Losing Weight ISN'T HARD - Here's My Proof!

WOW what a whirlwind it's been lately!

On Christmas Eve, after taking me to the MedExpress where I was diagnosed with the flu, then running me over to the drug store to get my prescription filled, my wife's water broke while standing in line at a Walgreens.

Two and a half hours later, baby Melanie Lynn was born.



For the next 4 days we stayed at Forbes Regional Hospital on the Eastern side of Pittsburgh. I would go home each night (cats needed tending to) and go back first thing each morning. I ate most of my meals at the hospital, so - nevermind the fact that I really had no time to - I had no real way to count calories anyways. I wasn't drinking as much water as usual because it wasn't as readily available, I was drinking real sodas because that's what they gave us, and except for the constant on-my-feet-tending-to-my-wife-and-baby, I didn't get any real exercise. On the plus side, I was too tired to snack when I'd get home.

Mommy and baby came home Friday, 12/28. Over the past week and a half I've enjoyed a wonderful baby-induced "vacation." I stayed up late with the baby while watching movies, classic Knight Rider episodes and playing Xbox, and enjoyed some hobbies during the daytime such as brewing beer, gaming, and of course, helping with the baby. I haven't counted calories, I was enjoying ice creams and beers and even a REAL Mountain Dew (that was a glorious day...) and we even managed to go out for dinner a few times - once with the baby! I still didn't PIG OUT (Well okay, one night at a BD Mongolia's) and ordered salads when available, but I just didn't stress myself about my diet. I did still weigh myself daily however, just to make sure things weren't getting out of hand.

While we were at the hospital, my weight PLUMMETED to 198 (I had been 202). Yay hospital food! When we came home it went back to 201, and after the aforementioned pig-out, up to 203+! But I kept it under control and today - my first day back to "normal life" at work, I weighed in at 199!! My baby brought me to ONEderland!!

So to everyone who thinks they need fancy gadgets or apps or expensive trainers/gyms/equipment, know that above all it just takes time, patience, and smart-thinking to lose weight. Could I have lost more if I was sneaking in exercise and skipping some junk food? Of course - I'm sure of it. But I just became a daddy! I had enough to stress over. My weight loss has become a part of my life, and I'm always mindful of it. I know that even if I slip up a little, I can recover, readjust, refocus, and get back on track.

21 pounds left to go. I hope 2013 is a great year for all of us here, trying to improve our lives!