DIARY COUNTDOWN: DAY 302

Weight: 146.8 Kilograms

Was pretty cheeky yesterday... First I had a burger and chips in the morning. As for lunch time I introduced some friend to my Nemesis: El Cordero. Or The Lamb if translated... Yeap! I was very cheeky. So the gain in weight is no surprise... If anything, the surprise that the gain is not bigger...

I guess I am not that stressed out anymore. I started being a bit relaxed. Meaning that every now and then I allow myself a slip. I have stopped the gym for the moment. Have some reasons for that but I feel very uncomfortable with that decision so I will be back starting tomorrow... How unbelieavable is for me to miss the workout at the gym... Something must be wrong with me!

So I had a great day yesterday. Had breakfast by the sea in Las Galletas. Pink Parrot is the name of the venue... And when I would go there I would always have a burger and chips. But they also saw me doing my morning walks and they know about my diet. So when I walked in after so many months of absence it was very funny to hear a business owner saying: "Hey! What are you doing here? Keep walking!"... I don't I will here that one again anytime soon...

Then I took some friends to El Cordero. I got the most kind words for that. Hope I am not rude and I did not ask for permission to post the private message on the blog and I hope that I will be forgiven for doing just that... The message goes like:

"Thank you Chris for being the perfect host and introducing us to the Restaurante  El Cordero  The food was impeccable. You so graciously called for us and returned us to our apartment with a final rendition of Elvis. Perfect x"

To me that kind of message is heart warming. A reward in itself. It shows that if you love people they will love you right back, no matter what your flaws are and it is a proof that being nice does not have any costs attached but it can bring you a lot of unexpected joy...

Did not do my morning wall today. Was to tired. Then my schedule went a bit tight. Had lunch with yet another friend and I had the opportunity to talk to him about Jesus and God's love for all of us. Yo my surprise he was really paying attention and he had more than a few questions... So this has been a good day too already.

Soon I will start preparing myself for the gig at the Charly Bar. Looking forward to finish the day in the company of beautiful people! So cheers everyone and may all God's blessings be upon us all! Be wise. Stay cool. Ciao!

DIARY COUNTDOWN: DAY 303

Weight: 146.1  kilograms

Jesus said:

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened".

(Matthew 7:7-8)

There is two main reasons why I keep this blog. The first one would be to keep myself going. Creating self awareness works for me. Apart from all of that I think that some might find some encouragement in order to keep going with their diet or start one.

The most difficult thing is to keep the blog entertaining. Sometimes you lack ideas. Like today. But still you have to continue writing. About what? That is always a mystery and a challenge! So here I go writing the about the things that are going through my head...

A good day yesterday in spite of the fact that it was a bit cloudy, unusually chilly for Tenerife. We actually had some rain too! Strange how the humans are never satisfied... We don't like it when it's hot. We don't like it when it rains. Seems to me like nothing works for us. We are picky and we are spoiled brats. Don't know about you but sometimes it feels like it for me...

There was some good news that I forgot to share yesterday. My friends they just had their second baby boy delivered into the world! So there is a lot of joy being spread around. Good thing! Having joy in our lives is like medicine. Will give you a sane mind in what seems to be a more insane world...

I've done my good deeds for the day but the funniest thing happened as I was walking out of a restaurant with a friend, after having a coffee. Actually I had some water with lemon, but that si not important. So as we were walking out this couple of elders just took us by surprise by saying: " It is so nice to hear some Americans in Tenerife". Maybe that is not quite accurate, but it was something like that...

You can imagine my reaction to that... I started laughing of course. And I had to say something. And out of all the things I could have said I go "Well, the United States have now a new state and it is called Romania"...

Great gig last night at the Coconut Joe's! What a bunch of lovely people! Not only they did not leave till the end, but instead of leaving because of the usual hustle from our lovely next door neighbours (they always pump up the volume when the terrace is full in order to annoy and chase away our customers) they actually went indoors. That is a good sign. My singing must be improving... 

Woke up at 6:30 this morning. As usual. I feel a bit tired and hungry after the morning walk but that is not really unusual. I always have ,y breakfast after weighing myself. In a strange way even this habit brought back some discipline in my life: I now eat a a specific time. I am very generous with my breakfast. But nighhtime the nightmare begins . I still feel hungry after the gigs and I find it extremely difficul to cope with it at times...

Looking forward to this day. A well deserved day off if dare I say. Will meet some friends for lucnh. Actually they are friends that I have made in Coconut Joe's! Lovely family. And along with them hopefully there will be another friend coming. Always sorry to see people leaving the island. Well... He is getting married next year and I was invited to the wedding in England which means I will finally get to visit and English speaking country!

So I will leave you with a word from Jesus and shall give more feedback tomorrow. As usual. Cheers! God bless!

DIARY COUNTDOWN: DAY 304

Weight: 147.0 kilograms

So 60 days have gone by since I started this blog. A lot of things have happened since then. First of all I lost  kilograms which actually is a lot. That means that my average weight loss per month was around eight - nine  kilograms. So, if we split it per weeks, the average weight loss is around two kilos per week. And that is normal. And healthy.

In order to achieve results one must put a zipper on the mouth and be very disciplined. It is very difficult at first I'll admit to that. But once the results start showing you will forget all that. At first it is only you who sees the changes. Not in the mirror but with the scale readings. 

It gets even better when people start noticing it too! It gets to the point where they will start admiring your effort and then start asking questions soon enough. iT is not easy I'll admnit to that. Actually it is very difficult. At least in the first weeks. You will be hungry most of the time, but not because you are starving yourself! It is the BAD HABITS that are trying to put you off and destroy your will power.

With me it all started with these words: SELF CONTROL. Sorry. that one is not true. It all started with prayers. I was praying a lot over this and as a matter of fact I started thinking that the round shape that I was having was what God wanted for me. What a big mistake!!! I should have known better!

I know for a fact today, as I knew then, that God is ALWAYS ON TIME. And if you are asking me today I would say all honesty: I can't think of better time for this to be happening. This is an adventure in itself. It was defined as a trap by my brother in law. A trap that kept me hooked for far to long. Almost half of my life I have been overweight at first and the "upgraded" to obese. Half of my life the bad habits and lifestyle kept me enchained. A prisoner of the desires of the flesh.

I had other plans for this year. Like travelling. Never happened. But I tell you that this is the best adventure ever!!! In a few days I will be half way through. That is yet another incentive. There are rewards all along the way. Tiny little things that normal people can do become a massive present when you can do them too.

I am going to leave you with a quote from the Bible, that actually set me on the path. But just before that I would like to put in writing something that I was asking myself this morning: why are people afraid to put their lives in the hands of Jesus? It is a legitimate question! For there is not even one thing that Jesus has taught or said that was not out of love and for our own good. You go search the Bible and you will see. In fact I place a bet that you already know that.

Anyway, here's the quote. Have a blessed day and stay cool! Ciao!

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."
Galatians 5:22-23

DIARY COUNTDOWN: DAY 305

Weight: it's a Sunday mystery. Again.

Woke up at the usual six a clock in the morning. And of course my hole schedule has been turned upside down by my room mate who woke up just a few minutes ago... Oh well... Nobody's perfect. At least so far I did everything I had to so I put a smile on my face and while I am waiting my turn I decided to be efficient and write the blog. Just need a shower and I'll be on my way to church.

Was a good day yesterday. Will be an even better day today. Already did my morning walk, had breakfast and I am looking forward to this day. The heat is gone and I couldn't be happier. I don't like the cold but this heat mixed with high humidity is really not my thing. 

Have a blessed day. A blessed Sunday. And a blessed week! Ciao for now!

DIARY COUNTDOWN: DAY 306

Weight: 147.4 kilograms

Oh yess! Oh yess! Oh YEEEEEEESSSS! Two more kilos and I am half way through! The ladies at the Costa Silencio pharmacy must think I am nuts. Going everyday by myself and everytime I whisper the victory "Yessss!".

So yesterday my food was scrambbled eggs, smoked salmon, Tofu cheese, quarter of watermelon, bananas (see? I am going bananas) and plums. And of course lots of water. With squeezed lemon in it. That was pretty much it. Anyway...

I can't describe the feeling of joy when I see my new self in the pictures or, even better, when the people stop me or text me for advice. I don't think I am an expert on the matter. For that you should ask other people. To help you out I am sending you a link. Just click on the name.

"UNIQUELY TRAINED"

I am giving you this link so you could get a professional opinion. I recommend people that I know and trust. Leigh Scott is one of them. You can always send a message. It is easy to do. I am flattered when people are asking me about what am I doing but you should know that everyone's body works in a different, unique way. So what works for me, might not be working for somebody else. That's why we all need professional guidance.

So last yesterday I got a Facebook message from somebody asking me about my diet and life style change... I think that is great but I also think that everybody should be also talking to professionals: personal trainers, nutritionists, doctors, etc. It is very important. I did it. Just a bit lucky I guess to have friends or doctors in the family. But I did my blood tests to, remember... So nothing should be left out.

This morning, two of my neighbours were having a chat in the street when they saw me coming. And what an incentive yet again to see people that you just say "Hello" to telling you that your weight loss is noticeable trying to guess how much I have lost... Just love those kind of things... Just two days ago I was feeling a bit put off and tired of this life style and here we go again with a spirit booster sent my way to cheer me up!

I thank Jesus for everything. For the weight loss. For the light of day. For every breath I take, For the people around me, even if they like me or not. And I know this will be an awesome day! Of course yours will be better! God bless! Ciao for now!

DIARY COUNTDOWN: DAY 307

Weight: 148.2 kilograms

Wow!!! I can't believe that I had pizza and beer yesterday but I still have lost some weight. This is so not me! This is weird!!! I am so happy! Really I am. There is an explanation though. After I had the pizza I had nothing but fruits and dry fruits so... Oh! And I did not have anything to eat late at night! That must have done the job... I'll say it again: I AM HAPPYYYYY!!! Thought I was going backwards, but God is good all the time and all the time God is good!

Forgive me Father for I have sinned! Again! I had a cheat day yesterday and had a pizza. So I am afraid to get the scale readings today. Apart from the pizza there was the beer. And I don't do beer usually! I guess I was just bored. This heat is killing my mood. Actually not the heat. The humidity. There was 88%!!! How is that even possible?!!

The filthy unhealthy feeling of being full it after having the pizza is not really something I want to remember. So on my next cheat day I will try and have something else. I actually know when my next cheat day is going to be, as my family is coming over to visit and I will have to go and visit what used to be my favourite place up until not so long ago... 

My back is killing me ever since the weight loss has become noticeable... Especially when playing the guitar. So I became slightly worried about that. It was funny what the doctor's answer was... Basically it was something about my bone structure rearranging... That's funny. I am a living puzzle. Oh well... I already knew that...

Have not restarted the gym. In this kind of heat I am really not up to it. Have to go back though. Hopefully by Monday everything will be back to normal. Back to normal... Another funny thing... Just a few months ago normal meant something completely different...

Need to get rid of the days off. Maybe keep one. They are getting boring in spite of the fact that I try to keep myself busy. Or maybe it is just me being here to long without going anywhere else... That is about to change to as I am soon to be on holidays. That should be fun. Hometown always is.

So I'll make the best of this day and so should you. Stay cool. God bless!

DIARY COUNTDOWN: DAY 308

Weight: 148.8 kilograms

Waking up at 6:30AM when the calima is in and it is hot as 25 centigrades already is really uncomfortable. And if you add the dusty air the discomfort reaches yet another maximum levels... So the morning walk was a drag. But I managed to finish it somehow...

On my way to weigh myself... I know I had something to eat just before going to bed and I did not do my morning walk yesterday so I would be surprised if there was a significant weight loss. Did not do anything naughty as in food. It is just the simple fact that I did food late at night. Old habits die hard they say. Well, I will kill this one if I have to...

Even the gig last night was difficult because of the heat and the dust. On top of all that I forgot my glasses at home so reading the song titles was rather difficult... And breaking a string on "Proud Mary" was the cherry on top. At least the broken string is my fault. My laziness. I should have changed the strings like two weeks ago maybe. When I bought  the new set... 

But in all that discomfort there was something that made my day. Actually two things made my day yesterday. The first one was a post on Tweeter with a short video taken in Charly Bar while performing the instrumental version of Bryan Adams's "Straight From The Heart". Thank you for that one Melody Whalley.

So the highlight of the day was meeting Sammy King, the guy who wrote "Penny Arcade", song made famous by Roy Orbison. Was good to see Mike Edwards after such a long time. It was actually Mike that brought Mr. King to the Charly Bar so thank you for that!

Cheers! God bless!

DIARY COUNTDOWN: DAY 309

Weight: 148.9 kilograms

No excuses. Totally my fault. Went up 700 grams!!! I spent most of the day in the house yesterday. Doing nothing. Just eating. Not junk food but nevertheless... As I said I have no excuses... 

A bit of a boring day really after the two previous ones... And I don't like the calima. At all. Not because of the heat but because of the dust. So the punishment today will be in having only salads, fish and fruit especially since I did not do my morning walk today.

Went to bed at around half past four in the morning so when the alarm started buzzing at half six I just decided to go back to sleep, knowing that it is going to be a long day today. But I feel guilty. And that is making me smile. It is a good thing that I regret not doing what I was supposed to and straying from the plan. It is yet another lesson. Probably there will be some more until ALL the bad habits from the past will totally be forgotten and the craving will completely disappear. At least that is what I am praying for.

Haven't been to the gym since Friday. Five days all in all, including today but that is according to the plan. Will restart tomorrow. Since as of late my days off are a bit of a drag I have decided to find some more gigs. Anyway my family will be over soon, bringing over my favourite monster who will drag us around all over the island, and that is something I am looking forward to!

Till then I am going to live up to the full potential. So stay cool and rock on everybody! God bless!

DIARY COUNTDOWN: DAY 310

Weight: 148.2 kilograms

Obviously I have been naughty yesterday. first of all I had the full English breakfast. With toast and chips. Carbohydrates! That was cheeky. For lunch I had chicken and vegetables, but after I got home last night I had 2 bananas, an apple and 250 ml fizzy drink and that was really naughty of me. So I am paying the price now by being sorry that I lost only 100 grams instead of going under 148 kilograms... I don't know why am I even experimenting on that issue...

Good morning everyone! Hope you are all having a beautiful morning and a coffee! Hey! I know I am having an awesome one! It's just because the last two days felt like Christmas! I got presents. And I drove a legend car. Well... Just for an hour or so, but whoever really knows me they would know that I am totally into motor sports.

So when a beast with the power of four hundred horses under the hood comes my way I will never say no! And if it's a legend car that is like a dream come true. I guess what they say is true... The difference between a man and a boy is the price of the toys...

It was not the most powerful machine I ever drove. But this one gave me an andrenaline boost. And in all that excitement I started thinking that maybe I should start working harder... And then I came to my senses... Because it is not happy he who has a lot but he who needs less. Still, having fun from time to time doesn't hurt...

The gift was not for me. It was for a birthday gift for a friend from his girlfriend. Was a conspiracy. I love that kind of thing, just so I could see the surprised faces... The only thing was at some point I had to lie so I could save the day but that is not reall an excuse. And I am totally against lying! I was like that every since my childhood. And after I came to Christ all the things against lying were amplified!

God is righteous therefore he is always truthful. On the other hand, the enemy of the mankind, Satan, is deceitful. He is a liar! Simple logics will tell you that lying is from Satan. And believe me there is no such thing as an innocent lie. There will always be consequence sooner or later... So i prayed for forgiveness remebering what Paul the apostle said:

"I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do".

(Romans 7:15)

And he continues

"So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? 25 Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!".

(Romans 7:21-25)

So I gave a reset to my burning conscience by confessing and repenting so I could go back to enjoying my life to the full as usual. Who ever said that being a Christian is boring they have no clue what they were talking about! Jesus is a beautiful friend in all circumstances! Just try Him and you'll see... So stay cool everyone, have a beautiful day. Like a holiday! Ciao! God bless!

DIARY COUNTDOWN: DAY 311

Weight:
148.3 kilograms

You never know what the day brings. I love surprises, don't you? Now there's two types of surprises. I live the nice ones. But yesterday? What a blast! I think that the best surprise is for one to get a present when least expected. And actually that is what happened to me! Must have done something right in my life... Or maybe some people they just don't know me that well...

So I had an awesome day. An awesome Sunday. Truly blessed in the morning at the Costa del Silencio Church and then at the Living Room in Veronica's. So when I left, headed for my gig I was thinking that the highlights of the day have just gone out.

Don't get me wrong. I love music. And most definitely I love and respect my audience. And I think Coconut Joe's is a brilliant place to perform. There I was given my first chance as a musician on this island. And I have learned a few things about competition too (bet that I put a smile on the faces of those who know what I am talking about)...

I was talking over the phone when a gentleman that kinda looked familiar approached me saying: "Are you finished already?"... Or anyway something like that... The man had a big smile on his face and I immediately knew that there was something going on. I have good instincts... I am good with details. I just choose not to show that in order to keep the people around me happy thinking they have fooled me with their act. But that is another story...

To cut the story short I got actually a present. In fairness there were two!!! Wrapped up properly. You know. All the works. And they even had my name on it!!! I could not opened them fast enough! Thank you E.B. Really made a lot of my days! 

So morning walk is finished. Was a bit difficult getting out of bed, but what can I say? A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do... Oh! Not to forget! My meals yesterday included scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, tofu cheese, half a roasted chicken and fruit (orange and plums). I am looking forward to yet another awesome day and I hope that everybody else's will be even better if possible! Ciao for now! God bless!

DIARY COUNTDOWN: DAY 312

Weight: the usual Sunday mistery

I can't remember if I did three or four rounds of Las Galletas this morning. Went to bed at 2:00 AM and woke up at 6:00 AM. Obviously when I went out the door I was still asleep... It can remember three but the clock told me I did more than that... Oh well... No worries...

We learn about our bodies something new every day. just a couple of days ago I have learned that antibiotics can make you weak and dizzy and that when taking some even driving is not recommended... Sometimes the information we are getting is nesting somewhere in our heads and starts amplifying the usual effects. And this is what is happening to me. I am more aware that the medicine I am taking (avoiding the word drugs) is having it's side effects...

Had a good night last night at the Charlty Bar. A couple of surprises too!. It is always nice to see old friends showing up out of the blue after more than a year or so... And there was also something like fifteen or twenty guys from Romania. Students. Don't know if they were on holidays or for some exchange program as I did not have much time to chat with them...

Sunday morning! Dedicated to Christ! Always. Looking forward to yet another beautiful day! And who knows... Maybe I shall see some of you in Costa del Silencio Church. Because God is good all the time! And all the time God is good! Have a blessed day! Stay cool! Ciao!

DIARY COUNTDOWN: DAY 313

Weight: ? kilograms

Hope the pharmacy in Costa del Silencio  will be opened today so I could weigh myself as I am not familiar with their schedule. And I don't know any other place where I can weigh myself. The one at the gym is faulty and that does not really help.

Really proud of myself again... Last night I was craving for a pizza. The inner battle went on for a couple of hours. But I did not give in! So mind won over the flesh! Praise the lord! When I woke up this morning I realised how sorry and angry I would have felt with my burning conscience whipping my thoughts...

Well... Saturday... Looking forward to a good day and an awesome weekend! Tonight's gig might be a bit dangerous though... It is a bit embarrassing and flattering at the same time but I will say only this: losing weight will bring some unexpected things. I will take everything as an incentive and use it in a positive way whatever comes my way, whenever it may come.

So have a good day everyone! God bless!

DIARY COUNTDOWN: DAY 314

Weight: 149.8 kilograms

Finally I am there. Gone under 150 kilos. Can't be as happy as I was a few days ago when i had the false alarm but am really pleased. There is progress!!! And I have learned something new. Again. Antibiotics have side effects that will affect your energy. Was wondering why I was lacking energy at the gym... Oh well.. We learn something every day!

Woke up earlier than 6:30 this morning. Definitely becoming a morning person. So morning walk is finished. So I went on the Internet to write those things. And of course, to check my Facebook. As usual somebody is already annoying me with silly stuff.

I will never understand the nerve of some. How can anybody argue on matters they have never took the time to study it will always be a mystery to me... Of course, I am talking about the Bible. but it is the same thing as arguing with your doctor about what medicine you have to take, the results of your test or what tools to use when doing surgery on you...

Sometimes it makes me sad... Sometimes I choose to ignore... Sometimes it makes me angry. But I still have to carry on and tell people about my experience with God. In spite of the fact that most of them try to overlook my life experience and my testimony so they could be right. I would like those to be in the jury if on trial. Or the judge!

I have still not weighed myself but I have this feeling that the 150 kilograms barrier is going down today. The later edit will show however if that is true. It should be. I was only 100 grams above 150 yesterday so...

So my meals yesterday... Three german wurst, 3 nectarines, smoked salmon and salad, 2 boiled eggs and some tofu cheese. I think that sums it all up. Off to do my things for the day... Started finding out that I am getting bored on my days off. That means only one thing...

Have a nice day! Stay cool and rock on! God bless!

DIARY COUNTDOWN: DAY315

Weight: 150.1 kilograms

Ha! Good job! Must admit that not eating after 6PM is one of the best kept secrets ever! So if I behave, probably tomorrow the 150 barrier will be demolished. Surely hope so. Waiting for a couple of weeks now...

Today waking up was a bit difficult... And the morning walk the same. Can't believe that after almost two months my body still wants to get back to bed after the second and third round... I totally behaved lately so I can hardly wait to break the 150 barrier... Thought I did the other day but that was just a false alarm... But you know me: whenever I am challenged I get better!

As I said I am a relaxed brain. Just realized a few days ago that  this blog is about losing weight and dieting but I never wrote anything about what I eat during the day. So from now on I will try and do that too.

Funny things are happening to me lately. Some of them are a bit of a shocker. Like last night events at the Charly Bar. But how can you not laugh when at 7AM a lady jumps from around the corner chasing a cockroach! And she was really determined to terminate the creature! that was really funny this morning...

I will not say more than that! Skipped the gym so today will do a bit more workout. It is going to be a beautiful day no matter what so enjoy! God bless!

DIARY COUNTDOWN: DAY 316

Weight: 151.4 kilograms

What a disappointment... It appears that the scale at the gym is faulty. I usually weigh myself at the pharmacy but it is closed two weeks for holidays. Yesterday weighed bmyself at the gym. Today at another pharmacy... A bit confused because the height is not the proper one with the scale I used today... So disappointed and confused... But chins up! Work is going to pay off eventually. And patience is a virtue!

At least I had a good day off yesterday. Did all the things I wanted to in the way I wanted to do them. The weather created a bit of discomfort but I won't even mention that. Was so overwhelmed when the scale pointed out that I have broken the 150 kilograms barrier! I could have hugged everyone on the street. I actually shouted "Yesssss!" when I weighed myself at the gyn yesterday! And all the people started smiling, saying "Well done!", "Good for you!"... Nice to have that sort of support... Good incentive!

I know I always say I am a relaxed brain. Not to say that I am a liar but it is not quite true. In fact I sometimes wish I had a switch so I could get some rest sometimes. Sure things for many others I seem off or to be away... Or daydreaming... True. It so seems...

I think the dogs have much better instincts than us humans when it comes to character judging. Children have the same ability. Most of the time we place our loyalties and our affections according to some petty interests rather than in a natural way...  Somewhere between childhood and maturity we lose that ability...

Fun. There's a good word. People seem to have a lot of fun around me lately. But that happens just if and when I feel comfortable around them or my mind is not occupied with other things. The state of comfort can change in a fraction of a second. Might be a word or just a gesture and it disappears. It is just because experience has made me rich and I know that when there is an alarm sign I'd better be cautious...

I like it when people surprise me in a nice way. For instance I had this Bible quote posted yesterday. And I knew that somebody needed those words. Was a total surprise when I found out who! When the least expected happens you know that God is at work. Not really a surprise that one. This is just another piece of evidence to support that statement.

So the morning walk is done, as I woke up yet again at 6:30 AM. I must say that when they are washing the streets in the morning it is really not fun. Slippery when wet? Not my thing... Hmmm... Slippery When Wet"! Great album. Bon Jovi. Highschool days. THE days. Just remembered how much I like a Bon Jovi tune: "Raise Your Hands". Richie Sambora plays that guitar and squeezes all the possible sounds out of it...

Another day is on it's way I am looking forward to have some fun with awesome people. Will be going at the gym and have the gear set up in Charly Bar where I will be playing tonight. Ya'll stay cool now. God bless!

DIARY COUNTDOWN: DAY 317

Weight: ? kilograms

Naughty reloaded last night. Just before going to bed I had some peanuts. And that is not even bad. I had 250ml of some fizzy drink. Strawberry. I did that knowing all to well that this is my Nemesys and the fact that I have not had one since the "pizza effect" is only a pathetic excuse!

I have a burning conscience. Always been like that. Don't need telling off when I am doing something wrong. Or bad. My conscience will always be my worst possible punisher. In fact I'd rather have people telling me off rather than this...

I feel like Paul, the apostle, who said:

"I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do".

(Romans 7:15)

Hmmm... That took my thoughts in a different place... Sometimes I tell off people. And I am not famous for being a diplomat. But that is actually because I care. And it is because I trust people to much at times. I believe that they would understand. One should actually be worried when that does not happen anymore... That is when I think of Jesus's words:

"If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet".

(Matthew 10:14)

Went off track again... So. Did my morning walk after waking up at 6:30, going to weigh myself and then at the gym. After that? It is a total mistery! Will decide as it goes. But before I do anything I have to book my holiday flights! Yeah baby! Holiday time! So here we go! Another day! May all God's blessings be upon everyone! Cheers!

DIARY COUNTDOWN: DAY 318

Weight: 151.7 kilograms

I did not feel like weighin' myself this morning. My best friend is my best enemy. Talking about the scale. I was fine until I got back home last night. I was really tired. And hungry. Not a good combo. So I got me some tapas. "Para llevar" as they say here. That means take away.

The problem was not the tapas. Problem was the fact that the lady put me a small bread baguette along with that. So I have sinned. Big time! We shall see what the scale tells me anyway... Still being very tired... Maybe I shpuld take the vitamin complex suggested by the guys at the gym... Or maybe it's just a cold coming my way... It is the usual sign for me... 

Although I slept only four hours before, yesterday was a good day. Morning in church. Then decided to just have a siesta before I go to the gig at the Coconut Joe's in Las Americas. Have to decide WHEN and HOW LONG I will be on holidays. Definitely end of October. Can hardly wait. Feeling claustrophobic right now. Need an escape.

Had a couple of unexpected surprises yesterday. Nice ones too! Wrapped in the form of comments on an old video with my band from back home. It is always so heart warming to see that you have not been forgotten over the years and that the people still do remember you, no matter what the reason. And nobody called me "maestro" in a long time... Getting even more home sick now...

Will try and have a relaxing day before the gig tonight. Will still be going at the gym. Pronto. The sooner the better. After that am free to do whatever till evening. This is gonna be a good day. Every day is a good day when we are alive. It means a new chance. New opportunities. Everything new. Love the thought that I dont know really what is coming ahead even though I had it all planned in my head. It is going to be a good day indeed. And I hope that you will have an even better one! Ciao! God bless!

PS: people are asking me about my diet all the time. So here is a link: LCHF DIET.

DIARY COUNTDOWN: DAY 319

Weight: a Sunday mystery

Looking forward to a stunning Sunday after last night at the Charly Bar. Surprise after surprise! Lots of old friends here and always lovely to make some new.

The second part of the gig had also one listener plus from Romania. Miracles of the Internet. And almost forgot... Side effects of the weight loss: stalkers started showing up...

Oh well... Sometimes it happens... I was as nice as one could be under the circumstances... This kinda like reminds me of a few episodes back home...

Woke up 6:00 AM today and I am prepared to dedicate this morning entirely to Jesus, our God and Savior.

Have a blessed Sunday everyone!

DIARY COUNTDOWN: DAY 320

Weight: ? kilograms

Difficult to keep this blog entertaining. It is all becoming routine. And if there is something that I hate is routine. I know... Strangely enough I was inner built quite the opposite way: I love not knowing what will happen during the day. I do remember a one time when I found myself in another country in the evening just to have a drink and have my passport stamped...

But we all have to grow up at some point... At least a bit. Not much. Just enough so we could achieve things. I have learned that planning take a lot of pressure of my shoulder. And I have learned that unexpected things still can happen and that you would appreciate them even more after planning everything...

Plans are in fact just a guide on the way from where we are to where we want to be. The route? Well that is a mistery! You can plan a shortcut and then find that the best is to take the long way... And so my ind takes me to the gospel where it is actually written:

"In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establises their steps"

(Proverbs 16:9)

So... Woke up 6:30. Again. Did my morning walk 3x around Las Galletas. Again. Around 50 minutes walk. Again. Sweated. Again. And I will be weighing myself in fifteen minutes. Again. After that I will have to go and set p the gear in Charly, and then take a detour for Playa Paraiso. At some point will be at the gym and then later on at the Charly Bar for my regular. And believe it or not there is still room for surprises. I hope they are all going to be nice ones!

Enjoy the weekend everyone! God bless! Ciao!

DIARY COUNTDOWN: DAY 321

Weight: 151.7 Kilograms

Seems that everything is at a halt ever since 153 or 154 kilos. As I said I was warned that this could take some time. And this exactly the time when your mind is challenged. This is the time when you should be pushing it instead of thinking about quitting which I am most definitely not!

Naughty again yesterday. Skipped the gym and had food at an hour I was NOT supposed to in the evening. Some smoked salmon over a salad and fruit, but still...

I got to hold a new born baby in my arms yesterday. I was so nervous about it. They seem so fragile! And then I think that I was the same once. Look what I have turned into... That is a funny thought!

The more I think about the blood test results the more I feel like I was given a chance. And that chance is to be taken seriously. I  am only glad that the initial side effects are now just a bad memory which I'd rather forget.

Or maybe not. Maybe I should not forget so I could keep guard. And that might help other people who will try and go this way too. 

I can see the changes now. In the pictures. People who haven't seen me in months they tell me that too. It started being visible and that is yet another incentive.

Today is gonna be a fire day. Will do the gym as early as possible so I could fulfill all the tasks for the day. Oh! I totally forgot! No days of till Tuesday...

Waking up at 6:30 in the morning has been easier lately. Never thought I would be a morning person but I am slowly becoming one and strangely enough I am loving it.

Still bothers me when people are passing me by talking, while doing the same thing as I do... Can you imagine! Two Spanish ladies were RUNNING, and one of them just could not stop talking! How can you do that even? One has to breath! 

I was reminded again that we should be gentle to everyone though... People carry a lot of things in their inner selves... Life happens to all of us I guess... And being nice does not have any costs attached... 

Another day. Another beautiful day! I am alive. And so are you! Let's make the best of it! Cheers! God bless!

DIARY COUNTDOWN: DAY 322

Weight: 151.4 kilograms

There are days and days... But yesterday? Oh! That was an incredible day. Was blessed from morning till night time! It is one of those days when you are you're happiness goes to insane levels. Good thing when you know why though, Otherwise there might be something really wrong...

I do remember that while I was walking to the medical center I was preparing myself for the worst. In my mind I was making the worse case scenarios. This morning as I was doing my fifty minutes walk I was thinking that I am so unfaithful! 

The doctor was not as amazed as I was when she started reading the results... And for the first time she started questioning me in detail about my dieting... The results came in not good. They are actually AMAZING! I would have never expected EVERYTHING to check out. I was sure that my lack of wisdom over the past twenty years must have caused some damage. So I thank the good Lord that he kept me safe and sound. 

What a joy yesterday was! On my way back home I was literally in the mood of jumping around and every person on the street looked like they were my nest friends. But the day was still not finished!

After all that joy I was kinda' not in the best spirits for work. I just wanted to go somewhere and do something else... Of curse that did not happen! And what a reward last evening at the Charly Bar was! Such lovely people! I had a blast! 

It is always a two way street. True I was on fire as they say... And I love it when people ask me if i am American... Simply because my answer is usually a shocker and I love reading the face reaction.

Morning walk done. A bit later will be at the gym. Then I will hit the beach. Again. Day off. I love Tenerife. It is my kind of rock! Cheers everyone and God bless!

DIARY COUNTDOWN: DAY 323

Weight: 151.7 kilograms

Nothing out of the ordinary to report. It is kinda boring to give the same details about the same things over and over again. Maybe the fact that the gym yesterday was particularly fun which is obviously not me! Good workout and had a good chat with Jonai, one of the monitors over there, about what is gonna be happening next. So it has been decided that the training schedule has to be upgraded starting next week...

Found ways to fill my day off with things to do apart from the morning walk and the gym... Wrapped some gifts and paid some visits in order to deliver them. Still one left to deliver... Looking forward to it tomorrow...

So! Morning walk done, going to weigh myself then will prepare the day as I will be singing at the Charly Bar today... Have to plan Thursday better as I won't be having another day off till next Tuesday after that...

Doctors appointment today and tomorrow... Fingers crossed. Blood tests results coming. And I was recommended a vitamin complex at the gym, that I need to check out with the doctor. I really don't want to do it but they say I should so...

Enjoy the day everybody! I know I will 'cause there is no problems that I can not solve as long as I am alive! God bless!

DIARY COUNTDOWN: DAY 324

 Weight: 151.9 kilograms

Bit by bit I am headed towards the 14... Am really pleased. Will do more salads this week. More fish. Maybe I'll have a cheat day too... Right now, as I am hungry am craving for a big juicy burger and chips. But that will not happen. It is just a dream...

For some reason was so easy waking up at 6:30 in the morning today... Sweated on my 50 minutes walk and will be weighin' myself in about half an hour. Misbehaved a bit last night at the Coconut Joe's as I was asked if I want a drink. The virgin mojito's don't have alcohol but they have something that I really should not have: sugar...

Actually it was what I would call an almost perfect night last night at the CJ's. It would have been perfect if the next door neighbours would have played their music not that loud, although I must admit that yesterday was not as loud as I am usually used to...

A perfect evening with awesome people... Of course there is always a special fun part and yesterday that was when I was asked to do some Cher... I needed not to think about my answer so I snapped immediately with a laugh: "Do I look like Cher to you?" You would not believe the answer!!! It turns out that I am Cher's twin sister... From Dolly Parton to princess and now Cher... I wonder what next... Hmmm... I wonder what's next...

The best moment was actually their moment when a couple, both in their seventies coming from somewhere else have us a reason for a good laugh as I was singing "Jump In The Line".. You know... " shake shake shake señora"... Well the lady started dancing in front of me enjoying the song... While she was having more and more fun out of the blue her husband gave her a big push ahead... I am so sorry I did not take a video of that...

It is my day off and I am looking forward to a beautiful one hoping that everybody else's will be better! God bless!

DIARY COUNTDOWN: DAY 325

Weight: 152.7 kilograms

A new week! A new day! A new start! The weight will be a later edit as usual since it is 7:52 AM as I am writing this words and the pharmacy opens at 8:30. Obviously my morning walk is finished and I am so hungry. But I need to wait a bit more.

I can really say that I am proud of myself and I thank the Lord for this mind renewal. Last night I was just about to give in to an old habit of mine: eating late at night. But I didn't! Must admit it was a bit of a fight though. Can't tell a lie. For a few seconds I almost cracked. Was actually on my way to the fridge at some point but somehow I got back.

I am weak but in my weakness my God is making me strong. Am a bit ashamed of myself now. When people are cheering me and telling me nice things as a reward for what I have achieved so far I am taking credit and, for a fraction of a second my heart starts swallowing with pride. But I know all to well that it is not my own strength that is keeping me going.

In fairness, my flesh is telling me to quit every day. There is to much sweat. There is to much physical effort. To much. That is what my sinful flesh is telling me! When I do my morning walks I pass by my door at least twice. And every time I walk pass that door I am thinking that there is a cosy bed waiting for me behind it... And it is not seven yet seven o'clock...

Trust me, this is the answer to prayer. Prayed for it a long time. And here it is. God always fulfils His promises. And He is NEVER late. So I give Him praise for all of this. I promised that whenever people will be cheering me again I will speak about this! 

On Saturday at the Charly Bar and yesterday at the Coconut Joe's actually people were like after I finished a song they really liked when this thing was mentioned. It is totally amazing to see those things happening although my brother in law explained it very clear and simple: it is not that many people that are able to get out of the weight trap. He actually used the word trap.

And it is true. It is a trap. It is an addiction. It starts like a bad habit and before that is fun. But when you wake up is already very difficult to turn the tide. Just imagine that I am still not half way back to what I am supposed to be! Well I am almost half way but I what I am trying to say is that the way back is not easy but is worth every single drop of sweat!

Have good week everyone and stay cool! Ciao!

DIARY COUNTDOWN: DAYS 328, 327, 326

Diary countdown: day 326

Weight: ? kilograms

Every Sunday I can hardly wait for the Monday to rise... Not because I don't enjoy Sundays but because my weight is a mistery till Monday morning...

So it is Sunday today! Usually this is the longest and the busiest day of the week for me. Woke up at 6:00 AM, did my morning walk, already had breakfast (a large one: scrambled eggs and protein shake with a banana in it) and it will continue with Costa del Silencio Christian Church in the morning, The Living Room in the afternoon and then, at the end of the day, my gig at the Coconut Joe's...

As I said a busy day. That means not boring. And it is a day dedicated mostly to the Lord so it will be a fruitful day also. A day for spiritual upgrade.

Have to go now and prepare myself! Ya'll have a beautiful Sunday!

Diary countdown: day 327

Weight: 152.6 Kilograms

Yessss!!! Victory again!!! Ha! Against all odds! Thank you Lord! So the day started awesome! Morning walk is finished, weighed myself, am about to set up the gear in Charly and then will go for my workout at the gym...

Computer is being funny and I can't really write on the blog right now. I must admit it was a pleasant surprise to see such a feedback from the "3XL" yesterday's post.

Over 100 likes in just a couple of hours is more than I ever expected. And the cheers also as many sharing their experience on the matter. If nothing else this will keep me going.

Will be going at the gym later on, after I will setup the gear in Charly Bar were I'll be gigging tonight. Should not forget that the gym closes at 2:00PM on Saturdays especially after skipping it yesterday!

As I was doing my fifty minutes morning walk this morning I was thinking how wise it is to keep your mouth shut. But...

SILENCE IS NOT NECESARILLY A SIGN OF WISDOM OR HOLINESS!

I would never totally trust a silent person because you can't really figure out what they are thinking or - even worse - what are they hiding.

I still think that being opened is the way to be. It is a sign of freedom. It is a sign that one is not afraid to speak openly about whatever. But, as the Bible teaches us

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:

a time to be born and a time to die,

a time to plant and a time to uproot,

a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build,

a time to weep and a time to laugh,

a time to mourn and a time to dance,

a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,

a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,

a time to search and a time to give up,

a time to keep and a time to throw away,

a time to tear and a time to mend,

a time to be silent and a time to speak,

a time to love and a time to hate,

a time for war and a time for peace".

(Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)

Some just keep over silent so they could hide their lack of education or their black heart. Some talk to much because they are shy. But no matter how many words are there involved one can always guess what is real and what is not, just by analyzing the results of the acts and deeds. Let's emphasize this: not the acts but the RESULTS of the acts.

To many today are being deceived by words and by false wisdom. Most of the people today are letting themselves to be deceived by fake plastic smiles. And when they wake up it is already to late.

So that is why I say. Analyze the RESULTS of the acts and be wise: a silent person is more dangerous than a fool that talks a lot. At least you know what the fool is up to...

Have a nice day!

Diary countdown: day 328

Weight: 153.8 kilograms

I seem to be at a halt around this 153 kilograms barrier. I knew that something like this might happen. The body is adjusting. Might take a while therefore. Wish I would get over it sooner rather than later though...

Yesterday I totally behaved but today I totally cheated the day. Did not do my rounds as I was supposed to as I had to leave early for Santa Cruz with some friends...

When in Santa Cruz we did some shopping at Primark and C&A and I behaved badly: had some Chinese... No bread no chips just some seafood and meat. But I don't know about the sauces...

Was a fun day though, as I spent the first part with friends in Santa Cruz and the second part preparing the worship for the Sunday morning service in Costa del Silencio Christian Church. Finished too late so I skipped the gym also... So tomorrow I have to work double at the gym...

Oh well... I only hope that the merciless scale will have good news for me tomorrow! Wanna go under 153! So here we go!!!