The Family That Cooks Together...Wins!

Today was the Healthy Challenge Cook off Event at L'Academie de Cuisine and boy was it fun!
We were on the road traveling the Beltway at 7:30AM headed to cook our green bums off, and that we did! This was the last major challenge and we are neck and neck with the other teams heading into the final two weeks of the challenge. So as you can imagine, we needed and wanted this win. Given the fact that we had never actually cooked the three courses we selected (except for my entire afternoon of flan experiments to make the dessert more healthy while not compromising the flavor), we would have to really pull on our team spirit and the expert coaching from our L'Academie de Cuisine Chef, the marvelous Sandy! In the end it was another wonderful day in the life of the Green Team, who not only gets points added to our team finale totals, but won an outfit for the finale fashion show from Macy's AND French Cooking Classes from a distinguished top L'Academie de Cuisine Chef! HOW COOL IS THAT! So before I sign off to go for a run, I wanted to share the message I sent to my team mates with my thoughts for the day, and the days to ahead!


Thought for today:
Remember: The mightiest oak was once a little nut that held its ground.
~Excerpt taken from Gods Little Instruction Book Vol I,II,III

Alright Green! Way to Go!
Today we proved that pulling together and supporting each other, with the end in mind, was what really made the difference. The teamwork we displayed was beyond phenomenal. It was awesome the way we were able to successfully communicate with each other and prepare and send out a healthy meal fit for a King (or top chef)! When you looked around our station, things were happening like clockwork. We made it look like we had done it before and it was just another walk in the park.

The laughter, the fun, and even the few tense moments showed that every joint supported each other and supplied the need!

I know I say it all the time, but I am so proud to be part of this group! I've learned so much about myself and who I can be, each time we are put to the test.

Thank you for letting our love for each other spill over onto the other teams and the family and friends that came out to cheer us on. You made my friend Robin and Chancey (the student from my school who wants to be the head Chef for the President when he grows up) feel super special!

We are in the home stretch. Let's stay focused on our goal all the way to the finish line. Don't be afraid of the pressure. Remember that pressure is what turns a lump of coal into a diamond! We can do this, we are doing this, we WILL do this!

See you guys on Monday!
Smooches,
C

Fast Forward to the Finish

The ticker is ticking away, with only 24 days left until the grand finale we have kicked things into high gear. At this point for the next three weeks we will be spending more time together as a team than as individuals. I bet our families will be wondering when they are going to be able to get some of our time - I guess that's the price to pay for being famous (ha ha). Just as the team was notified that we are scheduled to attend our private session with the Chef at L'Academie de Cuisine on Saturday to prepare for our upcoming cooking challenge next weekend, the phone rings again to say that our session at the Spa has been set up for the day after. Whew! This Challenge is awesome, but I'm beginning to think that we are going to need to buckle our seat belts because we are kicking it into high gear. With only 24 days left, we have to fit in our M-W-F sessions at Fitness 4 Less, our Tuesday weigh ins with Dimensions, a final health screening and blood work, the cookoff challenge, the makeover sessions and possibly a session with the dentists? All that AND while trying to fit in our day to day regular lives. Lya is in the process packing up her house and moving in addition to just starting a new job, Oteal just started a new PT work assignment joined a professional speakers group and has to captain our ship, I have my daughter's graduation on Sunday, year end activities for both of my school's, and preparing for my last day of employment after 8 yrs on June 25th, not to mention trying to find another job so that the rent can be paid in July! Whew again!! And I didn't even factor planning a graduation and 18th birthday celebration for Harmony as well. Yikes! Calgon take me away!! I haven't even asked Norm or Charlene what they have going on, but Norm is always on the move with Tee Times and the ushering the Nationals home games, and Charlene's work schedule is crazy! Most days she has to get up at 4AM! And even with all of that, we are so excited about all that we have accomplished and all that still remains for the big "Finale" day! Stay tuned...the BEST IS YET TO COME! Trust me! You all are going to be amazed at what can be accomplished with the right mindset, determination, and awesome sponsors! Who knows, you could be next!

Putting our best foot forward!

Yesterday was Memorial Day, a day to honor and recognize those who have fought and defended our country with their lives. For the members of the Green team, it was a day to make lasting memories and to see how all our hard work is paying off. Yesterday was the Jeremy's Run 5K RACE DAY! We arrived well prepared thanks to our wonderful sponsors (Drink More Water, Potomac River Running, Medifast, and Fitness 4 Less) and ready to rock and roll. Our goal as a team was to have everyone finish the event. I am proud to report that not only did we all finish the event, we all crossed the finish line in under and hour! 41:05, 41:46, 41:49, 54:44, 55:01
How awesome is that for first timers! Having all set our personal bests for the day, it is a joy to look back and know that we are well on our way to a lifetime of wonderful healthy and happy memories! GO GREEN!!