El Bandito

-17

Nah...Bakon likes curves....

Embrace the Suck as a friend of ours used to post! Sorry it was a crappy day. Today will be better Tiff. Keep marching!

Now that is a slogan to use! 2014. Year of the Quit 2015. Year of the Fit Like it BAT

Sweet 16 again...

5 months is brilliant! Well done Whack.

-17

Little....... One

Hey Evelyn. I think that tea and coffee taste better unsweetened. Go for it.

Ok - So Goals. 1. 99.9Kg or 219 pounds. 2. Waist. Trousers or pants if you must, where the waistline begins with 3 in inches. Currently a 46 inch waist. 3. % Body fat. sub 25%. Currently 36% (I have no idea if that is realistic - I shall find out!) Tools 1. Fitbit. Counts my steps. Feeds data to Myfitnesspal. 2. My fitness pal. I log my food. Currently I use these two to keep an eye on net calorie intake. So on days where I do no exercise - I eat 1580 calories (which should result in slight weight loss). On days where I have exercised (walked around a golf course for example) I am able to eat more. On those days, I am allowed treats, like some wine for example. I suspect that the tools may evolve as Tech accelerates. I am reasonably certain that Apple Watch may figure going forward...

Hey Chrys - I'm absolutely certain it can be done. I used to know that I was a Smoker. Whatever I did I would be a smoker. Ha! I'm putting together a plan...

1

In 2014, I decided to take control of my life - and quit smoking. I am far from complacent - as I know that "only the vigilant quit endures" - but I feel confident. Early in the quit, I developed some coping strategies for craves - one of which was a lot of walking (much to the Dog's delight!) This helped fill the extra time that I had suddenly found, and got me out and about into the fresh air. Now - I am 124kg in my socks. 273 pounds give or take. I'm 5'10. Allegedly my ideal weight is 58-80Kg. 127 pounds to 176 pounds. This is the BMI index calculation. Now - my Doctor has told me that BMI is a flawed system - which is good - as I have more chance of winning Miss World than I do of ever weighing 127 pounds and still being alive. I'm a barrel-chested Celt, and mant, many moons ago when I was a fit Rugby player, the lightest I was was 100 Kg. So then - this is my weight target. Under 100kg or 220 pounds by the end of 2015. That's a neat 20% of my bodyweight. Will I get there? Yep. I quit smoking. I can do anything. I think that is the message. Quitting smoking can, quite literally save you from a horrible death. But quitting smoking does so much more. It empowers you. It emboldens you. It gives you a sense of iron will. So, 2014. I quit smoking 2015 I'm going to lose weight and get fit.

Oh...Julie..... Running scared huh?

Thank you Lace... Hat was a Prague purchase - La B didn't believe me when I told her how cold it was in Prague...

Old Town Square in Prague... Now that is a tree! (oh and a cold La Bandita!)

1

-1 Porky is hung like an elephant apparently. I'm hung like a dormouse - and we all know what elephants are scared of....

Has to be Action

Now then...I know that many on here have served, or have loved ones that served or are serving. You may have seen this before. The poem below is variously rumoured to have been written by a US Marine in Japan or a British soldier on peacekeeping duties. Which, matters not I think. Before we all get caught up in the magic of Christmas, please spare a thought for those families who will not spend the holidays together because one or more of them is away on Operations. CHRISTMAS 'Twas the night before christmas, He lived all alone, In a one bedroom house Made of plaster and stone. I had come down the chimney With presents to give, And to see just who In this home did live. I looked all about, A strange sight i did see, No tinsel, no presents, Not even a tree. No stocking by mantle, Just boots filled with sand, On the wall hung pictures Of far distant lands. With medals and badges, Awards of all kinds, A sober thought Came through my mind. For this house was different, It was dark and dreary, I found the home of a soldier, Once i could see clearly. The soldier lay sleeping, Silent, alone, Curled up on the floor In this one bedroom home. The face was so gentle, The room in such disorder, Not how i pictured A true british soldier (or A united states soldier - Take your choices!) Was this the hero Of whom i'd just read? Curled up on a poncho, The floor for a bed? I realized the families That i saw this night, Owed their lives to these soldiers Who were willing to fight. Soon round the world, The children would play, And grownups would celebrate A bright christmas day. They all enjoyed freedom Each month of the year, Because of the soldiers, Like the one lying here. I couldn't help wonder How many lay alone, On a cold christmas eve In a land far from home. The very thought Brought a tear to my eye, I dropped to my knees And started to cry. The soldier awakened And i heard a rough voice, "santa don't cry, This life is my choice; I fight for freedom, I don't ask for more, My life is for my god, My country, my corps.” The soldier rolled over And drifted to sleep, I couldn't control it, I continued to weep. I kept watch for hours, So silent and still And we both shivered From the cold night's chill. I didn't want to leave On that cold, dark night, This guardian of honor So willing to fight. Then the soldier rolled over, With a voice soft and pure, Whispered, "carry on santa, It's christmas day, all is secure.” One look at my watch, And i knew he was right. "merry christmas my friend, And to all a good night."

You don't have to be mad to be here. ....but it helps.

-2 I had heard that.

NOPE

I think that it is the big round face and slightly spooky smile... Go Pink again. Everyone loves Pink. -4