Hi, I’m Dawn! If you’ve checked out my Bio you know I’m a busy mom & wife who is struggling with stress, & pain from fibromyalgia & old back & knee injuries. I’m used to being physically active & having lots of energy so this is quite difficult for me. Between teaching science & math workshops, homeschooling our 8 year old son, helping my hubby with his start-up engineering business, & all the day-to-day, time-consuming tasks that go with runnning a household, I’ve got plenty to keep me running!  I really struggle to get through the day much of the time so I’m SO  ready to work hard & get my life back!!

Yesterday morning I had a great meeting with Trudi, Patti, & David at Ch 10, & even got to meet fellow contestant Connie!  (She’s such a crack-up!)   What a great bunch of people–I can tell that working with them over the next six months is going to make this experience a lot of fun (to go along with all the hard work).  My meeting today really brought it home to me all the support I have behind me–what a gift this Challenge is for me right now!  I still can’t believe I’m a part of this & I’m grateful for the chance not only to make these essential changes in my life, but to share my journey with others who may face similar challenges. I’ve been antsy to have my 1st meeting with my sponsor, Renew Integrative Health Center, & now  Ijust can’t wait to get going on my plan of action!

Yesterday was a full day for me (5 am to 10 pm) starting with my meeting in the morning & by the time I got home & everyone was in bed I was completely wiped out.   :-P     So, no blogging yesterday, even though mentally I was super-energized & ready to get started.  Then today I had another one of my ‘bad’ mornings & couldn’t wake up (I’m not sure, but I think this is part of the fibromyalgia) & I slept intil 12:15!  The cold I’ve been fighting decided to settle in too while I prepared to teach workshops tomorrow out of my home. (I’m teaching science over the summer & two friends are teaching music & Spanish, so I have a full house here for 3+ hours on Fridays).  I’m so disgusted with myself!  Can’t I even have a long day without it totally knocking me on my butt??   :-(

I’m happy though that I did manage to get some quick thoughts down today, & I’ve been even more careful than usual to eat a healthy diet now that I’m part of the Challenge, so I do feel I’m making positive steps even if I’m not working out.  I figure that right now the most important things I can do until I work with Renew on mapping out my health strategy is to rest, eat well, stretch out, & above all, keep my ‘eye on the prize’–the prize being my health!!