Week Four...2nd Weigh-In...

...Let's See If Working Out Has Helped Any...

I didn't think I'd be saying this after four weeks, but this has been going easier than I thought it would. I gave myself Thanksgiving. Turkey, mashed potatoes, rolls, apple pie, Tara's famous chocolate pumpkin cheese cake, I did not skimp. I even had a few beers. The next day, right back to the diet without instance. Whoop-dee-doo me!

I started doing the elliptical after week 2. I am doing around 45 to 60 minutes, 5 days a week. So far so good. I plan on taking it on the road in a week or two. I always enjoyed jogging so once I take a few more pounds off(for the sake of my knees) I'll be hitting the bricks.

I did weigh myself a couple of days ago and I'll have to say, I was pleased with the results. Let's see what the official 4 week mark will be...

 

 

Yesssss!!! 10 more pounds, 19.2 pounds in 4 weeks. Right around where I think I should be. It's pizza night tonight in the Lewis house. I think I'll have a guilt-free slice!

Donate @: http://www.crowdrise.com/tomlewis
 



 

You Ever Get The Feeling You're Being Watched...?

...Or Judged/Ridiculed/Mocked/Sentenced, etc., etc...



Definition from Merriam-Websters:
melt·down

 noun \ˈmelt-ˌdau̇n\

Definition of MELTDOWN

1: the accidental melting of the core of a nuclear reactor

2: a rapid or disastrous decline or collapse

3: a breakdown of self-control (as from fatigue or overstimulation)

...ahhhhhh the old meltdown...Anyone reading who does not have a child on the spectrum will think that I am strictly referring to the 2nd and 3rd meanings of the definition of this word. This when I refer to the public breakdown of a child with autism who has just maxed out their tolerance level.

Uh-uh...

They can be nuclear, cataclysmic, seismic, inter-galactic-bombastic, yet very human, all rolled into one. The "meltdown factor" becomes the most critical element for special needs parents in day-to-day planning. Everything from a trip to Target to a doctor's appointment must be properly coordinated. "First time events" like going to movies, family vacations and other social events can often require dry-runs as well as verbal and visual prep.

...If not, the inexperienced or unprepared parent will experience the eventual, inevitable...When a meltdown occurs, you can feel the eyes turn towards you and your child. Sure some folks will pretend they don't notice, by kindly going about their business like nothing is wrong. Some might even give a smile or a sympathetic look. Perhaps they have had their own personal experiences with their own child. Maybe they have a friend with someone on the spectrum or they are just one of those compassionate types with a good heart. Unfortunately, the looks that you will notice, even FEEL the most, will be from the eyes of the ones who are judging you and your child without either an ounce of empathy for what the child or parent are going through. Even a child 'stimming' will garner the strange look or stare, that can sometimes come with the shake of a head. The look often says something like "lousy parenting". At least that is what my best attempt at reading looks is telling me that it says. Someone projecting this look wants me to put on my Pee-Wee Herman voice and say, "Why don't you take a picture, it'll last longer!" Instead, I try not to give in to spite and say a prayer for such an individual. Before you shrug that one off as futile, consider this...

Several years ago, after attending Mass at our parish, my wife received an anonymous written to her, basically apologizing  for misjudging her as a parent our first couple of years attending this parish. When we first got to St. Therese Catholic Church in Wrightsville Beach, our son Tommy was around 3 and a half years of age and recently diagnosed with autism. Some people did not take to this large family with the 3 year old that the parents had a hard time controlling.

Now, the purpose of me relating this is not to point out that some Christians can be hypocrites. As far as I'm concerned, we all are, higher power or not. The point is that this individual probably had very little dealings with children on the spectrum. They probably had some ideas on what good parents produce and left to their own devices, connected the dots and came up with their own conclusion. This individual I'm sure became re-educated after a couple of years watching us as a struggling family that never gave up at keeping this hard-to-handle little boy exposed to his faith, yet would remove him when he got to out of hand as to not be too disruptive. I'm also sure this individual then asked around and learned, sure their hands are full, their son has autism. Bottom line, they misjudged, apologized and now they advocate for us (While this individual sent the letter annonymously, we are pretty certain we know who they are. They are now a complete 180 in their attitude towards Tommy and the rest of us). They saw the cross that is such an integral part of our faith, being carried out through our son and his sufferings.

This is how to convert hearts and minds. You charitably re-educate them. Despite being somewhat of a cynic myself, I do believe that most people are good. That learning what autism is and how painful it can be for the child that has it, can take years to better understand. It took me a long time to build a relationship with my own flesh and blood due to my lack of understanding. Do you think it will be any easier for a stranger to grasp? Would I be one of the ones staring in judgment or without compassion?

As far as the rest of my parish goes, Tommy is now a well known and adored member. Sure a few people will still give 'the stare' now and then. The boy who loves to hug everyone instead of shaking their hands at the 'Kiss of Peace' moment of the Mass is not understood by all those we kneel in prayer with. But like the rest of the world who do not understand our Tommy, or the 1 in 88 children like him, I hope that they will someday get to view these children with Gods eyes and see just what they are missing. There is so much more than the occasional meltdown. 

Please donate to Ocean Cure @: http://www.crowdrise.com/tomlewis

 

It's a "Dad Thing", Even We Don't Understand...

My Wife: Can we just pull over and ask someone for directions???
Me: Don't worry, I know where we're going...
My Wife: I know you know where you WANT to go...
Me: What are you trying to say?
My Wife (losing patience): We're lost!!!
Me (Still in that river in Africa...): Naaaahhhhh.....

Rod Serling: What you are hearing is a conversation. One that has transpired throughout the black hole of the highways and back  roads of Americana. It has happened in the past, it will happen tomorrow, it is happening right now. For, wherever there is a husband and wife on a road trip without the aid of a Garmin or Tom Tom, the male ego will undeniably be forever lost, along with his destination and his wife's wits...in...The Twilight Zone...

Okay, so us men are wired differently. I'll admit it (There, I feel so much better just admitting that). Sometimes us guys have "Denial Issues". Unfortunately, they do not always stop once we finally park the car in the driveway from such a journey as mentioned above. Sometimes the denial is in accepting that their child (especially their sons) have special needs. Like the wrong turn that we think we can retrace our way back from without the aid of a map or directions, we tend to think our special needs child will "grow out of it" or that"I can't deal with him/her".

I envy the dad who does not have this problem. I view myself as a "recovering denier", though Tara will tell me that I was not that bad about it. Maybe that is because my denial is not the former type I mention above. I am/was the latter type who "couldn't deal" with Tommy's autism. You see, I am loud, where I need to be soft as he is extremely auditory. I can give the disapproving stare or  the "mean mug" (as my sister calls it) and cross my arms in judgement with the best of them (once a cop...). As sensitive as he is to an angry tone, he is just as sensitive and attune to body language. Combine these two factors with my previously mentioned connoisseurship of sarcasm and I had already benched myself and much of my fatherly duties towards him as having three strikes and out. He seemed to prefer moms touch anyway.  What I had become so dense to notice, was that she would not ask me to take care of any issues with him like she would sometimes do with the other kids to catch a much needed break. This was not because she was overly protective of him, it was because me dealing with him often made things WORSE. He was apprehensive being around me, something my other guys never seemed to be.

I know I am not the only dad to have become this way when it has came to their special needs child. About four and a half years ago, when Tommy first breakthrough with surfing came via the Surfer's Healing session he took part in, I read an article about Surfer's Healing's founder Izzy Paskowitz. I was surprised to learn that much like myself, he ran and hid from the realities of autism and dealing with his son Isaiah. It took a day at the beach and their own major breakthrough surfing for him to have a relationship with his son. Being the man that he is, he turned this moment with Isaiah into an amazing surfing ministry, one that has given so many children on the spectrum, as well as their parents so much hope. As much as Surfer's Healing has done for Tommy and my family, I still had to one problem to deal with...

...Charlie being be me in this case...

Seriously though, I still had this "denial" thing going. Like with my other children, I deeply desired to have a relationship with my son Tommy. But like the wrong turn on the road trip, my thick-headedness would continue to prevent me from adapting to my sons needs to make that relationship happen.

I'd like to say I had an "epiphany" moment like Izzy did with his boy. I will give credit where credit is due and tip my hat to my better half for where Tommy and I are at today. Though I am sure my perception much of the time was that she was badgering me, it was her constant advice to "open the map" and change my direction with our son that helped change me. This past year I've made a more conscious attempt than ever to deal with him in a nature that is friendly to what he is sensitive to. I have had my ups and downs with it, but I can say my attempts have been honest and true.  Then I started to notice something. Tommy seemed to be trusting me more, even seeking me out for help with things. Sure, mom will be the "go-to" gal in our house, but dad didn't seem to be as bad as he was a few months earlier for Tommy! I finally feel like I have a relationship with Tommy. I couldn't be more blessed.

So maybe I can start a support group or something. How does D.A.D.D.A.  (Dads Against Dense Denial of Autism) sound? Just keep telling yourself guys, the denial you swallow might look like crow, but it tastes like chicken! The first step to recovery is admitting there is a problem!

Please donate to Ocean Cure @: http://www.crowdrise.com/tomlewis

***Also, if you'd like to learn more about Izzy Paskowitz, from his well documented "different" upbringing, time as a pro surfer and the simple moment of bonding with his son that turned into the biggest thing in the coastal autism community, do yourself a favor...READ HIS BOOK!***

Scratching The Horizon

It is a great read, you won't be disappointed! 

Thankful

Happy Thanksgiving from "The Richest Man in Town"

I know I am a day late posting this, but I am no less thankful today than I was yesterday for the wonderful life I've been given. Sometimes I can forget these things, getting caught up in the material and perceptual world views that take over ones senses. As a huge movie fan, I often find myself referencing lines from  movies. One that I always found most fitting for myself is from a film whose main character realizes just how wonderful his own life is; George Bailey from (you guessed it!), "It's a Wonderful Life". When George's brother raises his glass at the end to toast his brother as "the richest man in town", it is clear that his blessings are not due to fame, power or monetary gain. Unlike George, I've never had a Clarence stumble into my life to point out my blessings, but I know my Guardian Angel has done his best to redirect my focus to what my greatest treasures truly are. My family.

A man couldn't be more blessed with a family like the one have been given.

Would you like to meet them?

One of my favorite pics:
The Lewis kids, Christmas 2009 (w/Bella)

My wife Tara is a ball of fire, my love and my best friend. She is the straw that stirs the drink in our home. The best motivator, organizer and a true woman of faith. She is a fearless advocate for our children, who has put aside a very successful career as a pediatric ER nurse to be a stay at home mom. This to me, in this day and age, is the embodiment of  selflessness.

Our oldest John, is a brilliant, articulate and sensitive college sophomore. He was (and still is) the type of young man that adults take a liking to, with his easy going demeanor and affable nature. He is also great with young kids, a better big brother could not be asked for.

Molly is our oldest daughter, a high school senior. Like her momma, another ball of fire. She makes the most of her many talents and offers them readily to help others. Her self motivation and drive is truly something to behold.

Next is Breda our high school junior. She is our math/science/computer whiz. Any project I might be working on that needs a little abstract thought, Breda is my go-to gal. She is also an entertaining resource for the younger guys, as a walking-talking encyclopedia on nature and science!

Then comes Tommy, our 6th grade middle schooler. Bright and witty and the inspiration for us all. His autism will not be the defining factor of his person. He is compassionate and caring with a love of nature unparalleled. His autism has been a challenge to us all to raise the bar within ourselves. He is our barometer for our own levels of compassion, tolerance and patience. His presence in our family has made us all better human beings.

After Tommy is Brendan who is in the 4th grade. Brendan has the most tremendous desire for justice for a boy his age I've ever seen! A hard and conscientious worker, he takes pride in earning what is his, whether it is grades, allowance or rewards.

Patrick is our 3rd grade, happy-go-lucky guy. A great personality with a slight mischievous streak, Pat likes to march to the beat of his own drum. How so? Well this is a boy who has called Johnny Cash his favorite singer since he was 4 years old! Need I say more?

Finally there is our baby Annie, 2nd grade. She has a heart of gold with an independent spirit. I think she forgets that she is just 7 years old, but that is okay. Most of the time she can pull off whatever she takes on, charming the world as she goes on her way!

So there you have it, my family. My strength, my inspiration and ALL my wealth.
Who can be richer?

For this I am eternally thankful...

Please donate to Ocean Cure @: http://www.crowdrise.com/tomlewis

"Captain Sarcasm Meets Literal Boy"

...or, "Just the Facts Man, Just the Facts"

All righty then...I'll start out by saying something that right away will not sound so good... "In my defense" ***cringes*** (that never sounds good, does it?), I would like to point out several facts:
1~ I am the youngest of seven from an Irish-Catholic family
B~ I grew up in Brooklyn, NY
III~I did 4 years in the Navy
Lastly~ I am a retired NYC Police Officer

...Sarcasm has been a way of LIFE for me. Born into it, raised on it, perfected it in some of the most unforgiving work environments you can imagine(The only being on earth, equal in sarcasm to a Navy man, is a member of the NYPD). One might say I've gained 'Super Sarcasm' powers. "Mighty is my power..."

Most of my children have been delving into the fine art of flippancy a time or two themselves...except one of course...You see, autism and sarcasm are not a very good match. This is a reality that I, "Captain Sarcasm" must face each and every day. You see, my son Tommy has 'anti-sarcasm' powers. Powers that negate my sarcasm and turn them against me...he is..."Literal Boy". His powers are to take all that is said at face value, no matter what...

EXAMPLE:

Literal Boy: Dad, can I have a hot dog for lunch?

Captain Sarcasm: Sure Tommy, who looks tastier,  Rosie or Bella? (A boy should have a choice when it comes to yummy pets)

Literal Boy: AGGGHHH!!!!

Captain Sarcasm(scratching head): Hmmm, that should have went over better...

Six other youngsters in my house, at this age or younger, would have been doubled over while worshiping at the altar of my sophomoric humor. But not "Literal Boy". "Captain Sarcasm" needed to find a new approach to maintain balance in the "Justice League". "Literal Boy's" brothers Pat ("Moody-Mini-Hulk") and Brendan ("Captain Overly-Scrupulous") would bust a gut over a threat to make them sleep in the garage if they don't quite down. If our Tommy heard such an utterance, I'd seriously have to worry about him dropping dime on me to DSS! Sarcasm doesn't work with him. It just ain't happening here, no matter how clever I think I am.

While I might be making light of it, addressing sarcasm is the actually the easy part of watching what you say around someone as literal as our son. A sarcastic comment takes a second of thought before it is spoken. Imparting a bit of self control to my 'super sarcasm power' seems to do the trick. The tough part is those darn metaphors that seem to pop up in everyday conversation. "Raining cats and dogs" can sound apocalyptic to a child with autism. Telling Tommy to "shake a tail feather" when I'm in a hurry would certainly NOT prompt him to rush to catch up to me. It might make him stop dead in his tracks to look and see if anything is growing out of his backside that he might have overlooked.

The stress that comes with a misunderstood comment is something we deal with from time to time. I can give some whopping examples, some which I'll touch on in future posts. The point I guess, is that the 'super-powers' a parent of a child on the spectrum needs to tap into are sensitivity and patience. These powers, wrapped in an ability to step outside of the box and attempt to perceive and interpret from the child's point of view is true heroism. The ones displaying THOSE powers are the real super heroes for a child with autism. 

So after much pondering in my "Fortress of Solitude", "Captain Sarcasm" is deferring his duties to "Captain Sensitive".  

***pssst...don't tell anyone, but they have the same secret identity!!!***


Please donate to Ocean Cure @: http://www.crowdrise.com/tomlewis

Because Sometimes You Just Have to Laugh

Anyone who has ever experienced the surreal environment of an IEP meeting or a sit-down with any form of administrative "educational evaluator" working for the school district should appreciate this one. My wife deals with this a whole lot more than me, but I can say first-hand that I heard one of these folks who was assigned to my son for 3 or 4 years, come into a meeting and say with a straight face, "Now, can I see a picture of Tommy, I want to make sure I am talking about the right child here".

Remember parents, the best advocate for your child is YOU!!!

Please donate to Ocean Cure @: http://www.crowdrise.com/tomlewis

Drum Roll Please...

 

...The Two Week Weigh-in

 

 

"The rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated"~Mark Twain


I Must admit I always wanted to use that quote. The fact that I haven't posted in over a week might be leading some to think that I have abandoned my diet and was now participating in a covert operation to end the labor actions being taken against the Hostess Snack Cake company. Nope, I'm still here and still on my diet. I did participate in a five day trek to NY to check in on my family and assist with the Hurricane Sandy relief efforts. I'll admit, while there, I tossed back a few brews and indulged in some good old New york pizza with my loved ones (hard to get on my high horse about dieting with people clearing the debris from their flooded homes as they offer you THEIR hospitality). I DID take part in some pretty physical work while there, so as I approached the scale the morning, I was hoping that the unplanned libation would be cancelled out by the extra sweat.

Anyway, let's cut to the chase and see how I fared...

 

 

255.2 pounds...

 

...I'll admit, I thought I'd do a few pounds better than 9.2 (12 lbs. was what I was targeting), but I'll take it. I will be stepping up with work outs this weekend. I started with long walks and tomorrow I'm advancing to the elliptical...


...cue the theme from 'Rocky' and stand back!!!

Please donate to Ocean Cure @: http://www.crowdrise.com/tomlewis



The Cause...

This photo is from one of their camps for the visually impaired...how beautiful is this???

I figure now that I am a week into my mission (and I haven't killed anyone from a 'snack jones' during my junk food detox period...),   that it might be a good time to give a better intro to the group that I am raising money for, Ocean Cure.

From their webpage:

Ocean Cure is a local 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to giving free surf lessons to medically fragile and at risk youth and adults. We at Ocean Cure believe very strongly in the powerful emotional and physical healing properties of the ocean and surfing. During our charity surf camps for fragile and at-risk youth and adults our highly qualified instructors guide participants through their fear and apprehension around an activity that they otherwise thought impossible. Through surfing they are empowered to feel that their is no obstacle that they can not overcome. The waves extend beyond the personal experience and extend to the family members to build a positive relationship and common bond with families who are sharing the same experiences.

I can't explain this great organization much better than this, but I'll give it the Tom Lewis 'personal expounding treatment':

What these wonderful men and women do is not just taking these people on a 'lap around the stable' pony ride.(Not knocking anyone who gives free horsey rides to people with special needs here...it's just...well, let me continue...) Anyone going to an Ocean Cure camp, aside from getting a great day at the beach surfing with well trained, compassionate instructors are receiving far more than that. They BECOME surfers for that day (and for some, beyond that day...). The atmosphere, the camaraderie, the work involved with paddling out, the carefree conversation that takes place while waiting for the right wave...it's all part of the package, it all goes with the deal. It is sincere as it is exciting and it is not lost on anyone who participates or observes. These camps cater to numerous different groups with special needs. Children with autism, visual impairment, at risk youth from our local Boys and Girls club all have camps geared toward their specific needs. Camps are also run for veterans through Wounded Warriors and for Little Pink Houses of Hope (a group that provides weekend retreats in the Carolina's for breast cancer survivors). Ocean Cure's founder Kevin Murphy is also the Wrightsville Beach coordinator's for the Life Roll's On (a group that supports individuals with spinal cord injuries through action sports) camp.

As someone who has seen so much gain through this form of therapy with my son, I cannot be more of an advocate for this group. For years we never knew our son Tommy's identity. While Tommy was somewhat verbal and on the higher functioning side of the spectrum, his social components were where some of our greater concerns were. Tommy was/is what is referred to in the autism world as a 'scripter'. Sure it can be funny at times when he recites his lines from his favorite shows. He has become very good at pulling the right response of his endless file of one-liners gathered from his favorite shows. But we wanted our son to become "Tommy Lewis", not uuhhh, "Spongebob Lewis"! Surfing has become his identity now. Sure, Spongebob comes to the surface now and then, but he is no longer the one in total control. I guess you can call it an 'oceanic excorsism' or a 'nautical awakening', but my son's personality is no longer a resemblance of a casting call for Roger Rabbit redux, defined by the last thing he watched on Nickelodeon. Thanks to his friends at Ocean Cure, he is Tommy Lewis, surfer.

So that is MY take on these fine folks. They are the ones who create openings for doors that others might not see as having any passage for certain individuals....

...and I owe them.

Please donate @: http://www.crowdrise.com/tomlewis 

Understanding Anxious

a little perspective from my son's point of view

"I DON'T WANT TO GET STUFFED IN A LOCKER"...."Well now Tommy, I promise I won't stuff you in a locker", was my reply, wondering what caused this spontaneous outburst (which was best comparable to dropping a Mentos into a 2 liter bottle of Diet Coke). "No, when you go to middle school, the 7th and 8th graders stuff the new kids into lockers..."

Nooooow it's all making sense...You can see it coming with Tommy most times, you just can't always tell WHAT is coming...This was what was spoiling his last few weeks of summer, that he somehow could not articulate the fear of starting middle school, for fear of getting bent like a pretzel and stuffed into a locker. Thank you very much generic, lame-o, tweener-angst Disney Channel show! Tommy felt a whole lot better at student orientation, when he saw that their was no way he could fit into the little 1 & 1/2 "x 3" lockers in the halls. His recovery was much quicker than the time when he was 8 and he had a classmate tell him that aliens were going to eat all of his fingertips off. The poor guy was counting his digits every 10 minutes for about 12 months!

While autism is indeed a spectrum where no two children are the same, one thing that I've noticed from my own personal observations is that anxiety seems to sadly be a VERY common denominator in these children. When you combine a high functioning,intelligent child with autism with their understanding of social skills that they have not yet mastered(our young Thomas is pretty smart), the end result can often be quite frustrating for them. For example, the ability to tell the kid that is imparting aliens to come eat your toes to take a hike doesn't jibe with the concept of trust others and make friends. Those Disney shows are a lot of fun and I enjoy them so much, they wouldn't dare exaggerate the truth, right? The pursuance or confirmation of the truth can be monumental and sometimes impossible for a child with autism, as can advocating for ones basic human dignity.

I really got to thinking about my sons anxieties and how hard they must be for him when I was preparing for my weigh in day. It couldn't come fast enough and the thoughts going through my head were constant. Will I reach my weight goal? Will I reach my goal in donations? Will I look like a jackass? (Please keep that one to yourself!) I guess that I haven't challenged myself like this in quite a while and quite frankly, I was getting anxious myself! It is easy for me though, I have my wife to go to and express my feelings and get the boost I need to get over myself. I have years of coping mechanisms  to turn to (go for a walk, pray, read, etc. ) that can help me regulate my tensions. Children like my son have their fears of the unknown amplified by the fact that they cannot adequately express what it is that is troubling them. They sometimes understand what is tormenting them (sometimes not). Bottom line though is, they just don't know how to express it to those who can help them.

My moment of clarity with Tommy's anxiety came about a year ago. We had just gotten our first Ipad and it became a bit of a family obsession...

(yes, me guilty too...)

One morning after getting the crew off on the bus to school (4 grade school, 2 high school and 1 college...not easy) my wife Tara noticed the Ipad was nowhere to be found. I get the call at work asking if I'd seen it.

"The last I'd seen it, it was charging in the living room..."

"Well it's not there..."

..."the sea became angry that day my friend." The accusations were flying in the Lewis home like paper airplanes in a 4th grade classroom monitored by a substitute.

"Brendan had it last!!!"..."No, Annie did"..."Breda had it in her room, I saw her"..."I think Dad had it last!"....WU-WU-WHAAAT????
Every scenario was presented and EVERYONE was a suspect...finally after the second night, a very somber Tommy, who had been rather quiet and the only one without an accusation hurled at another, came into our room...

(drop Mento into Coke product)

 "I DID IT... I TRIED SNEAKING THE IPAD TO SCHOOL!!!"

"Okay Tommy, where did you put it?"
"I GOT SCARED AND THREW IT OUT THE BUS WINDOW ON THE WAY BACK HOME...I DIDN'T WANT TO GET IN TROUBLE!!!"

For two days he kept this to himself. For two days he pondered consequences. For two days he made himself suffer, keeping this to himself. He knew he was wrong, he knew he had to answer for it. It wasn't about ducking the inevitable. He tore himself up over his actions for two straight days. He didn't even take it out at school, as he knew it was wrong and he would get in more trouble. As the U2 song goes, he found himself "stuck in a moment and he can't get out of it". Whatever initial anger we might have felt immediately turned to heartache, knowing that he could have told us at any time he wanted, but he just didn't know how.

Anyone who knows my wife and I as parents, know we are no softies. Our kids can expect discipline, Tommy included. This was one instance where Tommy got a pass. He had punished himself enough.

So here I am, 3 days into my project with no anxieties. I have been doing well (a bit cranky the first day, all that Halloween candy still staring me in the face!), I've been getting a lot of support and no one has threatened to stuff me in a locker or bite my fingertips off. Best of all, another teachable moment courtesy of our son. My worries are quite small...

...oh, and the Ipad WAS recovered! It landed in a ditch, a neighbor found it and put an ad up in the lost and found section of Craigslist!!!

Please donate @: http://www.crowdrise.com/tomlewis 

Weighing In...

....Ruh-Roh

***sorry for the delay in posting...I had a problem downloading pictures!!!***

First off, I was hoping to have put another post up before my weigh-in, but with all that was going on with hurricane Sandy, I had a lot on my mind. My wife and I both have family that were caught in the path of Sandy. While all are safe, they are all dealing with the aftermath, including the loss of their homes. I ask that they be kept in your prayers, as well as all the others trying to get through the devastation.

The last two nights were my "Last Call to Gluttony" for a lack of a better phrase. When Halloween comes in my house, you can bet that the ruling government...ME, will be imparting the concept of 'redistribution of wealth'  with any Trick or Treat partakers in that live under my roof.

Tribute must be paid!!!

So I got my last licks(pun intended) in at the Tootsie-Rolls, Butterfingers, Snickers, Reeses and Mounds candies I so dearly love. Not to worry though, they were of the bite size variety, I guarantee you!

Yesterday was my daughter Molly's birthday and...well, I had to have some of her birthday cake to celebrate, right? Soooo...The timing is perfect for my goal. From November 2nd, 90 days leaves us perfectly to January 31st, the end of the month. You might be wondering at this moment, is Tom stalling...I just might be!!!

Well, I've built this up long enough... here it goes...

 

 

...just kidding...this time it's for real...

Oooooooh...I wish I was STILL kidding...

Well there you have it... 264.4 lbs... (ouch!!!)

***Caution...things in this picture might actually appear larger than what they are!!!***

Not much more to say, 90 days to lose 40 to 50 of it. All for the worthy cause of Ocean Cure. Please feel free to donate once you buy into the fact that I am serious about this. I will be posting 2 or 3 times a week about the ups and downs of my mission, to spread some autism awareness, to show the community what Ocean Cure is all about and what it has done for my son Tommy, as well as how my family and I deal with his autism. Please check in on me and feel free to comment...it'll help keep me on track! Let the games begin!!!

***Next weigh-in will be Friday, November 16th!!***

Thanks for the support!

 

Please donate @: http://www.crowdrise.com/tomlewis