The History of Daddy Claxton

I have one of the best weight loss products I’ve ever used: It’s called EA SPORTS Active.  More than a year ago, I set out to lose 150 pounds.

I HAVE FAILED MISERABLY.

Sure, I can give you a list of reasons why that is the case: Child custody battle, change of job, separation from my wife, starting a new business, working around the clock here on the computer.   Those are some very hefty problems.

But the problem isn’t those things, the problem is ME.

On countless mornings, (well, I suppose I could add them up,) I thought about working out.  But then the phone started ringing, or I just didn’t feel like getting sweaty. Or, or, or.

A NEW 30-DAY CHALLENGE

So, today is a new day and I’ve tried to start all over again.  I went to church Sunday for the first time in many weeks.  I’ve got things turning around in my life.  I’ve set up boundaries to protect me from mean or unnecessary intrusions.

I started out on a low intensity workout today.  I also skipped in-line skating.  (I’ve never really been able to do that without the trainer getting frustrated with me.)

I DON’T WANT TO BE FAT

I really don’t.  Who do you know who does?

But I am, and I have to stop looking in the mirror and saying, “Everything looks proportional.”  It’s not, Donny.  You’re FAT.

Last night I had grilled chicken, steamed brown rice and green beans for dinner.  I ate more than two hours before bed.  I don’t feel weighed down and lethargic today.  I went to bed at 10 p.m and was up at 7 a.m.

I NEED YOUR HELP

I’ve asked for this before.  But I need it more than ever.  I weigh more now than I did last year when I first began EA SPORTS Active.  And you need to know, it’s not their fault.  When I was actively using the product, I dropped 45 lbs.  Diverticulitus and all the other stuff that’s happened over the past year just caused me to eat, eat and eat.  Even when I wasn’t hungry.

I’ve got to get my weight down.  It’s killing me.  LITERALLY.

Please, let’s re-establish a support network for each other.  Let’s tell each other what he had to eat today.  Post your menu or calorie consumption in the comments and we’ll all know whose being good and who needs some talking to.  That’s accountability.  That’s what I need most from you, and what I offer you, as well.

We went to a party tonight here in Beverly Hills to help former Access Hollywood host Nancy O'Dell and EA SPORTS raise money for the March of Dimes.  There were countless celebs who showed up and we really, really had a good time. 

I made some good connections tonight and found some really cool people to hang out with here in Tinsel Town.   

The coolest of all people I met tonight was Nancy O'Dell's husband, Keith Zubchevich, and two of his boys.  The man is living the life.  He's got a very beautiful wife who has a heart of gold.  They have a daughter together and Keith's boys, Tyler and Carson, are from his first marriage.

We had a chance to talk about life as Dads; his being where he's the president of his own company and able to travel with Nancy nearly every where she goes.  He's a techy and on the cusp of perfecting Internet TV, which is going to make him a bizzionnaire some day.  Count on it.

He says the software they work on allows you to watch streamed content over the Internet but without buffering and the timed out messages we've been used to.  He said it's all about algorithms and hi-techness.  Very smart, very cool.  His upcoming projects?  How about the Super Bowl?

But what we also got to talk about is the time he gets to spend with his kids.  And it's clearly a priority to him.  The two boys were at the party tonight and were on their best behavior.  And that behavior was just cool, relaxed, and eventually, after all the adults quit using the EA SPORTS Active displays, one of the boys got a turn and played for the longest time.  

We also got to talk about the importance of the family staying close.  It was an enriching conversation and one I didn't expect from inside Hollywood.  Nancy is a lucky wife.  She's got a hubs who loves her and not for what she is in show business, but for her being the real deal, because he's the real deal, too. 

I also met Mayim Bailik from the TV show Blossom.  Gaylen Gering from Days of Our Lives.  Then there was Constance Marie, or Angie Lopez on the kids' favorite show at home, George Lopez.  And then there was also a very nice guy, Greg Vaughan from 90210 and General Hospital.  (I wish I'd known before now that he grew up in Mesquite, TX, about a few miles from our house.)

Mayim Bailik

Constance Marie

Greg Vaughn, from 90210

Gaylen Gering from Days of Our Lives

We had a great time tonight, and I've got some great video to add to the Web site.  Stay tuned, you're not going to believe who has a video promo to add to www.daddyclaxton.com.