Randy's Renovation: When You Are Thankful For What You Have, You Share....

This is the time of year where everybody is thankful. Where you slow down and are thankful for everything you have gotten over the previous year. At the end of August, my life took a dramatic turn. Me and Melody decided to change our lives. We wanted to be healthy and lose weight. The journey has been exciting, but it hasn't been easy either, I am very thankful for all my friends and family who have helped me to keep going. Your words of encouragement have meant the world to me. There were a couple of times where I was really doubting myself, but when I read back on some of the things people sent to me on Facebook, it really energized my batteries again to get going. Thank you so much for the love you have shown both of us and your kind words!

There are two special people I really want to thank for helping us make our dreams a reality. My trainer, the owner of Warrior's Den Health and Fitness, Jared Hardcastle, and our Weight Watcher sponsor, Nanci Noakes.

Most of my friends know how special Jared is to me. I've known Jared since he was a little tyke. I coached his older brother Colin, in little league football when he was 12 years old and that was nearly 20 years ago. He was a toddler running around the football field playing in the dirt. As he grew up, my oldest son, Colton and Jared became classmates in school and teammates in sports. I've watched him go from a little blonde headed kid running around bugging his brother to running a successful business, and being married with a darling little daughter and another on the way. It's sort of funny how I used to yell and encourage him at games to see him yelling and encouraging me now on my journey. He has made it fun and is constantly helping me with my workouts. From teaching me new stuff to do that helps me get more healthy, to even showing me the proper way to do the exercise so I don't get hurt. It takes a lot to train a fat boy with two bad knees from surgery! Thank you Jared for all you do for me!

Now Nanci, is one of the greatest sponsors I could ask for! What makes Nanci special to me, is she is a lifetime member of Weight Watchers. She has gone through the program and succeeded! She understands the struggles we face each day making the right decisions. She understands that not everyone likes broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, or a lot of those other vegetables that are healthy for you. She knows how hard it is to choose an orange over chocolate. I have wrote several times about her "getting on to me," but she really isn't. Her insight and experience in going through the same program I am, is really invaluable to me! She's just warning me what my bad decisions can lead to, and encouraging to make the right decisions that will better my health. She has taught me to look beyond the scale on weeks when I don't lose as much as I wanted, and to celebrate with others in their success. After all, we are a group on Thursday nights! We're a dedicated group of people on the same journey together. She has taught me I'm not on a diet, I'm changing my lifestyle. I'm no longer sitting

on the couch eating junk food, but I'm getting out, being active and eating healthy. She is part counselor, part teacher, but all friend! Thank you Nanci for everything.!

I haven't weighed in this week yet, so my results are still at 50.6 lbs lost in 13 weeks. I'll post something this weekend after I have weighed in Thursday evening. I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving, and I hope you take the chance and step out to take your own journey!