What a View!! October 29, 2009

Goals: There is about 46 days remaining in the challenge. I will continue to work even hard at drinking more water, getting proper excercise and making healthy choices by just saying no.

Weight: 204.2 lbs

Mood: Excited and determined, full of joy.

I was born and raised in Georgia. I have visited Stone Mountain maybe 5 times. But never, ever, never have I ever walked to the top of the mountain. But then came Saturday, October 24, 2009 , 9:30 am. This was my day to try something different, catching a view from top of Stone Mountain. I was so excited I could hardly wait. But this was not the usual trek up the mountain,  there was a little surprise, OPERATION BOOT CAMP. Now boot camp is hard enough, who in their right mind would invite them to Stone Mountain. Let’s Guess, Brandi of  WSB-TV.

Just before beginning, we did our usual warm-up. Once done, up the mountain we went, one step at a time.  Along the way we took about 5 breaks from walking. Are you kidding, not to rest, to exercise. You would think the steep inclines would be enough, but not for OBC. When they bring it, they bring it strong. In actuality, the exercise bought about excitement and an extra challenge. This was not a boring walk. Had it not been for OBC, I would have quick. There is a fear of the unknown and the top seemed so far away. I did not have any idea how long it would take. Once to the top the view was breath-taking. I felt like being on top of the world. You know, I am on top of the world. This challenge and blessed me to make positive life long changes in my life and for that I am grateful. I am happy, my family is happy and this was worth every minute. I encourage you to try new things that are healthy for you. You will be glad you did.

Thanks Brandi, WSB-TV, SUBWAY and Operation Boot Camp

Ouida

The Verdict IS IN!! October 28, 2009

Goals: I have goals to continue working out drinking, plenty of water but only better and remember to say no.

Weight: 204.2

Mood: Still very much encourage, happy and full of joy. To add peaceful and blessed.

Yes, I know I gained 3.8 lbs. I know you expect me to be upset, But I am not. My life is going just great. I have learned so much more by completing the Subway GET FIT Challenge. Like I have said before, I thought it was about losing weight and to a certain degree it is, but that is not the ultimate prize. I have lost several inches and proud of that. My body is more toned that ever. I still have a ways to go and the best thing about that is I am getting there. And will get there. I may not be there by the end of the challenge, but it won’t be long after. That’s not all, I have the power to say no and not feel bad about it. Actually it feels great to say no to sweets and the foods that are not healthy for me. It also feels good to tell people no every once and a while and not feel guilty. I can’t save the world and if I can’t get it done today it will surely be there tomorrow. My life is far less stressful and now I am even happy. I have always been a happy, peaceful person, but now God has open a door to even more peacefulness and joy. My family is happier and my husband loves me regardless if I lose a pound or not. Don’t get me wrong I have always known that, but taking time out for others and not for each other, I somehow forgot to focus on that at times. We just celebrated out 17th wedding anniversary. What a great celebration.!! Julie has been a great inspiration to my success. It all started by weighing in after our visits. Once I discover my, victories and accomplishments, the scale is the least of my worries. Thanks Julie. Looking forward to greater victories.

Ouida

Happy 17th Annniversary October 19, 2009

Saturday, October 17, 2009 was our 17th wedding anniversary. God has truly blessed our marriage and I am so grateful. We spent a wonderful evening out with our boys and our Pastors, Alfred T. & Rosemary Lands. This may seem strange to you, but for us it was the perfect celebration. We are here today celebrating because of Pastor Lands and Asst. Pastor Rosemary Lands. Eight years ago our family was a complete mess. We did not know how to do family. We had all sorts of problems and did not know how to handle them. But on November 17, 2001, God led me right to Family Life Missionary Baptist Church in Morrow, GA. That day was a new beginning for my marriage and my family. If not for the prayers and spiritual guidance we received for Pastor and Rev. Lands our marriage would be over. We are now a family that gives glory to God in every aspects of our lives. We know that our marriage can not survive with Christ being the head.  We look forward to many more anniversaries and blessings together.

Our wedding was many years ago.  The celebration continues to this day.  ~Gene Perret

Ouida

Happy Birthday to ME October 15, 2009

Today is my 42nd Birthday. I am blessed to be alive. Being a part Subway Challenge means more to me now than ever. Within the last 3 weeks I have known 3 people around my age to die of a heart attack. They had no other physical problems as I know of  and they were doing ordinary things, such as watching  television, at the movie theater or just sitting on the couch talking to friends. Then suddenly, their life was snatched away in an instant. I am working hard at taking care of the body that God has given me and making choice that will hopefully keep me around a while. I think about the consequences of every unhealthy choice I make.  The last two weeks was not a good week for me. I ate more than my share of cake, doughnuts and cookies.  And I regret it, but I am still on track for doing what is right. Just think back 6 months ago, I could not say no. So for my Birthday I am celebrating, Life and the Power to say no. Next week I have my visit with Julie and looking for to a great visit.

Be Thankful for Life and take care of the body God has given you. You only live once. Well, twice, but once on this earth.

Ouida