I was dreading the party last night in Miami. I really did not want to go because I've been to these before and know what delicious and BAD FOR YOU foods exist at these things. Everybody wanted to go, so to keep peace and enjoy time with my family I went.

As we arrived, we were greeted with plates of salted nuts, chips, alcohol, soda and sweet treats of every kind...OH MAN - I was panicking, but slowly took in the sights and found two new friends. Two boxers in the back that both are very big (I didn't weight them, but when they jumped on me with their front paws, they moved me easily). We hung out in our introverted ways away from the people and food. I was pondering how to handle dinner, the finger foods and dessert. After all, we were the first ones there and the evening just started.

What I estimate is that i had one plantain banana, a quarter cup white rice (I know!), and one yucca piece, all water and one pea size piece of cheesecake that my family was sharing. I was very good and proud.

Whiskey and Kalua and I hung out talking, whining, playing and light jogging. These 4 year olds were hungering for activity. As the rest of the party goers arrived, I saw an obese woman with a cane and her husband. I have met them in the past but did not realize she now walks with a cane. I felt bad and wanted to reach out to her, but I didn't. Not everybody is on my path and didn't want to offend anybody. Her husband goes to the gym twice daily (they are retired) and plays golf. She knits, cooks him lunch and dinner and plays cards with her friends - mostly sitting activities. I felt even worse. I was so focused on her because i don't remember her being so limited and unhappy (she was not having a good time as she was hobbling horribly to get from the couch to the eating area - about 4 inches per hobble.

I sucked it up - perhaps one day she will see that she should do something - but then again, I am not the judge and really should not judge her. Soooo, my take away was that I did not want to be like her. Just like a few weeks ago in a restaurant where I saw an obese man eating a big meal seemingly looking at me - I saw myself as her. LImited in mobility and UNhappy.

I also found out that one of our other friends has gout and was in obvious pain. He was not obese, but overweight. I've known him and his wife for about 10 years and his diet (he's an auto mechanic) is basically what he can find on the street or when the local food trucks stop by his shop. Not a very healthful diet. His wife now told me that she packs him his lunch, medication and he carries a list of good and bad foods. What a bad way to live. I don't want this either.

Another enlightening experience from the chronicles of Dave. Keep it up, you're doing great.

As KSIGMA says, I am HERE already, the journey is OVER, it's just numbers now and maintenance once I reach my magic number. What a cool way to look at it.