Graceland

Since we heard we were going to Memphis and studying music and it's influence on history, we've all been begging Joe if we could go to Graceland. Not take a tour and spend the day, but just to see it. Joe, our leader is great...


He gave in and let us off the bus to take a few pictures, but when we found out that we could actually walk up to the house, we all we just so excited.






One of the coolest parts was the meditation garden. Now, today that is so popular, but to think Elvis had one years ago, was pretty cool.



It's sad to think that we lost a performer so amazing as him, so young.


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Location:Graceland, TN

Day 2 - National Civil Rights & Rock & Soul Museum

History is just amazing! To be able to walk in the footsteps of the greats like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is truly a powerful moment.


Today we spent the first half of the day at the National Civil Rights Museum.


This museum is actually at the Lorraine Hotel, where Dr. King was assassinated. They've made it so you can actually see into rooms 307 - where Dr. King Held a lot of his meetings when he was in Memphis and 306, where he stayed that last day.



The museum itself took us back in time to the 1600s and the origins of slavery and transported us through time to the present day. The interesting part for me was all of the connections I was able to make to last years trip to Alabama to study the Civil Rights Movement. When our amazing tour guide took us on our journey, I was right back on last years trip when we walked the Pettis Bridge; but at the same time, Ryan let us in on little known facts that helped round out the stories and deepen our knowledge.

As always, there is some sort of drama throughout the day... Today it happened at our restaurant The Happy Mexican! They really weren't prepared for a group as large as ours, so lunch that was supposed to take about 45 mins, ended up taking 1 1/2 hours which through off our schedule. This impacted our afternoon.

After lunch we headed to the Rock and Soul Museum. It was a great place to chill, learn some music history, and listen to some great tunes! Throughout the tour you had a listening device where you'd input the exhibit number and it would tell you'll all about it. Then you could listen to the popular music of the time period. I just wish we had extra time to explore.

Well I'm ready to call it a night. I'll add more tomorrow while we're on the bus! Night all!





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Location:S 2nd St,Memphis,United States

Day 1 - The Flights & Memphis, TN

Today started off with a short bus ride to Bradley where it seemed like minutes to get there since we were all catching up and chatting away about the summers events so far. That is the great part about this program, the Teaching American History Grant, we're all from all around the state and get to have these amazing experiences together. When else am I going to say I've been to Idaho or Washington state. These trips give teachers a chance to experience the history they will be teaching about in their classrooms.
The first flight to Charlotte, NC was uneventful, except for the fact that the woman checking me in at the gate, forgot to give me my tickets. She gave me my baggage check ticket, but no tickets.... So when I went to start the security process, the guy looked at me like I was an idiot.... "Where are your tickets Ms.?" Me - "I just gave them to you". Security guy - "Ms. This is your baggage claim ticket, not your boarding passes!". Me - "Oh! Guess I need to get those..." When I get back to the ticketing area, the woman goes, I can't believe I let you leave without your tickets... Then again, I also love how I didn't even check. I just took what she gave them to me and I left! It's all good though!
The flight itself was smooth sailing all the way. Here are some great pics from my window seat
What was interesting however, was that although I was set with my seat on the first flight, the second flight was over sold... How does one do that... There are only so many seats on a plane. How do you sell more than you have? Somehow that can't be legal! After about 30 mins of waiting and wondering... Hmmm will I make it on the flight... It all worked out in the end! I made it on the flight. Yay!!!
Once we got our luggage, we got on the bus and headed to our first sight - Mudd Island Park and River Museum on the Mississippi River. We took a pretty cool monorail ride over the river to get to the museum. The great part of this adventure was how they made a scale model of the Mississippi River and all of the states it runs through. It was also an elevated model, so you see not only it's depth, but how wide it was in places too!




Inside the museum we learned a lot about the history of the river and what changes the area has seen over the years. One of my favorite parts of the museum was the steam boat replica. We got to go on board and walk through the boat. It just all seemed so real. They even made sections of the boat slope downward, so you felt as if the boat was actually moving. Our pictures are fun too!!!



The rest of the night we had on our own, after we checked into our elegant hotel! This place is gorgeous!!!! We felt like royalty just walking into the Peabody Hotel. And of course I loved the live music that a gentleman in a tux was playing in the lobby......!
We did dinner at a BBQ place that had such a cool vibe! We had some of the local cuisine which was amazing. Our waiter even shared with us a lot of the history of the neighborhood, like where we were was down the street from where Dr. King was assassinated.
From there we headed down to Beale Street which is like a milder version of Bourbon Street. It is a really cool artsy area.



Well that's all for now! I'm falling asleep as I write, so I'm calling it a night!
Night all!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:S 2nd St,Memphis,United States

Summer of Steph 2012 Tour Begins

What a difference a year makes! Like everyone, there are lots of ups and downs, but 2011 - 2012 (Yes, I'm a teacher so I talk about things in terms of school years) had many more ups than downs.

Over the year I've realized just how strong I am and that I can make it through anything that is thrown in front of me. I've made sure that the things that I do, fulfill me. I'm not doing things anymore to make other people happy, I'm putting me first, which was something that was very hard for to do. Not everyone liked it, but you know what... Too bad for them. I need to take care of me.

I also had the great opportunity to go back on stage in two different shows. Again it was filled with amazing people and great experiences. I wouldn't have traded the time I put into Legally Blonde or Burlesque 2.0 for anything in the world.

My new world tour begins... This year I'll be hitting Tennessee, Mississippi, Lousiana, and both Upstate New York and New York City. Check back for updates on our crazy history adventure with the Teaching American History Crew!

Pictures from Day 12 & Graduation!

Hey All,

Sorry last night's entry was so short!  I was exhausted!  Here are some fun pictures from throughout the day!

Here's one of breakfast!  The pancakes were amazing!

Here's one of Jenee and I!  She's awesome!  I'm so going to miss her!

John before Cardio Disco Jam

We were the dancing trio - Kim, me, John, and Kim!  We hit every dance class and hit it hard!  It was amazing!  One of the guests whose been at the Ridge for 6 weeks actually came up to me and said that he thought I was the best dancer that's been here in all the time he's been here and that he loved to watch me dance.  Wow!  Talk about an ego boost!  I loved it!  As always... when I'm on the dance floor, I dance like it's my job!  Oh yeah... we put on a show too.... in between part of the class the three of us broke out into Dancing Queen... it was HYSTERICAL!  You would have been so proud Jen!

Here's me and John in Cardio Disco Jam!

Day 12 - Graduation

Hey all,

Ok... so here's the short, short version for today.  We just got back from the movies!  A great time was had by all!  Graduation was fun tonight!  Lots of great memories that will last a lifetime from BLR!  Today was a day filled with knee issues... and dancing!  I love the combination of the two.  There are tons of pics to post, but I'll get to it during our break in the day tomorrow!  My new dress was a complete and total hit!  Lots of compliments by all! :)

Have a good night!

Day 11 - How can it be day 11 already???

Well this experience has truly flown by.  I can't believe my time here, at the Biggest Loser Ranch and the Summer of Steph, is almost through.  Graduation night is tomorrow... and then I have a late flight out Sunday night.  Man... the time has flown!  I had waited so long for this journey to begin, and now it's about to come to an end.  It's kinda hard to imagine what my life would have been like without all of this.  I'm so fortunate to have been able to experience such wonderful things in these last 6 weeks.  From the people that I have met to the things I've seen, I don't think I'll ever be the same.  I feel like I've changed, not only physically over these last 6 weeks, but it's been an emotional battle too.  I've learned that I can handle anything that is put in my path, I'm a hell of a lot stronger than I ever thought, and I know who I am now... and no one can change that.  Wow.... that's a mouthful!  I'm onto bigger and better things...

Today was a hard day.  From the hike to the classes... to the longstanding battle with my knee... it was full of ups and downs.

The day started off with 6 am Stretch with Terri! I just love how relaxed you feel in there and the difference it makes with your ability to get through the day.  Next, we were onto breakfast, which was great!  An egg sandwich!  It was just what you needed to eat before a hike!  It fills you up, and you have a lot of energy to get through the hike!  Today's hike was Regan Ranch.  It was a wonderful hike full of high elevations.  I loved the views and it was great that we had cool weather throughout most of it!  It really made it easier to complete.    The one thing however, when you are sweating your butt off while working out... and your in a t-shirt and shorts... it makes it very hard to warm up.  I came back and was freezing.  It wasn't until after stretch that I finally warmed up!  I even wore a sweatshirt through most of stretch... I was still cold!

From stretch, we went to hear Sam Poueu, a trainer here at BLR and past season 9 contestant on the Biggest Loser speak at a Q&A during lunch.  Sam is truly amazing with everything he's been through in his life and just his Biggest Loser Story... We truly loved every minute of his talk.  It was inspiring.  A few of us even had tears in our eyes.  He's just so sweet!  Of course we had to get pictures with him afterwards too...

From there, we had some break time, so we hung outside for awhile and then all headed back to our rooms.  By this time... my knee was killing me... and I was truly debating whether or not goto class.  My roommate Kim kept telling me, just make sure it's worth it... make sure you're not going to do any more damage by going.  I sat... and thought... and had an inner battle within myself.  I don't want to give up... so I figured... you know what.  I'm not going to.  I'm going to work through the pain... and that's what I did.

We had Ursula for pool.  It was a great class that flew by.  There were only a few of us in the pool, so we got through everything really quickly.  From there we had Ball Works with Cam!  I love this class!  It's centers that you work through.  They're always fun and Cam dances through the class... I love it!  I was truly feeling pretty good.  There wasn't alot I could do there that would hurt my knee!  Score!  The final class of today was Treading with Sam.  What I loved most about this class, I felt like I was back on the field with Coach Parker and the O-line of the Crush... the way Sam was calling out what we had to do... we all had to repeat it... I don't know, it just felt like football practice.  He killed us, but we all loved every single minute.  We felt powerful... we felt like we could tackle world... It was such a great high!  I loved it!

Dinner tonight was pretty good.  We always love chicken.  Dessert... yeah... that was another thing.  We all took one bite... and YUCK.  This is the first time I think we actually complained about the food.  We got Craig to try it... and he agreed.  At least we knew we weren't crazy!

The night ended with me talking to Mom & Dad... Robyn...  After that I had a long chat with one of the trainers - Kareen.  She asked about my story and what got me here.  The cool part is, through pictures on Facebook, you can really see how much I've changed since the beginning of the year.  When I look back at that picture of Regina and I... I can't even see me... It's soo weird. But it's always great to hear from others their thoughts on your story.

I headed back to my room, iced my knees and caught up with Muscles on Skype.   I can't tell you how much talking to you can even make the knee pain not feel as bad!  Thanks for making me smile!  And for the record... Sam's got nothing on you... There, I said it! :P

Night All!

Day 10 - Wednesday - Sore Day!

Not only is Wednesday Hump Day, but it's always the day you are the most sore!  It's been a very long couple of days of giving it my all... so today kinda hurt a bit.

The day begins with Sam's Stretch which is a workout of it's own.  When it's Terri's day, it's very calm and relaxing... when it's Sam - It's HARDCORE!  We work every muscle group actively.  It is kinda fun to change things up a bit!

After breakfast, we started off with the Beach Hike which is always fun.  It's hard since you're going through the beach in hiking boots.  I did take them off part of way, but once it gets rocky, you just have to put them back on!  I loved today because I was in the front of the pack for most of the trip!  I was either 2nd or 3rd.  It feels great to be in the front and knowing that you're going to push the furthest.  We did about 5 miles on Point Dume - Zuma Beach.  We learned a few cool fact from Culter one of our guides.  Point Dume is actually the location for Iron Man's House.  They video imaged in the house onto the top of the point where we were.  Kinda cool fact!  What I loved most about this hike was that I was able to go further and for longer than last time!  Yeah me!

I came back to swim class with Sam.  Again... classes with him are always rough!  He works you until you just can't give any more, but I love it!  You feel so powerful in his class, like you can do anything.  From there I headed to my session with Tonya.  We worked for a bit, but then, my knee just gave up on me.  I was devastated.  I was sooo looking forward to her workout.  The cool part is, we still found ways to do things and not injure the knee, but strengthen it.  She had me walking on the treadmill backwards at an incline of 6 to build up the ligament!  She's just amazing.  We worked every other body group, which did improve my mood.  She knew how pissed I was that I couldn't do everything... especially Jacobs Ladder.  I really want to make a go of that before I leave... I want to hit 5 mins!  The cool part was, I would have Tonya for 2 more classes, so she could modify stuff for me!  Loved it!

After lunch we hung outside for a bit and just caught up.  Everyone has been sooo extremely tired this week.  We are working so hard, we just can't stay awake.  It was nice to chat and catch up!

Then we had one of my favorite classes - Kickboxing.  Mostly, we worked the upper body which was a blessing for me.  I love how much I've improved since my session with Ursula yesterday!  My hits were loaded with power!  Poor Kim who was holding the bag!  But it was great!  I got awesome feedback from people on the rotation drills.  It meant alot coming from Paul.  It's cool to have other people in class notice how hard you are working!

Next it was time for Mountain with Tonya!  This is a class where you level up every 3 minutes for 45 minutes.  It's complete and total hell, but I made it through!  I love Tonya's music.  It really makes you push even harder.  I did the full class on the bike, which was perfect for my knee!  In the end, I rode for about 10 miles in 45 mins!  Matt - I know that is like a nothing bike ride for you, Mr. San Fran to San Diego!

When I got back from the room... I honestly didn't think I was going to make it to the pool.  I couldn't move!  My roommate Kim kept telling me to take it easy... but inside I was dying... I wanted to go on.  I don't want to stop all of the good I've got going on right now... so I was looking for that little kick in the ass that I needed - so I turned to my partner in crime - Jenn!  Your words meant the world to me!  Thank you for making me go on!  I'm glad I did.  I made it through pool class to the best of my ability!

It was time to shower and then goto dinner!  Afterwards we hung outside with John for a while.  He's just too cute for words!  I love this guy!  He is amazing in and out of class!  What an instructor!

Ahh.... the Target Adventure!  It was just that an adventure not only in the store but in the van too!  I do love that I was able to escape the craziness of the van while texting with Muscles!  It was soo good to hear from him.  I do miss him so! Tonight at Target -  Kim, Michelle and I had a blast just being off campus!  I did find and AMAZING dress for graduation on Friday!  I'll post pics Friday Night!  I'm psyched.  It was the first thing I tried on and I loved it!  Wow!  I feel great, minus the knee!

When we got back I went to see Dr. McHottie... Sorry... Dr. Ray!  This man is a genius with his hands!  I was limping the whole way up to his office.  I think I could have done a full cardio intervals class when I left.  He just has a way of finding those trouble spots.  All of mine was located in my lower back.  Once he did his "new" treatment - I have to tell you... I just feel so good!  Yeah... well it's now time for bed!  Sorry this entry is all over the place.  I'm exhausted!  Night all!

Day 9 - Still going strong

Hey All,

Ok... so today has been another busy day, but it was a great one!  We started off with Stretch with Terri at 6 am.  Nothing beats her stretch class.  It's such a great way to get ready for the day.  Columbus Ladies - We should totally start our school days with this!  I'm so willing to lead it for all of us!  Terri has given us a copy of the class!

From there we hit breakfast.  When we looked at the menu - it was just not going to cut it - a muffin... umm... no!  So it was our favorite - Eggs & Toast!  We found out our hikes and were off light a shot of lightening!  It was actually pretty chilly outside today.  I was psyched with where we were going - Paramount Studios Hike!  Part of it was actually the set of Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman.  While we were there today, they were filming an episode of the Mentalist.  The start of the hike was very overcast, cloudy, and kinda foggy all at the same time.  It was great because we were able to do the tough part without it being too warm.

I love that while on the hike today, I stayed in either 3rd or 4th place.  Our pace was great!  We were all so focused, we hardly talked.  We just went!  The tunes took me to new heights today!  Dee - There was even some Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch today!  It was definiatly random - from Single Ladies and Glee to Bon Jovi to Bruce Spingsteen... I hit it all!  LOVED IT!  Amy was actually laughing at me part of the time because for those of you who know me well, you know I can't sit still - well I can't walk still either.  I'm always moving to the beat in my head... or well... dancing while I'm hiking!  I'm glad I could make her smile!  While we were walking, we came across a random patch of stones that we swear Coltur, another guide, must have been there either earlier that day or yesterday!  We all laughed so hard!

At the end of the hike, I had to ask Sean to do us a favor.  We needed to see the Gun Show since Rob isn't with us this week.  Sean laughed when he heard about it.  He was sooo embarrassed!  It was hysterical!  But then he finally got into it!  FYI Muscles - No one can do the gun show like you!  He doesn't have the same look as you!  No one can top you!  This was Sean's first and last time, he is leaving tomorrow for vacation!  Come to find out, he was one of those body builders that competed when he graduated high school.

I came back feeling great and I was off to my second stretch class with Terri.  I love having stretch after a hike.  You just totally loosen up for the rest of the day.  After that, I had my private session with Ursula.  God this woman is AMAZING!  I don't know who I sweat more with - her or Tonya?  It's a toss up!  I did all four punches and different combinations.  We worked my core.  I LOVE MY CORE!  And then we worked on the kicks!  It was just such an awesome feeling!  I really want to get into boxing back at home.  I really think it's something I will truly enjoy!

From there, I had the BEST lunch.  It sounds plain... but we had a turkey sandwich, which was DEVINE!  I didn't care for the soup today - way too sweet for my taste.  So I just added salad and a banana!  From there I had time to stop and ice my knees.  Thank GOD!  They were killing me!  The extra class is great... but it is taking a toll on my knees.  I'm making sure I'm doing the Alieve a few times a day too.

After my break, I went to John's Total Body Workout.  Oh my God!  John just loves to beat you up!  We worked weights like crazy!  But he makes it kinda fun and a bit dancy too!  Next I had Cam in the pool - which is always fun!  It's Cam's Fun Pool Workout!  He's just crazy and makes us do insane things, like balancing our knees on a noodle and having to move around the entire pool without falling off... or his crazy McHammer Time in our circle!  I know my arms are sooo going to hate me tomorrow for that!  I was exhausted at the end of the day, so I just stayed in the pool - and had John!  Again, nothing with John is ever easy.  He squeezes every last ounce of power you have in your body!  Don't get me wrong, I love it, but the last class of the day is always hard!

I couldn't wait to go home and shower for dinner.  By the time I got out of the pool, it was actually pretty chilly out.  I wore my CT Crush pants and a tank top to dinner.  I can't believe how big they are.  It's truly amazing how your body just changes shape.  I've really noticed a difference this week.  The girls all have too.  It's just such a great feeling to see how well our hard work is paying off.

After dinner it was great!  I got to talk to the family on Skype!  I think they really got a kick out of it!  I know I did!  It's great to see people when you are talking with them!  Then after a bit of getting Muscles hooked up with Skype and online - we were finally able to talk to him!  It was so great to see him.  He's always in our thoughts!  It was fun to see his place and just see his smile.  It is one of those smiles that can light up the room.  I loved catching up and hopefully we can all keep in touch like this!

Well ya'll it's about that time!  I'm exhausted and need to get some sleep so Tonya can kick my butt again tomorrow!  Have a good night!

Day 8 - Powerhouse Day

I must've eaten my Wheaties today because I kicked some serious butt... and everyone around me noticed it.

To be on the hike today was amazing.  This is the same hike I did on Thursday.  I went at least a mile and 3/4 further than last time and totally improved my time!  My pace was awesome.  I was on point with Lana the whole time.  She really made for a great hiking partner.  When I did slow down, I would run and catch back up to them.  This is the first time I've ever run on the trail.  Granted, I didn't run for long, but man... I felt powerful.  The music selection truly helped today to get through those tough parts.  There were also a few scary parts today... since I ran through part of it... I was slipping and sliding a bit on the trail.  At one point, towards the end, I slipped, and couldn't get my balance.  I went right into a bush with my right hip... Man... like my father says, when I do something... I do it well... I impaled my hand with a tip from one of the leaves, knocked the heck out of my hip and scrapped it.  It was crazy... but I got right back up and kept going thanks to Lana!

When I got back, I had pool with Tonya.  I loved it today because she called me out to demo a few things today.  Not only that... but what she said to all of them was pretty cool.  She said, "This is Stephanie.  Today Stephanie came to me with exciting news.  She had a good number at the weigh in this weekend, and she'll share it with you if she wants.  But Stephanie here is always giving it her all.  She doesn't know when to quit or stop, she gives and give and that's why she had a great number this week."  And I'm sitting there... thinking... oh my god... Tonya see's that I'm working that hard... nice!  It really felt great to hear and get the applause from the group.  The weird part of today was that we were missing our buddies Rob & Josh!  It's weird to be here without them.  We were all together in the classes laughing... and we'll see how the newbies do.  They aren't comfortable yet to fool around, like the rest of us!  Every time we had to do an exercise to work out our arms, a smile would come to my face because of the Gun Show!  Miss you guys!

After class I realized... Oh CRAP... I have Tonya again today for a private session... God... am I gonna die!  The best part about Tonya is she is always asking about your goals and what you want.  She helped me with my hip from earlier first, so at least there wasn't any problems there.  We worked it all!  I LOVE working with her.  She just has a really cool way to push me to do things. I love the way she makes he keep going and not even realize I already did the amount she wanted me to, but makes me keep going.  It's awesome.  I swung the ropes, which is something I've wanted to do since I got here.  I lifted crazy amounts of weight.  And then she got me back on Jacobs ladder.  I did it while talking to her for over a minute at about 50 speed.  She starts laughing and is just like... do you realize what you just did.  Now you're going to push it for two minutes and get it up to an 80.  And I did!  Talk about being on a great high!  It was awesome!  I felt so amazing!

I went to lunch - which Amy had saved for me, since I was with Tonya during lunch.  I took it outside to eat during a session on Eating Out we were supposed to attend.  I was EXHAUSTED!  So exhausted, that I fell asleep during the workshop!  OMG!  I couldn't believe it!  So I finally went back to the room and slept for 30 minutes before my next class.  I was so out of it I didn't even hear Kim come back!  I got up when she left, dressed for the pool and ran out there!

We had Kareen for pool which is always fun.  The worst part of it... I was still completely exhausted.  I pushed it as hard as I could and after class, went and grabbed a banana from the dining hall.  I needed something as a pick me up to get me through Circuit.  In Circuit, Terri worked us!  I started on the right side, so I could work legs finally.  I've done soo much work on my arms, that I thought I would give legs a chance!  On the way out of class, Amy gave me a Shot Block so I could get some energy back for the final class.

We get outside and who is it... Tonya again... I honestly wanted to turn around and run!  She is amazing... but MAN... having one of the toughest trainers 3 times a day!  HOLY CRAP!  All I can say after this class is "I LOVE MY CORE!"  She killed us during this class.  I truly entered hell.  The worst part of all is half way through I sit up, she's right in my face, and what do I do... yawn!  OMG!  I wanted to die.  She laughed... she gave me crap, but she knew how hard I worked today!  The class ended with a challenge.  She wanted us to hold planks.  It's a position where you're resting on your arms and you're up on your toes at the same time.  Here's a pic that I found online of a plank.  It's an ab exercise to strengthen your core.  Well, it was a contest to see who can hold one the longest.  I came in 2nd place.  I held my for 3 mins and 15 seconds.  Chantal, who went the longest, held hers for 3 mins and 30 seconds.  The best part about it was I beat the guys who Tonya was really giving the challenge to!  I LOVED IT!  Granted, I think I shook the last 30 seconds that I held it.  But it was really cool!

At the end of class, Kim and I came back to get ready for dinner.  I think this is the slowest I've moved since I've been here.  But GOD!  It was an amazing day with a few firsts!  I'm really proud of how hard I worked today and how I "Stayed Strong" throughout the entire day!  When we got to dinner Tonya was getting ready to leave and I asked for a picture!  She laughed... she said, it's not even the last day... But I told her I wanted to remember the hell she put me through today!  God, I love her!  My body hates her, but I love her!

Throughout dinner, I iced my knees, because they are paying for the hard work today!  We hung outside for a bit with Paul, who is a guy who is here for 12 weeks.  He looks amazing!  He's such a great guy!  He actually came over to the group and complemented me about the planks.  I couldn't believe it!  It was really cool to hear that coming from him, who is sooo amazing!

Well folks, that's all I have for today!  I'm exhausted so I'm going to bed!  I'll write more tomorrow!

Days 6 & 7

Hey all,

It's been a fun few days, so I haven't had a chance to post!  The BEST part of all has been the weigh in this morning.  I'm down 6.4 pounds for this week which is HUGE.  I worked my ass off and I can't wait to really push it this week.  I'm officially down 41 pounds.  I'm just so amazed.  A good friend told me today that I need to be strong and that I can push it for next week.  I know I can.  My overall goal is to be down 50 pounds before school starts.  That will sooo amaze the kids!  I know it's amazing the hell out of me right now.  I feel so great right now.  I have never had energy like this.

I've learned that I can deal with anything that is put in my path.  I can run on the treadmill... and yesterday I finally tried the dreaded Jacobs Ladder yesterday during Cardio Circuit.  I did it for 1 min 30 seconds.  Now I know that doesn't sound like a lot, but I was told by my trainer that most people only make it for 20 seconds on their first try.  My goal by the end of the week is to hit it for at least 5 mins.  I know I can do it!

Yesterday was a pretty good day.  I didn't end up doing the hike because my knee was a bit sore... I was an idiot and whacked it on the table, so I thought I would stay back in the Cardio classes.  I started the morning off by 15 mins on the treadmill, which I ran about 5 of them and then I had Kickboxing.  I LOVE it!  I worked so hard in the class.  It's just such a great release for me, just like football used to be when I played for The Crush!  From there it was all about Cardio Circuit and Ursula worked us hard!  Then we had a pool class with Cameron.  He had us try some, well... strange things like balancing the weights under our knees while lifting other weights.... honestly... we didn't work too hard in that.  Most of us just floated and then played a few games with the ball!

We tried to nap... but you know how that goes for me.  I can't relax... so I texted with Jenn most of the time! :)  From there, Rob and I hung out by the pool and just talked.  He's so easy to talk to, that it's great.  We shared fun stories of the past.

Later on in the night we headed to the movies to go out for an adventure.  We went to go see Cowboys and Aliens... SAVE YOUR MONEY!  It was ok... Well... it was honestly kinda stupid.  But we all had a great time!

When we got up it was time for my weigh in.. and you all know how that went!  Breakfast - we had an omelet bar which rocked and we got our bag lunches for the day - PBJ, apples, cucs, string cheese and an apple!  We grabbed that and headed to the outlets!  Lana, Michelle, Rob and I went.  It was a great trip!  We got there for 10 am when the outlets opened and left around 3 ish!  A great time was had by all!  Michelle and Lana hardcore shopped and Rob and I went all around the 3 separate plazas.   We truly walked the whole thing!  It was great.  We had so much fun just hanging out!  He got some great suits, which, if I do say so myself, he looked pretty hot in!  And we found him a great Armani watch for an unbelievable price!  We did a ton of laughing which is always good and really just got know each other better!  I really value his friendship.  He is one of a kind and pretty special! And yes, he looks like he should be in the Soprano's!  He does that face with every suit he tried on!  Priceless!

<-You have to love doing the Gun Show in a Suit!

When we came back, we started to see some of the newbies arrive for this week.  I can't believe I've been here for over a week already.  It's crazy to see the transformation, not only in my body, but in my mind.  I have spent a lot time working on me... and I really like it!

Here's a group shot of Michelle, Rob and I after shopping today

Then we hung out in our favorite spot by the pool just relaxing before dinner.  It was really starting to hit all of us that Rob was leaving.  He has been such a huge part of our group this week.  He's been our motivator when we needed a kick in the ass... he's been the comic relief when we really needed to laugh - through the gun show - I don't think I will be able to picture any class without him flexing!  So we asked him to grace us with the presence of the gun show and his single handed push ups... a good time was had by all!

 Tonight was even more special because I had the chance to meet my amazing roommate Kim's family.  They came to visit her today!  I told her husband how excited I was that she could stay with us and got to talk to her kids who are great too!  Before they left, I took her husband aside and thanked him again because not only is he helping her, by letting her stay another week, but it's helping me too.  I could not imagine another person to have as a roommate!  I love you Kim!

Dinner for first nights is great.  We all go around and introduce ourselves and give advice.  It's a fun time... but in the middle... it was time to say goodbye.  Robs car arrived and we went into the lobby for our final good byes.  Honestly... this was a lot harder than I ever thought it was going to be.  I didn't realize how much I've depended on him for strength... but again... he told me to be strong and that I can do it... and to watch over the girls... and that he'll check in with us throughout the week making sure we're ok.  We took a few final pictures and gave our last hugs goodbye... I did my best to hold back the tears.  Rob - I'm truly going to miss you - but I know you're only a phone call, txt or Skype away... until next time! :)

That's the thing here, you don't have to be afraid to show how you feel here... everyone is here to pick you back up and make you even stronger... Michelle & the Kim's - I can't thank you all enough.  I love you!  This place turns you into something more than just friends... you are connected in something deeper.  I know that I will forever have a special place in my heart for those that meet here.  God... seeing Josh leave last night and Rob tonight... Next week is going to suck when it's time to leave...  I don't know how I am actually going to be able to leave all of these great friends.

I also got to talk to Mom & Dad tonight!  That is always fun!  I love how Dad was telling me to drink water... hmmm... I seem to remember that being some elses' issue!  Hmmm... Funny!  The night ended with the hot tub and talking to first weeks.  It's going to be a great week!  I can do it... and I'm gonna kick ass!

And thanks to Dan for our AWESOME talk tonight!  I could not imagine my life without you!  And Facetime is sooo much fun!

Love you all!  Thanks for your constant support!

Stephanie