Alligatorob's Diary
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alligatorob
Respected Member
It was a good day, I ate well and feel good.
I did however have a bit of a wake up call this morning. I stopped at the mirror on my way into the shower and took a good long look. Its something I have avoided doing. My body certainly has changed a lot, mostly for the better, but rather than emerging from my fat cocoon as Charles Atlas or Arnold Schwarzenegger I am seeing more of a George Burns or Hunchback of Notre Dame (with better posture) character. I know I have always told folks sagging skin is a lot better than skin full of fat, and I do believe that, but listening to my own advice has been a bit challenging today. I probably won't be entering any wet tee shirt contests soon.
Pope Sylvester II aka Gerbert of Aurillac died in 1003. He was an interesting man, and a particularly progressive pope. He was a well known scientist and mathematician before he became pope, among other things he introduced the Arabic numerals we use today to Europe. There are also some interesting legends surrounding Gerbert. He supposedly built a robotic bronze head that would answer questions, and won the papacy in a dice game with the Devil.
I did however have a bit of a wake up call this morning. I stopped at the mirror on my way into the shower and took a good long look. Its something I have avoided doing. My body certainly has changed a lot, mostly for the better, but rather than emerging from my fat cocoon as Charles Atlas or Arnold Schwarzenegger I am seeing more of a George Burns or Hunchback of Notre Dame (with better posture) character. I know I have always told folks sagging skin is a lot better than skin full of fat, and I do believe that, but listening to my own advice has been a bit challenging today. I probably won't be entering any wet tee shirt contests soon.
Yeah, touring the country visiting friends and relatives did seem to work for me, but I am not sure its a long term plan. Don't know if I'd run out of friends or money first, but it would be fun trying.
Yes, in fact for that one last shirt it had to have been over 30 years, closer to 35 if my memory is right. It really was some old chocolate.
Thanks LaMa, me too! I agree Petal money might have been better, but I did get some pleasure out of seeing the old chocolate and knowing I don't do that any more. That ought to count for something.
Maybe, if I do it will be a new experience for me, I have always dreaded clothes shopping. But that may have been because of the problems finding things in my size, and having to admit that I needed some new bigger clothes. Things will be different this time.
If I am right that chocolate was older than you are Emily! One great thing about this forum, a beautiful young girl such as yourself paying a little attention to an old man, makes me feel good.
I decided to look it up and the Western Wood Pewee is a real bird, my spelling was a bit off though. Guess I now will need to figure out what one actually looks like.
Pope Sylvester II aka Gerbert of Aurillac died in 1003. He was an interesting man, and a particularly progressive pope. He was a well known scientist and mathematician before he became pope, among other things he introduced the Arabic numerals we use today to Europe. There are also some interesting legends surrounding Gerbert. He supposedly built a robotic bronze head that would answer questions, and won the papacy in a dice game with the Devil.
Sunflower19
Member
Rob!!! you do not look like the hunchback or Norte dame!! We really are our own worst critics. I’m still in awe of you for losing 105 pounds!!! Hello! That’s 101 more than me. Lol lol lol
Look I’m guilty myself of taking a hard long look at myself too and seeing all my flaws, like everyone it’s only natural. But saying that I know it’s hard, be proud of yourself though. What you have achieved is not easy
Look I’m guilty myself of taking a hard long look at myself too and seeing all my flaws, like everyone it’s only natural. But saying that I know it’s hard, be proud of yourself though. What you have achieved is not easy
Looking in the mirror and not zooming in on the things we dislike is hard. I find it helps to stand further away; makes it easier to look at the whole picture. Also: I don't know when you last saw the Styrian oak tree but he's plenty saggy these days. The amount of hypertrophy he had is not sustainable when you get older.
Petal001
New member
Rob as you know I have had this battle too . For me my focus has really been on my neck . However at least you have a beard . Lol .
The good thing is though we can wear nice clothes that cover a multitude.
I agree with you on the shopping there is a difference between buying something you like and that looks good as opposed to something because it fits .
The good thing is though we can wear nice clothes that cover a multitude.
I agree with you on the shopping there is a difference between buying something you like and that looks good as opposed to something because it fits .
You can always go the Karl Lagerfeld route.
alligatorob
Respected Member
Happy Mardi Gras y'all!
I think with the skin, it should definitely improve as time goes on. Don't be discouraged, you have done a fantastic job. The improvements to your health, the years onto your life you've gained back, your heart pumping your blood without undue stress from the excess weight, all of that is so, so important. Maybe you won't ever look like Arnie, but I think focusing on being the best version of you that you can be is more than enough. (And you already look like the Dude, so that's pretty cool.)
And I'm 34 next week Rob, so I don't know who is older - me or the chocolate bar - but thanks for the compliment, haha.
And I'm 34 next week Rob, so I don't know who is older - me or the chocolate bar - but thanks for the compliment, haha.
alligatorob
Respected Member
It was a great day, I started it out feeling a little sorry for myself, but then I find all these beautiful women telling me that I am probably better looking than Quasimodo, can't beat that!
The year 1016 on the Muslim calendar is approximately 1607 on our Gregorian calendar. 1607 was the year that Jamestown Virginia was established, the first permanent English settlement in North America. Many people think of this as the oldest town in the US, but they would be wrong. The Spanish were in Florida much earlier. St Augustine was established in 1565, and its continuous occupation since is undisputed. The small town of St Marks, Florida claims to be even older, but that is disputed. The Spanish conquistador Panfilo de Narvaez probably did stop at St Marks in 1527 or 1528, and his crew fell apart there. Only 7 of his men are known to have survived. Lead by Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca the small contingent managed to walk thousands of miles to Mexico City, the closest Spanish settlement, one of the most remarkable walks in History. It took them 8 years. It is possible some of Narvaez other men stayed in the St Marks area intermarrying with the natives, but that is just speculation.
Yeah, but you are on your way, that's what matters. And I am sure you are still a lot better looking than I!
I had to look the Styrian oak up, a majestic tree. Doubt I'll look that good at 1000.
Liza, you are right of course, thanks for the reminder.
Thanks Petal, but to cover my wrinkles I'll need a much longer and wider beard! It does help with the neck waddle though.
Thanks Emily, that is very true, and though I know it getting reminded helps. I was more hoping for the George Clooney look, but I'll take Jeff Bridges! I had to think about it, but at 34 I still think you are younger than that chocolate bar, maybe one year. And the chocolate is way past its prime, I am sure you are not.
Thanks Cate, that is a good way to look at it. I am sure a lot of them are laughter lines, I enjoy laughing and smiling, its always worth the wrinkles.
I had to look Karl up, your comment is interesting, he did a lot of things, some worthy of copying. At the age of almost 80 he lost 42 kg (93 lbs) so he could wear clothes designed by the famous French clothing designer Hedi Slimane. Not really my style, unless Hedi has a line of Hawaiian shirts I don't know about. After the weight loss I noticed Karl wore very high collar shirts and covered most of his skin.
The year 1016 on the Muslim calendar is approximately 1607 on our Gregorian calendar. 1607 was the year that Jamestown Virginia was established, the first permanent English settlement in North America. Many people think of this as the oldest town in the US, but they would be wrong. The Spanish were in Florida much earlier. St Augustine was established in 1565, and its continuous occupation since is undisputed. The small town of St Marks, Florida claims to be even older, but that is disputed. The Spanish conquistador Panfilo de Narvaez probably did stop at St Marks in 1527 or 1528, and his crew fell apart there. Only 7 of his men are known to have survived. Lead by Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca the small contingent managed to walk thousands of miles to Mexico City, the closest Spanish settlement, one of the most remarkable walks in History. It took them 8 years. It is possible some of Narvaez other men stayed in the St Marks area intermarrying with the natives, but that is just speculation.
Truffle Monster
Active member, Cyclist
Sounds like you’re having a great time Rob!
I do understand where you’re coming from re looking in the mirror. The problem with a reflection is it only shows the present; not the HUGE successes that preceded it. Your skin will bounce back but even if it doesn’t we’ve all seen collarbone in your photo!
I do understand where you’re coming from re looking in the mirror. The problem with a reflection is it only shows the present; not the HUGE successes that preceded it. Your skin will bounce back but even if it doesn’t we’ve all seen collarbone in your photo!
alligatorob
Respected Member
214 lbs this morning, down 1 lb. I am happy, particularly after last week's big loss.
My smallest remaining Hawaiian, kinda looks like its been in a box for years.
Didn't know that, thanks. So maybe I am a little closer to Arnold than I thought.
Thanks Petal, you got me thinking I tried on the smallest Hawaiian shirt I have left, its not too baggy (see below), but a new one would be nice. Need to see what I can find. I agree on the walk, Cabeza de Vaca's story has always intrigued me, he wrote about it at the time and his book has been published in English, a good read.
Have to see what I can find! Thanks for the second on the shirt, I am going to start looking.
Thanks TM, and yes I had forgotten I had one! And I am having fun, it feels good.
My smallest remaining Hawaiian, kinda looks like its been in a box for years.