309.4

Not sure what happened here - except that between Christmas and now there were too many sweets and rich foods (even in small quantities) and not enough movement/exercise. No excuses - just a reality. 

I will admit to being disappointed, especially since this means that since the beginning of November, I've had literally no change (in fact, I'm up .3 pounds). 

However - that being said - today starts a new chapter for me - and a rededication to the principles and goals I've set here. A new year, if you will. And in about 30 minutes I meet Todd, my new trainer. Now I get to fix it and make GREAT progress.

Tomorrow I'll be posting my goals for the next year - but for today - I want to THANK YOU all for sticking with me - and for continuing to believe in me. I also have begin believing in myself more than ever - even with a 'holiday' setback.

Well, the holidays are done. And now we start the journey to the 2009 Half Marathon. 

I've lost over 60 pounds and increased my running ability many fold. Not bad for 10 months.

Wonder what I can do with the next 12.

Who's with me?! Who believes in Disney magic?? WHO BELIEVES IN TEAM VOICE!!!!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Quick Update

Today and tomorrow's posts will be shorter - but on Tuesday I'll have a longer post, including Saturday from MouseFest!

But I wanted to update you all on how things are going, and that is to say, they're going GREAT.

I did well at my homeowner's association meeting christmas party last night, and think I'll have a good number to post tomorrow. We slept in today, which we BADLY needed, and are babysitting our niece Ayla for a few hours. We also began the project of organizing the house. HOLY COW this is a big project - but we're making significant progress - and most of Tuesday will be spent putting away Christmas, and getting the house up to speed.

But now the big news.

I am officially a member of 24 hour fitness. I am officially a member for THREE YEARS. 

I bought a 3-year membership for the price of one, with only $49 a year renewal thereafter. 

I also bought 9 personal training sessions to be used over the next six months, the first of which is tomorrow morning at 6am (hence the short post tomorrow). It's an evaluation and then we'll create a personalized plan (something called their 24hour solutions program) with online resources, meal planning, etc. 

Everyone at the gym I've told of my goals and progress is VERY excited to help me out - so I'm psyched to get started! 

2008 is gonna be a GREAT year my friends!!!!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

MouseFest Report: Friday

Before I get back into my trip report - an update for you all.

Things have just been crazy around the house so I haven't had a chance to blog. With the holidays winding down, that should go back to normal and I should be able to get back to near daily updates. I promise.

Eating-wise I've been doing good - keeping away from excess sweets, and eating like I was before MouseFest - gearing up for that weigh-in on Monday which will end December, and start 2008 for my challenge. This weekend I'm also going to 24 hour fitness to join up (unless waiting three days for January will get me a much better deal) - and will begin working out there 2-3 days weekly, and consulting with a trainer.

Exercise has also been sporadic, but not gone. I've been working this week on getting back to normal - by trying to keep active - I did another 20 minute Cruella workout a few moments ago. And tomorrow I'll try a longer run. Thanks for stickin' with me - and Jeff - thanks for worrying. ;)

Now - onto Friday!

We began the day holed up at the rope for Animal Kingdom. I could see MouseFesters everywhere, including Bryan a little ways away. My group split up and I made my way through Dinoland to Everest where I got fastpasses for everyone. Then back to the Safaris.

WHAT A RIDE. 257 of us were escorted through the fastpass line (to the chagrin of some folks in the standby line) to ride together. Some memorable moments were greeting our driver with "MONGELLO" and when she asked where we were all from, my answer "The Internet." The guys from MouseGuest seemed to appreciate that joke. :) No giraffes though. Have to visit the Snowy Tundra to see one. :)

Then it was off to THREE firsts (it was a day of firsts). My first ride on Everest. AWESOME - although the backwards did upset Amber's tummy. The our first ride on Dinosaur - less awesome. REALLY bumpy - FAR worse than Indiana Jones. And then my first meeting of Rae and Eric! Also giving out my first autograph to a AATMouskateer! It was hectic, busy and AMAZINGLY FUN.

After dropping Amber off for a nap around noon, I headed out to MGM to get ready for PodFest - and along the way met Paul and Tairy from WTTM! We had a VERY fun ride on the Great Movie Ride together - and hopefully Paul will play some of that audio on his show - because it was amazingly fun!!!

Then it was off to the backlot express. WOW. How many podcasters can you fit in on place? And how many fans? It was an AMAZING meet - and I even got to meet the Voice of MouseGuest!!!
All in all it was a great day at MGM - and I decided to have Photopass take this picture of me - to commemorate it before our dinner at the 50's prime time cafe, and then...the ROCKIN MOUSE MEET. 
After a WONDERFUL dinner at the 50s prime time (one of my new favorites on property - not just for the Meatloaf, but for the fun we had with Cousin Jenn) - it was off to the Rockin' Mouse Meet! Can I just say how amazed I was at HOW MANY PEOPLE were there at the outset. Could have been close to 50. Many couldn't stay because the standby line got too long, so we ended up with 24 people riding - but what a blast we had in the line and in the car! 

Can you believe some people have accused me of "hamming" it up? Overplaying my fear? NEVER! :) Once I get the on-ride photo scanned, you'll see. :) But for now - here's the group shot we took AFTER the ride! 
Then we made a quick stop at the Osbourne lights, where my wife and I shared a dance in the snow. They were BEAUTIFUL.

All in all, Friday was an amazing day at MouseFest - and I wasn't sure things could possibly get better. We wanted to head over to see Yeahaa Bob - but were SO exhausted that when we ended up at the hotel, we just crashed. Little did I know that Saturday would be even BIGGER.

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

307.3 - a Christmas Eve Wish

Now how's THAT for a number? With very little exercise this last week, and just eating right and focusing on a LOT of fluid intake, I've dropped OVER HALF the weight I put on at MouseFest.

And this morning, I hopped on the treadmill and partied with Cruella for a 20 minute hill climb.

Now do you remember when Cruella was Difficult for me? Yeah - me too. Now it's a good workout - but nowhere NEAR what it was back then.

Deb asked me in an e-mail if it was easier getting around WDW now than it was before. YES YES YES a thousand times yes! And I'll NEVER go back to how it was.

You'd think that I'd go into my Friday MouseFest report today, wouldn't you?

You'd be wrong.

You see - I'm a movie buff. And at the holiday season - I love holiday movies. 

Rudolph, Frosty, Santa, White Christmas, Holiday Inn, Miracle on 34th Street (the Natalie Wood version, thank you), and more. We've already watched them all.

But last nigh we watched my favorite - and it always touches me. I sit and cry through it from the music and the wonderful story. I know what you're thinking: "It's a Wonderful Life"? WRONG.

In 1970, Albert Finney starred in what I consider the definitive version of Charles Dickens Immortal Classic: A Christmas Carol - entitled "Scrooge". It's a musical, and you simply MUST see it. 

And during his visit with the Ghost of Christmas Present, Scrooge protests that he hasn't learned enough from him yet - that they have more to discuss - and the Ghost explains something to Scrooge that rang through to me last night. And I wanted to share it with you now. It's inspirational. Touching. Poignant. Appropriate. Everything.

"There is never enough time to do or say all the things that we would wish. The thing is to try to do as much as you can in the time that you have. Remember, Scrooge, time is short. And suddenly you're not there anymore."

And in that spirit, and the spirit of the children we will help together, and in the spirit of Team Voice, and AATM, and WDW Radio, and MDP, and EVERYONE who is on this journey with us - everyone who reads, sees, or comments:

I would like to wish to you, your family, your loved ones, your friends, and everyone across the Earth, the very Merriest of Christmases, and the Happiest of Holiday Seasons. You all have helped me make MY life worth living to it's fullest.

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

MouseFest Trip Report: Thursday

Before we get into what was an enormously busy day - and HUGELY fun to boot - a quick update.

Food is going great this week - even with the office party - where I had chicken fajitas, thank you very much. Exercise on the other hand - is not really going great. I've been fighting a cold and having a lot of difficulty breathing out my nose, and not really energized to get on the treadmill. That being said - when I'm done with this post I'm going to attempt a 20 minute workout and see how my body handles it. I'm hoping it's not a cold, but just allergies, and then can get back on track. I know some of the weight is coming off - so I'm happy about that.

Also - a pre-Mousefest disclaimer:

I LOVED meeting everyone at MouseFest. Adored it, in fact. And as I report, I'm going to try to mention as many of those meetings as possible. If I mess up a date or a place that I met someone - I truly apologize. I met a LOT of new friends. And likewise, if I FORGET someone - please forgive me - and let me know - I'll fix it! :) That being said - OFF TO THURSDAY!

Thursday morning began with a nice early wake-up call so Amber and I could head off to the Polynesian to meet our friend Jason (the AATM roadie) and have our first character breakfast at 'Ohana. This was a VERY fun breakfast and set the pace of the day just right, in my opinion. Plus - being a big stitch fan, it was great getting to meet the guy! I loved his hawaiian garb, and was very happy he seemed in such good spirits. He didn't even try to eat any of our food!

After breakfast, we boarded the monorail and headed for the Magic Kingdom. This was to be an entirely MK day for us. MouseFest activities didn't get started until later in the day, so we thought we'd take in a few rides. We started in Adventureland, where we walked onto Pirates. I can't say enough good things about the rehab they did - except that having now seen the Disneyland version - I WISH there was a Blue Bayou scene at WDW. Alas.

Then we headed over through Frontierland to Big Thunder, and decided after that to attempt to check out the newly rehabbed Haunted Mansion (my favorite MK attraction). But on the way through Frontierland, we saw...well...a "little" bit of celebrity! I couldn't resist stopping and crashing Lou's research for his DSI meet, and he was clearly happy to see me. Meeting Lou was one of the true highlights of my morning, as I owe a great deal to him, and truly consider him one of the best of my friends. He asked me not to tell you all this (see picture) and to deny that he in fact even knows me, but I can't keep this secret. :)

We also at this point met Andrew and George from Imaginerding, Blackjack Joe and Keymo (LTADers) and PapaGoof himself for the first time! I was already getting the sense that this MouseFest thing might be big.

After a ride on the HM - which, by the way, is now AWESOME. The audio (which is a big deal for me) was so crisp and wonderful - I absolutely loved it. (Never mind that it was down most of the day). I could ride that all day long. We headed through Fantasyland - we did Philharmagic, Peter Pan, Snow White and stopped for lunch at Cosmic Ray's. FUN lunch - never eaten there before. Loved it. (I had a burger and a sugar free brownie).

Then onto tomorrowland - we did Buzz Lightyear and the Laugh Floor (which was a GREAT show - especially since wdwfanjon was "That Guy") - and then headed to the Noodle Station for our first meet: MouseFest 101.

Wow. Just wow.

So many people - so many faces - I met Meg, Deb, Scopa, Hochberg, Dave Marx, Mark Goldhaber, Eric and Dan from MouseGuest, Lisa, Byron, Nathan Rose, and although I know there were TONS of other people there - I was just so overwhelmed by the crowd, and frankly - by the fact that ANY of you wanted to say hi to me. Just...wow.

And of course, I won't recount the Hochberg bet story, sufficed to say that $20 of mine was in that pot. If you have NO idea what I'm talking about go download AATM #36. :)

Then it was off to Aloha Isle for the Dole Whip meet and the first PapaGoof Churro encounter. (See AATM 36 again LOL) And also - meeting Jen from the UK, who I just did some voicework for, and of course, Mr. Corn himself: Jeff W. Aloha Isle was SO crowded (had to be 200+ there) that one elderly couple was heard to exclaim as they walked past: "I'm not sure what this is, but it don't look good." We hung around with Jen, Meg, Deb, PapaGoof and anyone else who wanted to chat for awhile, and then headed off to Main Street to get our change of clothes and prep for the Christmas Party.

And let me just say - the picture of the Castle does not even come CLOSE to doing it justice. What a beautiful sight. Jawdropping.

We did manage to get in some rides during the party - after seeing "Mickey's Night Before Christmas" (great show) and getting our cookies and cocoa (and stopping for dinner at Pecos Bills - burger again). We did Splash Mountain and Big Thunder back to back. And then...I got the oddest text.

"I'm cloooooooose." 

Creepy huh?

When I got off Big Thunder, we were AMBUSHED by none other than my co-host - BRYAN! What a fun meeting this was! He'd apparently seen us getting ON Big Thunder and decided to wait for us. Bryan and Amy are WONDERFUL folks - some of the best you'd ever know, and I'm honored to call them friends. We hung around together for awhile - then walked towards the hub, where I staked out a spot to watch Holiday Wishes.

Another wow. I can't even describe it. It was moving, emotional, and beautiful. Wow.

And the AATM boys still weren't done. After the fireworks - we met up with Jeff W to watch the "Once Upon a ChristmasTime" Parade (you can still see the remenants on my shirt of getting soaked on Splash. Who rides at 9pm in an EMPTY log? Sheesh!) - which was a lot of fun - and where I got to meet John Corigliano from MouseTimes, Tim Devine, as well as hang out with many PassPorters!

All in all - the first day of MouseFest was a blast - but it was only a "taste" of things to come. (pun entirely intended).

Ready for Friday, folks?!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

MouseFest Trip Report: Tuesday/Wednesday

Okay friends - here it is - the beginning of my detailed trip report about our MouseFest trip. First though an update on me:

Food is going well, and the shoulder is feeling better. Granted, now I believe both Amber and I have the same cold. LOL Plus side, we're going to make some homemade soup tonight I think - that should not only help - but is low cal. 

Yesteday:

B: Bagel

L: Sandwich (homemade roast beef, low fat); snack pack

D: Pasta

Dessert: Skinny Cow

My trial is "over", but not quite. We gave closing arguments, but now are waiting on the verdict. This is the really hard part, cuz now I've done all I can do and have to wait. Exercise wise, still looking for that groove. Thinking about trying a 20 minute Cruella workout tomorrow or Saturday and a longer walk/jog Sunday just to get my body back to where it was used to going daily.

And now: MouseFest!

We arrived at Orlando at 7:30am on Tuesday, and were exhausted. By the time we got to the Boardwalk Inn, it was nearly 10. Now - having not seen the World for the holidays - I will say the Boardwalk was decorated beautifully.

We checked in at concierge, and lo and behold, in about 30 minutes, our room was ready - and we both decided to simply go CRASH. We slept about 4-5 hours, and then rather than hit a park on the first day - decided to get our shop on, and headed out to DownTown Disney for some fun shopping. We did have a LOT of fun down there - checking out the newly updated World of Disney, Lego Store, and of course, beginning our Pin Trading. 

After that it was back to the lounge for some light dinner (braised fish and polenta care of the Flying Fish) and an early bedtime. Wednesday was going to be a big day!

And it was! We started the morning in Future World - and how nice of a walk it was from the BoardWalk to EPCOT. About 3-5 minutes and we were at the international gateway. We did Soarin' first - checked Spaceship Earth, which was closed, headed to Test Track, did some shopping, and then hit up my good friend Figment at Imagination on the way back to the gateway. We had already stopped for lunch at the Electric Umbrella (try their veggie wraps!) We went back to the resort around 1 o'clock to change clothes, for our VERY nice evening. But before we did - I managed to convince Figment to stop for a picture with us.

Once our clothes were changed, we again walked through Future World to the Monorail. Took Amber's first monorail ride to the TTC, and then hopped onto the Magic Kingdom line. We rode up front, and headed to the Polynesian to check out their shops and decorations. 

Next stop: The Grand Floridian. WOW. Talk about decorated up for the holidays! We were so happy with what we saw - and also happy we had decided to try out the new PhotoPass Family Portrait Session there. And let me tell you it is the best value on property. 20 minutes one-on-one with a photographer in and around the resort, and for the SAME PRICE you'd already pay for the high-res CD, you get the high-res CD, the package, and all your OTHER Photopass pictures on the CD too. And the pictures were downright beautiful, weren't they?

Now that we were done PhotoPassing, we hopped the monorail yet again, and headed for the Contemporary Resort, and up to the California Grill. Our first ADR of the trip. Wow. We were seated around 8:30, had our appetizers (we shared a california roll and the butternut squash soup) and then excused ourselves to the observation deck for Wishes. What an experience. Then back to the table where our main courses were served (Amber had the Filet Mignon and I had the roast chicken). Then, just before dessert (chocolate cake and creme brulee) we looked out our window (we were in the wine room, and could clearly see EPCOT) and watched Illuminations for the first time.

Talk about a great first day. 

But now it was time to go home, and rest. Thursday was approaching, and so was MOUSEFEST.

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Quick Update

No MouseFest reporting yet - with my trial in it's final day and my shoulder in serious pain and having to deal with the extra hour commute to my trial - just hasn't been time.

But rest assured, my friends and supporters - more is coming tomorrow.

I want to THANK you all for your words of encouragement. Every one of you has helped me get back on that horse - the food intake this week has been better and getting back on track. Exercise still needs to hit that groove, but I'm working on it.

Sponsors - I've decided to not send out letters until the end of the year - but they will include a year-end wrap up for you all. It will NOT be the same old form letter. :)

Until tomorrow, Team Voice.

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

315.0 - and a request.

Okay - no picture today - and no MouseFest report. That will all begin tomorrow.

Today I'm going to address that number - briefly, as I have to get to my trial.

But first - let me tell you that I know that I've taken a step backwards. 12 pounds in two weeks. That's a big deal.

However - I am not going to make excuses. I KNOW how it happened, and I KNOW why. Luckily I also know what to do to UN-DO it and I've learned how to avoid it in the future. Here are SOME of the contributing factors:

1) Lack of water.

2) Extra sweets.

3) Lack of groceries when I got home leading to poor meal choices while in trial.

4) Holiday meal with friends.

All of these were in my control, but I had no idea they'd pile up on me like that.

Now I know.

It took me two weeks to get here, and I have two weeks until the end of December to get rid of it. There are no more hurdles (there's an office party, but I'm going to refrain from eating at it and eat separately - and Amber and I are doing Christmas dinner just us - so we can control what we serve).

I can and will fix this, and continue strongly. The one thing I've learned more than anything else through this journey is that I DO have the strength and ability to change myself, and that with the help and support of my friends and loved ones, I will do so.

As soon as registration for 2009 is open, I'm registering. 

Team Voice WILL be there. "Many Goals, One Voice."

Now - a request.

I know some of you are disappointed in me - I am too. I know some of you might be angry or upset. Me too. What I need from you all though is to put that aside for today. What I'm asking for are words of ENCOURAGEMENT today. If everyone tells me what I already know I did wrong, that won't help me. What will help me is if you all help remind me what I CAN do and WHY I've done it in the past.

So...how about today becomes official Encourage a Team Voice Member day? Maybe you don't just want to send me some positive vibes - maybe Rae needs them - or Bryan - or Jeff - or Deb - or whomever!!!

We are ALL in this together - for good and for bad! Ups and downs! Right?!?

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Lessons Learned from MouseFest

I've decided not to start the day by day trip report yet - but instead to focus on some lessons I've learned through my trip. I wanted to share them. I expect the full trip report to start either tomorrow or Monday, rest assured.

1) HYDRATE. I'm quite sure the reason I feel like I've put on weight is that I was missing LOTS of water. I normally drink 3-4 liters of water a day. While gone, I drank BARELY one. This is a problem to be fixed next time.

2) Desserts can and do add up. ;)

3) Healthy choices ARE available - we did relatively good - you'll see when I do meal by meal reports - and listen to AATM - I'm sure there's a show in the works. :)

4) You can't do it all, but it's sure fun to try!

5) Enjoy the heck out of yourself - and be prepared to smile, laugh, and have more fun than you have in a long time! Your old friends will enjoy the company. And the new friends you make will quickly become lifelong friends.

I am truly blessed to have you all. And MouseFest proved it.

6) Walking is NOT the same as jogging. I walked TONS while I was gone, but jogged very little. Jogged this morning, and was exhausted after 20 minutes. Need to work on reconditioning to run. But hey - that's why I'm posting the lessons.

Because I'm learning.

January 8-11, 2009. It's fast approaching.

And Team Voice will be there rockin' and rollin!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

BACK FROM MOUSEFEST!!!!

Hello friends!!!

We are back from MouseFest - and oh man was it an wonderful experience!! I'll be giving a detailed trip report with pictures as the next week or two go on - day by day - kinda like Maui. Including all the food we ate!!!

I want to address two things real quick: 

1) December goals. I'm with Rae and Jeff. December is a maintenance month. I KNOW I gained weight at MouseFest - I don't know exactly how much, but it wouldn't surprise me if it were in the order of 8-10 pounds. I did walk a lot. I did make healthier choices. But what i forgot was my sweet tooth! And with dessert at EVERY MEAL - I'm sure it did me in. Not an excuse - and certainly not a reason to give up - I'll spend the rest of the month working on getting back to where I was or BETTER - so I can start 2008 with a huge push!

2) Hellos. I cannot begin to tell you how wonderful it was to meet all of you that were at MouseFest - but special mention HAS to go to Rae, Eric, Jeff, Kate, Deb, Meg, Glenn, and of course, Bryan. You guys are some of the most wonderful friends a guy has ever been lucky enough to have. And Rae - Team Voice is going strong! I can't wait to see what we're capable of! :)

Okay - until tomorrow when the trip report begins (official weigh-in *cringe* on Monday) remember that the 2009 half-marathon is getting closer every day!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

303.3!!!! "What's next?"

Today is a day of HUGE successes!!!!

First of all - I've lost 5.8 pounds for the month of November - and taken off everything I put on at Thanksgiving, and THEN some. This makes me feel wonderful!!!

I also ran 3.232 miles today to finish the Raes for the Pace with OVER 15 hours (okay - only 8 minutes over, but still!!) and over FIFTY MILES RAN THIS MONTH.

Meals yesterday went well:

B: Eggs/Toast

L: Zero Point Soup/WiseCracker

D: WW Pasta Fagioli

Dessert: Skinny Cow

And now - for the all important question - one MANY of you will be asked today by me....in some format:

Jonathan Dichter - you've just lost 67 pounds in 10 months, run 50+ miles this month, raised over $1500 for charity and over fifteen hours this month. You've struggled to meet your goals, but perservered anyhow!!

WHAT'S NEXT?

(say it with me, folks)

I'M GOING TO WALT DISNEY WORLD!!!!!!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!!!! (and this time, LITERALLY!)

Only an hour left!

...until I've finished out the Rae's for the Pace!

Although today's entry looks a little weird. Here's why.

About 20-ish minutes into my workout, I hit the emergency magnetic power thingy by accident and the treadmill turned off!!!! So I plugged it back in and finished, but have NO idea how far I'd gone when it turned off. So I'm simply posting the mileage from the last 50 minutes. But I did the full 70. :)

Meals yesterday were great:

B: Eggs and wheat toast

L: Chicken Wrap

D: Grilled Pork Chop, Potato, Broccoli

Dessert: WW Cookies and Cream Bar

I'd post more today - but there's a TON to do to get ready for tomorrow - but tomorrow will have a longer post! PLUS the weigh in!!!! :)

Thank you guys for sticking with me this long - and I look forward to another year of Team Voice!!!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

70 down - 130 to go!

Can you see it out there in the distance? WDW is getting closer every minute! I cannot wait to get there!!! I am SO in need of this vacation!

Today, though - I managed to do my 70 minutes of exercise, as promised! The Rae's for the Pace is within my grasp!!!

And yesterday's meals went perfectly:

B: Bagel/South Beach Breakfast Wrap

L: Turkey Sandwich on Wheat/PowerBar

D: Grilled Chicken sandwich on Ciabatta

Dessert: Skinny Cow

I want to thank you all for your wishes for both Gmarie (she called from the hospital and is doing well - we're so relieved!) and Amber (who is still sleeping off the effects of her goodbye party! LOL)

There's still a lot to do this weekend to prepare for the trip - like packing and heading out to go get my haircut! :)

See you guys tomorrow (and SEE you guys SOON!!!)

MAIN STREET AWAITS!