Around six weeks ago, I started a little project. I call it “Brave New Jon” (for various reasons certain colleagues will perhaps find amusing). Essentially, it’s an effort to take radical action to reform what I see as aspects of my personality and lifestyle that needed work, for the better.
So far, I can report that I have:
* Lost over 40lbs. I’ve got more to go, but I’ve gone from a large 36″ to a medium 31″ and am still working on it. I think I can hit 150lbs in the end. I’m looking at joining a gym to complete the final part of this quest. I’m on a raw fruit/veg. diet with some nuts and a soy/whey protein drink. I take supplements and get all I need…but inconsequential fat. My body is thus forced to metabolize the fat that it already has (as a preference over muscle protein, because I address that with protein drinks).
* Taken up running. I bought all the silly Nike+iPod jazz, started taking runs/walks/jogs along the Charles whenever I can. If the weather is bad, I just take a stroll, coffee in hand. The Nike+ features let me benchmark my performance and see how I am improving in my training program.
* Taken up cycling. I’ve fixed my bike (been down to the local bike stores a whole bunch of times), bought some appropriate cycling gear and I’ve been out cycling around town. Certainly helps me figure out the one way system without the hassle of actually being in a car at the time (it’s much easier to stop and get off a bike when you go wrong). Cycling here isn’t such a huge deal as it might be and it’s easy to get around – you really don’t need a car in the cities of Boston and Cambridge, unless you plan on going anywhere outside of the city limits not on the MBTA.
* Taken up sailing. I’ve joined the CBI (Community Boating, Inc.) and can go out sailing on the Charles whenever. I’ve been out a couple of times, but I am currently waiting on some sailing shoes I’ve ordered before I go out again (wearing regular shoes is not a good idea…you quickly discover this when you try it). I used to sail many years ago, but now I actually want to establish some kind of ability…then it was more of an because-I-should after school activity. I’ll aim to get qualified for solo sailing sometime this summer, if there’s time.
* Taken up climbing. I used to climb a couple years ago (before I put on weight due to traveling around and trying all the food I could find) and I decided to get back into it – and use the gear that I own. Comically, my climbing harness is a little on the large side now 
I’ve been down to Metrorock in Boston and will join the guys in the office at Boulder Morty’s one evening when I have a car, it’s open, and I have the inclination. I’m not sure I’m ready for outside climbing again…even if it is top roping from fairly fixed anchorage points, like they claim.
* Learned to drive. I was in the right mood – you know, where you just don’t care about anything anyway so I went back to the RMV again and just wouldn’t take no for an answer until they sorted out the paperwork. Then I took the silly theory test, had a couple lessons with a local driving school and took a driving “test” to get the license. Now that I have a plastic license I also don’t need to carry my passport everywhere. And I feel more manly…in the Americanized “but everyone drives” sense of the word…or something…whatever 
* Replaced my wardrobe. I’ve gone on a bit of a self-redefining mission. Everything was thrown out and replaced. New image. New me. Right down to the trendy Oakleys and the obligatory assortment of shoes. You won’t see me in vendorware so often – but you might catch me in shorts on a sunny day. And sandals. But not socks and sandals
* Remodeled my apartment. There’s a lot more to be done, but it’s getting there. This was pending on being able to drive since previously it has been very difficult to pick up stuff – this place isn’t geared up for those who don’t even have a driver’s license to get a rental (UK: hire) car just for the afternoon – even the religious cyclists would agree there.
There are other aspects to the work in progress. But these are some of the main things I have achieved over the past month or so. I have a lot more to get done, I have more travel planned, more commitment to my work (I love Red Hat dearly) and I will probably grab a car in due course so I can go a little nuts on the weekends – and even just to go climbing or…shock…drive into the office a bit more often
Jon.