A Healthy Challenge
I have attempted to change my personal habits after reflecting on a series of photos in an album that somehow survived the massive move into my new home. This random collection of dusty photos included several pictures dating as far back as Middle School formal dance, which was horribly awkward, and post game celebrations that I wish I could recall better. In these memories stuck out a ghostly figure better know as stick boy, Michianna Slim (a nickname given to me after a series of impressive pool games on a plastic table bought from Toys R Us on layaway), bones, crack head (although I don’t recall this name specifically the resemblance is to canny to omit), as well as many others.
I was grotesquely skinny, but each picture showed a glow of confidence I feel has dimmed over the years (yes even the one from eighth grade, although I will attribute the majority of that to the fact that I had my sunglasses on indoors). It was kind of like how Austen Powers lost his mojo without the homosexual overtones and randomly inserted catch phrases. Zingo! I immediately looked in the mirror to compare the youthful me to what I have done to myself. My body shows the affects of being a disappointed sports fan and at times a social hero. I needed to make a change and start making healthier choices.
So the past month or so I have dedicated to the attempt of changing my life style from a Riggs drink first ask questions later, to a more Murtaugh I’m a few days away from retirement style of living. The kicker over this month is despite my best efforts there has been a component of my week that would allow me to dip back into my wonderfully bad habits; I would drink on the weekends and eat like John Candy in his studio trailer and he has been dead for over five years so he is ok to use in a joke. So here it is, I am going to stop drinking for thirty days and share my experience with everyone. Obviously this comes with its fair share of difficulties.
Questions surface like the bodies of Asian Carp after a Nykamp saved Lake Michigan. Will I still have fun? Can I still go out? Can I really dance without drinking? I would like to encourage others to join me in this as we can help each other along. Not that it will be difficult for most of us, but some may and I’ll add nothing onto the end of this sentence so that you can cycle through the list of names who would have a problem with this you judgmental bastard. In order to allow our friends on the east coast to think about joining in on this I will officially start on the May 5th and end June 4th at midnight. During this period I will attempt to do several different health related things like yoga, running, detoxing, etc. Much like this article I don’t really have much of a plan for starting. I just am. You should to.
• • • MS • • •
Mike • 4 months ago
Since we spoke about this, I am at least partially mentally prepared for the task at hand. I am willing to participate.
What happens at thirty days? How do we stay accountable?
larry • 4 months ago
honor system
Schaser • 4 months ago
I am weak my friends… I would love to join you in your quest but I am weak. The fact that I am stuck in hartford at my parents for the next 78 days. ( yes I have a whiteboard in my room that reminds me how long I have left) I am indeed making the changes that I needed to do year ago….. but I am addicted to the sweet taste of oberon and wild turkey on a warm spring day…. I wish you all luck I love you and I hope that you will make it… I am out……
Mike • 4 months ago
No, I guess I mean, are we reporting in here?
Mike • 4 months ago
I also really really have to point this out:
http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/gnxp/2010/05/people-of-class-drink-alcohol/
Read it all the way.
Brad • 4 months ago
Unfortunately mike I know what you mean with that article. I have been reading runnersworld magazine and as it turns out runners love to drink. They pros often talk about their favorite post race drink being wine. I don’t have anything against drinking, I just want to see things without it.
Mike • 4 months ago
No, I know, I just thought it was a very interesting correlation in terms of vocabulary and drinking.
I’m starting this on Saturday, so I guess then I’ll be done on the 8th of June.
Larry • 3 months ago
brad and i have to start over after saturday night
Scott • 3 months ago
Sorry gents for not acknowledging sooner.
I’ll be completely honest here: even with the fitness background, yada yada, I doubt I could go two weeks. All of my social interactions revolve around drinking; time with Roomy, Lerds, and coworkers are all through beer goggled eyes.
I applaud those of you who try. It’s not easy. In fact, it’s very goddamn difficult. Hell, I just had four beers tonight for no other reason than: I was cooking and Brad was going to a Cubs game.
Scott • 3 months ago
John Candy was a vegetarian. He had a thyroid issue.
Mike • 3 months ago
Plenty of health nuts have heart attacks. And there are studies that say that men who have a max of two drinks a day are more likely to be heart healthy.
I say a bowl of cheerios drenched in coors light, naturally because I don’t need the calories, and you’re golden.
The real question is, does it need to be 30 consecutive days or is 30 random days throughout the year ok?
larry • 3 months ago
random
Scott • 3 months ago
Sometimes, in the the morning, I drink Svedka shooters just to see how work plays out. Chilled, of course. HAHA! What a glorious experience that has proven to be, my goodness!! Oh golly….. You rotten stiffnecks should give it a try.
Mike • 3 months ago
You anti-teetotaler.
Michelle • 3 months ago
To those that actually make it 30 days, welcome to my world!
It’s really not so bad. It makes those occasional outings that much better. Until you start climbing trees.
And you CAN dance without drinking. Heck, I can dance without music. In fact, it’s about all I’m known for. Sad, but true.
larry • 3 months ago
oh she went there
brad • 3 months ago
I have failed. Social celebrations are my weakness. Your welcome sis… (fade out)
larry • 3 months ago
i haven’t had anything since our night out saturday