Weight Loss Tracker

Well...most of you know that I have been trying to lose weight for a year now. I was 342 this time last year when I had my back surgery. I was already down 40 pounds or so from my heaviest weight around the 380 mark in 2006. I was put on insulin last summer for my type II diabetes. My oral medication has been helping a lot and I have had 4 consecutive normal A1C levels (glucose)now over the last year. So, in May, my doctor told me if I were in the 280's in August (at my next visit), he would take me off my medicine. Well with both of our receptions, school ending and our two week vacation, eating well was not a top priority. I did not do too bad, but my weight had settled back around the 323 mark. So, on Monday June 15th, Jenni and I started the South Beach diet. This had probably been the most consistent diet I have ever been on. I got on the scales today...and I was confused...I weighed this time last week and I was at 315...and that was very encouraging...I mean 8 pounds in one week...that's flippin' awesome. So, today, the scale said 307. I was like "Huh?" So, i weighed again, and it said 304...which made me very confused...so I waited a few minutes and weighed one more time..."305.5" So, that's where I am settling. I have lost 17 pounds in 14 days. Phase One has been SWEET!. Jenni and I leave again this week to go to SC and NC for two weeks. We are going to extend PHASE ONE of the diet until we leave. I am so pumped. We are also adding an hour or so of walking a day this week. My goals are as follows: 290 by July 26th (hopefully size 40 pants, which would be crazy because when I started at CCS two years ago I was a 48)...280 by August 26th (my docs appointment is Aug 27th) and 240's by Christmas...if this happens, I will have lost 100 pounds in 18 months...the right way...and for good....

please hold me accountable!!!!

Jenni and Trey's Las Vegas Vacation

Hello to all...I know, I know...I said I would stay on top of my blogs this time around. But, please, please, please cut me some slack this go around. I have been off the map these last few weeks. Now, I am back and ready to comment on what Jenni and I experienced.

Today, you get to read my full Vegas rundown. I will comment on everything from travel, transportation, food, Strip layout, Vegas history, timeshares, shows, etc. I hope my insights on our experience can help those who might visit in the future.

Here we go!

TRANSPORTATION: Jenni and I booked a flight on Hotwire that departed in the evening from Charlotte, NC, connected in Atlanta (I know, it was way cheaper this way) and landed in Las Vegas just after 11:00 PM local time. We flew out at 5:50 AM and returned on the same flight plan to arrive in Charlotte around 4:00 PM EST. The low down on the travel is to prepare for the potential temperature of the plane. For those travelers who have not flown for several hours before, the plane temp actually mimics the air temp outside of the plane. The longer the plane is at 35000+ feet, the more time the plane has to cool. Jenni and I had the exit row for the leg room and I had the window seat. It had to have been 35-45 degrees in my seat and it was freezing! So, this is a word to the wise...Simultaneously, do not believe the chatter in Vegas about arriving to McCarran International 3-3.5 hours before your departure time, even if it is early morning. Now, this suggestion may take precedence if you are departing in the afternoon or the evening. If you have an AM flight, an hour is plenty of time. Jenni and I had to wait 2 hours in the lobby of the airport for it to open, after being told we needed to arrive at 2 AM. It made for an even longer day.

Once on the ground in Vegas, you have a few options. You can choose to use a shuttle service to take you to your hotel and bring you back on the day of your departure. For anywhere from 12-16 per person, some choose this route. You can always take a cab, but cabs still run when stuck in traffic. On a side note, the drivers of these buses are very knowledgeable, so ask away. But, be sure to tip them upon arriving at your hotel, 1$ per bag should suffice.

While in town, you can choose to ride the DUECE city bus. It is 3$ for a one way ride, 7$ for a 24 hour ticket and 15$ for a 3 day pass. These buses are SLAMMED at night and go at a snail's pace. They stop every block, just a word to the wise...

ACCOMODATIONS: The good thing about Las Vegas is that you can spend a range of 20-200 dollars a night. It is up to you to decide what hotel and what location fit best for you. Jenni and I stayed at the Stratosphere, which will be seen below. It was a walk from here to go anywhere else, but for 20$/night the room was more than adequate. The main Strip jacks the price a bit, but again, you are right in the middle of the action.

SHOWS: Shows in Vegas run anywhere from 30$ per person to 200$ per person. Jenni and I saw 3 while we were there. Tony and Tina's Wedding was very interactive, funny and had a decent buffet. Mesmerized was a hypnosis show that was quite possibly one of the funniest things I have ever seen in my life and what pretty affordable. We also saw a stage show of The Price is Right. You have a chance to go on stage and win prizes/money/etc. It was fun. We will definitely save and pay the big dollars to see a Cirque De Soleil next time around. Nothing but good reviews there.

FOOD: You can eat cheap every meal or you can spend 50$ a plate. There are several local dives, fast food joints, and top notch restaraunts. Just grab a map and plan what works for you.

FREE SIGHT SEEING: The top 5 things you have to see (that are free) while you are in Vegas...

5. The Lion cage inside MGM
4. The Gondola ride/Canal Shoppes in Venetian
3. The Fremont Street Experience
2. The Living Ceiling in Bellagio
1. The Singing Waters outside of Bellagio

CASINOS: Jenni and I enjoyed New York, New York, Planet Hollywood, Bellagio and Stratosphere. There are too many to see and too many things to play. FInd one that works for you and watch the magic happen. Many of the casinos have promotions going where you can earn 10-20$ in free slot play...on which, Jenni and I turned into 175$. So, do your research...most of the time, it is the less-ritzy Casinos that have these offers.

SIGHT SEEING OUTSIDE OF VEGAS:

You have to have to have to see the Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon. Period.

I feel like a whirling derbish

We're back safe and sound after two weeks of traveling. I'll be doing a thorough critique of Las Vegas and Orange Beach, Alabama, so get your popcorn ready.

Until then...