Hi, everyone!! Please take a moment to introduce yourself on this thread. Please let us know your name, where you're from, a little about you and WHY you want to complete the Summer Transformation Challenge.

I'm looking forward to "meeting" everyone!

So, I'll start off...

My name is Terri. I'm 42 and live in beautiful Madison, Virginia (at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains). I am a school psychologist and am drowning in work right now!! But in just a few weeks, I have the whole summer off!!! Woooohoooo!!!

I have two sons - Brayden (10) and Andrew (6). They are so much fun... full of energy and with great sense of humor. They both play roller hockey and are hoping to start lacrosse too. So much for "traditional" sports! LOL!! I've been married to my hubby, Dave, for 14 years. We are an active family and love to hike, fish, ride bikes and camp. I also like to read and dabble in photography in what little spare time I have!

Ooohohhhh... I SO NEED this summer challenge!! In 1998, I had my thyroid removed because of thyroid cancer. In February, they suspected it had returned. In order to do my scans, I had to go off my thyroid medication for FIVE WEEKS! I felt awful and had no energy. I couldn't think a complete thought, was dizzy and sometimes didn't even make sense when I talked. I gained about 12 pounds during the ordeal. I need some inspiration to get it off! This was just the challenge I needed to do it! Yay!

I'm looking forward to making the journey with you. Let's get started!!

Nice to meet you, Terri. Thanks for getting this started
My name is Becky. I'm a 40 year old single mom to a 15 year old. His name is Spencer. I live in San Diego, Ca. San Diego is a great place to live. There is much to do from going to the beach to hiking in the mountains. I am also a preschool teacher and I am currently finishing up my BA at an online school. Being this busy, I have let my eating get lazy and my body resembles bread dough . I need this challenge to strip away all the excuses and re-claim my health.
Look forward to getting health
-Becky

Hey, Becky!! Welcome aboard! Hahahaaa... bread dough! I know that feeling completely! It sounds like you have a lot of fun activities around SanDiego. My brother in law used to live out there... right across from the SanDiego zoo. My hubby and I still kick ourselves for not going out there when he lived there.

Hi Terri! Thanks so much for getting this going! My name is Danielle and I am from southern California. I completed a similar challenge a couple of years ago and felt the best I have ever felt .....and have never been more proud of myself. I can't wait to get that feeling back! I completed the 18 week transformation program, and now I feel like my head is on straight and I am ready to rock! I have found that having the peer support is a great way to stay motivated, especially when times get tough. Looking forward to a great 12 weeks... I plan to formally start next week since I'm going away and won't be able to cook my meals and will have limited gym access. Woo hoo!

Hello everyone, I am Michelle and I live in Dayton, Ohio. I have four kids, 2 boys, Deshawn (14), Ernie(10) and 2 girls, Makayla (9) and Neveah (5). I have been married for almost 8 years but we have been together for 14. I like most people lose weight gain it back and so on. Several years ago I was up to almost 300 lbs and had managed to get down to about 160. I loved how I felt then and I am determined to back back there. I am current tipping the scale at 200 a number I swore I'd never touch again. So when I got the email regarding the summer challenge I knew it was my sign to get on board. I am going to pull out my Total Transformation book that I bought oh a year or so ago and never really followed and get this summer started RIGHT!!!!

Best of luck all,
Michelle

HI! I am Sharon. 37 years old living in Indiana. I have been doing awesome with my workouts and using the Eating for Life nutrition plan. I decided to use this Summer Challenge to give me that extra motivation to keep it up during the summer. I want to keep losing weight and getting into shape.

Hey everyone!!! My name is Kevin and i'm 28 years old. I live in Owings Mills Maryland and am a claims adjuster.

I want to join this challenge for many reasons. I've learned a lot about myself in the past two years. I have an anxiety disorder and am addicted to food, alcohol and cigarettes. I hit rock bottom about 6 months ago when my anxiety go so severe that I could barely get through the work day and come home, binge, drink and eat then go to sleep. My wife would get angry about the lack of help around the house and I struggle everyday.

The funny thing about hitting rock bottom is that when you do you want to get help, you want to get better. I sought help and am doing better then I ever have in my life! I've quit smoking and drinking and am now controlling my eating habits. I've followed Bill's work since 2005 and even completed the Body for Life challege in 2005. I feel now that I can use the summer challenge to get back in shape and feel even better then I do now!

Over the past two years I gained 40 lbs. I'm looking to get back in shape and reach my goal of 185 lbs. and get in better shape then I have been in years!

I'm grateful for my career and my family. I'm grateful for this opportunity and all that life has to offer.

Good Morning,

My name is Alex and I've decided to join this group as part of the Summer Challenge. Thank you for your effort,Terri. I live in NJ and am closing in on 60.

Hello everyone, I hope to get to know you all and want to start out by wishing success to each of you.

I'll follow your advice and read Base and Summit and post in the other section later.

Thanks again.

Hi, Danielle! Welcome aboard! You sound like you are motivated and ready to go. Woooohoooo!!! Me too!! Let's do this thing together!

Hi, Michelle - I bet your house is busy with four kids running around. I have two and sometimes it seems like I'm a crazy person! I know what you mean about hitting that "mark" that you swore you'd never see again. That's where I am. Clothes are too tight... and I even had to borrow some clothes from my mom!!! Ugh!!! Let's rock this thing out!

Sharon - Awesome!! It sounds like you've had some experience and success. Let's bring this thing to a new level.

Kevin - I was a BFL'er back in 2003. Great stuff. I was in the best shape of my life. Congratulations for overcoming your addictions. You are strong, my friend, and I know you'll come out of this challenge feeling better than ever!

Alex - So glad you're with us! Where do you live in NJ? I grew up in Middletown NY and took gymnastics lessons in Butler, NJ.

East Windsor NJ, exit 8 NJ Turnpike.
I'm looking foward to looking foward.
We have a nice group here, from one side of the country to the other, Hey Everyone.
I got the text message from Bill that says celebrate our victories and forget the mis-steps. I can do that.

Hello everyone!

My name is Kathleen. I hit the big 50 this year which caused some serious (and some not so serious) self-reflection. I also live in the beautiful Blue Ridge area on the Maryland side. Best thing I ever did was follow my dream and move to the country. I am "mom" to three dogs. Murphy (a giant furball german shepherd/rottweiler/standard poodle mix), Smitty (rottweiler aussie mix) and my baby Devlin a 2 year old pit boxer mix.

I'm in Software Support which is highly stressful AND puts me in a cube on my bum 9 hours a day. I have an hour commute each way so that's another 2 hours. 11 hours of sitting. Talk about your bread dough! And of course when I get home I'm so tired what do I want to do? SIT in front of the tv and eat.

Until last year I was singing in a blues band and spent a LOT of time in clubs and bars and around alcohol and bad for you (but oh so yummy) bar food. I decided that somehow the joy had gone out of singing though. Being in a band is like running a small business. And if everyone isn't putting in the effort, it just becomes a drain on you. So I decided to retire for a bit and focus back on getting myself physically, mentally, emotionally and financially - back into shape. I do miss singing, but I do NOT miss being in smoke-filled bars until 3AM.

I just spent this morning going through FOUR YEARS of before photos. FOUR YEARS of being a before!!! I do not want to be a before anymore!

So glad to meet you all and I'm counting on all of you to keep me honest here and steer me back on track when I stray.

I am hoping to attend the Transformation Camp in July.

I just find it amazing that when you are struggling, that is the exact moment Bill comes along with a new chance to renew yourself!

We are all going to enjoy HUGE success!

Kathleen

Hello everyone!

I was glad to find a Summer Challenge group over here.

My name is Jason McRoy and I live in Miami, FL. I work as an independent insurance claims adjuster (Kevin, I see you are also a claims adjuster). I am happily married (July 7th will be 10 years) and we are planning to add to the family sometime this year.

I originally came across Body For Life when Bill first wrote that book. I used that book in 2003 to lose about 20 lbs. I gained all that back and at the beginning of this year decided that is going to change.

It has been a rough road for me this time but I am persisting and refusing to give up!

Today is my final day of the Spring Forward Challenge and I will be starting the Summer Challenge officially on Monday.

I lost around 8 lbs in this last challenge and I need to step it up on this one because I came nowhere near the goals I intended to hit.

I have been a part of the group called FearBusters since Jan 2nd of this year. They are an awesome group of people and I will continue to be part of that group as well.

I hope we can all help each other to reach our goals because we CAN do this.

Hey Kathleen the big five oh. I'm headed for the big six oh no. Good Luck.

Hello Sharon.

You may be the baby around here, er, nope the youngster seems to be Kevin. Hey Kevin. One day at a time Brother.
What a nice group of people, I hope to be seeing a lot less of us in 12 weeks. Wink!

Hi Alex! If only we were as wise in our 20's as we are now huh?

Kathleen

Hello everyone. My name is Tim. I am 50 years old. I work at Correctional Institution as a Captain, Shift Supervisor on the night shift (7pm-7am). I joined because being 50 years old, I need and want to be healthy and fit for my family and to be an example for others to follow. I am currently studying to become a fitness trainer. I have been working out for two years, but didn't have much to show for. Recently I got serious about my diet and cardio and since April I have lost 19 pounds. I weighed in at 202 this morning. Yeehaww!! I want to get to at least 200, then start adding some serious muscle. I need the support as well am wanting to inspire others. So I am here if anyone needs some encouragement. I am feeling really good about myself lately. But I still got some more work to do. I have entered the summer challenge and am going for it.
I have three small boys now (2,3, and 5) They need to me to be fit and healthy for them. I have 9 total children (along with my wife's).
I look forward to being a part of this group, which seems to be such a wonderful one with caring people. It is so wonderful to meet you all.

Thanks, Tim

Hello everyone.

Well...I have decided to join yet another group and try to finish yet another Challenge. I feel pathetic, really. I have tried so many times then fail miserably...often weighing more than when I started.

My name is Leslie. I am 45 years old. A wife and Mom to two teens. Michelle...my husband's name is Dave, too! Jackson is 17 and Emma is 15...both in HS. Dave and I have been married 20 years and he is the love of my life. I am a writer and a mixed media artist.

The past 6 months have not been good. We shut down a business that provided 80% of our income, we are in the middle of a lawsuit, both of my kids have made very poor choices (they are MuCH better now) and the financial stress on our family is taking a HUGE toll on me and my health!! I have eaten my way up 10 pounds and right now I am 30 to 40 pounds overweight. My body is just like bread dough, too!!

I can't seem to stop eating sweets and fat...especially when I am stressed. I am depressed and tired and HATE my body!! Nothing fits and I am at my wit's end. This Summer Challenge is really a lifesaver...I just have to follow through this time.

I so need all of YOU. I hope you will accept me for where I am right now. I will do the same for each of you and be here!

Thanks for having me...

When are you all starting this Challenge?? I thought I would officially start June 4th. My daughter is having surgery Tuesday and I don't think this is the best week...thought I'd plan out menus, schedule, etc. That is where I fail everytime!!

Happy Challenge everyone!!!

Hello ~
My name is Teri and I am a 49 year old wife to my best friend for almost 19 years. Together we have 5 grown kids ( I have 2 girls, ages 29 & 26. Kevin has 2 girls, ages 29, 27 and a boy 21). We have 5 grandkids and will be blessed with number 6 in December. I live in Iowa and have been in the insurance industry for the past 8 years ~ the last 4 in commercial lines.

I will turn 50 this year and I have make a "bucket list" of the things that I wanted to accomplish before my 50th birthday. Getting back in shape is #1 on my list. It is almost 6 months into 2012 and I have struggled with this all along!! For the first 6 1/2 weeks of this year, I was fairly successful in attending a local work out facility 5 sometime 6 days a week. I couldn't finish the 8 week session due to a leg injury. After that, I joined Planet Fitness and went about 3 times a week with 2 of my co-workers. That has since fizzled out since our work loads got heavier and we just stopped going.

I need guidance. I need support. I need focus. I need YOUR help!!

I'd really like to be a part of a support group that is going through the same ups and downs that I am.

I've come to the conclusion that I am a Chocholic! I crave chocolate every single day. I used to have will power. I used to be in shape, my clothes used to fit and I was proud of the person in the mirror.

I have agreed to participate in the 2012 Summer Challenge and I have marked Monday, June 4th, as my official start date.

I am looking forward to being part of this group.

Have a Safe and Happy Memorial Day!

Terri, you are SUCH a trooper, starting this thread and moving forward after your ordeal. What a powerful leader you are. Thank you for that beginning push for change.
xoxoxo
Elena

Quote:

Originally Posted by stormdore So, I'll start off... My name is Terri. I'm 42 and live in beautiful Madison, Virginia (at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains). I am a school psychologist and am drowning in work right now!! But in just a few weeks, I have the whole summer off!!! Woooohoooo!!! I have two sons - Brayden (10) and Andrew (6). They are so much fun... full of energy and with great sense of humor. They both play roller hockey and are hoping to start lacrosse too. So much for "traditional" sports! LOL!! I've been married to my hubby, Dave, for 14 years. We are an active family and love to hike, fish, ride bikes and camp. I also like to read and dabble in photography in what little spare time I have! Ooohohhhh... I SO NEED this summer challenge!! In 1998, I had my thyroid removed because of thyroid cancer. In February, they suspected it had returned. In order to do my scans, I had to go off my thyroid medication for FIVE WEEKS! I felt awful and had no energy. I couldn't think a complete thought, was dizzy and sometimes didn't even make sense when I talked. I gained about 12 pounds during the ordeal. I need some inspiration to get it off! This was just the challenge I needed to do it! Yay! I'm looking forward to making the journey with you. Let's get started!!