November 2004 Archives

There's a scene in Grosse Pointe Blank where John Cusack's character is checking into his ten-year class reunion, and the over-zealous classmate his handing out nametags, complete with their senior year picture. I walked into my reunion Saturday, ready for my nametag. At left, you can see the results. Not too shabby. (And, for the record, I used no product to get my hair like that.)

The reunion was a grand party. Kudos to the planners. I had a great time. It was great to see everyone all growed up. I was amazed how really no one has changed, and I could recognize most without a name tag.

I was impressed with how many of us have remained in close contact with our respective friends. This was evident in watching the spouses/guests act when stories went from, "We're enjoying everything, yada yada yada" to "Remember, that one time, in economics, when you stuck that pencil in your ear?" Most just sat patiently for the first story, but after the fourth, they turned to other guests/spouses and continued conversing, obviously based on an established friendship.

And, the biggest surprise was how many people outside of my family actually read this. To all of you, Hello! Drop me a line if ya like and let me know when you're in town.

I took some tests a couple of weeks ago. Saturday, I found out results of the blood work (normal thresholds):

• Triglycerides: 124 mg/dL (below 150)
• LDL: 100 mg/dL (below 100)
• HDL: 45 mg/dL (acceptable: 40-60, above 60 desirable)

The total comes to 170 mg/dL. Up a bit from last year's 163, (and right on Kris's prediction), but it's actually good since the LDL went down, and the HDL went up. WebMD has a great overview on what it all means.

Overall, I'm quite pleased. This is after only three months of lifestyle change. Imagine what a whole year will do. All hail the South Beach Diet!

A few workouts last week taught me something: Carbs are good. The lack of carbs and increase in workouts since August have pretty much rid my body of carbs. I found my self losing energy quickly in workouts, feeling very tired and sluggish throughout the workout and recovery during the day. So, I've ditched the most stringent parts of the diet, keeping the principles of watching what I put into my body and limiting bad foods. So, buns & bread are back in, (whole wheat, of course) and salads will remain in rotation, but just not emphasized as much.

I also decided to scale back on weighing myself. I was recording it every day, keeping a log of the first three months on the diet. Kris said I was obsessive. I didn't think so. The weight hasn't wavered in two weeks, so I think I've hit the bottom for now around 187, a full 26 pounds lighter. I'll still weigh myself twice a week on Monday and Friday to make sure things are still what I expect them to be. I'm a bit nervous about the pending holiday season, but I plan on maintaining the workouts, even intensifying the swims.

Over the past three months, I never stopped to think what actually happened to my body. It actually consumed itself from the inside. I didn't see any of the fat drop off in chunks. It all disappeared inward, with no physical evidence left behind. My body ate itself. Cool.