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Illinois Get Together...fun.fun.fun!!
Our Group
I will attempt to get this right, please forgive me if I mess up.
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Starting from the back row, left side:
Kris (Leiana's husband), Rich, Dr. Dave Williams, Marty, Jerome, Ken
Middle Row from left:
Frank, Mae, Sandy, Leiana, Richard, Melissa
Front row from left:
Sandy's lovely daughter, Sarah, Jan, Jan's lovely daughter, Maddie, Norma
What A Blast!!!
For me…the Illinois Transformers Get-Together started out with anticipation, excitement, and a few nerves…but turned out to be a great time where we got to know each other and was filled with a lot of laughter, love and quite a workout to boot. Marty had been working hard to organize this event, checking different venues, nurturing the forum thread, and checking every last detail. And boy Marty, you did a great job, so thank you very much.
I arrived with Rich to meet Marty, Norma, and Dr. Dave before the event was to begin in order to help set up the room at the RecPlex workout facility. Let me start by telling you what an amazing place this was. Every possible type of fitness activity seemed to be inside, from a dozen basketball and racquetball courts to a 1/6 mile suspended running track to a swimming pool that had slides for kids and even a lazy river. And of course, a fantastic weightlifting room. (more on that later) The meeting room Marty had booked for us had a gorgeous view of Lake Andrea, with floor to ceiling windows.
The first Transformers to show up were Jerome and his beautiful wife, Melissa. I immediately recognized him and said, "Hey, I know you." We hugged and said our hellos. They were so warm and friendly that any hint of butterflies in my stomach had quickly disappeared. Then everyone else started to show up…it was a great turnout.
Mae, Sandy with her lovely daughter Sarah, and Jan with her lovely daughter, Maddie drove about 5 hours from Michigan to share in Transformation. It was so great to get to know all of these lovely ladies. Jan later said on the way home they ran into some snow, but thankfully they made it home ok. Mae made some "Transformation cupcakes" that were really good-they could really help me when I'm fighting off my chocolate or brownie cravings. Unfortunately I forgot to grab some from her. (hint, hint, Mae lol)
Frank and Richard showed up with lots of bottled water…so thanks guys. Richard has quite the set of guns on him and is an architect that has designed many buildings where I live-small world. Frank, it was great to meet you, I'm really looking forward to meeting up again since we are so close. It was really nice to meet the people behind the avatar on T.com.
Then Leiana and her husband Kris strolled in. Leiana is an instructor of Les Mills Body Pump (sorry if I butchered that Leiana). She was all set to instruct us in a class, but the management wouldn't let her for liability reasons, so that was a bummer. However, she & Kris did bring some awesome fruit with a fantastic, healthy dip, so thank you guys for that.
After everyone arrived, we sat down for some grub and got to know one another a little better. Boy, what a great group of people. I really enjoyed meeting and talking with everyone. During lunch, Marty was manning our RIGHT table. We had samples of +protein, RIGHT and RIGHT Light. He was taking orders for shakes, and mixing them up in his Magic Bullet—it was quite the sight.
Mr RIGHT, Marty was mixing away.
When lunch was over, and after Marty was getting every last drop of his RIGHT shake, we sat down for some TTV. The stories were so moving and inspiring, there were few dry eyes left in the room. But by the same token the TTV also inspired us to hit the iron. We quickly cleaned up the room and went to workout.
Marty and Dr. Dave led us through a quick tutorial on some really cool Free Form machines, and then we all kind of dispersed to check out the gym facilities. Sandy took the kids to meet her sister by the pool and swam some laps. Mae, and Melissa got some thorough training by Ms Leiana. At one point Leiana ran out of the gym…we all thought something had happened, only to see her come back a minute later with some workout bands. Let me tell you, this woman is intense-I can't wait to take her Body Pump class.
Marty & Dr. Dave hung out with Richard and they were going through their paces on the machines. I later saw what was left of Richard doing some abs with a grimace, no scratch that, a smile. As for myself, I teamed up with Jerome, Rich, and Kris for a little chest and tricep workout. We had an intense workout, (except for Rich's Old Spice comment) that I'm still feeling today by the way…but it's all good.
Jerome hitting the iron!
After working out, we decided to go to RainForest Café (fun for the kids). My wife, Jen, and two of our kids joined the group. The restaurant was a great end to a fabulous evening, even though Marty force fed me some of this volcano brownie thing that Jerome ordered that was out of this world. (Jerome has more about the restaurant in his blog…click here!)
Marty & Mae fighting over brownie. lol
Mae, Jan, and Maddie
Sarah and her mom, Sandy
Rich, my son Tony and Mighty Marty
All in all, the day was such a blast. I was blessed to have been a part of meeting such a wonderful group of people. I am thankful to have met you all and look forward to learning more from you and sharing in your Transformations. I've posted more photos, so be sure to check them out.
Thanks for stopping by.
-ken
Great summary, Ken...thanks for sharing! Hey, you got to take pictures in the gym!! We got "scolded" for even having a camera up there! Seriously, the wheels are turning in my head and I am wanting to have something down here in Central Illinois in maybe January, after the holidays. I promise I'll try my best to take away everyone's winter blues and I can definitely promise that no one will go hungry or go home feeling like they didn't have a challenging workout! :) Can't wait to see everyone again!
Ken, Thank you so much for the summary. I agree that the weekend was a huge sucess, fun and a workout. I enjoyed o know you and your family.
Hi Ken - we had such a good time. Your children are adorable! I am gald they and your wife could join us at the RC. Can't wait till next time!
ken--thanks for documenting our day together so beautifully--you've definitely got a way with a phrase. it was wonderful meeting you and the rest of this dedicated group. very inspiring. hope we can all stay in touch. and thanks for the compliment on my arms. my kids are always joking about my "right to bare arms" and "taking the family to the gun show" (not a gun-owner here, so their comments can only be taken one way). and if i can help you with that victorian, call me !! richard/architectguy
Ken my brother that was awesome!!! Man you did that Right up!! My wife loves it too. We both are missing you already. Can't wait to see you again. Love ya!! Jerome
Great ciff's note version, Ken! Mae and I got some great training from Dr. Dave as well and I got some great ab work and leg work with Leinana! She sure does know how to torture!
That is awesome!!! I wish I lived closer to transformers!!!!
It must have been snowing, Marty is that snow on your face? Awh man I wish I was there? Looks like ya;ll had a great time, Love, Linda
Sharen that is the winter snow!!! Marty Ken great Blog!
L O V E it!!
Marty.... what is the white fuzzy stuff???? ahem.. LOL! What a blessing to be with such a beautiful group of people! Thanks for the report Ken!!!
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