316.4

Oh it's a jolly holiday to Maui...Maui makes your heart feel light!

Okay - first of all - let's acknowledge the number above - how about 2.6 pounds down this week so far? Even after getting down on myself. But I know the secret - my wife suggested it to me.

Water.

I'd cut back on my water intake, and yesterday drank like 4-5 liters. And today - POOF.

So I also realized that I get back for a new weigh-in on September 5th, so instead of that - I'm officially ending August now. September starts fresh today. And once I'm back from Maui - the September Push begins - I pledged to run 20 miles in September - so the count starts on the 5th, folks!

Sponsors - your letters will go out when I return from Maui - with a total of 5.4 pounds for the month of August.

Not bad.

Thank you all again for your support and love and caring. I really truly could NOT do this without you guys!

And now...I have to finish packing!!! See you guys Wednesday!! ENJOY YOUR WEEKENDS!!! (And don't forget to listen to AATM this week - it's a great show - trust me!)

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

ReImagineering Myself

The last few days have been hard. But a picture like this - of me and my smiling beautiful wife with the Mouse help me regain composure. It helps me want to reinvent the success I'm having.

Why have they been hard? Let's just say the "family drama" I alluded to hit me harder than I'd expected. Not to mention a little bad eating (more snacking) and a slight flux on the scale - and it knocked me for a small loop. No exercise yesterday - and minimal today (slight calf cramp - about 15 minutes).

But here's the good news. I'm still doing great - I haven't gained any weight. And - I am not giving up. Nowhere near.

What I am going to do is use my time in Hawaii to focus on me. Focus on regaining my reasons and motivations and focus. Focus on connecting with the inner Jonathan who knows he's more than the sum of his parts here - and can do better and better with his body. Focus on enjoying one of the most beautiful places on Earth - and swimming and enjoying the rejuvination and just...being there.

And then when I come home - I'm going to put all the pieces together. And yes, I'm going to try to spice up my workout by welcoming back to our mix...Cruella.

You see - nothing has the power to stop me now. I've decided to refuse to give out that power. I'm making a stand here and now. I'm either in or I'm out. And guess what?

I AM IN.

Are you? Are you up to challenging yourself to keep going stronger and harder? Can you push yourself to the next level? Let's make September a month to remember, my friends! And keep that energy strong all the way to Main Street in December!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Hawaii

I know this isn't a picture of Hawaii - but it's the closest I can find in my own pictures until I go! Which is THURSDAY! I'm so excited!!

This will be a quick post - have to go early to work - long drive to court. No exercise this morning. But I wanted to update you on some of the things we might do IN Maui and my plans until then.

W/Th - Run in the AM. Pack. Prepare. :)

Maui ideas:

1) We have reservations at a "magic" show called Warren and Annabelle's on Friday night - supposedly one of the most amazing shows anywhere and the best show in Hawaii hands down. This is REALLY exciting.

2) We might rent out the "America II," an actual America's Cup catamaran for a nice sail one day - just sailing.

3) Snorkeling at the Fishbowl perhaps.

4) A drive around the Hana Highway - nice.

5) Up early - and a drive to the Halealaka Crater for sunrise.

6) Mostly - rest and relaxation.

This trip will be a chance to rejuvinate and vitalize ourselves.

I sooooooooo cannot wait.

MAUI...er...MAIN STREET AWAITS!

319.3

A tranquill sunset over Bay Lake (as shot from Fort Wilderness).

Here's the problem with having a family - even when you're doing really great during the week (like down to 317) minor upheaveal in the family can send you running to old eating habits on a Sunday night (like an extra bagel, some ice cream, brie and bread, etc.). Ah...nothing like a little family drama to cause emotional eating. But seriously - I need to work on this - and not make it an issue. I have a long 16 months before the race - and emotional eating will NOT work for me.

Speaking of which: with 16 months to go - and approximately 120 pounds to lose - that means around 1.8 pounds a week (I'm estimating here - I'm sure Kate will figure the numbers exactly for me - hehehe).

Oh - and don't worry about the 'family drama' I referred to. It'll be fine, I'm sure. Nothing life-threatening or even illness related. Just good ol' fashioned drama. :)

So...we're going to do ANOTHER weigh-in on Thursday before I leave for Maui.

Here's the plan while I'm there:

1) Exercise daily (running OR swimming - we do have a pool at the hotel - this might be a nice change of pace).
2) Eat healthily and when I can't - limit portions. (Think Vegas).
3) Enjoy the heck out of it.

Sound like a plan to you guys?

Hey - at least I lost another pound. I'm happy with any loss - and I'm not going to beat myself up about it and backslide. That's a promise.

And here's the great news: when I get back from Maui - there are really no huge problem times until the holidays. I can have a very strong September/October/November leading right into MouseFest!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!!!

Saturday - Fun Day!

And who's funner than Chip n' Dale?

You should see Amber and Ayla sleeping in the bed. All cuddled up - auntie and neice. Adorable.

Now here's a question though: if cribs are designed to be in houses - why make them a fraction of an inch TOO WIDE to fit through a standard door? Sheesh!

Already ran this morning - did 23 minutes - 3/17/3 - 1.335 miles. Not bad - will try to hit 30 tomorrow.

Tonight? We're seeing "Young Frankenstein" at the Paramount - did you know there's a musical version? Did you know it's opening right here in Seattle? Did you know we're seeing it tonight?!?! How cool is that? Mel Brooks himself will be there!!!

Frau Bluecker! (whiiiiiiinnnnnnney)

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Mousekateer Roll Call!!!!

This picture was too good to not post. Just me horsin' around at the "Paris" Hotel in Vegas.

Quick post today - was up later than expected - preparing to babysit tonight (you can expect more Ayla pics soon!) and so woke up late, and no exercise. I'm already a bit behind.

But let's do a roll call today - who's out there in the blogosphere? The podosphere? Who's reading my blog today AND downloading the new AATM at www.allaboutthemouse.com?

I'll tell you that the scale is doing WONDERFUL things this week - and tomorrow my goal is a 30+ minute workout. Lots to look forward to - so stay with me, okay? :)

Now - ALLABOUTTHEMOUSEKATEER ROLL CALL!!!! READY GO!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Hidden Wonders

Am I the only one who sees this hidden Mickey on it's side at the Space Needle?

Anyhow - already ran this morning - 3/15/3. Not bad. 1.252 miles. After the cool down felt like I could have ramped it back up for another run - maybe will try that this weekend when I have more time to work with.

Thank you all for the comments on yesterday's picture - remember, broccoflower, it's never embarassing to tell someone they look skinnier. :)

I want to apologize in advance for this week's AATM. It's going to be about 1:20-1:30. I know you guys like the shorter length - but this one is SO packed with stuff - it just...well got away from us.

BUT - there's lots of great stuff in it - and please listen all the way to the end! :)

Today I really feel like there are hidden things like this Mickey all around me - spurring me on - supporting me. Little things I might not even be aware of - but that jump out at the right moment. Like putting the iPod on shuffle and hearing exactly the song I wanted at exactly the right moment.

It's as if the universe wants me to succeed.

How cool is that?

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Playin' Catch-Up

Other than the abnormally red nose - this is a nice recent picture - do YOU see a difference?

So...playing catch-up after a vacation is always hard - and more so here - since I've had several very early morning court dates that have been far away (including this morning) that have limited my exercise ability. And then this morning I got up intending to exercise to a frozen iPod.

It took me until just now to fix it - and now it's too late to exercise. Ugh.

Fear not, my friends - the scale is moving in the right direction. And tomorrow I'll be on the treadmill again. In fact...here's the weird part:

I kinda miss it.

Isn't that odd? Me? The lazy guy who hates exercise! And I miss my runs.

Maybe I really AM changing inside...

How cool is that?

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

320.3

This week I've learned valuable lessons.

The most important is to NEVER give up, because even on a trip to Vegas, where you can eat yummy food and even some wedding cake, it's possible to lose 1.3 pounds and regain your status of down fifty pounds.

Secondly: running on concrete - WAY different that running on my treadmill. Large blister. Nursing it today - back to the treadmill tomorrow. Not sure how best to plan around this - except perhaps to simply phase out the treadmill in the Spring - but continue to use it as a training and exercise tool until then. Your thoughts?

Third: running in Vegas...when it's like 25 gazillion degrees out...is hard. Holy cow.

We did have a wonderful trip though - and I'm happy to be home - because now I'm not QUITE so worried about the Maui trip. I know I can strap it on and buckle it down and do great!

There WILL be new pictures of me as soon as I download them from the camera - Vegas pictures!

How are you all doing?

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Viva Las Voices!

There it is - my home away from home for the next few days.

We leave in 5 hours.

I so need this vacation.

I've already run this morning and did a quick peek at the scale - am proud to say I'm back at 50. *wink* With more to go while I'm gone.

You guys - stay strong while I'm gone - no faltering just cuz I'm not here to watch out for you. :) And hey - THINK SEVENS. ;)

THE STRIP AWAITS!!!
(Main street too!)

MAYHEM

The only picture I could think of to represent mayhem. LOL

Today is a CRAZY day. Let's start with the fact that I can't exercise this morning - I'm seeing the doctor in about an hour for blood tests (the final piece of my exam from a few weeks ago) - so I've been fasting, and I'm not allowed more than 8oz of water this morning...so rather than dehyrdrate myself - I'm just not doing it this morning.

Then let's consider that I'm in court twice today - and have a BUNCH of stuff on my desk to clear off before I can leave tomorrow.

And then - I have a meeting tonight with my co-teachers for the class I teach in the fall.

Plus - oh yeah - I have to pack.

My thumb hurts. LOL

Did I mention I peeked at the scale, and it didn't really move? Plus...for some reason - I'm a little...*ahem*...blocked up. So I'm likely carrying more baggage than I should be.

Am I complaining? Nope. I get to go to VEGAS baby! And then MAUI! I'm super excited! Just a little harried today. I think five days away from the scale will do me good, too. I'll just focus on running and eating as well as I can (although I'm treating myself one night to a steak - so there) - and let the chips fall where they may...heck - the last time I did that - I lost like 4 pounds. So here goes nothing!

And regardless - my goals are still set - and after Maui there are no obstructions between me and MouseFest - so I should be able to take off a significant amount between now and then. My goals are twofold:

1) Be under 300 lbs at MouseFest.

2) Be able to run 2.5 miles (the Boardwalk loop).

How's that? :)

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

321.6

Bad news: I'm up three pounds (meaning only .2 down this month so far).

Good news: I'm not up six pounds.

This does bring me back up above fifty - which is a bummer. But if I focus - I can lose the 1.3 I need to to get back to 50 this week...or even more.

And don't worry - those of you who wanted to see new pictures - there will be some after Vegas. I even bought a lot of new clothes - went down 1-2 pants sizes (depending on the cut) and a shirt size. That felt great. Needing new clothes because your old ones are too big...that's a nice feeling.

Am I upset about the gain? Yes. Am I beating myself up? No way. I've had a great finish to the week - including lots of running....(even this morning - but abbreviated - only .75 miles).

Now now now - before you chastize me for only running .75 miles (about 15 minutes) - remember that I've done 20/25/25 the last three days without a break. My legs were/are tired. Plus...I have some extra pain today...

I closed my right thumb in the garage door yesterday. OW! I didn't break it - no blood - but a great smushing of it - and a nice blood clot forming under the nail. The pain is much less than yesterday - but I'm avoiding use of the finger for now...

Alright - now that you've stopped laughing at me...

Wednesday morning will be my last post until NEXT Monday...just a reminder.

Thank you guys for your support this week - I have no idea how I would have reacted if...if you hadn't been here and I'd been thrown off like that.

Thank you so much for helping me believe in myself.

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Focus and Determination

See? I can be a totem pole!

This morning went very well - another 25 minutes at 3/19/3 proved to myself that yesterday wasn't a fluke. I'm going to try to keep this pace until I return from Vegas.

Here are some plans to keep me on track while in Vegas:

1) Running daily on the strip (EARLY in the morning before it gets hot enough to melt flesh) - while attempting to keep that pace - but listening to my body, as this will be the first time I've run on concrete and not treadmill.

2) Keeping hydrated. A LOT.

3) Eating a late breakfast and an early dinner. This is also a budgetary decision. The meals will be healthier options, but a little larger and more spaced in the day. Overall calorie content should be about like normal - maybe slightly elevated, but more walking overall.

4) More walking overall! Shopping, etc.

5) (and most importantly) HAVING FUN and not sweating it.

Your thoughts?

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Finding a New Gear

So - my iPod died about two weeks ago. Last night we bought a new one - 4gb nano - silver.

I've been getting tired and bored watching "Dinosaurs" while I exercise, so I figured it's time to go back to music. Besides - music affects me somehow. I had no idea how much though.

I made a shuffled playlist of inspirational (mostly Disney) music.

Went in this morning to run - planning on a 3/6/2/6/3 walk/run.

Started. Minute 1 - 2.5mph. Minutes 2-3 - 3mph. When I hit minute 3 - I upped it to 4.0mph for my six minutes.

The first song was "Welcome Medley" - a great opener. And I was really enjoying the run - and I could SEE main street. I could SEE the castle. And my legs felt fine - so I decided to just go with it.

Next up: "Circle of Life". Then the theme from "Silverado". Then "Stayin' Alive". Still running. The power of each song infecting my soul. I was literally crying at the end of some. I don't know why - but I was just so...happy. Felt so powerful.

At 16:00minutes (still running) I hit one mile exactly.

Long story short: I ran at 4.0mph for NINETEEN minutes. Then a three minute cool down for a 25 minute workout. 1.56 miles.

And as I was cooling down, listening to "King of Pride Rock" - my eyes were literally dripping with tears. I could SEE the finish line - Spaceship Earth - EPCOT - Amber, Scopa, Mongello, Kate, Rae and everyone waiting for me.

I've never run for 19 minutes consecutively. Never. And I think I could have done more.

Tomorrow I'm going to try a 30 minute workout.

It was like I found a whole new gear inside.

After the week I've had - do you have ANY idea how jazzed I am?

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Awe and Honor

I am in utter awe.

I spent all day in the car yesterday - mostly fretting. Foodwise things were fine. But as "healthy" as Subway is - I wish I had a better alternative. The problem, Rae, was that this particular trip came up out of nowhere, so I had no time to prepare for it. I had one day. I figured I'd wing it - and I was already kinda beat up.

And then I got home.

And checked my blog.

Wow.

Talk about inspiration. You guys - all of you - touched me so deeply - I can't even begin to explain it. I sat here in tears reading your comments - knowing it was going to be alright. That I'd get there. That we'd do it together. I called Amber in to see - her comment made me smile...."See - I told you they all were there for you."

She was right.

You guys are here for me. And I'm here for you. No more slacking - more planning - more exercise (already did 20 minutes this morning 3/6/2/6/3). Buying a new ipod (mine died) tonight so I can take it to Vegas with me for running the strip. I'm going to make this come together. Period. (We'll talk specifics in the next few days before my trip.)

And then - just when I think I can't get any higher...I get this e-mail this morning (I'm leaving the sponsor's name out in case they wish to remain anonymous):

"Hi Jonathan,

My name is ________ and I would be honored to sponsor you! I am a fellow disney addict (no, really, it's starting to interfere with my normal life), but more importantly my life has been deeply affected by cancer. My brother, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in October of 2005 at the age of 17. The past two years have been a rollercoaster for my entire family (and not a fun BTMR-esque rollarcoater). More than once we have been told he had only days to live, only to have him pull through by the grace of God. Through all of this it has been the kindness of strangers that has kept us all afloat. Ordinary men and women like yourself doing extraordinary things!

On a personal note, I can sympathize with your weight loss struggles. I was naturally thin (emphasis on was) until I became pregnant with my son and put on bed rest, the lack of physical activity combined with the stress of finding myself suddenly facing single parenthood helped to pack on the pounds (some people smoke,others hit the bottle, i eat cheesecake)....I still have a long way to go before I can even think about trying on my "skinny pants" again! I look forward to keeping up with your blog and finding daily inspiration there!

I would like to pledge $2/lb for now and will be setting aside additional $ to present you with at the 2009 marathon (I live close to WDW and plan to be there to cheer everyone on)

Keep up the GREAT work!!"

This is where the honor comes in. It's not you guys who should be honored to sponsor me. It is truly myself who is honored to even be associated with such wonderful people. It is my honor to even attempt such a feat - and to find out that you all support me and wish me success honors me even more.

Talk about a great way to start a day, huh?

The love and magic in this community never ceases to amaze me. You guys are my rock.

MAIN STREET AWAITS US ALL!

Apologies and Refocusing

Apologies

First - my sincerest apologies to you all. This week has not been my finest week by a long shot.

My food intake, particularly, has been sporadic, and increased to the point of shock. It's been a hectic week at work - with a lot of driving - causing me to do a lot of gas station food stops - and since I had lost 51 pounds - I figured a little extra snack wouldn't kill me.

And as of this morning - I've put back on nearly six pounds.

I feel horrible physically. I feel horrible mentally.

And I am terrified that I'll let you all down.

At least - that's how I felt last night. But this morning - I feel...a little different.

I feel...hopeful somehow. You see - I think I'd lost track of the goals. I think the race is so far away, I'd lost focus. And when I told Amber about this last night - she helped me regain some focus. I'd like to share that with you...and my own message of hope.

I only ask you this: you've believed in me this far. Please keep believing in me. I literally cannot do this without you.

Refocusing

There it is: Cinderella Castle - up Main Street.

Why is it that I'm going to be able to do this? These are some of the reasons I recalled last night...and focused on this morning:

1. I can see myself running in this picture. Up Main Street. Through the castle.

2. I want, so desperately, to help a seriously ill child through Make-a-Wish. And if I don't keep losing weight - I can't.

3. I believe in my heart of hearts that I am capable of this change - I deserve this healthy life - and to live a long long time. I deserve it, Amber deserves it, my family deserves it.

4. I have the love and support of my wife and family.

5. I have the love and support of a whole community of friends (that's you guys).

With all that going for me - I don't think failure is an option for me.

So - with that being said - I've had a setback. Let's learn from it and move forward, shall we? What changes can I make?

First - I've already exercised today. I will continue tomorrow and over the weekend. I will focus on exercising DAILY - not every other or so many times a week. It's important to keep moving.

Second - today I will be in the car ALL DAY. I have a court date on the other side of the state that came up suddenly, and because of that, I didn't have a chance to plan a car-friendly lunch. However - instead of eating on the go at a gas station - I'm going to stop in the morning at a subway - get a six inch sandwich to eat when I'm hungry and not before. I'm going to pack lots of water in the car. And simply not buy snacks. Dinner as normal.

I believe a good portion of the weight I'm carrying right now is water and/or bloat. My short term goal is to not gain weight this week when I weigh in on Monday. I know I can do this.

I believe in myself, folks. I swear to you all that I will not let you all down.

You've helped me get this far. Now it's time for me to stand up and start the race again. Who's with me?!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

SURPRISES (good and bad)

First of all - thank you all for wishing Amber feels better. She's doing okay - likely a stomach bug - and she's staying home another day.

Today I'm going to start with the bad surprises.

Since Amber was sick, we shared one of her favorite comfort foods for dinner last night. Orzo cooked in butter and cheese. Not exactly the healthiest dinner. Other than that - foodwise yesterday was okay - but Monday was a real struggle (I really over did it) and I just feel like I really faltered the last two days. Today that all changes.

With one exception: something happened to me last night that hasn't happened in months. I fell asleep on the couch at 9:30pm. Way earlier than I'm used to - and then went to bed and slept until 7:05am. Nearly 10 hours. I have no idea why I was so tired. But as a result, I don't have time to exercise this morning. I will either move today to tomorrow (and exercise Th/F/S/S) or try to squeeze it in tonight after recording AATM. But it will get done.

Odd isn't it? I said this week had no real challenges - and then...the first two days go all wonky.

Well enough of that - I still have five days to make up for it - and do great the rest of the week - and do that I shall.

What's that, you ask? The GOOD surprise that I alluded to yesterday?

Ah yes. Although the AATM logo contest is still going - the Voice of MouseTunes logo contest is officially over.

WE HAVE A WINNER.

First - thank you to everyone who submitted a logo - you guys did great! But...Ian Lawson designed one that just hit what I wanted PERFECTLY.

So...here it is: debuting right here (and at the top of the blog) - MY NEW LOGO. (Which will likely soon be available at CafePress if you really wanted a Voice Of T-Shirt...)

How do you like it?! With a logo like that - and all of you here with me - don't worry - I've lost 51 pounds so far. I'm not slowing down. I give you my word!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Short Post

This one will be short folks - sorry. Amber's not feeling well, so I didn't get a chance to update this morning.

A few clarifications:

1) The picture from yesterday was from the March 2006 Honeymoon - NOT a new one. :) New ones are coming.

2) Despite saying no problems this week - yesterday was a bad day foodwise. I had a long drive and a loaner car while they detailed mine - and I had gas station food....and too much - and now today I'm bloated. Ick. Better week and more exercise should counteract it.

Stay with me folks - I might have something exciting tomorrow.

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

318.6

(How's THAT for a happy face?)

TAKE THAT, SCALE!

3.2 pounds! And yes folks - look over to your right. I have lost FIFTY-ONE pounds since starting in February. (yes - new pictures are coming - fear not)

(Guess what, Byron? That's me on your tail catching up every day!)

In addition to that wonderful development - I ran 20 minutes this morning at 3/6/2/6/3. I did 1.225 miles and feel great. It was an effort hitting that last minute of running - which means it was a highpoint, and as such - did a lot of internal work. That's a great thing.

This week there are no real pitfalls to worry about - and so I should have a strong week going into the Vegas trip (next Wednesday).

I do want to thank, as always, you. All of you.

You guys are the ones who have made this possible. I know now that I'd never have been able to do this without you. Your support means the world to me - and I just keep going because I refuse to let you down or reject the wonderful gift you've given me. Your support and love.

You are in my thoughts every day.

And because you believe in me:

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

You're walkin' right down the middle of Main Street U.S.A.!

Happy Sunday my friends!!!

First - an update on MouseFest, and specifically on my good friend Kate.

It appears she is NOT going to MouseFest - but instead is going on an Adventures by Disney "Backstage Magic" tour of the LA area. I read the itinerary on her blog and am literally drooling. Kate...you are amazingly lucky to do this. And...as an official AllAboutTheMousekateer - you must do a trip report for us for the show.

Now - last night was poker - and I did okay with dinner (Subway club on wheat with lotsa veggies and no cheese or mayo or anything). And then at poker, I got hungry....and ate two chicken bratwursts. Yum...but...not the most conducive to weight loss. Have to do better today - and since we're going to a BBQ at three - I intend to eat LIGHT there, and just make that my early dinner. Maybe a later snack - but nothing substantial.

Did I mention I ran this morning? Yup. 3/6/3/6/2 at 2.8-3.0 for walking and 4.2 for running. Hit mile one at 16:04. Finished strong with 1.175 miles. Going to try to keep that pace for a week and see what happens. Planning on M/W/F/S/Su for five workouts total for next week.

Last but not least - my blog logo contest is coming down to the wire. I've recieved a few great submissions - and I'm going to be showcasing them here while I'm on vacation in Vegas (that's not next weekend, but the Wednesday after) to let you guys weigh in on what you think.

But if you have a submission - please e-mail me at jonathan@allaboutthemouse.com with the logo (or even one for AATM!) so we can add it to the mix!!

Other than that - keep strong my friends:

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

MouseFest Plans - Part Three

First of all - a few updates:

1) The new car is AWESOME.

2) Up early today as I have a very rare Saturday court date - but already exercised. Did a fast walk at 3.0mph for 15 minutes - .76 miles. Tomorrow I plan on attempting a 3/6/3/6/2 walk run at 3/4.5 mph respectively.

3) Foodwise - doing great - another peek at the scale - and I'm fine. Today's plan is normal - but with Subway for dinner before poker. Tomorrow there's a BBQ in the afternoon at a friend's house - so I'll just go easy there - but should have good news Monday.

Now - MouseFesting:

On Friday Dec 7 - we'll spend the morning at Animal Kingdom with the MouseFesters - and head over to MGM in the afternoon. This is likely when PodFest will be. We have ADR's that evening at the 50s Prime Time Cafe! (Note: as the MouseFest schedule is released, a more definate plan will emerge, including specific meets)

Saturday Dec 8 - this is an EPCOT day for MouseFest - and the MegaMouse Meet. Likely most of our food this day will be at the BoardWalk Concierge Lounge - and in the evening - we are planning on shanghai'ing Bryan and Mongello (at a minimum) and heading over to the Adventurer's Club!

Sunday Dec 9 - this will be a VERY fun day. It's a Magic Kingdom day entirely - and we're starting with an early morning ADR at Chef Mickey's. Then a quick monorail ride to the park. Dinner? A boatride away and dinner at the Wilderness Lodge's Whispering Canyon Cafe.

Monday Dec 10- last day of MouseFest - MGM mornings/EPCOT evenings - and dinner at the only restaurant we're repeating - Amber's favorite restaurant on property so far, and "our place": The Coral Reef.

Tuesday Dec 11 - THIS is an exciting day for me. Not sure about our morning - might be a relaxing morning at the resort - or even shopping at Downtown Disney. After a quick lunch back at the concierge lounge - we'll spend the afternoon in EPCOT likely. Because we have dinner reservations at Le Cellier with the Candlelight Processional Dinner Package. I'm VERY excited about this experience.

Wednesday Dec 12 - The last day. No ADRs. Who knows what we'll do - but with our flight leaving at 6pm, Magical Express will likely pick us up at 3. We'll have a nice full morning to re-do any favorites - or just unwind and prepare. Maybe even resort hop. But by this time, we'll be happy, relaxed, and have had such a wonderful trip.

The thing I like about our schedule is that it allows us to do several things: a) see resorts we haven't seen before all decorated for Christmas; b) things have a natural flow so even though we might have frenetic moments - we'll be relaxed and unrushed. I hope.

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Don't worry - they're only dangerous when wiggling their ears and blowing bubbles....

Uhoh.

Okay - since everyone wanted to know what happened yesterday - here's the rundown of the last 24 hours. Let's call it: Jonathan's Big Car Adventure!!!

First: I did not workout yesterday - but did 20 minutes this morning for 1.14 miles. Not bad after only 5 hours of sleep. Eating has been fine - and in fact, I peeked at the scale. If nothing changes for the worse, I might have BIG news on Monday. *wink wink*

Why so little sleep?

As you may or may not know - I drive a lot for work. I put roughly 2000-3000 miles a month on my car. I put 74000 on in two and a half years. And I knew it was about time to get out of the LEASE I was stupidly in. The plan: simple.

I had an oil change scheduled at the dealer for this Saturday - I wanted to upgrade from my coupe to a luxury sedan anyhow - so I'd go in early - test drive - and if I liked - cancel the appointment and trade in.

Last night around 6pm however, the car gods had a different idea for me as while I drove home - I heard a BANG POP Fzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz thudthuddathuddathudda....

Yes...I not only had a flat. My back driver's tire was SHREDDED.

So instead of buying a new tire - I spent the better part of last evening at the Saturn Dealer trading in my leased vehicle (and finding out the trade in would only cover HALF my residual payment) - and purchasing a brand new 2007 Saturn Aura XE (North American Car of the Year). It's not brand spankin' new - as it was a manager demo - so it has 5000 miles on it. But it's sold as new - with full warranties from date of purchase - etc. PLUS - as a manager demo it's decked out with all the toys and gadgets you could want. Except bluetooth. I take it back on Tuesday to have that installed.

Despite that - I did NOT eat fast food last night - I came home and COOKED DINNER at 9:30pm. Ate well. Slept. Exercised.

And here I am blogging for you.

My friends and supporters.

Speaking of which - sponsors - your letters go out this weekend. Fear not.

Now I'm off to go organize the new car and get all comfy in it! YAY!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Candle

I'll be your candle on the water
My love for you will always burn
I know you're lost and drifting,
But the clouds are lifting
Don't give up,
you have somewhere to turn.

I'll be your candle on the water
Till every wave is warm and bright
My soul is there beside you,
Let this candle guide you
Soon you'll see a golden stream of light

A cold and friendless tide has found you
Don't let the stormy darkness pull you down
I'll paint a ray of hope around you
Circling in the air,
lighted by a prayer.

I'll be your candle on the water
This flame inside of me will grow
Keep holding on, you'll make it
Here's my hand so take it
Look for me reaching out to show
As sure as rivers flow,
I'll never let you go.

Don't give up, my friends. Keep strong. Know that I am here for you to serve as your candle. Sure - I may have more to lose than you - sure I may be further from my goals. But the light of my dedication and love for you will keep your course straight - and your resolve strong.

All of you are doing wonderfully. I've checked everyone's blog lately - Kate, Rae, Byron, Erock - everyone. You're doing wonderfully. Keep strong. We will all be there together, shining as a light for everyone else to guide by.

You all inspire me. Let me inspire you.

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

MouseFest Plans - Part Two

Good morning my friends!!!

First an update on food and exercise. Good news: I've exercised today! Unfortunately I was only able to do .85 miles (15 minutes) walking/running. My plan is to do 20 tomorrow and 25 Friday morning - and then stick with 25-30 for awhile. Have to get the conditioning up.

Also - doing good with food today so far (granted, I've only had breakfast) - but I hadn't been being as strict with myself lately - so I'm getting back into the swing of things - and all should be well for August. With two trips this month - things could get interesting.

Side note of thanks: RAE - I got your envelope yesterday! YOU ARE OFFICIALLY THE COOLEST IN THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE. :) Thank you so much for the goodies!!! And my favorite car? Like as in Lightning McQueen? Or as in like - my old Saturn? A Ferrari? :) What info can I share with you?

Now - more MouseFesting.

I don't know if I mentioned this before, but we're doing the Disney Dining Plan this time - and our goal is to not pay for any meals out of pocket if we can. So when we don't have ADRs for Table Service (we've already booked them all) - we're going to make use of concierge lounge and counter service options. Although an ADR at the Yak and Yeti sounds fun - wait till you hear the OTHER stuff we have planned (and since Amber is wonderful enough to come with - her choices take priority - not that I mind! I love our plan! heheheh)

So Days 2-3.

Day two will likely be a low-key day - it's the day before MouseFest starts - and we'll likely either do EPCOT or MGM all day - maybe a combo with EPCOT evening. Either way - around 8pm we'll hop THROUGH EPCOT to the monorail and head over to the Contemporary for our 9pm ADR at the California Grill. Just in time for Wishes at 10pm. Nice!

Day three is the beginning of MouseFest, and is an all Magic Kingdom day! (This is why we haven't hit the MK yet in the plan - normally I'd head there FIRST.) Now MouseFest doesn't get underway until mid afternoon. So we're starting with a 7:30 ADR at Ohana for breakfast with Lilo and Stitch. After that - the Magic Kingdom has Extra Magic Hour Mornings - so it's off to the park. Somewhere around 3ish the MouseFest meets start - and we cap off the day with Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at 7pm.

How's THAT for some fun planning - and the fun is JUST starting. ;)

MAIN STREET AWAITS!