Confessions of a Professed Fat Guy

My name is Justin Strawser, and I am fat.

This declaration of physical unfitness (while not surprising in the least, I'm sure) is not intended to evoke sympathy. For every “Awe, Justin, don't say that about yourself” comment, I fall deeper and deeper into an unhealthy mindset. By believing there is not a problem, I'm only hurting myself even more. I am what I am.

The only question now is what I'm going to do about it.

I spent the last month vlogging 30 days straight in June. I spent every day shooting a video, editing a video, rendering a video, and uploading a video. Not to mention the overlapped time replying to comments on said videos, thanking subscribers because they seemingly liked my videos, and watching other people's videos. The process takes an average of four hours a day (sometimes less, sometimes more). I followed a schedule and I kept to that schedule. I didn't miss a day. I made sure I didn't miss a day.

Why the hell, I thought to myself, can't you commandeer that dedication to a relatively inane hobby and apply that to make yourself a healthier person?

Answer: You shouldn't say hell, and there is no reason you can't. And why not make a video project out of it to entice your body and mind a little more? You know, feature your progress on your videos and blog?

Reply: Right-O, Good Chap! Let's do it.

Henceforth, for at an hour each day in July, I will exercise, whether walking at the local park, steps with Wii Fit, or using the machines at the gym. I will exercise. I will exercise. If I don't, I am not allowed to make a video that week unless it's about how I failed. Let's call this project EEDJ (Exercise Every Day in July).

This is yet another new and challenging experience for me (which is pitiful, I realize) and something I can't afford to fail (even more than VEDJ), so I'd love to have some help, support, and accountability. If you have suggestions, tips to keep motivated, or words of wisdom, please leave 'em below.

Nice to Meat You

Earlier this month in a video, Vlogbrother Hank Green said the production of meat accounts for about the same amount of greenhouse gasses as the transportation industry, and if we give the edible food we feed to livestock to starving people, no one in the world would be hungry.

“And yet, I still eat meat,” he said. “I know it's bad, but I keep doing it, because I like it.”

Challenging the Nerdfighters to give up meat for a month, he said, “Try it out, knowing that denying this one indulgence actually is going to make you a little better of a person.”

I, Justin Strawser – small town newspaper reporter, YouTube vlogger, obsessive tweeter, social network aficionado, and (most importantly, at least for the sake of this post) proud eater of animal flesh – will give up meat products and become a vegetarian for a one-month experiment in July. We'll call it VEDJ (Vegetarian Every Day in July).

Not only will it be healthier for me, it will also allow me to lower my ecological footprint a small amount. Depending on how I feel come July 31, I might continue this whole thing. Plus, you know, it's a challenge, and I'd like to see if I'm capable of this kind of self-control – because I really, really love meat (that's what she said in Vegas).

While I still need to have a Vegetarian Training Course with my friends Dylan, Emily, and Amanda, I've already listed a few of my observations and rules.

• I will not eat meat (which includes, but is not limited to: beef, chicken, and pork). I don't know whether seafood is allowed, but I've never been a big fan anyhow. I'm still not sure about the whole egg issue.
• I will try tofu options, even though they terrify me.
• I will consume less dairy and milk-based products. I will not cut them completely out of my diet, and I will sample substitutes such as soy milk.
• I like peanuts, cashews, almonds, etc. etc. These are a great protein replacement for meats.
• I like fruit. I like salad. I like vegetables in stir fry. I will take advantage of this. I don't need to be afraid that meat won't be my main dish, because fruits and vegetables will fill me up.
• I hear portabella mushroom are excellent, but I don't like mushrooms. This will not stop me from trying it.
• Beef and other meat broth is defeating the purpose of this experiment.
• Pasta is my friend, but be warned of the sauce.
• I will not replace my meat cravings with unhealthy options, such as six slices of pizza, candy, cakes, cookies, etc etc).
• While we're out it, I will limit my soda and energy drink intake. There are plenty of fruit juices that are just as tasty.
• This is the 21^st Century. I'm willing to bet that vegetarian meals are not as bland as I think they are.
• It will not be the end of the world if I give in to my carnivorous desires. After all, this is an experiment.

This is going to be new and somewhat frightening experience for me and I'd love to have some help, support, and accountability. If you have suggestions, recipes, or words of wisdom, please leave 'em below.

not another social network

Just so you know, I deleted my Flickr account about ten seconds ago, because I never use it, and I feel overwhelmed that I just created yet another profile on yet another social networking site. I am already plugged into a hundred thousand sites (give or take a few thousand, of course). Why I decided to log into another one is beyond me.

Secondly, what's up with thejealousone being taken on Blogspot? It hasn't been used since 2007, and the writer only posted once to lament about her brother's homosexuality ("I actually think he is gay! Literally!") and her family not being as warm and fuzzy as her boyfriend's family. Listen, Miss Teen Angst, thejealousone is my thing. Except on Youtube, where that channel hasn't been used in years even though I have politely asked for ownership. Also, thejealousone@gmail.com is taken, too, but I have a feeling that's mine anyhow. I just can't remember the password.

Anyway, point of the story is... well... apparently now I'm Miss Teen Angst, complaining about trivial things... great... awesome... My first Blogger post and I'm already off to a rip-roaring good time.

My real point to this post is this: While I post occasionally, I miss writing on my own without being required by my career to do it.And I know I've been working on my Goal of Writing a Novel (or more appropriately, my Goal of Pretending I'm Writing a Novel), but the idea of keeping a blog this summer makes sense. Plus, you know, I'll express more of my opinions (such as why I believe the things I believe), personal information (my social security number), and all the things you might otherwise not have a chance to previously experience (a copy of my house key to anyone with five bucks).

Therefore, I shall attempt the goal of Blogging Every Day in July (BEDJ). If you'd care to join me, I would appreciate the feedback and support. And if you'd like to blog along with me, even better.

We can be... BED Buddies. oh yeah. You know you like it.