Annie Tennis: 2; Erock: 1. Today's is a little tougher - tell me WHERE I am, WHO I am, and WHAT the heck I'm doing! (this also is a good contrast to show you how much weight I've lost....)

Bonus points for even more descriptive information.

Tomorrow: MouseFest preliminary information!

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Mousekateer Roll Call

I do this type of post every so often - and usually at the beginning of a month. Or rather, towards the beginning.


I want to know who's out there reading this today - everyone who reads - PLEASE comment. Just let me know you're there.


Why? Well ask anyone who has a blog - especially a "Disney" blog. We post it so you read it - and knowing you're reading it makes our days. It makes our weeks. It makes our worlds.

You guys are why we're here. Oh sure - there are 'other reasons' and 'other goals' - but if not for you - we wouldn't be succeeding. And we ARE succeeding. All of us.


So I'm asking you today to just let me know you're here...and if you're someone I don't know, or haven't heard from before - how you got here...who you are. (Annie Tennis - this means you, too. heheheh)


Speaking of Annie Tennis - she's still in the lead in the contest with two right answers. Nobody guessed yesterday's picture, which was a washboard in Pioneer Hall at the Hoop Dee Doo Review at Fort Wilderness. So today I'll give you an easier one. What is it, and where is it?

I have a potentially long day at work today - lots of court appearances, but a really nice weekend right around the corner. The sun is shining. The birds are tweeting. And I feel great about myself as I get smaller and smaller.

Speaking of which - I'm off to use the treadmill for about 20 minutes before I have to shower and leave. And after all - it IS the Juneathon.

Don't forget to listen for me on All About the Mouse this week! It's a fun topic: What if Disney had gotten the Harry Potter Theme Park?

Okay guys! See you tomorrow!

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"Out There"

Safe behind these windows and these parapets of stone

Gazing at the people down below me

All my life I've watched them as I hide up here alone

Hungry for the histories they've shown me

All my life I've memorized their faces

Knowing them as they will never know me

All my life I've wondered how it feels to pass a day

Not above them...

But part of them...

And out there,

Living in the sun

Give me one day out there

All I ask is one,

To hold forever

Out there,

Where they all live unaware

What I'd give...

What I'd dare...

Just to live

One day out there!

Just one day

And then I swear

I'll be content

With my share

Won't resent

Won't despair

Old and bent

I won't care

I'll have spent

One day out there!

Today's message: Help me give them one day out there. Help me bring them down from their belltower to dance and play and dream with the rest of us fools. Help me help the Starlight Starbright foundation. We've come so far - let's go further.

Running: abbreviated today 15 minutes (.750 miles) - full 20 tomorrow.

Contest: Annie Tennis -2; Everyone else - nada. Try this one on for size!

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Updates

Okay - sorry for no post yesterday....here's where things are:

Monday night we had a small crisis with family - everything's okay - but we were up really late, and so I was exhausted yesterday - had a long day at work and barely ate yesterday - also didn't exercise. Just one of those things where you have a bad day and it throws you off. Consequently - slept in today - and no running this morning. BUT - getting back on track today - and will run tomorrow. So my June-athon has a few missed days up front, but I'll finish strong, I promise. :)

Sponsors - your letters are going out this weekend. I promise! (And tomorrow there will be another 'song' post for sponsorship).

Contest: although everyone correctly identified the image as from Philharmagic - Annie Tennis was the first - so far she's in the lead!!!

Artwork - awhile ago, I said I was waiting for a very special piece of artwork - I am proud to say it arrived Monday night - and it is currently in for professional framing. It was too beautiful to frame myself, so I splurged. I want to thank Tim Devine at www.themagicinpixels.com for donating it to me - and encourage you all to go to his site and check out his beautiful prints for sale. Here's an image of what he sent me (the actual piece is 18x20 and once it's framed and displayed, you'll see a picture of it on the wall).

Recording - tonight I'm doing another recording session with Bryan Ripper for this week's All About the Mouse podcast - so be sure to look for that, as well as some really killer intros and segements on Lou's podcast, and more Shandy goodness in the coming weeks. I've got some great stuff in the hopper.

Mousefest - the plan right now is to go down earlier in the week of the first week in December, and stay for a week or 8-9 days. We're going to finalize plans in August/September.

Um...I think that's about all the updating I can handle. :)

I want to say thank you to you all for sticking with me and helping me along with this. Do you realize that 34.5 pounds is 20% of the way to my goal weight? I'm 1/5th of the way there! How exciting is that?

And...after a long few days - and a rough night's sleep Monday night - last night I had another marathon dream. A good one.

One that tells me I can do it! (Don't forget the contest....where's the picture from?)

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335.8 - POST 100

Good morning my friends! Today marks post 100 here at "The Voice Of..."

And what better way to begin post 100 than by announcing a loss of 1.4 pounds this last week, and 4.4 overall for the last month's cycle? Not bad!

That means I'm down 34.5 pounds overall since starting this journey. I'm almost at that 10% mark - 2.5 more pounds and I've hit it.

Today also marks the beginning of a new month cycle (sponsors - expect your lettters) - so here's some coming attractions for the month of June (June 4-July 2):

1) Running increasing in length from 20 minutes (today - 3w/5r/3w/6r/3w - 1.11 miles - 17:00 minute mile!) to 30 minutes by the end of the month (3w/10r/4w/10r/3w).

2) Dietary stability (and perhaps the posting of a recipe or two).

3) I'll be gone for a week from the 16th to the 23rd (we're visiting my parents and grandmother in Oklahoma...wonder if Patrick Hurd reads this blog....) - I'll still update, but won't have a weigh-in until the following Monday.

4) MouseFest tentative travel plans. We're not ready to book yet, but people are asking when we're going down - and so I'm going to give you some of our plan ideas. :) We'll see which one works out.

5) A new running contest! Who can be the first each day to comment in the blog and correctly identify the picture I've posted each day - location? Attraction? As much info as you can! I'll keep a tally and the winner at the end of the month will get something special....I don't know what yet, but SOMETHING. :)

Frankly - I feel great this morning after that workout and weigh-in. Today I'm feeling motivated, energized, juiced, and ready to go! Ready to succeed! Ready to take on the entire world! And with a little bit of Disney Magic.....

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June-a-what now?

What the heck IS the Juneathon anyhow?

Regardless of what it is - I'm in! And today I threw in a good 0.80 miles in 15 minutes as my first contribution. Remember - Monday we go back to 25 minute workouts, and add video and/or new music. I think having a movie to watch will make the time go by way faster.

It's funny - remember I mentioned that I was finding things a little mundane? That seems to be getting better as we discuss our plans for MOUSEFEST!

Yes - it seems truly likely that the wife and I will be hitting WDW in December for MouseFest - and probably a few days on either side just for us.

Are you going? Have you thought about it yet? Where are you staying?

Would anyone be interested in a "voice guy" meet-up?

Perhaps just a nice train ride?

Either way - I look forward to seeing YOU!

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Disagreement

Yep - today I'm having one.

With my tummy.

My theory is that it has to do with dinner last night. We pulled out an old recipie from the WW TurnAround cookbook - specifically - a really tasty broccoli cheese soup. It's 4 cups broccoli and 1/2 cup fat free shredded cheese.

That much broccoli is bound to give anyone a stomachache.

So as it stands at 6:20am, no running today. If my tummy relaxes by 7, I'll put in 15 minutes.

In the meantime, only three more days until the weigh-in at the end of this month, and letter time for sponsors! As usual, I want to thank you all for your continuing support and help in my goals. I got a call from my banker yesterday, who said she'd seen my blog and thought I was doing great.

How cool is that?

Yes folks - all the pieces are in place! Even Jacques and Gus-Gus!

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