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JackSh*t, Gabby Reece, PureVia, & me (giveaway post).
By MizFit | September 30, 2009
Much to his chagrin, the inimitable JackSh*t outed himself in the comments as a juggler.
Stalking & emailing ensued then, much to my delight, musings on juggling & weight-loss filled my in-box.
THANK YOU JackSh*t!
Weight Loss, The Ultimate Juggling Act
A Pennsylvania State Trooper pulls over this car on I-81, a couple of miles north of the PA/MD state line. When the trooper asks the driver why he was speeding, the driver answers that he’s a magician and a juggler on his way to Harrisburg to do a show that night at the Zembo Shrine Circus, and doesn’t want to be late.
The trooper tells the driver that he’s simply fascinated by juggling, and if the driver will do a little mini-show for him, he won’t ticket him for speeding. The driver tells the trooper that he’s sent all of his equipment on ahead and doesn’t have anything in the car suitable for juggling.
The trooper says that he’s got some road flares in the trunk of his patrol car and asks if he can juggle them. The juggler says “Sure,”, so the trooper trots back to the trunk and pulls out three flares. He lights them and hands them over to the juggler.
About the time the guy gets going good with his juggling act, another car pulls in behind the patrol car. A drunk guy gets out, and watches the performance for a minute. Then he walks over to the patrol car, opens the rear door and gets in.
The trooper goes over to the patrol car, opens the door and asks the drunk guy
what he thinks he’s doing. The drunk replies, “You might as well take my ass to jail, cause there’s no way I’m gonna pass that test.”Weight loss and juggling have a few things in common: there are a few basics you have to master in order to be successful, people that do it well make it look extraordinarily easy and, despite Miz Fit’s video evidence to the contrary, anyone can do it.
Losing weight takes the same exact skill set as learning to juggle. It’s a complex series of maneuvers that need to be broken down, to be comprehended, to be mastered. Just like you can’t juggle unless you understand the mechanics of it, you can’t lose weight until you really grasp a lot of fundamental truths about nutrition, exercise and the inner workings of your own body. They’re both learned skills.
A juggler needs to understand how each little piece of the mechanics works, just like the person attempting to lose weight needs to work out all the parts and pieces of that process. One part of it doesn’t function, balls hit the floor.
And mastering both juggling and weight loss is the work of a lifetime. Anyone attempting to do either will find him or herself dealing with the ultimate mix of fun and frustration, of celebrations and setbacks.
I would bet that there’s a very high failure rate for both people who are seriously learning to juggle and who are seriously trying to lose weight. I think that’s because, in both areas, people get down on the little failures they experience, not understanding that the only way to learn is to recognize, in the little failures, how to avoid the ones that really matter.
I don’t like to brag, but I’m a black-belt juggler. I can give you a Cascade, Reverse Cascade, Juggler’s Tennis, Behind the Back, 3-Ball Flash, Boston Mess, and bring it home with a Cherry Picker. Hell, I can eat an apple and keep the balls flying. But here’s the thing: I couldn’t do it all after just one day.
I’ve lost nearly 70 pounds on my current weight loss journey. I’ve chased out most unhealthy processed foods from my diet, incorporated everyday workouts into my routine and blogged each and every day since this past Easter Sunday. And here’s the thing: I didn’t do it all in a single day.
Juggling has been called “the art of controlling patterns,” and control really is at the heart of it all, just like it is with this weight business. Keep the balls under control… keep your eating and your exercise under control… the the results can be… well… magical.
There’s one more thing about juggling and dropping a lot of weight: they’ll both make you a big hit at parties.
Also, as Id mentioned to you before, I recently did a roundtable discussion with the amazing Gabby Reece.
The PR firm selected two of your questions and I had the opportunity to bumble through my own query as well.
Please to enjoy.
DAMN.
This was a long one huh?
JackSh*t & lottsa talk of Gettin’Fit.
As as reward for your time (if you made it this far) PureVia hath provided us a treat.
A gift basket filled with Two boxes of PureVia, Starbucks coffee, body scrub, an aromatherapy candle and a yoga to-go travel deck of cards.
You can be entered to win for the lowlow price of a comment below.
On juggling, on JackSh*t, on Gabby and how she eats way more clean than I, on anything.
Please to hit us all up in the comments.
Winner announced friday USA only.
Topics: Uncategorized, Viewer mail |
September 30th, 2009 at 3:55 am
I LOVED the juggling piece!! Awesome! Great post, thank you!! Still listening to the podcast as I type…Might have more after…;o)
September 30th, 2009 at 4:15 am
good points covered
September 30th, 2009 at 4:31 am
Hahaha! I saw Jack’s comment the other day and immediately thought of your attempts at juggling, too!
Gabby Reece is amazing; she does a great job keeping her family eating healthy!
September 30th, 2009 at 4:51 am
Gabby Reece is awesome..what a great woman! I’ve never tried TrUvia, so that’d be sweet to try it out!
September 30th, 2009 at 4:58 am
LOVED the podcast as I’m a big Gabby fan as well.
Did they tell you to be quiet while she spoke?
September 30th, 2009 at 4:59 am
I saw your tweet yesterday and want to nominate JACK SH*T!!!!!
September 30th, 2009 at 5:17 am
Love Jack, he’s always so fun and inspirational. And can’t wait to hear you chat with Gabby!
September 30th, 2009 at 5:32 am
I love Jack’s blog. He’s just amazingly funny! We lived in Tallahassee and saw Gabby play a few times. I have to say she’s incredible.
September 30th, 2009 at 5:48 am
Jack cracks me up! AND, comparing our healthiness journey to juggling is brilliant - er, uh, wait a minute. Is that me calling Jack brilliant? Lemme rethink this quick - hahaha! Ok, Jack, your brilliant! But just for today okay?
Thanks for sharing Miz!
September 30th, 2009 at 5:57 am
Great podcast, Miz. It was a pleasure to read and hear your voice today.
September 30th, 2009 at 6:08 am
Great post by Jack, thanks for getting him to talk more about juggling and as is his flare, finding a way to compare it to weight loss *smile*. I’ve never had truevia.
September 30th, 2009 at 6:08 am
I have never read a better analogy for losing weight! Thanks for the humpday motivation.
September 30th, 2009 at 6:28 am
That was a great piece by Jack!! Thanks for sharing it with us
September 30th, 2009 at 6:29 am
Jack Sh*t outdid himself today!!! I read about that juggling on his blog & this whole tying it in to weight loss along with a very funny story is too much! LOVED IT!!!!!
Thx Jack * Miz! Miz, just about sleep time for me so will have to listen to Gabby & you after I wake up again…. I know, I am CRAZY!
Oh, thx as always for giveaways!
September 30th, 2009 at 6:34 am
Ooh yay podcast! I shall listen to it later on today.
Hehehe the juggling analogy is fantastic.
September 30th, 2009 at 6:45 am
That was a fantastic analogy; I bet that will be making the rounds of the internet for years to come.
Now lots of people will know Jack Sh*t.
September 30th, 2009 at 6:58 am
Love the juggling analogy. And I got a kick out of the joke, too.
September 30th, 2009 at 7:01 am
Can I say that Gabby and I look as if we were born of the same mother? Gabby is my twin.
I’m off to juggle shower water.
September 30th, 2009 at 7:13 am
LOVED it. Maybe I should set all my food on fire before trying to eat it???
September 30th, 2009 at 7:15 am
Jacksh*t is my new hero! I want to be able to juggle like that! And not just literally. Love his reminder about how great things don’t happen in a day. In our quick-fix biggest-loser celeb culture we feel like failures if we don’t lose 10 pounds a day.
Also - Gabby: not as relatable as I’d hoped she’d be. Don’t know why I’m surprised.
September 30th, 2009 at 7:33 am
Great juggling story…Also a fan of Jacksh*t, and MizFit!
September 30th, 2009 at 7:46 am
Great juggling/weight loss connection.
I like what Ms. Reece said about being aggressive in how she works out, but it was a little weird how she kept comparing her kids to fitness.
September 30th, 2009 at 7:56 am
Love Jack. he always cracks me up.
So I can comment on anything? Can I say that I am excited to go to a lecture to see Dr Eugenie Scott tonight?
I’d love to win the goodies. sign me up
September 30th, 2009 at 8:00 am
That is a great post and so true!! Thanks for that Miz. You’ve both been such a great help to me!!!!
September 30th, 2009 at 8:01 am
Forgot to add that your boyfriend, Dr. Oz, was on our local NBC station this morning. He did the weather at the end and he was even great at that! (sigh)
September 30th, 2009 at 8:04 am
and I’ve dared not watch Dr Oz’ show (yet).
Hoping he doesn’t go the way of the Phil
September 30th, 2009 at 8:21 am
Great post! Loved the juggling story!
September 30th, 2009 at 8:27 am
WOW… that was a long podcast!
and who doesnt love a good giveway!?
September 30th, 2009 at 8:35 am
I saw Gabby Reece on an episode of cribs and her and her husband are crazy fit and have, like, an entire cabinet of vitamins and tablets and crazy things. But lord knows it works because they are fit as fiddles!
Great Post, Jack!
September 30th, 2009 at 8:47 am
Very true. Weight loss occurs when you are in control of all the pieces of the puzzle. At least that’s been my experience.
Though, the juggling part…I’ll have to think about that a little more.
September 30th, 2009 at 8:47 am
The podcast was long but pretty interesting.
With all due respect (and you don’t have to enter me
I’m not gunning to win) I’m more inspired by regular people like you, Miz.
I wonder if Gabby has ever read your blog?
September 30th, 2009 at 8:49 am
I love the tie in with Juggling. Nicely done, Jack!
September 30th, 2009 at 8:50 am
Miz, that was an awesome roundtable with Gabby! Very informative. I listened to the entire thing.
( and my Sh*tty Jack is awesome-est too.
)
September 30th, 2009 at 9:21 am
Good analogy, but way better story. I needed the fun story with work-related stress today!
(And sweet giveaway! Perhaps the giveaway gods are on my side today?)
September 30th, 2009 at 9:23 am
I pride myself in also being able to juggle, and whip out the talent to shock and amuse at times… like my own blog that has a bit of humor, but Jack is a master of juggling and a master of humor with something important snuck in when you’re not looking. I guess he is good at magic too!
At Foolsfitnesssee the magic of cake disapear before your very eyes… into my mouth- Alan
September 30th, 2009 at 10:06 am
I absolutely love aromatherapy, such a great way to relax after a good workout.
September 30th, 2009 at 10:41 am
How very cool - Gabby answered my question!!! I had to rewind the podcast because I yelled out loud when I heard my name! I enjoyed listening to her - and you, Carla - and I liked her attitude towards food. And working out - think it’s funny that she and her husband don’t workout together, but I guess with two competitors in the house, they know what works for them.
Jack Sh*t’s post was right on the money.
September 30th, 2009 at 11:10 am
that was a really funny story with a very nice point that followed…a little jealous of his writing style.
i listened to gabby in SF and just thought she was an amazing woman.
September 30th, 2009 at 11:18 am
I really want to try the Purvia - I am trying to cut back my sugar, and have been doing pretty well, but there are still a few things that I don’t like unless they’re sweetened.
September 30th, 2009 at 11:27 am
LOVED the article on juggling!!!! Btw, I have a new site…
http://inweighovermyhead.blogspot.com/
September 30th, 2009 at 11:35 am
I love that analogy. I’m sure lots of us have tried it many different ways before really learning how to do it properly. It’s actually sticking because I know how to balance it instead of going hog wild and then super strict.
And the joke is hilarious
September 30th, 2009 at 11:42 am
I’m a big fan of Jack’s. I’m also a writer, and I find that the parallels between writing and weight-loss parallel the parallels between juggling and weight-loss. (I know that’s terrible–parallel the parallels–but I couldn’t resist. Some times it’s fun to write badly.)
Anyway, there are fundamentals to learn, then tricks to the trade. The bottomline? It takes loads of hard work, and most walk away before they find success.
September 30th, 2009 at 11:59 am
Juggling it all is. I was able to drop a few balls recently. That ought to help.
Great insight by Jack, as always.
September 30th, 2009 at 12:07 pm
Weightloss is like juggling. Great guest post Jack!
Thank you for posting the Gabby panel. I saw your post about it earlier and was curious. I listened to the whole thing and like the way she balances everything. I am going to start using my stability ball more…:-) I also like her suggestion about scheduling exercise and scheduling exercise with others too. I love my new “I am my own superhero” tank top. I told my hubby I wanted one for my bday. The next day I ordered one for myself and didn’t realize he also ordered one. It worked out great because I was able to give the extra one to my cousin who is battling cancer. I posted a photo of us wearing our shirts on my blog yesterday…:-) Thank you!
September 30th, 2009 at 12:11 pm
I know. We all love the Sh*t huh? And, alas, methinks he’s happy at his own blog so I can’t steal him away.
(Oh and Kat? THANK *YOU* I can’t wait to see the pics when I’m back @ computer!)
September 30th, 2009 at 12:20 pm
Love analogies, great insights. Think I better start practicing juggling because there’s no way I’d pass “the test” either.
September 30th, 2009 at 12:25 pm
Gabby’s (cuz you know we’re on a first name basis, her and I) bit about scheduling workouts in is right on. No matter how busy i am, I make myself get up and work out. Might mean getting up at the crack o dawn, but on those days that I have a workout scheduled, I get my butt up. Sometimes I may only get up 15 min earlier and do a short run, but I still do SOMETHING. Its on the schedule.
September 30th, 2009 at 12:53 pm
What a great reminder! So need to remember that when I get all uppity at myself for something little - two years ago I was just starting to build those healthy habits that just come naturally now. You don’t just all of a sudden go run a marathon, you have to train for months (years) to be able to do it. You don’t just one day juggle, you have to dedicate the time. You don’t just be healthy, you have to train yourself. They are all the same - and it’s just as ridiculous to ask yourself to be perfect at one immediately as the other.
Will check out the podcast when not at work.
September 30th, 2009 at 1:25 pm
Awesome post.
I always workout in the morning. it gives me energy!!
September 30th, 2009 at 3:08 pm
Ohhh… a great post and a giveaway! I picked the right day to find your blog!
September 30th, 2009 at 3:18 pm
Heh, Juggling is something I’ve always admired as a skill, but never had the coordination to accomplish. Interesting parallels between Juggling and Weight Loss…maybe I’d have better luck with Juggling now that I’ve been working on weight loss for so long? ^_^
September 30th, 2009 at 4:31 pm
That is an awesome analogy.
Have yet to listen to the interview, but will get on that asap. Think she’s great
September 30th, 2009 at 5:15 pm
I wonder if all fitness bloggers did pod casts if there would be an mix you could buy and work out to. I love some good music when hitting the gym but i’s be up to listening to pod casts as well. Hummm. Anywho.
Thanks for stopping by the site. I know what you mean. Good, Better, Best is what i call it when i have to say no to something Good for something that is Best for me.
September 30th, 2009 at 5:26 pm
That was a pretty funny joke - I’ll have to remember it.
I have tried Truvia, but not Purvia. I really like it.
September 30th, 2009 at 5:34 pm
Oh, Jack’s joke cracked me up today! I hadn’t heard that one before and was in need of a good laugh!
And I like his analogy of juggling/weight loss. “Controlling patterns,” I like that.
And the podcast was fun to listen to. (I had no idea who Gabby Reece was before this, though…I know, huh, stuck under a rock I’ve been.) She made a good point about being protective of your exercise time, yet flexible (as in, not scrapping it because you only have 20 minutes).
September 30th, 2009 at 6:18 pm
Ahh, two of my favorite bloggers on one page. Life doesn’t get much better.
September 30th, 2009 at 6:27 pm
Jack’s a great choice for a guest blogger! LOVE the juggling analogy!
Amy
September 30th, 2009 at 7:10 pm
Loved the juggling portion. What a great analogy. And the last sentence made me laugh. So true!!
September 30th, 2009 at 7:32 pm
I literally LOL at the juggling post-very cute.Can’t listen to Gabby(I’m at work)but I usually love everything she has to say on fitness.She looks amazing after two kids.
September 30th, 2009 at 7:42 pm
i’m listening to the interview right now. it’s really informative.
September 30th, 2009 at 7:43 pm
Loved the message: it takes a lifetime to get healthy and STAY healthy. I figure it took me a good 10 years to pile the weight on so I shouldn’t expect it to come off in a short period. I am well into year 2 of my weight loss journey and still have a way to go. Relinquishing to the process was one of the hardest/best things I could ever do.
On another note, I am glad fall is hear, soup season is IN and ice cream season is OUT!
September 30th, 2009 at 8:38 pm
It is a journey to clean eating. Progress not perfection.
Thanks for the upbeat messages.
September 30th, 2009 at 8:43 pm
love your site. thank you for the laughs and inspiration. : )
September 30th, 2009 at 8:54 pm
great guest post Miz! loved it and needed the inspiration today. thanks!
September 30th, 2009 at 8:59 pm
Please don’t enter me for the prize, lovely as it is, because it’s been so long since I’ve commented I’d feel like a total loser if I won…if that makes any sense.
But I did want to say how much I appreciate this post…so much in life is dependent on these same basics, this same skill set, and so often we expect to be able to do things instinctively. Whether it’s losing weight, parenting, dealing with tragedy or undergoing any sort of life change, we somehow think we should “just know how” to do it, and that’s silly. It takes time, patience, and self-education…and we should be firm but gentle with ourselves in the process. Nobody ever became a master juggler by beating himself over the head with every ball he dropped…I needed that reminder tonight. Badly.
Thanks, MizFit and JackSh*t.
(Such a poetic combination!)
V.
September 30th, 2009 at 10:08 pm
Well, all I have to say is that if Jack is telling the truth then I am about to grab some balls ’cause the dieting thing is not a strength at the moment. Maybe juggling is the way to go…how many calories does juggling burn?
September 30th, 2009 at 10:37 pm
Juggling… not with THIS chest, I don’t! Although… I can juggle managing 5 kittens, one hubby, an angst-filled teenaged daughter, and a bottle of sparkling water all at the same time…
Great article!
September 30th, 2009 at 11:46 pm
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September 30th, 2009 at 11:52 pm
“The art of controlling patterns” … how I like that! And it’s good to remember the balls might fall, but it’s OK to pick them up again. Thanks for the reminder & inspiration, Miz, and for stopping by The Porch.
October 1st, 2009 at 12:15 am
I’ve been juggling (like actual juggling) since I was eight
easier for me than the other kind of juggling perhaps! haha
October 1st, 2009 at 12:40 am
I like the juggling analogy especially when it comes from a true juggler. Nice post, and amusing beginning story too!
October 1st, 2009 at 6:14 am
Thanks for the giveaway, Mama!
October 1st, 2009 at 6:26 am
Maintaining weight loss is like juggling also. Sometimes you drop a ball (or have not 1 but 3 brownies) but you have to pick it back up and keep going.
October 1st, 2009 at 8:57 am
I loved the discussion you had with Gabby Reece!! Thanks so much for the opportunity.
October 1st, 2009 at 12:56 pm
Sounds like a great giveaway…yes please!!! And that discussion with Gabby Reece was awesome, I think she is an amazing role model and beautiful to boot!
Courtney
Adventures in Tri-ing
October 1st, 2009 at 2:29 pm
Hi there,
mizfitonline.com - da best. Keep it going!
Elcoj
October 1st, 2009 at 3:21 pm
Awesome podcast!
I wish I could juggle my life better than I can!
October 1st, 2009 at 5:13 pm
count me in.
October 1st, 2009 at 9:55 pm
I like long posts–no need to apologize for them.
Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!
October 1st, 2009 at 10:46 pm
oh my goodness!!! i’ve been a huge advocate of stevia for years, and have wanted to try PureVia…I was disappointed with Truvia, so i’m hopin’ here. My favorite brand is NuNaurals’ NuStevia…mmm
And i love your long posts!
October 15th, 2009 at 8:16 pm
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