Weight Loss, Accountability, and Goals.

Well, its time to commit.

I am publicly committing to getting back in shape. This time I mean business.

When I came back from my trip through Europe this past January, I was made painfully aware of the consequences of thoroughly enjoying every morsel of food (and I do mean "every"!).

That frigging digital weighing scale couldn't lie to me-- even just once.

216 lbs.

That aint much if say... you are 6' 10".

Its pretty hefty for a guy like me who stands exactly a foot shorter. Very hefty.

And by the way, don't be deceived by my profile picture, that photo was taken in 2008, when I was regularly working out on an ongoing basis... I weighed about 168lbs there.

But back to the present. What was my moment of clarity? A visit to the chiropractor.
I have had muscle spasms and strains in my lower back. Although I have no qualms of acknowledging that at times I am a world class wuss, it was a painful problem. My chiropractor was honest with me.

"Ron, I see this problem regularly in pregnant women. You're getting fat. It's the root of the issue."

He wasn't being mean, or hurtful, just honest. In a Simon Cowell sorta way. The truth will set you free.

Recognizing the problem is paramount and then success in addressing it is that much nearer. The key to success is found in the simplicity of stating a goal that is clear, and stating one that will also undoubtedly keep you accountable. (i.e. announcing it on a blog that is accessible by countless numbers).

So here is the plan and I will give an update on an ongoing basis. It's really quite simple:

I am going to model those people I know who are physically fit, healthy, and happy and most importantly those that remain physically fit and healthy. Gonna use them as a mentor-like guide.

The goal is to get down to a healthy 170 lbs by June 1st of this year.

Simple.

I'm not gonna starve myself cause I think thats foolish and dangerous.
I'm not gonna go on some new fad diet that causes me to have bitter hatred towards a can of tuna.
I'm not gonna work out like some speed freak on an unbridled binge.

I'm gonna make real healthy changes and behave like a fit person. Yup. That's it.

When I am lured by that luscious piece of rich dark chocolate, or seduced by that provocative and juicy cheeseburger, I will attempt to the best of my ability to behave like a fit person would.

In other words, I refuse to behave like a fat guy.

No offense to fat guys.

I am currently a fat guy and in many respects have enjoyed the experience immensely.
Both ways of being offer their own unique set of pleasures.

I'm just making choices and changes to live as a fit guy.

I will keep you posted.

Randy Couture Is My Hero. UFC 109

Gotta love Randy.

Dude is 45 years old and yet he still retains world class skills as he continues to compete among the elite in the sport.

A genuine class act and a thorough gentleman.

He is my hero and is easily someone to look up to for inspiration.

He was succesful in the Octogan this past weekend, defeating Mark Coleman via rear naked choke in round 2 in their light heavyweight match up.

As I endeavour to get back into shape this year, I am inclined to look for guidance from The Natural...

I came across an interesting article on extremesports.com which provided 10 Hints for training from Randy:

Randy's Top 10 Training Hints

1. Use a calendar to periodize your training, include your peaking phases for competitions or goal deadlines.
2. “The human body is amazing.” It will adapt to a workload in 8 to 10 weeks. Use that as a guide to adjust training and keep your training moving forward.
3. Keep a training log: include workouts, diet, sleep, and anything else pertinent to your training.
4. Set daily, weekly, monthly and yearly goals. Write them down and share them with someone close to you.
5. After a competition (win or lose), or at a goal deadline (accomplished or not) evaluate your program and routine. Keep what works, eliminate what didn’t, and move forward.
6. Establish a warm up “ritual”. Think of your best performance, what did you do to warm up? Repeat that! It’s a living, evolving thing. Make changes accordingly until you can put yourself in the “zone” every time.
7. “Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Find workout and drilling partners that challenge you or you’ll never improve your game!
8. Proper rest is just as important as time spent training hard. Listen to your body and let it recover.
9. Over-training is more a state of mind rather than [of] body. Altering your routine to keep it fresh helps avoid plateaus and stagnation.
10. Strive to get 1% better each day. It doesn’t sound like much, but adds up in a hurry!

Great Advice. Great Man.

Faux Finishing and Specialty Painting Effects

Here's a sample of some of the stuff I've doing for almost 20 years... It looks more fun to watch someone else do it... hahahaha

Specialty painting and faux finishing have been around for centuries. It is a practical way to create the look of say marble, granite, or whatever other precious commodity you wish to have in your home --without having to bring it there physically.

Check it out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ancllmUBIQg&feature=channel

Corral De La Moreria- Blanca Del Rey

My wife and I saw the real deal in Spain.

Flamenco-- As it is meant to be.

In a tavern located in the heart of Madrid there is an establishment called Corral De La Moreria . The ambiance, food, staff, and vibe is perfect. No exaggeration. It has been frequented by many celebrities and public figures over the last 50 odd years. Really great place and I whole heartedly recommend it.

I have seen Flamenco shows here in Toronto but nothing as amazing as this.

The headliner was world renowned Blanca del Rey. She was born in Cordoba, Andalusia, Spain in 1946.

Here's the thing that impacted me. Her performance was more than I expected. With every gesture and movement the audience was made to feel the music come alive.

That sounds ridiculous. But its true.

Every joy, every sorrow, every challenge and heartache, and every memory of every lover or foe she ever had was conveyed very strongly and forcefully with her flamenco movements.

I have never seen anything like that. I have never felt anything like that. Certainly not from watching any dance performance.

It was unforgettable.

In previous performances I have been accustomed to seeing "twenty something" beautiful young women move the strains of classical Spanish guitar chops. As a guy I find it relatively easy to dig that sort of thing.

Blanca del Rey brought something more.

The Importance Of A Mentor

Catchy title.

As of late I find myself to be in a reflective mood more often than usual.

Specifically, I've been thinking about how important it is to have a mentor. Regardless of whatever stage you are in your life.

Whether it is for your career, or your personal life-- having a guiding role model is crucial to your success.

How do I know that?

Through vivid and unforgettable experiences I have come to believe that if I am my only resource for unchartered terrority, I am likely in danger of making needless and foolish choices. (Yup. Been there. Done that.) Choices that could be avoided with wise counsel from someone who has been in the exact same situation. Someone who has been in the same position and who has also transcended that difficulty.

The best example to clearly illustrate this is the prize fighter.

Ultimately, he (or these days "she" too) has to enter the ring alone.

However, with a wise and experienced trainer (mentor) in the fighter's corner, there is a distinct advantage.

The prize fighter has the power of receiving significant insights, advice, and guidance that is unique AND practical from the trainer.

That is why even those athletes that are within the elite of their particular sport, those atheltes who are earning millions of dollars, utilize a trainer (mentor).

Can you imagine how ridiculous it would be for one of the Klitschko brothers to enter the ring for a heavyweight championship match sans a trainer? They would likely lose.

Here's the really interesting part though. A fighter like one of the Klitschko brothers has the talent, know how, and God given talent to win most bouts. Yet it is unthinkable to enter the arena without their trainer.

It seems to me to be a principle linked to success. Even if your not the heavyweight champ.

The other thing I realize is that your mentor is not going to do the work for you.
The prize fighter does his own pushups. His own road work. His own sparring. Not the trainer.

And, the trainer won't waste one second of his or her time if you are not committed and dedicated.

Simple.

True.

Museo De Prado

Wow. That's all I can say.

My wife and I just had the good fortune to visit Madrid Spain. And, of course, I had to visit the galleries... Specifically Prado.

Wow.

To see first hand with our own eyes the works of artists such as Titian, Reubens, and Carravaggio was an awe inspiring experence. Not to mention the many sculptures and architectural wonders that were found throughout the building.

Many of the works are familiar to me from books and internet images but to see it in person is entirely something else.

I can just imagine the artist working away at the canvas and doing his or her best to convey a sense of feeling or emotion...

Unfortunately, no photographs or videos are allowed within the museum for obvious security reasons. In a way that probably enhances the experience. We get to see the images and remember them rather in our mind than with the assistance of technology. Kinda like how they were supposed to be viewed.

Highly recommended.

Winter 2010 Torch Relay

Yes.





I am proud to be a Canadian.





The 2010 Winter Olympics Torch Relay made its way through our lovely village of Bolton.





Man was that cool.





I was genuinely overcome with a patriotic pride when I saw the flags waving along our streets and roadways. The flaming torch had a magical impact on all who were present. It was a big deal.





And of course B105.5 fm was on hand to report on the live happenings as our mayor and local dignitaries turned up to commemorate the special day.



Watching the police escort and countless entourage with the torchbearers make their way through our town was a huge privilege.

Damn proud to be a Canuck.