Archives for March 2019

World War Me

March 29, 2019 By franco 1 Comment

I don’t even know where to start this week so I guess we can start with the scale and go from there. I am still pretty much where I’ve been in the middle of things for the last couple weeks. Haven’t gained any weight, I haven’t really lost any weight. Still going to the gym five days a week. Still logging everything I put in my mouth. Sooner or later something will have to give. I am floating in the 250’s and I just want to see 249 on that scale so damn bad!

I was very happy to finish a strength training 12 week program that I started out on at the beginning of the second week of the year. So it basically tells you that we are 13 weeks or so into 2019. Anyone on the journey with me is pushing forward and that’s fantastic. Lately so many people have been reaching out to me about where to start so I want to remind you that there is a link in the navigation of the website for you to get moving.. keto, paleo, whole 30… no matter how you slice it, eat less calories then you burn off. SCIENCE!

Yup!

My company, yes I do have a job that is not the band, recently acquired a West Coast division. I was actually a little nervous that I might lose my job since there are 81 teammates out there and only three of us over here on the Microsoft side East Coast, but I instantly ended up with a lot more responsibility. So I had a little bit more flex in my schedule it’s not so much anymore. That is OK. I like being needed. It’s a good feeling.

I guess I am definitely a mouth breather lately because I have been having 4 AM panic attacks while sleeping. Let me explain. I basically wake up with my throat and mouth completely dry and choking. I think I have mentioned it before that one of my biggest fears and paranoia is dying in my sleep. It actually makes me very restless most nights. I am using a humidifier now and we will see how that works.

The last two or three months have been great. I’ve been figuring out how to work through stress a lot better. Although it doesn’t seem to end most days.

You really do have to try to surround yourself with the best of the best. People that you can inspire, people that will inspire you, people that will pick you up when you fall, and people they will call you out when you’re an asshole.

Sometimes you just have to be done, not mad, not upset. Just done.

You’ll know when that time comes. Sometimes you could be screaming from a mountain and still not get through, or still not be heard.

I’m really glad that I have Amber who will always call me on my shit. And is not afraid to hit me with the truth bomb for sure.

My BFF has been going through a lot himself, adapting to single parenting and doing his best to be there for his daughter. He is definitely one of the good ones. If your friend can’t hear constructive criticism, they aren’t your friends. If you can’t give it to them, you aren’t one either. I never have to be afraid of what I say or feel with him. And trust me I have sugarcoated things, and sometimes I’ve screamed at the top of my lungs. It’s not always pretty. But it’s honest. And no matter what, we are there to pick each other up.

On Friday night my family was a guest at my son’s best friends wedding. So many things I could say about it. Being on the opposite side is mind blowing sometimes. The wedding was definitely excessive. And I don’t mean that in a bad way. Just over-the-top crazy. Not sure if I will ever see anything like that again. I will post some photos below.

I know that I post things, and people no matter how many times I’ve said don’t read into things because they might be song lyrics, they just might be current feels, but chances are they are not about you. I know that’s hard sometimes for people to comprehend. On Sunday morning I posted a little talk box on Instagram that said – “ I need to figure out the balance between quiet politeness and total honesty”.

This was actually the final outcome of a conversation I had with a groom from 10 years ago who happened to be a part of the wedding the band played this past weekend. I had two situations happen during the wedding.

Situation #1

Very drunken guest dancing to music in her head, very sexually, screaming at the band that she was dancing no matter what, when I asked for the dance floor to be cleared, for the parent dances. I could not help myself and into the microphone I explained to her very kindly that she could dance all she wants but she might take away from the bride finally getting a moment to dance with her father. Her date realized what was happening and sat her down for a few minutes. It was OK though because she came back To the front of the stage to dance for us a few minutes later.

I had to get her off the dance floor, maybe I should’ve went down off the stage and spoke to her, but my tolerance for drunk people is very little at this point of my life. Maybe I just felt super comfortable because the bride’s mom is a really big supporter of mine and is just awesome. Either way, it became part of my conversation later at evening with this past groom because he owns a few companies, is very worldly, and actually gives very good advice.

Situation #2

When I asked to clear the dance floor for the cake cutting, the wedding was already running late, and I just wanted to get to the party. It was a six hour wedding. You would think that there was plenty of time for someone to have a picture taken. But I get a random woman screaming in my ear that she needs a few more minutes and to wait because they need to get a photograph taken. I begin to tell her that I have a timeline from the bride’s mom that is the Bible that I must follow. She then calls mumbled something under her breath at me and then tells me that she’s an atheist and doesn’t care about the Bible. I again tell her that I must follow the bride’s mom’s wishes. And for the rest the evening was basically telling anyone and everyone in front of us that I was an asshole. Every time I came up to sing she would roll her eyes at me at me. It turns out that this crazy woman was the grooms aunt. It also turned out that the bride’s mom thought it was hysterical. And basically said that she trained me well. And that since she paid for us. She was the boss. I kinda knew that was going to be the answer by knowing this family. Still I didn’t think I was doing anything wrong. Surely someone who loves the bride and groom would understand that I needed to follow their timeline and do what’s best for them.

So we definitely got to talking after the wedding dusted settled and I was explaining to Matt, the past groom that I was struggling in the person that I am becoming at my age. That while I know what’s right business wise. The stress of a wedding and who I am accountable to, doesn’t always make me the favorite person. This is a bride into my personal life and other jobs too.

Matt sent me a text the next morning. And he said those words to me. Hang in there, you’re doing fantastic. I also need to figure out the balance between quiet politeness and total honesty.

You see, sometimes silence is an answer. I might not respond, but by being silent, I did.

I hope this weeks blog finds everybody well.

Thank you for reading, have a great weekend.

Franco

The Dirt

March 22, 2019 By franco Leave a Comment

So I guess this is a good a time as any to just come out the gate and tell you that I am still on the merry-go-round. This girl was going up and down all week long. And I am OK. It was kind of a wishy-washy week for me and I am OK with that. I’m just going to trudge my ass through the weekend, And start next week with a really good plan.

Next week is my 12th week, and the 12th week of the new year. Going to push for personal records at the gate and increase every exercise to four sets. It’s going to be a week very focused eating and gym time. We will make that scale move. We will make the fat come off. We will end the week strong.

Congratulations to my number one team member who lost 40 pounds since buckling down and listening to me and the end of November. She’s not just being good, she is kicking ass.

I think this weeks blog will be a little different for everyone because last night I was able to spend some time with my gym buddy Gunnar and his podcast host Ryan and tell them my story. I ramble, I talk fast, I was nervous. Their podcast is actually very good. And they always seem to pull some amazing guests, So I was honored to be asked.

The podcast is about an hour long. I apologize now for some of the stories that I thought. I hope you like it. If you do tell friend.

You can search the podcast in iTunes, or lesson with this link that I have attached.

Happy Friday and have a great week everybody.

Franco

Merry Go Round and Round

March 15, 2019 By franco Leave a Comment

So I’m pretty sure that the week got away from me. It’s Thursday afternoon as I type this and probably won’t be able to post this till tomorrow since I actually didn’t even weigh myself this morning which is a miracle in itself. But St. Patrick’s Day weekend is upon us and God knows what will happen on the scale come Monday because I plan on having some fun. (So that means probably not)

There are a few things I’d like to talk about today for example, is it creepy when your husband calls you a MILF on Facebook. Basically in the same sentence that says you’re a great mom. Because to me that’s just weird and not something that I would do to my wife. She’d probably text me within seconds to take it down. I am the most politically incorrect person around sometimes. You might not see that on Facebook because I choose to show you what you see there. But just something that made me shake my head today.

Started my gym week on Sunday and actually took a rest day on Wednesday. It felt good, might even do it again this week. The weather seems to be giving us a little bit of a break and I am getting antsy to put a bike rack on my Subaru and get some miles on my wheels during the day.

Floating around the same weight since the new year has been a small mindfuck. But my clothes are get smaller and smaller.

I posted a picture of eight different pairs of women’s size 12’s the other day. Mostly because The size thing screwed with me on Sunday while I was at the mall trying on shorts. I know that I could get shorts pretty much any time on American Eagle.com. But I wanted to make sure that things fit OK. I will not be getting size 32 shorts for sure.. The 34s were OK. Any old 34’s At Boscov’s we’re not OK. And I don’t know why but it really kind of bummed me out. That old light switch that used to go out when I try to clothes shop like a normal person was clicked again. It was really hard to not just start bawling. And it’s even more frustrating when I know Amber is outside the dressing room. Probably why I usually do this crap by myself when I can. She’ll see it n my face.

SOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

And it’s Friday and the scale is still on a merry-go-round. But one of my gym buddies pulled me aside to ask how much weight I’ve lost. The weird answer was, what do you mean? This year or in total. And he’s like no just this year. And I was able to say that even with the circle my body is going through that I am at 83 pounds since April 13, 2018. Something will have to give because I can’t believe the scale says that I am the same as I was around the time of Brandon‘s wedding. But that is okay. I do feel fantastic. Sometimes when you buy too many keto treats for yourself you have to really dial it back in. And the sugar-free chocolate can’t be that great for you. It’s definitely fills a need sometimes. The low carb bread has to go away again too 🙁

It is St. Patrick’s Day weekend here in Philadelphia and the band has three shows. Tonight is not so much of a big deal since Saint Patrick’s is on Sunday. But you would think it was St. Patrick’s Day all your long at the bar we are playing at on Saturday and Sunday. I have the full band with me on Saturday night and then Crabby and I have to go back on Sunday. It looked really good on paper months ago when we were asked. LOL.

I bought an obnoxious one piece at target two months ago when I saw it. It looks like a leprechaun’s clothes with suspenders and everything. I added green leggings to wear underneath because it’s a little short on the thighs as well as green soccer socks and I can wear either green or orange chuck Taylors that I have with them as well. I’m just not sure if I’m going to pull it out on Saturday or Sunday. I’m not wearing it both days for sure. There will not be enough time on Sunday to really wash the stuff. But St. Patrick’s Day is a big deal around here and I never really participated in the craziness when it was harder to buy stuff like this Five sizes ago. But I have no excuse now so I will participate. It’s funny make $125 and spend 50 on an outfit. Happy St. Patrick’s Day to me. But I do know the owner and the manager appreciate it – I have something we will laugh about in the years to come. The Jamison will be flowing.

Booked hotel rooms for Nashville in July. I can’t wait. I do get a short mini getaway in May to confirm my niece Gabriela. So at least I will get to see toy story land and get some warmth on my skin.

I hope this finds you well as you are reading. The funny thing about the Facebook and Instagram outrages this past week was that we could not compare ourselves to anyone else for five or six hours. You will never be me, I will never be you, what works for me might not work for you, but if we’re all going towards a similar goal we should all be there for each other. Make sense?

And by the way if you’re going to get your news about Keto from Maxim magazine please delete me from your Facebook now. Whackos!

You’re not going to die because you ate too much steak. You’re going to die because you’re fat as shit. I mean I’m fat and I even know that. And eggs and steak are definitely not going to kill me.

Have a great weekend and be safe.

Franco

NYE 2018/19

A Million Little Pieces

March 7, 2019 By franco 3 Comments

So let’s talk about someone else today out the gate. That’s how I start this weeks check in. My friend Kelly has gone through the fucking ringer over last couple years. And in the end the sun is finally starting to shine a little bit. She has been one of my biggest supporters from day one. I doubt there is a blog that she has missed or a post that she hasn’t liked or her commented on. She is an amazing person, an amazing artist, and an amazing mom. A custom painting she made me is hanging right in the middle of my living room at the beach.

She had tried pretty much every diet in the book over the last 20+ years and I’m sure plenty of people reading this now know children wreck havoc on your body. I don’t personally know but I’ve been told.

And on November 27 she finally took all the information I put together for her, woke up And started her low-carb lifestyle. It hasn’t been easy for her since her husband pretty much has a tapeworm in his stomach and can eat whatever he wants. And of course adding two young children don’t make things easy either. But as of this morning I got the magic text that she was down 37 pounds. This girl has not given up. This is no resolution that’s already been abandoned. This is no magic drink with promises of gut health etc. etc. this is no detox tea. This is hard work.

These are the results of the people around me who just try. You shouldn’t have to live with pain. You shouldn’t have to worry about fitting in the seat at the doctors office when you’re already stressed out about what the doctor might be telling you. You shouldn’t have to worry about traveling or getting on a roller coaster with your kid. If this was easy everyone would look like a HNM model. It’s not easy look, it can be done.

What is fucked up is that I have never tried to sell anyone anything. Not even the gym that I go to. I mean why? I don’t wanna wait for gym equipment. Lol. But over the last five years except for some protein powders and things like that, I have eaten real food. Good and bad. I am down 158 pounds since this journey started. I am down just about 83 pounds since last April. 55 since July. I’m probably about 60 or so low carb.

You can take your vegan propaganda about keto crotch and all the other stupid shit that’s all over the Internet and shove it up your ass.

Another one of my good friends that I help to motivate and an original member of team Franco is down just about 20 pounds and 4% body fat in the new year. Neither of these women are going to the gym. Neither of these women are highly active outside of their workplace. And so it does go to show you that most of the hard work is done in the kitchen.

I am still not trying to sell anything. I have nothing to sell. Everything we buy is either at Costco, Sam’s, giant, or Acme. I did find a new website that had a lot of the keto and low-carb items that I’ve been dying to try in one place. So I use their free overnight shipping and have been waiting for the stuff to come in the mail today. I am hoping to wait to post this blog so I can show you some of the things that I got. If I don’t add the photos here later, make sure you check out my Instagram I will put them in a post or a story.

And remember if it’s time for you, you can always find the links to my keto kickstart on my website above as well as what to eat. anyway.

So I talked about it a little bit above. The scale did not get put away. Amber went away for the weekend and I was home alone and this scale just sat there and stared at me. It also decided that it was going to be nice to me and I got to the lower end of where the scale was bouncing back-and-forth. I know I suck. I am all talk. I am circling my lowest ever. And I am about 19 pounds away from having lost 100 pounds this year. I do not think that I will hit that number. But I’m going to try. I’m not sure my body has that much weight left. I really am a lot of skin.

Speaking of skin, round two of skin removal surgery and fighting with the insurance company did not go well. So I have one appeal left and I have four months to put it in. So I’m sure I’m going to do it soon but ironically did not sit at the table yesterday when the paperwork came like I normally would. I am hoping that the fire hasn’t burned out. But we will see. I was really angry when I got the phone call with the denial but life goes on. I’m going to celebrate the victories and not worry too much about these things that I can’t control.

If you follow the band on Facebook you saw some great photos and videos of this past weekends wedding. It was actually a very good weekend all around. A great charity event in new Hope on Friday and a wedding in Atlantic City on Saturday. It was nice to put my smallest Tuxedo ever on. I can’t wait to have it altered. I am not used to having pants that have the slides on the side and they are already all the way closed and my father already put a couple stitches in the rear. I’m not a big fan of wearing suspenders. But they get the job done. The jacket fits fantastic.

The truth is there’s about 80 days to memorial day weekend. When I count down to memorial day weekend it isn’t about bathing suits And things like that, even though I know that I need a few new Bathing suits at both houses. I have actually wanted a pair of board shorts for my entire life and they just never fit or they never make them all that big. Maybe this will be my year. I can actually walk into a surf shop and buy a bathing suit. GOALS MOTHER FUCKERS! Memorial day for me just starts my favorite time of the year. I am a beach person. I love salt air. It makes me whole. It makes me better. My family sacrificed for us to be at the shore all summer growing up. And now we do the same. Even as adults the kids have keys, they can come and go. It will always be theirs.

UGH!

“Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.” – Steve Jobs

This is something that hits close to home this week. When are you old enough to die? I was going to work on Tuesday and one of the digital billboards had a memorial to Luke Perry who passed away this week. Child actor, all-around nice guy. Not many people had anything bad to say about him whatsoever. I am not going to wait around to get older. My parents did and now they are playing catch-up in their 70s. Its never going to be okay to just die and I am never going to be old enough to be ready.

If you are one of my stepsons reading this, take this as your warning, make your own money because other than the houses we are not leaving anything behind. We are going to see the world, we are going to spend our money. We are going to create a bucket list and we are going to scratch every damn thing off of it. Some years it might be more than others but we are going to do it. My eyes have seen everything that I want them to when they finally close for the last time. At the very least I’ll be able to say that I tried.

Remember, you can break into a million little pieces. But all those pieces are important because they are part of you. That’s what makes you special.

I have off this weekend and no plans so I’m going to get busy living. I hope this finds everyone well. I’ve been having a great week in a gym and feel much better last week. Turn down the noises in your head and turn up the music.

Peace, Love and Understanding!

Franco