Still Here!

Apologies for not posting in a long time! I'm not very good at this blogging gig, and I apologize to everyone who is checking daily for new posts. I will try to post more often, but with work and walking in the parks, I'm just so doggone tired when I get home. I will post a more detailed entry in the next day, so please stay tuned! A lot of interesting things happening that I want to talk about!

Day 35 - 7/9/10

Hope everyone had a fun & safe 4th of July! Sorry for the lack of posts, this past week has been a busy one for me! Started my job at M&M's World in The Florida Mall. I work Monday-Thursday 1-9:30 PM every week. If anyone finds themselves at the mall those times, stop by and say hello!

Monday morning I did my interview for Fox & Friends on Fox News Channel. The interview went great! I'm very thankful to everyone at Fox News for contacting me about my story, and am glad that word is really getting out. If you didn't catch the interview, you can watch it below at the end of the post!

I've also been busy working on a big video for the WDWNT Network. It's their 3rd Anniversary look back, and it's over an hour long! I will link everyone to the video when I'm finished with it.

As usual, walking and swimming everyday! Right now is the perfect time to go swimming, it always feels so refreshing to get in the pool.

Question of the day: What's your favorite (past or present) type of M&M?

Happy 4th of July!

Happy Independence Day everyone! I'm gonna spend the day today at a friend's place behind Magic Kingdom from 2 PM till midnight. It's gonna be fun!

So Here is my weigh-in for the month of June. When I started I weighted 311 lbs. As of last night, I weigh 305 lbs. Only lost 6 pounds, but it's still a start! The best news is that my pant size went down! I used to have a size 48 waist, but when I went shopping for some new pants for work, I found a 48 to be a bit big, and ended up getting a size 46! Woo! Slowly but surely!

Tomorrow morning (July 5) I will be a guest on the show Fox and Friends over at the Fox News Channel! I'm gonna be talking all about this blog, how it came to be, and my weight loss. I invite everyone to tune in, it will be at 7:30 AM EST on Fox News Channel.

Hope everyone has a great 4th of July holiday! Have fun and be safe!

Question of the day: What are you doing (or did) for the 4th of July today?

Day 25 - 6/29/10

It is hot! Orlando has been getting near record highs everyday the past week. It certainly does make my walks through the parks a little unbearable, coupled with the fact that the summer crowds are in full swing, so it's hard to walk around without bumping into others or getting caught in a large crowd. Though once I'm done walking and get back to the apartment and start swimming, it definitely is a refreshing experience. Ahhh!

I've stopped doing the Slim Fast plan. Been reading a lot of comments here that that is not the best way to go. A lot of you have been suggesting new methods, and trust me, I've been reading every one of them. Trying to decide what I'll do, but for the moment, I'm just watching what I eat and how much I eat.

Seems like this blog is getting more and more attention everyday. I was contacted by Jimmy Kimmel Live about my story, but ultimately they decided it wouldn't be right for the show, which I understand. It's still a big honor just to be considered. I'm actually talking to someone right now from one of the major cable news networks, but I'll give more info on that when I can.

If you go to my website, www.bankslee.com, and click the Blog section, you can see some of the many websites that have written/mentioned me and my blog. Like I've said in the previous posts, I love all the supports and kind words I've been getting. You are helping me to continue and not give up!

As you may or may not know, I work for an online Disney fan site called WDW News Today (www.wdwnewstoday.com), where I am one of the co-hosts for their podcast. Tomorrow night I will actually be a guest on their online talk show See Ya Real Late with Tom Corless. It is a late night Disney talk show over at www.wdwntunes.com, and it starts at 11 PM EST. I will be talking about this blog, and also be talking about another online Disney audio show that I co-host with Brandon Struve called the Super Obscure Show. Be sure to tune in at 11 PM EST over at www.wdwntunes.com!

Question of the day: For those who have visited the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which do you like better; regular Butterbeer or frozen Butterbeer?

Day 22 - 6/26/10

Today Sidney and I went out swimming, which is great to do on these hot summer days in Orlando. It also is great for my exercising. That's basically all I've done today. Short update, but like I said, nothing too exciting is gonna happen everyday.

But that past 24 hours have been very exciting in regards to the blog! I am completely humbled by all the responses and words of encouragement, as I said in the last post. Thanks to each and every one of you! I may not be able to respond to every comment, message, or email I get, but know that I appreciate and read every single one!

Question of the day: What is your favorite way to cool off during the summer?

Thank you all so much!

I just want to thank everyone who is supporting me through this! I am amazed and touched by all the positive feedback I have gotten from the Yahoo article! As much as all of you are saying that I am inspiring you, at the same time you all are inspiring me. I will not let you or myself down, I will ride Forbidden Journey by the end of the year!

An update on what's been going on. I just got hired to work at M&M's World in the Florida Mall as a character/character buddy! And really, what a great place to work while on this diet, lol! Really though, I am very grateful for this job opportunity, and I will post on here my schedule once everything is finalized so that you may come and visit me if you'd like!

Continuing walking everyday, always around the parks. I find that is the best way to motivate me to keep walking. I get to enjoy being in the parks and taking in the sights, while at the same time getting lots of walking done. At the end of the month I will weigh myself and post it here as an update, and will post new weight updates at the end of every month.

Again, thank you all for all the love and support! I truly appreciate all of the kind words and encouragements. Question of the day: Out of all of the theme parks in the Orlando area, what is your favorite attraction?

Quick Update

Hey everyone! Sorry for the lack of posts lately. Nothing too exciting is happening right now, just continuing on my diet. Walking daily, watching what I eat and how much I eat. I gotta say, giving up soda is the hardest thing. This Saturday will mark two weeks into my diet. I have yet to stand on a scale to see what my weight is, but I think I will wait until the end of the month to do that.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter officially opens on Friday! I am so excited! I love that Universal is streaming the grand opening ceremonies live online, so that those of us who don't want to brave to crowds can see it. For those following me here, you too can watch the event at this website; http://www.grandopeningwebevent.com/

Question of the day: Where are all of you from? I'm curious to know what states or countries those of you who are following me here are from. Leave your answer in the comments below.