Of all the people we employ to teach us a skill or technique, there are a select few that actually take ownership and whom care about our growth and achievement as much as we do……for that I thank you.

Of all the people we choose to lead us in a certain direction or down a certain path, there are a select few who actually lead us by example….for that I thank you.

Of all the people who we meet in our lives, there are a select few who leave an impression on us and make a difference in our lives, and you are absolutely one of them…for that I thank you.

I was in an exercise rut before Mel got my head in the game. I had always gone to the gym and attended classes – body pump, body step, kick boxing, and pilates. I gave them what I thought was my best shot but stopped seeing progress. At the beginning of 2006, I even added spinning to my routine, but still did not see any real results. I thought I was in great shape. I also thought I could eat whatever I wanted and maintain or lose weight. I was wrong.

I was “skinny” all of my pre-children years and involved in many sports activities. Then, the trials and excitement of a family combined with working and all of a sudden less time existed for those jogs and workouts. My weight went up about 30 pounds slowly over a number of years. So, I was ready to take action and join a gym again. I had to consider this action just as important as my family time and work…I had to schedule it. So, after about one month of faithfully going 3-4 times a week for an hour to East Shore Athletic Club and doing my own routine..nothing really happened.