A New Life After Another Last Hurrah

Posted Apr 1, 2006 by jriley

Updated Apr 1, 2006 at 06:11 PM

As I clear the sleep from my eyes this morning, my muscles are tight, my stomach not quite settled from last night’s “last hurrah.”  It was a fine, fine evening, with trips to MacDinton’s in SoHo, the Tampa Bay Brewing Co. in Ybor and another nearby watering hole. Good friends, great food, some refreshing beverages.

This, I hope, was my final “last hurrah,” seeing how I’ve held such events several times in my life. My previous last hurrah was Dec. 31, as I used the flip of the calendar as my catalyst for changing my lifestyle. I quit eating soda, cut out the fried food, and started walking 2 miles a day. I didn’t even last ‘til Valentine’s Day – and my backseat quickly became a depository of fast-food bags.

The walking ceased and the excuses started. Instead of going to the produce stand, I went to Dunkin’ Donuts. Instead of ordering grilled chicken or salad, I went for the No. 2 at McDonald’s – what they would call a “Royale with Cheese” in France (see Pulp Fiction for clarification).

One thing I thought would help me lose weight was the chance to participate in a contest such as NBC’s popular reality show, The Biggest Loser. I contemplating attending an audition in Orlando a few months ago, but backed out because I learned the show would be taping this month – not really the best time for a teacher to check-out for vacation.

I figured being on national TV and playing for a half-million dollars would be a driving factor for success. Of course, I know losing weight so I can lead a long, active life should be the top priority – and it is – but I couldn’t help but get excited about that kind of money. Plus, as my friends and family would tell you, I’m hyper-competitive.

So, here I am. As I polished off supper at the last hurrah, a cheeseburger with melted cheddar at the Brewing Company, I thought about how today could be the first day of my new life. My guess is this venue will force me into making healthy decisions about what I eat and when I exercise. I WILL NOT lie on this blog. You should expect the truth in the coming months. Soon, I’ll write about my goals, both long and short-term, and what factors motivate me to take this journey.

I look forward to your advice, your feedback and, when necessary, your “tough love.”