A Night to Remember

Greetings Friends~

Tomorrow is the Grand Finale for Season 8 of the Biggest Loser. If you were going to watch any of the episodes from this year, this is the one to watch.

Why you ask?

Because you will get to see how all the contestants looked before they started, and how they look now. Not just the ones that are still competing for the title of Biggest Loser but everyone that has been voted out so far. You might think, "I've already seen their "after" segment." Nope, now you will get to see them at their best. The "at home" contestants are still vying for $100,000 so you can bet they haven't slacked up a bit.

Isn't it funny how that money, the $250,000 grand prize and the $100,000 at home prize, motivates the contestants? Not really... I think it is oddly sad.

How much is my life worth to me? $100,000? $250,000? $1,000,000? More? The truth is, it is certainly worth a lot. It's impossible to put a number on. And yet, it seems like people can be VERY motivated when there is ACTUAL money on the line but they can't be motivated when it is JUST saving or prolonging something as paltry as their life.

I have watched (and recorded) every show this season. I find it inspiring to watch the tenacity and strength that each and every one of the contestants exhibits, week after week. I think about it a LOT as I am pondering my food choices. I think about it a LOT as I am struggling to do 45 minutes on the elliptical or to swim laps for an hour. I tell myself as I am ready to GIVE UP, imagine if Jillian were here. Right in front of you, evil weakass Chet. Could you go that extra step? Could you go that extra 15 minutes? Could you give up the Yorkshire pudding for something that has less calories?

I suppose that you could accurately say that I am a Biggest Loser "junkie." When the winner is crowned tomorrow night, the season will be over. My journey will not. So, to get my fix of this wonderful weight loss competition, I will start watching the shows from the beginning. I will get to re-live all of the exciting weight loss again. Possibly, this will keep my batteries charged up until the next season or segment airs, later this year.

I find that I need to be motivated or inspired to do something. I am not only doing this for my family but also for myself. I believe as a FAT person that is often hard to be motivated, if it only for my sake. Afterall, I don't really believe in myself...I don't really believe I am worth the effort...and I certainly do not believe that I deserve to be skinny (Toni says... I shouldn't say skinny, I should say FIT).

My point is that I have to get over all the negative feelings that I have carried with me for so many years as a chubby dude. If I don't feel I'm worth it, then I will never change. Seeing the pride and happiness of all the Biggest Loser contestants at the finale makes me believe that there is a possibility that I am worth it.

Inspiration of the Day

"Keep away from people who belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great, make you feel that you too can become great." - Mark Twain - American author and statesman.

Recipe of the Day

This may be a little late as a use for that leftover turkey and carcass but if you have already made the stock and saved the meat, like I did, then you may enjoy this as a quick and hearty lunch or dinner. I am making this tonight for dinner.

http://www.recipezaar.com/turkey-soup-for-the-slow-cooker-392687

Shopping Tips

Fred Meyer has the following items on sale thru next Saturday; Beef Flat Iron Steaks at $4.99 a pound (if you have never tried this, you should. It is one of our favorites and it cooks in 5 minutes on the George Foreman), assorted apples for $.78 a pound, Healthy Choice frozen entrees at 6 for $10, organic mini carrots, 1 pound bag for $1.25 each, organic pears for $1.29 a pound and turnips, carrots, parsnips and rutabagas (sounds like the start of a good fall soup) at 2 pounds for $1.

This blog, so far, has primarily been about my journey. I have hopes that someday others will be willing to participate in the weight loss and this blog. I appreciate those that read my posts but I need the advice, tips and suggestions of others. So do other people. Take the time to say "hello" on here. Share with others. Ask the other BIG people here to give you some tips on how to survive things...how to cope with food issues...how to get inspired.

Since there are only 13 followers, I know that I am not radically changing the world, but I would like to be a part of changing those that are reading. I believe if I can continue on my journey, set my small steps each day and continue to show progress, that I can make a difference, One Step at a Time.

I hope that you believe that YOU can make a difference also.

If you believe in a higher power, as I do, be it God, Allah, Buddha or otherwise, I ask that you spent a short minute (or more) tonight asking for help for those families of the slain police officers in Lakewood.

Happy Trails!