Day 12&13: They Say

"You'll be eating burgers on day 3."
 Funny that I've quadrupled that total.  I'm going John Locke.  Don't tell me what I can't do.  This one statement has been a big driving force for me. Almost every time I think about just quitting this I think about those people that told me that I would fail.  It just drives me harder to want to finish this.
"What you're doing is a star diet, it's just like what Beyonce did to get ready for Dreamgirls"
This was very demotivating.  Although Beyonce is fine and I would like to hit that (who wouldn't),  I would never want to be put in the same category as Beyonce for anything.  Not to say in my spare time without TV and internet, I had time to read a article on the child birth drama of Beyonce, but news is slow in the Tribune... Anyhow I do think you can be a Diva and still be considerate.  Closing down the entire floor of a hospital to give birth to a perfectly healthy kid is ridiculous.  She really couldn't spend that money to have their kid at home like a normal high profile celebrity.
"I'm gonna get drunk and shoot ten year olds in the face"
Kinda disturbing until you realize he's talking about Call of Duty.
"You're from Florida and have no clue how to drive in this weather."
So true.  Two days with snow, two days in the ditch.  It's just my economic plan to stimulate job development by having more tow truck drivers at work.
"Tim Tebow can't loose with God on his side."
Kinda true, but did anybody really believe that the all knowing, all powerful creator of the universe would be a Broncos fan...
"Fry's should sell fries."
I'm so poetic and hilarious.
"The 49ers are a good team but the Saint's Red Zone offense puts them over the edge to win this one"
Drew Bress 0 TDs in Red Zone.
Alex Smith 1 Rushing TD 1 Passing TD in Red Zone....
"Who Dat?"
The San Francisco 49ers!!!!
On Day 12 and 13 I consumed:

• One Naked Blue Machine
• 1 Odwalla Mango Tango
• 1 Odwalla Superfood
• 1 FRS Healthy Protein Blueberry Acai
• Juice of:
• 1 Red Cabbage
• 1 Habenero Chile
• 1 Bag of Spinach
• 2 Handfulls Kale
• 3 Apples
• 4 Oranges
• 12 Oz Mini Sweet Peppers
• 8 oz Blueberries
• 4 Kiwis
• 1 Grapefruit
• 2 Tomatoes
• 1 Lime
• 1 Beet
• 2 Inches Ginger
• 1 Sweet Potato
• 1 Bunch Spinach
• 1 Serano Chile
• 1 Red Pepper

Side note:  As previously stated, I do think this is unhealthy.  I think a person should take a balanced approach to weight loss.  If I get to that 180lb mark or start loosing a lot of muscle, I will stop as previously stated.  So if you're concerned don't worry.  I have no intentions of becoming vegan or anything like that.  Though I do welcome all your criticisms and concerns (see today's Bible verse).

Song of the Day:  "They Say" by Common

Song of the Yesterday: "Oysters" by Meshell Ndegeocello <== Love this song awesome lyrics.

Proverbs 12:1 NIV

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,
but whoever hates correction is stupid.

Day 11: Normalicy

It's hard to feel normal when you can't eat anything.  Just think of how many events and things we do with people that involves food.  Most of the time that food is also processed and very unhealthy.  Tonight I wanted to feel normal.  Just like an average person.  So I decided after my workout to go to my normal wine tasting (I did taste the wine but now swallowing-that's what she said).  It actually helps out that I'm limiting myself on TV.  I am starting to recognize how my addiction to TV was feeding my addiction to food.  There are so many fast food commercials that I fast forwarded past but now since I only get an hour of TV a day, I have to pay attention to when the commercial break starts so I can fit as much as my essential shows as possible.


Song of the Day: "Sitting, Wishing, Waiting" by Jack Johnson


Today I consumed:

• Juice of:
• Half A Pinapple
• 3 Cactus Leaves
• 3 Guava Fruits
• 1 Orange
• 3 Tangerines
• 1 Parsnip
• 6 oz Rasberries
• 1 Meyer Lemon
• 1 Orange
• 1 Apple
• 1/2 pound grapes
• 2 Tomatoes
• 1 Head of Broccoli
• 1 Onion
• 3 Handfuls of Kale
• 3 Stalks of Celery

Psalm 136:17-18 AMP
To Him Who smote great kings, for His mercy  and  loving-kindness endure forever;  And slew famous kings, for His mercy  and  loving-kindness endure forever--

I just thought these verses were interesting because the beginning of these verses seems to oppose the ending.

Day 10: Let's Get Physical

I am starting to feel a little bit high now as I walk around.  This means starvation is starting to kick in.  I didn't go to the gym today, got kind of lazy (also a result of my disdain for day shift) but not because I don't feel up for it.  Not to mention that I am very hungry right now because I left my juice at work and I really don't feel like making anymore tonight.  One thing that I miss now is my normal routine.  Come home get a beer and watch Sportscenter.
Man I really am drawing a blank on what I really want to write right now so I'm just gonna type whatever pops into my head.  This is pretty dramatic.  I don't even know why it's so important to me that I finish now but I feel as though I must.  Today as I put my produce away for the first time the Lou Malnati's fridge magnet tempted me a little.  Oh the joys of authentic Chicago deep dish pizza.  And the butter crust.  No other pizza compares.  There's no turning back now though I'm 25% complete.  .


I'm optimistic and am looking forward to the end of this.  I'm trying to pick a venue for ending this.  Some bar will have a very happy customer at 12:01am on Feb. 11th.  


Weight: 221lbs. (Down 17lbs)
Body Fat: 23.2% (Down 6%)
Waist: 40" (Down 1")
Biceps: 15" (No Change)
Chest: 42" (Up .5"... I think I may have measured wrong)


Song of the Day: "Drunken Lullabies" by Flogging Molly (What a brother can't listen to Irish Folk Rock?)


Today I consumed:

• Juice of:
• Half A Pinapple
• 3 Cactus Leaves
• 3 Guava Fruits
• 1 Orange
• 3 Tangerines
• 1 Parsnip

Psalm 130:1-2 NIV
Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord; Lord, hear my voice.
Let your ears be attentive
to my cry for mercy.

Day 9: Fear

Yesterday was a little shorter than normal and today's post is going to be long so please bear with me.


Christian.  That's what I called myself.  That's what I grew up as was raised by a Christian mother.  My grandmother and even great grandmother were very devout Christians.  I could even go as far as to say that Christianity in my family goes much deeper than that.  I don't know for sure simply because I don't know much about my family before My great grandmother's generation.  My mother wasn't just your average church on Sundays Christian either.  As a matter of fact my church schedule was something like this growing up.  I went Tuesday nights for bible study.  Wednesday (or Thursday can't remember that clearly) nights for choir rehearsal.  Sunday Mornings for your classic Sunday School/Morning Worship combo.


As I grew up I decided to join the church.  I forget what age this happened but I do remember it was in my pre-teenage years.  My decision to join the church and become a full fledged choir singing member, was not out of the love of Christ in the beginning.  Of course I went through the motions of saying that I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal savior and so on, but that was because I was scared.  Really I was scared shitless.  The talk of fire and brimstone and gnashing of teeth  had me like  hey if this Jesus guy wants to save me then so be it. Later when I was around 16 there was a sermon in which the preacher said "You should love God because He loves you. Not because of what He has done for you or fear of what might happen to you if you don't love Him" That statement roller coaster of emotions as I grew and developed into a man, being a really devout Christian at times and pretty much a hethan at others.


Fast forward to today.  As I look back on that time I question whether or not I was truly mature enough to make those decisions at that young of an age.  I question whether the the constant bombardment with scriptures neatly packaged into sermons that presented Christianity to me in such a good and forgiving light really just sort of got me to say "Okay I agree with this." blindly without question or thought or emotion.  I thought that in reading the Bible through from cover to cover, I would develop a deep and personal relationship with God.  That my beliefs would be strengthened and enhanced.  Now I don't know.


I read 103 Psalms today.  103 Chapters from various writers with a tone that swings back and forth  from that which sounds like that of a badly abused child, to a loved respected and powerful man.  The compelling part that really got under my skin was the 94th Psalm.  Which really boils down to a long rant from the Psalmist to God asking for the destruction of his enemies.  The entire premise seemed downright evil and pretty sick.  That chapter being included in a book that is the doctrine for your religious beliefs...  It makes me sick to my stomach just thinking about it.  What's even more troubling is the more I think about it, and this could be clouded, but it seemed as though there were many more "destroy my enemies" and "why have you forsaken me" than "Bless the Lords"


The craziest thing about this situation, is I don't want to let this go.  I want this to be real for me.  I want to blindly believe in God, because my faith in God has gotten me through some really tough times.  I don't know how to even begin to be Atheist or Agnostic.  The idea of there being no Heaven and Hell, no God to punish those who do evil and prosper in life to me is a much more morbid, disturbing reality than recognizing the flaws in my religious doctrine.


Song of the Day: "Shot For Me"  by Drake


Today I Consumed:

• One Banana Creme Muscle Milk
• Juice of:
• 1 Jicama
• 1 Beet
• 1 Apple
• 3 Inch Piece of Ginger

I wrote the following just after I got to Psalms 23:


I only felt it fitting that today's Bible quote is from the iconoclastic 23rd Psalm, since I happened to make it that far today in my reading.  I find it interesting that in the psalm immediately preceding it, an attitude of utter defeat is displayed and a feeling of abandonment is shown.  I decided to display The Message version just to be fifteenth because I have the KJV of this scripture memorized.


Psalm 23:1-6 MSG
God, my shepherd! I don't need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I'm not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd's crook makes me feel secure. You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing. Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I'm back home in the house of God for the rest of my life.

Day 8: Tired

I guess I should have been sleepy considering I only got three hours of sleep the day before.  All I really did was sleep today.  Now after a solid ten hours of sleep I feel up and ready  for the day.



Today I consumed:

• 5 Strawberries Pureed
• 8 Blackberries Pureed
• One Handful of Spinach Pureed
• 3 Cups Almond Milk
• Juice of:
• 1 Papaya
• 1 Apple
• 1 Pasilla Pepper
• 1 Pomegranate
• 1 Lemon
• 1 2" Piece of Ginger
• 1 Bunch Rainbow Carrots

Song of the Day: "Sleep Now With The Fire" by Rage Against The Machine
Job 35:5-7 NASB
"Look at the heavens and see; And behold the clouds-they are higher than you. "If you have sinned, what do you accomplish against Him? And if your transgressions are many, what do you do to Him? "If you are righteous, what do you give to Him, Or what does He receive from your hand?

Day 6&7: Temptation

Today in the morning I thought I was over the hump.  Once the stomach problems of the morning subsided,  I thought that I was home free. I was certain that I wouldn't be experiencing that intense hunger or lethargy anymore.  I was completely wrong however.


This blog is being written from a remote location.  I'm in Indiana right now and at a birthday party for a one year old.  The hardest part about today was resisting the pizza, ice cream and cake.  Not to mention it's kinda hard for a social drinker like myself not to drink socially.


Today was a great lesson in restraint.  Restraint that I haven't practiced in a long time. I can't believe I've gone a week without solid food already.  A week without alcohol.  I must admit my skin is clearing up a lot.  I think I have found the key to defeating eczema.


Song of the Day:  "Smile Like You Mean It" by The Killers


Saturday I Consumed:

• 1 Cup Almond Milk
• 3 Strawberries Pureed
• 6 Blackberries Pureed
• 1 Cup Almond Milk
• 1 Handful Spinach Pureed
• Juice of:
• 1 Large Beet with Greens
• One Orange
• 2 Apples
• 1 2 inch piece of Ginger
• 8 Carrots

Today I consumed:

• One FRS Healthy Protein Blueberry Acai
• 1 Cup Almond Milk
• Juice of:
• 1 Apple
• 1 Parsnip
• 1 Orange
• 2 Handfuls of Kale
• 1 Pear

Ezra 9:12-15 MSG 
Whatever you do, don't give your daughters in marriage to their sons nor marry your sons to their daughters. Don't cultivate their good opinion; don't make over them and get them to like you so you can make a lot of money and build up a tidy estate to hand down to your children.' And now this, on top of all we've already suffered because of our evil ways and accumulated guilt, even though you, dear God, punished us far less than we deserved and even went ahead and gave us this present escape. Yet here we are, at it again, breaking your commandments by intermarrying with the people who practice all these obscenities! Are you angry to the point of wiping us out completely, without even a few stragglers, with no way out at all? You are the righteous God of Israel. We are, right now, a small band of escapees. Look at us, openly standing here, guilty before you. No one can last long like this."

Day 5ish: D-Day

Today's post is sponsored by the letter D.


D is for Dreams.  For the first time in a long while I had a dream.  I dreamed about a crispy chicken sandwich.  As I bit into it somebody saw me and I tried to hide. It was surreal.


D is for Diarrhea. I thought I could avoid it but throughout the night on day five and into the morning of day six, I sent a bunch of troops to bombard the beaches of Normandy.    Fortunately after my second visit to the toilet in the morning, I felt better and decided to go ahead to the gym and get in a workout.


D is for Desire.  Yesterday was the last day that our crew at work would be together on shift, so there was a big party with everyone bringing in their best dishes.  So hungry I resisted and stuck with my cabbage, green bean and bell pepper juice.


D is for Democrat.  Yes I am still am hard left.  It is hard for me to believe that the republican choices for president are between the following:

• Mitt Romney:  Does anybody know what this guy's position is on anything?
• Rick Santorum: Step one Google "Santorum".  Step two, find that this guy took his stillborn child home for his children to see.  Also see that he really doesn't care about family values at all.  See how he handled the resignation of Senator John Ensign from his sex scandal in Nevada.
• Newt Gingrich: It is dumbfounding to me how you can be fired as Speaker of the House on ethics charges and still be a legitimate candidate for president.
• Ron Paul: I would actually kind of like Ron Paul if it wasn't for the fact that he wants less regulation over a financial market that caused our economic collapse and his irresponsible printing of racist remarks in his newsletters.

With those choices is the guy who got Bin Laden and now has the unemployment rate at its lowest in three years really that bad?

Yesterday I consumed:
1 Cup Almond Milk
3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
Juice of :
2 Tomatoes
1 Tomatillo
2 Jalapenos
3 Carrots
2 Handfuls of Kale with Pulp
4 Stalks of Celery
3 Cloves of Garlic
1 Apple

1 Pear

1 Orange

2 Handfuls of Spinach

1 1 inch piece of ginger

Song of the Day: "I Don't Know Why" as preformed by the Jackson 5

Ezra 3:11 AMP
They sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the Lord, saying, For He is good, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid!