Time for change.

No this isn't an Obama speech reference.

I need to stop drinking. Its just that simple.

Its not helping me at all. Its costing me money I could spend on other things. And someone whose close to being diabetic....doesn't need to be drinking anyway.

It hinders my weight loss plans. So for now its gotta go.

That and my family has a history of alcoholism. So if I don't stop now....I might hit that line and end up in a really bad place. Its not that I think drinking is bad or anything. I don't. And I actually really enjoy a good drink. But for me its gone from an occasional drink to something that happens almost every night. So its gotta stop.

I've been using it as an excuse to help me "unwind" from a rough day at work. But every day is turning into a "rough" day....even when its not really.

Ontop of not drinking....I've decided to cut down my liquid intake to just water, milk and apple juice. But apple juice only occasionally...like with dinner or something.

I need to cut my sugar content down, my carb intake has also got to drop. More fruit & vegetables. More grilled chicken & rice.

Since I've moved into a place with Jules I've gotten more lazy when it comes to cooking/cleaning....all that. Thats gotta change as well. Not just because things need to get done, because I need to take a more active role in planning what Jules and I eat....and how it gets cooked.

I've got a goal...and its a hefty one. I need to drop about 200 lbs. I don't have a cut off time or set deadline. But I know what I want to reach now. I also need to build some muscle.

Now the planning starts to achieve that goal. I was thinking about gym memberships....but I can't really afford it. So I was thinking....and I remember a buddy of mine burned a copy of his Tae-Bo workout dvds for me....which I still have. So that'll be a start.

I figure for a slow start....Cardio 3-4 days a week for 30 minutes to an hour. Whatever I can stand.

Once my grandfather opens up his swimming pool again. I will swim for an hour or so ontop of the Tae-bo.

As for food. Lots of grilled chicken and rice, grilled vegetables (yuck).... granola for sweet cravings. Pretzels & lightly salted peanuts for salty cravings.

I've been down this path many times.....and have always managed to let myself down and give up too early. Can't afford to this time. My life may actually depend on my success this time. I'm too close to having all of these physical problems. Some have already manifested themselves. Sleep Apnea.......borderline diabetes......high blood pressure.

So keep me in prayer those that pray. For those that don't....send me some good vibes.

- Gat