Colona, Illinois
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MaxForm 2010 Bio
Member Since:
Wednesday, September 30th, 2009
Interests:
"Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up."
Thomas Edision (1847-1931)
I have finally reached the point of Determination & I will not give up. I am willing to do what it takes to get to the Winners Circle. And I will not let anything or anyone get in my way of success!
I am 45, married & the mother of two. I have worked in the business field every since I was in high school. I am a very hard worker & forever putting in a ton of extra hours. But, with no appreciation from my employer. This left me with very little time to spend with my family. Let alone doing something for myself. I am telling you that extra hard work does not seem to get you anywhere. I have had several places of employment that went out of business & then I was without a job. As a matter fact I was just laid off this September after being there 4 years & just trained 5 new employees to open another office. And I was the only one to get laid off. The 5 new people that I had trained got to stay. On top of all that my home life has not been good for several years. I have been though alot of mental abuse and pain. Any where from having a miscarriage after trying for 3 years. And then being left by yourself to deal with the pain. To being asked for a divorce several times & getting my oldest child involved. Then I had lost my dad to cancer at the age of 60 in 2002. And about one year later I lost my father in law to cancer. Of course this has lead to depression, anixety & therapy. The doctor has put me on different medications to be able to cope with everything. With trying to please everyone & find time to spend with my kids I was always the one that suffered. My weight has been up & down all though out this. I also found myself escaping in several drinks. Of course I was not going to give up my drinking. I was going to do everything but that. Well that does not work.
I have always had the love for good nutrition & working out to stay fit. I even worked at a Gym part time but only at the front desk. I would wait until the end of my shift & work out. But, no one ever told me if I was lifting correctly. I have done Jazzercise & purchased a number of the newest workout videos. Of course I have tried most all of the latest diet plans & pills. They would always work but just for a short time.
I have never been much of a reader especially any of those Love Novels they are just not realistic to me. But, you give me a book about nutrition & exercise that is totally a different story. I will not put the book down for anything and there have been times where I find myself reading it over & over again. I think some of my family members have even referred to me as a "nutrition nerd". Oh well that is who I am. As matter of fact how I found out about Max Muscle was the car. I was following it one day on my way back to work. So, I went back to the office & searched to figure out what it was all about. I have now been going into Max Muscle now for two years. I hate to say this but I have wasted some of my money. It was not the fault of the Max Muscle staff it was mine. Karen & Scott were always there to answer any of my questions. I would always say that I would be back in for an assessment but never seemed to find or make the time. I remember Scott talking about the 2009 Challenge everytime I would come in. There were even a few times where I thought I might give it a try but never did. In February 2009 I was rear ended in an auto accident which took a few months to recover. So, by the next time I went in it was too late to join. So, I never thought about it again.
But, at some point in your life things seem to get out of control. And you tend to lose track of yourself & well being. Along with you self esteem and confidence.
I am sure some of us have learned that the older you get the harder it is to keep the weight off. Plus, you start running into other health issues if you are not taking care of yourself. I have had heart issues in the past & even surgery in 2004. After surgery I was ok for awhile but my blood pressure would always get way out of control mainly around winter time. This is when I would put the weight back on & stop execising. Well the Doctor finally said it was time for high blood pressure medicine. It is now under control & my goal is to be to go off the medication along with some others when I am done with this transformation.
I do have several other interest that I enjoy! But, my main interest however are my two children. Without them my world is not complete they are my everything.
This is one of the many reasons I am joining the Challenge. I want to be here to see the grow up. I also want to be able to do things with them without running out of breath or coming up with an excuse why I cant because I didn't feel good. I was at the point where I didn't even want to look at myself in the mirror. I would also try to escape with a cocktail but I found myself becoming very depressed. The real kicker for me was when I went to get my very 1st assessment. Yes, I finally made that decision to go back & take the advice of Scott & Karen to get that assessment. I never looked at myself as being obese. But, when I got my results it scared me to death. And with my heart problems along with them running in my family this was not good. So I said enough is enough. It was time to stop feeling sorry myself & do something about it.
With me making this lifestyle change I hope to teach my kids and others the importance of healthy eating & exercise that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.
With the rising numbers of overweight children & illness something has to be done to stop this. Kids don't get outside like they should. I mean how can they with the newest video games or the fast food restaurants making all the portion sizes bigger & staring them in the face.
I know some states have started programs to help children learn a healthier but fun lifestyle. I would love to join hands with them to make this world a better place. I also want them to be able love themselves for who they are & be all they can be.
I finally figured out the importance of having a trainer, following the proper nutrition program & supplments. These are all the key ingredients to becoming the new you! Of course you might have to add a little more of one of them at some point in your progress. But, I am confident that this will last me a life time. Because all my life I have been missing at least of one of them.
My heartfilled thanks goes out to everyone at the Max Muscle Store in Bettendorf Iowa. I appreciate the support & confindence that you gave me. You know are a part of my family!!!
Recent Articles
Wow The Days Are Flying By….
March 17, 2010
Welcome to MaxForm “Flight” 2010! Can you believe that we only have 105 days left to reach that final destination to the finish line? Time is flying by and I can’t believe that I have alr... Full Article
Finding Your Joy!
March 16, 2010
Our lives are rich with potential sources of happiness, but sometime we become victims of negative thinking. However, when we choose to focus on what makes us happy it helps shift your tho... Full Article
Going Down
March 12, 2010
I went in for my weekly assessment yesterday the QC Max Muscle Store! Yes, I have lost another 2 lbs which brings me to 153.50. My Body Fat % went down .80% so I am now at 20%. I am so ex... Full Article
MaxForm 2010 Status
Body Fat:
20%
BMI:
23.26
Weight:
153lbs
Goals:
Lose 1 to 2 lbs per week, build muscle & lower body fat in the 20% range by March. I will be going every two weeks for my assessments at Max Muscle. Plus, I will also be taking my measurments on those days to track my progress. My goal is for my weight to be 150 or under with my Body Fat % Under 20% by the end of the contest.
Activity Level:
I have now kicked up my activity level to 1 hour 4 to 5 days of Weight lifting & Cardio. I am also going to be lifting heavier weights as I go. Of course this is still all with the help of my awesome trainer & partner making sure I switch things up & doing them the correct way.
Planning Meals:
I study my Nutrition Plan that was designed just for me by Karen & Scott at Max Muscle in Bettendorf, Iowa. Then I plan what I am having for the week before I go to the grocery store. While I am off work looking for a job I will be taking advantage of more meal planning & getting my kids involved as well. I will even be taking a field trips to the grocery with my trainer to give me some ideas on what to shop for. However, if anyone has any easy but good recipes I am always looking for new ones to add to my menu!!
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Teresa Bravata is wishing everyone a Happy St. Patricks Day!
“Message” posted by dakelly today..
And of course I forgot to say in my message, "HAPPY St. Paddy's Day!"
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“Message” posted by miracleman Sunday, March 14th, 2010
I just glanced at your gallery of pic. Super progress! You look great and I know you will continue to improve.
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“Message” posted by TWarr69 Friday, March 12th, 2010
I just noticed the title of one of your blogs called, "The incredible shrinking woman" That was the title I used in a couple of my blogs last year. You are looking relly good...congrats!
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“Message” posted by Artmommy Friday, March 12th, 2010
I hope your hubby is as proud of your progress as I am! You are an inspiration! I've been having problems staying focused because of family problems, but your dedication has renewed my faith and determination. I am going to the gym tonight to celebrate! BTW, I also LOVE leg day but my legs don't look half as good as yours do. What's your favorite exercise for legs?
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“Message” posted by bonnie Thursday, March 11th, 2010
Thank you for the suggestion did the treadmill tonite at 14.5 incline. Keep up the good work
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“Message” posted by dakelly Thursday, March 11th, 2010
Yep, I am following my nutrition plan. I am thinking I am going to finally get a trainer for the last 3 months. I talked to one today at the gym. Thanks for sharing, I just thought my calorie intake was high, but yours is even higher! GREAT job, keep up the awesome job - you are inspiring me to do better. Your kids have a lot to be proud of!!
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“Message” posted by valeriav Wednesday, March 10th, 2010
Pictures Look great!!! Keep it up.
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“Message” posted by dakelly Tuesday, March 9th, 2010
Well? Where are your photos? Haha. I just use my self timer on my camera, hate posing for people, and my husband NEVER sees me with the lights on (BIG SMILE)! That's soon to change! Check in with ya later!
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“Message” posted by tbravata Friday, March 5th, 2010
The results are in from my assessment!! So one down one to go & that is getting my progress photos posted & I will work on that this weekend. Peace out!!
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“Message” posted by tbravata Thursday, March 4th, 2010
I will be doing my weekly assessment today or tomorrow. I also still need to get my 3 month pixs taken but my photography has been to busy this week. So, my plan is to have that all by the weekend. I will keep you updated!
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“Message” posted by miracleman Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010
You can never go wrong with a Wizard of Oz or Nike reference! Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment on my last article! You have made a nice addition to the other inspirational testimonies given. Thanks again and keep up the good work. I am looking forward to seeing your next pics/progress report. Let me know when you post them.
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“Message” posted by dakelly Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010
Yea, the cold has got me down and out. I just wrote an article and mentioned you for checking in on me :-)
I am hopeful I will be able to do something tonight, a little cardio or P90X. Feeling weak.
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“Message” posted by bluchel1@msn.com Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010
Good morning! I didn't go to see a show yet...planning on seeing one this month in Missoula, MT. I did go to a posing clinic which helped alot with how to flex, pose, walk, rules, etc. It was way out of my comfort zone...which is what this journey is all about:)
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“Message” posted by titanstar Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010
Hey there, I hope things are going well! I was looking over some business material last week and came across a simple article that I had from quite some time ago. It is from a business coach that I get articles, etc. from sometimes. It helped me get focused again. I hope you enjoy it too. Change Begins With Choice by Jim Rohn
Any day we wish; we can discipline ourselves to change it all. Any day we wish; we can open the book that will open our mind to new knowledge. Any day we wish; we can start a new activity. Any day we wish; we can start the process of life change. We can do it immediately, or next week, or next month, or next year.
We can also do nothing. We can pretend rather than perform. And if the idea of having to change ourselves makes us uncomfortable, we can remain as we are. We can choose rest over labor, entertainment over education, delusion over truth, and doubt over confidence. The choices are ours to make. But while we curse the effect, we continue to nourish the cause. As Shakespeare uniquely observed, "The fault is not in the stars, but in ourselves." We created our circumstances by our past choices. We have both the ability and the responsibility to make better choices beginning today. Those who are in search of the good life do not need more answers or more time to think things over to reach better conclusions. They need the truth. They need the whole truth. And they need nothing but the truth.
We cannot allow our errors in judgment, repeated every day, to lead us down the wrong path. We must keep coming back to those basics that make the biggest difference in how our life works out. And then we must make the very choices that will bring life, happiness and joy into our daily lives.
And if I may be so bold to offer my last piece of advice for someone seeking and needing to make changes in their life - If you don't like how things are, change it! You're not a tree. You have the ability to totally transform every area in your life - and it all begins with your very own power of choice.
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“Message” posted by build2010body Monday, March 1st, 2010
Teresa, thanks for your support. I am going to update my photos and hang in there. You are looking great.
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“Message” posted by jamesodekirk Monday, March 1st, 2010
How did the hoops tournament turnout? I have coached probabably too many aau tournaments in my day. lol - My youngest is playing junior college basketball in wyoming this season. He had a problem and had to redshirt this year but will back on the court next year for his sophmore season.
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“Message” posted by dakelly Monday, March 1st, 2010
Ugh, I think I caught your cold through the computer!! Or from my hubby :-)
Can't wait to see your updated pics. I did the same yesterday. Sorry to read about your son's fingers! I still have computer problems too, have to be very creative to get to a page sometimes...
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“Message” posted by bluchel1@msn.com Sunday, February 28th, 2010
Hope you're having a wonderful weekend! I love that pink bikini!
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“Message” posted by tbravata Sunday, February 28th, 2010
It has been a crazy weekend so I have not been able to post an article on my most recent results. My son has been in a Basketball Shoot Out all weekend out of town. My poor kid jammed his finger right at half time during his second game and he has one more today. But, he has his fingers taped & ready to play. Plus, I don't know about you but I continue to have computer issues. I will also be taking some updated progress pictures tomorrow so I will just post those & my updated results all in one. I hope everyone is having a great weekend. Everyone is looking sooooo awesome so keep up the good work why because we are the CHAMPIONS!!!! Take care & Peace out!!!
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“Message” posted by coordinator Saturday, February 27th, 2010
I LOVE YOU!!!!!! ;) Hope you are havin' a great weekend!
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“Message” posted by PFunk Saturday, February 27th, 2010
Fear of Change
Fear of change can keep you in a soul-crushing job, a bad relationship, or a physically destructive lifestyle. Ask yourself; is the devil-you-know approach good enough for you? Is your life making you happy? If you answered no to either of those questions, WHAT do you have to lose by embracing change?
The truth is, things should be changing ” your body is changing, your habits are changing, your attitude is changing. This might be the point where, because of so much change, you're starting to freak out a little bit. You might be asking yourself, What will all this change mean” to my life's direction, my relationships, my identity?
LAST CHANCE WORK OUT!
See my new photos!
HOW ARE YOU DOING?
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“Message” posted by dakelly Friday, February 26th, 2010
Hi Teresa, sorry to see you have a cold. My husband has one and I'm kind of hoping he doesn't pass it on to me!!!! Get better soon, but way to go powering through the workouts!
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“Message” posted by build2010body Friday, February 26th, 2010
Thanks Teresa, you look great. My problem is with my trainer whom I pay in advance and quite well. He told me about the challege because he works for the Max store. I am disappointed that he keeps giving me excuses for over a month about giving me my stats and meal plan. Now that I have voiced my real problem with the challenge, I can move from here and do what is best for me. I am so grateful for you and the other friends who are encouraging me. Thank you.
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“Message” posted by tbravata Thursday, February 25th, 2010
Even though the sun is out today in the Midwest it is still extremely cold. It makes it very hard to want to even step foot outside. To top it off I have been fighting a cold or sinus infection since the end of last week. Therefore, I have had zero energy and I have found myself doing a ton of extra sleeping. However, when it comes time to getting ready for my workout I revert back to the story from when I was kid of The Little Engine That Could. So when I am all finished and I have reached over that hill I tell myself I thought could, I thought could all the way home!!! Never Give Up!!!
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“Message” posted by allmax24-7 Thursday, February 25th, 2010
Glad to hear things are going good for you. The weather isn't to bad, yesterday it rain all day, but today its sunny so can't complain. 9 degrees out that's pretty cold. I know whats that's like I went to college in Missouri many cold days/night. Well have a great day and stay warm....
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“Message” posted by miracleman Thursday, February 25th, 2010
Hi there! I have something that might be of interest...check out my article titled, "What Have Been Your Trials? Keys To Overcoming Odds?" It's nice to hear other people's stories, challenges, how their overcoming those challenges, and I'd like you to share also. I shared some of mine to start things off.
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“Message” posted by bonnie Wednesday, February 24th, 2010
thanks for the invite. Your looking awesome.
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“Message” posted by takin.it.off Wednesday, February 24th, 2010
wow! just saw your "before" pic... you are looking amazing!!!
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“Message” posted by coordinator Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010
How far are you from marion???
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“Message” posted by coordinator Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010
You can have tix to my gun show anytime lady!!! LOL Great chatting with you today...LOVES!!!
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“Message” posted by janaepae Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010
OMG you look so tiny now. :) Are you doing a lot of cardio???
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“Message” posted by janaepae Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010
Looking great pretty lady! !!!!! Thanks for the pointers ! ! !
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“Message” posted by allmax24-7 Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010
Hey there how are things going? Let all your friends know about the challenge, entry ends on March 31st.
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“Message” posted by dpettijohn Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010
What a difference 2 months make!!! You look great! I love to see the difference in facial expressions as people progress - it makes me smile too.
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“Message” posted by TWarr69 Monday, February 22nd, 2010
Looking good.
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“Message” posted by miracleman Monday, February 22nd, 2010
Thanks for the friend request. I just posted my "End of Month 2" progress article and pics. Month 2 certainly brought some challenges: strained shoulder (no chest for 1.5 weeks), strained neck, and foot strain. All of that was with the regular challenges any working professional goes through. Well, I am headed into month 3 which, essentially is my final month because for months 4 - 6 I will be focused on adding muscle and won't post again until right before the contest ends. I've broken down the contest into two parts: 1) get lean and 2) gain muscle and stay lean. So the first 12 weeks (3 months) are most important for me and is essentially my contest time frame. Gaining muscle is a very long and slow process, so the difference between month 3 and 6, in terms of muscle mass won't be very drastic.
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“Message” posted by coordinator Monday, February 22nd, 2010
OMG!!!!! YOU LOOK BEAUTIFUL!!! Love you lady!!! xoxoxoxoxo
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“Message” posted by dakelly Sunday, February 21st, 2010
Hi Teresa! Great job on getting your pics posted and your results!!!! Way to go. Okay, I am going to include the protein pancake recipe, and I LOVE the bars (my husband does NOT, but oh well) I posted the bar recipe in my last article.
Pancakes (I halved this recipe from Josh and used MaxPro banana and omitted the fresh banana):
Ingredients - 8 egg whites
1.5 cup oatmeal
2.5 tbs brown sugar splenda
1 whole banana
2 tbsp natural peanut butter
2 scoops protein powder (Josh used chocolate)
I blended all in blender and used like regular batter!!! Hope you like them.
Again, great job and keep up the good work!!!!!
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“Message” posted by sweetcheeks70 Saturday, February 20th, 2010
Hey Theresa! How's your weekend going so far? Nothing but snow and more snow here....definitely ready for spring!
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“Message” posted by bluchel1@msn.com Saturday, February 20th, 2010
Just writing to say Hi :) Hope all is going well! You're sounding so positive...love to hear that!
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“Message” posted by dakelly Friday, February 19th, 2010
I just made the protein bars. I can't eat them until tomorrow otherwise I'll be way over my calories for the day!!! I'll let you know how they turned out. I got the pancake recipe from Josh, can't remember his screen name. Go to my page and you should be able to find a comment or blog from him if you want the recipe right away ~ it was in his first article I believe. I halved everything. Otherwise I can get it to you tomorrow or Sunday. Our animals are precious aren't they? I wish they all had homes. Off to the gym!
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“Message” posted by dakelly Friday, February 19th, 2010
Oh, forgot to confirm that yes, that is one of my precious Himalayan in the background. Are you a cat lover? I love both my Maddie and Toby, so does my husband :-) Have a great weekend Teresa if I don't chat with you sooner!!
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“Message” posted by coordinator Friday, February 19th, 2010
Oh, love....THANK YOU for the sweetest message...You really are fantastic. I am putting your number in my phone. I will text you so you have mine. I have unlimited, so feel free to text anytime. I am here for you and cannot wait to see you! Soon... :) MUCH LOVE!!! *Jane*
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“Message” posted by dakelly Thursday, February 18th, 2010
Hi Teresa! I understand about the pictures. I'm still holding onto the belief that my 1000+ department does not know about my participation (unless I win of course) as I don't want them to see me hanging out of a bikini!!!! Yikes, the shame. Have you tried those protein pancakes? Yummy. I'm going to try protein bars this weekend!! Can't wait. So do you know Mike Kratz and Michele Jamison? I haven't seen her on here lately, or Debbie.
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“Message” posted by janaepae Sunday, February 14th, 2010
Awe thank you! <3
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“Message” posted by heavyd Sunday, February 14th, 2010
Where's Colona? I grew up in St. Louis
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“Message” posted by tbravata Sunday, February 14th, 2010
Everyone Have A Heatlhy & Happy Valentines Day!!!
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“Message” posted by janaepae Sunday, February 14th, 2010
Happy V DAY Teresa!
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“Message” posted by dakelly Saturday, February 13th, 2010
No big plans for V-day. Just working out and going out to dinner with the hubby. I'm either going to have steak or scallops I believe!! I'm getting ready to make some of Josh's protein pancakes right now. Have a great day!!!
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“Message” posted by dakelly Friday, February 12th, 2010
Hi Teresa!! Looking forward to the weekend?? I am. I'm going to start working out the "behind" region tonight. Are you still sore from your training the other night??
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