My name is Melissa and I'm a super busy person. LOL! Couldn't we all write that most days? If I had to describe myself I would probably say I am a
- mother
- wife
- daughter
- sister
- full-time working mother
- elected official
- basketball coach
- t-ball coach
- runner
- wanna-be biker (as in bi-cycle, not Harleys or anything)
- and a try-to-be healthy person
I wasn't always all of these things. The list pretty much stopped after elected official (school board member for those of you who are curious).
My daughter (referred to as Little Girl) turned one year old in February 2009. This child had some really amazing eating habits considering what she had for a role model. I weighed about 175 pounds (5' 4 1/2") and ate horribly! I started thinking that I should probably do something to set a better example for my two kids. So, I started doing a modified version of Weight Watchers. Meaning, I didn't join up, but followed the plan loosely based on what my friend Susan was doing.
So, from March to May 1, I shed 15 pounds. I had quit drinking regular Coke, started walking with friends at lunch, and changed to whole wheat and added some fruits and veggies. I started this change with no real thoughts that I would end up where I am today. I also promised myself that I would not make any changes that I couldn't stick with long term.
So, on May 1, I joined Weight Watchers online at 160 pounds. I set my goal as 145 pounds and went from there. I followed the plan, kept on with excercise and the weight came off fairly easily, even on weeks when I didn't exercise at all.
I hit my goal of 145 on July 1st and decided to keep going. 130 became my ultimate goal weight.
I started the Couch to 5K program on August 13, 2009 (136.6 pounds) and decided that I wanted to run a 5K on October 17, 2009. I think that setting that date and signing up for the race kept me from quitting.
I hit my goal weight on September 30, 2009 and became a Weight Watchers Lifetime member in Novmember 2009.
I think that Weight Watchers is a great program that can be great if that's what you make it. It taught me portion control and about making healthier food choices, but most importantly about moderation.
I could have never done this without my friend Susan who started Weight Watchers first and was so excited about it and had such dramatic results that I couldn't help but want to try. Also, a big shout out to my friend Jennifer who encouraged me to try the C25K program and ran my first 5K with me.
If you had told me on my 29th birthday (March 2009) that on my 30th birthday I would be a healthy weight and that I would have gotten there in a way that was attainable long term, I would have laughed until my rolls hurt. I would have called 9-1-1 to have you committed if you had told me I would be running and being semi-competitive in races.
Family Life
I couldn't do an about me without talking about my main focus, family. I have a husband whom I don't talk much about on here because he's not a huge fan of the bloggy thing. I have an adorable son (LittleMan) and a interesting little girl (LittleGirl) who keeps me on my toes. The amazing thing about these kids is that they make healthier choices because I do, even when given a less healthy alternative. I love that!
Work
Finally, I do have a full time job at a paper mill where I am an environmental engineer. I love my job and most of the people (lol) and get to hang out with alligators and have the pleasure of working with some really great people.
My second job as a school board member is very trying at times, but when you look at the overall picture, it is very rewarding. My great great grandfather was one of the first school board members in our district and another great grandfather was President of the board back in his day and in January 2011, if I am re-elected to another term, I will follow in his footsteps as president of the board.
If you have made it this far, you are either really bored or easily entertained. Either way, thanks for checking me out. I truly appreciate it.
Melissa
