No more procrastination for me

I wrote about procrastination the other day and it is something that is hard for me to figure out the reason I do it, but I have come up with a plan. Before I watch TV, read blogs,talk on the phone, or check email I will do what needs to be done on my TO DO list. I know this might seem like a no brainer, but this is what I need to do.

So For Now:

NO TV (and that means Olympics too)
NO EXCESS PHONE TALKING (sorry Cindy and Dar)
NO READING BLOGS, NO WRITING BLOGS, NO CHECKING EMAIL (Except my college account) and no FACEBOOK

Until I:

READ MY BIBLE AND PRAY
DO HOMEWORK
WORK AROUND THE HOUSE
WORK OUT
and
EAT FIVE SERVINGS OF FRUIT AND VEGGIES


Gotta Run!!! There's homework to be done!!

Facebook

I told myself I would never join MYSPACE or FACEBOOK, but a lot of people told me I should. So after hearing it a bunch of times I took the plunge this week and joined FACEBOOK. It's been interesting and have already found some elementary school friends of mine. I think I will be primarily using it to show off pictures, but I cannot do anything for awhile because I do not want it to take time away from my homework.

Email me and let me know how you use facebook. Is it to mainly find friends, share pictures?

Procrastination

I have always had a problem with procratination.
It has really been bothering me lately especially today. I have put off some things that I shouldn't have and it is causing some problems for me now. It will be ok in the end, but I'm tired of always having to put pressure on myself in the end to get things done.
I want to know why I procrastinate. I want to know what causes me to do it. Why haven't I learned by now that procrastination just leads to big headaches and that I don't do better under pressure?
I will ponder on this and try and figure it out tomorrow.

WW UPDATE and LEG UPDATE

Well, I went to Weight Watchers today and had a 2 pound gain. I have been on vacation, to a wedding, and really busy. I know those are not good excuses, but I just have been eating out way to much. I am glad this weigh in is behind me. I was going to skip it, but I need to go for accountability. It does not help when I avoid the truth, so the truth is I gained 2 pounds. That is all there is to it. It's behind me and I am just looking forward to a new week.

I went to physical therapy yesterday. I am almost done. Only 2 more weeks. YAHHHOOOO!! I talked to the doctor breifly and he said I can start weaning myself off of my boot. And for those of you who might have read that wrong I did not say booze. LOL He also said I can start working out again, but to take it slowly. I am so happy. I have worn that boot for almost 7 weeks now. I didn't wear it today to weight watchers and it was weird. It is so nice to be able to walk again without a limp. :-)

Tricia is not as lucky as me. She just got cleared on Tuesday that she was done with Physical Therapy on her left knee. Well a day later her right knee started hurting and she now has Osgood Schlatter's Disease in her right knee. She is handling it very well. She has 4 more weeks of physical therapy and then we will see how she is doing. She started this whole journey the end of May. She ended school with a NO GYM note and she will be starting school with a NO GYM note. Poor thing. Like I said she is handling it well. In fact she is handling it a lot better than I am. Once school starts some of her PT appointments have to be at 7 in the morning so she doesn't miss school. UGH. We will get through this. It's just going to be a lot of crazy scheduing for us. But God does not give us more than we can handle, so we will be fine and we give Him the glory through all of these trials. I keep praising him that our handicaps are temporary and that we will be healed. Thank you Lord for that.

Goals for the rest of this week

This picture really has nothing to do with this post, but I loved the picture.

Thursday (Goals are in no particular order)

-Go to the gym
-Read 5 more chapters in "Uncle Tom's Cabin"
-Do a lesson in my literature class
-Read my Bible


Friday

-Do another lesson in literature class
-Read my Bible
-Go for a walk or go to the gym
-Work on the house
-Read 5 more chapters in "Uncle Tom's Cabin"

Saturday

-Read my Bible
-Go to Weight Watchers NO MATTER WHAT
-Go to the gym
-Read 5 more chapters in "Uncle Tom's Cabin"
-Read of next lesson in literature class

I am really good at setting goals and not so good at following through. TV is usually what gets in my way and now with the olympics on I'm constantly distracted. I need the next few days to be productive, so I am not going to turn on the Olympics much. TIVO is a great thing.

I am reading "Uncle Tom's Cabin" right now. It is for a class, but it is a great book. I have only read 10 chapters, but it is really good. It will give you a new perspective on slavery. I was in tears today reading it. It is a long book, but I would suggest it.

I have really let myself go within the last week as far as my eating has gone. I did pretty well in Utah and the such, but just haven't paid much attention to my eating lately. If I want to do longer distances in my races and such I need to get my act together. UGH!! Why is this so hard sometimes. I can do this and I want to do this. Hang in there girl, you can do it.

Let's see how I do with these goals. I know that I can do it. I just need to stay focused and away from the TV.

MELISSA, STEP AWAY FROM THE TV.

Blog thoughts

On my trip to Utah I got to have lunch with two of my favorite bloggers, Benny and Nytro. We started talking about our blogs and blogs in general. Why do we blog? Who are we blogging for? what happens when we see a lot of comments of none at all?

I started my blog in 2005 when I went away for 5 weeks to a fitness camp. I had a lot of friends and family who wanted updates and I did not want to email everyone indivdually, so HERE'S TO A HEALTHIER was born.

My last day of camp I decided to do a sprint tri summer of 2006, so I kept my blog going. I wrote about my family, my life, and my health journey. Along the way I have met some incredible people. It has been amazint, but lately I have been struggling with the whole blog thing. Some of my friends have gone private with their blogs, which I am not going to do, but I am going to disable my comments. Some days I am bummed to see no comments, thrilled when I see some comments and thrilled when I get over 5 or even in the double digits. I often start to wonder what can I write to make more people read and comment on my blog. That's when I started asking myself who I am really writing this blog for? Is it for me or my readers? Lately, it has been more for my readers, not me.

A few of my blogger friends have now gone private with their blogs, some have quit blogging all together, and some are just starting again with blogging for themselves. So from here on out I blog for me. Read along if you woud like and I would love you too. If you would like to comment please feel free to email me. Most of you that read my blog know my email address. If not you can go into my pfofile and find it there.

I am at the beginning of a journey to lose 130 pounds and training to do a 1/2 Ironman in 2011. I would love you along for the journey, but the person I need to do this for the most is me, so that is who I will be focusing on now in my blog.

I will be focusing on my relationship with God, my family, my helath, my fitness goals, my friends, my house, my education, and my happiness.

So for right now it's all about me baby!!

I cannot wit to see what is going to happn!!

Here's to a new blogging me!! Cheers!!

So proud of our soldiers

I always write about our American Soldiers at Memorial Day and Vetern's Day. That's not a bad thing, but I decided that I need to write about our soldiers today.

I was at the airport waiting for my flight to Utah and there were soldiers wating for a flight. I have taught my kids since they could talk that they need to thank soldiers for serving our country, so as soon as we approached the gate my daughter said, "Mom soldiers." They were sitting in groups of three and three guys were by sitting by themselves. She walked up to the two groups of three and thanked them and walked up to one of the other guys and thanked him. I shook aplll of their hands. I just had such a sense of pride today when thanking them. I was watching them. They were all so young. Laughing having fun just hanging out waiting to come or go. I'm not sure which way they were going.

I talked to a soldier once that said at anytime you are out on the field you know that at anytime you might have to save your fellow soldiers life. He said that it really makes you get close. That you do become brothers. It was so obvious to me that these young men were brothers.

While they were waiting a little boy walked up to them. I wish I could have taken his picture. He was in awe. He kept looking up and down at their uniforms. He was smiling and talking to them, asking them questions. He had them all smiling and he posed for pictures with 6 of them. They were still talking about it when he walked away.

I got to board the plane in the first group, so I got to watch everyone board. When the soldiers walked by I was joking with them and it was a lot of fun. I had them all laughing. I heard someone else thank them. It was wonderful. My dear sweet hubby got me a first class ticket while he and the kids were in coach, so I went back to say hi to them and noticed every single soldiers were all asleep. They were out. They looked so exhausted.

It got me thinking how proud of am I am. These are all sons, brothers, husbands, uncles, cousins, and friends. They sacrifice so much, but they never complain. In fact when my friend was injured in Iraq he was counting the days until he could get back. I do not know if that is how I would have reacted. As soon as he was able he did go back. The men and women of the armed forces have my greatest respect and I appreciate all that they sacrifice to make our country what it is, the best country in the world.

No matter where you are politically, whether you want our troops out of Iraq or to stay in Iraq. Whatever you think of George W. or the new presidential candidates, please remember our soldiers. Some of them have told me they feel like we care more about the politics then them. They need our support no matter what we think. These boys at the airport reminded me of that. I need to be doing more than I already am, so I signed up to support two soldiers in Iraq. I would encourage you to do the same.

When we sign up for a soldier we use www.operationmilitarypride.org

We have done this and are still friends with our soldiers that we supported years ago. Please consider doing this. It will change your life. The soldiers I have supported in the past told me they always liked the packages, but what meant the most were the letters. Pictures that my kids drew ended up being hung in a palace that used to be Saddam's. When I would send my soldier birthday presents I would sent treat bags for all his guys. It is so much fun!! If you sign up let me know how it goes. I would love to hear the stories.

I know that our country is going through a hard time. We are all paying a lot of gas, our homes, food, and this election coming up is huge, but if you can put this aside and think of all the wonderful things our country has to offer. Think of all the opportunities we have, all the priviledges we have, and all of our freedoms and remember the men and women in the military past and present that have helped make this the greatest country in the world.

To everyone that has served, is serving, and will serve thank you very much. I appreciate you and all you have done and will do. I thank God for my country and my freedom all the time and do not take it for granted. Thank you so much.

Heading to Utah

The happy family and I are heading to Utah today for our final vaca of the summer. Keith has a conference there and the kids and I do not. When Keith is not at the conference we will be attending themed dinners. We will be having OktoberFest, A Mountain man dinner outside in the mountains with TeePees, Native Americans, and Mountain men for entertainment, and the one I am looking forward to the most having dinner in the Olympic Stadium and having Olympic athletes entertain us. The kids get to go to them all except OktoberFest. There will be time for some hiking and fishing as well. The kids will be part of a day camp while there. They will get to ride a mechanical bull, ride the ski lift to the top of the mountain, a zip line, and go down an alpine slide. It is a concrete slide built into the side of the mountain that you ride a little sled down. I've done that when I was younger. It is a blast. The kids are looking forward to all their activities and I am looking forward to time with the family.

One thing that I am REALLY, REALLY, REALLY, looking forward to is that I will get to meet two of my favorit bloggers while in Utah. Benny and Nytro live close enough to the Snowbird ski resort (where we are staying) that we are able to get together for lunch on Sunday. Benny (www.ironbenny.blogspot.com) and Nytro (www.lifeisnuts.blogspot.com) have been so encouraging to me in my journey. I do not think they even know how much, so I am excited to be able to tell them in person. I have met some of my triathlon blogging buddies in the past and it is really neat to finally meet the people in person that you have come to know so well online. I'll let you know how it goes. :-)

On another note, I reinjured my leg yesterday at home and now have to have another month of the boot and physical therapy. I'm very frustrated, but realize that this too shall pass. I realize how blessed I am that I do not have to deal with being handicapped on a daily basis for the rest of my life just for a short time.

I get back on the 6th and will try and post pictures as soon as I can.

Be good to yourself and each other. :-)

Weight Watchers Update

Today I went to Weight Watchers with no real expectations. I had a stressful week and did not eat my fruits and veggies like I should, so I went in just knowing I might have a gain and I was actually ok with that because I was able to evaluate what went wrong and make a plan for this coming week.

The outcome is I stayed exactly the same and boy am I happy with that, so I am still at 14.6 pounds lost. YEAH!!

I am not going to WW next week because I will be in UTAH, but I will be back after that. I have decided that unless I am out of town I will never miss another meeting again. These last three meetings have been a big eye opener for me and have really helped me with my morale in my journey.

I will let you know how it goes. GO ME!!!!

I met Debbie Downer Today!!

So, Today I went to Denny's for breakfast and to get some reading in for my homework. I had my weight watchers journal out and was tracking everything and asking the waitress some information about what I was going to order, got sugar free syrup, and fruit insead of hashbrowns and did not even eat everything I got. Boy, am I on a roll with this eating right stuff now. :-)

After about the 4th question to the waitress she asked me what I was doing and I told her I write everything down because I am losing weight. She asked me how and I told her I was on Weight Watchers. I told her I had lost almost 15 pounds on it.

Here's how the rest of the conversation went:

DD (Debbie Downer): Yeah, well I lost over 40 on it. I'm just telling ya now when you lose all the weight you want and you go off the proram you are going to gain it all back and then some. It was a pretty good program when it worked, but you just wait you'll see.

Me: Well, I am sorry to hear that, but my Weight Watcher's leader has lost almost 100 pounds and has kept it off, but he has continued on the program and still tracks all that he eats. It's on ongoing journey.

DD: I'm sure that's true if the program works for you, but it just didn't work for me. I hope you have better results, but you just wait and see. GOOD LUCK (said in a just wait and see kind of way, not a nice way).

Me: Thanks. You too. (Smiling and proud of myself that I did not throw any food at her)

I finished eating and reading and headed up to the cashier to pay. DD decided to follow me.

DD: So what happened to you? (Pointing at my leg)

Me: I ripped my calf muscle.

DD: So what are you doing for it? How long are you in that thing?

After the above conversation I was not that excited to answer her, but I fell for it hook, line, and sinker.

Me: I've been in it for 2 weeks and have another 1 1/2 to go and am in physical therapy three times a week.

DD: Ohhhh Physical therapy huh? I had knee surgery 4 years ago and I did that Physical therapy thing. That was a waste of my time. All they do it tell you to do stuff 20 times and then walk away. They don't even check to see if you are really doing it. I could have told myself what to do. What a joke Physical Therapy is. Obviously it doesn't work cause it is 4 years later and I'm still in pain.

Me: I'm sorry to hear that. I hope you feel better soon. I'm waiting to see what they tell me next week as far as mine goes.

Cashier: (quietly): You want to put a tip on here?

Me to Cashier: I left it on the table, thanks.

What I really wanted to say to cashier:
Give my waitress this tip: Quit being such a downer. I'm leaving here wanting to binge because according to her I will always be fat cause WW doesn't work and I might as well give up on healing my leg cause PT sucks and in 4 years I'm gonna be in pain anyway. So there's your tip for you. (Totally said with scarcasm. I did not go home and binge. That was said in jest. Don't worry I'm fine.)

I always consider myself a "the glass is half full" kinda girl and it actually saddens me when I meet people like this. I wanted to ask her what makes her happy. What makes her heart go pitter pat during the day? What is her passion or did she lose that along that way with her WW journey and her bad PT? It made me realize how truly blessed I am and reminded me why I surround myself with Debbie Uppers and not Debbie Downers. Thanks everyone for always encouraging me, making me laugh, and loving me. I couldn't do it without you.

Library Pet Peeves of the Day

When people are yelling at their kids in the library to be quiet and they volume in which they are yelling is much louder than the child's volume in the first place.

I also can't stand when people clip their nails in the library. Ewwww Gross!!

I'm off to get the kids from daycamp and study at home now. YEAH!!

Major Breakthrough :-)

Well, I wrote about my light bulb moment last week well it worked. I worked really hard watching what I ate and even made it to the gym one day. I did an upper body workout and while there and major breakthrough. I was working out and looking around the gym. It was not the normal YMCA I was at and they had motivational posters around. Each one spoke to me. I cannot remember what they said, but it was what I needed to read. I also remember the day when having a ripped calf muscle and a boot on would have totally given me reason to eat and not be active, but that was not this case this time around. I started to tear up right there in the gym. I also realized that my handicap is only temporary, but if I do not get my act together I could have permanent problems. I do not want permanent problems. As I have walked around on crutches I have seen what so many people have to deal with everyday. People stare and don't even hold the door open. It has been an eye opener and I'm glad I only have to deal with this for a short time. Maybe this ripped calf is just what I needed. Who would have thought? It was a great week and I feel like a new person.

I went to Weight Watchers yesterday and my hard work paid off. I lost 8.2 pounds. That brings my total up to 14.6 pounds.

I'm so excited that I had this breakthrough. Things are looking up for me and only 2 weeks left wearing this boot. :-)

Ripped Muscle Update

I went to the doctor today and I feel so much better about this leg.
I got permission to swim!! YEAHHHHH!!! He told me to start off with walking in the pool and then work up to swimming.
He told me just not to kick too hard.
The other good news is that I do not have to use the crutches as much now. If I am going to be on my feet for most of the day I need them. Otherwise I can use my cane. I'm so excited about that. The crutches have been such a hassle.
The bummer news is that I"m in the boot for another three weeks, which will be a month total. UGH!! I also need physical therapy 3 times a week for 3 weeks. Oh well, I'm blessed becaues I do not need surgery and my handicap is just temporary, so I feel very blessed in my life. This too shall pass!



This is not a picture of my boot, but this is what it looks like. I have to wear it every waking moment and boy it gets very heavy.

Here are some haikus. Remember the first line has 5 syllables, 7 syllables, and then 5 again. ENJOY!!

Ripped calf Muscles hurt
It takes awhile to fix
At least I can swim

What else can go wrong
Is a question I don't ask
because I'll find out

I am very blessed
I have a lot that I can
Thank the good Lord for

Thank you for my friends
Thanks for my kids and husband
I am very blessed.

I saw the Beach Boys
and John Stamos was there too
Uncle Jessie Rocks!!

My Light bulb Moment

Have you ever had one of those light bulb moments? An AHA moment? One of those moments where you knew your life was going to change forever? I have and it came yesterday at my weight watchers meetings.

As you all know I hurt my calf muscle a week ago tomorrow. I hurt it bad. I couldn't walk and two of my son's coaches had to help me off the field, into a car, up my driveway, and into my house. I know it had to be hard for them weighing in at almost 300 pounds, but they never let me know and they were so wonderful in how they helped me. As I said in my last post I was frustrated at my injury, but even more importantly I was frustrated at the weight I had let myself become and now with this kind of injury all my plans to get active again would be sidetracked.

Leading up the the injury we were on vacation where we walked forever each day. I ended up having knee and ankle issues. I could not walk that fast and had to sit from time to time. UGH!! I tried to convince myself that I had lost weight because of all the walking, but I knew that eating out every meal and not making good choices all those times could not be good even with all the walking. How many more summers would I go on vacation overweight? I didn't know at this point.

So back to my light bulb moment. Yesterday morning was my weight watchers meeting. I hadn't been since the beginning of June and to be honest was avoiding it. I told myself that come hell or high water I was going to that meeting. Not even a boot on my leg would keep me away from there. I knew that I had to go. I woke up at 6am on a Saturday morning, got dressed, got my boot on, got my cane, and headed out the door. It was raining HARD. I headed out and got stopped by a train. While waiting for the slow, long, train (you know when there are 6 engines you are in trouble) a song came on my CD. It is called I AM FREE. The chorus spoke to me in that moment and I cranked the song and sang it with all my heart. Here are the lyrics:

Through you the blind will see
Through you the mute will sing
Through you the dead will rise
Through you all hearts will praise
Through you the darkness flees
Through you my heart screams
I am free

I AM FREE TO RUN
I AM FREE TO DANCE
I AM FREE TO LIVE FOR YOU
I AM FREE

Through you the kingdom comes
Through you the battle's won
Through you the price is paid
Through you I'm not afraid
Through you there's victory
Because of you my soul sings
I am free

This was the beginning of my moment. Even with the boot on my foot, even with being caught by a train, and even with a weight gain, which I knew was inevitable, I WAS FREE. I AM FREE. I felt that freedom right then and there. It was what I like to call a God Moment for me. It was incredible. Like the first verse of the song says my heart was able to scream I AM FREE. The train ended and then the gates got stuck. Like I said I was going to this meeting no matter what. I waited and the gates finally opened and I was off to my meeting. It took my forever to weigh in, but I did and I gained 5 pounds. Normally I would have cried, but not today because today I AM FREE. I went into the meeting late. I don't really remember what he was talking about, but I was able to visualize what FREEDOM I would have once I lost the weight, but even more important the FREEDOM I have now with who I am.

I decided right then and there I can still be active even without my legs. I planned what I will do this week at the gym or at home to stay active. I am tracking every morsel that is going into my mouth this week. I AM FREE from the bondage of this weight. I am excited. So I guess you could say my light bulb moment came on the way to Weight Watchers and while I was there. I AM FREE and with Christ's help I will succeed. Life is too short for me not to get healthy and stay healthy. I know those of you that follow me will probably think, "here she goes again." That's ok. I did not gain this weight overnight and I will not lose it overnight.

I have nicknamed my journey Operation Skinny Mel (OSM for short). I am sick of being fat. I am sick of not feeling well and I am sick of my joints and back hurting. I am sick and tired of being sick and tired. Here's to a healthier me.

I'm so frustrated.

It seems like when I am finally getting things situated something always has to come along and mess it up.
For instance, I just worked on a schedule for the rest of my summer with a goal of doing a 5k and a 50 mile bike ride at the beginning of the fall. I will probably be able to do those still, but I ripped my right calf muscle last night. I was fielding at my son's little league practice and went for a pop fly. I did an amazing catch and when I came down I felt the riiiiiip in my right calf muscle. I have to go to physical therapy for the next few weeks three times a week and wear a boot every waking moment. I'm frustrated, but also very thankful to God that I did not need surgery. I cannot drive and obviously I cannot work out. I am in a lot of pain, but am masking it a lot so I don't worry the kids.

I'm really frustrated tonight, so I decided to list some things that I am thankful for.

1. I am thankful that I do not need surgery.
2. I am thankful for beautiful healthy children.
3. I am thankful for my wonderful husband.
4. I am thankful for great doctors and physical therapists.
5. I am thankful for my friends and family.
6 I am thankful for a great church.
7. I am thankful for this wonderful country I live in.
8. I am thankful for people who believe in me and don't dismiss me.
9. I am thankful whe my kids crack me up.
10. I am thankful for hugs and kisses.
11. I am thankful for nature.
12. I am thankful for my house and the neighborhood I live in.
13. I am thankful for the very blessed life I live and a sore calf and a boot cannot take away from my blessed life.

Please pray for quick healing and patience on my part. Thanks.

I'm still here!!

We are back from our trip and it was a trip to Disney World. My friend, Darlene, and I surprised the kids. They had clues that they were given from time to time during the drive down. It took them 12 hours to figure it out and then they were so excited and couldn't believe that we were taking them there. It was a great trip and there was nothing that could have gone better.

Today is 2 weeks since we left and it has been crazy since we've been back. I have a ton of homework due by June 25th. I haven't worked out since being home except for a couple times on WII Fit. It really is a good workout for those of you wondering. I feel like I've gained weight and I just can't get back in a healthy routine. UGH!!!

Here are goals for this coming week.

*FInish my homework
*Get to the gym twice.
*Walk in the neighborhood twice
*Don't eat out
*Grab fruit when hungry

I leave on the 28th for our family road trip to the east coast. We will be going to NY, VA. and Washington DC. We will be taking in the Baseball Hall of Fame, a Yankees game, Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Colonial Williamsburg, and July 4th fireworks in our Nation's capitol. I can't wait!!

I will get back to you soon regarding how everything is going.
I hope you all have a great first day of Summer today. Get out there and have some summer fun!!

Heading out of town!!

Just wanted to let you know that I'm heading out of town for awhile. My friend (Darlene who I have been friends with for almost 23 years) and I have planned a secret trip. We have been planning it for almost 4 months and it's hear finally. :-) The best part is my kids do not even know where we are going. Their last day of school was today and we head out tomorrow. I'll tell you more when I can. I never know when my kids will read my blog. I don't want to blow anything.

I'll have my laptop with me, but I'm not sure how realistic it will be to blog.

Gotta run! Heading off to have fun!! Will be back around the 15th. Bye!!

I won the Soda bet and still going strong!!

Remember I had a bet with my brother about NO SODA. I won. He went on a camping trip with about 6 other guys and that is when he had some. He says it's funny though cause now he doesn't even like the taste of it. He gave in around day 66ish and did not tell me for about 2 weeks. I think he was hoping I would give in before then. He keeps telling me I can have one now, but I haven't and today is day 88 without soda. Go me. We bet a CD, but instead he will be getting me a 15 dollar ITUNES card.
I knew I would win. :-)

Bike the Drive 2008

I did Bike The Drive again today. This is my third year. This is where they close down Lake Shore Drive and open it to bikers for 5 hours. It is right on the Lake Front and it is fun. I biked 33 miles , which was the total ride including biking to and from the train. There will be more to come (including video inspired by Bold's biking video), but I'm tired, I'm hurting (I'll tell that story later) and I have homework. UGH!!

Later my friends.

Please pray for Steven Curtis Chapman's family today!

Steven Curtis Chapman is a Christian Music artist who lost his 5 year old daughter yesterday. They live in a rural area in Tennesee and have a long winding driveway. Her brother was backing out of the driveway in an SUV and killed his little sister. She was the youngest of 6 children. She was the third daughter that the Chapmans brought home from China. They are big advocates of International adoption.

Please pray for the whole family, but especially her teenage brother. I cannot imagine what he is going through. This happened Wednesday around 5:30pm.

I don't know what else to write. I'm so sad. Whenever I hear about these accidents I get so sad. Please, please, please make sure that your driveway and street are clear of any children before pulling out. These accidents can even happen with the rearview cameras, naviagion systems, and rearview sounding systems. Just because you have these systems does mean these accidents won't happen. I found a statistic online that states:

"One third of children under six killed in motor vehicle accidents were killed ‘off road’ in yards, parking lots and driveways. Children aged one and two are most likely to be killed or injured in home driveways. The vehicle is usually moving slowly and is often being driven by a parent, relative or friend."


If you would like to read more on this tragic story you can read this link:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24766629/

Have a blessed day. Hug your little ones a little longer today.

Maria is sitting on her daddy's lap in the picture. She is the one that passed away.

Student Teaching

I got the call today with my student teaching placement. I let my college know that Wauconda was my first choice, but that I would student teach anywhere. Wauconda is where I live. The grade I would like to teach is 3rd grade. I got placed in Wauconda in a 3rd grade classroom at a school called Robert Crown Elementary School. The school is just 5 minutes from my house. It works out great because I still have to get home and get my 3rd grader off the bus. This really makes everything more real to me and makes me even more motivated to finish my homework.

Speaking of which . . . . I need to get going.

God is good all the time. All the time God is good.

Remember at the end of each day to think about how blessed you are not how stressed you are.

WW UPDATE and STARBUCKS UPDATE and PICKED MY 1/2 IRONMAN

Starting Weight: 306.2
This week's Weightloss: 1.2
Total Weightloss: 11.8 pounds total
Current Weight: 294.4

I am on my way!!

Well, today was my one month anniversary or studying at the same Starbucks. I love my Saturday evening crew. Tonight there was someone new that I hadn't met before. Ryanon (pronounced Reeannin. She is named after a Fleetwood Mac song) is a mom of a 5 year old little girl and a 1 year old little boy. She goes to curves and is working on getting healthy too. She really is a cool person to know and I cannot wait to get to know her better.

Regina is great too. She makes me laugh all the time. Tyler has the coolest Mom Tattoo that I have ever seen. Adam is one of a set of triplets. He is always wondering how I am doing and asks about my homework and remembers that I am watching what I eat and drink, so he tries to advise me on what drinks are more healthy (if you can even say that about Starbucks) and hooks me up and I'm starting to get to know Jeremy too. He also helps me pick out what to drink.

Tonight they were more than generous. They gave me a free drink of the mint chocolate chip frappacino. They gave me the smallest size and I couldn't even drink half if it, it was so sweet. Ryanon said she didn't like it, but I tried it anyway and I didn't like it either, but I will say it sure beats the Green Tea drink that Regina had me try a couple weeks ago. BLAH!! They also gave me some pastries that they were going to throw out. I took them home for the kids and Keith. They will be having scones for breakfast.

If you ever want free food from Starbucks be there on Saturday nights at closing.

Here is a poem that I wrote a long time ago about my favorite Starbucks drink evah!! They do not make it anymore, so I have to have a Raspberry flavored one instead of Blackberry. It is good, but not as good. :-( I miss you BBGT Frap.

BBGT Frap by Melissa Black

I learned about a product at Starbucks the other day.
It's called a Blackberry Green Tea Frappicino they say.

I ordered a Venti not realizing it was bigger than a Grande.
I walked out the door, drink in hand it was early Monday.

I got in my car and headed to work,
took a sip of my drink and my taste buds went berserk.

I couldn't believe this light green creation.
It was the beginning of a taste bud sensation.

I knew this was love at first taste,
so I savored every sip, I didn't drink it in haste.

I knew that something had just begun.
It was a love affair with this flavor upon my tongue.

BBGT Frap is what I nicknamed my new favorite drink.
"When's my next trip to Starbucks?" is now what I think.

I'd go everyday if I could,
but I'm trying to lose weight, so that's no good.

So, once a week is where I'm at, "
I'll see you next week my dear, sweet BBGT Frap."

I think that it is funny that my post is called WW UPDATE and STARBUCKS. I am working hard all week and allowing my treat to be Saturday at Starbucks. It's working for me. :-) I know by the sounds of this post you are all probably wondering if I ever get any work done. I do. Tonight I was there for about 5 1/2 hours and I wrote 6 essays ranging from 2-5 paragraphs each. I also read about 20-30 pages for another assignment.

I'm enjoying my recent weightloss accomplishments and my schooling. I am on a roll and cannot wait so see what's next.

May 25th I am doing a 30 mile bike ride called BIKE THE DRIVE. This will be my third year doing it and I cannot wait.

I decided that I am going to do the Cutting Edge 1/2 Ironman in Effingham, Illinois June of 2011. Go Me!! I'm scared to death, but totally pumped!! I was talking to my bestbud of 23 years about this and she might actually do it with me. We picked this one cause we like the name of the town and it is the only one in Illinois that I can find.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend. Count your blessings!!

BIG DECISION about triathlons

I have made a big decision. I have decided that in the Summer of 2011 I will be doing a 1/2 Ironman Triathlon.

For those of you who do not know that is a 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, and a 13.1 mile run, which is a 1/2 marathon.

I know this may seem like a long way off, but it will be here before I know it. Here is my tentative plan.

Summer 2008 and the rest of 2008-drop as much weight as I can. That is about 7 1/2 months left. I want to get my back, neck, and ankles healthy. I will be doing some biking events,5k's, and volunteering at bigger events.

Summer 2009-I will be doing a couple of sprint triathlons (Approx. 1/2 mile swim, 15 mile bike, and 3.1 mile run) and my VERY FIRST Olympic Distance Triathlon (Approx. 1 mile swim, 25 mile bike, and 6.2 mile run). My goal is by summer of 2009 to run all my races. I do not want to be a walker anymore. I think that losing my access weight will help with that goal.

Summer 2010- I will only be doing Olympic distance triathlons and more running events.

Summer 2011- I will do my first 1/2 Ironman distance triathlon.

Obviously this is a ways off, but being 295 pounds makes me well aware that I have a long road ahead of me to get to the 1/2 Ironman distance, but I know I can and I know I will get there. I'm excited and cannot wait to see where this Ironman journey takes me.

As I go forward I will need a lot of help. Once I have a job (Estimated Fall of '09) I will be hiring a coach and taking private swimming lessons. Those of you that read my blog and do triathlons I will take all the help I can and once I am training for all of this I will need you all to hold me accountable. And I know you will.

Here's to a healthier me and here's to my 1/2 Ironman journey!!

Happy Mother's Day or is it?

Today is always bitter sweet for me.
I am a motherless mother.
That has been something that has been hard for me to deal with.
It has been eleven years since my mom's passing, but there are days that it seems like we just got the call.

Every year it amazes me what sparks what.
This year Keith's Grandma is sick. She is 93. She is not doing well.
Right before mother's day this year as part of homework I had to write about a character that was a motherless daughter and how this affected her life. This made me look at my life and how being a motherless daughter and a motherless mother have affected my life. I cried hard in walmart this year shopping for mother's day cards and for Keith's grandma. It was hard.

Since my mom's passing I have had to reevaluate what family is. I have great family memebers, but some of them live out of state and cannot be as involved as they would like. Some family I haven't really heard from since my mom's passing, so I have come to the realization that I was trying to hold onto ideals just because that is how it is supposed to be, but I have realized that family is not just blood. My kids have adopted grandparents in the area. My bestfriend is their AUNT and my aunt who lives in California is more like my Mom. And we are very blessed to have my brother and his wife and their 2 year old just four doors down. I take mother's day to honor those females who are a part of my life and who make not having a mom just a little bit easier. Thanks.

I could just stay in bed all day and play the poor me card all day, but the Lord knew that wouldn't do and he blessed me with the most precious children. Tricia is 10 and Parker is 8. They love me so much and show me in so many different ways. They hug and kiss me all the time. They tell me thanks mom all the time and they make me smile all the time. They even tell me I'm the best cook even when I just heat up a pizza. :-) They are my world and I love the title of mom. Yes, mother's day is hard and I wish I could celebrate it with my mom, but I am the happiest mom around today because I have my own children.

So the title of this post is Happy Mother's Day or is it? I answer yes it is.

For those of you that have lost your mom's recently I am here for you and I am so sorry. It is not easy at any age to lose your mom.
For those of you who want to be a mom, but can't. I am here for you.
For those of you who have lost childern, I am so sorry from the bottom of my heart.

For those of you who have people in these positions here is some advice:

-don't say to the person who has lost their mom. "We'll at least you are a mom. That's gotta make mother's day easier." It does, but it doesn't take away our pain.
-For someone that has lost their mom don't say, "It's been eleven years, aren't things easier now?" Yes, they are, but there is always something that sparks a new feeling of sadness."
-If you know someone trying to get pregnant don't say, " You could always adopt." They already know that. They don't need to be reminded.
-If they lost a child don't say, "At least you have more at home." They cherish the ones they have at home, but that doesn't lessen the pain they are feeling about losing the one.
-Just tell them you are there for them and will listen whenever they need a friend. Truly listen to them. Let them talk, cry, and offer a lot of hugs. If you don't know what to say it's ok to say, "I don't know what to say, but I'm here for you." In fact that is the best thing you can say.

Happy Mother's day to all my favorite mother's out there.
and Happy Sunday to my friends who are not mom's yet, but who mean the world to me.
I love you all and could not do the things I do without you. You all mean the world to me and I wanted to take a moment today to tell you that. Love you. Smooches.

Thank you Tricia and Parker for making me a mom. I love you both so much and am so happy that I am your mom. It is a happy mother's day and I love being a mom.

WW Update

Lost 1.4 pounds

Starting weight was 306.2
Today's weight is 295.6

Total weightloss is 10.6

GO ME!!

Homework Zone

I'm in the zone, the homework zone. When I'm not with the fam all I'm doing is sticking my nose in a book. I'm becoming friends with the local Starbucks Saturday evening crew. I spent 6 hours there yesterday doing homework. I get free food and free drinks. They know I'm trying to lose weight, so they make me skinny drinks. Don't worry I'm being careful and it's only on Saturdays. My friend Darlene came with me last night to do some work of her own. She left and brought me dinner and when she came back she went through the drive-thru and asked them to deliver it to me. Right before she pulled up I went up the the counter and asked them, "Hey has anyone delivered anything for me?" They were very confused and said no and then she pulled up and asked them to deliver it to me. It was great and they all had a good laugh. When you have a friend for almost 23 years you do crazy stuff together. Lake Zurich Starbucks Evening Crew YOU GUYS ROCK!! Regina, I'm not sure I'll ever like that Green Tea powder. We'll see. :-)

I will be sporadic with the posting right now, but know I'm doing great with my eating, ok with my working out, and awesome with my homework.

I will continue to give weight watchers and Ironman updates, but that might be it for awhile. You can email me if you want. I'll still be following your journeys. Keep up all the great work your doing, Keep on Keepin' on, Dream Big, Eat less, move more, Get well soon,Keep searching for God, don't kill anyone at work, and keep posting about those cute kids. YOU CAN DO IT!! I think I pretty much covered everyone's blogs I read :-) and the most important COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS. Have a blessed day everyone. Graduation here I come!!! For those of you who do not know I will be graduating with my elementary education degree December of this year. WaaaaHooooo!! Go me!!

WW UPDATE

Weight Watchers Update

Last week 297.2 pounds
This week 297 pounds

Lost .2 pounds. Go me!!

My goal is to lose weight every week for the next 6 weeks. I'll keep you posted!!

Ironman Wisconsin Here I come!!

They opened registration for volunteers today and I am so pumped up!!
I cannot wait to be part of an Ironman in this fashion.

On Saturday I am checking in Gear Bags from 10-3pm.
Sunday I am doing Body Marking at 4:45-7:00am.
Sunday I am working a Run Aid Station from 11:00-3:30pm
Sunday I am working at the Finish Line handing out medals and t-shirts from 6-9pm.

I cannot wait. If any of you bloggers out there know anyone doing this event or if you are going to do it let me know, so I can say hi and cheer them or you on. I already have one friend doing it that I have never met in person, so he is going to try and bring his gear by when I am there.

Recently so many of you have touched my heart while doing Ironman Arizona. I was truly inspired and in awe of you. I have been reading your stories and following your journeys. Thank you so much. I feel this is a way that I can give back to the athletes I have come to admire so much!!

WaaaaaHoooooo!!

I have a question

Why do events always have to be on Sunday? Is there a simple explanation that I am missing. My relationship with God is number 1 in my life above everything else and it is very hard for me to decide sometimes if I will do an event or not based on the fact that I will have to miss church. I have always told my kids that church is a priority. I have told them they cannot go to birthday parties on Sundays if it means we leave church early and we do not play sports on Sundays. I have realized now that they are older they might actually start to question this when all of my events are on Sundays. I feel like I am contradicting what I have told my kids.

I have missed church this month for a 17 mile ride.
I will miss church in May for a 30 mile ride.
I will miss church in June so I can either spectate or volunteer at the Triathlon I usually do.
I will miss church in September to volunteer at Ironman Wisonsin.

That's not even counting the 5K's I want to do, which are all on Sundays. I'll probaby skip some of these, so I'm not missing so much church or look for some Saturday events.

Where does is say THOU SHALT HOST ALL EVENTS ON SUNDAY? This is something I always struggle with.

Please if any of you have any idea why this is please fill me in.

I did the FOLKS ON SPOKES Easter Ride today!!

Well, folks I did my bike ride today. It was 51 degrees when I started my ride and by the time I was done it was 72 degress. The weather was perfect. I could not have asked for a more beautiful day. I guess in pervious years it was rainy and cold. I told one volunteer that the reason the weather was finally nice is because I came to the race. They asked if I would come back next year. :-)

There were several routes that you could bike. There was a 16, 25, 28, 38, ad 68 mile route. I was going to do the 25 mile route, but as I got going and my ankle started hurting at about mile 6 I decided it would be best if I just did the 16 today. There was some pretty scenary to look at, like farmland, lakes, birds, and the such. I was pretty much alone for the whole ride. The rest stop was at a forest preserve type area and was very pretty. This was the most food I have ever seen at a rest stop. They had tons of sweets, bagels with all kinds of toppings, bananas, oranges, and chili. I think that was all. I had a bagel, banana, and a gatorade. I guess I shouldn't have been surprised by the food spread because the brouchere said this event was all about the FOOD, folks, and fun. I was by myself, so I started talking to a family that was there. They were really nice. Sometimes I think it is nice to do these events by yourself because it forces you to meet people.

Once I hit the rest stop my route turned around and went back the way I had come and I was doing fine and then BAM there was this huge hill just minutes from the finish line. Man, that was one tough hill, but I was determined not to walk up it and I didn't, but I sure did want my MOMMY!! :-) I'm a little sore, but overall it was a great day!! I am so happy I did it.

For all you triathletes that read my blog I have a bum ankle and this is the first time since it has been acting up that I wore my clip in shoes. It was bothering me the whole time. Is there anything I can do to try and make this better? New shoes, change pedals? etc. Also, if you have wide feet out there what clip in shoes do you wear and I'm talking REALLY wide? Thanks for any advice.

I also named my bike today while I was out there on the road. I named her ROSEBUD because of her deep red color and I haven't decided yet if I will call her ROSE or BUD. I'll figure that out on the next ride.

IRONMAN UPDATE:
Swim: 1/2 mile
Bike: 22 miles
Run: 1.75 miles

Off to a bike ride this morning!!

I'm off to do the Easter Ride in the South Suburbs of Chicago. It is a ride where you can pick your route up to 65 miles. I will be doing the 25 mile ride. I'm very excited to get out there and that will add some impressive miles to my IRONMAN stats.

Have a blessed Sunday Everyone!!

WW UPDATE and IRONMAN UPDATE AND IRONMAN WISCONSIN

Well, folks I'm on my way to becoming a healthier, happier person. I have gone 42 days without Soda and 12 without sweets. I was in the gym Mon-Fri this week and I feel great!!

WEIGHT WATCHERS UPDATE:

Last time I was there I was 297. That was almost a month ago. Today I weighed in at 297.2. I know it's only .2 pounds, but I was very bummed. I feel like I am finally doing everything right, so I thought I would see more of a loss this week, but what I have learned through my journey is that I cannot look to the scale for my successes. That will come with time. Here are successes that I have had recently:

-I'm spending more time with God
-42 days off soda
-12 days off sweets ( I know you are all probably sick of reading that, but I'm so proud of myself)
-Swam 1/2 mile
-In the gym on a regular basis now
- I'm cooking more
-I'm not eating out as much
-I have more energy
-I'm watching less TV
-I'm happier than I have been in a looooong time

I want my kids to learn that being healthy is a lifestyle not a diet and they are seeing that in me and they are even doing things that they haven't before. I'm very proud of myself and my recent successes and I cannot wait to see what lies ahead. Go Me!!

IRONMAN UPDATE:

Swim: 1/2 mile
Bike: 5 miles
Run: 1.75 miles

IRONMAN WISCONSIN:

SEPTEMBER 7, 2008 is Ironman Wisconsin and I have decided that I am going to volunteer at the event. I have been so moved by Ironman AZ that I decided that even if I never compete in an Ironman I want to be involved, so I was thinking of going and being a spectator this year, but instead I decided to give back to the athletes that I have come to admire so much by volunteering my time. It is the least I can do. I am so excited about the prospect of volunteering, so if any of you are going to be doing it please let me know, so when I am there we can meet.

Later!!

Priceless

Signing up for a 25 mile bike ride for Sunday: $25
Swim Aerobics Class: 1 hour
Zumba Dance Aerobic Class: 1 hour
Recubant bike: 3 miles

Feeling great and like I can conquer the world: PRICELESS


IROMAN UPDATE:
Swim: 1/2 mile
Bike: 3 miles
Run: 0 miles

40 days off Soda
11 off sweets.

GO ME!!

I'm doing my own IRONMAN

I went swimming yesterday for the first time in who knows how long. I'm not really that great, but boy did it feel great to be back in the water. I swam 1/2 a mile and had a lot of time to think about what I was doing with my life. I realigned some of my priorities that got a little out of whack and I was really thinking about IRONMEN. You all amaze me, so I decided that over the next couple of months I would do my own IRONMAN in honor of Commodore and in honor of my friend Benny. There are links to their blogs on the side bar (Commodore and Iron Benny). These two incredible individuals have really helped me in my motivation to get healthy and to be happy. I am truly blessed to have met them through the triathlon community. I am also doing this in honor of all the men and women who got out there with Comm and Ben this past Sunday and did the AZIM. I am not saying finished because if you got out there and even tried it you did it. My hats off to all of you.

For those of you who don't know an Ironman is a 2.4 mile swim, 112 bike and 26.2 run. I will be doing this and hope to finish by June 17. I'll keep you posted.

My Ironman update:
Swim: 1/2 mile
BIke: 0 miles
Run (or for me walk): 0 Miles

Have a blessed day!!

Public Service Announcement

This blog post is brought to you by Melissa's busy life. With such sponsors as homework, kid's schedules, excercising, and keeping up with the house.

Please do not be alarmed if there are not any blog posts for awhile. I need to keep my eyes focused on the goals set before me and the major one is student teaching in the fall. I have a few classes I NEED to finish to reach this goal, so I can graduate by December of this year.

I love blogging and I love my blogging family, but I have to concentrate on other things right now. I am not falling by the wayside. I will be keeping up with your blogs, just not mine.

Feel free to email me anytime at melissaj.black@yahoo.com

For all of you in your final traning for the AZIM kick some booty out there on the course. I wish I could be there cheering you on.

Shamrock Shuffle

Tomorrow I am doing a 5K walk in Chicago. It is called the Shamrock Shuffle. They have a 8K run and a 5K walk. I am doing the walk with a girlfriend. I went and got our packets today. There are over 30,000 people signed up. Can't wait. I'll tell you all about it later.

There are possible AM showers and the high will be about 46 degrees. I'm off to plan my outfit. :-)

Incredible

Quote of the day. . .

"Mom, that was the most incredible experience of my life." Here's the story. . . ..

I had a pretty busy day today. I worked out for almost 2 hours.
I picked up my son at school, took him to voice lessons and took a walk while he was there, and then headed off to my daughter's school to pick her up. They both had great days at school. I love talkng to them in the car.

I decided that I would take them out to eat. We went to Culvers. It's a hamburger place if you don't know that. They are know for their burgers and their custard. I got a burger, but no fries and still had no soda. I only had two bites of ice cream.
After dinner it was about 6:15pm and I was getting tired and just wanted to get home. On the way home my daughter asks, "hey, Mom, can we go for a walk tonight on the trail?" I said, "how about tomorrow? Oh, wait a minute they are predicting a bad snow storm for tomorrow. Ok, we'll go tonight." My son wasn't sold on the idea because he wanted to get home to play his WII, but he said that it was ok.

My daugher, age 10, just joined a running club aferschool and is really into running now ( she is going to run cross country next year and start doing 5K's with me ), so she would run ahead of Parker and me and then head back down the trail. At one point she told me that she was going to run to a bench and would wait for me there. Parker ran ahead too. They started yelling that there were deer.
I shuffled ahead and saw my kids by the bench and the deer about 15 feet away from them. As I got closer I saw another deer running right by them.

My daughter said as she rounded the bend and saw the deer it was running right next to her about 4 feet to her right and then crossed in front of her and went into the trees where it just stood watching her once she sat on the bench. The second deer jumped over some bush and headed into the trees. I caught up to them and my daughter looked up at me and said,
"Mom, that was the most incredible experience of my life." She then walked back with me to the car as we took in birds, animal tracks in the trail, and a beautiful sunset all while my son ran ahead to the top of the hill yelling, "I'm king of the world." It doesn't get much better than that. I was very happy.

At the point of deciding whether we would go for a walk I was tired, had to go to the bathroom, and was cold. It was 50 degrees at the warmest part of the day, but at this point the sun was setting and it was only about 35 degrees. We were not prepared for a walk as far as proper jackets and such. I had worked out a lot today and was going to put the walk on hold, but with the snow coming who knows how long till we could go for a walk again. I'm so glad I did because I would have cost my daughter her most incredible experience thus far in her life.

Please take the time to be spontaneous. We all have places to be and things to do. Those things will always be there and we need to just let go sometimes. If you don't you could miss the most incredible moments of your life.

By the way I had dibs on the front bathroom when we got home and I did make it. :-) I wasn't so sure I would.

Yeah Me!!!!

I have been having some HUGE successes this week.

I have been praying and spending time with God everyday this week.
I have been out driving and been very hungry and did not stop at fast food places.
I have been writing down all my food intake.
I have worked out everyday since Sunday.
I have been drinking no soda for 11 days.
I have not had any artificial sweetners for just as long in anything I have eaten or drank.
I've been eating way more fruits and veggies.
I have gotten a lot cleaned around the house.
I have a B average in my literature class that I am doing online.
I have been more patient with my kids.
I have been a lot more happy this week.
I have watched a lot less TV this week. Exceptions: Dr. Phil and American Idol.

YEAH ME!!!! It truly only takes one decision at a time to be a successful, happy person.

Goals for today:

Spend time with God
Get to the gym today and do an hour of cardio.
Eat right.
Finish my reading for my homework.
Do laundry.
Get my kids to church and do homework while they are there.
Go to bed early.


You know those rubber braclets that people wear all the time. I found one that my old church gave away. It says "Walk in the Spirit." That is referring to the Spirit of God. In the Bible in Galatians 5 it lists the fruit of the Spirit. They are:
Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Goodness, Kindness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-control. I am trying to live this way in every aspect of my life and my bracelet is a helpful reminder. The other bracelet I am wearing is to help me to remember not to complain. It says, "A complaint free world." You can read about it at www.acomplaintfreeworld.org

Have a great Wednesday everyone.

To a great week of training and working out.

I found a great treadmill routine I think we should all check out. If any of you try it let me know.

Do not worry. . . Be happy

To go along with my last post about making one decision at a time, towards my life of happiness and wellness, I am going to live by this verse:

Matthew 6:34 (New International Version)

Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

That must be where the saying take one day at a time, came from.

Have a great Sunday everyone!!

I just got back from church and my Sunday school teacher shared these verses with us today. He was talking about God's power. I love these verses.

I Chronicles 29:11-12 (New Living Translation)

11-Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heaven and on earth is yours, O Lord, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all things.

12-Riches and honor come from you alone, for you rule over everything. Power and might are in your hand, and it is at your discretion that people are made great and given strength.


Thank you Lord for these verses. Please give me strength to overcome my eating issues and please give me the strength to get in shape, so that I can bring glory and honor to you in ways that I have never imagined before. Thank you for loving me and for being here for me in everyway even when I didn't realize it. Help me this week to make good decisions that are pleasing to you. In Jesus' name, Amen!!

Just some thoughts

I read a blog by my friend, Benny. He always seems to know to say and when to say it. His last two blog posts have been very thought provoking for me. His blog is at www.ironbenny.blogspot.com.

He talked about happiness and your health and how all it takes is one decision at a time and when you find health you will find happiness and when you find happiness you will find good health.

He also talked about how in life we make decisions all the time. What fuel is best for our car? What is the best food to feed our pets? We are always making the best decisions for our pets, cars, jobs, and families, but we need to start doing that for ourselves. What kind of feul are you willing to put in your body?

I have really been giving my life over to God more and more each day and these things really did hit home with me. I know with God's help, friends help, and belief in myself I can start fueling my body better and living the life I derserve.

One line that really hit home in Benny's post was this:

"Do you want to struggle for the rest of your life, or do you want wellness for the rest of your life? The choice is yours. Rich or poor, the cost is the same. Make the decision to be free from your debt in life. Relieve yourself of those pressures by making the decision for wellness. Make wellness your priority just like you've made your career and your family your priority. Do it for yourself. For your loved ones. For the world. Just do it. Make the RIGHT decision."

I have always been a person that puts others first. I have a HUGE giving heart and would do anything for anybody. I even got a pin from a cast member at Disney World because I was caught doing a good deed. My point is I've always been a giver. I have learned over the last few years to say NO more and I have decided that I need to take care of myself better. I am 34 and am sick and tired of being sick and tired. The feul that I am going to put in my body is only going to be fuel that gives me positive energy. Not only am I talking about physical food, but also what I watch on TV, who I hang around with, what kind of music I listen to etc. etc. I am starting to take an inventory or my life and with God's help make the changes that I need to.

Whether or not I do another triathlon is not the issue anymore. It's whether or not I am happy and energetic and how I use these things to better my life, my family's lives, the lives of others around me, and how I, Melissa, can change the world (I know that sounds like I am going to enter a beauty pagent now).

I want to thank Benny for posting and challenging me. Keep those posts coming, Benny. I appreciate them.

The No Soda Showdown

Yesterday my brother had an idea and asked me if I wanted to give up soda with him starting today. It's something I've been wanting to do, so I said sure. He loves Mountain Dew and I love Diet Coke. I used to love Dr. Pepper, but gave that up years ago. Whoever gives in first and drinks a soda has to buy the other person a CD. You are going down Big Brother. Hmmmm, I wonder what CD I'll get? Any suggestions. I love Christian hip/hop, dance music, and anything good to workout to. Leave a comment with any suggestions.

My brother loves Dew as you can tell. He even wrote a poem about it years ago. Here it is:

An Ode to Dew

Do I have my Dew?
I do!
Do I do my Dew?
I do!

I do my Dew,
And Dew my do,
I cannot do
Without my Dew.

For when I Dew
I better do,
So when I must do
I do Dew too!

Without my Dew,
I cannot do,
I cannot do,
Without my Dew.

So I Dew
It’s true, It’s true!
It’s true that I will
Do my Dew!

Yes!
To my Dew,
I am true,
To my Dew,
And not a few!

Do I do a Dew?
Do I do two Dews?
Two Dews I do!
Two Dews I do!
I do two Dews
Yes, it’s true!

When I do a Dew or two,
Then I do another Dew,
Another Dew I do it’s true,
The Dews I do are not a few!

If do a Dew that’s not so new
Then do Dews on Dews on Dews,
To undo Dew that wasn’t new,
For do not do Dews that are not new!

A true Dew? Not new? Not true!
Dew not new? Do NOT Do!
Do not do a Dew not new!

Well, I did my Dew,
My Dew I did,
My Dew is empty,
My Dew is rid.

I did rid my Dew I did.
Can’t do Dew if Dew is did!
If Dew is did, no more to drink,
Then no more poem I can think.

If no more think from no more drink,
Then no more Dew to run my head,
I did the Dew, now do the bed.

Game on BIG BROTHER!!

I'm still here!!

I have had a lot going on in my life. I travelled a lot as you know. I know I promised pictures and it will happen soon.
I graduate December of 2008 and I have 4 online courses due before I can student teach in August.
I have been having some minor medical issues concerning my ankles.
I have been trying to figure out the whole triathlon thing and what part it is going to play in my life this summer.
I am still working out and still losing weight, but I have decided after much prayer and consideration that I will not be doing any triathlons this summer.
I am still going to do smaller events and will still be active and losing weight. I have just decided that I need to concentrate on my ankles and getting more fit before doing another triathlon event. It was very hard and I have had my good cry about it, but I am at peace with this decision.
I have had to realize that even if I never do another triathlon that I have done three and what an awesome accomplishment that is. I am and will always be a triathlete. I am so proud of myself for that title. However, I am not giving up on doing more. I am excited to come back in '09 and do a sprint triathlon again and an olympic distance for the first time.
That is where I am at right now. It was very hard for me to verbalize this and blog about this because I was feeling like I let myself down and others down, but now I realize that another important part of triathlon training and bettering my life is listening to my body, soul, and mind. If I don't, I will be worse off.

I want to thank those of you (and you know who you are) who have helped me with this decision and for encouraging me. I know this is the right thing to do.

Event coming up:

March 30,2008 Shamrock Shuffle-There is a 5k walk and a 10 run. I am doing the 5k
August 2008-Apple Cider Century-I will do the 25 mile loop

Main goals from now until end of June-finish 3 of my 4 online classes, workout on a regular basis, and lose 30 pounds.

Food Network Fun in the Sun

Here was my day in a nutshell.
-Went to the Tasting Event today. Started off with a show for Bobby Flay.
-Went to a book signing of his. He is really nice. Got my wine glass signed and a book.
-Walked around a little and got in line about 45 minutes early for a Rachel Ray book signing. My son Parker has a crush on her so had to meet her. She signed my wine glass and book and took several pictures.
-Went to the tasting tent and tried all kinds of wonderful food. I am very picky, but told Keith I would try anything except Octopus. Guess what? I even tried that.
-Went and got in line early to meet Anthony Bourdain. Met Anthony. He is very nice. Having a 10 month old daughter has done wonders for him.
-Went to Guy Fieri's show. He was the winner of The Next Food Network star in season 1.
-Next we saw Ming Tsai. He was our favorite demonstration. He has a show called Simply Ming. He is so funny.
-Last show for the day was Anthony Bourdain. He was so funny. It was a free for all. He just talked and people asked questions.
-Out of protest for how Emeril was last night I did not go to his show. I went to Ming instead and am so glad.
-Heading to the pool now.
-More later.

Emeril not as cool as Cat!! :-(

Well, we went to Emeril's Sugar Shack event tonight. The desserts were fabulous. Keith saw that Emeril came out, so I ran over with my camera and went to get a picture with him. He took a couple pictures and then said very rudely, "Don't start mobbing me. Don't start with the pictures. Can we wait 5 minutes? Give me a break here." He talked to the people that he was with, walked to a cabana, stayed in there most of the party and then left to go to a private party. Very disappointing, but the best part of the night is that I got to meet Anthony Bourdain. He was with his wife (at least I hope it was his wife) having a private moment with friends. He was getting up to leave and I stuck out my hand to shake his and said, "Hi, I'm a big fan." He said thank you.

Keith and I started something new. When we travel without the kids we take a little stuffed animal or an action figure and take pictures of people and things with the figure or animal. I am travelling with a small smiley face figure. I said to Anthony, "If you don't mind could you take a picture with this for my kids?
Anthony: It's for your kids?
Me: Yes
Anthony: Then I'll do it.
Me: Thank you so much.
Anthony: No problem
Me: (after picture taken) Thanks again. I hope to talk to you more tomorrow at the tasting event.
Anthony: Hope to see you there.

It was wonderful. I also got to talk to Ted Allen. Here is how our conversation went:




Me: (to Keith) Keith, look that looks like so and so's friend.
Keith: go, go, go
Me: (to said person) Hi, are you from Chicago. Do you know so and so?
Mystery man: I spent some years in Chicago, but I don't know that person.
Me: Hmmmm, well you look really familiar.
Mystery man: Well maybe it's because I'm on Top Chef and Iron Chef.
Me: Oh yeah, that's probably it. What's your name?
Ted: Ted
Me: You sure you don't know so and so you from Chicago? (at this point I was just trying to save face)
Ted: No, it's been awhile since I've been there and never heard of him.
Me: I'm sorry. I knew you looked familiar though. Good night!
Ted: Don't worry about it. Good night.

Back at our table.

Me: Keith that wasn't so and so's friend. That's Ted from Top Chef and Iron Chef (he judges on the show).
Keith: I knew after you ran after him who he was, but you were already talking to him.
Me: I'm so embarassed. Why didn't you tell me? All you said was GO, GO, GO. I thought you agreed with me.
Keith: I wasn't sure who he was, but I knew he looked familiar so I told you to go, but then I figured it out.
Me: Thanks honey for letting me embarass myself.

I felt so stupid, but now I have a fun story to tell. I realized after getting back to our hotel room he looks nothing like so and so's friend.

Anyway Emeril was a HUGE let down, but I got to meet Anthony, got to meet Ted Allen sort of :-), and had great desserts. We also sat with a couple from Pennsylvania that ended up being a lot of fun.

Gotta get some sleep.

Cat Cora's Cool

We went to a book signing today and met Cat Cora. If you watch Iron Chef America she is the one and only female Iron Chef. We were first in line and she was very sweet. Parker wanted me to meet her, so we got pictures of her for him. Tonight we are off to dessert with Emeril. BAM!! To be continued.

Another fun weekend! BAM!!!

Keith won a trip for two (thats him and me) to go to the Food Network Wine and Food Festival this weekend in Miami Florida. We are leaving tomorrow (Thursday) and getting back Sunday Night.




One of the highlights for me is getting to eat dessert with Emeril. BAM!! We get to meet him and take a picture with him. It will be fun. That is on Friday Night. On Saturday we are going to a tasting village that showcases many of the chefs from Food Network. We will see Bobby Flay (a family favorite on Iron Chef), Guy Fieri, Tyler Florence, Paula Deen, Giada DeLaurentiis, Rachel Ray, Jaime Oliver, and ANTHONY BOURDAIN. He is one of my favorites and I hope I can meet him. He has a show on Travel Channel called ANTHONY BOURDAIN-NO RESERVATIONS.



Other chefs that I am bummed I will miss are Mario Battali (another Iron Chef favorite), Moromoti (again from Iron Chef) and anothe personal favorite of mine is Robert Irvine from Dinner Impossible. The two chefs I was dying to meet were Anthony Bourdain and Robert Irvine. Robert Irvine did not work out with our schedule and what we were able to get tickets to, so I am thankful that I get to meet at least one of the two. :-)



Sunday we are going to a cheese seminar. For those of you who do know my son Parker you know that he has loved cheese since he got his first teeth. We are going to this seminar to learn how to cook wonderful things with normal everyday cheeses. We get to taste everthing that is made.

I will be sure to blog about both my adventures when I get home. I will also be blogging on some decisions I have made about my triathlon career, but you will have to wait until I get home to find out about that.

WW Update and I'm off to . . .

WW update:
I gained back the 1.6 that I lost last week. That's ok. Hakuna Matata. That means NO WORRIES. :-)

I'm off to. . . .
Walt Disney World without the kids. WaaaaHoooo!! Hubby has a conference at the Grand Floridian, so I thougt I would be a good wife and accompany him on this trip. We are flying out tonight (first class) and won't be home till late Tuesday night. I'll blog when I get home. I'll be walking so much at WDW that I"m sure I'll lose that 1.6 and then some.

As Pooh Bear would say: Tah Tah For Now

As Buzz Lightyear would say: To Infinity and Beyond

And as I would say: I'm going to DISNEYWORLD!!! EEEEeeeeeeeeee!!!

I deserve it!!

I wrote this poem back in July of 2005. I am glad that I found it again. Enjoy!!

I Deserve it!!
by Melissa

I used to tell myself that I was not good
that losing weight, I never would.

I didn't like myself or looking in the mirror.
Being fat my whole life was a real fear.

This fear I never did anything about.
I ate when I was sad, angry, happy or just wanted to pout.

Dr Phil says, "Get real and excited about your life,"
but until I acknowleged the problem all I had was strife.

I picked up his book and started to read,
right thinking is on of his 7 keys.

First I dismissed all those people who said I'd never lose weight.
I dismissed the thoughts that being skinny was the only way to be great.

All those people over the years that said, "You have a pretty face,"
didn't realize it hurt me and set me back a pace.

You know what they mean when they say that to you,
but really you want to be beautiful all the way through.

So all my negative dialog I've thrown out the door
because I know I"m worthy and I deserve much more.

I deserve to be excited about my life.
I deserve to learn good ways of coping with strife.

I deserve to like what I see in the mirrior.
I walk out the door head held high with no fear.

I'm excited about my days!
I'm excited about getting fit!

This is a life I love
and you know what?
I DESERVE IT!!

Haiku Monday on Tuesday and my thoughts on my first Tri club event.

Last night I went to do my Haiku Monday post and couldn't because blogger wouldn't let me sign on for some reason, so here it is a day late.

I went to tri club
We spun for 90 minutes
I am sore today

Is tri club for me?
I feel inadequate
I feel too big

I talked to the girls
after my tri spinning class
they encouraged me

I will not give up
I deserve to be healthy
I am proud of me

As you can tell by my Haikus I went to my first tri club activity. It was a 90 minute spinning class. I managed to stay on that bike for the whole 90 minutes, but was sore and cried at one point because I really felt self conscience and felt like I was too much of a beginner to be in there and too big. I know that no one cared about my size in there. I know that it is just me being insecure. I know that I am making a change and that everyone is proud of me, but it is just my dumb insecurities creeping back in. I talked to the three girls that are running the club after the spinning class. One of them lost 90 pounds to be wehre she is today and one of them used to battle a weight problem. They were great. I told them that I am tired of being the biggest person in all of the classes I am taking. I'm tired of feeling like people are looking at me. They pointed out all the positive things that I am doing in my life and that I made it to class and stayed on the bike for 90 minutes. The Tri Club has 120 people that signed up and there was probably 15-20 people at the spin class, so I guess me making it to class is a big deal. They told me to quit focusing on the fact that I'm the biggest person in class. I know that I need to do that. I know that I need to not worry about what others think, but it is hard. On December 22, 2007 I vowed to myself to change and to be a better person both physically and mentally. I have lost weight every week since that date and I have been in the gym on a regular basis since then. I am spending more time with God. Everything is going great and that is why I am confused on why all these insecurities are creeping back in. I've been and will be praying more because I know that I can get through this with God's help. I know that this is just a phase and I am not going to let anyone or anything get in the way of my goals this time. Could it be that I'm scared about the changes that lie ahead. I have been this size for so long that subconsciously I don't want to change? I don't know, but with God I know that it will all work out. I truly believe that I am significant because of who I am in Christ, not by what size I am or what number is on the scale or what event I am doing, but truly significant because of who I am in Christ and what I am doing for Him. With Him as my focus I know that I can get through this. He is my rock and my foundation. He is the one that helps me through my training and my events and He is the one that will get me through this.

Katie, Kristan, and Becky, Thank you so much for your encouragement last night after our spinning class. I really was ready to not come back. I'm glad that I stayed and talked to you. I know that God has brought you three into my life for a reason and that God led me to this tri club and I believe that "I can do all things through Christ who gives me the strength." That includes spinning, triathlon training, and my events.

Let's see where this journey is going. Thanks for all your prayers and encouragement.

Follow you Heart in all you do!!

This was my favorite ad from the Super Bowl. Kinda Gross, but I loved it!! Let me know what you think.

Here is my other favorite:

Weight Watchers Update

I lost 1.6 pounds. That was over the last two weeks because I didn't weigh in last week.

Starting Weight: 306.2
Todays Weight: 293.6
Total Loss: 12.6

GO ME!!!!

By next week I will be in the 280's in time for my trip to Walt Disney World without kids. :-)

Hanna Montana and the Super Bowl. What a weekend.

Well, I'm off to Indiana to pick up my 8 year old niece, so she can come with me and 3 other kids to see the Hannah Montana Concert Movie in 3D tomorrow. I watch the show with my kids and tried to get concert tickets at face value and couldn't get them, so this was my answer to not being able to get the real concert tickets. I refuse to pay more than face value. Tickets for the movie were $15 and the movie is "allegedly" only out for a week. It's on a big screen and in 3D. Ohhhh can't wait to wear those glasses.

Then I get to watch the Super Bowl on Sunday.

What a weekend. I can hardly wait. :-) Does it get any better than this?

Probably won't check in here until after the weekend.

Have a great weekend.