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Introduction Text I have made a recent decision to be ME. Unequivocally, unapologetically, me. Somewhere in the last few years I lost sight of who I really was, and was trying to be someone for everyone else. When you are working toward being someone for everyone else, it's really easy to forget how high a priority YOU are. I did that. I gained weight back. It, frankly, sucked. So, who am I? My name is Mel, I am the mommy of one, wonderful little toddler (the Hugmonkey), and I earned my PhD in Biomedical Engineering in May of 2010, did research for a year and decided that that wasn't my gig. Therefore, am beginning a new facet of my academic science career in July 2011 as a physics teacher at a charter high school. While, for the most part, I am happy with my physical self, I want to be healthier, I want to live a long long time to see my Hugmonkey grow up. Recent health issues amongst my family members have made me realize that the best time to do something towards that goal is now. Therefore, part of my declaration to be myself is taking care of me first. Putting my wants at the head of the line at least sometimes. As the old saying goes, "Ain't nobody happy if momma ain't happy." Momma's gonna be happy. *************************************** Here are the highlights of goals I have reached since joining the Spark on July 1, 2009: *I lost my first 5 lbs: 7/28/09 *I feel good nearly every day: 9/5/09 *I have a healthy BMI again: 9/22/09 *I started taking tennis lessons: 9/23/09 *I lost my second 5 lbs: 10/13/09 *I ran a mile without walking: 11/3/09 *I have more energy to keep up with my toddler, and it's getting better every day. * I ran my first 5K (11/26/09) * I finished the C25K (12/4/09) * Went down a pants size from size 8 to size 6! (1/18/10) * Popular Blog Post Trophy (1/23/10). Thanks guys! * Defended my dissertation (3/26/10) while maintaining my loss. **went away for a while there, I am sure there are a few missing goals** * Graduated with my PhD in May (5/21/2010) * Started in again on this journey (6/10/2011) * Balloon ride with my DH for our 10th anniversary (5/26/2011) While I still have many (MANY) goals I want to reach, I am still feeling really good about the journey. This isn't about how much I weigh, or how far I can run, or how much I can lift. It is about living my life and loving every minute of it. *** Races: 11/27/10 ARR Thanksgiving Day Classic (5K) 36:30 11/26/09 ARR Thanksgiving Day Classic (5K) 37:41 ***a note about Friend Adds. It is my policy to add friends who have added me, but I only keep people on the list if we actually communicate (which is a two way street). That way my list stays manageable and I can spend my time with those people who really are truly friends who motivate and inspire me.

Long term goals: I want... ...to be able to do a pullup (just 1) ...to run a marathon. ...to hike the appalachian trail ...less than 24% body fat ...to learn a martial art ...to keep the diabetes that runs in my family at bay for as long as possible. ...to go snowshoeing ---to look HOT in a bikini.

Working on 3 streaks: 1) 8+ glasses of H2O every day 2) 10+ min of exercise every day 3) stay in my calorie ranges, every day.

I am a 33 year old mother of a wonderful little boy (the Hugmonkey). I am 5'1" tall...so every lb counts. I am ridiculously not-flexible



Add a Link ~~~Melissa “Be not afraid of going slowly; be afraid only of standing still.” --chinese proverb "The only person who is with you your entire life is yourself." --unknown
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