25 days of bliss?

I decided last year, around Christmas time, that it was time to get into shape. I may or may not have been wearing a jogging suit b/c none of my jeans would button.

Here's the deal...since I graduated college I have gradually gotten bigger. At this rate (25 lbs in 6 years) I will be on that show "Half Ton Dude" in a few years. I rarely, if ever, get self conscience about anything but I caught a glance of my double chin in a picture and I got a little Strong Sad.

Hence the 25 days of Bliss are upon us. I have drank only water, eaten tuna, walked/ran at least an hour most days, gotten 6-8 hours of sleep every night, started back at the gym, etc all month. It's been awful (compared to drinking 12 Cokes a day, staying up all night watching tv, and ordering wings and pizza @ 1 am most nights) but I feel terrific. I can tell I'm an old man b/c the weight isn't falling off super fast like it used to but those jeans are buttoning now. I'm down about 10 pounds (side story....my college roommate, Robby Woodard, and I have a 20 lb slap bet during the month of January. We both have to lose 20 lbs or you get slapped in the face. There is no way on earth I can lose 20 lbs in 1 month. I wish I would've know this 25 days ago when I agreed to said slap bet.)

I have a reputation in the Burg for being a cheeseburger consuming, nap taking slob, which is well deserved. But oddly enough, my motivation has come from people scoffing when I tell them I'm running or working out. Most people give me until mid February (I need some better friends). The Ridings inside of me, which loves to prove everyone wrong and win, has kicked into gear. The slob is gone.

So this is what I need: I need you, whenever you see me, to laugh, point, make fun, and tell me I'll never make it....that is the only way I can sustain this lifestyle. This is the year of doing what I know is right. Being healthy is just one of the many things I am working on.

Bring it on, naysayers.

New Year, New List!

Below is an all inclusive list of my favorite types of Caterpillars! Hooray!

1. Question Mark Butterfly Caterpillar
2. Monkey Slug Caterpillar (weiiiiiiiiird)
3. Luna Moth Caterpillar
4. Saddleback Caterpillar
5. Monarch Butterfly Caterpillar (i'm dangerous, don't try to eat me!)
6. Tent Caterpillar

I know we all love Caterpillars. If you are having trouble identifying your caterpillar (and you can't reach me at home) then try the Internet! There is a terrific website called Google that will help you. When you are done, you may want to think about moving out of your Mom's basement and getting some friends! Happy New Year.