How Do You Prove Who You Are? :-)

[arontius]

.....At work we have these cards that we use to access our computers, 'Common Access Cards' or CAC's. They are also used as forms of identification when we access other Naval installations. And on these cards is a picture taken of you so that you can be placed face to name.

.....The picture on my card was taken five years ago. And yesterday I had to go into the security office and get it renewed as it was about to expire. The lady taking my information looked at the picture and looked at me and looked at the picture and looked at me. Then she went and grabbed her supervisor, who did the same thing.

.....They were apologetic, but they couldn't visually determine that the card I gave them actually belonged to me as the picture bore very little resemblance to me now. I was quite amused as they electronically took a couple of fingerprints to verify on the computer that I was actually who I said I was. Took them about a half hour to go through this routine.

.....But I got my new card. The lady who took my old card made a copy of the old card and gave it to me. She said she doesn't normally do that, but she thought that I might want to keep it as a reminder. She had my old statistics up on her computer and asked me my height, eye color, hair color, and then weight. I told her 255 pounds. She stopped and asked if I really weighed 550 pounds five years ago. And I told her that yes I did. :-)

.....Actually, the whole thing made me want to lose a little more. I was down to about 230. I crept up to 260 and have hovered between 250 and 260 now for about four months now. So that's my new range without really exercising or watching what I eat very closely. Not too bad, but could do much better. Will have to work on that.

.....But was a better way than usual to start a week. :-)

.....Aaron.

Comments

[gwen-the-potter.livejournal.com]

You have come a long way, and you *do* look so different. But you are still yourself inside, which is why it is such a shock to see the old photos. I have one of you and Rayna and Bjorn, and you look so completely different it's scary.

Which brings up the question...for the last couple of years, has no one actually *looked* at your ID at work and noticed that the man on the badge and the man carrying it are two different people? Interesting...

[hrollaug.livejournal.com]

Actually LOOK at the badge, certainly you jest.

Actually it's better then it used to be. Now they usually touch the badge. Twenty-30 years ago I can recall guys getting on base using almost anything the "looked" like a badge. The most interesting was a Lucky Strike package (the old badges had a red background)

[centaur11.livejournal.com]

Since I've only known you for 3 years, it's hard to believe you weighed 550 at one time. I am so glad you figured out a way to shed it as it will prolong your life and we really love having you around.

[renartthefox.livejournal.com]

Did you tell them, the current is the "skeletal version" ?

[redbowofdl.livejournal.com]

Holy Crap, that's incredible, you lost 300 pounds? I met you at September Crown 2005 and when I saw you again at Candlemas 2006 I didn't recognize you and had to ask someone who you were. I did not realize you had lost so much weight. I struggled to get my weight down from an all time high of 189 just before I turned 40. Losing 30 pounds felt like a huge achievement to me. 300 pounds is mind boggling! I'll bet you have good dieting advise you could share.

[krazyfiberkat.livejournal.com]

You have done so well with your weight. Keep in mind that you are tall, so you can weigh a little more. Your body may be comfortable at your current weight, so I wouldn't stress the little (compared to 5 years ago) extra weight.
You have done something amazing and I am mighty envious, but I also know that you had to make a lot of lifestyle changes to get where you are. You are so cool!!!

[srfbgm.livejournal.com]

What a great feeling to get external confirmation of your hard won changes.

While externally you seem different, all I have to do is hear your laugh to know it really is you!

Way to go!

joyfully,

Richard