My Holiday Fitness Challenge To You
Whether the weight gain is a pound or ten pounds, did you ever ask yourself why does holiday weight gain happen at all?
Here are some common answers I’ve heard:
“I’m too busy over the holidays to work out as often as usual.”
“I’m more stressed over the holidays, and the food is there, so I eat more.”
“I have at least three parties to attend and then there’s christmas and New Year’s, so it’s impossible to stay on a diet”
“No one can tell me not to enjoy myself over the holidays so I’m just going to eat whatever I want.”
These answers all have a few things in common.
First, they assume that it’s an either/or proposition: You can either get in better shape or enjoy yourself, but not both. Stated in reverse: You can either deprive yourself of holiday enjoyments or gain weight, but it has to be one or the other. The truth is, “either/or thinking” is a very limiting form of thought.
Second, these are all excuses or rationalizations. “I’m too busy” for example, is always an excuse, because I have never known someone who was too busy to make time for his or her highest life priorities. The problem then, is not lack of time, but that most people do not make exercise or eating healthy a priority. We all have the same amount of time - 24 hours a day - but the way people prioritize the use of time is the difference between success and mediocrity. And remember, words mean little. Actions reveal a person’s true priorities.
Third, none of these are the real reasons most people gain weight over the holidays to begin with. The real reason is because an intention was never set for the opposite: To get in BETTER shape over the holidays.
Most people set a “goal” to get in worse shape over the holidays!
It’s not consciously set, of course, as few people would intentionally set out to gain fat. They simply do it by default. In their minds, they accept that it must be just about impossible to stay in shape with everything going on over the holiday season, so why bother?
Once the decision has been made, then the rationalizing (“rationing lies”) continues:
“Why should I deprive myself?”
“Family is more important”
“Worrying about diet and exercise during the holidays is neurotic”
“I don’t care if I gain a few pounds, I’m going to enjoy myself anyway”
“It’s only these two or three weeks that I let myself go wild”
“I’ll start the first week in January and lose the weight then.”
As a result of this “negative goal-setting,” they expect to work out less, eat more and gain a few pounds, and they don’t seem to even consider alternatives.
But what would happen if you set an intention and a goal to get in better shape between now and New Years’s Day?
What would happen if you decided that it was not an all or nothing proposition and that you could enjoy the holidays and all it has to offer and get in better shape at the same time?
And what if you decided that your health and your body were the highest priorities in your life, because you realized that can’t enjoy anything else in life, including family or holidays, if you don’t have your health?
Here’s what would happen: You would get in better shape!
I’m not all that different from you just because I’m a bodybuilder and fitness professional. I have many of the same problems, concerns and struggles as you do. Although today I always get in better shape between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, that’s a result of a conscious choice, a close examination of my old belief systems and a lot of action. For me, it all started about six years ago.
For most of my adult life, I wasn’t much of a traveller and I didn’t enjoy flying or staying in hotels. I had a belief that if I traveled, my workouts and nutrition would suffer. After all, “it would be hard to stick with my usual bodybuilding diet, and I wouldn’t have access to my usual gyms.” Because of these reasons (excuses), I never did much travel back in those days.
Then I was forced to take some trips for business reasons. Predictably enough, my nutrition and workouts suffered while I was spending time in airplanes and in hotels. With my experience having confirmed my beliefs, I re-affirmed to myself, “See, travelling is nothing but a pain. You just can’t stay on a diet and training program when you’re out of town.”
After several more trips, I noticed that something very negative happened: I surrendered. I had resigned myself to “not bother” while I was on the road. I let my expectations create my reality.
But I didn’t let it go on for long. As soon as I became aware of what was happening, I decided that I wouldn’t tolerate it, so I challenged myself and my previous limiting beliefs. I asked myself, “Why the heck not? Why let myself backslide? Why even settle for maintaining? Why not challenge myself to improve while I’m traveling?” The answer:
From that day forward, I set a challenge for myself: To come back from every trip or vacation in better shape than when I left. Of course there were exceptions, as when I went on a vacation for total R & R. But I never let travel get in my way again…
I prepared food that I would eat on the planes so airline food was never an excuse…
I only chose hotels that had kitchens, so I could cook my own food…
I went food shopping immediately after check-in…
And I actually found myself training harder than usual!
No matter where I was training - it could even be some “dungeon” of a gym in the middle of nowhere - it didn’t matter because my mind was focused on improving and looking better when I came home than when I left. I had a goal!
What do you think happened? It’s not hard to guess: I always came home in better shape than when I left.
Since then, my “travel challenge” has become somewhat of a ritual in my life. When I’m away from my “home-base” it becomes a “fitness road trip.” I search the Internet or yellow pages or ask locals to help me find the most hard-core gym nearby wherever I will be staying. When I get there, I train every bit as hard as if I had a competition just weeks away. I look forward to it now.In fact, this experience is what led me to my “holiday fitness challenge.”
Like many people, I travel over the holidays, so I’m automatically in “travel challenge” mode at thanksgiving, Christmastime and New Year’s. But with the additional temptations and busyness that the holidays bring on top of the usual travel stresses, I saw fit to declare a new challenge: “The Holiday Challenge.” The difference was that for my “holiday challenge,” I pledged to not only to return home in better shape than when I left, but to enjoy the holidays to the fullest at the same time.
People who think I “deprive” myself to look the way I do would be shocked: I eat some damn good food over the holidays including Pie at Thanksgiving and my mom’s famous red and green Jell-0 Christmas cake. Then on New Year’s I’m usually toasting champagne and having a blast with friends or family. The difference is, every other meal stays right on schedule and I work out hard and consistently over the holidays; I don’t let everything fall apart just because ‘tis the season.’ In fact, I work out HARDER over the holidays!
The idea that you can either enjoy the holidays or stay in shape - but not both - is damaging and limiting. It hurts your social life, your emotional life and your physical life. Life is not an either or proposition; it’s a matter of balance. Success does not mean going to extremes. Success can be a simple matter of re-examining your beliefs, rearranging your priorities, setting goals, changing the questions you ask yourself, re-evaluating your expectations and acting in accordance with all of the above.
Your expectations will become your reality.
What are you expecting this holiday season? Are you expecting to be in better shape after holiday parties, celebrations, banquets, dinners, and desserts? If not, then why not? What’s preventing you from enjoying all of the above and still getting in better shape? Do you have a limiting belief which dictates that it’s one or the other? Could it be that you never set a goal, intention or expectation to do it? Could it be that you’re rationalizing or making excuses? If so, then I challenge you to change it this year.
I CHALLENGE YOU TO BE IN BETTER SHAPE ON JANUARY 1st THAN YOU ARE TODAY! I CHALLENGE YOU TO BE FITTER, HEALTHIER, LEANER AND MORE MUSCULAR!
There’s less than a month until the end of the year. Why not see how much you can improve your physique over the holidays, without depriving yourself of any holiday enjoyments or festivities? Just step up your expectations. Step up your standards. Step up your nutrition. Step up your training. Step up your action. Step up to the “holiday fitness challenge” the minute you finish reading this, and then just see what happens!
Eat right, train hard and expect success
-Tom Venuto——————————————————————
BURN THE FAT, FEED THE MUSCLE
The Classic Best-Selling e-book
——————————————————————
Discover the fat burning secrets of fitness models and bodybuilders and be 8-10 lbs LEANER by New Year’s. Visit: www.BurnTheFat.com
Tom Venuto is a lifetime natural (steroid-free) bodybuilder, a certified personal trainer, NSCA-certified strength & conditioning specialist (CSCS), and author of the #1 best selling diet e-book, Burn The Fat, Feed The Muscle and The Body Fat Solution (Hardcover, Avery/Penguin Books). Tom is also the founder and CEO of the Internet’s premier fat loss support community, the: Burn The Fat Inner Circle.
07 December, 2008 posted in Mind & Motivation
Comments
I have to salute this post! It's not impossible... the first year I set into my weightloss plan, I lost a good 10 pounds over the holidays!
Last year I slacked off and gained. That didn't feel good. It's too hard to lose the weight all over again. So this year, I'm doing just what Tom suggests, making my food and exercise a priority. I'll still enjoy a few treats on the holidays, but I'll keep it strictly to the holidays. There's no reason to turn the Thanksgiving to New Year's period into a gorge fest. I plan to be lighter, smaller and stronger when New Year's Day comes, not heavier. I'll be fitting well into my new 1X swimsuit.
That said, I'm off to the gym!
Posted by: Cynthia | December 6, 2008 8:18 PM
Dear Tom,
Another great post. You have a gift for stating the obvious; most of us have the gift of overlooking it! I gladly accept your "Holiday Challenge" and look forward to starting the new year leaner and in better shape than I am now.
Eating right, training hard, expecting success,
gene
Posted by: gene | December 6, 2008 8:30 PM
This was one of the most inspirational pieces I have read in a long time. Tom, thank you for writing this.
I have benefited greatly from your ebook, BFFM and have purchased and read Udo Erasmus' book on fats at your recommendation. I have learned lots of usable info from you, and I am in the best shape of my life (with potential for even more improvement).
Sincerely, Connie Langan - dental hygienist (nutritional counseling is part of my job too)
Posted by: connie | December 6, 2008 8:40 PM
I already set myself a challenge. To lose the last 4kilos of fat to get to my goal.
I set this task 2 weeks ago, after sitting on a plateu for 4 months. I lost 2 kilos of fat so far!!
2 weeks of my challenge and 2 kilos to go! (although when I get there, I promised myself a bowl of dark fruit cake and icecream for Xmas. YUM!)
Posted by: Leith Carnie | December 6, 2008 10:00 PM
This is a great idea. Not only am I traveling over the holidays but I am moving to mexico for 5 months in a few days. I feel like I have a huge challenge ahead of me. My goal was not to get sick and not to gain a bunch of weight, but I love the idea of having my goal be to not only NOT gain a bunch of weight but to actually be in better shape when I return. I love challenges. I think I can do this! I've packed plenty of nuts, protein bars, tuna, and protein powder. The hotel i'll be living in has a gym and of course I can run on the beach.
Thanks for the inspiration!
Joy
fitandhealthygal.blogspot.com
Posted by: Joy | December 6, 2008 11:13 PM
thank-you Tom I am so glad we are on the same page on alot of issues that you speak of especially working out over the holidays why would we not. life is a rollercoaster so you might as well enjoy the ride and make the most of it! I am at a piont in my life where if I cheat and have a cookie I immediatly recognize my mistake and try that much harder to correct it. Itry to make conscience decisions every minute of the day to do better in working out and eating right! thanks for the 12 lies they helped me to stay focused on what is real and what is not! look forward to hearing fom you again!
Posted by: helen | December 7, 2008 2:36 AM
Amazing article Tom. The way you explain and demonstrate your story is very pragmatic and touches everyone's personal life. I learn a lot from you and i will follow your quote " Your expectations will become your reality" Amazing and very motivating statement.
Thanx again
Ray
Jordan-Amman
Posted by: Ray from Jordan | December 7, 2008 3:05 AM
Thanks Tom!
This article is wonderful. I often have an 'all-or-nothing' approach to my eating and training, in that if I have that slice of pumpkin pie, I might as well eat another 3 slices and put off my gym workout. Yet it is important to develop the mind set of knowing everything in moderation is good and balance is necessary for our well-being and that having that slice of pumpkin pie is OK! That you just need to focus on the GOAL, and the powerful reasons WHY you do what you do.
I love knowing that if I have 3 days of exceptionally clean eating, then my fourth day can involve dessert at dinner and a glass of wine or two. Its a reward system.
Posted by: Charlie Keegan | December 7, 2008 4:20 AM
I love this article Tom! I've proved it to myself at least twice by losing weight over the holiday season in the past and I am planning on doing it again this year after some slips ups and challenges resulted in me gaining back some weight. I'm going to improve my fitness levels too.
Thanks for the added inspiration. :)
Posted by: Tanya | December 7, 2008 5:13 AM
Thanks for this timely reminder. Some of my friends have already surrendered to the holiday spirit and started overeating and drinking too much. I am determined not to do the same this year.
I started making plans a couple of weeks ago for my strategy over Christmas and the New Year. Everywhere you visit will have good sources of protein like fresh nuts and turkey to eat, and great fruit like tangerines and apples.
I do not need to drink to have a great time while I am out. I am the most popular person at the party as I volunteer to drive everyone else safely home.
I checked what times the gym where I train is closed so I can make other plans accordingly. Power walking is a great way to escape visitors who are driving you crazy or walk off too much lunch.
My husband just gave me an early Christmas gift- a great scale which records bodyfat, weight , lean muscle tissue and water levels. Yeah!!!
Posted by: Janet | December 7, 2008 7:05 AM
Your rational mindset and logical approach to a healthy lifestyle sets you apart in my mind from many other "health gurus" ive read about. Thank you for your advice.
Posted by: Joe | December 7, 2008 7:57 AM
I love the self fulfilling prophecy outlook, I have to say this blog entry is for me the true nature of humans, not just for fitness but in life, not only do we have self sabotaging thoughts around food and exercise but with finance, careers and our relationships. Then these beliefs lead us to act them out.
Your writing tone is both inspirational, supportive and gives us readers the power to set up our goals with endless possibilities.
Posted by: lisa lefkowitz | December 7, 2008 9:08 AM
Thank you for your inspiratonal writing! Power to all of us as we strive to be in better shape than we were in before the holidaze! Peace be with you!
Posted by: Bob Sharpley | December 7, 2008 9:55 AM
Hi Tom,
After reading this article I thought "I should send him an E telling him thanks!" So being able to do this post is handy. THANKS!
You are so right... "Either / Or" thinking is pretty stupid. My first Challenge with be for the Holiday, and my next will be to carry this idea forward all year long. No more Either or Or thinking! Or as Yoda said it, "Do or do not, there is no try."
Posted by: WayneMan | December 7, 2008 11:27 AM
Really loved to read this post. It actually gave me some streight to keep up with the exercise all over the holidays and believe myself that I can really make it work! I already wanted to loose some weight until New Year's eve comes along but I actually didn't really thought it could happen. I'm setting up my goals, for now long i'm going to work out harder at the gym (and not forgetting to go there more often) and still aprecciate all the goodies my grandma prepares for X-mas. And as I'm going out after X-mas for an island somewhere in atlantic :) I can take the profit and work out the free style swimming..and there's a chance I come back in January the 3th in better shape than I am right now.
Thank you Tom.
Posted by: Patricia | December 7, 2008 1:08 PM
Hello Tom :
Thanks for your help. Thanks for all the great info. I have lost 70 pounds.
15 years of yo yo dieting and I now eat more than ever and feel great without all that weight.
I am going for the six pack abs now at 48 years old I look better than I ever have in my life.
Thanks again Tom, you are the King of truth in a sea of lies set out to take advantage of desperate people struggling with weight loss. .
You deserve some kind of award for helping so many people.
Sincerely,
JC
Posted by: John Croissier | December 7, 2008 2:11 PM
Hello Tom, love your articles and I'm part of the inner circle. My problem is that I am overweight around the stomach. I also suffer from arthritis in my feet...My big toes are fused at the joint so even walking is difficult and painful. I also suffer from inflammation of my right knee so stationery bikes are difficult. Any suggestions of where I can start to lose weight other than diet.
Thanks,
James
Posted by: James Harocopos | December 7, 2008 6:06 PM
Cool, I'm in. I started as a 1 hour non-stop on my stationary bike a day, Later I can up it to 2 hours "2 sessions of 1 hr each on my bike".
Also, what's amazing is that I did about 500 crunches "5 sessions of 100 crunches each".
Posted by: Michael | December 7, 2008 8:29 PM
Thank you Tom. You have inspired me. I really wish to be fit. Muscular fit, but not bulky like wresters. I thank you so much for your help. You are the best, and I will accept your challenge. Once I burn ALL!!!!!!!!! the unneccassary fat that I have, I will be happy.
Posted by: Waldo Robles | December 7, 2008 9:05 PM
Fantastic article! I've already made the commitment to come out of the holidays in better shape than I went in. It worked over Thanksgiving weekend (I lost a pound over the period from Wednesday to Sunday), and I know I'll be more successful through the Christmas break.
Yours is good stuff, Tom!
Posted by: Keith | December 8, 2008 10:06 AM
Tom, I just wanted to tell you that this article was wonderful! One of the best that I have read! Thanks for the motivation!
Posted by: shelley | December 8, 2008 10:46 AM
Dear Tom ... &/or Burn The Fat personnel, Thank you for your blog regarding the Holiday Fitness Challenge. What keen insight! I appreciate you sharing this.
I think the same is true of our struggle to lose weight 'in general'. We have been convinced by media and our society that weight loss is nearly impossible. We, the average Joe, just take that at face value and believe it whole-heartedly! YIKES.
Through your book, and this recent blog, you simplify this idea of our own expectations and really put the possibilities in our own hands.
I am a part of the SparkPeople community and would love to share this blog with my group,we are admitting we are previously up and down on the scales, but are willing and capable of changing this difficult trend.
Your philosophy is vital, it would be a great asset to our SparkPeople approach, especially now at the holidays.
Thank you, Tom, for your insights and your continued belief in each one of us!
I am off to make a diliberate stand for my 'Holiday Fitness Challenge', I will record my info, take a picture, and make a GOAL for January 1st. I will even follow-up with you then and let you know what I accomplished.
Thanks again, Tom.
Angela
Posted by: Angela | December 8, 2008 10:48 AM
I don't think you could say it better! I started my initial weight loss three years ago mid-November and made progress steadlily through the holidays that year. I was down 24 pounds by New Years Day after six weeks. It can be done. Just have it settled in your mind that you would do it! Thanks again for telling us like it is!
Posted by: Thomas Paull | December 8, 2008 1:58 PM
I have no idea how I got in this email list, but I am sure glad I did!!!! Tom I am batting and big weight issue. 4 years ago i lost 70 pounds following a food plan and martial arts. My goal, GET WOMEN!!
Today I am married and happy and gained every ounce back. I am now 5"11 and 250 pounds and turning 40 in 2 weeks. I have been told by my doctor it's got to end. My clothes tell me it's got to end. The problem is telling my brian at the moment of truth(a meal) that it has to end.
I am on the road in my car most of the day. So I have a hard time eating right on the road, and than when i do travel out of town, as you mentioned, IT'S ON!!! I eat like a maniac. My physical life has become no existent. I need that mental shift.
How did you recommend obtaining that mental shift, and what do you recommend for someone who just wants to have a normal BMI and percentage of body fat??? As well as a good overall health.
THANKS TOM.
Posted by: denny | December 10, 2008 12:36 PM
thanks for that post...you have inspired me to keep on track during the break...normally i am good for the first week or two and then i lose the plot..but with the goal of looking better then when i left i know that i will stay on track...thanks again....now i know that i will be looking fab for my sisters wedding in the new yesr..no excuses!
Posted by: mihiwai | December 10, 2008 7:58 PM
good advice Tom.I'm a 48 years old montreal policeman. I've been following the bffm lifestyle since may and my doctor(who's a blood specialist) could'nt believed the change at my last visit in november since the previous in april.I've lost 25lbs and lowered my chol by 1.56 and tg by 1.22. He asked me what i did ,I told him about bffm,he took notes and was quite impressed.So I"m really not worried about xmas.The only weight increase is what i lift at the gym!! Thanks again Tom,for improoving my life!
Posted by: ALAIN | December 11, 2008 7:34 PM
I think you oversimplify. You have no idea what it is like to struggle with a weight problem for one's entire life. Good for you and good for those who are able to follow your plans, but I think there's more to being overweight than meets the eye. I think Oprah's problems are far deeper than any of your blogs can fix. Or maybe it's those who expect others to be slender that really have the true problem...
Posted by: April | December 12, 2008 12:03 PM
April
I think you meant to post your comment on the Oprah/yo-yo dieting post , but thats fine, i will respond here
you are right. I DO oversimplify. All good coaches simplify. thats not to say body fat is not a deep deep and complex problem. IT IS a deep and complex problem, from one perspective...
One one hand its the simplest problem known to mankind - a simple matter or energy imbalance. If you are overfat, you have been consuming more calories than your body has required. Deny that fact at your own peril.
On the other hand, obesity is the most complex problem known to hunanity because dozens, hundreds, maybe THOUSANDS of factors all converge to make it extremely difficult to balance our calorie intake with output
The factors are physiological, psychological, emotional and social. Yes its complex. yes, there's more to it than meets the eye.
thats exactly why we simplify! Thats why a good coach looks at a persons situation and uses an "80-20" thinking and prioritizing mindset to isolate which parts of this compelx equation are contributing to the problem the most, and we FOCUS on those first - one step at a time rather than overwhelming you with the complexity of it all.
If you dont simplify , then you can get horribly lost in the details and in the complexity of what is, on the most basic level, an incredibly simple problem to solve
You said I have no idea what its like to struggle with being overweight my entire life:? Your damn right i dont know what its like because being overweight is one thing - it happens - but its ridiculous to STAY overweight - thats a choice in all but the most very extreme genetic cases - a tiny tiny % of cases. When body fat starts to creep up, you have to nip it in the bud immediately. You have to take action. Which is what I did.
Do you know me well enough personally that you know what I've gone through? Do you see the shape Im in today and think its easy for me? Are you kidding. I work my ass off to look like I do. Theres a saying in bodybuilding -- the harder I work, the better my genetics appear. Ponder that for a while
When I was a freshman in high school i was chubby with rolls of fat around my waist. I was not obese, but i hated my body and I was embarrassed to take my shirt off for swimming class.
So i did something about it. I took up weightlifting and gained 30 pounds of muscle during high school.
Then I went to college and discovered beer and pizza and cheese fries and I got fat again - only worse. 205 pounds of beer belly.
My college roomates called me "fat boy" and "bobs big boy" (after the chubby cartoon character in the restaurant commercials)
It was mortifying. because I was a self-proclaimed bodybuilder who had let himself slip.
So I know what it feels like have excess fat and hate your body and I know what it feels like to lose fat and then get fat again.
And youre right - I will NEVER know what its like to struggle with my weight my entire life because its DUMB and POINTLESS to struggle with your weight your ENTIRE LIFE when excess body fat is a FIXABLE temporary situation!!!!!
so you can either go fix it, or play a victim card. I'd recommend the former!
respectfully
tom venuto
Ps you wrote
>Or maybe it's those who expect others to be slender
> that really have the true problem...
I have NO expectations of others. UNTIL and UNLESS someone expresses disattisfaction with their body and they ask me for help. THEN, when they want me to coach them, my JOB as a coach is to have high expectations for them, hold them to high standards, and hold them accountable. But thats helping them achieve their own goals and values, not me projecting mine on them. I.m more cognizant than anyone that most people do NOT want tobe bodybuilders like I am. As a coach and trainer, I know it's about YOUR goals, not mine, But everyone wants to be healthy and I venture that everyone would like to look good naked too.
Posted by: tom venuto | December 12, 2008 12:15 PM
Thanks for this article, Tom. The only problem is that I just returned from a trip and did not read this post until AFTER. I wish I had because things would have been much different. I obviously have to work on changing my attitude and this posting really helps to put it in perspective. The holidays are not over yet, though, and I plan to stay on track :)
Posted by: Cathy | December 12, 2008 4:55 PM
Tom, great article, you reconfirmed my commitment to doing the best I can over the holiday season to be fitter, eat healthier, not drink so much & come out of it a better person!
Also, I applaud your response to April. No offense, April, but boo hoo, enough of the pity party & excuses. Anybody can do SOMETHING. Please, do yourself a favour & follow Tom's advice!
Those of us, like Tom, who are committed to training work REALLY HARD AT IT. When people compliment me on how I look, I say "thank you for noticing my hard work". But hey, I enjoy training hard b/c it allows me to have some "indescretions" that I'm sure Tom wouldn't necessarily recommend but that I enjoy regardless! OK, I'm a fan of fine wine!
Keep up the good work everyone!! Happy Holidays from Down Under!
:)
Posted by: Nicole | December 18, 2008 7:16 PM
Tom
I read all your blogs looking for incentives to keep at it. I've
posted on the other pages about yo-yoing and I'm down on myself because I can't kick sugar. After reading your article on holiday relapses I have one thing to brag about concerning a vacation trip and weight loss exercise. That's one thing I can do and I did it last year on a two week trip to Venice Fla. I had failed the year before and gained 7 pounds on a two week trip. I was determined to not let it happen again. I found a gym and although it was very expensive I used free coupons for one week and BSed them into selling me one week at a disount and I lost two pounds that trip. I wasn't real popular with the rest of the group. There were four of us and I was the only one who walked on by the Orange Grove Ice Cream stand and went on around the block walking. Anyone who's been around Venice knows where the Ice Cream stand is. It hurt but I did it and was proud. Why can't I get that attitude again? Why does it leave? Why do some of us weaken? Why aint I dedicated like other people?
Thanks for the butt kicking, I need it.
Me naked? Lord that would give everyone nightmares for a month.
Rodney
Posted by: Rodney | December 18, 2008 10:15 PM