Tonight I received a call from grandfather (mother’s side) saying that you have acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). I know there isn’t much anyone can do at your age without reducing your quality of life. Oh, what a glorious life you have led. It has been full of ups and downs, traveling to exotic locations, raising a son, a daughter, as well as my sister and myself; not to mention putting up with Grandfather. We have been through some trials, tribulations, good times, bad times, and the familiar in-between times. Your uncanny ability to love someone at the worst of times and ability to nurture them at their best has always been my definition of “Grandma Judy”.

You will always remain my best friend; my role model for how to treat people. I fell blessed because of my time spent with you and grandfather. I feel blessed because not many people get a chance to say goodbye before someone’s time is up. I feel blessed because in April, around your birthday, we will have a family and family friend reunion to say our farewells to you on the beaches of North Carolina.

My heart goes out to grandfather and I hope that he can find strength in this trying time and a part of my soul will be carried on with you. Words cannot express the meaning you have given to my life, the purpose, the stubbornness, as well as the heart. I’ve always thought of you as my own personal white, middle class, Oprah.

Grandma, you have been the light flickering in the dark, the beat of the drum when it’s time to march, and the shield to protect me.

I’ll promise to do my best, I’ll continue to strive for the biggest heart my chest can bear, to love unconditionally, and provide for others as you have provided for me.

Grandma ‘Zoody’, I love you with every step I’ve taken to find you, to let you down, and to make you proud.

Always,

Your Grandson Mark

P.S. – I’m sure if you want to nag me about my grammar and punctuation in this letter I’d be more than receptive to your criticism.

Day 3 of my “Liquid Experiment” went very well. Had some unsweetened tea, 2 coke zeros, and the end of the day I had another Grande Caramel Frap. Ate pretty hearty too… if hearty equals 2 slices of super greasy pizza. Then had Panera Bread with Rhegan at her work.

Sidenote: I’ve been peeing a lot more. haha.

Sidenote 2: Solved 3 rubix cubes in 3m 58s, not bad… getting a bit better.

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Day 4 – Just updated this post for today (March 4th, 2010) due to recent news I didn’t want to take away from my main post on the 4th. I did poorly today 3 Mt. Dews, 2 Venti Caramel Fraps.

Today went really well. I wasn’t able to quit smoking… go figure. I have to read a really helpful book once again before I attempt to quit. However, I didn’t have a single “bad” soda. I tried Coke Zero today, no carbs, no calories, 35mg of sodium I think. I had lots of water (i think 6 bottles) and at the end of the night I buckled a little and got a Grande Caramel Frappuccino from Starbucks. I usually get a Venti every day so I think this is a step in a positive direction. Slowly and surely I’ll cut it all out completely. I can’t wait to see where I’m at weight and body composition wise next Monday and the Monday after that and so on.

As promised, click for hilarity. Here I am at 181lbs on March 1st, 2010.

The goal is to cut out sodas, sweetened coffees, and teas and see what happens to my body. The rest of my diet will stay the same (i.e. whatever I feel like eating). This is just a liquid experiment. I’ll be downing water in favor of all the bad liquids. Sorry for the grainy photo, I don’t foresee this being in print or “inTarwebz famous” any time soon. It is also worth mentioning that I will not be going out of my way to lift anything heavy(weight training) or running far distances(cardio).

This also happens to be the same day I am quitting smoking, just had my last a few moments ago and I’m just finishing up my last 20oz Coke. (Good luck right?). So the next photo will be in the same location, same clothes, just 1 week later. See you on Monday, March 8th? Great.

March 1st of this 2010 marks the end of my smoking and my renewed interest in becoming more fit. As such, I will be removing soda from my diet, adding more water, and not drinking any sweetened teas or coffee. Last time I did that for a month and a half and lost around 16lbs. Unnecessary calories and rotting my teeth… what’s the benefit other than the taste and the affects of caffeine. Let’s see where this takes me.

The plan is to document this all through this website… both my mood and cravings will be posted as well as a photo every Monday to see the effects of just quitting all the extra liquid calories. First picture is tomorow… oh this should be good.

Tonight was the last night of Rhegan’s move into our house… thank buddha.

Sidenote: Tattoo is finally healing/scabbing a bit. The soaked flakes that come off remind me of Fruity Pebbles… I’ll refrain from taste-testing them though.