Life of Mack Bean: 2013

Wow. It has been a long time since I have posted on here. Not much has changed since June. I have a new job, switched hair color a couple of times, and have done a bunch of art for charity, friends, and family. I have even done a few for myself. I will post what I have been doing later in this post.

I'm not writing to catch up. I am writing to publicize the changes I am trying/going to make. I have been told that when you publicize it, you are more likely to feel obligated or follow through. I was doing well on my challenge for a couple of months. I even made it through the holidays following it but since then have fallen off course. So here goes...my personal 365 day challenge...

1) I would like to loose 60 pounds of weight. I am at 210 pounds and would like to become more healthy and fit.

I am comfortable with my current weight but will all of my current health problems and potential problems, it is in my best interest to become healthier. I am going to find alternatives to some of my bad habits. I eat pretty healthy already. I have maintained this weight for 4 years and have made some major eating habit changes in the last 2 years. I will continue those but would like to change a few more. I need more good protein and less sugars. For sugars, I needs less artificial and natural sugars. (Apparently, there is a thing called eating too much fruit). I am going back to my meal-supplement shakes which are very good. If anyone has suggestions for healthy meal suggestions please pass them on.
People usually tell me I need to exercise more. That is really not that case. With my current job, I am constantly on my feet moving around, often at a faster pace. I have been informed by my doctor that I only need exercise on days I'm not at work and when I do it should be a light one so I don't over work my body.

Blonde

I am always tired. By losing some weight, my body will not have to work as hard to lug this large mass around. I do get a good amount of sleep. Maybe not as much as I should be but I average 5-8 hrs a night. I pump myself with caffeine to wake up and often to continue working on late nights. This is also not a healthy solution. Hopefully by cutting the weight and eating healthier, I will get back some more energy.

2) I would like to grow my hair out 5-7 inches. I haven't had long hair since kindergarten and can't get it to grow longer than mid-length. I realize this may take longer than 365 days but I have been trying for a year now and have gotten no where.

Dark Blonde with Brown

The first commitment I have made is to not dye my hair. I change hair color like I change shoes...way too often. I have finally settled on one that is similar to what I think is my natural color. It is a mix of my dad's really dark hair and my mom's brown hair...so I should be close. I started dying my hair at age 13.

I was always thought I was supposed to wash my hair everyday. Apparently, that is not the case. I am not going to stop washing it a completely but maybe a few times a week. So far I can go 2 days without washing it before it is so gross I can't stand it. I have tried some dry shampoos that kinda work but so far the best product is baby powder. The only down side is I smell way to clean the whole day. I have heard so many different opinions/advice. What are your intakes on this topic?

Brown

I hope to find some natural products to maybe help the process along. I tried a shampoo/conditioner called F.A.S.T. It says it is for fast hair growth but my hair didn't really grow. I have also heard you need to get it cut every 4-6 weeks. I have constantly been getting it cut every 6 weeks but the length really hasn't changed either. I have found many remedies but am haven't tried them. I hope to try some of the ones I have found and hope to try more. I am open for suggestions.

3) The last part of the challenge is to develop a simpler, happy lifestyle. It is going to start with developing (and following) a budget that works for me. I hope by moving this summer, I can see all the crap I have accumulated over the last 6 years and either donate it or throw it away. Hopefully, after these simply changes, I can be happier.

Okay, time for some pictures of the last 7 or so months.