The Red Bikini Lady....

Body for Life Champion and Liftime Achievement Award Winner, Michelle Lee. "page-a-day" memoir of the steps I took during a journey to my first Body Building and Figure Competition and beyond. (c)2008 all rights reserved by blog author

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Location: Minnesota, United States

I'm at an age when many women believe their best years are behind them. I hope to convince my "Sisters" that many more of those "best years" are waitng to be lived! I'm living proof it is never to late to live them. Not to long ago I weighed nearly 200 pounds and was being treated for a long list of obesity related medical problems. Thankfully there came a point in my life when I decided to keep my self promises. When I did...my life opened to a world of possibilities.

Friday, June 17, 2005

Red Bikini Society....

Greetings.
I am moving ever so much closer to putting the finishing touches on the Red Bikini Society Website. The membership cards and buttons are ordered. My new webmaster to building a great new site where we can post photos, communicate and formally establish new chapters.
I hope to have things in place by the first week in July. Until then..
The current site is up and running.
Check it out when you have a moment.
www.redbikinisociety.com

What's next?

Now that I have been working at the Body for Life program for a few years...I am starting to notice an interesting development among those who have successfully completed their transformations. It goes without saying they are all healthier, stronger and have that BFL Glow. But---there is so much more happening here.

Earlier this week BFL Champ, Tracy Jeffries mentioned in one of her blogs that she has a Dream Journal in which she writes down her dreams. Its a really great idea.
Putting things down on paper make them real. They become nagging little reminders of what we can become if we do the work to make them come true.

Several of my other BFL Buddies are starting to go after their dreams. Some are studying to become personal trainers. One is working on a book. Another is working to compete in her first Body sculpting/fitness contest. Another is starting a new job...and yet another is starting a small business.

Before Body for Life--not one of them would have dreamed they would be where they are today...on the verge of breaking out of their "safe place" and and on the verge of touching the stars.

It is so simple to see what all of these buddies have in common. They changed their mind, they changed their body...and now, empowered the are changing their lives.

Take Tracy Jeffries idea of a dream journal and run with it! Your new life is waiting. You deserve it!

Wednesday, June 15, 2005

It's all in the timing....

Our trusty old 1989 Volvo (our third car used for backup and trips to town) died on the way to the gym on Monday. It actually slowed to a crawl and we almost made it to a parking spot. Thanks to our strong arms and backs my husband and I managed to push it the last few feet and when he set the parking brake we looked at one another..and smiled.

Now in the old days, we would have gotten upset, called a wreaker to haul it to the junk yard (it has 280 thousand miles on it). And missed out workout.

The new days?
We kept smiling, he grabbed his gym bag and we went in and had a great workout. Later in the afternoon we got the Volvo over to our family mechanic for a diagnosis. As suspected it was the timing belt. My husband's wallet is about 200 dollars lighter...but the Volvo is back, in tip top shape complete with a new water pump to boot...and reassurance that it will probably go another 100 thousand miles.

I can't help think that I'm a lot like that old Volvo. Especially before I got my timing fixed. I had lots of miles, but I managed to keep going. Then one day I just stopped moving forward. Thankfully I learned about a sound plan for repairs. I invested a little time and money and today, just Like our trusty backup car..I have at least another 100 thousand miles or so in reserve!

Don't wait until all those minor problems drive you into the junkyard. Pick up a repair book (BFL book ) today and begin to invest the time and money needed to keep yourself on the road.

It really is all in the timing.

Tuesday, June 14, 2005

Looking for a great deal?

I just came across a website that may be of interest to a lot of my Body for Life Buddies out there. You can find it at www.easadvantedge.com
The site offers the opportunity to sign up for a free copy of a little magazine with mighty big ideas called AdvantEdge. AdvantEdge is devoted to Energy, Beauty, Heart and Body. Its the perfect size to fit in your gym bag or purse!

I've just received my copy. Its as good as the nutrition bars that share its name!
AdvantEdge the magazine is packed full of nutritious treats for the mind. Articles include, Office Yoga; 6 moves for staying fit and stress-free. Energy Everywhere; 9 ways to get more energy....and Live your Life well; your guide to radiant health through the ages.

This slick and colorful little mag is edited by Gretchen Ferraro. I had the honor of meeting Gretchen when my husband and I traveled to Golden, Colorado for the Champion's weekend hosted by EAS. Some of you may recognize her name. Gretchen was the editor in chief of Energy For Women Magazine.
Gretchen you hit a home run on this one!! I have read it from cover to cover and will be incorporating the advice from your experts into my new lifestyle at every opportunity....To Energize my life!

I know I sound like a commercial today...but, please pull up the website at www.easadvantedge.com and consider ordering your free copy of AdvantEdge and Energize your Life!

(Special message to my guy BFL Buddies....you'll want to get a copy for your significant other...and when it arrives--don't be afraid to skim through it. Those office exercises will destress anyone!)

Your Buddy,
Michelle

Monday, June 13, 2005

Fail to plan...plan to fail

My husband and I are planning to visit Albuquerque later this month as part of our vacation to New Mexico. Vacations have always ment a "free pass" to eat what ever I want and put my Body for Life program on hold...but not this time around!
With some help from my husband and a Great BFL Buddy in the Sunny Southwest, this time I have a plan to continue and succeed during this my Ultimate 12 week challenge.

My plan:
-First all our hotels/motels have swimming pools and work out rooms.
-Second I am stocked up on by EAS Bars and Shakes to make sure I am always close to a meal.
-And third...I plan to surround myself with some BFL buddies midway through our vacation.

One of my BFL buddies, Ray in Albuquerque started his latest challenge the same time I did. During the Champions for Life cruise I mentioned we'd be down in New Mexico in June and he suggested we look him up.
Now the old Michelle (before BFL) would have said something pleasant like..."that would be nice" and forget the idea.
The new Michelle (stronger and more confident) emailed Ray this weekend and suggested a meet-up for coffee, lunch or dinner...and a chance to talk BFL. I suggested he invite along his BFL buddies in New Mexico.

Ray is busy pulling something together right now and I am so excited! There is nothing better in the middle of a challenge than to surround yourself with BFL'ers working to accomplish their personal best!

I know it's short notice. But because of our travel plans we only have one day and one city that this meet-up will work. Sunday, June 26 in Albuquerque.
If you think you'd like to join us...please contact my buddy, Ray. He's left a message and his email address on the BFL guestbook today and is asking for an RSVP.

If you can make it...I'd love to meet you and hear your success story! And believe me...meeting Ray will be worth stopping by!
Your BFL Buddy,
Michelle


On Sunday, June 26th.