Archives for September 2018

Bulletproof Baby!

September 27, 2018 By franco 1 Comment

I am willing.
I am wired to win.
I got this.
I embrace the uncertainty.
I am not my thoughts; I am what I do.
I am relentless.
I expect nothing and accept everything.

I posted that earlier this week on my Instagram. I think that it is important to remind yourself sometimes. I love the T-shirt my friend Phil gave me last week. Not only is it a size large, but it is literally the word action over intent. You can have the greatest intent towards others, towards your life etc. But if you do not put that to action. You’re cutting your self short. Action will always outweigh words, empty promises to others and yourself and honestly circumvent bullshit. In the Internet world everyone talks a good game. I will keep rereading the above affirmation because sometimes I need to remind myself when I am beaten-down to get the hell back.

I was NOT going to write this week. Mainly because I behaved all weekend – rode out the high of my 50 pound plus loss, and did not want to fuck up. After the 5K on Saturday morning my body hurt. I tried to Nap Saturday when I got home in the early afternoon but it was nice out the neighbors were all over the place And my dogs we’re losing their shit so caffeine I had to take over for me Plus a hell of a lot of Motrin. You have to be honest with yourself sometimes. You can’t always just blog about all the amazing things that you do or the good shit. That is not life, sometimes you honestly just have to be real with yourself. I don’t know why my body put on a little weight since last week. I do know that my meals have been on point, I’ve been getting over a gallon if not a gallon and a half of water everyday and I’m doing all the right things. But somehow this scale moved in the other direction. I know what you’re saying, what the fuck is a pound and a half. It’s probably a good poop for most people. Not me anymore since I’m not putting too much garbage into my body but a good poop for most people. But this is real talk. This is real life. It’s hard not to get off the scale feeling deflated first thing in the morning. But either way I log it into my apps. I feed the fucking dogs and I head to the gym. By 9 AM I am logged into my system and ready to work for the day.

I see you.

It’s funny the things that people will say to you, or point out to you. I posted a picture of me feeling good in Asbury park last week. It’s in last weeks blog too.

I see you.

I don’t need you to whisper. I don’t need to be told that of the 700 likes, loves, or wows. That many of the people closest to me didn’t say a word. Zero. Guess what? After addressing it here I’ll be done.

I don’t give a fuck.

If you saw my post and it inspired you, that was my goal. I wanted you to be able to say hey, if he can do it, I can do it too. Let me try something new. Let me get out of the chair at my daughter’s soccer game and walk around the field instead of socializing with the other parents. I might not have time to go to the gym but I am already here. Maybe you reached out to trainer or just got off the couch a few more times.

I did not post that photo for attention. If social media did not exist. I would still be in the gym every fucking day. I might not have the knowledge that I have now for my routines, but I would be working my ass off just the same.

I thought everything was cool and then people started chirping. So then I had to post a photo from last summer which is still 25 or 30 pounds heavier than I am now but I was so damn happy with half a dozen donuts in my hands with my coach Jason. Then I got hurt and added 20 or 25 more pounds. Which is why I wanted to set my goal for 50 pounds for 2018. Erase 2017 and move forward by 25. Responsible and reasonable goals.

So then I had to get on the defensive because of course I have a little fight in me. And had to post something, I will post it here in case you’re ignoring my Facebook posts

Let’s just set something straight here. I didn’t lose 50 pounds this year so far starving myself. I eat food. I eat 1900 – 2000 calories a day. I don’t drink alcohol much anymore. I watch what I eat every day. I don’t take pills, shakes, or crap from companies that I don’t know what is in them. I don’t buy products from people who become instant “coaches” or health advisors on the internet.

I have a meal plan full of REAL FOOD and a road map to where I want to go. I go to the gym almost everyday. 5 days a week I only eat from 1pm – 9pm. This works for me.

I have 2 jobs now that consume most of my time along with other daily life struggles we ALL go through.

Everyone always has an excuse as to why they cannot make time to get into the gym or to their basement to work out. I have all the same excuses you guys do. I find time. I make it work because I want it to work.
Sit down and decide what you want your end goal to be. Make a plan as to how you can get in the gym or be active. Plan your meals ahead. Try it. You have to put effort in to get results. Nothing will ever just magically happen. (Trust me I know) Remember your goals and just get it done.

If you need help and you are in my area, you can reach out to Jason at Back to Basics Fitness or message me. I have friends who know what they are doing all over the NE Philly/ Bucks area and get some help. You’ll be surprised how much a good gym family of friends can do for you when you realize you are not alone.

But no, I didn’t have a secret weight loss surgery this summer. No I don’t want to sell your weight loss junk with you, no I don’t want to be on your “Team”. I won’t use my before and after photos to lie to my friends.
I do appreciate you caring though! Okay now that I got that off my chest. GO EAGLES!

That was how I spent my Sunday morning after the gym.

So how do you measure love? How do you measure friendship? An old friend told me a long time ago that the measure of love is to love without measure. I don’t know.

I do know that this point that I just continue to do my thing. I don’t care if anyone is reading this anymore. While I like to think that I have something to say, chances are I probably don’t. Life would be much easier if I just had weight-loss surgery secretly over the summer. I did not.

If I did you know that I would be screaming from the top of the mountains and trying to help others as well. Chances are in 2019 I will have to have some excess skin removal. If you’ve been following along, you know I will be telling you all about it at least here. There is a reason why I don’t over post my fitness shit on Facebook.

So while Amber loses weight this week we have now flipped the switch on each other and I have stalled out and she is kicking ass. I usually always try to get ADA seating at the Flyers games because the seats are tiny for me. In the last year or so I fit just fine waist wise, it’s always my legs hitting the seat in front of me and feeling like that person has my head in their crotch that sucks. Tonight I’m sitting a couple rows from the ice and nothing is going to stop me. I have a new XL Jersey, I’m ready to rock the orange and black.

Going to do my best to experience as much life as possible and finish 2018 STRONG!

Keep fighting the good fight. It’s all we can do. Don’t let anyone get you down and don’t take any shit from no one. You have a voice, use it.

Hate away. I have thicker skin. I am bulletproof.

Franco

If Your Prayers Don’t Get to Heaven

September 20, 2018 By franco Leave a Comment

Well I guess we should have a conversation. This is a good week for me.

I actually had to go back and look at some old blogs to look at some of my goals for 2018. Ironically that is really why this blog exists. To keep myself motivated, to hold myself accountable, and to maybe help someone else in need. Whether that is physically or mentally.

I said at the end of the year that I was going to make good on the promises that I made to myself and my body in the past. DONE!

I never skip the gym no matter how bad I want to. And I think I have gotten the kitchen portion of my life style on track and in a routine.

Broken people can be put back together. You just can’t depend on anyone else to do it for you. No one can fix you. I have plenty of scotch tape to fix myself. Duct tape is sticky.

So looking at some of the other goals. No more than two drinks at my shows. I typically stick to this if not, I’m not drinking at all. My friends still don’t like me super sober. I honestly rather eat my calories if that’s going to be the case.

The size 40 jeans that I have been talking about for over four years are now loose on me.

I wanted to buy more experiences in 2018 and I think other than going away, which did not happen, we are going to concerts, and places, musicals, and a few day trips up our sleeve that I can check this on my list. I mean once you go to a Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl parade, cnot many other things can compare.

Find a job that makes me happy – Hmmm I think the verdict is still out. I am getting better at my job and finding a decent balance working remotely and traveling a little bit. I think it might be a keeper once I don’t feel like I am floundering so much.

I wanted to look and FEEL the best that I can at Brandon (my son’s) wedding – This is the first weekend in 2019 and I think I got this one down…

Get back in the helicopter and soar about Wildwood – I did not soar this summer and I could have. I was under the weight limit. We just didn’t get to it and then summer was over. They are from York PA! Might have to do a day tip and go see some different skies. Can I fly over Philly?

So if you keeping mental track as you are reading this! I have already knocked out all but one of 2018’s goals.

The one goal to lose 50 pounds in 2018.

As of this morning, that goal is accomplished and I have added another 10 pounds to that. 50.5 lbs lost so far in 2018! MOTHER FUCKING GOAL ACCOMPLISHED player! 60lbs here I come!

I basically have to go to Kohls and get a new belt because the one that Amber bought me with all my new work clothes – I am on the last hole already. I also need a brand-new tuxedo because thank God for suspenders otherwise I would’ve been in a lot of trouble at this past weekend’s wedding, but I think I’m going to embrace having big pants for a while and get a new tuxedo before the wedding.

I know if some of my friends out there are struggling and trying to work different things out.

Remember you got this.

Self-control–a way of controlling myself in a mannerly way. I know that definition by heart because I had a jerk off sixth grade teacher who made us write that 1 million times on the blackboard when we got in trouble. Guess who always got trouble? Turns out he was a child molester and just did not like fat kids. I sure as hell wrote that at least 1 million if not two. Self-control is a very hard thing for many people. I have issues with it as well. I let myself have too many treats and then I easily spiral. It’s only today, then tomorrow. Too many damn excuses. So I just do my best to stay and check at all times.

I don’t even know what to else to say this week. The wedding last weekend with the band was awesome. I Really kind of wasted Sunday laying around watching the Eagles game and I promised myself that I’m going to try and be more active on Sundays. I’m getting a bike rack and hitch installed this weekend and I’m going to take a few day trips on Sundays.

Went to see Butch Walker last night in Asbury Park. Asbury Park is awesome. Definitely a nice place to go walk around for an hour or two and suck in some salty air.

I get to fast walk/run/God knows why am doing this, a 5K on Sunday and just want to thank anyone reading or who donated. That was incredibly nice of you. You probably just wanted to hear me bitch about hating to run more.

Well I hope this finds everyone well.

Thank you to so many people that are always in my corner. I could not do this without you. The support is amazing. The million snapchats, instagram posts, ans selfies, are not about me. They are about committing to yourself, making good on promises to yourself, and most importantly that if can do it and you need to do it, you can too. Your story is important and you are not alone.

We can get better, because we’re not dead yet

.50 pounds since April/2018 mother fuckers 🙂 Yes I am stoked.

Till next week!

Franco

Mine

September 14, 2018 By franco 1 Comment

I have to be honest, a part of me wants to just wait to post this until next wee, the other part of me says that I need to post every week, and that’s what I try to do, and although it is late in the afternoon on Friday and nobody is probably going to read this, that is what accountability is all about. It’s supposed to be for me. Mine

So maybe for once I will just keep this short.

I don’t know what is wrong with me this week but I am pretty sure I’ve been a prick the entire week at home.

I have definitely been short and angry, with those around me. And I don’t know why because I have had a good week for the most part. I had to go to Reading on Tuesday for work and work has not been so bad this week. I basically just ended a week five and I am suriving. But all I can say is I will try to lighten the fuck up and be better.

So let’s talk about this weeks accomplishments. I came out of the weekend and a short carb/ice cream load at the previous weeks weight. Okay that’s cool. Then all of a sudden a few pounds washed off me and now I sit 2 to 3 pounds away from my goal for the year. Can you believe that I have lost 47 pounds since April? I can’t. But I think the people that know the struggle to just lose 5 pounds know how big a deal this is. I am going to hit my goal over the next two weeks because I will lose a pound a week if it kills me. I hope to be at goal by next weeks blog. But life doesn’t usually for like that for me.

And trust me, I honestly understand that weight is just a number in the end. When I started 4 1/2 years ago I was a size 60 jeans now I am a 40. I was wearing a 5X T-shirt now I can get away with an XL and probably can fit into a large. I can fit in any chair that I want to sit in. I don’t have to look for one that has no arms. I can fit in any seat and a concert although at 6’3 my knees still hit the seat in front of me. I don’t have to be uncomfortable getting on an airplane. This is what being healthy to me is all about.

So I’m going to leave it at that this week. I did the work in the gym and in the kitchen and I’m going into the weekend. All I can do is my best. My best might not be the same as yours. But that’s why it is mine.

I hope that when I write you again and I’ll have some good news, some before and after photos. And that I won’t be cranky as fuck anymore.

But in the four years plus since I started this. I am down almost 125 pounds. Although I still have a coach, I have not really bothered him for workouts or macro tweaking since early May. I’ve been doing this all on my own. That is what getting a little bit a knowledge and doing what you can with it is all about.

I know a lot of friends out there are trying to get it right now so I give you a lot of credit. Get every thing you can out of the next couple months. Don’t wait till the new year, don’t wait till after the holidays, it just gets harder and harder. Stare down your goal, tell it to go fuck itself, and go after it,

I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend. No matter what, thank you for being in my corner.

Franco

Prove Me Wrong

September 7, 2018 By franco 2 Comments

yeah I skipped last week. I was going to be all sad and melancholy and end the summer with some grandiose reflection and once I was done work and knowing what teh weekend had in store for me I just figured if you were on Snapchat (@Egophilly) or Instagram you could just follow along that way till I go to this week and some time to write.

It’s was a long week and weekend. It’s always been mostly the driving and the time spent getting to where I had to be and not the destinations themselves. That feeling when you get the destination is well. Being there is awesome till it’s time to go. I am usually the kind a person that wants to peace out immediately. I can’t relax. I just have to go.

On stage I was at my personal best this Summer and especially this past weekend. Probably better than any summer for me yet. It was the first summer that I lost weight and not gained weight that I can remember. 25 pounds from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Put that in your fucking pipe and smoke it!

It’s nice not having to play catch up at the end of the summer. I really think that had a lot to deal with it. While my body hurt still, it was a different kinda hurt. While my older bandmates we could complain and cry and going into the third night in a row this weekend the tension started to rise. I would’ve been OK with a fourth night. I was vocally and physically strong at the very end of the last of the 12 hours of music this weekend. We have a lot of nights off this month – not really by choice but making the best of it, I’m thinking about what other things that I can do musically to keep that creative outlet open for myself. I was incredibly happy this past Saturday and Sunday on stage. I get to pick the songs that I sing and how I put them into the evening. My main job is to elevate the emotions of the crowd. I get to crank it up. Take it up a notch because it’s not just dance music. It’s nostalgia. I do a fall out boy song and I instantly take back the crowd 2005. You take a 25 year old instantly back to being a freshman in high school. You are now playing a sound track that they know all the words to. I didn’t want the night to end Sunday. Another summer gone. 21 summers gone. Doing this thing. How long can I really hang on? The Band did rally and sound great this weekend! Long weekend or not!

Maybe I need to start a new band that plays 90’s and 2000’s one hit alternative wonders and play what I want a few nights a month while my band mates who want more time to themselves can do just that. I like being on stage. I like to perform. That is my favorite place to be. Who knows. Maybe I am to tired. I dunno. I started making a set in my head and on my phone while I was in the gym Tuesday. I would need an in your face, female front who has some balls. If the guys want to sleep wit her and the girls wanted to talk to her in the bathroom and be her friend, I could make it work. Ya see in the end…. I might not be able to always do what I want in my current situation but don’t let that fool you. I know what I am doing.

Wanna see some of my first set?

Torn – Natalie Imbruglia
All I really Want – Alanis
Cumbersome – 7 Mary 3
Been Caught Stealing – Janes Addiction
Somebody to Shove – Soul Asylum
Cannonball – The Breeders
Bound for the Floor – Local H
Right Here Right Now – Jesus Jones
Lump – Presidents of the US
Timebomb – Rancid
Zombie – Cranberries
Everlong – Foo Foghers

There is my first set. It would only get more fun after that warm up! And I think my friends who come out a lot would support me and it would be fun 1 or 2 times a month!

Oh and yeah, I’d either use my band name from before Bigg Romeo or I have another one in mind. We’ll see. Again, I might be tired. But I can write some sets while resting between sets at the gym!

Ah the gym!

Everyone used to bust my balls because I had the time to be a gym rat. I don’t know how many times I heard, “I wish I had the time to live in the gym”. I raised my kids. I did my time. Now I’m either on the road or working remotely logged in at least 9-5 every day. Guess what? I’m still getting this shit done. I’m tired. I’m cranky. I’m sore. I’m stressed that I won’t be good enough at this job or that I’m gonna get a call that my boss made a mistake….. but whatever happens. At least 5 days a week I am in the gym with NO EXCUSES. Some days are better then others. Some mornings my time management sucks and I have to go back to do cardio and finish my programming but I go back. So now that you can’t throw the excuse in my face that I have more time then you…… what’s your new excuse? I don’t have any. Now I work 6 days a week and ya know a double on Fridays!

Yup! I don’t need anyone to be proud of me. I am proud of myself this morning while I type this.

Let’s get talking about where I am in the end. Like I said above this was the first summer in a long time that I can remember that I will I’m not playing catch-up game at the end of it. I think I had a good amount of fun either way.

I had all my summer staples at least once.

Sams, Macks and Joe’s Pizza! Even had some at the Firehouse 🙂
Fried Oreos
Curleys Fries
Fudge
Carmel Covered Turtles
Cape May Peanut Butter Company
Twisted Lemonade
Rum Bucket and Tram Car at BBG.

See I am not dying. I wasn’t deprived.

On Tuesday morning I got on the scale and it was about I don’t know, 9 pounds more than where I was the week before or so. Now I’ve been through this enough to know that that I did not gain 9 pounds. Not to mention I had my skinniest jeans on Friday and Saturday night and they were fine. So between inflammation, water, and yes ice cream and some chips I knew I was dialing myself back in….. by Wednesday 3 pounds were gone, by Thursday another 3 pounds, gone, and I was roughly sitting why was the week before again. I did not blog yesterday because I wanted to see where I can get by Friday a.m. And in the end I got myself back to where I was before Labor Day. 9 pounds to get to my goal from 2018 go. Strap in because in the end, these 9lbs will be the hardest thing I’ve done all year. It always is and there are no tricks to get there either. Cause I know how to get them off, it’s keeping them off that is the hustle.

I am still doing Keto in case you were wondering.

So we are two weekends away from my 5K with CORE BTS , my new company. I am going to drop the link here in case anyone reading wants to donate to my run.

https://runsignup.com/francohatestorun

Let me start by saying that I actually hate to run or any forward motion for that matter, But I think it’s very important to raise awareness and money for women that have already beaten cancer and need some aftercare and support. I know too many women who have lived with shame and guilt and while they be cancer they are still beating themselves for being alive while others didn’t get so lucky. Since the physical studio shut down, I will not be able to do my fight like a girl photos anywhere, I thought this was my way of giving back this year. So if you are so inclined I would really appreciate it. I am already at my $500 goal thanks to lots of friends and especially two survivors who I love very much who were very generous. It would be nice to double everything that is there now. SO HELP A BROTHER OUT! If I get to $1000 I’ll wear a TUTU and run for ya’ll! How about it!

Any bit helps.

Okay I have to stop talking and shoot this up to the cloud. Thank you for reading.

Keep the faith!

Franco