Marketing and Children...

Cassie has really connected with a current commerical on TV. So much so, when she hears the music, she smiles at me. In fact, she identifies with the commercial so strongly, she made me take one of her stuffed animals on my current trip to Salt Lake City.



You see, Cassie has made me take Snowflake with me. Snowflake is her white poodle Webkin. I've been taking pictures of Snowflake in my hotel room sleeping, pictures of Snowflake working at my laptop, pictures of the mountains taken by Snowflake, and tomorrow I plan to have Snowlake drive my rental PT Cruiser for me. I don't even like poodles, and I'm not sure if Cassie is trying to tell me I travel too much.

At the end of the day, however. She's having fun with it - and so am I. I'm just amazed at how marketing and advertising can effect even unintended audiences.

SL

Littlest Lessard - Week 7 Results

If I didn't have a problem with food or more specifically eating, I wouldn't be in this stupid competition. I'd probably be making fun of Michele and Marc for doing it while I dressed in crazy shirts (all hip-like, just like my buddy Bob - whom I make fun of for dressing that way). That being said, I had a difficult week. Besides not being disciplined with food (that damn Wingstop finally opened and is litterally 60 seconds from the house - I had it twice last week), I haven't been feeling well (that time of year in North Texas) so I haven't been working out.

No excuses. This week, I lost the battle of the bulge. But, the war isn't over. I've been relatively disciplined for the last couple of days, and went to the gym today (and worked out hard). So - although Marc has separated himself a little bit, this ain't over! Not by a longshot. And, it will be interesting to see what Marc does next week as his trial gym membership ends on Wednesday.

Marc continues his amazing string of consistency. He hasn't had a bad week yet, and that is just plain amazing...He lost an additional 3.0 pounds (0.9%) for a 7 week total of 55.0 (13.7% lost). He's got a seemingly insurmountable lead, but who knows. Anything can happen. Perhaps they'll open a Wingstop near his house.

Michele had a good week in that she didn't gain. She didn't lose, either, so compared to my week she did pretty good. Remaining at 17.0 pounds lost (7.2%) she is firmly entrenched in third and rooting for Marc all the way.

Then there is me...this weeks big loser (and I don't mean that in a good way). I GAINED 4 pounds this week (-1.5%). That puts me at a total of 32.0 pounds lost (10.3%). Although I am not throwing in the towel, I did vote for Marc to win in this week's poll. We'll see, I still think he's due for a week like mine.

SL

Littlest Lessard - Week 6 Results

The Lessard's have hit the century mark. Can you believe there is 105 pounds less Lessard on the face of the earth? Marc has dropped half of that total, reaching an amazing 50+ pounds lost this week - but it wasn't enough to take the week. In fact, in a stunning turn of events, Marc is in LAST place this week. His slide continues.

Taking top honors for the second week in a row is ME with a loss of 8.0 pounds (2.8%). That pulls my total loss to 36 pounds (11.6%) closing that gap between myself and our overall leader. Apparently Godiva chocolate gnosh doesn't weigh as much as I feared.

Michele takes second place this week with a strong 5 pound (2.2%) loss in a good reversal from last week. Her overall loss is 17 pounds (7.2%). She attributes her loss to frantic typing used by sending e-cards.

Marc is still losing good weight, and dropped another 4.8 pounds (1.4%). He continues to be our overall leader with an amazing 52.0 pounds lost (13.0% overall). Apparently, he is only now eating 40 servings of vegetables. The Agricultural Society of Southern States (ASSeS) is boycotting him.

At this point, the pounds are still dropping and it's anyone's competition.

SL

I am a New Yorker

Thanks for sharing, Aunt Carole. Like there's a chance I forget.

I am a New Yorker

I am a New Yorker

I do not live in the five boroughs or on the Island or upstate I may live hundreds or thousands of miles away Or I may live just over the GW Bridge but I am a New Yorker

I am a New Yorker

Whatever took me out of New York: Business, family or hating the cold did not take New York out of me. My accent may have faded and my pace may have slowed But I am a New Yorker

I am a New Yorker

I was raised on Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and Rockefeller Plaza, The Yankees or the Met's (Giants or Dodgers) Jones Beach, Rye Beach, Rockaway Beach or one of the beaches on the sound I know that "THE END" means Montauk. Because I am a New Yorker

I am a New Yorker

When I go on vacation, I never look up Skyscrapers are something I take for granted The Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty are part of me Taxis and noise and subways and "get outa heah" don't rattle me Because I am a New Yorker

I am a New Yorker

I was raised on cultural diversity before it was politically correct I eat Greek food and Italian food, Jewish and Middle Eastern food and Chinese food Because they are all American food to me. My relatives got to this country via Ellis Island and chose to stay They were New Yorkers

People who have never been to New York have misunderstood me My friends and family work in the industries, professions and businesses that benefit all Americans My firefighters died trying to save New Yorkers and non-New Yorkers They died trying to save Americans and non-Americans Because they were New Yorkers.

I am a New Yorker I feel the pain of my fellow New Yorkers I mourn the loss of my beautiful city I feel and dread that New York will never be the same But then I remember: I am a New Yorker And New Yorkers have: Tenacity, strength and courage way above the norm Compassion and caring for our fellow citizens Love and pride in our city, in our state, in our country Intelligence, experience and education par excellence Ability, dedication and energy above and beyond Faith--no matter what religion we practice Terrorists hit America in its heart But America's heart still beats strong Demolish the steel in our buildings, but it doesn't touch the steel in our souls Hit us in the pocketbook; but we'll parlay what we have left into a fortune. End innocent lives leaving widows and orphans, but we'll take care of them Because they are New Yorkers Wherever we live, whatever we do, whoever we are. There are New Yorkers in every state and every city of this nation We will not abandon our city. We will not abandon our brothers and sisters. We will not abandon the beauty, creativity and diversity that New York represents Because we are New Yorkers. And we are proud to be New Yorkers

REMEMBER THE WTC Author - Vincent Pasquale, Maspeth, NY

SL

Littlest Lessard - Week 5 Results

Thanks to Michele and Marc for agreeing to allow me to weigh in a day late this week. The hotel I was staying at in California this week did not have a scale, so I wanted to get home to use the scale at the gym.

Too bad for them that they did...

As promised, I've taken my first week. I lost 6.0 lbs this week for a weekly percentage loss of 2.1%. My totals are 28 pounds (9.0%) good enough for second place overall. I had hoped for a double digit week, but that large piece of Tiramasu really did me in. It was worth every delectable bite.

I did reach an important milestone for me though - I've made it to a quarter of my total weight loss goal.

Marc lost another 6.6 pounds (1.8%) for a leading 47.2 total pounds (11.8%).

Michele had a difficult week, gaining 3.0 pounds (-3.0%), but she's still got total weight loss of 12.0 pounds (5.1%)

I hear Marc shaking as he knows I've begun to close the gap and his monster advantage of having all that weight to play with is gone. He'll either crumble and fold this week like a stale chocolate chip cookie, or he'll redouble his efforts and lose 10,000 calories in the gym.

I vote cookie.

SL

YES - Johan!

A scream rung out throughout the house. I would have been concerned yet for the fact that it came from my mouth - AND, it was a good scream.

I saw on the news that the Mets just landed Johan Santana in a blockbuster trade with the Minnesota Twins. Johan Santana is considered one of the best pitchers in baseball, and has two Cy Young awards to prove it. The trade moves the Mets from a team with a great lineup who needed pitching to perhaps the best team in the National league with three 15 game winning pitchers. According to MLB.com, "the Mets joined hands with Santana. Deal done. Season saved. Future brightened. General manager at ease. Brilliant pitcher guaranteed $137.5 million, able to purchase Easy Street and put houses and hotels on it."

This is huge for Mets fans, especially after the last couple of years we've suffered through. Two years ago they were a game away from the World Series. Last year, they suffered the worst collapse in baseball losing a 7-game lead with 17 left to play. Interestingly enough, this trade almost collapsed, as well. They had a 72 hour deadline to get a deal done with Santana, and after the 72 hours had expired, they requested and received a two hour extension. Within 15 minutes of that extension, they had the deal done.

Whew! No second collapse.

SL

Poll to the Right ---->

Who selected other, and what city did you mean? I have to know.

SL

Littlest Lessard - Week 4 Results

I started writing this before I even got everyone's results. Clearly, the difference between living sequestered in a controlled environment like on the "Biggest Loser" and not living sequestered is - LIFE. Real life obviously gets in the way, whether it is stress around work, lack of time, scheduling issues, family pressures or just plain fatigue - things just get in the way.

The GREAT news, and what we should be celebrating, is that all of us are developing great habits. We are all sweating in the gym (I worked out over 17 hours in January), we are all burning calories (Marc burns over 6000 per week) and we are eating better (Michele has eliminated refined sugar completely).

This week, Michele and I have remained unchanged. No loss, no gain. Marc has lost another 7.0 pounds (1.9%) for a total loss of 40.6 lbs (10.1%) - putting him halfway there in four weeks.

So, the problem is, Michele and I aren't dropping any more weight. We are trying to figure out why...we think it is because we are adding muscle and yes, we all know that muscle weighs more than fat. Obviously, Marc is not adding any muscle and is just a lighter version of himself.

If you have any idea what's going on in our bodies, let us know. We are trying to stave off frustration.

SL

Frequent Flyers

I'm still a little hazy as to HOW I got roped into this, but frankly it really doesn't matter. The truth is, I am looking forward to it. The 'it' I am talking about is travel with the kids. Since I am away a lot, not only do I earn a lot of frequent flyer miles, but I miss out on spending time with the kids. Here's my opportunity to use those miles to make up for it.

If you look at this weeks poll question, you'll see that Dylan has a choice to make. I've offered him a ballgame (a weekend, actually) anywhere he wants in the US (lower 48 only). This is somewhat to make up for the fact that he missed our first annual Mets vs. Astros game in Houston last year. He is leaning toward Boston, and that's fine - I've never been to Fenway so it should be fun.

Marissa and I will be going to NY to see our Mets. Since she has found the Mets, she's only interested in them - so we'll fly up for a quick weekend game, see some family and come home.

Justin isn't real keen on going to a ball game (although he is coming with us to Houston, which is great) so we were picking our brains as to where we can go together. Our interests are a little different, so nothing out there would be fun to do with ME! So, we couldn't think of a place until Angie blurted out, "why don't you go to Vegas?" The second best idea she has ever had. So, Justin and I will fly off for a couple of days to Las Vegas this summer.

Cassie will probably come up to NY with me. I'll likely spend a week there where she can hang with AMA and I can work.

That leaves Angie and I. I'm counting on NEXT spring to be our big European getaway, so something small this year is in order. Not sure where yet, though. We were going to go to Branson, Wyoming but we have become a little skittish on the provider, so we are looking at other alternatives - and of course, there's my Alaska get away in August.

Now you know where I'll be on my weekends, once this school thing is over.

SL

5 Weeks In 15 Hours

I completed my first flex schedule weekend of the Spring '08 semester today. As I drove home from school this evening, I realized that I had just completed 5 weeks school in the weekend. I love this flex schedule, and wish I had discovered Richland College before last semester (when I took two economics courses).

I'm taking History 1301, American History on a flex schedule, meaning that I go to school from 6pm - 9pm on Friday, 8am - 4pm on Saturday, and 12pm - 4pm on Sunday for three weeks - and that's it. In 45 hours over three weekends I'll have completed 3.0 credit hours. I'm taking three classes this semester like this (HIST 1301, GOVT 2301 and HIST 1302) in addition to the two regular 14 weeks classes I am taking at UTD. At the end of this semester, I will have nine classes left to get my undergraduate degree.

And knowing that has me really motivated right now.

SL

Birthday Girl

I was looking back through the last couple of January's posts, and can't believe that I haven't posted about Cassie's birthday before.

Time to rectify the situation.

Yesterday we celebrated Cassie's 6th birthday. While I can't believe she is already six, I also can't believe she is only six. She seems so mature and so smart, sometimes it is easy to forget she is just a little kid - right up until the point where cries because she doesn't like the taste of her medicine or because she doesn't feel like cleaning up her room. Then you remember she is more baby than adolescent sometimes.

After school yesterday, we took Cassie to her video shoot. Video shoot?!?! She was asked to take part in a Superbowl party promotional shoot for church (every year the church hosts a Superbowl party), and they always do very funny commercials for the party. This year, a group of young "ladies" will be beating up the church staff in a friendly game of football. I can't wait to see the final product.

After her shoot, Dylan, Marissa, Angie and I took her to Chuck E. Cheese for some food and fun. We all played and collected tickets so she could pick a prize. Marissa and Dylan are GOOD at winning tickets and kindly shared their winnings. She picked some plastic bling and we were done.

Since I had school and the kids had church, we went on our separate ways.

SL

Littlest Lessard - Week 3 Results

Our bodies must be changing, because we all claim to have good workouts and strict adherence to our diet plans, but not large losses this week. The good news is that we're still losing, and we've reached 70 pounds lost between the three of us. In three weeks, the Lessards have lost 7.5% of their former selves.

Leading the way this week, in a shocking upset, is Michele. She lost 3.0 pounds which represents a lost of 1.3%. Unfortunately, she is still pulling up the rear in the competition with 15 lbs lost for a total percentage lost of 6.4%.

Coming in a close second place this week is Marc, with a loss of 4.4 lbs (1.2%). He is the most despondant with this weeks performance and may be close to cutting off body parts for larger losses. He's still in first overall, however, with an amazing three week loss of 33.6 lbs (8.4%). If he wins, we'll need to review his after pic very closely.

Coming in last for the second consecutive week is me, with a 2 lbs loss (0.7%). I am in second overall with 22 lbs lost (7.1%). I am sure that I am not losing pounds because I am adding muscle weight from all my body building. Apparently, most of that muscle gain is in my head.

Stay tuned...there is only 2% points separating first place from last place and this is still anyone's race. It's a marathon, not a sprint, and there is a lot of running left to do.

Who's going to be able to claim the title, "Littlest Lessard"? It is wide open.

SL

Office Space

For the last couple of weekends we've been playing musical bedrooms. Cassie has moved into Dylan's room, Dylan has moved into my office and my office has moved into Cassie's room. Why all the bother? Ultimately, the answer is simple - I need my own space.

When we bought the house (5 years last month), we had an option for a fifth bedroom or an "owner's retreat". Had we chosen bedroom, then a room above the master bath would have just been another room upstairs. But, because we selected the retreat option, we have a hidden room on the second floor that is only accessible through our bedroom on the first floor. The builder has a more vulgar unofficial name for the room, but I have my own name for it - HOME OFFICE. Even though we put Cassie in it, we always knew that it was going to be my own private space. When we bought the house, I didn't even work from home, but now that I do it is more needed than ever.

My office today is a shared space with Justin. I know he's never home, or because he sleeps vampire hours, he's sleeps in Dylan's or Marissa's room, but sharing that room with him is a disaster. He keeps it as messy as you possibly can, and because it is a shared space, I don't have room for all my stuff. Soon that will end.

Cassie has moved into her new room (repainted from dark grey and brick red to a nice pink). The new office is painted a beautiful chocolate brown. Today, the book cases go up, tomorrow the ceiling fan. This coming weekend, I'll move and install the flat panel TV. It will have a working area, a day bed (for naps) and my collectibles that have been boxed since I moved to Texas. That will empty out the large upstairs bedroom for Dylan and Justin to share - and everyone will be happy.

Now, when you come over, we can share some quiet time in my office. Just don't touch my Star Trek stuff.

SL

Littlest Lessard - Buy Out Offer

My blog, my trash talk...

You both know that the fatty in North Texas is going to win this.

Marc, you are like a big, beautiful shining star (as big as one, too - I heard your waist is measured in astronomical units)...unfortunately, like a shining star, you have burned yourself out. 6000 calories in the gym, and only 9.6 lbs lost. Next week, you might have a negative loss.

Michele, you are doing better than anyone ever thought - slow and steady. Unfortunately for you there is more slow than steady, and truth be told, you don't have a prayer. If you remember the story, the tortoise won not because the hare was fast, but because he was stupid. You don't have that advantage this time.

So - because I have 11 days between weigh-ins for week 3, I am opening up my heart to you. In fact, I'll open my heart, and you open your wallets. I'll let you buy out of the competition on the cheap. For this week ONLY (must be decided before next Wednesday), you can buy out for $25. Send me $25, and you are off the hook. Next Wednesday, the offer goes up substantially.

Let me know - it'll be the only chance you have to save some money. Either that, or you'll be buying airline tickets and dinner.

SL

Littlest Lessard - Week 2 Results

The Lessards are still losing it! It being weight! (Although there is some discussion as to some of them losing their minds years ago). The week 2 weigh in is complete, and here are the results.

Marc continues to lead the way, with another 9.6 pounds (2.5%) lost this week. His total 2 week loss is an amazing 29.2 lbs putting him in first with 7.3% lost. He claims almost 6000 calories lost in the gym last week and looking at his weight loss so far, I believe him. But his wife and kids haven't seen him in weeks.

Michele came in second this week with a 4.5 pound loss (2.0%). Her total loss so far is 12.0 lbs (5.1%). She has started with a personal trainer, so not only is she keeping up with the BIG boys, she plans on making some headway. Apparently, her trainer is motivating her with the promise of Twinkies and Burittos.

I came in third this week, losing 5.0 pounds (1.7%) for a two week total loss of 20.0 lbs (6.5%). Because I am on the road, I had to use a weigh in from last Saturday, so if I don't have a very big loss next weigh in, I'll be disappointed. It's too bad that I've turned into such a pre-madonna and can't work out unless the gym has a fruit smoothie bar.

Below are the results. What is amazing to note is that between the three of us, there is over 61 pounds less Lessard now compared to when we started.

SL

Booked Alaska

I'm doing something I've never done before. I'm taking a getaway vacation without Angie or the kids. I've gone away with Angie alone, I've gone away with Cassie alone, and I'm planning trips alone with the kids, but I've never gone anywhere without anyone from the house - except business travel. And that's why I have had no desire to do so - I get too many breaks from the kids and Angie as it is, why would I want to take more without them?

That will end this year, as a colleague (mentor) at work and I are going up to Alaska for fishing and siteseeing in August. We've booked the flights and are now booking the fishing, the siteseeing, hotels, etc.

Angie has taken weekends with her girl friends, but this is new for me. I think she understands that I'm going to need a break come August from all my schooling, and this opportunity was something that I couldn't pass up.

On August 2, we will fly from Dallas to Anchorage. We'll spend the night in Anchorage before driving the several hour drive from Anchorage to Denali and will take a day trip into the park. Because the roads are only accessible by permit, we'll take a tour into the interior of the park.

The next day we'll travel back to the Kenai peninsula and into Seward for a cruise tour of the fjords. Hopefully we'll see some killer whales, humpbacks and maybe even an iceberg being calved.

That night we'll drive from Seward to Homer to finish our trip with two days of Halibut fishing. That's one of the main reasons we are going - to stock up our freezers with hundreds of pounds of halibut meat that goes for $20/lb down here.

I can't wait, and will be counting the days till departure. I'll also have to take the kids somewhere fun to make up for this. Perhaps Disney is in our immediate future.

SL

Littlest Lessard - Week 1 Results

The results are in, and this is going to be a dog fight. The Lessards have lost an amazing total of 42.1 pounds this week - which is a total loss of 4.4% - and an awesome start to the Littlest Lessard competition.

Marc leads the way with 4.9% lost on an amazing week of 19.6 pounds lost. He claims his loss is due to eating 66 servings of fruits and vegetables and hours in the gym. With that much fiber, probably more like hours in the bathroom.

I am nipping at his heals with a 4.8% loss week, on 15.0 pounds. Because of starvation, I am literally nipping at his heals. They need salt.

And Michele ended her week at 3.2% on a very respectable 7.5 pounds lost. Unfortunately, she is likely to find that weight this week.

In all serious - an outstanding week by all the competitors. This is obviously not going to be a runaway, and for that I am thankful. The tenth of a percent I lost by today will motivate me through the week.

Game On!

SL

Littlest Lessard - Teaser

Our week 1 weigh-in occurs tomorrow. We are going to see who is well on their way to becoming the Littlest Lessard, and who isn't.

We are going to see who can walk the walk, and who just stops eating long enough to talk some smack.

In case you want a preview:

One Lessard, maybe two, have lost double digits....

One Lessard, maybe two, have started making excuses....

One Lessard, maybe two, have been VERY quiet....

See who loses what - pounds or face?????

SL

Return To Normalcy

In this case, normalcy is defined as 'school'. The kids returned to school this morning after what seemed like a couple of months long Christmas vacation. Don't get me wrong, the last several weeks have been great. Because I have the opportunity to work from home, I've spent a significant amount of time with the kids and it has been great. The last week has been especially fun with them, but sheesh - they are so out of routine that they seemed a little lost last night and this morning. They all got up fine, but I personally think the break is a little too long.

That being said, I am sorry to see that I start school this week. My breaks are never long enough. When I don't have school, my evenings are typically dedicated to the family. Even if I'm sitting on the couch, Angie says it's still nicer to have me home. My weekends are typically all hers, as I don't have to study. That ends in two days with my first day of class.

This semester may be worse than usual, as I am taking a full time load (5 classes). I usually only take two classes, but I've decided to take the extra three over weekends at the local community college. I have to do it this semester, or I'd have to take them at my school (which is more expensive) because of rules around transferring credits. So, starting on Wednesday, I am taking Organizational Behavior, Production Management, 2 History classes, and a US Government course. After this semester is done, I will only have 9 classes to go, which is less than 2 years.

I try to keep that fact in mind when I'm not sleeping and Angie and I have forgotten each other's name.

SL

Service

The word service is made up of two parts. Serve and Ice. That's appropriate since Angie and I just got back from helping the junior high kids at church with their annual trek to the Dr. Pepper Stars Center for some good fun - broom ball.

Angie is very involved with the middle school ministry at church and it's not surprising considering she has two children of that age. Me, not so much. It's not something I enjoy - I cannot really connect with the kids that age. I don't speak their language and that's a major barrier. They think I'm an old fart, and that is also a major barrier.

However, she asked me if I might think about helping tonight as they were short on drivers. I don't know why I assented, but I did and not only was she very surprised, but very pleased. We both drove to church and were assigned kids. We were taking them to the mall for a couple of hours prior to our broom ball date. We didn't have to chaperon the kids at the mall, so after we all met up their Angie and I got a bite to eat at the California Pizza Kitchen. It was like a date and she was SO pleased that I was serving with her. We met up with the kids at the appointed time and drove over to the ice rink. We played several games, no major injuries incurred, but my knees are toast. I took a couple of good falls on them and they are really bruised.

We had a great time and it was fun playing with the kids. The best surprise of the night - the kids messed around with me and didn't make me feel like the old fart. I guess an old dog can learn new tricks.

SL