Day 87 (phase 2) - I did it my way!

My final weigh on the LighterLife program and I have lost pounds since last week and returned to my 'fighting weight'...ha ha.

So this is it...for the rest of my life. It was an amazing adventure getting to this point and one which has given me more 'highs' and more boosts to my ego from other people than I have had all my life. I feel great, feel positive, think clearly and have a feel good factor about my life and family in a way I have not experienced for many years. And even more amazing was that it wasn't that hard to do!

As I enter the final week of "route to management" I think this song captures the moment, the spirit and the essence of my adventure over the last 6 months perfectly. I did this for my health (for me) and the decision to do it was mine (not the doctor's, my health's or God's decision) and I did it my way!

Title: My way
Artist: Frank Sinatra
Album: My way
Year: 1969

And now, the end is near;
And so I face the final curtain.
My friend, Ill say it clear,
I'll state my case, of which I'm certain.

I've lived a life that's full.
I've travelled each and every highway;
And more, much more than this,
I did it my way.

Regrets, I've had a few;
But then again, too few to mention.
I did what I had to do
And saw it through without exemption.

I planned each charted course;
Each careful step along the byway,
But more, much more than this,
I did it my way.

Yes, there were times, I'm sure you knew
When I bit off more than I could chew.
But through it all, when there was doubt,
I ate it up and spit it out.
I faced it all and I stood tall;
And did it my way.

I've loved, I've laughed and cried.
I've had my fill; my share of losing.
And now, as tears subside,
I find it all so amusing.

To think I did all that;
And may I say - not in a shy way,
No, oh no not me,
I did it my way.

For what is a man, what has he got?
If not himself, then he has naught.
To say the things he truly feels;
And not the words of one who kneels.
The record shows I took the blows -
And did it my way!

Day 79 (phase 2) - The tide is turning

This week I had the reality check which is probably overdue in terms of my weight loss. I have stumbled back into some of my old ways and just taking a little to much wine with my evening meal. I wouldn't say I am drinking too much (compared to before), but clearly too much in terms of what is good for me.

I found at my weigh-in that I had gained nearly four pounds in the week, whilst kidding myself that drinking nearly a bottle of wine a night was ok....get a grip John, you have acheived so much, don't throw it away.

So next week, no pain but most certainly NO GAIN.

A good week for evidence of how easy it is to not only slip back into old ways but also how easy it is to put weight straight back on.

The tide is turning, oh the tide is turning.......

Title: The tide is turning

Artist: Roger Waters

Album: Radio KAOS

Year: 1987

I used to think the world was flat

Rarely threw my hat into the crowd

I felt I had used up my quota of yearning

Used to look in on the children at night

In the glow of their Donald Duck light

And frighten myself with the thought of my little ones burning

But, oh, oh, oh, the tide is turning

The tide is turning

Satellite buzzing through the endless night

Exclusive to moonshots and world title fights

Jesus Christ, imagine what it must be earning

Who is the strongest

Who is the best

Who holds the aces

The East

Or the West

This is the crap our children are learning

But oh, oh, oh, the tide is turning

Oh, oh, oh, the tide is turning

The tide is turning

Oh, oh, oh, the tide is turning

Now the satellite's confused

'Cause on Saturday night

The airwaves were full of compassion and light

And his silicon heart

Warmed to the sight of a billion candles burning

Oh, oh, oh, the tide is turning

Oh, oh, oh, the tide is turning
The tide is turning Billy

I'm not saying that the battle is won

But on Saturday night all those kids in the sun

Wrested technology's sword from the hand of the war lords

Oh, oh, oh, the tide is turning

Oh, oh, oh, the tide is turning

The tide is turning Sylvester

Oh, oh, oh, the tide is turning

Oh, oh, oh, the tide is turning

Oh, oh, oh, the tide is turning

Day 73 (phase 2) - I'm moving through changes.

Well what a week! I have been away on businesss in Dublin at a major customer event and I have had loads of positive and complimentary feedback on my new me! Some of it at times difficult to come to terms with....for instance ...."you are a nicer person..."....." you sound much happier"... etc. etc. All of it really motivating and confidence boosting and at times totally overwhelming.

Well, this was all in an environment where the reality (never mind the temptation) was that I could easily over eat and over drink. So how I would manage in the weight in this week would be interesting?

Weigh in results:

Gain of 0.1 Kg...i.e. no change....amazing. I am really pleased.

Title: Changes
Artist: Yes
Album: 90125
Year: 1983

I'm moving through some changes
I'll never be the same
Something you did touched me
There's no one else to blame

The love we had has fallen
The love we used to share
We've given up pretending
As if you didn't care

Change changing places
Root yourself to the ground
Capitalize on this good fortune
One word can bring you round
Changes

I look into the mirror
I see no happiness
All the warmth I gave you
Has turned to emptiness
The love we had has fallen
The love we used to share
You've left me here believing
In love that wasn't there

Change changing places
Root yourself to the ground
Word to the wise - well you get whats coming
One word can bring you round
Changes

When I look into your eyes and try to find out how
There's no way to save it now
And everything I feel
Changes
Keep looking for
Changes
Changes

For some reason youre questioning why
I always believe it gets better
One difference between you and I
Your heart is inside your head

One word from you
One word from me
A clear design on your liberty
Who could believe when love has gone
How we move on like everyone

Only such fools
Only such jealous hearts

Only through love changes come

Change changing places
Root yourself to the ground
Capitalize on this good fortune
One word can bring you round
Changes

One road to loneliness
Its always the same
One road to happiness
Its calling your name

Change changing places - changes
Root yourself to the ground
Capitalize on this good fortune
One word can bring you round
Changes

Change changing places
Changes
Root yourself to the ground
Word to the wise - well you get whats coming
One word - one word can bring you round
Changes

Day 65 (Phase 2) - You're going reap just what you sow

Well, week eight of 'route to management' and I am building up my repetoire of food and drink and managing reasonably well. I was a little taken aback by the weight increase last week and it has been difficult to fit in all my exercise programs as I have been away. I know this sounds like an excsuse (and in some ways it is) but I know what is needed and I am happy that I will get back 'on form' beyond today even though I am away next week again.

Weigh in results: lost 0.1 Kg, or in real terms...nothing, but more importantly gained nothing either!

A perfect song with a perfect result...you are going to reap just what you sow. Maybe a life time title to describe how I feel about what happens next?

Title: Perfect day
Artist: Lou Reed
Album: Transformer
Year: 1972

Just a perfect day,
Drink Sangria in the park,
And then later, when it gets dark,
We go home.
Just a perfect day,
Feed animals in the zoo
Then later, a movie, too,
And then home.

Oh it's such a perfect day,
I'm glad I spent it with you.
Oh such a perfect day,
You just keep me hanging on,
You just keep me hanging on.

Just a perfect day,
Problems all left alone,
Weekenders on our own.
It's such fun.
Just a perfect day,
You made me forget myself.
I thought I was someone else,
Someone good.

Oh it's such a perfect day,
I'm glad I spent it with you.
Oh such a perfect day,
You just keep me hanging on,
You just keep me hanging on.

You're going to reap just what you sow,
You're going to reap just what you sow,
You're going to reap just what you sow,
You're going to reap just what you sow...

Day 57 (phase 2) - Feeling good

I have been away on a conference with work and have had many comments about my 'change' which have made me feel great, boosted my confidence and have reminded me of the many benefits of getting my life under control.


I have indulged in more food and drink than I should have so my weigh in will be interesting this coming Tuesday. Also, my regular gym exercise has lapsed a bit due to circumstances (me)

Well, what is the bad/good news? I gained 2.6 lb and was told off for letting my exercise regime slip and I know I have been letting the diet slip in one or two small areas. Going into week 8, I have to try some 'trigger' foods so it is important get a grip! I promise myself to do so.

This song is SO appropriate to how I feel now about me and my life. This has to be my current signature tune ad it is from an artist with a fabulous and unique style and voice, Nina Simone. If you have never heard this song, seek it out and enjoy the beauty that is 'Feeling good':

Title: Feeling Good
Artist: Nina Simone
Album: I put a spell on you
Year : 1965


Birds flying high you know how I feel
Sun in the sky you know how I feel
Reeds driftin’ on by you know how I feel

It’s a new dawn
It’s a new day
It’s a new life
For me
And I’m feeling good

Fish in the sea you know how I feel
River running free you know how I feel
Blossom in the tree you know how I feel

It’s a new dawn
It’s a new day
It’s a new life
For me
And I’m feeling good

Dragonfly out in the sun you know what I mean, don’t you know
Butterflies all havin’ fun you know what I mean
Sleep in peace when day is done
That’s what I mean
And this old world is a new world
And a bold world
For me

Stars when you shine you know how I feel
Scent of the pine you know how I feel
Oh freedom is mine
And I know how I feel
It’s a new dawn
It’s a new day
It’s a new life
For me
And I’m feeling good

Day 44 (Phase 2) - One step forward (welcome back Kevin!)

A day overshadowed (for me) by the news that Kevin Keegan is to return to Newcastle as manager following the departure of Sam Allardyce. Great news and an instant response from the team with a 4-1 victory over Stoke City (OK I know they aren't premiship) in the FA Cup.

I am starting to get the hang of this eating and drinking lark and managing to eat plenty whilst (hopefully) maintain my weight at an acceptable level. On two meals a day now and finding this easy to manage and still eating plenty of fruit.
Weigh in for week 6 revealed I had gained 0.1 of a Kg so no real change.

This song is deducted to all of those who have read this blog and offered me support as well as those friends and family who have give me positive feedback on my journey and and kept me motivated.

Title: One step forward

Artist: Paul Young

Album: Secret of association

Year: 1985

I'm sending you these letters across miles and miles of water.

Tell Stevie that I saw his friends and mother that I love her.

Well, I know I haven't been here long and I know it seems much longer

but every letter you write back makes me a little stronger.

Everybody here has seen as many years as me.

It's only now they realise what they are here to see.

So I'll take my pen and I'll write you a note and send it off in a letter

and we'll hope that writing these troubles down will make me feel better.

One step forward or one step left.

I raise my gun and I take my aim.

I'm just a pawn in the government's game.

The first day I was posted was the longest I have known.

I can't believe the bitterness the human heart can show.

The hatred of another is a blindness in their eyes.

All I do is stand between them wondering why.

One step forward or one step left.

I raise my gun and I take my aim.

I'm just a pawn in the government's game.

Little boy stand with stones in hand and cold eyes of steel.

I wish I could throw my rifle down and tell him how I feel.

Well, I know I haven't been here long and I know it seems much longer

but every letter you post to me makes me a little stronger, stronger.

Day 37 (phase 2) - And I believe.....

Well another week of fruit and food. Enjoying both my cooking and my eating, but more importantly being in control of both.

Starting to understand how deal with the new lifestyle, partly mental management and partly just realising whether I am hungry or not.

Loving the fruit and after a weigh in find I have lost 1.5 lb this week. Amazing, probably don't to lose any more. Must eat more!

Now for a positive song expressing where I am in terms of my future and my own self esteem. Things are going well and I feel a change is starting to happen which will have long terms benefits for my health, my life and my happiness.

Title : I believe
Artist: Tears for Fears
Album: Songs from the big chair
Year : 1985

I believe that when the hurting and the pain has gone
We will be strong, Oh yes we will be strong
And I believe that if I'm crying while I write these words
Is it absurd ? Or am I being real
I believe that if you knew just what these tears were for
They would just pour like every drop of rain
That's why I believe it is too late for anyone to believe


I believe that if you thought for a moment, took your time
You would not resign yourself, resign yourself to your fate
And I believe that if it's written in the stars, that's fine
I can't deny that I'm a Virgo too
I believe that if your bristling while you hear this song
I could be wrong or have I hit a nerve ?
That's why I believe it is too late for anyone to believe


I believe that maybe somewhere in the darkness
In the night time, In the storm
In the casino
Casino Spanish eyes
And I believe, no I can't believe that every time you hear a new born scream
You just can't see the shaping of a life
The shaping of a life