Well, I've gone and done it now

[optimist]

Having applied for Jamboree Staff before really reading the requirements, I found myself in a slightly awkward position. And I quote.....

Well, never mind the quote because now I can't find it so I'll paraphrase: Scout leaders should reflect the best aspects of Scouting by being physically fit to be considered for staff positions.

Yes, my eyes bulged when I saw that because I doubt anyone in their right mind would place me in that classification. And besides, in order to have the best possible experience, it would probably be in my best interest to get into shape before attending. So.....

I went to a local gym and signed up. Then I went to my local hospital to get weighed -- their scales were broken. So I went over to the next big town's hospital to get weighed.

...drum roll...

371.4 pounds

...cymbal crash...

My goal weight is 240 pounds before I leave for the Jamboree. Also, I want to run in the 5K. Knowing my legs and my stomach the way I do, the 240 pounds is the much tougher goal

Wish me luck and I'll see you Virginia

P.S. I'll be seeing my doctor next week to get his blessing on all this (which I know he will) so no worries on the medical front, I'm not gonna kill myself.

[wagionvigil]

The 5 K will be in the Morning in 2005 I Think 6 am to beat the heat. Believe me there are alot more un healthy Scouters there than what you are saying. In 97 there was a guy in Banking that they moved in with us rope jockies (bad Move) Anyway he had a o2 Machine and two or three other devices which made our life miserable. But only one night as we could not sleep so we could not work well so he was moved.

[optimist]

hehe, well I'm not like that at all. In fact, the reason I never bothered to lose weight is because it's almost like I'm not really fat. I don't move like a fat man, I'm strong as an ox (last night they set up my starting weight for leg press reps at 250 lbs), and except for backpacking trips in excess of 6-8 miles, it's just never been an issue.

[hops_scout]

I hope to run in the 5k as well if I am there. I consider myself to be in good to excellent shape and I can run a decent length without too much wear.

[teepeeayy]

Hey Optimist, how 'bout an update! How much weight have you lost, you're an inspiration (or perspiration, as the case may be)

[optimist]

Well, since I still can't check my weight on regular scales, I know for a fact that I still weigh over 330 pounds. However, I have lost a couple of inches around the waist although I think my chest may be getting larger

[hops_scout]

Any update lately optomist?

[teepeeayy]

HEY! We never got a reply!

We're behind you Op! Good luck, keep us posted!

[riverwalk]

...or any other day either, haha. Yeah, I never heard back from anyone either, when I inquired about Staff at NJ. Oh well, got too many hats now.

[hacimsaalk]

good luck with your goal!! i wish you the best

[wagionvigil]

We still need 75 to complete the Action Cecnter Staff for the NER and we will take anyone. I have one from Central now and one from Southern. Any Takers? Let me know.

[optimist]

I received the following a couple of weeks ago:

We are currently seeking two staff members for the 2005 National Scout Jamboree Web team: If you are interested, please send a brief explanation of your skills as well as samples of your work

[hops_scout]

Yeah, I got that too, but I dont know THAT much about web design;)

If I did though, I would have applied even though I still probably wouldnt have gotten in there.

Oh well, I'm going so I'm happy:)

[wagionvigil]

Hops you are with the best of the best.

[hops_scout]

Scouting aint sitting in an office or something

Jumping off towers, relying on the rope, soaring with the Eagles! Thats Scouting for ya!!!

[t305spl]

Optimist how about an update on your goal? I wish you luck!!