My "why"

My why is a little bit different than everyone else's and a bit longer :) Of course the main reason for the challenge was the fundraising effort, but it was more than that for me.

The back story: In September of 2011, one of the most amazing things happened to me...I met the guys in my second favorite band, Buckcherry. It was one of the best days of my life. I was so happy. My favorite band member is Xavier, the drummer (and I am positive I sounded like a babbling idiot the entire time I talked to him because he's gorgeous and one of my idols) but I managed to ask him to smile in our picture together. He did. So did I...a big one! We both smiled perfectly and I look so happy! It was a beautiful thing...a totally AWESOME day, event, experience...
Until I saw the picture...
oh, yeah, HE looks great (how could he not, even on his worst day? lol)
BUT...
I hated everything about ME in that picture. I hated the shape of my body, how huge I looked next to him, my stomach was the worst, my neck, my arms, just EVERYTHING about my weight. I was overweight and I could see it. I was so out of shape and I COULD SEE IT.
I was embarrassed to share that picture and it made me sad.
I mean who really cares what my body looks like when I am this happy, right???

Who cares? Obviously, I finally did! I cropped out all the "bad" parts and kept our smiling faces to share the pic of one of the happiest days of my life.

It was time for change.

Fast forward 5 months to February 14, 2012 to Another day that changed my life...one of the toughest.
I was running late for work by about 5 minutes. My boss (and close friend outside of work) was on the job site already (where I should have been) where a piece of the steel Substation structure (that was being built) fell on her. She did nothing wrong. She was doing her job, just at the wrong place at the wrong time. She ended up with a broken ribs and a broken back and has still not returned to work and never will. :(

Finally in May of 2012, three months later, when I realized my boss's life was changed forever...I started to change my life.
Why? Because I CAN! I am physically able! Anyone who CAN, should! just because they can!

A year and a half later, I am over 50 pounds lighter and have lost 4 sizes! with a few setbacks and some life struggles along the way, I am more determined to reach my goals, now more than ever.

About 5 weeks ago, I started a "one ingredient challenge" with my personal trainer to keep me on track through the holidays. I am on the final week of that challenge, and I did not do the one ingredient part during Christmas week only. (woohoo!) This week is the final week of that challenge and the first week of this new challenge.
Perfect timing for this challenge because it gave me 6 more weeks to stay on track...

which brings me to my WHY for this challenge...
I have another meet and greet with Buckcherry on 2/22!! This challenge will end about a week and a half prior to that.
I was given an opportunity, a second chance...a chance for another picture! :) My "comparison" picture! The picture that changed my life and a new one that shows the change!
I truly want to look my best for this picture... I don't want to hate it. I want it to show how happy I am and I want to LOVE it.

I CAN and I will...if for no other reason than I worked so hard for it.