Michele & Andrea's Place

The end of this contest has not marked the end of our journey by any means!  We are still going strong, though we have made some minor adjustments to our individualized programs.  Andrea switched up her work hours to make room for some physical fitness and joined a gym of her own.  I just signed up for another session with my trainer....I feel like I just need to keep heading in the same direction with the same people.  I have been so happy with the results.....I am so much stronger now than I was when I started, I have way more energy, and I just feel so much better!  There is a 5k run here in Grants Pass in May that I thought I might enter....it is for families so I might get mine involved.  This summer (I hope) will be full of hikes and other fun outdoors together with Andrea - now that we have more energy!  This has been such a fun thing for the two of us to accomplish together!  It is funny, because when I was younger (and didn't know Andrea) I used to wish for a girl cousin to play with.  It seemed like everyone I knew had at least one cousin that they were close to - except me.  20 years later, I finally have my chance, and can I just say that it was TOTALLY worth the wait!  The relationship that we are developing has been more incredible than I ever imagined.....I am just so HAPPY and GRATEFUL that our paths have finally crossed and we are on a journey together!

So many have been asking for pictures of me....then and now.  So here you go!  "Before' picture was taken at hubby's graduation in May 2007.  I started WW at the end of September. (I just put that white shirt in my "too huge to wear anywhere" box!  The "after" picture was taken Wednesday night.  T-shirt was from my trainer.....says "Property of Club Northwest Personal Training Dept."   It is a plain ol tee shirt size - no specialty sizes!  That picture doesn't reflect what changes have gone on inside of me though..........some pretty major ones!  I was at a low of all lows in my life in May - in so many many ways!  Thanks to all whose who love and supported the girl in both pictures - you know who you are!

Well, we are still on this journey we started - and it has been a fun one to say the least!  It seems like forever since I have seen Andrea (been out of town), and I am missing her TONS!  I went back to visit my family and found myself surrounded by friends, family, and FOOD- lots of GOOD FOOD.   It wasn't easy to resist, and I did find myself drawn to the goodies and home cooking (especially being out of my routine and home).  I did find that my body couldn't tolerate some of the things it used to, and the treats weren't as tasty.  I have a different relationship with food than I once did.  I think that there lies half the battle!  I am hoping that the 4 days I spent with my family will balance out with the 6 days I took care of a family of 5 (plus my 1 son).  Good crash diet!  After taking care of everyone else, I actually had to remind myself to eat!  But all in all it has been a good couple of weeks.  My good news is that before I started this journey, I bought a belt and could only fasten it up on the second hole (measured 51 inches)  I ran out of holes!   So I asked my dad to make some new ones - and I am proud to admit that I am now measuring at 47 inches.  I have lost 25 pounds!  I am also changing our weight loss to reflect what we have lost combined since we started together (before the million pound match up - I feel that those pounds have been hard for us to get off, and they deserve to be counted!   Oh, by the way, here is a picture of my belt (never though I would post a picture like this on the Internet) - on my body but taken to the second hole.  I do this whenever I feel like I can't do it and am making no progress!  What a difference!  By the way, I am keeping the belt - as a daily reminder of what I really can achieve!  On with a good, strong, and healthy day!