The End is near…. December 15, 2009

Hello Everyone,

I’m really looking forward to this season ending.  I’m tired of the constant colds and weather.  I know this challenge is ending but I’m happy to have made so many new friends and supporters.   I look forward to seeing everyone and the Finale and have really enjoyed each and everyone.  See you soon, Melissa

December 1, 2009

Hello Everyone!

We are almost at the finish line.  I look forward to seeing everyone on Saturday for our final bootcamp.

Take care,  Melissa

The big day is here…. November 14, 2009

Hello,

First, I wanted to say to all my peers that I truly did miss you guys today.  I was under the weather so I wasn’t able to make it.  Anyway, I’m ready for Wednesday to weigh in.  I’m glad the weigh in is before the Holidays, I didn’t need that extra pressure.  I’m going to still watch what I eat very closely & don’t over eat.  I’m really excited and looking forward to closing this year out.  Thanks everyone for you continued support, Melissa

Staying encouraged…. November 1, 2009

Hello Everyone,

This month has been a real tough one.  With the weather changing my house has been sick it seems like the entire month.  First my son started with a cough then turned into a cold.  So of course I watched him very closely with all the talk about the H1N1.  Once he started feeling a little better I started to get a sore throat which eventually turned into a cold.  I of course didn’t really have an appetite but I didn’t get in any exercise this month, with the exception of our workout session at the Forum.  I was able to pull through the workout, it was different but at the end I was glad it was over but also very happy that I was able to attend.  I know were nearing the end of our journey so I’m excited and looking forward to the last show.  I’m going to really focus these last few weeks and sprint since we are almost at the end of the race.  See you all at the finish line! Melissa

Coming to the end of the road….. October 14, 2009

I’m sitting here looking over the goals that I first wrote when we began this challenge.  I’m over 75% there and I feel good.  I’ve learned so much during this challenge and want to thank everyone for all of your support.  I enjoyed seeing everyone this weekend at the Forum, the class was fun and hard as usual.  We all have come so far and finished the class with a BANG.  Take care everyone & make sure you write everything down that you eat, it really helps! Melissa

Fall begins with a few goals in plain site… September 29, 2009

I’m looking forward to the next few months. I know that the Holidays are approaching. But for the first time in a long time I’m looking forward to them. I’m not worried about gaining weight. I’m not going to deprive myself of enjoying the Holiday festivities. However, I will eat in moderation. Applying everything I’ve learned about nutrition over the last 7 months along with staying active. I’m going to look at the Holiday season as a challenge for myself. As long as I continue to be mindful of what I eat & keeping a journal, I’m confident that I will do fine. As for now I’m continuing with my eating routine & exercise. I feel like I’m doing ok. But to hear people comment on my weight loss is confirmation that I’m heading in the right direction. I look in the mirror & say why isn’t the weight coming off. I know that it is but not fast like I want it to. After seeing my sister this weekend who confirmed to me that I’m getting smaller made me realize that I didn’t put this weight on over night. So I can’t expect to lose it over night. I’m happy with my results & will continue to reach for my short term goals. Nowing that my long term goals aren’t far behind. I look forward to seeing you guys soon. Melissa

Small changes, BIG rewards…. September 14, 2009

Hello everyone, I’m so excited to see results just from changing a few things & adding new things in my daily routine. I know you’re wondering what I’m talking about. I took a lot of Julie’s advice on how to get breakfast back in my routine. I’m now starting my day @ 4am after I get home from dialysis. I eat a light breakfast before I take a nap. When I wake up around 10 I eat a snack then @ 1pm I eat lunch. This makes my day flow better and I eat diinner @ the regular time. It seems to be working because I’ve also started writing down what I eat (everything). I haven’t weighed in yet but I’m looking forward to my next visit with Julie. Later, Melissa

Good News Bad News… August 31, 2009

I met with Julie and weighed. I’m still weighing the same thing I weighed last month. So I haven’t gained or loss. So I came up with a new plan. I’ve slacked on eating b-fast again. I’m soooo sleepy during the day & don’t get up until 11 or 12. So Julie suggested I eat when I get home @ 4am to eat then before I go to sleep or start my day when I do wake up mid morning & eat my b-fast then, @ dinner eat my lunch. Since I’m up until 4am I can eat my dinner around 12 or 1. Since I’m up until 3 or 4 anyway on my non-dialysis nights because my schedule is off. So I’m going to see how that works & also get in more exercise. I can see the light at the end of the tunnell. I have a plan & vision now. I must go now and work on my goals. So see u nxt wk!

Yoga, new found respect…….. August 16, 2009

Hello Everyone,  this has been a real busy month.  Sorry for blogging so late but today is the 15th so I’m still on time.  Anyway, let’s talk The Forum.  I think of working out and get tired.  But going to The Forum has taught me that working out can be fun.  I’m so excited when we go to The Forum because you just never know what’s in store for us.  I was blown away by the ball exercises, who knew that you can do lunges or even jumping jacks on the exercise ball.  So last week when we did yoga I thought to myself this is going to be a easy relaxing class, can I say NOT.  I’ve never sweated so much in a workout session in my life.  It was much harder than I thought, I had to stop & rest.  But not for long because it was also exciting and fun to be working out and learning the technique of yoga. I think that this is a exercise that I’m going to learn more about.  I also want to thank all of my fellow challengers for your support during our workout, I must say you guys are AWESOME!  I look forward to seeing you guys next month.  Melissa

Flip Flops won’t break me… July 29, 2009

As all of you know that I wore flip flops to Piedmont Park on Saturday for our PT test. I just got back from the Bahamas & thought my shoes were left in the car. I didn’t realize it until after I arrived at the park. I couldn’t go home so I decided that I wasn’t going to let my flip flops stop me from this challenge. I did ok with the 1mile run (I finished) but I didn’t beat my last time. I’m still very encouraged and I appreciate all of the OBC personal trainers for motivating me. I also want to thank this group of challengers. You all are awesome!! I couldn’t have imagined we all would encourage each other the way we have. I want to thank all of you. Last but not least I want to thank Brandi. She’s not just there to schedule these events but she’s actually a part of this group. I’ve watched as she cheered everyone on and encouged us to continue with our goals. Thanks everyone & Brandi.