Would you padlock the Space Shuttle?

Welcome Blue Dragon Army,
I want to discuss the REAL 1% of this nation. Not those whiny, trust fund protesters that will follow the whims of others without having an objective, a stated goal, or direction.

I'm talking about "silent geniuses".

What's a silent genius?

I am meeting more and more of them and their stories scare the hell out of me. They usually have the following in common:

1. Perform horribly in school and many fail out.

2. Perceived as stupid or lazy by others. This is a misnomer- they are bored.

3. Usually do not have a good role model in their life to guide and support them in their greatest time of need.

4. Have talents and abilities that dwarf those around them. Sometimes they are aware and sometimes they aren't. It's about 50/50.

5. Do not feel that formal education challenges them or that they belong there. Some are kinesthetic learners that REQUIRE movement and active participation in order to learn and achieve.

My friend Kelly summed it up best. Her story was fascinating. Started at a low position with a power company. Worked around lawyers and professionals and started learning more about paperwork and company procedures than anyone. Started getting promoted. OFTEN. Today Kelly is a program manager with 30 people under her. She is also a mom of 3 and is writing a book. She obtained a Master's degree and is going to pursue a PhD. She admits that she has OCD and some mental peculiarities but that they have helped her. She said something that struck me as interesting- "The company sent me a to a psychiatrist. Apparently, I know more than everyone around me, work circles around the execs, and keep getting me promoted because Im a hard worker, AND THEY WANT TO MEDICATE ME?"

How many Einsteins, Edisons, and Jobs are out there that simply need someone to pay attention to them, and guide them to the right path? How many kid are sitting quietly alone, hating the world and their lives because they are misunderstood or ignored?

It makes me angry. VERY angry. And I'm going to do something about it.

Operation Blue Vengeance

*Warning- This is by far the stupidest thing I have ever done in the name of fitness. I strongly encourage you to use common sense in meeting your health goals. I have no compunction about telling you I don't play with a full deck.


Ive always been fat.

Its hard to admit but feels great saying it. My weight shifts like a rollercoaster depending on how busy i am, if Im dating someone, life events, diet, blah blah. Ive gone through life while my skinnier, or more muscular friends had way more female attention. Its evolutionary, just like guys are attracted to girls with big boobs because subconsciously, it sends a message for nursing healthy children later. It is just as normal for girls to be attracted to thin, fit guys, or muscular guys because they will be good providers and breed good genes.

About two weeks ago, my buddy Jack came into town. We all went out and had a great time. He's a good dude and takes care of himself.

This is what I looked like at the time. I wasn't fat but I wasn't feeling too hot about myself. Plus that ugly ass beard wasnt endearing me to the ladies.







I was kind of dissatisfied with my appearance and there was an incident that I wont mention here but my friends know about it, that got me motivated to get back in the game. My buddy Jeff who just got married, often talks about having a Stathom body and we joke about training methods that border on the psychotic.

Jeff and I at his wedding. Jeff is clearly better looking than me..lol------>










At this point, my self esteem was hovering in the negative numbers. I wasnt dating anyone, I didnt feel attractive, and I needed a very intense kick in the ass to be THAT GUY again. On the Fourth of July, I devised a plan. I locked myself in my house for 8 hours and worked on my Doctorate until midnight. I told myself that I would mentally go back to Basic Training. But for my life. A self imposed cycle of hell that would involve sleep deprivation, minimal food, intense concentration, very close attention to what I ate, and more back to back workouts than I had ever known.

Ive done this before. Two times. When I was preparing for officer school, I went on a regiment of Bacardi and Diets, and chicken wings, and lost 21 pounds in a month and a half. I was running about three times a week.

When I had to pass my medical exam, I found out that I needed to lose 14 pounds in 14 days (Jesus, can anything be easy in my life?). By going to the sauna, running 7 miles a few times a week and giving up water for two days, I made it.

By a pound.

So that first night, I slept 5 hours and mentally programmed myself to get up quickly and that this would be a new lifestyle. My body was not pleased. Work was kind of brutal and I was sleepy. The second day I woke up on four hours of sleep and after work went running.
Over the next 9 days I slept no more that 4 hours a night and was getting up at 5am to run or hit the gym. I was on a restricted diet of small portions. Almonds, apples, a little bit of Jacked supplement in the mornings, and chicken. I was doing my regular floor workouts and started getting into a routine. One of my very good friends invited me out and I got to meet her friends. Annie Monroe is an angel and has come through for me numerous times. I am forever in her debt. I hadnt been out in a long time. As a grad student, I had forgotten the simple pleasure of just being out with a group of friends.

Annie and her hot friends----------------->



My mind started to become sharper, I was more aware of my surroundings, and was waking up before my alarm. I was making better life choices, weighing better options and a funny side effect occurred.

As I slowly built back my confidence, girls started noticing me again. I was now running at Lake Murray four to five times a week. I was watching Army Ranger training videos. I ran with recordings of Navy Seal cadences. I had developed a completely different mindset of confidence and a positive attitude.

The crowning moment came two days ago. I went to the mall that day and some blonde girl did a triple take at me and stared at me for a solid 10 seconds.

That has never happened to me before in my life. If I hadnt hesitated, I would have gotten her number but I was in awe. This stuff happens to JD, not me. I always joke that I'm a martini 7, which means a girl has to have a few strong drinks before I even get above average.

Jeff summed it up best. He stated that by depriving myself of sleep and eating a lot less, I had instilled an edge, a mental survival mode that girls could pick up on. I was alert, ready for anything, and well, kind of a badass.

Jesus, if i was an insomniac, Id be pulling hundreds of ladies....lol

This experiment ended today. For the first time in my life, I bench pressed my weight. I finished with a 6 mile beach run after the gym that was brutal. When it was done, I weighed myself and was happy to note 196.4.

Lowest weight in 12 years.

In 13 days, I lost about 15 pounds. I feel amazing, and more confident than ever. I have a wonderful outlook on life, and best of all, my heart doesn't hurt anymore. I can calm down and work on being successful. Its a whole other world, I can tell you that. Just the way people treat you, the way your clothes fit better, and your general leadership abilities increase.

I wouldnt recommend this for everyone. But if I inspire someone to say, "I've had enough, if Rob can do this between finishing a Doctorate, running a company, working 55 hours a week, writing a book and being a reservist, I can do it."

I believe in you. And if you need help, guidance, or someone to keep on you about reaching your goals, I am always available.

Change comes from frustration and motivation.

Remember:

The brain controls the body, but YOU control the brain.



Carry on.

R.

You CAN make a difference. Get involved in a Blue Dragon Project!!

Happy Sunday Blue Dragon Army!!

As I sit here at my desk working yet another revision of my dissertation, I have had a great weekend of creativity. I would like to thank everyone that has been a part of Blue Dragon and as we get closer to official launch (June 20th), I am very excited at the things we will accomplish.

This is why I need YOU. I have several open projects that could use creative writers, donors of products or money, and new ideas. Here is what is currently being worked on:

Blue Dragon Store- Ever wanted to sell to a large market? Got a product that fits in with Blue Dragon's three goals (end childhood obesity, help low income kids go to college, and help wounded vets) ? Ill stock your product in the online store and help you with shipping or anything else. I have a potential market of over 80,000 people and once we launch, your product could get some SERIOUS exposure.

Teenage Juggernaut- I am writing a book for teens to find their successes and have a plan BEFORE they graduate high school. This book will cover self esteem, business creation, money management, and making better choices in a recession economy as a young person. I am open to chapter suggestions, ideas, and useful websites to help teens.

Blue Dragon Wealth Building Series- Do you have a great idea for saving money? Have you figured out a good way to generate income? Are you good with money and have useful websites to share? I'm looking for your tips or even a chapter for my upcoming DVD series.

Remember that your help, ideas, donations, and support go to help low income kids go to college, and wounded vets. I wouldnt have it any other way.

Change The World.

Rob.

The Family Curse?

Most of us seem to have normal families. They are supportive, fun, and genuinely care about our well being. Too often, though, I talk to my friends and they are in the same boat I am. What do you do when you have a family member (or in my case 94% of total family) that is committed and hell bent on ruining their lives with poor life decisions, apathy, or just a negative attitude towards life?

This article is dedicated to everyone that made good choices, grew up into healthy adults, and walked away from the garbage foisted upon them by unloving or uncaring family members. Its not a bitching session, I want to keep it positive. I just want to tell you that you aren't alone. Its more common than you think and you aren't a bad person for feeling that way. How often do we hear this crap:

*Oh its ok, hes always been like that.....

*You know he drinks a lot and is always sorry in the morning....

*You just have to put up with her, shes family.....

*You're not perfect either you know, we all make mistakes.........

I have news for you. Its all garbage. Enabling, lazy garbage. Its completely frustrating to strike out on your own, bust your butt to succeed, work harder than you have ever known and constantly get a "that's nice dear, but let me tell you about my back...................."

Its enough to make me want to scream. Growing up, I didn't really have a good grasp as to the extent of how bad it really was but as I grew into an adult, I started REALLY getting a big picture overview. Here are some gems:

Relative 1: Multiple DUIs, experimented with drugs for decades

Relative 2: 2 statuatory rapes, just got 25-life for conspiracy to commit murder

Relative 3: Dropped so much acid in the 60s, went crazy as an adult. Mindset of a 9 year old at 65.

Relative 4: Alcoholic, Drug use, married a felon who dealt meth out of the house and got sent back to Pelican Bay.

Relative 5: Took daughters to Mexico when they were 15 to marry them off.

Relative 6: Been in prison all over the country, meth addict

The purpose of writing this is to tell you that you are NOT a product of your environment. I have a few good relatives, but for the most part, this is the stupidity I had to encounter and deal with everyday growing up. I get sick of people making excuses for dumb behavior. You're an adult and I have news for you.........

The results of your life are contingent upon the choices you make, the people you associate with, and your overall decision making abilities- Rob Garcia

I left at 18. I had to. There was no other option. And you know what? I started learning, and growing as a person. I still have phone conversations once or twice a year, but once you get away from bad influences, your life starts to shine. It really is that simple.

I surrounded myself with good friends. People I can depend on that are not codependent or overly dramatic. I don't have a ton of them, but they are all very important to me and know they can turn to me for solid advice, or encouragement.

So here's to you. Remember, that if you got out of a bad environment or have a family member that constantly has you saying, "What the hell have they done THIS time?" You aren't alone. Congratulate yourself for being more mature, wanting better things for yourself, and for being strong.

R.

The Tao of Weight Loss and Management

Just wanted to put down a few words of encouragement. First of all, thank you for trusting me enough to try my program. I found very good results from this. But I had to get serious first. Being serious means:

*Saying NO to coworkers that will bring doughnuts or white flour garbage desserts (There's a reason these people are in the 250 club).

*Sticking to an exercise routine that works for you. Make sure you do weights AND the cardio AND the floorwork (Build muscle, increases endurance and starts your day).

*Telling yourself that you are a work in progress and you are creating a more powerful, more intense and attractive you, with the determination of the Terminator.

*Stick out the first 10-12 days with an IRON will. If you get discouraged, call me. Ill even come to your house in the evenings and put you through the paces with me if you want. And I have awesome workout cds.

*Remember, you are NOT eliminating carbs, you are inducing ketosis through the COMPLETE elimination of white flour and excess sugar. I don't care if you have a few wheat crackers, but for the first 10-12 days, i would suggest NOTHING with flour.

*Here are some suggested ideas that worked for me:

1. cheese wrapped in turkey or ham

2. tuna melt on wheat bread

3. tomato caprese (tomato slices, white cheese, italian)

4. dried seaweed (vietnamese store)

5. pork chops

6. popcorn

7. apples and oranges (dollar store)

Gwen and I had a great talk. She asked about Lean Cuisines which I said NO. The portions are small and you do NOT want any processed foods!! NONE!! No Lean Cuisines, no Hot Pockets, Nothing in a box or a can. Eat fresh fruits and meats that you cook yourself. You dont have to be miserable, just change things around a bit.

Good luck guys. Ill be checking in on the 14th of January. I'm very proud of you all for trying. Give me some good news.

Exercise and Diet Chart

Dietary and Exercise Checklist

Week__________

Weight Day 1__________ (be honest)

Mark these off as you accomplish them:

□ Home Training Session 1

□ Home Training Session 2

□ Home Training Session 3

□ Home Training Session 4

□ Home Training Session 5

□ Weight Training Session 1

□ Weight Training Session 2

□ Weight Training Session 3

□ Aerobic Activity 1

□ Aerobic Activity 2

□ Aerobic Activity 3

Weight Day 7__________

Weekly Review

1. Did you avoid white flour like the cast of Jersey Shore avoids libraries?

2. Did you push yourself to meet your exercise goals? If you crossed off 7 out of 11, you are off to a good start. I’m super proud of you. Most people would quit.

3. Did you get Tupperware and actually use it?

4. Did you eat five small meals a day?

5. Did your weight drop slightly?

If you messed up or couldn’t answer yes to all the questions, just highlight the one you are going to work on, and repeat. Remember, if you used this checklist, YOU ARE ON THE RIGHT PATH.

The Juggernaut Diet

Here is the diet plan I have used to successfully get the body I wanted. Good luck.

The Juggernaut Diet By Rob Garcia

I have tried to lose and maintain my weight my entire life. It has never worked until I applied logic to it. I used the following things and lost 23 pounds in 1.2 months. I have kept off the weight for 5 months and have never been hungry. I have lost fat off my belly, my back, and my face got thinner. My social life should have improved as well but I attribute that more to me being an unpopular dick that is too self absorbed. I’m a life coach, not a miracle worker.

The 5 factors of weight loss and body shaping are the following:

1. Diet

For the first 10-12 days, you want to put your body in an advanced state of ketosis. This means you deprive it of white flour and empty carbs and then your body will start eating fat from the inside. Your friends will try to tempt you. Tell them to kiss your ass and follow these rules:

1. No beer, switch to Bacardi and Diet for these 10-12 days. Beer is like eating bread. We want no white flour or any of the ingredients used to make bread in your body.

2. Get Tupperware TODAY. Make your lunch at home and take it to work with you. Do not give in at work and eat in the cafeteria. Portion sizes are ridiculous.

3. Eat 5-7 times a day but in much smaller quantities. I eat every three hours.

4. When you go to a bar, get chicken wings. No sandwiches or pizza.

5. No fast food. None. Not even so called healthy stuff on the menu.

6. No processed food. No Lean Cuisines or anything in a box. COOK YOUR OWN FOOD. YOU ARE A GROWNUP. Pack your lunch the night before work and get a mini cooler.

7. (Optional step for those that are SERIOUS about this) For breakfast, empty some oatmeal and two spoonfuls of flax seed into a glass of water. Mix without heating and drink. It’s completely gross looking but is a great breakfast and will tide you over.

8. Eat more water soluble veggies (cucumbers, tomatoes, and watermelon) and remember that Italian dressing is fat free or very low cal. Remember to up your fiber intake. Apples, oatmeal, wheat germ.

Here is the list of accepted foods and snacks:

White cheese

Almonds and various nuts

Pork

Tuna

Water soluble veggies (tomatoes and cucumbers)

Chicken

Bacon (god bless this diet)

Shrimp

Wheat Thins or Triscuits

Any fruits

Eggs

Popcorn

Cottage Cheese

Here is the banned list:

NO WHITE FLOUR OF ANY KIND WHATSOEVER. IF YOU EAT ANY WHITE FLOUR YOU MAY AS WELL QUIT TODAY.

Crackers

Cookies

Bread

Muffins

Pancakes or waffles

Croutons

Bagels

Bread crumbs

Rolls

Pretzels

God help me, Beer

NO FAST FOOD OF ANY SHAPE, FORM, OR TYPE

Soda

Milk

2. Energy

Go to GNC today and buy Jack3d. Its a supplement that has creatine and caffeine. It’s delicious and will give you energy for days. It will also intensely boost your sex drive (oh darn). I would also suggest a pack of No Doze. It’s a straight shot of 200 milligrams of caffeine, about two cups of coffee. Have one with your multivitamin in the morning and you will be feeling really good.

3. Gym

Hit the gym three times a week. Just stick with basics. Arm curls, bench press, rowing machine and tricep pulls. Gym sessions should be between 30-45 minutes.

4. Floorwork

When you roll out of bed in the morning, hit the floor. Start with 20 jumping jacks to wake up and then alternate between:

Pushups (This is an example of a wide stance pushup. I alternate between wide, narrow, and diamond). Sorry for using a picture of me, but I had to show a perfect specimen of awesomeness (kidding).

After 10 pushups, I do 5 rear leg lifts with each leg. This will tone your butt.

Rear Leg Lift

Dead Cockroach (Bring feet and hands together, don’t half ass it like this queen)

Side Crunches (Don’t do full sit ups. They are stupid and don’t accomplish a lot. These will tone your side abs)

Here is a suggested set for a 15-20 minute floor workout.

20 jumping jacks

10 wide stance pushups and 5 leg lifts each leg

5 dead cockroaches

20 side crunches each side

20 jumping jacks

10 narrow stance pushups and 5 leg lifts each leg

10 dead cockr

oaches

20 side crunches each side

Repeat. Add sets as you get stronger. Yes, your abs will hurt at first. Tough it out. They will adapt.

5. Aerobic

You need to run hard enough to sweat at least three times a week. Just shoot for 20 minute short jogs at first. If you have trouble running, go for a 40 minute walk and build up to running. You absolute

ly need to break a sweat or you aren’t working hard enough. You may need to use the unholy triumvirate to accomplish your goals: Akon, Gaga, Ke$ha. They are surprisingly effective on an Ipod. I prefer Scooter but to each his own.

Use this chart to gauge your progress. Print it out and hang it on your refrigerator. Weigh yourself Day 1 and Day 7 and write down the results. As you complete exercises, check in the boxes. Good luck. I think you are going to kick ass. If you can survive 12 days of this, you will see improvements.

If not, you are a pathetic failure that will die alone, poor, unloved, and miserable.

Happy New Year,

Rob