ANOTHER WEEK OF MONK VS SALE

Today is another Monk vs Scale day, with the winner going to myself for another 8 pounds lost. My goal a year ago was to leave the 500's, this goal is long gone. My next goal in October was to leave the 400's and I'm almost to that goal. This journey started with me being 550 plus, I won't stop until the scale says 240 pounds. My journey will continue for the rest of my life with me living a healthy life style and paying it forward to everyone who needs help. In 4 days, I will be getting on a plane and calling Malibu my new home for the Month of March at the Biggest Loser Resort. This is going to be an amazing experience learning how to get healthy. This is a dream come true, everything in the world gets put on hold and each day is all about my health for one Month. Once home in April, reality will kick in as everything I learn will have to be squeezed into my everyday life. I can honestly say this is a blessing to get this type of opportunity. My job will be there, pay check will keep coming, bills paid, and my wonderful family supporting me each day I'm gone. My fiance is the reason this is all possible, with out her stepping up and holding the fort down here at home, this journey doesn't happen for me.

With that being said, it's going to be hard Sunday leaving my family for sure. Each day is getting a little easier with my son being 5 and understanding why his daddy is leaving, he is so freaking smart. Today was our last father and son day before I leave :(, but this could be a good thing. You ask why???? You can see from the picture below that I may be broke if this was a normal occurrence with me going away.I Wouldn't change anything taking place in my life right now for the world, for once everything is going great and I'm getting healthy (saving my life).

Everyone have a great night, I'm going to spend time with my son!!!!!

P.S .... Keep Moving !!!!!

                                          "SPOILED ROTTEN"

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE FAMILY (5 MORE DAYS) BL BOUND

It's all about spending as much time with my family as possible with me leaving in the next five days. Once again, had another busy day getting my shopping done for my trip to BL Resort. After my shopping was done, even took advantage of another beautiful day and walked the park for a few miles before picking my best friend up. Myself and the family had another wonderful night and at sons first hockey game (Capitals vs Islanders). We started the night off with some dinner at Hooters (Salad) before getting to our seats for a 7pm game. What a good time my son had screaming/cheering his little heart out for his favorite team. Capitals came from behind and scored two goals the last three minutes to send the game into Overtime. Of course the GR8 put the puck in the net to send one happy 5 year old home after his first Caps game which was won by his favorite player. With that being said, I'm going to bed so I can spend the day tomorrow with my son before another 48hrs at work. Can't wait until Friday, he doesn't no he is coming to have dinner with me at the firehouse. Whats even better is I have a bed with his name on it, man is he going to be excited. Once I get off work Saturday morning, me and the family will spend Saturday together before getting on that plane Sunday morning. It's time to start my healthy journey at the Biggest Loser Resort in California. I can tell you this has been a very emotional week already and not going to get any better as the days wind down for me to leave.

Good Night ...." Monk vs Scale" in the morning, stay tuned for results in tomorrow nights Blog !!!!

                        LIGHTS OUT "GR8" WINS IT IN OT 3 TO 2

ONE WEEK FROM TODAY I WILL BE IN CALIFORNIA

Today has been an emotional day for me here at work with the thoughts of me leaving my son. This time next Sunday, home for the next Month will be at the Biggest Loser resort in California Malibu. So tonight I'm going to keep it short and give you a quick example of a day at the BL resort !!!

 Every day, you'll be challenged mentally and physically by exhilarating, group-oriented, boot camp-style workouts. Led by compassionate certified trainers and instructors, these sessions will help you stay positively motivated to push yourself above and beyond the limits you thought were possible! Our balanced weekly schedule also includes sessions to refresh your body and soul through peaceful movement and stretching which are integral to maintaining strength and endurance well beyond the end of your stay.

burn fat, build muscle, gain confidence

Our carefully constructed fitness and exercise regimen is designed to help you burn fat, build muscle and gain confidence while simultaneously introducing you to all new activities to explore and enjoy. The workout classes are offered for guests at all fitness levels and may include:

"LOVE THE POOL"

• total toning
• cardio circuit
• total body h20
• ball works
• total body h20
• core strength training
• h20 aquatics
• water aerobics

 "GET SOME"

• cardio intervals
• kickboxing
• free weights workshop
• circuit training
• indoor cycling
• cardio blast
• h20 intervals

• treading
• stretching
• yoga
• pilates
• hiking

As the premier featured workout activity at our resorts, every day begins with an invigorating morning hike in the beautiful outdoors. Led by our professionally-trained hiking guides, these sessions are much more than a leisurely walk; they are fantastic, calorie-burning workout sessions. Each resort site offers different trail options to suit each individual guest's cardio intensity and experience level needs.

"HIKE"

daily schedule (example)

*Schedule has seasonal changes.

morning

• 6:00am stretching class/Open gym
• 7:00am breakfast
• 8:30am hike
• 11:15am total toning class

afternoon

• 12:15pm lunch
• 1:15pm educational series: interactive cooking demo w/the chef
• 2:30pm kickboxing
• 3:30pm circuit training
• 4:30pm h20 aerobics

evening

• 5:30pm dinner
• 6:30pm educational series: menu planning at home & for travel

 "SALAD AND FRUIT"

 "The Menu"

"HOME FOR THE NEXT MONTH"

"EXAMPLE OF THE ROOMS"



Once again, I want to take a quick second and say thanks to my fellow brothers for supporting me at work and walking another couple miles with me tonight !!!!!

 

YOU WILL ALWAYS HAVE TEMPTATIONS IN LIFE, IT'S WHAT WE DO WITH THEM THAT COUNTS

I knew today was going to be a "Temptation" type of day, we have a few special things to do as a family before Daddy leaves for California next Sunday. So we woke up this morning and were getting ready for Monster Jam in Baltimore. We decided last night we would get our walking out of the way before we left (No Excuses), but we started to run out of time. We finally left the house around noon, no way we had time for walking when we had to be in Baltimore for a 2pm show. So we decided maybe today could be a off day since I haven't missed but one day for over a Month. We got to Baltimore, of course the family wanted something good .... here we go with the first "Temptation" of the day, California Tortilla and I love Mexican food. Back in the day I would've mashed up 2 burritos along with some nachos, but today I had half of a chicken burrito with some nachos. Like I explained to the family, this is not a diet, this is a life style change and these are the things I must figure out. We are not going to stop eating everything in the world that's not healthy, we have to make better choices along with portion control being a major factor.

Lunch is over, we had a nice walk to the Marina for the show, of course they have everything under the sun for you to eat. Of course my son wanted a pretzel, but he really hadn't had lunch, so I went and got us drinks and snacks. Before, we would of all had a pretzel, popcorn, soda, and I'm sure something else. Today, it was water and one pretzel for my son but he only had two bites which was winning in my book. After a wonderful day in Baltimore, my son asked if we could go out for pizza for dinner (My Favorite), so we drove from Baltimore to Waldorf to one of our favorite places which is way out of the way from going home. Once again, before it would be appetizers (wings and cheese sticks) before a large pizza. Today, we got my son a order of cheese sticks and one large pizza, we only let my son have two because I don't want him to deal with obesity and follow in my foot steps. We got dinner and I had 2 slices of pizza and pushed my plate away from the table, before I would of had appetizers and half of the pizza if not more. Today was a day when I was taken out of my comfort zone of having my healthy food available. This was a true test of making the right decision, could of I went to Subway (Yes), but you can't eat Subway 7 days a week or expect your family to. I decided after not having a "Treat" day for weeks, that this would be a small award for the past Month of kicking ass. We even went to WaWa, the family got a snack for when we got home to watch our shows, Daddy got nothing. I think with all the Temptations today, I did really good by showing that I still can enjoy good food with portion control.

Now when I started this Blog, I told you that we didn't have time to get our walking in. I have started a new "Motto" of "NO EXCUSES" and I'm sticking with it. Before, I would of used today as a excuse to not walk, especially after eating food that wasn't on my "Diet" (DISLIKE THAT WORD). Well after dinner, I told the family we should go for a walk, they both looked at me and kinda ignored me. I then said I'm being serious, I could tell both of them were tired from a long day, not to mention it's getting dark and today was very cold along with high winds. They both said, we can go for a walk if you really want, I replied No Excuses remember. So we get to the park and the gate was closed, both started talking all of a sudden in happiness because the gate was closed. I then parked, they said what are you doing .... told them we could walk around the gate and walk even farther then normal. With out hesitation, both jumped out of the truck and off we continued our day as a family. I started to feel bad about half way through the park, the wind was blowing so hard but my little troopers kept trucking. We got to the back of the park, my son asked if someone could come get us now (LOL). Both looked at me and then started to stroll along as we made our way back to the truck and what a cold walk this was. Any given day in my past, I would of had 10 excuses of why we shouldn't of walked after a busy day like today. But today was another "NO EXCUSE" day, and after we all got back in the truck we were all proud of this accomplishment of starting to become a healthy family.

I must say, my knee has been really holding me back over the past Month because of pain from  surgery last year. Went to the doctors yesterday, left with a cortisone shot and new brace for my new journey getting ready to take place next Sunday ( 8 more days) when I leave for BL.

Once again, I must say thanks to my wonderful family for the support today !!!! Can't wait to spend another great night at the Capitals game Tuesday with you guys. On that note, I'm done for tonight as I must get some sleep for another 48 at the firehouse tomorrow. Until next time .... Good Night and Keep Moving !!!!

                   I LOVE THIS LITTLE GUY SO MUCH, DADDY IS GOING TO MISS YOU !!!!

HAVING A GREAT SUPPORT SYSTEM MEANS THE WORLD

Where do I start, first would like to say thanks for all the support from my fellow brothers at work during the past 48 hours. Being here and trying to stay focus on the main goal of being healthy can become a huge Challenge at times. For starters, every firehouse has the "Hollen" who loves to cook, kitchen is always smelling good. It doesn't help when are Kitchen is connected with the TV room where we all relax when not running calls or training. Another thing is we are always on the go, sometimes this doesn't help that urge to stop for something quick. I must say Ive been very lucky with majority of the guys at work trying to live a healthy life style and support one another. I even have days when my knee is hurting but my fellow brothers give me that push I need to still get out and do my walking for the day. My fellow brother "Eric Taylor" is here for me no matter what, only person that will get out of bed, not eat dinner, or work out again just to keep me company while walking. True meaning of "BROTHERHOOD" in the fire service, it doesn't just stop with him, most of the guys support me and walk with me each evening. I couldn't of asked for a better group of brothers to spend my 48 hours away from my family.

Speaking of Support System ..... I consider myself very lucky as my wonderful Fiance and Son keep me going each day I'm home. No matter what's wrong or how bad my day was, both are always there for me. Ive been through a lot over the years and both have been behind me no matter what. My 5 year old son is actually walking over a mile a day with me. He even at times takes my hand and says come on Daddy, we got this !! I asked my son the other day about me going away for a Month, he says it's okay Daddy I have you right here in my heart. Man I couldn't be more proud of my son !!!!

When your "Fluffy" as I like to call it, you never no who your going to get when dealing with us. I can honestly say my attitude sucks at times, it's not that we want to be a "Jerk", but it's hard to deal with some of the every day struggles we have when being "Fluffy" like our weight holding us back from doing so much in life. It's only natural we take it out on our loved ones, for that I'm sorry but my "Rock" aka Fiance at the end of the day is still standing strong and supporting me 100%. I def would like to take this time and say thanks to her for supporting me on this journey and being the Mother & Father for the next Month while I'm gone. Not to mention doing the other daily task she must do each day along with work Monday -Friday !!!! I'm one lucky guy to have such wonderful friends and family who love me so much.

It's been a long 48 here at work, but I still found time to get over 5 miles of walking done between both days !!!!

With that being said, Thank You ..... 10 more days before I leave !!!!

"BROTHERHOOD"

"MY WONDERFUL FAMILY"

MONK VS SCALE (IT'S TUESDAY) WHICH MEANS ANOTHER NIGHT OF BL DRAMA

Where do I start, let me start off with "Monk vs Scale" .... I started a new journey with the 90 day Challenge back in January. The Challenge has me down over 40 pounds since starting it back in January and has helped me finally take the time getting healthy. I do a shake for breakfast, a shake for lunch, then a healthy dinner .... Yes, you can have "healthy" snacks in between shakes if needed !!! Bodybyvi ( www.monkwells.bodybyvi.com) was introduced to me by a wonderful lady name Debbie Reamy who has had wonderful success on the Challenge. Since starting this journey, I have over 30 people in a support group on FB, everyone is feeling great and loosing weight on a weekly basis (great numbers). With doing the shakes, Ive added walking to the daily menu, 1 or 2 miles a day !!!! This may not be much for some, but this is just the start for me until I leave for the BL resort on March 4th (Can't Wait). Everyone in this BL family is great, Ive made so many new friends which have all have touched me in so many ways with the amount of support they have given. Our 10 lucky winners have our own support group as well (YOU ALL ROCK), we've been keeping in contact and supporting one another through our amazing journey to come. I'm the first of the group to attend the resort in March, I would be lying if I told you I'm not feeling some pressure being the first to go. As a Firefighter/Officer in the Fire Service, I wouldn't have it any other way as this is what I do now "lead by example", let's do this !!!!

Let's talk a little bit about Biggest Loser, man I love what this show once stood for !!! Obesity is one of the number one problems right now in this world besides the economy of course. With that being said this show touched so many of us dealing with these same problems on a daily basis. This show is a inspiration to many and gives us all hope that "HARD WORK" and "DEDICATION" is what it takes. I must be honest, this season has changed what this show was all about, it's starting to be another typical show with nothing but "Drama". If we wanted to watch drama, I would watch the 100 other shows on T.V already, let's get back to what this show is supposed to stand for (Saving your life). I tell you another thing, tonight just pisses me off to watch people play games, realize how many of us out here that would give anything to be in your place. Wake up and realize that your life is not a game, your there to get healthy and save it. I'm going to hop off my soap box now, hopefully this season will start getting back to what it's supposed to stand for.

On another note, it's time for me to really step my game up and work my body harder this week and beat that scale next Tuesday again. I still feel it's a dream that I'm going to live in Malibu California at the Biggest Loser resort (Dream come true), and helping me save my life. I will always be grateful for this wonderful opportunity and look forward "Paying it forward" in the future. Until tomorrow .... let's start the count down to when I leave for BL, 12 more days :) !!!!!

MONK VS SCALE

&

NO DRAMA

HOW DO YOU LEAVE YOUR BEST FRIEND????

I leave for the Biggest Looser Resort in 13 days, this is the part where all my emotions are going crazy. I'm a paid Firefighter that works 48 hrs straight, I have to leave my son (Best Friend) for two days, I never could imagine not being around him much longer then that, in 13 days I must say C-ya later to my son for a Month, I understand this is for the best, I understand this is going to gain that many more years for me to be in his life, but at the end of the day I'm still leaving him for a Month. Since the day Ive received that phone call from BL, only thing I can think about is leaving my son. Nights are the worst for me right now, especially when everyone is sleeping, all i can do is think about leaving my son for a Month. I never cry, can't tell you the amount of nights Ive set in my office at work with tears in my eyes, the nights in bed, or the nights in my chair. This is going to be the hardest thing Ive had to do, me and my son are very close, after all ....ask him who is best friend is???? He will tell you "Daddy" with a smile from ear to ear.

Love all the nice things everyone says to me about how to deal with this, but until you actually have to do it, people don't understand just how hard it is. Not trying to be mean, but talk is cheap ... saying it and doing it is very different. Thank you for technology now days, I can at least face time with him !!! On a bad note, California is three hours behind, however Ive learned nothing is easy in life.

I have been working on letters for my son, have two finished and going to work on the third tonight .... have little things hidden around the house for him to go find after reading them, working on a few videos as well. I can tell you one thing, writing these letters are very hard, when I thought of this idea I never thought it was going to be so hard, I'm sure before the end of this blog my key board will be wet.

A few people have asked me at times what's wrong with me, if you no me I'm one of a kind, LOL!!!! I'm usually going 100 miles an hour, laughing, jokes, are messing with someone if at work (Love you guys) ... so if you see me being hush hush, most ask me what's wrong???? Well, most of the time I say nothing that I'm just tired or some type of excuse. The truth is .... I'm pissed at myself for letting me get to this point where I have to leave my son for a Month. Don't get me wrong, I'm truly blessed for getting this opportunity from the BL to save my own life. What most people don't no is that this is round 2 for me, I lost almost 300 pounds several years ago, I was at a healthy 240 pounds and on top of the world. I tell you one thing, it felt like it was all back in a blink of a eye. Let me give anyone reading this some advise, it's twice as hard the second time around and gets much harder as you get older. I'm a young hot sexy 34 (LOL), but I still have my problems that hold me back, everything aces and hurts, my knees are always hurting along with my back. Most of this is from the weight but some is old age along with a knee surgery. I just keep telling myself "Pain is temporary .... Pride is forever" !!!!

This blog is dedicated to my son Mason Wells, I want to leave a few words to my son aka best friend .....

Mason, I just want to say thanks for saving my life, because you've made me see the importance of life.You've open my eyes and made me want to be the best father in the world. Never did i think something so small could make such an impact on me until Mason was born on 10-24-06. Not a greater feeling in the world then being a father, now I see why my father did so much for me growing up, the love he gave me, just being my best friend. Ive become the man I am today because of my father, proud to call him my role model/hero. If I can give my son half of what my father did for me, he will grow up to be just like his father and pass on this special love to his children.
Mason,  Daddy loves you more then anything in life !!!!! I promise you daddy will be thinking of you every day while I'm kicking ass in California.

DADDY LOVES YOU MASON !!!!!

EVERYONE HAS A PROBLEM, THIS IS MINE !!!!!

My journey started over a year ago when I found out shocking news before having knee surgery !!!! A year ago from this past July, the nurse walked in and asked me my weight. My reply .... I put a little weight on so I'm sure around 400, she then went on to say I'm sorry for the bad news but your bed is rated for 550 pounds. With this being said I had no clue what my weight was, felt like someone just ripped my heart out with the shocking news though. Since having my knee surgery, I've started a new concept in my life, finally time I put myself first.

Since that day, I'm down over 100 pounds and still going strong with this wonderful Life Style change. Trust me, I have a long way to go, but I new that over a year ago and realize this didn't happen over night and won't be fixed over night.

So, I was home on my computer when I saw the contest being posted for the "Year of you video" for 10 lucky people to win a chance for a Month at the Biggest Loser resort. I wasn't sure if I wanted to put myself out for the world to judge me, but the night before they closed entry for video's I said this is me, I need this. I must of made the video 10 plus times before finally getting the one that I thought could win me this wonderful trip to save my life.

So I got an e-mail saying they received my video but I needed to change my setting for the public to see it. Once again I stopped and wasn't for sure about this, but once again I need this more then anything and changed it. Once the contest started I came running out of the gates full speed and never slowed down or looked back. Over 100 people placed video's in this contest, only the top 30 would make it to the voting process, guess what .... made it !!!! Next step, have the world vote for your video for two weeks so the top 30 could make it to this point, I must of asked 10 times a day for everyone to support me on my journey. Man ... the support I got was crazy, people started voting like it was their job, so many people reached out to me and supported me, they even had me holding down the number 1 spot for most of the contest. Once the top 30 was selected, our life was put in the hands of the Biggest Loser Resort for them to select the lucky 10 people to share this wonderful journey.

The big day arrived, heard one of the girls made it that morning ..... after several hours of nothing, I got worried and was a little sad thinking it was over, but for me it was just the start no matter what the the news was. I couldn't take it no more, was driving to the dump and that call finally came from "California" .....Monk Wells, you've been picked for the Biggest Looser resort, felt like I had just hit the lotto .... only good thing about this lotto is it's saving my life.

I leave March 4th for the BL Resort, I will start to blog as much as possible starting today "February 20" !!!!!!

 

THANK YOU EVERYONE WHO VOTED FOR ME !!!!!

THANK YOU EVERYONE WHO BELIEVED IN ME !!!!!

THANK YOU FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND MY COMMUNITY !!!!

THANK YOU BIGGEST LOSER FITNESS RIDGE FOR SAVING MY LIFE !!!!!!

Welcome to my journey, please click the link and go to page 8 for my story !!!! This will give you a good idea of the life of Monk Wells !!!!!! http://countytimes.somd.com/read/calvert.html