117 Found Days - A Win Anyway Blog

If you follow me on social media, you've probably already heard I was selected for TEDx Colorado Springs. I am, of course, over the moon about this development, and look forward to keeping you abreast of my progress through their coaching and rehearsal process. The big event is Nov. 4th, 2017. I count this as the biggest success, career-wise, for me during this 117 found days period. As of this morning, post-workout, I am at 216.2 lbs. Down all of one pound since June 1. I've been tracking my eating and my workouts closely in May and June (I've been tracking my eating for years), and the results are telling. I stayed totally true to my diet (low carb, no sugar) only 7 days each month. less than 25% of the time. I worked out 13 times in June, and 18 times in June, so basically once every 2 days. When I'm off the diet, most of the time, about 3 out of 4 days, I'm WAY off the diet (popcorn, Junior Mints, Ben & Jerry's, Twizzlers, chinese food, etc.). In ...

Saturday I auditioned for TEDx Colorado Springs. 20 people auditioning for 10 spots - and we 20 were narrowed down from 80 submissions. Won't find out til July 8 whether or not I'm in the final 10. Enjoyed the experience - not quite the same as a contest, nerve-wise - reminded me more of trying out for parts in college. I know I spoke well, but I'm not sure my content is quite what they are looking for, despite my attempt to tailor my Win Anyway message into their 'Just Around the Corner' theme. Didn't work out Sat, Sun, or Mon, but did today. Struggles on the diet, what with going to the movies, watching movies with the family, and not doing a good job avoiding popcorn, ice cream, junior mints, etc. Even last night I succumbed to pizza - we bought three of them for Rachel's summer party. We promised her a party since her birthday is near Thanksgiving, and it creates party issues. We offered Riker one too, but he hasn't been overly anxious about it. ...

This is a second deck view, we were on the first level. This week has been a good one - though it certainly hasn't been 'less busy', by any means. Mom flew home Tuesday, after a good visit out here. Bad timing, though, since she got all the hot weather and this weekend Denver is nice and cool. Oh well, the visit to the ER for heat exhaustion and dehydration was exciting... Wednesday was the Rockies game, which I've documented fairly well on both FB and Twitter. Ian Desmond, who plays 1st base and/or Left Field for the Colorado Rockies, befriended a child with Neurofibromatosis during his time with the Washington Nationals, and now does a tremendous job raising money and awareness for NF. Part of that is bring NF families to the ballpark. All 8 of us were able to go, watch batting practice, meet Ian, get autographs and pictures, then spend the night watching the 1st place Rockies get pounded by the Diamondbacks. C'est la vie - baseball is about the long run...

Almost two weeks without an entry. Really glad I didn't commit to a daily post... The last twelve days have been busily restful - taking kids to camp, spending a few days with Kristi focusing on just us, and finishing up with a visit - the first in three years - from my mom. She's actually still here, so I won't spend too much time on this post, but I wanted to at least check in. And, oh yeah, I turned a year older the day before celebrating Father's Day. And gave a speech that I videoed as a tryout for TEDx Colorado Springs (but I haven't heard back, so that's probably out). And outlined Kristi's sequel to her book. What I haven't been doing is working out or dieting much, and the scale reflects it. Back up to 220 today after getting down to 213. Sigh. With 67 Days left in this 117 Found Days journey, the first 40 have proven to be challenging to me, mentally, and my schedule has been packed. Even tomorrow I have to take mom to the airport and immed...

...and only 10 days til I hit 49 years old. Crazy. The last week has seen some advances - I'm making progress with my website, I've been in touch with clients and potential clients, I've made arrangements to video a speech tomorrow night as an audition for TEDx Colorado Springs. Summer is in full swing - with most the kids leaving for camp tomorrow, and one coming back. Lots of sleepovers happening as well, though luckily no one seems to come over HERE... Finally got to see Wonder Woman - as good as the reviews say it is. Taking a 'staycation' this weekend with Kris, who gets some paid vacation now that she's in management - it'll be nice with kids gone, and us staying somewhere other than home for a couple days. Job situation is still in 'hold' - and will be thru end of June - though I'm still sending out some feelers. Weight-wise, even though the 'diet' isn't going as well as I'd like, I'm working out most days, and fi...

The last week is a blur. Heck, it kinda feels like the whole month has been a blur. Final week of school - everyone's out now, and we have six kids at home. I've spent the last six days focusing on eating right, working out, getting kids where they need to go, talking with clients, and figuring out what's next. Had a family meeting Friday, and asked the kids what their goals were. Got an interesting mix of response. The 16 year-old is working with a clear goal of getting her license and a car. My 12 year old, who's been reading Jack Canfield's Success Principles, wants to earn some money, work on his animations, and go on a mission trip (this final one was a surprise). My 19 year old wants to build his muscles, and the others just mostly want to have a fun summer. The job search is in flux - partially because of scheduling. In the next month, we have camps to shuttle kids to, and my mom's coming out to visit. I'm still looking, but I'm looking...

I've spent the last few days being just plain sick. Went to the doc Friday, they told me I should be better by Monday - viral, not strep. Today I'm still tired, still stiff, and have now missed three days at the gym. Still have a bit of a sore throat, but this evening seem to be improving. Hope I don't jinx that by typing it. Haven't done much of anything other than the must-do's of life. Tonight I went to Alien: Covenant with Kristi, and 2 of our teen kids. I give it a B-, which is still better than I expected. Hopefully I'll be rebounding physically tomorrow, and focus on some of the big rocks of the week - finishing the resume, working on the website, applying for some jobs. On a semi-related note - the 2017 District 26 International Contest is taking place at this very moment. This is the first time in years I haven't been competing, and I have to say, it's a weird feeling. I'm sure the contest is going well, and I will support whoever co...