Car Audio Friday - Car Audio Championships & Alma Gates

So, today's post, I decided on useing some time to start planing my trip to Finals in October.

Apparently, the powers that be decided that they wanted to make the Car Audio Finals in Huntsville, Alabama this year. Kind of sucks, but it is what it is. Why Alabama? I just don't understand that. Is there anything to really do in Huntsville? Are there hotels?

Hey look! That's me in the white Team Gates Shirt!!!

It's kind of funny, because when I picture Alabama, I don't picture much! Now, my brother Dennis lives in Montgomery, and I have been there a few years ago. But, that was it.

I remember the drive going up to Montgomery... There wasn't much... as a mater of fact there was nothing but cotton fields and just a lot more of NOTHING. Want to know why the University of Alabama has a good college football team? BECAUSE THERE IS NOTHING TO DO THERE EXCEPT PLAY FOOTBALL!

So, the finals for this year, is at a place called the Von Braun Center. Which I guess is like the central area for like the local fairs or something. I decided to MapQuest it and Google Earth it to get a better idea of whats around. After mapping  it kind of looks pretty neat. A lot of local things to do. I see an art museum, and apparently there is a Space Camp there. That's pretty cool, I guess... But, we're not there to have fun... OH NO.... We're there to PARTY!!!!

This is the end of the year bash for us car audio nuts. That means it is one of the two times we ALL get together and drink some beer, have some fun, and play practical jokes with one another. What I like most about this time of year. It is one of the few times I get to see some of my mentors, jokers and closest friends. People like Markey Dietrich, Paul Pirro and Shazad Rahaman. Why these three? Well, One is my mentor, one is a great friend and one is a jokester!

The one thing I will miss most this year is Alma Gates. She was like a 2nd Mother to me when we were out at shows all over the country. She always kept us in check, she always made sure we were in the lanes when we needed to be, and she could sure out drink us! One of my greatest memories of Alma was at CES in 2002. Kicker (I competed for the KCG / TEAM KICKER back then), had thrown another WELL KNOWN ABOUT dealer party. Till this day, I usually get the name wrong, but I think it was called The Beach. It was right across from the Las Vegas Convention Center, so we could leave the North Hall, walk about 2 blocks and get right to partying!

Patrick, Alma, Me and Julie @ SBN 2001
(Kicker Competition Group)

So anyways, one of my favorite memories was Alma Gates, Patrick Gates, Dave "Fishman" Rivera, Manny "Mad Dog", my buddy James and myself all sitting at this table just talking and having a good time. Suddenly, these two shot girls come up and ask if we want shots. So, Alma, decided that she was going to pay the girls to give ME a body shot. But instead of doing what would be a traditional body shot, there involved some dancing, and I ended up on my knees while these 2 girls filled me up with liquor! Just the look on her face when I stood up was priceless! I have a picture of all of us around the table that night and if I can remember to find it, I'll post it for everyone to see. A few Car Audio legends in one picture! It was just an amazing night all together!

Alma Gates taught me a few things over the years:
1) Never be late to a meeting, or your competition time
2) Make your competitors fear you in the lanes, but love you under the tents.
3) Always respect each other, and your team mates

and my favorite

4) NEVER TURN DOWN A PIECE OF CHEESECAKE!!!!

Nicole (MA AUDIO) and I @ CES 2002

Ahh the memories! As most Car Audio competitors and professionals know, Alma passed away this past year. It was a loss to all of us in the Car Audio world. I remember where I was, what I was doing, and who I was with when I received the phone call. She was a lady that taught everyone how to be a competitor, as well as how to be a leader. Her ability to comfort yet scare the hell out of competitors was like no other! If you didn't respect her, then you didn't know her. If you didn't fear her in the lanes, then you never competed with her. But if you had her on your team... You had a lot of cheesecake!!!

One of my biggest wishes as a competitor was to one day make Alma Gates proud. Both in and out of the lanes. As a competitor and a leader, that was always my drive. Even till this day, it has been the drive that has always pushed me forward. I strive now, not only for her, but for all competitors in both SQ and SPL. I try everyday, the best I can, to push our sport forward, and hope that one day, I can influence AT LEAST ONE competitor the same way Alma influenced me.

- C

Tank Tuesdays... A Couple New Toys!

So this weekend, I had received a couple new toys from the online retailer that I get all of my gear from. I finally ordered a Phosban Reactor 150 made by Two Little Fishies, as well the Dr. Tim Bio Pellet reactor kit with the Bashsea reactor.

Bashsea Reactor with Bio-Pellets

 So far, I'm digging them both... it kind of gives you more things to look at while relaxing in the room. Out of the two, I like the Bashsea reactor the most for its looks and simplicity of removing and adding the reactor material. However, I do like the Phosban reactor because it has a small mounting bracket to get it off the floor and onto the side of the sump. Whereas the Bashsea just kind of sits at the base of the sump and hangs out there.

Now, what is the purpose of doing this? Well here it is:

Dr. Tim's bio-pellets help remove the nitrates and phosphates from the aquarium so that nutrients are not avail to start going cyanobacteria and nuisance algae. The process is converting the nitrate and phosphates in the aquarium, and into bacteria cells that are then removed by the protein skimmer. In my aquarium, I was having a major problem with cyanobacteria. I fought and fought it for a few weeks, talked to several friends and reef heads, then finally did a lot of research and found Dr. Tim’s NP-Active Pearls. After talking to friends and trying everything they had recommended, I did not have any success. So after reading and even e-mailing Dr. Tim and having some chats with him, I had decided to try it. I will report back on the success in a few days/weeks/months.

PhosBan Reactor with GFO

Now, the Two Fishies Reactor, I decided to run another type of phosphate remover called GFO. GFO stands for Granulated Ferric Oxide, which removes phosphates from the aquarium and is one of the most commonly used medias in the aquarium industry. GFO is one of the few ways to maintain some ultra-low phosphate levels on a consistent basis. Most importantly, maintaining the ultra-low levels will help prevent algae outbreaks. And as most people know, outbreaks are one of the most common reasons for a complete tank shut down. Preventing the outbreaks is much easier to deal with than having to cure it!

Since at this point I have removed most of my algae outbreaks, I’m hoping the combined effort of Bacteria treatment with the Bio-Pearls and the GFO will help prevent any kind of outbreaks in the future. But as I said before, I will report back and let you all know how it turns out!

Have a great Tuesday!

Just a look at some of the algae on Friday.

IN LOVING MEMORY OF LAUREN "LOLA" SCOTT CHIODO...

Today is a very sad day.

I learned yesterday at 8pm that my dear friend Lauren passed away on Thursday morning @ 8:05am.

Lauren Scott left a huge impression on me, and thousands of people. She leaves behind not only her family and friends, but a huge legacy. She had taught us all how to be brave, loving, strong and most importantly, face your fears head on!!! 

As I stated on Monday's post; nothing upsets and pisses me off more than a child losing their life to something like Cancer. Lauren had carried herself for a long time with this terrible disease. Not only her, but thousands if not millions of children are effected. I do not understand why. I cannot comprehend the meaning behind it. However, I do know that all of the children in the past are now surrounding Lauren in a ceremony of love, overwhelming happiness, as God hands her her very well earned golden angel wings. 

I feel deep in my heart that Lauren, and a very select few have been given these golden wings as a sign of love, as they are the leaders of their time. They are the teachers that have left this earth so early yet have taught us all a lot about ourselves, our lives, and our family. They have taught us more than any of our grade school teachers, parents, or even grandparents combined. The simple love and affection, leadership, and bravery are what are so awe inspiring. 

Lauren has affected me in such a huge way over the past few years. Not only because of the awareness she brought to the table, but because she was so kind hearted. I remember just seeing images of all the cool things that she has done over the past year, which most people have never done in their 70 years on this earth. Lauren has been a huge inspiration. She has been a tremendous teacher. Yet, she has been one of the biggest leaders of my life. At only 16, it’s hard to believe that so much can be learned from her in such little time.

As stated before, her legacy lives on with me. She is held so high in my heart and mind that I will never forget the things she has taught me. I hope that her family realizes that she has been a huge part not only in my life, but in everyone’s lives. Team Lola is more than a group of people who shared the story and legacy of Lola, but it is a family who on this day are in mourning of one of the single greatest leader of our generation.

Lauren “Lola” Scott Chiodo’s legacy will forever live on in my heart, and the heart of Thousands. I promised her, her mother and her family that I will continue to drive the force that is Team Lola. I will continue to be involved in the awareness of Pediatric Cancer. And most importantly, we will all "Stay Strong", “love each other to the moon and back” and “Love Like Lola!”

Rest In Paradise my dear Lola, gone from us so early, but will never be forgotten!

 

Lauren “Lola” Scott Chiodo

1997 – 2013

-Chad V. Romano

Team Lola

Team Evilbass

I apologize... Now eat your vitamins!!!

First off, I'd like to apologize to everyone as I had a pretty busy day at work yesterday and was so exhausted when I got home. I was not able to get online to do my Wednesday blog. But I'm back today! :o)

So, today, after working out at the gym, I kind subliminal changed my usual routine when getting ready for work. For some unknown reason, I decided to brush my teeth after taking my shower, before eating breakfast and most importantly before taking my vitamins! That was an un-godly mistake!!!

Let me explain...

I have been taking a chew-able men's one-a-day vitamin for about 5 years now. Recently, under a doctor suggestion, B12 and vitamin D supplements. This has been my routine everyday for the past year or so.

So today, I brushed my teeth, then with out thinking about it, popped in my 2 vitamins...

To say the least... it was the most god-awful taste I have ever experienced in my life!!!!

Now all of us have brushed, then tried to drink some orange juice afterwords. We all should know how bad that tastes... but with vitamins... its about 1000x worse!!! DONT TRY IT!!! JUST TRUST ME ON THIS ONE!!!

So whats the moral of today's Blog??? Take your vitamins and most importantly... BRUSH YO TEEF!!!!!

After all, you dont want to end up like this guy:

Tank Tuesdays!!!! Where is MR. LOBSTER???

So, welcome to the first installment of Tank Tuesdays! This will be a dedicated area towards my fish tanks.

Blow-pop... Medium sized Pleco.

Just so you know, Lynn and I have 2 tanks set up in our bed room. The first one is a 10 gallon fresh water tank which houses 2 Red Nose Tetra's (named Thunder and Lightening) and 1 Black Skirt Tetra (named Jeffy) as well as a medium size Plecostomus (named Blow-Pop).

The other tank is a 30 gallon saltwater FOWLR (Fish Only With Life Rock) set up which houses a Percula Clownfish (named Lovie - Female), Ocellaris clown fish (Dovie - Male), and a Yellow Watchmen Goby named Ice (aka Grumpy). Along with the fish, we have a Tiger striped snapping shrimp (Fire) and 2 cleaner shrimp named Jose and Juan. and finally, we have a Blood Shrimp named Mr. Lobster.

Fire and Ice (Tiger Pistol Shrimp and Y.W.G.)

This past weekend we noticed that Mr. Lobster has been missing and we're not sure where or why he's disappeared. My guess is he has probably died or was picked on by one of the other shrimp. Mr. Lobster was a very shy shrimp and never really came out to feed or move around the tank. I have learned over the past year, that shrimp are very territorial, and I'm thinking the few times that Mr. Lobster tried to come out, he was bullied and never left again.

Sunday afternoon, I had decided to take a nap, and while laying there watching the tank, I had noticed something move pretty quickly. Something that I hadn't seen in my tank before. I jumped out of bed and saw what looked like some kind of medium sized crab. The only thing I can come up with is that he hitch hiked from our live rock. I'm also curious to know if he's the one that has been eating some of the macro algae I have placed the the DT (Display Tank), which disappeared rather quickly.

RIP MR. Lobster!!!

Not sure how this is going to play out, but I will keep you informed! I have one life that has been lost, and hope that this mystery crab doesn't claim anymore!

Have a great night!

-C

Monday's and a very emotional weekend...

Happy Monday everyone!!! or is it??

So my Monday has been pretty eventful. Filled with all kinds of chaos and disorder! Nothing like coming to work with an e-mail box full of requested to have equipment and computer moved TODAY, when I normal have a requirement of 15 business days! EXCELLENT!

- Artwork of Lauren - 

 Now off to some sad news. This past weekend I learned that a near and dear friend of mine is not doing well. Her name is Lauren and she's 16 years old. She was diagnosed with Metastatic Retroperitoneal Undifferentiated Soft Tissue Sarcoma on December 3rd, 2009. According to her website, she had endured five different chemotherapy protocols, 36 radiation treatments and two relapses. On June 10th, 2013, her family was told that the disease in her lungs has continued to grow in spite of the Cryoblation that was performed in order to freeze the tumors. Conventional therapies are no long an option. She had started on RSO (aka Rick Simpson Oil / Cannabis Oil) in the hopes of shrinking the tumors.

With this being said, it was brought to me this past weekend and Lauren is not doing well. Lauren's breathing has become difficult and very labored. Her family is trying to keep her as comfortable as possible.

If you have known me, there are very few things in this world that really hit me hard. Number 1 on my list is Children with any kind of health issues. Be it, cancer, any kind of mental disorder or even as small as a broken leg. It truly bothers me. Children have no reason to have any kind of disorder, let alone cancer. At 16 years old, Lola (Lauren) should be outside hanging out at the mall, chasing boys, or even learning how to drive. She should be gearing up for her SAT to get into a major university. She should be getting her parents worried about what kind of boy she's going to bring home for them to meet! Instead, this very lovely young lady, is fighting for her life...

Think about that for a few minutes...

- Lola and her Mom Cherri -

Is this fair? is this something that parents around the world should have to deal with? NO! NO ITS NOT! Cancer is something we should not have to worry about until well into our lives! Maybe 50, 60 years old. But to see a young lady like Lauren having to fight for her life, while I sit here typing this up, leaves me in tears. It is not fair. It is not something that ANY human being should have to go through, deal with or sit through.

I have met thousands and thousands of people in my life time. Through my music career, my DJing, my artwork, and even through the hospitals; but no one has ever effected me as Lauren has. The interesting and inspirations part about this entire puzzle... I have never met her in person. How is this possible? I know her mom. I have known Cherri for about 6 years now, and learned about Lauren during the time I have known Cherri. Needless to say, I have become a friend of theirs and watched this process unfold. There have been some sad times and there have been some happy times. But the fact is, I am proud to say that I know Lola. I am proud to say that Lola has effected me. I am proud to say that my outlook on children and kids in general has changed because of my affiliation with Team Lola and her family. But most importantly, I am proud to say that Lauren is my hero!

My post on Facebook to Lauren and her family this weekend:  I know that in some other place, and at some other time, we will finally meet. No matter where or when, I will be there with open arms! There are no words that can express the amount of love, respect and admiration I have for you. I want you to know, I will forever remember your fight and dedication. You will forever be memorialized in my heart, mind and soul. My contributions going forward will be in your name! Lauren, I love you and your family dearly and want you all to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

-Chad V. Romano - TEAM LOLA!!!!
You Are My Hero! "I love you to the moon and back!"

Ravage and Soundwave (Transformers.... OR ARE THEY???)

Well, the big news for today, I'm down 4 more lbs. Just thought I would share. So that makes me at 8% of my goal! Not that I'm really counting, LOL. No gym today, as my arms are pretty sore and Lynn and I both like to go together on Saturday and Sunday.

SO, what is Soundwave and Ravage; besides Transformers... Well lets touch on some history so everyone knows what I'm talking about.

Quoted from Wikipedia:

"Ravage is one of a very small number of Transformers to have featured in both the original Transformers series and its 1990s CGI successor, Beast Wars: Transformers.

A CGI rendering of Ravage in battle mode.

The stealthy, shadowy Ravage operates best alone. A creature of the night, Ravage performs most of his actions in the darkness, both literally and figuratively—there are times when he will cloak himself in such shadow and subterfuge that not even his fellow Decepticons know where he is or what he's doing ... but since whatever he's up to is sure to be bad news for the Autobots, they do not really mind. Ravage is aloof, but his craftiness and deadliness mean that his actions command respect from his comrades."

Also Quoted from Wikipedia:

"Soundwave is one of the most recognizable characters from the original Transformers line. He had an alternate mode - a microcassette recorder - and possessed a distinctive monotone, computerized voice.

A hand drawing of the Action of Soundwave.

Soundwave is able to detect and jam transmissions across the entire energy spectrum, a talent that makes him suited to his position as Decepticon Communications Officer. Additionally, he has a photographic memory thanks to the vast data storage capacity of the magnetic disks in his chest compartment, and he is armed with a shoulder-mounted radio wave sensor and hand-held concussion blaster. Soundwave is physically strong compared to most Transformers. His alternative form - which involves an apparent loss of mass - is that of an Earthly microcassette deck. Within the tape compartment, which becomes his chest in robot mode, he stores a variety of Decepticon spies, all of which take the alternative form of a microcassette. These spy characters include Ravage, Laserbeak, Buzzsaw, Ratbat, Rumble, Frenzy, Slugfest, and Overkill, all of whom are under Soundwave's command in the original television series. Squawktalk, and Beastbox were additional cassette characters under Soundwave's control in the US toyline, but never appeared in animation."

Soundwave - 2009 Pontiac Solstice GXP

So why do I bring this up? Well, I'm a huge Decepticon nut. Everything, well almost everything, I own has to do with or has an attachment to the decepticons. I've even decided to name my recent competition cars after Decepticon members. IE: Soundwave & Ravage.

One of my favorite cars to drive was Soundwave. It was a pain in the ass to get into, but it was a lot of fun to drive. Unfortunately I was in a car accident in February of 2012 and totaled the car. Thus having to strip it and move on, building a new car. What I miss most about this car is the force behind the turbo. Just throwing your body into the seat as it sped up was simply amazing. I was never into street racing and never supported my friends racing on anything other then a track, but when you're on an open road like Snake Road in the everglades, its fun to bring this car up from 0 - 60 MPH in no time flat! It was a lot of fun, and it won a lot of SQ awards!

Ravage - 2012 Chevrolet Camaro

While building "Ravage", my 2012 Chevrolet Camaro, with Joe. One of our friends named Paul, came to the shop to hang out one day. This was Paul's first time seeing the Camaro. He took a small tour of what we where doing, looked at the interior, exterior and then put his arm around my shoulder and said "You know, This car is YOU! The solstice was kind of you, but this car is definitely you!" Coming from one of the car audio professionals and a legend, it was pretty cool to hear that come from him.

Anyhow, after 9 months of building the car, we finally finished the week of Spring Break Nationals. Over all, we came home with 8 trophies, including 1st place in sound, 2nd place in install and best I.C.E. It was a very successful trip and we're pleased with the outcome. A few things are being changed and modified, but come Finals in October, we should be set to go!

Photo by Phil Gordon Photography - 2013

As time goes on, I'll be sure to set at least one day a week to talk about the install, and how we're progressing with competition. As a mater of fact, I'll probably go ahead and set a schedule to do things on different days:

Tuesdays - Fish Tank Tuesdays
Fridays - Car Audio Day

Maybe something like that? We'll see! Feel free to chime in and leave some message about what you think, how you feel and any ideas you might have!

Anyhow, That's it for today and this week! Week 1 is in the books, and I'm pretty excited to see over 180 visits to the page already! Thank you all for the support and see you next week!!!

Tomorrow's Subject??? I'M OFF!!! Tomorrow beings the weekend, so everyone have a great weekend!

Weight loss total since the start : 8 lbs (311 lbs)

-C

Sidetrack.... I work at a Hospital.... Hospital Records???

Many of my friends know that I work for a hospital. In fact, its one of the largest hospital districts in the country. I work in the IT department and basically fix computers and printers and all types of computer related hardware. All day long, I get to meet, great, and chat with some amazing people. Even have had several opportunities to sit in on brain surgeries, trauma surgeries and participate in the recent Florida State Trauma Survey, here at the hospital I work at. I was even part of a small group of people that was in charge of building, implementing and putting together the new Bi-Plane system, which is what our resident neurology specialist uses to in-plant stents into stroke and cardiac patients. If you have never heard of this, it's pretty damn amazing, and I've recently been invited to sit in on a case and witness the doctor in action. I hope to do that before the end of this year.

© Siemens Corporation, 2013 All Rights Reserved

Most of you have probably never heard of, let a lone seen the bi-plane. The image here on the right is an example of the Siemens Corporation bi-plane device that we have here at my hospital. Just look at the 8 monitors that help the staff place a stent or even angioplasty (small balloon) to help restore blood flow to the heart or even the brain.

You want to talk about technology advancements... this is 21 century business! If you ever have a heart attack, or a stroke... this is where you want to end up!

It so cool to be able to witness what technology is doing every single day. Not just in our homes, but in a healthcare environment! I've heard stories about how hospitals are now using 3-D printer technology to create casts for various areas of the body. Lets say you're out with your friends, you get into a bad car accident and BANG, broken Humerus... Not so funny, is it?? (see what I did there???) Now you have to worry about wearing a heavy, scratchy, and stinky fiberglass cast for 6 - 8 weeks, maybe even longer! Not anymore... Check out this bad boy:

The Cortex Exoskeleton Cast... AMAZING!

This image shows a brand new healthcare technology that was LITERALLY introduced WEEKS ago! And this technology is still in its infancy! Give it a year or two, and I wont be surprised  if trauma surgeons start printing bone grafts for that guy that fell on his motorcycle and shattered his skull! Heed my words! I see it coming down the pike!

How come I bring this up all of a sudden? Because to me, this is inspirational. Getting the opportunity to sit here, witnessing this, taking part in it, and getting to meet, sit down with, and chat with some of the staff, doctors, nurses and inventors of this technology, is as inspirational as it gets! But... I must say, this is only one form of inspiration... Here's another:

About 6 months ago, I found out that one of my favorite record labels started doing a weekly pod cast. Hospital Records, hosted mostly by Tony Colman (London Elektricity), hosts guests, which are sometimes Hospital Records artists, but usually up-and-coming Drum and Bass artists. Tony usually plays demos from budding producers and headliners alike. Interestingly enough the Hospital Records Podcast has won the BT Digital Music Award for Best Podcast in '06, '07 and '08.

Hospital Records Logo

With all of that being said, This morning while at the gym, I was listening to Hospital Records Pod Cast #205 (you can get it on iTunes). During my normal 5 miles bike ride and 1 mile walk, the new tune (song) from Danny Byrd entitled "Like a Bird" came on. Now, as a musician and DJ, there are very few songs that really cause any kind of emotional set back for me. I have a few songs on my list, that not matter what happens, where I'm at, or what I'm doing, it will either give me goosebumps, bring tears to my eyes, or even cause me to remember some very significant moments in my life. "Like a Bird" stopped me dead in my tracks. While doing my walk, I literally stopped the machine, and had to walk to the water fountain. During my walk to the water fountain, I was just entirely adsorbed into the song, listening to every lyric with such amazement. Once the song was over, I had to rewind the pod cast to hear it again, that maybe I was hearing something other then what was really played. Needless to say, the song is instantly in my top 5 songs list. Absolutely amazing, is what I have to say. I even went as far is e-mailed Tony Colmen and Danny Byrd directly and telling them the story.

Danny Byrd

When I arrived home from the gym, I jumped in the shower and just sat thinking about the lyrics, and thought about how amazing that song would have been during a very depressing time in my life. Next, I jumped on Facebook and had to share it with all of my friends and family. To no surprise, a lot of feedback came back and messages through Facebook came back to me, with tons of thank yous and a lot of appreciation.

So all wrapped up with a nice little bow, here two examples of some of my inspirations: MUSIC and Liquid Drum & Bass. Thank you again, Tony Colmen and Danny Byrd. That moment in my life, will never be forgotten! Thank you to all of you whom were there during the darkest, most depressing time in my life. I just hope that this song, can maybe help at least one person through that "black cloud". Be well, Stay strong, and never ever ever be afraid to ask for help! If you travel down that path, and would like a helping hand, or a friend to talk to, please contact me. I will be there for you, when you think there is no one else!

Tomorrow subject??? Back-on-course - Ravage and Soundwave (Transformers.... OR ARE THEY???)

Weight loss total since the start : 4 lbs (311 lbs)

-C

Cookies & Computers... (& CPR too!)

So, Today's post, I have decided to briefly talk about the CPR class I had to take today, and vent a little bit about how Cookies and Computers DO NOT get along!

This is my command center at work. 2 monitors, my phone
and my wireless keyboard / mouse combo.

My terrible thought for today, is why do Cookies and Computers not get along? Let me explain!

Almost every day, one of my co-workers likes to eat lunch at my desk; while I'm eating lunch with Lynn at work. I'm not going to name drop, because it's not a big deal, BUT...Without a doubt, I get crumbs, used paper towels / napkins, water condensation from a drink, and the occasional splash marks on my monitors.

I try to be a good fellow, and just clean it up. but what drive me NUTS, is when I have crumbs in my keyboard!! OMFG this drives me nuts! Almost as bad as trying to fit me inside a MRI tube! REALLY?? Yes! Really! I'm extremely claustrophobic, and can not last longer then 10 mins in an MRI. EVEN an OPEN MRI! I go nuts and start having, what I can compare it too, a panic attack. I'm serious!

Last year, I hurt my shoulder. I had to go for an MRI. Lynn and I went to this location for an OPEN MRI that was a real comfortable and homey environment.  I took two tabs of Xanax (proscribed by my doctor) to try to calm me down and I even brought an eye mask to keep me from seeing anything. Lynn was even able to sit by the machine and hold my hand while they were doing the scan. I think I lasted 15 mins and then I freaked out and panicked. I panicked so much I started crying! That's how bad it is for me!

Now, are cookie crumbs that bad? NO, not really, but it still drives me insane! There is nothing worse then coming back from lunch and having to flip your keyboard over to empty the crumbs into the trash bin. I hate trying to type, and the keyboard starts making crunchy noises as if it's eating the cookies! I've even gotten to the point where I start doing it every afternoon because its becoming a habit!

Anyways, I had my ever so exciting CPR class today! It wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. When I arrived two people had recognized me as an instructor and asked why I was in the class. I had to explain that the hospital I work at requires EVERYONE to have a CPR class, regardless of your accreditation. The class itself was pretty straight forward, but MAN, what a work out! I haven't doing a full out CPR class since I was like 15 years old. My arms are killing me today! So I guess, I don't really need to work out my arms to hard tomorrow morning at the gym! :o)

With all that being said... Food for thought: 1) Clean up your cookie crumbs! 2) Don't eat near my computer and 3) Take a CPR class! You never know who's life you might save!!!

Tomorrow subject??? Ravage and Soundwave (Transformers.... OR ARE THEY???)

Weight loss total since the start : 4 lbs (311 lbs)

-C

CPR - Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation... On a Fish?

Every so often (usually 4 times a week), I teach CPR to Doctors, Nurses, Techs, PCA's, Respiratory Therapists and a ton of other medical professionals. I have been doing this for about fifteen years now. In fact, it's gotten pretty big, that we started a business. With out going into to many details, I had a class this morning @ 8am. It was just a standard class, nothing fancy. What was funny, is what had hapened after the class.

Here is Lovie - Female (left), and Dovie - Male (right).

Normally, on Monday through Friday, I teach the class at 8 am, take my shower for work, eat my breakfast, lay down for a few minutes and stare at my fish, get dressed, then leave for work. I do this every morning, day in and day out. It's my "thing".

This morning, I thought to myself "What can I do to help make my fish tank a little more classy?" then thought about different corals I can add. Maybe do something very easy like start with some softies (soft corals) just to add some color to the tank.  As I'm laying there, Lovie, our bigger true percula clown fish (Amphiprion percula), almost kind of heard what I was thinking and swam right to where I was looking as if she was trying to get my attention. I sat up and kind of looked in the tank looking at her. She started doing this like Kissing thing, with her lips (do fish really have lips?). It was wierd! Like she was telling me that she loved my idea. Then she kind of swam off back into her corner and re-joined Dovie (Male, false percula, Amphiprion ocellaris), and seemed to have gone back to sleep.

Then I started to think to myself... I wonder if we're able to do CPR on fish. Crazy Right??? HAVE I LOST MY MIND!!!??? CPR on a fish? Well, lets analyze this for a second. There are fish out in the ocean that are bigger then I am. I'm not talking about sharks, I'm talking about FISH!

This picture on the right is of an Atlantic Goliath Grouper. This FISH is probably half my weight, maybe even more. Is it such a far stretch to believe that it MAY JUST be possible to do CPR on this big guy? I mean come on... at the very least, there has to be at least ONE fish that has died because he choked on another fish!

I say its time to start teach the "abdominal thrust" to the fish in our seas! It may just help with extinction! Do your part! Save a Fish!!!

OK, back to reality. The entire purpose of this post, is because I have to take a 4 hour CPR class tomorrow for my job.... Let me repeat that... I, me, myself, need to take a 4-HOUR LONG, CPR class tomorrow for my job!!! Lets do some math here, I've been teaching doctors, nurses and various other healthcare professionals; CPR every week! I average about 5 students a week, I have had as many as 25 in one class. So if we use the average of 5 students a week, that puts me roughly at 250 students per year give or take a lot more! BUT, because my job is now requiring me to take CPR... I get to sit through the class that I teach 90 percent of the time. At least, I'm able to take the more advanced class, and on top of it, I'm getting paid. So, it kind of works itself out! I guess in the long run, I can start adding some color to my tank with the extra money I'm going to earn while taking CPR! ;o)

Tomorrow subject??? I'm thinking Cookies and Computers! and why they do NOT get along!

Weight loss total since the start : 4 lbs (311 lbs)

-C

Fat Kids...

Fat Kid?? What the hell is a Fat Kid?? The Fat Kid, is a term of endearment that was bestowed on myself and another "fat" friend of mine. We called our selves "The Fat Kids". Kind of a cute/childish way of admitting that we had a problem, and didn't really care.

So, I'm on Blogger. This is kind of weird. Here I am, being so narcissistic, that I actually think that people will read what kind of messed of stuff is floating around in my brain at all hours of the day. Well, lets get to the nitty gritty. My name is Chad, I'm what most people call, a neurotic teddy bear. But that's not why I'm here. I'm 33 years old, not married (yet), living at home, and have a pretty sweet job. I've been with my girlfriend, Lynn, for just over 3 years, and we're currently shopping for engagement rings. I'm a drummer, a DJ, a Car Audio competitor and a music aficionado. I'm sure through this journey, we'll go over most of this as time progresses, but first, let touch on a subject that has been on my mind for a few months...

Over the past few weeks, I had learned about a person that had reached a weight of 530 lbs. Pretty large man, to say the least. Over three years ago, he started doing little things here and there, to help him lose what is now, almost 300 lbs. I found this to be pretty intriguing, in fact, its petty much inspired me to start a change in my life as well as starting this blog.

Recently, in the past 12 months (can you still use the word recently if its been almost a year? HMMM), my girlfriend of 3 years has embarked on a journey to change her life as well. She started dieting! God damn I hate that word. It's like a fat kids worst vocabulary word on the SAT when you're trying to get into a major univ.... oh wait... I forgot to mention I have ADD :).  Anyways, Lynn, started on a path of DIEt and exercise. (I caped the DIE for a reason *grin*). Lynn started by not only adjusting her eating habits, but also what she eats, when she eats it and how much of it. During this moment in her life, I was in the process of building my 2012 Chevy Camaro for Competition (thus the title my blogger area title thinggy!). After some time, she started working out in one of those "Bootcamp" type of gym's and decided to inspire herself by competing in a weight-loss challenge. This was an awesome idea I thought. After some more time, and before the challenge kicked up, one of our co-workers had suggested that I join the gym with her. So, I promised I "would try it out".

Fast forward to the morning of the gym try out... I got up that morning, got dressed, brushed my teeth, straightened my hair, and was actually looking forward to the "new gym".We get there, and I see all these "hard body" moms and dads all getting ready to take part in the 60 minute marathon of beat downs! We find out that today's mission, is to run (or walk), row on a little rowing machine, a total of 1500 meters, in 30 mins, on each device. If you reached your 1500 meters you can then go for a bonus of 500 meters. But the catch! you had to do it in increments. Start at 500m run, then switch to 500m row, then 400 run, then 400 row, etc... Sounded pretty easy. I figured, I cant run, I'm not going to kid myself, but I can walk pretty damn fast! So I did it! Complete with my 1 liter of water. I did pretty damn good, for someone that hadn't really worked out in a few years. I didn't quite reach the total of 1500 m, but I was pretty darn close! I felt great! Then came the next stage. On this stage, you were in the weight room. There were different exercises that were geared to keep your heart in a rate in which was conducive to high energy weight loss. Great! I'll do what I can! I did my best, wasn't able to do everything but I did what I could.

At the end of our session, we ended by doing some stretching. The instructor (whom Lynn had become really close with), came over to check on me. I was feeling pretty good! As I was stretching, I started to notice my heart rate was pretty high, I started getting kind of dizzy and then suddenly VERY nauseous. I threw my towel up to my mouth and ran outside. Remember that 1 liter bottle of water? Well, I threw it all up over the course of about 5 minutes. I must have thrown up 20 times, with nothing but water coming out of my mouth, nose, ears, eye balls, you name it! I swore to the aqua gods that I would never drink water again, if they just kept me from vomiting more! (WOW, sounds like one of the many drunken binge nights in college!). So after upchucking ever ounce of water, my stomach kind of forgave me, and I was able to sit down. A middle aged man came out and sat next to me. He said "One day, I was in your shoes. The exact same thing happened to me. But I pushed, I pushed some more, and here I am."

This made me think long and hard. Did I really want to subject myself to the constant risk of vomiting my guts out in front of people I hardly know? Do I REALLY want to subject myself to my friends that would probably make fun of me because I actually admitted that I threw up for 5 minutes after a work out? Do I really want to wake up tomorrow morning in so much pain that I can hardly sit down to eat my breakfast, or lunch??? Hang in there, and you'll learn...

That night, I decided to scratch one of those 3 questions off of my list. I was at the shop, where we were building my car. The person that was helping was Joe. Another person that I highly look up to. Joe is a diabetic. I'm not sure you can call some a former diabetic? or can you? If you can, then he is a former diabetic. Now, let me explain with out getting into too many personal details. Joe had a medical problem. Part of the problem (if not all of it), was because of diabetes. After multiple surgeries, and a butt load of money, Joe decided that he wanted to change his life. Joe took it upon him self to visit what I call a "Drill Sergeant". In layman terms - a Personal Trainer. But, this person, is more of a SUPER AGENT DRILL SERGEANT. Not only is this guy going to help him lose weight, but he's going to get Joe off of his medications!

Is this even possible? Once you have diabetes is it possible to get off of your meds? Wouldn't that damage your liver and vital organs because of all the needed insulin and stuff? Well, I can tell you now, after a year of hard work, dedication, and me making fun of him because he had to eat salmon fish, everyday for 3 meals, Joe is down A TON of weight, and he is NEARLY off his medication. I'd suspect, in the next 6 months his medication will be gone and no longer needed.  I've never told Joe this, but, watching what he went through, seeing what he did to correct it, and seeing the after effects, has truly inspired me. I never said anything to him, because I didn't want to be that "fag" for having a "bro-mance" or anything like that. But the reality is, I am inspired by it.

Between the works of Joe, and Lynn, I started thinking more and more about what life is going to be like for me in 5, 10, 15 even 20 years from now.  I remember when I was a young fat kid, my dad would stand out side with me, playing catch with the baseball. I remember one of my favorite things, was when he would throw the ball so high, I could barely see it, but it was simulate that type of "pop-fly" that is hit in a game. So thinking to myself now, will I be able to do this with my kids? Will I be able to run up and down the football field, as a coach, or even helping to teach my son how to tackle someone in a game? These thoughts scare the crap out of me. I want to be that father that is able to show my kids how to not only appreciate music, but to enjoy sports, and still be able to hang with them when they need me to. This is what bothers me most. This is what has motivated me to a point where I realize I need to change a few things in my life. I don't hate myself. I am completely comfortable with who I am, what I do and how I look. There are doctors and nursing and people that say "you don't really love your self because your fat! You'll love yourself when you're skinny, blah blah blah". First off, SHUT UP. I love myself, I love who I am, I love what I do, and I'm completely OK with how I look! I don't have diabetes, or any kind of disease that can inhibit me from having an every day life. But the problem I have, is I cant do the things I could once do when I was 21.

Right now, as I write this, I'm at about 315 lbs. Its harder for me to get inside a trunk to pull out a 15 inch sub-woofer that needs to be replaced because it's blown. It increasingly tough to wake up at 6:30 am to have a steady sleep schedule. I miss being able to go to clubs and dance. Shit, I miss dancing! I used to have a ton of fun with friends at clubs dancing and having a good time. Funny thing is, Lynn told me the other day, she couldn't picture me dancing. I kind of giggled because she has no idea! LOL.

About 5 weeks ago, Lynn took me to L.A. Fitness. We signed up as a couple and decided to start hitting the gym. I started at about 3 days a week, to kind of get into a groove. I don't to a whole lot, but I find that biking the 5 miles on the stationary in 20 mins, walking a mile in 20 mins and within the past few weeks, started lifting light weights for 20 mins, is helping me to feel better and better. I'm not losing much weight, but I am feeling better about what I'm doing, and to me, that makes up for it.

About 9 months ago, Lynn and I had started to reduce our sugar in-take. I haven't REMOVED IT, but I have cut my dependency on soda DRASTICALLY. I'm averaging about 1 maybe 2 meals A MONTH with soda. That is usually only because the places we go either do not serve tea, or lemonade. It's a work in progress, but its a goal that is getting easier and easier to achieve. I have more or less cut out beer entirely from my diet. I maybe have 3 beers a year, IF THAT. That in itself is a significant change! I love IPA's and Ale's, but its not something I have to have to live my life! (BTW, I'm not an alcoholic by any stretch!)

So, what does this all mean? Where do I go from here? What happens next? I'm not really sure, but, I plan on documenting it from here.... I'm curious to see where it brings me! Feel free to chime in... maybe even give me some words of encouragement. But just remember, this is my blog, my thoughts, and my goals... If you don't like what is said, then stop reading it. I say it how it is, I say it how I think it, and I say it exactly as I am!

-C