Well Don't need to get any hikes in for the rest of the year.
I need to make one blog about my diet next month.
And I need to come in at 172.5 for Nov.
All done except that last one.
I'm going to blame it on a combination of things. First 3 large Thanksgiving dinners in the last week of the month. Second turning 30 and drowning my tears in a large bowl of take the cake ice cream with a liter of Mountain Dew as a chaser. Third WoTLK keeping me tied to my computer for the last couple weeks...I really need to get out of the house more.
So I fall a point behind this month...sucks but I can't lie I'm a fat fat 176.8 lbs
:(
~Tow
Monday, December 1, 2008
Monday, November 10, 2008
We will NOT be hiking in December!
I think Susan wanted to get hike #12 in more then I did. I was enjoying a nice lazy sunday. Had a nice warm fire going, Susan was napping on the couch with the kitties, and I was killing some bad guys online. Ah relaxing.
Anyway we wanted to go out and have dinner after the hike so we picked some place close. Priest Point Park. I've been there a few times but never really hiked there, they have some very nice trails but be prepared for a lot of hills and big steps.
I was playing around with the camera a bit more then normal so I got some really crappy pictures. I got a few good ones too but I was going for that soft fluffy water look with the long shutter speed but the day was grey and just way too much light. Even after I dropped my ISO down to it's lowest setting.
So far this month.
Hiking trips = DONE!
Weight = still jumping around but shouldn't be too hard to come in below my number.
blog = Done but I'll probably post another one at the end of the month with my weight.
I guess I'll get back to work now
~Tow
Anyway we wanted to go out and have dinner after the hike so we picked some place close. Priest Point Park. I've been there a few times but never really hiked there, they have some very nice trails but be prepared for a lot of hills and big steps.
 |
| From 2008_11_09 |
 |
| From 2008_11_09 |
I was playing around with the camera a bit more then normal so I got some really crappy pictures. I got a few good ones too but I was going for that soft fluffy water look with the long shutter speed but the day was grey and just way too much light. Even after I dropped my ISO down to it's lowest setting.
So far this month.
Hiking trips = DONE!
Weight = still jumping around but shouldn't be too hard to come in below my number.
blog = Done but I'll probably post another one at the end of the month with my weight.
I guess I'll get back to work now
~Tow
Monday, October 27, 2008
One more
That's right, got two hikes in this month so only one left! I've really enjoyed them but, it will be nice to take the rainy months off to play Wrath of the lich King. :)
OK so to the hikes.
Hike 1 for the month was Millersylvania State Park's fitness trail. It's only a one mile loop and you are supposed to do these work out stations along the way. They have 20 stations each asking you to do stuff like leg lifts and jumping jacks. Problem is most of the stations have been tore up by punks or just rotted away. I've wanted to go back there and check the place out because it's been right around 15 years since I was last there on a camping trip. I was sad to see that our baseball fields were turned into full hookup camp sites and the nature trails were converted into basically wheel chair accessible paths but it was still fun. And, it reminded me of old times camping with my cousin Aaron and getting into trouble.
Pics.
Starts off in what looks like an old apple orchard
This part of the trail is also a service road but it doesn't matter cause it's beautiful.
I've tried to explain to her that a hike is to enjoy nature, look around, and reflect. For some reason she just keeps thinking it's a race.
My favorite pic from that walk
Ok now to hike two, It's also been about 10 years since I've been to one of my old high schools. Susan wanted to go visit Mt St Helens so I figured it was a good time to visit my old stomping grounds. I didn't realize how many painful memories of fun times with my dad it would bring up but I guess you can't avoid those forever.
The mountain was a little hard to see. It wasn't clouds, or fog making it hard to get a view of the mountain. It was the wind, I'm estimating it at about a 40mph sustained wind with gusts up to 60. That wind that nearly knocks you back a step. So here's the clearest shot of the mountain I got all day.
Since it was nearly impossible to avoid the wind up on the mountain and I was feeling cheap for using one of my hikes to stare at a mountain from a visitors center I decided to stop at my old high school. When I was there in 94 we built a nature trail along the back of the school. I wanted to see how it was holding up and it would give me some physical activity. I was surprised to see how 14 years of use had worn the trail. However, I was even more surprised to see that the education standards haven't increased over the years.
Not sure why but they added little benches too.
One last picture to remind me of what I've left behind.
Ok so for monthly goals I'm pretty much on track.
Weight 170.2 this morning
Hikes 1 left before the end of December
Blogs, 2 more.
~Tow
OK so to the hikes.
Hike 1 for the month was Millersylvania State Park's fitness trail. It's only a one mile loop and you are supposed to do these work out stations along the way. They have 20 stations each asking you to do stuff like leg lifts and jumping jacks. Problem is most of the stations have been tore up by punks or just rotted away. I've wanted to go back there and check the place out because it's been right around 15 years since I was last there on a camping trip. I was sad to see that our baseball fields were turned into full hookup camp sites and the nature trails were converted into basically wheel chair accessible paths but it was still fun. And, it reminded me of old times camping with my cousin Aaron and getting into trouble.
Pics.
Starts off in what looks like an old apple orchard
 |
| From 2008_10_12 |
This part of the trail is also a service road but it doesn't matter cause it's beautiful.
 |
| From 2008_10_12 |
I've tried to explain to her that a hike is to enjoy nature, look around, and reflect. For some reason she just keeps thinking it's a race.
 |
| From 2008_10_12 |
My favorite pic from that walk
 |
| From 2008_10_12 |
Ok now to hike two, It's also been about 10 years since I've been to one of my old high schools. Susan wanted to go visit Mt St Helens so I figured it was a good time to visit my old stomping grounds. I didn't realize how many painful memories of fun times with my dad it would bring up but I guess you can't avoid those forever.
The mountain was a little hard to see. It wasn't clouds, or fog making it hard to get a view of the mountain. It was the wind, I'm estimating it at about a 40mph sustained wind with gusts up to 60. That wind that nearly knocks you back a step. So here's the clearest shot of the mountain I got all day.
 |
| From 2008_10_26 |
Since it was nearly impossible to avoid the wind up on the mountain and I was feeling cheap for using one of my hikes to stare at a mountain from a visitors center I decided to stop at my old high school. When I was there in 94 we built a nature trail along the back of the school. I wanted to see how it was holding up and it would give me some physical activity. I was surprised to see how 14 years of use had worn the trail. However, I was even more surprised to see that the education standards haven't increased over the years.
 |
| From 2008_10_26 |
Not sure why but they added little benches too.
 |
| From 2008_10_26 |
One last picture to remind me of what I've left behind.
 |
| From 2008_10_26 |
Ok so for monthly goals I'm pretty much on track.
Weight 170.2 this morning
Hikes 1 left before the end of December
Blogs, 2 more.
~Tow
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Quick update
Weight 170.4 this morning
Still 3 hikes to get in before the end of the year.
Blog about hiking/wight done.
Why so quick?
Because, I am the only tester on my team at work right now. I'm currently testing items for 6 developers so I'm pretty much going to be up a creek if I don't stay on top of my testing.
~Tow
Still 3 hikes to get in before the end of the year.
Blog about hiking/wight done.
Why so quick?
Because, I am the only tester on my team at work right now. I'm currently testing items for 6 developers so I'm pretty much going to be up a creek if I don't stay on top of my testing.
~Tow
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Sept. hike done already?
Yep, motivation to not be hiking in December plus nice weather got us out of the house and on the trails.
We went back to one of my favorite places to Hike, Mount Rainier. We picked the Skyline Loop trail which I have not been on since I was 16. Back then the hike was pretty easy. I went with my Sophomore Biology class from Toutle Lake High School. All I remember is how awesome the views where and the two chubby girls that kept slowing us down. But anyway back to this hike.
One thing I didn't remember was the hills. 1,400 ft up to the Nisqually Glacier and then right back down the Paradise Lodge. I was so tired after the first hill I didn't really try to get that great of pictures. It was more of a point, shoot, try not to pass out approach. And, Susan kept me moving. She didn't allow many breaks even after we got to the top and could sit there and listen to the glacier crackle.
So my pictures suck. I didn't realize until halfway through the hike that my ISO was set wrong. I had my camera set so I was adjusting the wrong setting when taking pictures and then my memory card filled up. In all it was a bad picture trip and a wonderful challenging hike.
So sorry the pictures suck but here's the best I could find.
Almost to the top
A nice little mountain stream that ran through a alpine meadow...it was beautiful
I believe this is called a marmot. I was taking this picture while standing no more then 6 feet from him.
Spruce Hen, dumb as a box of rocks. It actually walked between me and Susan to get to the other side of the trail. I could reach out and touch it in the picture.
Can you spot the bear? There really is a black bear on this hill side. I need a better lens for my camera.
We also came across a deer that was a little to fast for me to get a picture of, some really cool wild birds that I have no idea what they are called and some noisy mountain chipmunks.
I'd have to say if you are going to do any hike in Washington this is one that should be on the top of your list. Absolutely beautiful.
~Tow
We went back to one of my favorite places to Hike, Mount Rainier. We picked the Skyline Loop trail which I have not been on since I was 16. Back then the hike was pretty easy. I went with my Sophomore Biology class from Toutle Lake High School. All I remember is how awesome the views where and the two chubby girls that kept slowing us down. But anyway back to this hike.
One thing I didn't remember was the hills. 1,400 ft up to the Nisqually Glacier and then right back down the Paradise Lodge. I was so tired after the first hill I didn't really try to get that great of pictures. It was more of a point, shoot, try not to pass out approach. And, Susan kept me moving. She didn't allow many breaks even after we got to the top and could sit there and listen to the glacier crackle.
So my pictures suck. I didn't realize until halfway through the hike that my ISO was set wrong. I had my camera set so I was adjusting the wrong setting when taking pictures and then my memory card filled up. In all it was a bad picture trip and a wonderful challenging hike.
So sorry the pictures suck but here's the best I could find.
Almost to the top
 |
| From 2008_09_07 |
A nice little mountain stream that ran through a alpine meadow...it was beautiful
 |
| From 2008_09_07 |
I believe this is called a marmot. I was taking this picture while standing no more then 6 feet from him.
 |
| From 2008_09_07 |
Spruce Hen, dumb as a box of rocks. It actually walked between me and Susan to get to the other side of the trail. I could reach out and touch it in the picture.
 |
| From 2008_09_07 |
Can you spot the bear? There really is a black bear on this hill side. I need a better lens for my camera.
 |
| From 2008_09_07 |
We also came across a deer that was a little to fast for me to get a picture of, some really cool wild birds that I have no idea what they are called and some noisy mountain chipmunks.
I'd have to say if you are going to do any hike in Washington this is one that should be on the top of your list. Absolutely beautiful.
~Tow
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Second Hike Done!
Just a quick post to update my hike progress. We got the last one of this period in Sunday. McClain Nature Trail, I think that's what it's called anyway. It's just a 1.1 mile loop but there's some really great things to see. It's pretty close to W.Oly so if you have never been there I'd suggest taking a trip. The walk takes about an hour.
The best pic
So all that's left this month is keeping my weight in check for another week.
~Tow
The best pic
So all that's left this month is keeping my weight in check for another week.
~Tow
Friday, August 22, 2008
I'm posting before the end of the month? I know...crazy right?
So I'm only about a week before the end of the month but we've had a busy few weeks. 3 family reunions this month and mine was a 2 day drunken, pig roasting, camping blowout. When I went to upload my pictures yesterday the camera told me I had taken 187 pictures since the last upload. So I figured I'd better break this out into two posts.
So lets start..oddly enough...at the beginning.
While cleaning up after the unknown camper (a mouse) I took a load of stuff into the house to be ran through the dishwasher. A shadow caught my eye and I realized there was something flying in my house. At first I thought it might just be a small bird but I soon realized it was a bat. So I got Susan so we could take some pictures of it and then we spent about 10 minutes trying to get it out of the house. With an umbrella and small house broom I managed to coax it out of the house. Here's a pic..sorry I was too chicken to get any closer to it.
So we got the motor home ready and went camping. It was a great time, lots of laughing, lots of stories, and some sunshine.
Dinner
Susan's Mexican dip tray was a hit.
Got to get a Susan shot in here.
So after dinner was over it was time to start drinking. Of course I was one of the few sober people as usual.
Somehow my motor home became party central...I think it had something to do with the rain and lack of small children in my R.V.
Sunset = time for drinking games. Susan got HAMMERED!
Morning after mess I got to clean up. Well Susan helped :)
However, I did manage to get a hike in during this busy month. We went to walk the 5.5 mile Nisqually loop.
But, they had shut down part of the trail. So halfway in you found this sign.
Time to turn around and head back.
Updated monthly goals.
Current weight 172.6 got a bit to lose in about a week.
Hikes 1 down 1 to go.
Blog done.
So I'll have another post up in about a week.
~Tow
So lets start..oddly enough...at the beginning.
While cleaning up after the unknown camper (a mouse) I took a load of stuff into the house to be ran through the dishwasher. A shadow caught my eye and I realized there was something flying in my house. At first I thought it might just be a small bird but I soon realized it was a bat. So I got Susan so we could take some pictures of it and then we spent about 10 minutes trying to get it out of the house. With an umbrella and small house broom I managed to coax it out of the house. Here's a pic..sorry I was too chicken to get any closer to it.
So we got the motor home ready and went camping. It was a great time, lots of laughing, lots of stories, and some sunshine.
Dinner
Susan's Mexican dip tray was a hit.
Got to get a Susan shot in here.
So after dinner was over it was time to start drinking. Of course I was one of the few sober people as usual.
Somehow my motor home became party central...I think it had something to do with the rain and lack of small children in my R.V.
Sunset = time for drinking games. Susan got HAMMERED!
Morning after mess I got to clean up. Well Susan helped :)
However, I did manage to get a hike in during this busy month. We went to walk the 5.5 mile Nisqually loop.
But, they had shut down part of the trail. So halfway in you found this sign.
Time to turn around and head back.
Updated monthly goals.
Current weight 172.6 got a bit to lose in about a week.
Hikes 1 down 1 to go.
Blog done.
So I'll have another post up in about a week.
~Tow
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Is it winter yet?
Last post was July 1st and I'm just getting to a new post on the 31st. In other words I've been pretty busy this month. Lets run down the list of things that happened in July. Sister got married, Sister's wedding reception, Bryce and Alex's birthday parties, Family reunions, Several BBQ's, and to top it all off a good old geek weekend for me. After spending 2 full weekends in July doing stuff for my Sister's wedding I needed a break from everything. So I sat in my computer room for 2 days straight playing World of Warcraft, Ikariam, and Gladiatus. Even that cats started bitching at me for not paying attention to them. Susan was doing concessions for the Washugal motocross races so I dodged hearing it from her.
Anyways, I promised some rafting pictures and luckily I have finally got them ready.
Here's my favorite.
Of course all of the pictures can be found on my album.
http://picasaweb.google.com/JamesBentow/20080724
I also have some wedding pictures.
My favorite
Stop looking at my sister's boobs.
Lets see as for the challenge..
Post on the blog..yeah doing that now
Get a hike per month...Nope was too busy I owe ya a July hike, I'll get 2 in for August.
Weight..clocked in at 171.8 this morning. Yep I'm cutting it close, but you spend a 4 days in Reno, a weekend eating with my Mom's side of the family (reception), and several backyard BBQ's and see how you do at maintaining a weight.
I suppose I should get back to work.
I'll try to get another post before the end of next month...but things aren't looking good so far.
~Tow
Anyways, I promised some rafting pictures and luckily I have finally got them ready.
Here's my favorite.
Of course all of the pictures can be found on my album.
http://picasaweb.google.com/JamesBentow/20080724
I also have some wedding pictures.
My favorite
Stop looking at my sister's boobs.
Lets see as for the challenge..
Post on the blog..yeah doing that now
Get a hike per month...Nope was too busy I owe ya a July hike, I'll get 2 in for August.
Weight..clocked in at 171.8 this morning. Yep I'm cutting it close, but you spend a 4 days in Reno, a weekend eating with my Mom's side of the family (reception), and several backyard BBQ's and see how you do at maintaining a weight.
I suppose I should get back to work.
I'll try to get another post before the end of next month...but things aren't looking good so far.
~Tow
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Sorry no pictures yet.
So I couldn't take my expensive camera down the river with me. That creates a problem with getting my pictures on my web albums for all to enjoy. We did take a disposable waterproof camera with us so there are some pictures. As soon as I finish off the last few pictures and find a place that will put them on a CD for me I'll get them posted.
Highlights from the trip:
Cameron got tossed out on the last rapid we hit. I would have paid double to see that!
Susan got the front seat so every time we hit a major rapid I'd hide behind her and dodge most of the water.
We both laughed and smiled more in the 3 hours on the river then in the last 6 months.
It was a great adventure and I plan to do more of them. Only difference is I'll be trying to recruit 5 or 6 more friends so we can fill a boat.
Diet and Exercise program going well. Getting lots of yard work done and going on a walk or bike ride everyday. Finished the month at 171.6 under my maintenance weight. So another month in the books and one less to go.
July should be interesting, I have trips planned to see my family in Richland, Reno for Ashlee's wedding, Reception the following weekend, and who knows what else Susan has planned for the few spare minutes we have in between.
Oh and I might move...to Richland...more on that later.
Highlights from the trip:
Cameron got tossed out on the last rapid we hit. I would have paid double to see that!
Susan got the front seat so every time we hit a major rapid I'd hide behind her and dodge most of the water.
We both laughed and smiled more in the 3 hours on the river then in the last 6 months.
It was a great adventure and I plan to do more of them. Only difference is I'll be trying to recruit 5 or 6 more friends so we can fill a boat.
Diet and Exercise program going well. Getting lots of yard work done and going on a walk or bike ride everyday. Finished the month at 171.6 under my maintenance weight. So another month in the books and one less to go.
July should be interesting, I have trips planned to see my family in Richland, Reno for Ashlee's wedding, Reception the following weekend, and who knows what else Susan has planned for the few spare minutes we have in between.
Oh and I might move...to Richland...more on that later.
Monday, June 16, 2008
About to turn my yard into a driveway.
So it's been awhile since my last post. I've had a hard time finding time to do anything I want to do lately. I should actually be doing some work right now but I also need a break so this is my break. Might turn into 4-5 breaks over the span of the day before it's finished.
Since we last spoke...
Had a BBQ. Invited a few of my friend, a few of Susan's and my parents. I believe it was a success. Oh yeah and it's always good when your house is full of hot girls.
Oh yeah and Cameron was there too.
Then I bought my parent's motor home so I could camp in luxury this year.
We stocked it full of camp wood and hit the road.
Things went pretty good. Susan got some much needed rest and even though it rained we managed to have a good time.
Dinner on the first night (self portrait via the mirror on the bathroom door.
So Saturday morning was a little bit nicer so we packed up some survival supplies and hit a trail at the campground. I was planning on getting in a couple hikes this trip to build up a reserve but we only managed the one due to weather, time, constraints.
Anyway off to the hike.
Right at the start I noticed something above my head that I found very cool. Not often do you see a tree fall yet manage to wedge itself in other trees so that it never actually hits the ground.
Then about half way down the trail I spotted a little critter on the trail. Of course due to Susan's slimy scaley fetish she made friends.
It was a really nice hike, minus the wet feet part. We got to experience some of the true pacific northwest forest. Moss hanging from trees, devil's club taller then me with leaves at least 2.5 feet across, stinging neddles that came up to eye level, birds, chipmunks etc etc.
Then all of a sudden we came around a corner and...
Clear cut../cry the beauty was gone and all that was left was a stripped hillside.
So we went back to the camper and took an afternoon nap.
Looks cozy eh?
So there's my May hike, Hope to get my June hike in while it's still June. OH WAIT! I'm going white water rafting in Wenatchee this weekend, I'll take my camera and try to pawn that off as a trip. I mean it's physical exercise, fresh air, and pics. I think I can actually argue with Bryce to get that to count.
So the diet side...I've been bouncing between 170 and 174 all month long. Still eating the healthier foods but you can't really eat healthy when you go camping. It was burgers and hot dogs for lunch and dinner, and eggs and pancakes for breakfast each morning. I'm sure I can come in at 172 by the end of the month, even if I have to skip a dinner or two to get there. All in all pretty happy with my weight and diet at the moment.
And, yes I'm still doing yard work. Hence the title of this post. Spent every sunny day out there this month and I'm almost to the back yard.
Looking good to me, even if the pic is a bit fuzzy.
I'll try to get a post up about the rafting trip by the end of the month.
As usual if you'd like to see all my pics and not just my selected few http://picasaweb.google.com/JamesBentow
Tow out.
Since we last spoke...
Had a BBQ. Invited a few of my friend, a few of Susan's and my parents. I believe it was a success. Oh yeah and it's always good when your house is full of hot girls.
Oh yeah and Cameron was there too.
Then I bought my parent's motor home so I could camp in luxury this year.
We stocked it full of camp wood and hit the road.
Things went pretty good. Susan got some much needed rest and even though it rained we managed to have a good time.
Dinner on the first night (self portrait via the mirror on the bathroom door.
So Saturday morning was a little bit nicer so we packed up some survival supplies and hit a trail at the campground. I was planning on getting in a couple hikes this trip to build up a reserve but we only managed the one due to weather, time, constraints.
Anyway off to the hike.
Right at the start I noticed something above my head that I found very cool. Not often do you see a tree fall yet manage to wedge itself in other trees so that it never actually hits the ground.
Then about half way down the trail I spotted a little critter on the trail. Of course due to Susan's slimy scaley fetish she made friends.
It was a really nice hike, minus the wet feet part. We got to experience some of the true pacific northwest forest. Moss hanging from trees, devil's club taller then me with leaves at least 2.5 feet across, stinging neddles that came up to eye level, birds, chipmunks etc etc.
Then all of a sudden we came around a corner and...
Clear cut../cry the beauty was gone and all that was left was a stripped hillside.
So we went back to the camper and took an afternoon nap.
Looks cozy eh?
So there's my May hike, Hope to get my June hike in while it's still June. OH WAIT! I'm going white water rafting in Wenatchee this weekend, I'll take my camera and try to pawn that off as a trip. I mean it's physical exercise, fresh air, and pics. I think I can actually argue with Bryce to get that to count.
So the diet side...I've been bouncing between 170 and 174 all month long. Still eating the healthier foods but you can't really eat healthy when you go camping. It was burgers and hot dogs for lunch and dinner, and eggs and pancakes for breakfast each morning. I'm sure I can come in at 172 by the end of the month, even if I have to skip a dinner or two to get there. All in all pretty happy with my weight and diet at the moment.
And, yes I'm still doing yard work. Hence the title of this post. Spent every sunny day out there this month and I'm almost to the back yard.
Looking good to me, even if the pic is a bit fuzzy.
I'll try to get a post up about the rafting trip by the end of the month.
As usual if you'd like to see all my pics and not just my selected few http://picasaweb.google.com/JamesBentow
Tow out.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Not much to talk about this month.
So I lost a point last month because I hadn't made 170 yet. So I started trying a little harder to get down to 170 this month. I cut out some of my cheat foods and replaced some of my soda with Gatorade. Sure Gatorade helps you retain water but it's also half the sugar and half the carbs of my soda. Anyway I've been at or below 170 a few times this month already. Even after the weekend BBQ with all the fatty crap food we served, I managed to come in at 170.6 both Sunday and Monday.
Other than the diet I haven't really worked on much for the challenge this month. No hiking trips but I have a camping trip planned for the first week of June and I plan to get at least one if not two hikes in on that trip. I've been out in the yard a few days and worked on my truck a few days to stay active. Trust me scraping 6 years of mold and moss off a full size pick-up truck is one hell of a workout. Oh and the 3.5 hours I spent scrubbing rust off the bumpers with an SOS pad, my hands still won't open up all the way after that.
Nothing else exciting happened this month that I can think of. Something about my sister getting married in July...In Lake Tahoe...which I have to go to... Thanks for blowing my summer camping budget Sis!
Other than the diet I haven't really worked on much for the challenge this month. No hiking trips but I have a camping trip planned for the first week of June and I plan to get at least one if not two hikes in on that trip. I've been out in the yard a few days and worked on my truck a few days to stay active. Trust me scraping 6 years of mold and moss off a full size pick-up truck is one hell of a workout. Oh and the 3.5 hours I spent scrubbing rust off the bumpers with an SOS pad, my hands still won't open up all the way after that.
Nothing else exciting happened this month that I can think of. Something about my sister getting married in July...In Lake Tahoe...which I have to go to... Thanks for blowing my summer camping budget Sis!
Friday, May 2, 2008
Goals met...kinda
So I got my last hike in. I'll post some pictures at the end of the post. It came down to a walk down the trails around Tumwater falls park, an hour before I had to be at my sister's birthday party in Rochester. It was raining, cold, and grey. But flowing water is sooooo easy to photo. No matter what you do it still looks good.
If you read some of the other posts you'll see I also blogged about my diet so that's another goal down. Now on to the big part. When this challenge started my goal was to get down to 165 pounds. That number came from when I was working at Harbor Wholesale Grocery full time in the warehouse. 12-14 hours a day of lifting and carrying cases of Gatorade and Water will get you in awesome physical shape.
Well I don't do that kind of work anymore. I sit behind a desk and type all day long. So chances are I'd have to join a gym and spend 2 hours or so there every night after work to get back to that. And, to be honest that's not me. I'm not into seeing dudes flex in the mirror thinking their hot shit. So that's pretty much out of the picture.
The more i thought about it the more I realized I've always been that skinny kid that everyone tries to fatten up. I've never been an average weight I've always been below that. Well I am sitting around 170 right now. Depending on the day and how much sodium I took in the day before. 170 is a great weight for me. I'm happy when I look in the mirror. Then I read this: Your current weight is within the recommended weight range for people in your age group! Src: http://nutrition.fitnessbody.com/calculators/calculator/ideal-weight If you want to check your own numbers you can easily convert pounds to kg or inches to cm with Google just type: "170 pounds to cm" and click find it does all the work for you. You might want to use your own weight though. Oh and thanks for helping me figure out that Google function Bryce.
So I'm at my ideal weight, I am happy with myself when I look in the mirror, and I'm happy with my current diet. So I talked to Bryce, who talked to Kristy and they both agreed that the point of this challenge is to make yourself healthier and happier. But, they still want to challenge me. So I agreed to maintain a weight within a few pounds of 170 and add some exercises into my daily routine. I pumped up the air in my bike tires, gathered all the gardening tools, and found a couch that sits high enough off the ground that I can slip my toes under it to do sit ups. So if it's sunny outside you'll find me out in the yard weeding, mowing or pruning. I'm going to go for a bike ride every day that it's not raining. If it is raining outside I'll be in the living room doing push ups and sit ups to fulfill my agreement. Bryce said like 50 of each but I think it will end up being more like do enough that I can't lift my arms for an hour or something like that.
Ok so I promised some pictures.
Link the the entire album: http://picasaweb.google.com/JamesBentow/2008_04_27
And a couple favorites
And the what post would be complete without a Susan picture (yes Bryce I know I need to work on my focal points).
~Tow
If you read some of the other posts you'll see I also blogged about my diet so that's another goal down. Now on to the big part. When this challenge started my goal was to get down to 165 pounds. That number came from when I was working at Harbor Wholesale Grocery full time in the warehouse. 12-14 hours a day of lifting and carrying cases of Gatorade and Water will get you in awesome physical shape.
Well I don't do that kind of work anymore. I sit behind a desk and type all day long. So chances are I'd have to join a gym and spend 2 hours or so there every night after work to get back to that. And, to be honest that's not me. I'm not into seeing dudes flex in the mirror thinking their hot shit. So that's pretty much out of the picture.
The more i thought about it the more I realized I've always been that skinny kid that everyone tries to fatten up. I've never been an average weight I've always been below that. Well I am sitting around 170 right now. Depending on the day and how much sodium I took in the day before. 170 is a great weight for me. I'm happy when I look in the mirror. Then I read this: Your current weight is within the recommended weight range for people in your age group! Src: http://nutrition.fitnessbody.com/calculators/calculator/ideal-weight If you want to check your own numbers you can easily convert pounds to kg or inches to cm with Google just type: "170 pounds to cm" and click find it does all the work for you. You might want to use your own weight though. Oh and thanks for helping me figure out that Google function Bryce.
So I'm at my ideal weight, I am happy with myself when I look in the mirror, and I'm happy with my current diet. So I talked to Bryce, who talked to Kristy and they both agreed that the point of this challenge is to make yourself healthier and happier. But, they still want to challenge me. So I agreed to maintain a weight within a few pounds of 170 and add some exercises into my daily routine. I pumped up the air in my bike tires, gathered all the gardening tools, and found a couch that sits high enough off the ground that I can slip my toes under it to do sit ups. So if it's sunny outside you'll find me out in the yard weeding, mowing or pruning. I'm going to go for a bike ride every day that it's not raining. If it is raining outside I'll be in the living room doing push ups and sit ups to fulfill my agreement. Bryce said like 50 of each but I think it will end up being more like do enough that I can't lift my arms for an hour or something like that.
Ok so I promised some pictures.
Link the the entire album: http://picasaweb.google.com/JamesBentow/2008_04_27
And a couple favorites
And the what post would be complete without a Susan picture (yes Bryce I know I need to work on my focal points).
~Tow
Thursday, April 17, 2008
2 weekends left and One hiking trip left!
Of course that has nothing to do with my weight. Which lately has been a struggle. Man day last Saturday put a halt to the weight loss. I believe I drank a half case of Dew that day not to mention burgers, wings, and onion rings at hooters. Then of course we had to cap off the day with 2 extra large pizza's, chips, and more Dew.
Well I'm supposed to hit 170 by the end of the month putting me just 5 lbs from my goal weight. I've been as high as 175.8 and as low as 170.6. Today I clocked in at 173.2 but I don't see that going down with the weekend I am looking at. First it's a trip to Grandma's house. I challenge anyone to spend the afternoon at my grandma's house and not eat half their weight in junk food. It doesn't end there though! Then I get to go to a BBQ with the other side of my family. I'm sure everything there will be deep fried or breaded or both. At least it will be fun.
So chances are I won't be hitting my weight this month. Still keeps me ahead of Doug so I won't get upset of a one month slip. Now to locate Bryce and find out how these rules work....I mean do I have to hit 169 next month or if I end the month at 175 do I just need to make it to 174 next month. Luckily he's been talking like he won't hit his weight this month either.
Anyways back to the original subject of the post. After Susan got off work Sunday and I had taken a small nap after man day. We drove out to the Mima Acres nature trail. It's really not much to look at this time of year. In fact I had a hard time finding anything to take pictures of. And, then there was that pesky owl that we never found but he was making a crap load of noise. Oh and it's on the border of the gun club so it wasn't exactly peaceful either. I plan on making a trip back this summer because I hear the wild flowers are a sight to see.
Link to the full album: http://picasaweb.google.com/JamesBentow/2008_04_13
Some of my favorite pictures:
From the observation tower
Just a tree on the edge of the fields
The only thing I could find that I considered beautiful out there
Well I'm supposed to hit 170 by the end of the month putting me just 5 lbs from my goal weight. I've been as high as 175.8 and as low as 170.6. Today I clocked in at 173.2 but I don't see that going down with the weekend I am looking at. First it's a trip to Grandma's house. I challenge anyone to spend the afternoon at my grandma's house and not eat half their weight in junk food. It doesn't end there though! Then I get to go to a BBQ with the other side of my family. I'm sure everything there will be deep fried or breaded or both. At least it will be fun.
So chances are I won't be hitting my weight this month. Still keeps me ahead of Doug so I won't get upset of a one month slip. Now to locate Bryce and find out how these rules work....I mean do I have to hit 169 next month or if I end the month at 175 do I just need to make it to 174 next month. Luckily he's been talking like he won't hit his weight this month either.
Anyways back to the original subject of the post. After Susan got off work Sunday and I had taken a small nap after man day. We drove out to the Mima Acres nature trail. It's really not much to look at this time of year. In fact I had a hard time finding anything to take pictures of. And, then there was that pesky owl that we never found but he was making a crap load of noise. Oh and it's on the border of the gun club so it wasn't exactly peaceful either. I plan on making a trip back this summer because I hear the wild flowers are a sight to see.
Link to the full album: http://picasaweb.google.com/JamesBentow/2008_04_13
Some of my favorite pictures:
From the observation tower
Just a tree on the edge of the fields
The only thing I could find that I considered beautiful out there
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
1 Hike down 2 to go.
So I'm running out of time to get my hikes in. Sunday was a miserable rainy Washington day but I had to get a hike in. You can see all my pictures here: http://picasaweb.google.com/JamesBentow/2008_04_06
Here's a few of my favorites.
Here's a few of my favorites.
Not sure why I like that last one.
Hopefully I'll get another trip in this weekend but it's going to be hard with the weekend party coming up.
~Tow
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
March down
Managed to sneek out of the month of March at 171. I had to really cut back the last few days of the month but it worked out. Of course this will make April all that much more difficult but we'll see where I end up.
Susan has yet to go back on her diet so the house is full of sugar and we rarely eat a health dinner. Last night was reheated hot dogs and hamburgers left over from sunday's BBQ. At least she took the pies and brownies to her parents house so I'm not tempted anymore.
I did not get any hiking trips done this month. Combination of a very busy schedule and crappy spring weather made it rather difficult. The one hike I did take I forgot my camera so that didn't do me much good.
On a positive note though; I have managed to get a great deal of yard work done. The back wilderness part of my half acre is turning into less of a fire hazard every week. I joined the Arbor day foundation also so I should be getting some "free" trees in the next few weeks. The yard is beautifull right now. Little to no moss, cut to the exact height I like and a deep green color. Even reseeded the holes that my lovely mole pushed up this winter. And, they are all sprouting now so perhaps a few more weeks and you won't even be able to tell anything happened. It's also been very fun to see what kind of plats are coming up in the flower beds. I don't know the names of any of them even though Susan tells me all the time. They look cool though. All the flowering cherry trees have nice pink flowers on them right now and the rhodies are getting close to blooming. No idea what color they will be yet.
So I have to get down to 170 by the end of April. I have actually been below 170 a few times but I just can't seem to hold onto it for more then a day....hell probably a couple hours.
I need to get 3 hiking trips done in 4 weeks...nothing like waiting till the last minute.
And, I need to blog next month.
Sounds easy, right?
~Tow
Susan has yet to go back on her diet so the house is full of sugar and we rarely eat a health dinner. Last night was reheated hot dogs and hamburgers left over from sunday's BBQ. At least she took the pies and brownies to her parents house so I'm not tempted anymore.
I did not get any hiking trips done this month. Combination of a very busy schedule and crappy spring weather made it rather difficult. The one hike I did take I forgot my camera so that didn't do me much good.
On a positive note though; I have managed to get a great deal of yard work done. The back wilderness part of my half acre is turning into less of a fire hazard every week. I joined the Arbor day foundation also so I should be getting some "free" trees in the next few weeks. The yard is beautifull right now. Little to no moss, cut to the exact height I like and a deep green color. Even reseeded the holes that my lovely mole pushed up this winter. And, they are all sprouting now so perhaps a few more weeks and you won't even be able to tell anything happened. It's also been very fun to see what kind of plats are coming up in the flower beds. I don't know the names of any of them even though Susan tells me all the time. They look cool though. All the flowering cherry trees have nice pink flowers on them right now and the rhodies are getting close to blooming. No idea what color they will be yet.
So I have to get down to 170 by the end of April. I have actually been below 170 a few times but I just can't seem to hold onto it for more then a day....hell probably a couple hours.
I need to get 3 hiking trips done in 4 weeks...nothing like waiting till the last minute.
And, I need to blog next month.
Sounds easy, right?
~Tow
Friday, March 21, 2008
Finally moving the right direction
The scale started dropping again Monday morning. I've made it down to 171 but that may be short lived. Fun filled weekend ahead of me (did you get the sarcasm?). So it's Easter weekend and that means a big dinner at Mom's house and she always has too much good food. Also I have a birthday party to attend, and a graduation. I'm sure the menu will be loaded with healthy foods there also...
The good news. Micro-Biology is over! So my sweet little girlfriend will no longer be stressed out and we might have time to actually eat better. Honestly dinner before 10pm every night will be an improvement.
So I've hit my goal weight for the month. Just wish I didn't have 10 days to screw it up. Wish either Bryce or Kristy would mess up so I got some breathing room.
~Tow
The good news. Micro-Biology is over! So my sweet little girlfriend will no longer be stressed out and we might have time to actually eat better. Honestly dinner before 10pm every night will be an improvement.
So I've hit my goal weight for the month. Just wish I didn't have 10 days to screw it up. Wish either Bryce or Kristy would mess up so I got some breathing room.
~Tow
Friday, March 14, 2008
172 likes me
Not easy to lose weight when your gf has gone off her diet. You can only watch someone eat so much chocolate before you take a piece or 20 yourself. She claims she will be back on her diet after next week. Why next week? Well her Micro-Biology class will finally be over giving her more time in the evenings to cook healthier foods. Now you might be saying why don't you just cook Tow. Well that would be because all I can do is BBQ and I'm not that great at that. It's for everyones safety I promise.
So I still have 1 pound to lose in 2 weeks, 3 hiking/picture trips to take in 6.5 weeks.
I think I've lived up to the creating a blog and posting about my diet parts.
Fatty out.
So I still have 1 pound to lose in 2 weeks, 3 hiking/picture trips to take in 6.5 weeks.
I think I've lived up to the creating a blog and posting about my diet parts.
Fatty out.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
I blame the TV for my fat ass.
Fulfilling one of my requirements for this months weight loss competition.
My goals for this month are:
1. Lose at least 1lb
2. Create a blog to post about my efforts
3. Continue my hiking and picture taking trips
4. And blog about how my diet is going
Thanks to a wonderful flu. I've lost the lb. I have a feeling it's not going to stay off as soon as I'm feeling better. I have created my blog (you're reading it). I haven't made it out to hike yet, I still need to get in 3 trips by the end of next month. Yard work is taking priority over hiking adventures atm. I plan on changing that this weekend, even if it's just a short trip.
So to blog about my diet...
I've continued to follow a healthier diet but the weight loss has really crawled to a halt. I've been maintaining a weight around 172 lbs. I'm not really concerned about the end of the month because I've found that if I really buckle down and watch my intake for 3-4 days at the end of the month I can easily drop that last lb. However, this does not make the next month any easier. To make this challenge easier on myself I should have started off a lot slower. However, 19 lbs in the first 6 weeks felt pretty freaking awesome too.
This Flu is kicking my butt so I'm not even sure how coherent this post is going to be so I'm off to take a nap and I'll update my progress at least once before the end of the month. Or maybe I'll enjoy talking about myself so much I'll update it more....who knows.
~Tow
My goals for this month are:
1. Lose at least 1lb
2. Create a blog to post about my efforts
3. Continue my hiking and picture taking trips
4. And blog about how my diet is going
Thanks to a wonderful flu. I've lost the lb. I have a feeling it's not going to stay off as soon as I'm feeling better. I have created my blog (you're reading it). I haven't made it out to hike yet, I still need to get in 3 trips by the end of next month. Yard work is taking priority over hiking adventures atm. I plan on changing that this weekend, even if it's just a short trip.
So to blog about my diet...
I've continued to follow a healthier diet but the weight loss has really crawled to a halt. I've been maintaining a weight around 172 lbs. I'm not really concerned about the end of the month because I've found that if I really buckle down and watch my intake for 3-4 days at the end of the month I can easily drop that last lb. However, this does not make the next month any easier. To make this challenge easier on myself I should have started off a lot slower. However, 19 lbs in the first 6 weeks felt pretty freaking awesome too.
This Flu is kicking my butt so I'm not even sure how coherent this post is going to be so I'm off to take a nap and I'll update my progress at least once before the end of the month. Or maybe I'll enjoy talking about myself so much I'll update it more....who knows.
~Tow
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