Shredding the Fat

Several months ago, Jason and I both decided it was time to shred the fat and embarked on weight loss our own oh-so-fun weight loss journies. We're each doing it our own way, but the important thing is that we're doing it. Well, a couple of weeks ago, I learned that OKC is having a city-wide weight loss challenge, so I (and Jase!) have entered...and I'm going to win!

The winner gets, among other things, a brand, spanking new car. And, let's face it, I really need a new car and I really don't need a car payment right now. So, hello, extra motivation! Basically, they figure the winner based on the person who loses the largest percentage of weight over a period of 12 weeks.

Word on the street is that last year's winner lost around 40 pounds, which was about 20% of his body weight. So, the way I have this figured, my goal is to lose five-six pounds to week for 12 (well, technically now 11) weeks. That'll put me well ahead of where last year's winner ended, which should, I hope, put me in serious contention to win this thing.

Impossible? Nope. At least, I don't think it will be. Difficult? Oh, hell yes. According to some people, I'm destined to fail at my goal of five-six pounds per week. Obviously they don't know me and don't know what happens when I set my mind to something. Sure, I've said I'd lose weight before, but this time...this time it's different. I can't explain why, but this time, I'm serious and motivated and ready to do this. This time, I'm mentally ready to do this for me. And when I set my mind to something? Typically, I accomplish it.

To any non-believers out there, I have this to say: Week One is done. Results? Six pounds burned. Gone. Adios. Sayonara. I busted my butt to do it and my body and muscles still are aching, but six pounds are gone. And, you know what? Even though I hurt like hell, I feel better. I took today off as my first day of rest - and I've enjoyed it, but I feel a little guilty about not working out. I haven't decided if tomorrow is a day of rest, or if I'm hitting it again in the morning. Guess we'll wait and see.

And, let's face it...even if I don't win (and, even if I meet my goal, there's a chance I won't win the big prize), I ultimately win anyway, because this truly is all about me getting healthy. And staying healthy. The car's just a little extra incentive. But I really want to win. Really.

Bully

Back in November, I was assigned to write a new anti-bullying curriculum for work. Since that time, I've spent countless hours researching bullying, reviewing anti-bullying laws, and reading stories of people who've been bullied.

It's been a month or so since I came across the trailer for a movie entitled, simply, "Bully". As I watched the trailer, my heart began to ache from the horrific pain displayed in this documentary - and I knew I had to see it as soon as it arrived in OKC. I saw it today.

"Bully" follows the lives of several children from around the US who are bullied in a variety of ways - one of them is from Tuttle, Oklahoma. The movie also follows two families whose sons have committed suicide as a result of the bullying they faced each and every day. One of these families also is from Oklahoma.

As I sit here and type this blog entry, I re-read it and realize my thoughts sound kind of disjointed. I honestly believe that's because I'm still reeling from the movie. I thought I had an idea of what to expect, but I never believed it truly would be so...powerful. I honestly believe this movie has the ability to change lives. To change the way we view bullying. To change our thoughts. To change our actions.

It's deep. It's dark. It's depressing. And I think that EVERYONE needs to see it. Today. Because it makes you stop. Think. Re-examine your beliefs.

Bullying happens today. Bullying has always happened, but for some reason, it seems to be getting more fierce and violent today. We've got to stop it. Now.

It's not child's play. Need another real life example? My oldest nephew endures bullying because he's mixed race. This bullying has now become physical. Law enforcement has had to get involved. Guess what? That's no longer bullying. It's assault. It's violent. It's cruel. It's unacceptable.

Watch the trailer: http://thebullyproject.com/indexflash.html#/video

Talk to the children in your life.

Take a stand.

Make a difference.

Stop bullying.