My 90 Day Challenge

Hubby Jason and I knew we needed to lose weight, but after trying various things, we started researching to see what would be the best, most nutritious way to go.  A friend of mine had just started on the Body By Vi challenge, and she recommended that we look into it.  So we did.  And we liked what we were seeing.  So we decided to give it a try.

Before starting the Vi-Shakes, I topped off at 187 pounds.  That was just plain depressing!  Just over 2 weeks into the challenge, I stepped on the scale to see how I was doing.  I could tell my clothes were fitting better, but I wanted to see just how much weight had I lost.  The scale read 177 and I about fell over!  10 pounds in 2 weeks?  No way!!

Jason decided that being a distributor would be a great idea, so if anyone else wants to try this weight loss system, visit the site www.shakeyourmoneymaker.myvi.net and Join The Challenge!  90 Days to lose weight, get healthier, and be in better shape?  What do you have to lose, weight??

The 30-Day Challenge

The company I represent put out a request for all consultants to design a 30-day plan to better our business and/or our life.  

SO... Starting in September, I'm going to take the necessary steps to do the following:

• I will only schedule 10 live parties per month. 
• I will host an open-house shopping afternoon in my home once per month to accommodate anyone who needs to refill their Coochy, Body Dew, and other assorted consumable items.
• I will be unavailable on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings for parties.  (Those already scheduled will still hold, but I can't schedule those days any more going forward.)
• I will be "working" every other weekend, meaning I will be doing parties every other weekend at the following times:  Friday 7pm, Saturday 11am Brunch Party, Saturday 3pm afternoon party, Saturday 7:30pm evening party, Sunday 1pm OR 6pm depending on the game schedules.  
• I will be present and 100% available for every important moment my children have, whether it's to tighten up ballet slippers, or put ice on a karate bruise, I WILL BE THERE.  I will watch their progress and successes live and in person, not on a digital camera.
• I will be HOME two weekends out of the month for my girls to be able to host sleepovers with their friends, go on shopping trips, or just hang out and watch movies.
• I will be in charge of my life, and I will live it on MY terms.

That's what I will have accomplished by September 30th.  Granted, I'm sure it's not what my company was looking to hear - I'm sure many of the consultants have fantastic plans to increase productivity, hire help, and improve their business skills in a variety of ways that will result in financial successes all across the board.  However, at this point, my sanity is much more important to me.  I only have one shot to be the best Mom I can be to two little girls, and I owe it to them to give them my all, first and foremost.  They deserve to have my time, attention and focus.  

Putting it into perspective... in 25 years, I may or may not be a home party consultant.  However, in 25 years, I will still be their Mom.  The choices I make and actions I take today will reserve my spot to still be a welcomed part of their life 25 years from now.

A Weekend of Sanity

The family and I headed up to Michigan this past weekend to enjoy some downtime with the extended family, but our trip did have an ulterior motive...

Despite Liz's unfortunate experience with martial arts training, she's definitely acquired a taste for learning the RIGHT way.  She attended an overnight camp this weekend at a dojo in Michigan themed "FIGHT LIKE A GIRL".  After spending an extended amount of time with world-renowned women who practice Judo, the camp's clinicians all agreed that Liz definitely has natural ability.  Off the mat, she's a "sweetheart", made friends instantly, and fit in right away with the other campers.  On the mat, she quickly unlearned maneuvers that were taught to her incorrectly, relearned the correct and most effective ways to do the throws, take-downs and submissions, and was up against ladies with more mat-time experience and higher belt rankings in no time at all.  We were able to watch the friendly mock-competition on Sunday, and Liz "competed" against someone who gave her a run for the money.  The mock-match between Liz and her opponent ended in a draw and came down to the decision of the judges.  It was a learning match, and the clinicians would stop and TEACH the girls what they were and weren't doing correctly.  THAT is how to learn.

While Liz was learning her fun moves, Ana, Jason and I spent time with Jason's dad.  We went out on the boat on a lake, went out to eat dinner, and we all had a great time!  Unfortunately, Jason's step-mom Janet had to work for part of the weekend, but we did get to catch up with her on Sunday and Monday before we headed back home to Pennsylvania.

All in all, it was a total weekend of relaxation and fun times had by all!  And EVERYONE needs to relax and just unwind once in a while.  I didn't answer many calls, I didn't sit and read emails, I had a great fun time with our family.  I really enjoyed it, and I think I need to do it more often!  :D

Gosh...

Apparently I've ruffled a few feathers this week!  I've been "deleted" and even BLOCKED!  HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!  And I didn't even realize until it was pointed out to me.  I double checked and YEP, I certainly made someone mad!

Well, here's the condensed Reader's Digest version of what's going on... as if there is such a thing with me:

When a martial arts school opened close to home, it seemed ideal to put the kids in the class.  Ana didn't particularly take to it, but Liz really enjoyed it.  The first two months of classes consisted of grappling, which seemed to be fine for a group ranging in age from 6 to 12.

In June, they suddenly switched to learning what I can best describe as calculated street fighting.  The kids were wearing "MMA" gloves that are primarily designed to protect knuckles of the puncher while leaving the fingers open and free for "MMA" type grappling and submissions.  They were NOT wearing head protection or body padding of any kind.  This was a concern, but I was told that they wouldn't be "sparring" hard enough to need that stuff...  Direct quote that I personally heard numerous times:  "Head padding is optional".  Remember - this group of kids ranged from ages 6 to 12.  

Now... that said, the first and only night that neither Jason nor I could be there for the entire class, Liz was put up against an opponent to "spar".  Liz is 5' tall and bounces between 135-140 pounds.  Her opponent well over a head taller than her, and at least 70 pounds heavier.  As long as nobody is out for blood, that would be acceptable... but neither kid had padding or protection, and without any previous training on what "going 50%" means, these kids were put against each other to basically beat the hell out of each other.

And that's what happened.  Liz got beat pretty badly.  Her mouth was busted and swollen, but that's not the worst of it.  She took multiple direct full-force punches to her right side between her rib cage and hip.  You know, where the liver, spleen, gall bladder, kidney, and right ovary are located.  According to not only her account, but others who witnessed this AND THE INSTRUCTOR HIMSELF, she was doubled over collapsed to the floor and couldn't breathe.  Through her tears, the instructor helped her up to her feet, asked if she was OK, and PUT HER BACK IN THE MATCH WITH THE SAME KID. 

Now, having seen what pain she was in, why was she put back up to fight?  NEITHER of her parents were there to protest, and she's 12.  She already picked up on the "no pain, no mercy" attitude of the instructor and classmates, so of course she's going to say, "Yeah, I'm OK."  She's JUST A KID.

And I don't hold that boy responsible, in all reality, because HE is JUST A KID.  He was doing what he was taught, which was basically to punch as hard as he could until he overpowered his opponent.  

After this incident, she was on ice packs for at least 5 days, couldn't move, couldn't even lay comfortably in bed.  She was alternating Motrins and Tylenol every 3 hours.  However, she wanted to go back to class because she was assured that wouldn't happen again, and the kid would be taught the lesson about it.  

WELL.  The lesson was to have another instructor beat HIM up.  REALLY?  All that taught was animosity.  It didn't teach that kid any humility or control, no discipline, and definitely no apology was issued.  

She wanted to continue the class, so we allowed it on the condition that at least one of her parents would be present at all times.  As parents, Jason and I have had numerous discussions about the sport.  Around the same time, another instructor from a different martial arts discipline started holding classes at this same school.  Jason and I even discussed the possibility that she could take one of those classes because they were much more structured and taught the basics of martial arts.  But she wanted to stay where she was - why?  Because the original instructor made it very clear on numerous occasions that the new teacher's style and methods were useless and boring.

The instructor also started to become almost paranoid, repeatedly asking me if Liz was losing interest, if she still liked the class, was she going to continue, what's with her attitude change, etc.  It was weird, to say the least.  The best was when he said he was getting a "bad vibe from the Leaseburgs".  Well, she was HURT.  She didn't learn any technique from that incident, she learned fear.  Where he thought he had the bad vibe, I don't know.  But that was the beginning of the end.

So she stayed, and she started to spar against the newer students, one of which being that bigger boy's 14 year old sister. And guess what happened next?  Liz landed a hit to the girl's cheekbone and gave her a black eye.

GREAT.  So now we have the boy who already has animosity towards Liz because of the retaliation of the other instructor beating HIM up, and his sister who Liz gave the black eye... can you see the personal conflict brewing with 12-14 year old kids?  ANYONE who has kids that age and pays any attention would know and see, male or female, they aren't old enough to discern between which battles are worth fighting, and when it's better to shake hands and move on.  

IN THE MEAN TIME... Liz's side was still giving her problems.  She had a lot of discomfort and downright pain, especially after class was done.  Lack of stretching causes many problems, and I mentioned that directly to this instructor on quite a few occasions - the kids aren't flexible, they need more stretching.  I also mentioned that dancing workouts are great for flexibility, and that's probably why Liz (and one other younger girl) were the only ones able to sit on the floor with feet out to the side and touch their nose to the floor.  As a dancer and dance teacher, I do know a thing or two about the human body and how to warm up and cool down... there were no cool downs in this class, ever.  

Since she took such a pounding, I took care of her on the medical side.  I made a doctor's appointment, without the instructor's knowledge, because some of the residual effects from the blows had me extremely concerned.  Sure, we (Jason and I) were concerned for her current well-being, but she was showing signs that some of the damage from those blows may have caused permanent damage to her internal organs.

By Friday, July 29, she could barely participate in class.  She stopped and asked for a Motrin to ease her pain.  I told the instructor that she needs cleared by a doctor before she can fight.  That night, after class, the instructor sent me a Facebook message that said,  "keep me updated on liz,, not liking the pain she is having"  

To me, that's an acknowledgement that she's STILL in pain from a blow she took 8 weeks prior, right?  Without informing him of the details, I sent a message back saying, "Will do.  I think her doctor's office is open tomorrow, I'm going to call to schedule an appointment."  What he didn't know was she already HAD an appointment, she had been scheduled for testing to assess the extent of the damage.  

Monday, August 1, she went to class.  I had told her all along, she is NOT to fight that bigger kid.  My concern was for her physical well-being, and so should the instructor's concern have been.  Well, his wasn't.  Three days after telling me he wants updated on her pain, he tried to put her up against that same kid for stand-up full contact fighting again.  She told him she couldn't do it, that her mother wouldn't allow it.  

The entire class then got a lecture on "team work" and working together with your fellow students.  I had no problem with her holding 18" thick foam for that kid to punch or kick against.  I had no problem with her holding hand pads and having that kid punch at them.  That's fine and dandy for "team work".  My problem was with the fact that she is STILL having residual problems from that fight in June, and there was STILL no body padding available for her to use during class, and he wants to put her out there to get beat on some more from a kid who is brewing animosity towards her??  

You're DAMN RIGHT I pulled the plug on that.

Instructor wanted to talk to me outside about this after class.  He repeated what Liz told him, that I wouldn't allow her to fight that one particular kid.  And I said, Absolutely YES I said that.  She should have never had that injury in the first place, let alone being put up against the same kid who did it in the first place?  Yep, I told her she wasn't allowed, and she has to be medically cleared.   This guy looked me square in the eye and told me that her saying "I can't" and "I won't" go against what he teaches.  My answer to that was that neither he or the parents of that kid are paying her medical bills on this, and I'm not going to allow her to have permanent damage done.  In 20 years, who's going to be the one paying for it when she's unable to bear children because of an incident that happened repeatedly when she was a kid?  

And this guy looked me square in the eye, as if he was possessed by something, and said that in his class, she WILL do what he tells her to do, she WILL fight that kid again, and she WILL work with everyone for team work.  And I quote:  "She WILL fight ________, because he has nobody else to spar with."  

And you're DAMN RIGHT I called BULL SHIT on that.  It's not HER problem that he has nobody his size.  WHAT ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR??  I pointed out that she is 12 and I AM HER MOTHER.  She does what I say above and beyond anything else.  In any professional circuit, any amateur circuit, and anywhere in the world, she wouldn't ever be expected to be a punching bag for a boy who was that much bigger than her.  There are weight classes for a reason.  I elaborated to give my opinion about the way the entire class has gone.  He constantly brings up a fight club and tells the KIDS that if they don't like what he's teaching, the fight club is right down the road, like it's some kind of bullying threat to these kids.  So I told him all he's doing is turning this group of kids into a miniature version of that fight club.

So he said OK, no more sparring until the kids learn more control.  That is A-OK fine by me.  And this guy actually turned to MY KID and told her that goes for her learning Judo throws, too, she can't knock anyone down... even though that's a technique supposedly taught by his program.  I picked up on what he was trying to do instantly, and thank GOD, so did Liz.  He was trying to use something she enjoyed (and is attending a summer camp program to learn more of) AGAINST ME.  He wanted her to flip on ME and beg me to allow sparring so she could continue to learn throws and take-downs.  BIG MISTAKE.

In the short time that this guy knew us, apparently he never figured out how loyal Liz is to her parents, especially her mother.  And Liz knew that I was looking out for HER.  She saw instantly what it was all about to him.

At this point, I decided that I was trying to reason with the unreasonable.  I just began nodding my head, agreeing, and ended it by shaking his hand and saying, "I want you to know, I had something to say to YOU, and I said it to YOU."  Anyone who knows me knows that I do NOT hold back.  There's no "filter" between my mouth and what anyone else hears, whether they like it or not.

We left and went home.  Liz and I shared with Jason what just happened.  He had to get ready for bed so he could get up for work, but we had a lot to discuss.

And then the voicemail, facebook messaging, and text message harassment started. And it was so completely wishy-washy, it was absolutely unreal.  By this time, my only thought was, "Dude, are you on crack?  Because THAT would make sense!" 

One message was about how he wanted to make sure we're straight that Liz has to work together as a team, and all the kids have to work together whether they like each other outside of the school or not.  The next one was about how he values my opinion.  So I gave him my opinion.  He asked for it, right?  Then he wanted to know if she's coming back.  I didn't respond.  Then it was about how he's sorry if he let us down, and if he's doing such a bad job, he should just close up shop and quit.  I responded to say that the question is more, is she going to be singled out for being the reason that nobody is going to "spar" since I'm the only parent who ever voiced concern (according to him), so apparently the rest of the kids and parents are OK with them just beating the hell out of each other three days a week.

Then he said he was refunding the money for Liz for August on "Friday".  (This was on the 1st, mind you, why even cash the check?  The right thing to do would have been void it and mail it back.)  By this time, it was well after midnight, and I responded to say that I'm not making a decision without talking to Jason and Liz, both of whom had been in bed for over 2 hours at this point.  However, since he's refunding money, looks like he already made that decision.  Right?

Plus, we still had to get her test results.  I didn't share that tidbit with him (none of his business at this point), but she was to be seen by a specialist later in the week.  

After her visit to the specialist, this is the message I sent him:

"As per the specialist today, Liz does have scarring from damage that would typically be seen in liver lacerations from repeated blunt force trauma to the abdomen.  The release of enzymes and her body trying to heal is responsible for her mood swings.  She's going for more testing to determine the extent of the damage, however, on the specialist doctor's orders, Liz is physically unable to participate in your combat fighting programs.  

"Teamwork" aside, I'm very glad that I at least stood up for Liz and forbid her to take another pounding.  One completely unnecessary liver laceration is more than enough for a 12 year old girl.

Good luck, I hope the rest of your students are able to keep up with the physical demands." 

That's the last direct contact I had with him.  He responded via Facebok to say that he was sorry and he knows none of it was intentional.  The poor attitude, the look on his face when he told me that she would do what HE said, and the final text message to come through telling me that he doesn't want to lose a student over one incident because "quite frankly we are the best around".... yeah, the "best" don't even acknowledge that they ARE the best.  And there are PLENTY of schools within driving distance who do take necessary precautions and teach technique, not fear and hatred.

And then, apparently I was being "watched" because it was brought to my attention how everything and anything I posted as a status on Facebook was being taken personally by him.  As if I have no other life???  I run a business.  I have several hobbies.  I have family members, friends, co-workers, acquaintances, and clients ALL OVER THE WORLD.  I don't single people out to insult them indirectly on Facebook, for pity's sake, I said what I had to say directly to him to begin with.  If something I had to say made him upset, then perhaps that was just a guilty conscience.

I'm sure that his account is much different, with more self-righteousness and haughtiness added to the pot.  Who knows what he's told his group of followers, and honestly, I couldn't care less.  I do know that he told the rest of the students that Liz "quit".  She didn't "quit", she was taken out of a bad situation and she's moved on.  But if that's what he wants to call it, so be it.  

I have absolutely nothing against martial arts.  What I have a problem with is someone using the guise of martial arts to create a new generation of bullies who incite fear.  He does have these kids recite a "Student Creed" and a "Federation Creed" before and after each class... it would just have been nice to see the instructor himself following through consistently on the values and beliefs stated in those creeds.

And yet notice - I never mentioned the name of the instructor, the school, or the federation.  Who?  Yeah, that's right, we've moved on.

Today's Inspired Thoughts

You've got issues, and I already cancelled my subscription to that.  (inspired by the handy dandy hide-all-posts-from-this-user button on Facebook.)

It's not just unethical, it actually IS illegal to pretend you're a non-profit organization and profit from other people's generosity.  And it's pretty stupid to keep stacks of this profit in obvious locations.  I mean, at least dig a hole and make your neighbors think you're hiding bodies.  "Gosh.... friggin' IDIOT." - Napoleon Dynamite (inspired by local news)

The line between being "good" and "evil" isn't a fine line.  It's actually a huge ravine.  And you just dove in there head first.  Good job, buddy!  (inspired by someone who shall remain nameless... but there are pictures of him in Liz's Facebook photos!)

I don't understand tagging yourself in your own photos.  Did you forget who you are and what you look like?  And ESPECIALLY when the picture is of ONLY you.  If I'm looking at YOUR PHOTOS, it's a good bet that the untagged person is YOU.  (Inspired by seeing someone's tagged photos, and she/he is the ONLY person tagged in the pictures.)

There's "fun" crazy, and then there's "people are afraid of you" crazy.  You can't be both.  PICK A SIDE and get medicated for it!

Why do the most non-religious people always repost religious messages on their Facebook?  And also they forward them in text messages?  "If you don't forward this and repost it, the world will know you are ashamed of Jesus."   Um... It's almost like seeing a bank robber driving  a getaway car with a bumper sticker that says, "Honk if you love Jesus!"  I'm not ashamed of Jesus.  I think Jesus would be ashamed if he saw sacreligious people using electronic media to put on a false front of who they really are.  These posts rank right up there as FAIL in my book.  (inspired by two text messages from unknown numbers and several Facebook posts I've seen today.)

Did you ever notice how nothing on your body itches until you JUST finish painting your finger nails?  Then EVERYTHING itches.  It's like poison ivy erupts everywhere, especially in places where your fingernails will get smudged... like your armpits and butt crack.

Why do armpits grow hair?  I mean, really.  It's one of the hottest points on a human body, so the hair isn't there for insulation.  Maybe we're supposed to let the hair grow, braid it, decorate it with shiny beads, and walk around with our arms in the air.

My dog has hairy armpits.  Just sayin'.

Laughter is made from air passing the vocal chords in your throat in short bursts.  So... Farts are just your butt's way of laughing at you.

Articulation should be an official dialect of the English Language.  You either speak "American English", or you are Articulate.  There's no middle ground.

In learning a new language, one comes to realize that English is ridiculous.  It's a pompous way to rearrange words so that others can't translate our sentences.  I can name 5 other languages that have the same grammar structure, but there's nothing quite like English.  And only in American English can you make up your own words and have others know what you are talking about.  Happy-Go-Lucky.  Really?  If I'm happy, does that mean I'm going to be lucky?  If you're happy and you're lucky, do a jig like the Lucky Charms Leprechaun!  *kicks up heels*  And we have so many words for one thing...... and one word can mean so many things.  WHO CAME UP WITH THIS LANGUAGE?!  It's half-cookied and confusing as hell.  (As if hell is confusing?  It's not confusing.... go ask the pseudoreligious Facebookers who have already contacted the travel agent to arrange their one-way trip!)

In what dimension is it a "good idea" to randomly call people and try to sell them something?  Maybe I should try that... Imagine how this would go... "Well, hello there!  I'm so happy you got up from your dinner and stopped your day to answer the phone for my call, I'm in the business of selling things... wanna buy a little Coochy tonight?" Imagine the reactions.  THAT would be a FUN telemarketing call.  Picture it:  One person would start reciting the Gospel in my ear (NO LADY, I'm talking about SHAVE CREAM to rid your pits of the fur!), another person would ask if it's a blond or brunette (and then cackle as he gets the lotion out of the drawer), and I'm almost positive I'd get the lonely woman who wants to tell me about her nephew and her cats.  Telemarketing is NOT A GOOD IDEA, stop DOING IT!

Speaking of languages and telemarketing..... I've discovered a new form of cheap entertainment......

A conversation with a telemarketer:
Him:  "Hello, my name is ______, and I'd like to make you an offer to bank millions of dollars in online marketing.  Do you have a minute to learn about this?"

Me:  "No English."

Him:  "Oh, do you speak Spanish?"

Me:  "Si, si."

Him:  "Please hold, I will get a Spanish speaking rep."

holding... holding... holding...

Spanish Speaking Rep:  " ¡Hola!  Me llamo _____..."

Me:  " Huh?  I don't speak Spanish, what did you say?  Why are you calling me?  Stop calling me!!!"

Your Life-Team Strategist

A series of thoughts occurred to me as I was catching up on some TV.  Sometimes "reality" can really spark the brain to see things a little more clearly.  

1. Life is a battle.
   
2. Choose your battle buddies wisely.  You are going to need a Life-Team to support you.  This team will consist of many people in different roles, such as the Confidante, the Fashionista, the Religious Reminder, and so on.  (You know people who fit these roles, don't you?)  But the one that should be handled more carefully than any other is your Strategist.
   
3. When someone is put in front of you who is resourceful, insightful and intelligent, make that person your Life Team "Strategist" among your battle buddies, admire their skills and, most definitely, value their advice and opinions.  Recognize this person; everyone needs one.  Without a Strategist, things will fall apart, one by one.
   
4. When your Strategist brings something to your attention that you don't happen to like hearing or seeing, take a step back and remember you need your Strategist in your life more than the Strategist needs you.  And Strategists will remind you of this as often as you need to be reminded.
   
5. Your Strategist is going to remember everything you say and do, and it will all come back to haunt you when you least expect it.  The Strategist will give you the best and worst case in every situation and guide you to the best decisions.  Don't let this bother you.  That's their role, that's their job.
   
6. Don't force the hand of your Strategist.  This person knows better than you do when to hold 'em, fold 'em, walk away, and run.  And yes, the Strategist already knows how much money you have on the table.  That's their job.  They can usually count cards, too.  Just so you know.
   
7. Don't ever piss your Strategist off.  Remember:  That person is more resourceful, insightful and intelligent than you; that's why you snagged that person in the first place.
   
8. If you successfully piss off your Strategist enough times, those resourceful, insightful and intelligent traits you once adored will suddenly become your worst nightmare.
   
9. 9 times out of 10, this Strategist will be a woman.
   
10. 10 times out of 10, your Strategist will double her abilities, if for no other reason than to just to get under your skin.
    
    
    "... So are the Days of our Lives..."  

A Lesson In Humility, in the WORDs of this Mom

There's a definite lack of humility in the world today, and I'm seeing arrogance and pride rearing their heads in the last places I'd expect to see them.  Feel free to comment and discuss your opinions on this.  However, as the school year is getting closer and more kids will be taught and coached by adults OTHER than their parents, I just hope I'm not the only one having this discussion with my kids before they get settled into their "circle of friends" and activities this year.


First, I would like to define humility, as per Merriam Webster Online:


Humility-  : the quality or state of being humble


OK, quality of being "humble"... let's define humble...

Humble (adjective) 
1: not proud or haughty : not arrogant or assertive
2:  reflecting, expressing, or offered in a spirit of deference or submission <a humble apology>




So here it is, the first Melanie-ism of the blog, a Lesson in Humility when choosing friends, acquaintances, activities, and even as adults this can be applied to careers and hobbies:


IF SOMEONE HAS TO REMIND YOU OF HOW (blank) THEY ARE, THEY AREN'T.  (You fill in the blank as appropriate for any given situation: great/ wonderful/ respected/ honored/ talented/ popular/ smart/ etc.)  

Save yourself the hassle, cut ties and MOVE ON.  Who people really are will show itself in time, so don't take any one's word for anything.  Just because the "cool" kid is doing something doesn't mean it's a good idea.  Just because someone thinks too highly of themselves doesn't mean they are worthy of YOU thinking highly of them, too.  


In closing, I'd like to share a thought from one of my favorite people to turn to for advice.  About 9 years ago, he gave me a very sound piece of advice that says it all:  "He was a likable fella... then again, so was Ted Bundy."