In The Beginning

Please excuse the post if it is a bit brief. As I mentioned in my first post, I really had no intention on blogging, but since I couldn't get out of it, I am having to back and do this after the fact. After being chosen I was excited. However, the more I got to thinking about it, and telling friends about it I became a bit nervous. Now don't get me wrong, I was and am still excited, but the thought of 100's of people following my progress... and holding my accountable... was a bit unnerving. I didn't want to let anyone down. So that was that, I decided not to let anyone down.

I AM GONNA MAKE IT STICK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Before I go any further, I realized I never explained my motivations for applying for this program. If you take a look at my family tree there are some pretty thick limbs above me (if you get my drift). I always chalked my size up to genetics and let it be. Oh sure, there were times that I would get a bit depressed or inspired to do something about it... but that would usually give into complacency. This is not what I want for myself and definitely not what I want for my kids (Lauren 6 and Jack 2). If we don't make a change in our lifestyles at home.... the chances of my kids suffering the same fate be great. I have lost weight before with dieting only to gain it again. The lesson I learned with this is that a diet will not work, this is going to have to be a life style change. A life style change for me, Jenny and our kids.

Alright so back to the story. I decided not to let anyone down. My first task was an assessment. I was summoned to the assessment center behind Huguley Hospital. When I arrived at the assessment center I was taken to the testing area. For those who haven't been there this a place where some of the greatest heroes in the world are tested. I am testing next to Ft. Worth firefighters. This was a bit humbling. It was here that I met Eric and Rick. Eric is one my fellow winners and Rick our fearless cameraman.

At the assessment we were given a battery of tests. The tests included blood work, sit ups, push ups, hearing, vision, flexibility, breathing and the dreaded treadmill. I did great on the flexibility test.

Since the assessment was over, it was time for the hard part. Waiting for the program to begin.

Hey I just realized this post wasn't so brief after all.