44 to 40

Hi,

I am pleased to announce the fitting of size 40 jeans. I will publicly unveil the 40 next weekend. My weight has remained constant but my pants have gotten smaller. That is what I ultimately want. I have been working so hard these days at work by taking on new projects and in the gym by working hard, supplementing and decent eating. I believe I can work a little harder at college and I will. Last week was Michael's birthday and it was wonderful.

Halloween will be the day I step into the 30's. My goal is to be rockin a size 38! Let's get it baby. Today we rest, tomorrow we torch!

TTYS,

JJB

Sweet Sunday

Hi,

I had a terrific weekend with Michael, especially in the sleep department. I caught up on that missed sleep and tonight I shall be sleeping by 10:30, giving me a respectable 7 hrs. I had a great chest/back workout today. I took my bench up to 225. Yeah buddy!

This week will be fine as I have already previewed the work/school schedule. I went to church today and I am so happy I have brought that back in to my life.

Buffalo 41 Kansas City 7. Go Bills, I love my team.

My workout:

• 10 minute warm elliptical and push ups (26 max)
• incline bench (went up to 185)
• bent over rows (went up to 155)
• bench (up to 225)
• lat pull downs
• machine flies
• machine rows
• pull overs
• 10 minutes elliptical

Next weekend is the Mr. Olympia competition so I will be glued to the computer until Jay Cutler wins #5! Next Sunday is Michael's Birthday. My big boy will be 8, God bless him. Life is good!

TTYS,

JJB

One more Day

Hi,

This week I am amazingly on task with my new schedule. I completed my three workouts, ate well and was on time everywhere. Class has been great and I am excited to get down to the nitty gritty of the work. I have been getting things done. Going back to work went well and I am not going to pretend like seeing Martine wasn't great. Her presence made me feel better. A little small talk is what the doctor ordered. Michael went back to school today and his mom had to drop him and he was sad. She picked him up for a treat and he had a great day. My class today was dismissed early but this is a rare treat. I have to get some extra sleep anyway. A little sacrifice will go a long way.

Today I exercised arms and shoulders. It was kick ass and I am satisfied.

TTYS,

JJB

Preparation J

Hi,

Big time prep today. I made my lunch, packed everything and am ready to tackle tomorrow. I want a smooth transition week and I am covering all corners. I am looking forward to the challenge and the ability to push myself to the limits and grow. I have to be smart about this. No time to waste. I am ready for my legs workout for tomorrow.

I have a list of supplements I will be taking.

• CLA- Breakfast and post workout
• Glutamine- Post workout
• Multi-Vitamin- Post workout
• BCAA's- Post workout

I took some pictures that I am not proud of but it's only one month deep. My arms look great and I slid in to a pair of size 40's today. Down from 44. One small step for a man, one giant leap for fat kind.

TTYS,

JJB

New Workout plan

Hi,

I start work and school this week so I am implementing the 3 day split workout plan. It goes as follows:

1. Sunday: Chest/Back day with Pre-workout cardio and post.
2. Tuesday: Legs day with Pre-workout cardio only
3. Thursday: Shoulders/Arms with Pre-workout and post.

Cardio every morning on the p.o.s exercise bike Edgar gave me. Jay Cutler is a fan of cardio on empty and I will be as well.

Eating will be as follows

• Breakfast: Egg substitute with Ezekiel bread. (6 a.m)
• Shake (9 a.m)
• Lunch: Meat and vegetables (12:30 pm)
• Shake (3:00 p.m))
• Post workout shake (4:30 p.m)
• Dinner: Meat (5:15 p.m)

I will update you soon on my supplements and progress. My weight has been steady but my pants size has been going in the right direction. The muscles look great and I have a few pieces of clothes I can wear with pride. Rome wasn't built in a day. Neither will my championship body.

TTYS,

JJB

Day with Michael

Hi,

Today will be the last Tuesday I have Michael for a while. I return to work next Tuesday so today is a little special. We stayed in, and that normally means pigging out for me but not today. I ate so clean.

• Breakfast shake with peanut butter
• turkey and mushrooms
• 2 veggie burgers
• shake with peanut butter

Tomorrow I will hit my back and triceps and stay eating clean. I have been loving bodybuilding videos on YouTube. I am getting back in to the spirit of the sport. Amen.

TTYS,

JJB

Back to Basics

Hi,

Today I hit the gym hard. It has been almost a week since my last workout but Edgar and I put in some serious chest work.

• 2 sets of push ups (warm up) after 10 minute elliptical
• 3 sets of machine presses
• 3 sets of fly machine
• 3 sets of incline dumbbell
• 4 sets of cable crossovers
• 3 sets of machine bar curls
• 2 sets hammer curls
• 3 sets all to failure on bicep machine

The diet was clean today and I should get good rest. I went down to the wire in August with money and I will be broke in September. I have to focus on my studies and bodybuilding. I went to mass on Sunday and will continue to do so. Mind, body and soul I have a lot of work to do.

TTYS,

JJB

Cheats galore

Hi,

I had a cheat day big time today and yesterday. No more for the month of August and in September I will limit myself to 2 cheat meals. The scale will kick my ass this week. I accept the consequences and will do better.

TTYS,

JJB

Cooperstown

Hi,

I had a nice day today driving with Vincent P to the Baseball Hall of Fame. I took today as a rest day workout wise and ate very unclean. We ate at Golden Corral buffet and I ate a lot of meat. Earlier in the day I had a cheeseburger and a kit-kat. I will be clean tomorrow. I needed a break after all the stress of the week.

I got some terrible news that a friend's father passed away. I hope he and his family can use their faith to get through this tough time.

I am at a hotel in Albany now and I have the wake tomorrow. I miss Michael. I know next week will be better with him and his mom. I will try to eat clean and get some more gym time in. I really hope I lose my weekly 3.

TTYS,

JJB

Down to the wire

Hi,

Just got in from hanging out with Edgar for a while. I was going to rest today but I had a cup of ice cream and felt guilty. I worked my legs today. I did squats. extensions, curls and seated squats. It was a decent workout. I had tuna for lunch and shakes all day.

I was so stressed and the workout helped a little. Michael was a handful today and I tried putting him on the zip line at Kids n shape and he fell. We have a long way to go. Fought with Michelle another day and I am happy to be going away. I hope we don't hit too much traffic and I hope I get to blog that I had a great day. It's almost midnight and I have to post.

TTYS,

JJB

Back day

Hi,

Vincent S has brought it to my attention that my blog has run a muck. I do use it as my personal outlet but I will involve more information on my workout and diet. As you know a life is made up of more than these 2 aspects but it is a big part of J.D.B.F

Today I did the F.S.T-7 routine:

10 minutes warm up cardio

3 sets of bent over rows (after 2 warm up sets)

4 sets of pull downs (using various grips. Underhand, wide grip and behind the neck)

3 sets of pull overs

7 sets of machine rows

I then did 6 sets of triceps work. My arms were fried and I was cramping a bit

I finished the workout off with 15 minutes of cardio

The Pre workout consists of 2 Lipo-6 fat burners

The Post workout is One scoop protein powder, one scoop Volu Gro, multi-vitamin and Arginine and Glutamine.

Today I had a few shakes and then chicken with sweet potatoes for dinner. I recommend you go to http://www.naturalbodyinc.com/ for your supplement needs, the staff will help you with all your needs. You can also order on line. Here are some links to my favorite products.

http://www.naturalbodyinc.com/store.html#ecwid:mode=product&product=284657

http://www.naturalbodyinc.com/store.html#ecwid:mode=product&product=5615222

http://www.naturalbodyinc.com/store.html#ecwid:mode=product&product=800713

In my personal life, there was an Ipad situation where my mother was going to buy Michael an Ipad and Michelle had a heart attack because it was her idea. I assured her it wasn't going to be "Michael's Birthday gift" and her idea was safe. After she blasted me and my mother in 1000 texts.

Shout out to Cara for answering my supplement questions, shout out to Vincent S and Edgar for game night at my house. Shout out to my Councilman Eric Ulrich for serving me the host at mass on Sunday.

TTYS,

JJB

2 weeks gone 6 pounds gone

Hi,

Official weight 248.4

That's another 3 pounds shed. I have two and a half weeks until I go back to work and my goal is 7 more pounds. This will tie my lowest work weight since starting HSGC. Then in the month of September I can look to break new ground.

I am concerned with great workouts, recovery and sleep. Outside of working out I feel very unimpressed with the rest of the world. I have a few errands to run this week before my trip to the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Today I am going to see a movie with Edgar and Vincent S. That's a first, like eating ethnic food with Vincent P. What's next? A ballet with Chris or a rave with my moms yo!

TTYS,

JJB

Movie Night

Hi,

I spent the day with Michael and then we picked his mom up. Michael made a request to go to Dave and Busters. We had a nice time and I picked up some melatonin to help me get to bed early. No reason really, just want an easy time falling asleep.

I am staying in this evening alone. I am currently watching The 40 Year Old Virgin and will follow that with Night at the Roxbury. If I get bored I can play some Mario Kart on Nintendo Wii or pay per view something.

Tomorrow is official weigh day and I should be down another 3 pounds. I am proud of my progress. I wish Michael were here.

TTYS,

JJB

Great day despite my anger

Hi,

I had it out again with Michelle yet again this week. Michael and I had a wonderful day and were out the whole day. He didn't eat until we got home which was 6 hours later, but he ate all his chicken.

I know I wanted to go Vegan for 30 days but the variety wasn't pleasing and I added in some meat. I learned a lot during my Vegan practice and study and I will take some things with me. Tofu and brown rice is all good. Michael is waiting to use the computer.

TTYS,

JJB

Thursday much better

Hi,

Today I felt lazy but I didn't act lazy. I had a great legs workout and then took a drive to Vinny's place in Suffolk. To my surprise we went to an Afghan restaurant and I had great Tandoori chicken with spinach. It was delicious. I am still here and will leave in an hour or so.

I cooled down with Michelle a bit and I am looking forward to my short weekend with Michael. I do not have any plans but I know Friday will be a nice outing and Saturday we can hit a park. I actually love taking Michael to the park. He is so full of life when it is time to slide and swing. I remember feeling that happy.

Michael enjoys his weekend because I make it an enjoyable weekend. It is evidence that you have to call the shots and make it happen, You reap what you sow, Shout out to Vinny for the great choice in restaurant and the great company. We are hitting Cooperstown next week and it will be a great time.

TTYS,

JJB

Terrible night

Hi,

Tonight Michelle and I attempted to take Michael to Lincoln center. We fought all the way there and then we had to leave early because it was a hostile environment for children. It was frustrating and sad for us but Michael was happy. He loves the train.

I am working hard at the gym and I just want to focus on that. Michelle remains a pain in my ass an d God give me the strength to deal with her.

TTYS,

JJB

Tuesday Rest Day

Hi,

I rested today and I am still feeling the burn from my chest and back days. Tomorrow I will do shoulders and Thursday is legs. Friday might be an arms day.

My weight this morning is 249.4, very nice. I am on the edge of glory!

TTYS,

JJB

Two Days of pain

Hi,

I had a great workout yesterday and today. I am using the FST-7 training system and it is hardcore. I haven't lifted that hard in a while. I will take tomorrow off and see Michael.

Why do women say, are you done? Like what your saying doesn't make sense. I am done if you understand. That is when I am done. I have bent over backwards for this woman and she still to this day pushes my buttons and there is no rescue ship. I feel stranded on an island by myself with my son that has communication problems, Michelle is the shark and there is no rescue ship coming for us. I am trying to get by but it's hard. It's my fault I am on this island and I am fighting to get off of it and start a better life but it is hard. God give me the strength to get through and please send me an angel. I need a wife. I need a partner. I used to take refuge in Martine when times got rough, that's why I loved her so much because I felt protected. I am so exposed now. As scared as I am, I will fight. I will fight for every hope and dream that has ever meant anything to me and for I will fight for my child. I love my child.

I had a dream one time where Michael and I were with God and God had a bag of letters for Michael. He asked Michael what letter he wanted and Michael said "B for Bucaria". God told me Michael will always be my son, not just in this life. God then put Michael and I on an elevator and sent us home. I love my son and I thank God for him.

TTYS,

JJB

I love Sunday

Hi,

So the official weight after one week of vegan is 251.2

I lost three pounds. Up one pound from Friday but I might have been dehydrated. This week I will focus harder on weight training and recovery.

This weekend Michael and I stayed in the house. I was exhausted Saturday and Michael has a fever today. He will stay home tomorrow. I believe he will be fine for Lincoln Center on Wednesday.

I actually enjoy tofu now and had it twice today. This week I will do my clean sweep of the room, read my library books and return them. I also have to put my voter outreach project into play soon for the special election. I'm done with Internet dating for a while. I met some nice ladies but no big spark or butterflies. My princess is in another castle.

TTYS,

JJB

Toothpaste

Hi,

Today Michael rolled out of bed before daddy and wrote on grandma's wall. After researching how to remove dry erase marker, I used toothpaste and mouthwash and it cleaned the marker completely. It took close to an hour because it was a gradual process, but I appreciate the exercise.

Yesterday I walked 2.5 miles at Victory field and then took Michael to Toys'r'us then to the park. We were swinging side by side and he waited for me to count to 3 to begin the swing, and then he did the count down. This is a big deal. Playing together with Michael is rare and special but this just shows his growth. It was the highlight of my year. God bless him.

Thanks to the shouting drunks in my backyard I did not get much sleep last night. I was so exhausted today that we didn't go out and there is a chance we might just stay in. Michael loves it and I feel comfortable enough to stay in for a change.

Tomorrow morning will be the official weigh in. One whole week as a vegan will be in the books. I will hit the gym and church tomorrow. I suspect week two will be a success.

TTYS,

JJB

Amen

Hi,

Great news! I had to weigh myself twice to believe it. Drum roll please.............

250.2

I am down 4.2 pounds from Sunday! My weekly goal for the month of Vegan has been hit. I had great sleep last night and have stayed on track with dieting and exercise. Days of rest are when I see the most weight loss. I haven't been starving myself at all and I stay hydrated.

3 mile walk today and fun with Michael. Today is going to be great. Hard work pays off and for the first time in a long time I am working hard.

TTYS,

JJB

Happy Thursday

Hi,

I usually write in the morning after breakfast but I hit the gym pretty early. I then went to stores for Michael with Michelle and it was a nice time. We listened to music and spoke about our dating a little. It was cool. We were once friends so it is nice to be friendly.

I met up with a friend in the city today and we ate at a vegan joint and saw the movie "The Change-Up". It was a great movie and my hummus and avocado wrap was top notch. After the movie I walked half a mile to my train instead of all that terrible transferring.

Tomorrow I will go to the Victory field track and walk 3 miles. I can't wait to see Michael this weekend. I really missed him

An update from last night: I went to Edgar's to do a 5 mile walk. After painting for many hours and then waiting we went for our walk from 10:30-12:30. It was a bad move because it as too much too late and it effected my sleep. Sleep is very important for health and weight loss. I waited 5 hours to walk. Edgar officially owes me a steak, I will collect this steak at the time and place of my choosing.

TTYS,

JJB

Wacky Wednesday

Hi,

So yesterday's menu included a bowl of brown rice with BBQ sauce and peanuts. It was awesome and satisfying. Thanks to peanuts I never go hungry. I put them in everything. I hit the Trader Joe's and ran in to Steve Puppo from my childhood and that was awesome. We had a nice discussion on health foods. I will stay in touch with him. He is a fit guy that can help me with my fit quest. I then went to Whole Foods and finally to the gym. It is interesting that I used to go to these places only for Michael and now daddy needs his ingredients too.

Today I will stop by Edgar's and we will go for a 5 mile walk. It took some coaxing but he said he would go. Daddy likes to walk. Today I take my mom to Walmart because I am the best ha ha.

Yesterday I was feeling a little sad that I might never live with Michael full time and I miss him so much. I have to be thankful for the time I do have with him and make it count. We are going to do a lot of fun stuff in August. I am going to go broke fast. It is worth it. I am looking forward to fitness, education and love. These are the most important things to me and I wish them for all of you too.

TTYS,

JJB

I walked the Brooklyn Bridge...And then some

Hi,

Yesterday I went to SFC to drop off a financial aid paper and then decided to go for a walk. Not a little walk by any ones definition. I walked from Brooklyn Heights to midtown Manhattan. I walked to Lincoln center. It was a 7 mile walk!

My new weight is 253.2

Today I will eat peanut butter and banana sandwiches all day. I want to keep it simple and if it is delicious, why add variety. I will hit the gym today and the plan for 7:40 is to clean sweep my room. I have too much stuff. Let me correct that. Michael has too much stuff lol.

Clutter of the room is clutter of the mind. I need to know what I have, keep what is useful and get rid of excess that holds me down or blocks me from what I need. That goes for memories and people too. It hurts to say that but not everybody can stay and some stuff needs to be forgotten.

2011 has a lot of time left and I don't want to waste a minute. Shout out to Edgar for coming over and loving my chili. I did not eat any but it smelled awesome. Shout out to Vincent Savino for sending me my Jay Glazer boxing system. I will use it everyday.

I'm going to tackle the day, I hope you make today count. I am thankful for every breathe the Lord gives me and I am not afraid because I have faith in him.

TTYS,

JJB

Woke up starving

Hi,

So day one of the vegan challenge was successful. I woke up this morning at 5 ready to eat. It is a little after 8 and I am on my second meal. I used curry today so the apartment smells like a lovely Indian bistro. Yesterday's workout went well.

Today I am walking 7 miles from St. Francis college to Lincoln center. I am going to get student discount tickets to bring Michael (and his moms) to a classical concert. I have plenty of water and a change of socks.

I have to buy more mushrooms today. Maybe I will pass a farmer's market in my travels. Wish me luck!

TTYS,

JJB

Vegan says what?

Hi,

It has been an 8 month break from J.D.B.F but I am back with a brand new plan for he next 30 days. Lets catch up first.

• I accomplished getting back in college and attended summer class. I took 2 classes and received an "A" in Religion and "A-" in history. I have registered for the fall and looking forward to doing even better.
• Michelle and I are no longer together but the co-parenting is productive. We have taken Michael to Rye Play land and yesterday we took the Governor's Island ferry.
• My cousin Snooky and her son Damien are back in the family picture and it has been nice to have them around.
• Martine and I are no longer tight. I spoke to her once this summer. She was a great friend and her presence is missed but not everything lasts. I wish her luck in her future endeavors.

My time alone with Michael has been very beneficial. We are closer than ever and I am a better dad than ever. I love taking care of him and taking him new places. I thank God everyday for my son.

Thirty Days Vegan

Why you might ask? Why not? For the next thirty days I will be working out 4+ days per week and eating a vegan diet. This means no dairy, meat or food with artificial crap in it. I have done vegetarian before so it will not be a big deal, but for 30 days I will track my mood, energy, weight loss and workouts. I start today and my last day is September 5Th. September 6Th I will have a nice steak and the next day I will have a new plan.

Breakfast

• All natural peanut butter on Ezekiel bread. Decaffeinated green tea

Any other meal

• Tofu, vegetables, and quinoa (it's like rice but it's a seed). Veggie burgers will also do nicely

Post workout

• Whey protein shake in water with banana. I believe this is not vegan at all but it is the one exception I made for myself since I already have the powder

Today I tipped the scales at a whopping 254.4. Tune in tomorrow for an update.

TTYS,

JJB

Silence

I wish I never had to speak again. Take a vow of silence and let everybody fight amongst themselves. Apparently I am not so good with words sometimes myself. I am so prone to insulting people. I guess when I feel misunderstood I try to put that on them. I hate to mince words or say more than I have to. Why don't I have any patience. I started the day already getting yelled at by 3 women. All I could think of was my nasty over the top comeback. They had total control over me and I do not like that. Self control is behaving yourself even when others aren't. My false thought was that if they think they have the right to be an asshole to me then they should get it right back. Eye for an eye mentality. Nobody wants to feel taken advantage of or ran over, but there has to be a better way. People also take their baggage out on you and based on their thin slicing of a situation they react accordingly. It's not easy being human.

I used my exercise bike today for 10 minutes, it hurt my legs. I go to my dance lesson tonight. Let's hope this week picks up a little bit.

TTYS,

JJB

Monday Monday

So I attempted to attend a salsa class but due to bad parking and no credit cards taken, I will have to try again tomorrow. The good news is the class tomorrow is free.

I actually completed my first list of tasks for the year. Important/not fun shit that had to get done. I really wanted to exercise along with it.

I was also given some disturbing information that wiped my energy dry but I will not react to this invasion and just keep my focus on me.

TTYS,

JJB

Day 2

I got through the day and now it is bed time. I will start salsa lessons tomorrow, yay!

I will also be getting an exercise bike from Edgar this week.

I hope I can eat better this week. I am a little nervous. Self control really isn't my specialty.

TTYS,

JJB

Happy New Year 2011

O.K, I am still fat.

I tipped the scales at 255 today. 5 pounds less than last January 1st, but far from where I should be.

I did my New Years cleaning, which was surprisingly fast and painless. I always need to clear the clutter out of my room and my head.

I am not sure how I will attack this new 365, but I hope to have some nice victories under my belt. I really didn't accomplish anything in 2010.

Stay tuned for the updates.

TTYS,

JJB