Hello!

Hello everyone! I'm Janet "The Janimal" and I work out at the St. Charles location. I'd love to tell you how my life has changed and over time I'm sure I will, but for now, I'm just enjoying the holiday season. Tonight I'll do a special service at my church, tomorrow get together with friends, and Saturday with the family. And all my shopping is done! ((tip of the sparkling water))

I feel like for the first time in a long time I have control over my life. Since being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis 15 years ago, it has been a roller coaster ride. At times I felt like all I could do was hold on as I'd go up yet another steep hill. But guess what. I'm the one in the front now with hands in the air screaming with joy at the top of my lungs! Because I no longer walk with a cane and have more energy than a room full of kindergarteners!

But enough of that - back to the holidays! To my family food is an important part of any get-together. One thing I've learned to do is buy extra protein bars in the flavors I like and load up my purse so I'll have one instead of the ever popular cookies! A favorite of mine is the lemon-flavored Luna bars. Mmmmmmm.......... Also, my refrigerator is stocked to overflowing with fresh veggies so I have something quick to snack on during the rush. Even so, it will be interesting to see if I can avoid the temptation! I look forward to any hints that have helped you during this time.

Another thing I'll be doing is spending extra time at the gym. I'm fortunate enough to be off work until January 4th, so this is Janimal-Time! Jake the Great (my trainer) will be gone for a little bit so I promised I'd work hard in his absence (if you see him, be sure and tell him how hard I did). I was going to add so he'd take it easy on me - but one thing I've learned - I don't pay for him to take it easy on me. There was a LONG time spent just trying to get me mobile, so now I like it when he pushes me to the max. I may not be able to do everything, but I'm sure as heck going to try!!!

So if you see me in the gym, stop by and say hello. But if we talk too long, you may have to work out with me - cuz I'll be there to sweat. Cuz I CAN!!!

And if there is someone you know who doesn't think they can work out due to their "limitations" feel free to share my story - because others have said it but I mean it - if I can do this (and I CAN) then ANYONE can. And if you haven't bought them a holiday gift yet - how about a gym membership and a Quick Start packet? It's the gift that keeps giving...

(Oh, and explanation of the name "Janimal" - it was given to me by a DFM friend (thanks JC) - the inner animal has been released - watch me roar!!!)