WEEK 3 IN THE BOOKS, NOW STARTING WEEK 4 HERE AT THE BL RESORT

It's Tuesday of week 4 here at the Biggest Loser Resort !!!!! Last week was really good for me, I took on the scale Sunday morning and lost another 11 pounds. If anyone is doing the math, that's 37 pounds in three weeks here at the BL Resort. I spent Sunday getting a few things done and just relaxing as the weather here was nasty. So Monday came, had to miss my Hike so I could get some personnel stuff done at home/work. I am 90% done with having a 5th week here at the BL Resort which would be amazing since Ive lost time because of my knee injury. However, since Monday Ive been in a funk and for some reason can't find myself getting out of it as of now (Tuesday Lunch). This is not good, one thing you learn is stress hurts your journey of loosing weight. I really won't say much on what's going on, but hopefully everything will be worked out before Wednesday so I can try and salvage this week. Time is coming to a end for me here at the Resort and I need to utilize it and push hard for my short time left.

I am kinda sad this week as well, Ive got really close with my Hike group and most are gone or have been moved to another van. I should of been moved weeks ago, but they are holding me back because of my knee. This sucks, but I have to look at the big picture that if I can Hike 4 or 5 days in Van 1 that's better then only 2 in a higher Van. My girl Angie got moved this week and she is my Hiking buddy, she rocks and I will miss her this week. She is one strong lady, she is over 50 and she is kicking ass and I'm so proud of what she has accomplished over the past 3 weeks here at the BL.

Yesterday I did have a really good work out in all my evening classes and I hope to follow this up today after lunch because Ive been in this huge funk since Monday morning. Today, I'm going to work out for open gym instead of relaxing so I can try and get out of this slump. We have hump day tomorrow and it's time I turn it up for the remainder of this week. To my fellow brothers working on my issue, thank you for the support.

Once again, just want to thank everyone who has been sending me cards, e-mails, text, etc for all the support through this amazing journey. When I started this back in December, a family friend named Richard Baxter posted a comment that said basically don't do this for anyone but yourself. He went on to say that it may sound messed up but you will understand it when you figure it out. I must say that's stuck with me and I can say that this is 100% about ME !!! I am doing this for ME and I'm taking this time finally for myself to change my life for the better. I may be leaving here in a week/two but this journey doesn't stop when I get home. I must take everything Ive learned here and put it into my every day life and keep going strong to reach my goals. This will happen at some point this year in 2012, and I can promise this time I will not be returning back to my old life style that made me miss out on so much. My goal is when I get home to keep going strong and pay it forward to anyone who needs my help.

Until my next Blog, everyone enjoy your week as I try and reach down and figure this little bump in the road out I'm having.

10:12/Team Monk Rocks !!!!!

www.shutupandsweat.com for Celebrity Supported. Athlete Approved gear !!!! Thanks again for the shirts Mike & Rob !!!!

CHECKING IN FROM THE BIGGEST LOSER RESORT AFTER A NICE HIKE ON THIS BEAUTIFUL THURSDAY

What is up team Monk ???? It's been another amazing start to my third week here at the resort. Update on my knee's, they are still hurting me badly (Pain Is Temporary ... Pride Is Forever). I can promise you one thing, their is no quit/stopping in this guy who is on a journey to becoming the man Ive wanted to be. Over the weeks, several people have asked me how do you do it with the knee's ???? As Tonya would say, suck it up and remember what brought you here, you can do anything for 2 minutes. I can't get her out of my head no matter what the Challenge is here and it makes me push to a place that I never knew assisted. She is the best, truly amazing person and I feel very lucky to have the pleasure of working with her while here at the Resort.

I told myself this weekend, that I'm going to try and take it to the next level this week and push myself until I had nothing left, I'm well on my way of having another wonderful week doing just that each day. Last week I could only Hike three days because of my knee but I put so much extra work in the pool and the gym to still have a 10 pound weight loss on week 2. This place is all about your Journey, but I'm a person who is very competitive when it comes to doing things. We could be tossing rocks at a tree and I want to win, so here is my point. This past week Ive wanted to be the top dog of my group, so Ive used everyone to make myself push harder to accomplish this goal of mine for week three. Monday we had a Hike and it was a Challenge, I crushed this Hike and did what I wanted to accomplish. On Tuesday I wanted to repeat this and I did just that having another wonderful Hike. On Wednesday I took the Hike off (Knee) but really did well in the gym. I had a emotional roller coaster though trying to support a fellow brother here who was having a hard day, then I had to meet with the life coach before lunch. I got a lot off my chest but have a lot on my mine as well.

Here comes Thursday, this morning we did a Hike with another van, here everyone is put in various vans depending on your pace. I was not feeling it this morning, but when I found out a higher van would be going with us, I put on my game face and was once again in the front of the pack. It's definitely not about being better then someone else but it's just human nature to want to push yourself which I'm doing. Today we visited the place where "Mash" was produced back in the day. Myself and my buddy Dan really pushed to finish this Hike in the front of the pack which we did by a long shot, very proud of ourselves. We actually ran out of time so the van came to get us but myself and Dan would not stop and wait and took on this monster hill before they could get to us. We started what we finished, taking the easy way out is what got us here.

With us getting back so late, I'm taking this time to ice my knee's before lunch and wanted to Blog real quick and say hello to team Monk !!!!! With this being said, keep moving and take your life back now before it's to late, Handwork and Dedication is what's going to win this race !!!

It's time for me to go have lunch and finish this Thursday strong so everyone have a good weekend !!!!!!

PS - The Hike guide made me very happy today, she told me if it wasn't for my knee I would so be in Van 5 !!!!

IT'S SUNDAY, TWO WEEKS IN THE BOOK HERE AT THE BL RESORT

Hope everyone is having a wonderful Sunday !!!! Me, my day was complete when I woke up this morning and got on the scale. I'm feeling really good about myself, I was a little in the dumps most of the week because of my knee but I still gave my all. I had to miss 3 Hikes this week, but I hit the pool very hard and was praying that would help me. With that being said, I lost 10.4 pounds this week for a total of 26 pounds in two weeks (Stoked). I just can't get over how much I love it here, this place is amazing along with the staff. I can honestly say Ive made some really close friendships here over the past few weeks. I miss my family like crazy, but it brings tears to my eyes already thinking about leaving here in two weeks. Man, if it wasn't for these new friends here I would of never made it this long more less a full Month. Never have I been to a place that nobody judges you, Ive done stuff here that I would of never thought of doing at home in the public eyes. We are one huge close family here and support one another through everything. I woke up this morning and will be working over the next week to figure away that I can possibly stay one extra week. This place is saving my life, I haven't been this happy with myself in years.

Last night was St. Patricks Day, a few guest went out but I stayed back with my buddy Dan (19) so he didn't have to spend the evening alone. After getting on the scale this morning staying home last night never felt so good. Sunday is a bitter-sweet day here at BL, it's great because it's a day off but sad because people you've got close with leaves. I have gotten really close with all my ladies here, they call me Monk the Honk in my Hike van. They are all like a mother to me and I'm sad a few had to leave this morning. However most of us sit on the porch and watch the new group come in so we can recruit (LOL). Today, four of us went out to Sharkys again for lunch (Lettuce Wraps) was the choice of the day for me.

This week I was excited to finally get the chance to meet Ramon and Jessica from the BL here at the resort and have a good conversation with them both about life. It's great to have this conversation with someone who has been in your shoes.

This coming week I'm going to crank it up that much more ..... I am in the zone getting ready to start week 3 and my body actually feels good (Knee's). I would like to take a second and say thanks to Mary Cisco for the wonderful cards (10:12 Rocks). Well, I just wanted to update everyone how the past few days have been going, it's almost time to go meet all the new people at Orientation and have some dinner.

WEDNESDAY OF WEEK 2 HERE AT THE BIGGEST LOSER RESORT

Well, from my last blog I found my camera at the front desk !!!! Let's see, Sunday was a wonderful day to relax but I decided to go with my buddy Rob. I tell you he is a wonderful person and has a heart of gold, he made my day with a visit to the Biggest Loser Ranch where I had an amazing experience. Then we left and he took me to get my hair cut, then to a place called Sharkys for lunch. I must say was kinda worried about lunch because I love Mexican food. With this being said I had lettuce wraps for 341 calories which was less then our bag lunch given to us here at the resort. After lunch, he took me to the house where the Bachelor is filmed along with Michael Jackson home as a child. My knee was hurting so I wanted to take advantage of some down time so we cut the trip short so I could relax. I just want to say thanks Rob & Randy for making my day. So here comes Monday, I took the advise of everyone and didn't Hike but I still did gym time followed with 5 pool classes. Of course my luck just keeps getting better though, now my left knee from when I had surgery is starting to hurt (UGH). With this being said, Tuesday I was hard headed and did my Hike at the Beach. I crushed this Hike burning 2900 Calories and was first to finish which was a nice accomplishment for me. On the down side, I came back and did 3 more pool classes and now I have about 7 blisters on my right foot. Once again, just my luck but when you put your body through what we are thisype of stuff will happen. It's not about all the bumps, bruises, and aces but it's how you adapt and overcome them to reach your goal. So yesterday I had the pleasure to hang out with Amanda again and do a second interview which can be found on Facebook at the Biggest Loser Resort Fitness Ridge page. Myself and Tonya talked as well and she gave me some good advise and told me what to avoid so I can get through this next two weeks. She is an amazing person and trainer, she gets the best out of me every time I'm in her class.

This morning I decided to listen, stayed back from the Hike but did 2 hours of running/Kickboxing alone with the music pumping. I loved being alone and just going to town for another 1500 Calories burnt before three more pool classes to finish this Wednesday. On another note I had a special visit today from Tammy Austin one of the other 10 lucky winners. It was very nice to meet her and her wonderful family today, thank you very much Tammy and your wonderful daughter who made me the card saying (Hope your knee feels better, Go Team 10:12). Thank you Jaime for the card and the wonderful cross which is hanging over my sons picture in my room. With this being said I would also like to thank Erin Stinnett, Wayne Ward, and baby Aidan for the wonderful card. This made my Tuesday when they said Monk you've got mail, thanks guys !!!!! It's amazing all the support I'm getting each day with all the text, e-mails, etc. I'm sorry if I haven't responded back but it's very hard to stay in touch with everyone with classes running until the evening and the 3 hour time change. All my brothers at 54, thanks for all the love you've been sending as well, see you guys in April.

Finally, thanks babe for making my Wednesday when they said Monk you've got mail with a wonderful card and letter that really keeps me going and focused on why I'm here. This is a very hard journey and leaving your family sucks, but it's worth every second and will make me a better person for sure and add plenty more years onto my life. You guys won't ever know just how amazing this place is until you've spent a week here. It will be the hardest week of your life with the best results of your life. Ive done things here this week that I never thought I could do or have done in 34 years of my life.

I have to run, have to see Dr. Ray this evening for some more treatments that hopefully will keep me going strong. On that note, Thanks Team Monk, luv ya all !!!!

FIRST WEEK IS IN THE BOOKS, THREE MORE TO GO HERE AT THE BIGGEST LOSER RESORT

Sorry for the delay, but once you've been put through what we have been rest is very important. Everyone here has been talking about how Wednesday is the bad day for everyone, so once it came around I was so pumped and ready that it was a really easy for me. When I say easy, I'm talking about mentally not the physical part because every day is a Challenge here at the resort. Once Wednesday was in the books, I was hurting (Knee) pretty good so I went and visited Dr. Ray. He worked on it for about 20 minutes with all kinds of treatments but really didn't help. He is great and made me feel like a million bucks in other areas of my body so were thinking something could be wrong with my knee. Now here comes Thursday, this was my day that I just struggled with everything because my body was drained. However, I never quit and I kept pushing thanks to all of you wonderful people out there cheering me on. When times get tuff, I stop and think about all of you and look down at my sons picture and just suck it up. So finally "TGIF", started off with another Hike, this was my hardest one yet "BACKBONE", it's all uphill of this Mountain for about 5 plus miles. Once I got to the top I was already out of water, it took every ounce of energy I had to make it back 5 miles to the van. Once back I had a headache, nausea, felt sick, because I was dehydrated. This is not a very good feeling, I quickly had a banana and several bottles of water with electrolyte to get me back to being hydrated. So everyone was telling me to go back and take it easy, nope ... I got my stuff together and went on with the rest of my day with Liquid Moves, Circuit Training, Cardio Disco Jam. Now, at this point my knee was feeling decent most of the day, I was going to miss Disco Jam because everyone says the guys don't go and stays in the pool. Well, I let all these ladies talk me into it and went there and shook my booty. About 20 minutes going, my knee gave out and Ive been in the worst pain yet since Friday. Needless to say I won't be going back to Disco Jam for round 2 of shaking my booty.

Now a lot of the guest here skip out on Saturday I notice because the weekend is here, but I signed up for an optional Hike and did the beach again. Once we got back, my entire body was just hurting so freaking bad from the week along with my knee. I was walking up, and the trainer you've heard me talking about came to me and said your limping how is that knee. I told her and she told me that last chance workout wouldn't be good for me, so I went and worked out in the pool for 2 hours. That's the good news, but the bad news is she insisted that I talk to Amanda and try and go home. Ive been bummed about this since she told me, but Ive been doing a lot of thinking and I understand she is just looking out for me because she wants me to come back when it's good. However, I just can't do that, Ive went through soooo much to get here and I don't think it would be possible to get that time for coming back. Last night was graduation for the people going home, everyone speaks and whats wonderful about here is you can be you. Nobody here will judge you, Ive done stuff here that it would of taken 20 plus beers to do at home. Anyway, I gave a speech last night and about 6 of the people came to me and said mine was the best and so inspirational. I did tell them that I'm not going to quit that if I have to hop through my Hikes that's what I will do. I really think with a few modifications to my schedule I can make it through the next three weeks with my knee "Pain Is temporary .... Pride is Forever". So .... Now w it's Sunday (Results Day), which of course is huge around here. I told myself all week that I would not look at my numbers, but after my knee I wanted to see what type of numbers I put up being hurt. This will be the only time I share my results until the end, this is only because I'm not going to get them again until April 1. With that being said, I lost 15.1 pounds, 6 inches off the waist, 4 inches off the chest for a really good week. I'm really proud of myself for what Ive accomplished this week and what Ive found out that my body is capable of doing. On that note, it's Sunday ... we are in movie star heaven, so my buddy Rob is coming to get me in a hour and taking me around on this wonderful off day to see California.

I would post a few pictures, but unfortunately I lost my camera last night and need to go find this ASAP. Will Blog again later this evening, hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.

DAY 2 & 3 IN THE BOOKS !!!

I just want to take a quick second and say thanks to everyone who has been sending me e-mails/text with all the wonderful love. I get it all and it makes me really wanna kick ass that much more, just very hard to respond back to everyone. So on that note, Thanks you all rock especially my 10:12 family!!!!!

Here we go, not going to lie .... the Hikes the past few days had me worried. They are very hard and Challenge you until you think your ready to fall over. Yesterday we did the Beach (Beautiful), We did 4.5 miles, one of the Hike guides asked me if I wanted a Challenge, now I had the choice to walk back on the hard service and still get 4.5 miles in, but that's not why I'm here .... I took the Beach for over a mile, you don't know what a work out is until you've done this in shoes. I wanted to stop, but I looked down at that picture of my son and said daddy is not a quitter and pushed even harder. It's not about where you finish here, but I was proud of myself being the 2nd person to finish this. Most of the group did the beach, some didn't but they still gave everything they had and this is about your journey. My new friend here Dan, he is a bigger 19 year old and he did the beach and I was SO excited for him after I was done I went back and walked with him to the finish together for that extra push. Then we continued to walk more where we ran into about 6 Biggest Loser contestants from this season along with one of the trainers, not going to say any names but I was excited. So after our Hike was over, looked down at this new watch I bought and burnt 2500 calories by 1030 AM !!!! This is crazy, I never thought in a million years this could be possible until this past Monday. So today we did our Hike, this one was all uphill and kicked my ass, especially with my knee .... on Monday I fell on the hike and messed my arm up and since then my knee has been swollen up, but I still pushed past this pain and did 2.5 miles uphill. Once the Hike was complete, another 2500 Calories in the book (Love It).

So after our hike is over, it's still Go Go Go until about 7pm after our Lecture so we are all pretty spent after the long days. Some of the things Ive been doing is, H20 Circuit, Cardio Intervals, Total Toning, Stretch, Mountain, Kickboxing, Open Gym. Each morning Ive been going to gym at 6am (Optional) and I'm proud of myself for doing this on my own. Yesterday my knee was hurting bad, so instead of skipping out which I could of, I did back to back Cardio Intervals (WOW) was this a work out. Nothing here is easy except falling to sleep (LOL), but if it was we would all be skinny. Some really nice guest here, all so caring and always pushing you which is nice. The staff here is amazing, I love them all even though we all have our favorites. We have one here that they say you either hate or love, the people who hate her can't handle the truth. I had her today back to back and she brings the best out in you, she is sooooo inspirational. For any of you saying I wonder who he is talking about, her name is Tonya. My fellow 10:12 family, get ready because your in for a beating but that's why we are all coming here. I have noticed a few people here skipping out and giving like 50%, it's a shame they don't get it because this place truly saves life's on a daily basis.

On that note, it's 8pm and my bed is calling my name along with the bag of ice for my knee. Tomorrow will be here before you know it, so good night Team Monk !!!

PS - Mason, thanks for giving me the inspiration to make it through the hard times Ive had over the past few days, Daddy is going to be a better Man with your help. I miss this guy so much, and I can't wait to add 30 more years onto my life to spend with him. Jessie .... thanks for taking care of our family while I'm taking care of my health. Love and miss you guys!!!!!

FIRST TWO IS BEACH HIKE, BOTTOM TWO IS HIKE TODAY !!!!

DAY 1 IN THE BOOKS AND I'M STILL ALIVE

Good evening, first just want to say thanks for taking the time to read my blog. My day, here we go .... it started at 545 am (Stretch), then we all had Breakfast. Then it really started !!!!

- 7:45 Hike Descriptions
- 8:00 AM Leave for Hike
- From above until 10:30 AM your on Hike
- 11:15 Total Body H20
- 1235 PM Lunch
- 1:00 Lecture
- 2:15 Circuit Class Prep
- 2:30 Circuit Training
- 3:30 Core Training
- 4:30 Liquid Moves
- 5:45 Dinner
- 6:15 Lecture
- 7: 00 Day 1 in the books

As you can see my day was very busy, my body can see this as well !!! My first Hike was a Challenge, if it wasn't going to be a Challenge, we would all be skinny. With that being said, the Hike was defiantly beautiful, even the rosy marks on my right arm from when I fell on a pile of rocks coming down hill. Man did that hurt, but I got back up and kept moving forward up the next hill. Once everything was over, we took about ten minutes to snag a few pictures of the Western Theme Town (Really Cool), then we came back and went to our next session. I must say that everyone here is really nice from the guest to the staff. Getting off subject, but the food is very good as well, haven't went to the salad bar except for a banana which is still next to me. I'm here for a reason, that is to give a 110% and Challenge myself. It's not even about the amount of weight you drop, this is all going to come over time. If it wasn't for me having a wonderful family at home that I miss so much, I would be asking to stay longer for sure. Now let me get back to the day, I love the H20 sessions .... even enjoyed my Circuit Training with Tonya (She is a beast), but I found the one that is just not for me .... Core Training, especially having bad knees. I'm proud of myself though, I did everything that was asked of me today, not once did it come across my mind "why did I do this". What did get to me is me talking to my son tonight before dinner, very emotional . Just in the first day, I found out first hand why it's so important to drink your water .... if you want to take any advise from this Blog, drink your water and keep moving.

The Biggest Loser here at Fitness Ridge is showing me what life is all about !!!!! Ive missed out on way to much of mine, but I can guarantee you I'm taking this very serious and that is all about to change. I'm beat, my body hurts, but I'm still breathing .... if I can do this, anyone can !!! Make the commitment today and start to live a Healthy life, you only live life once !!!! Well, it's 8pm here in California and I'm going to bed, day # 2 starts bright and early.

Grammer and spelling was never my cup of tea, that's why I figured saving life's would could make up for it.

Until tomorrow .... everyone keep moving !!!!!

Ps .... Miss and Love you to the moon Mason & Jessie!!!

                   

DAY 1 IN THE BOOKS !!!!!

HELLO FROM THE BIGGEST LOSER RESORT "FITNESS RIDGE"

What a day, let's see .... this morning started with a surprise, my boy Darius shows up at my house with a Limo for the Ride to the airport. My parents were going to keep Mason, but everyone piled in and up the road we went. Of course it was a very emotional time for everyone at the airport, but everyone held it together just enough for me to catch my flight for Malibu. After a long flight here, it was 3 pm back home and only noon here, feels like this day is going forever. Let me just say this, California is beautiful and the Biggest Loser Resort is just as beautiful. I got here around 1pm where I was welcomed with open arms from the wonderful staff. Since getting here, Ive been trying to get situated with paper work, unpacking, meeting with the trainer, getting my hydration pack and new hiking shoes. As I finally started to breath and take everything in, my phone started to ring .... who is calling me ???? It's Amanda Fitz who called me and Congratulated me on being selected back in January, still don't remember our conversation that day out of excitement. This means the world to me and my family for getting this once in a life time opportunity to save my own life (Thank You Biggest Loser Fitness Ridge). As I was saying, got the pleasure to meet Amanda and even did a quick interview with here that will be on the BL page later this evening ( She makes me nervous). She is wonderful, can't wait to get the chance to work with her over the next Month.

Now I'm in my room waiting for dinner (Starving), because of the 3 hour change in time ... I haven't had anything to eat since our time 630 this morning. Once dinner is over, we will conduct orientation and get this journey started. Then I'm coming back and getting a good night sleep, because i can tell tomorrow it's on like donkey Kong. Let's do this ......

Just want to end this with saying thanks to everyone who is supporting me, it's been very over whelming with the amount of support from family, friends, and even strangers. Not going to lie, I miss my family like crazy, but it's time for me to save my own life.

Jessie & Mason ..... Not only is this for me, but this is for you guys as well !!! Once we get through this Month, everything be back to normal, except one healthy/sexy man will be around for many more years to come.

I will Blog as much as possible ....maybe once a day depending on how bad I'm hurting, until the next time ....Team Monk Rocks !!!!

                                                                  MY JOURNEY STARTS

                                                  MY BEST FRIEND GOES EVERYWHERE WITH ME

                                                               THANKS "D"

                                                          LOVE YOU GUYS

                                                            KEY TO MY HEART

HOME # 46 !!!!!

YOU NEVER KNOW HOW STRONG YOU ARE, UNTIL BEING STRONG IS THE ONLY CHOICE YOU HAVE

It's Friday @ 2200 hrs, my family just left the Firehouse from a wonderful evening/dinner. Of course my emotions are through the roof tonight, this is not getting any easier as I thought it would from the way I was feeling a few weeks ago. My son just left and it took everything for me to hold it together and it's only Friday. I get off tomorrow at 7am, I'm going to spend the day with them but still have a few things I must get done before the big day. This big day will happen on Sunday morning as we all leave for the airport at 6am. I'm really having a hard time with leaving my son, I understand it's for the best but you can't shut your feeling's off. I don't see how any parent can walk away and not be apart of their children's life. This next thirty days is going to be a Challenge for sure, it's one I'm ready to take on with open arms, but man it's going to be hard leaving my son Sunday morning. I laid in bed last night and couldn't sleep with the thought of me leaving him. I am in a very blah mood and just want to go lay in my bed, hopefully I can get some sleep tonight.

Until tomorrow, everyone have a wonderful night !!!!