Hello everyone,

Well it's a new year, and you know what that means........dreaded resolutions. I don't about you all, but I hate making them because I never keep them. For instance, this year, I thought I'd try and be better at not putting things off to the last minute....NO MORE PROCRASTINATING! But here I am, about 2 weeks too late in sending this email to everyone. I am not off to a good start. So I am hoping that I can redeem myself by trying to do one thing on my list. That is to get healthy.

Every one has a different definition of getting healthy. We each have our own things that we have to struggle with. For me, I love sweets.....too much, which is one of the many reasons I am overweight. So I need to set realistic goals to try and handle this "problem". Some of you already know about this "Healthy Challenge", and have been waiting for notification to get started. Again, my apologies, for being the procrastinator that I am.

So what is "Healthy Challenge 2011 pt 1"? The most important part of this challenge is for all of us to set personal goals to achieve the healthy lifestyle we want, but financial motivation never hurts ;). Those of you who would like to participate, we are doing a "Biggest Loser" type challenge. We are going to do a bi-monthly weigh-in, starting this month and going to July 1st. It's a $20.00 buy-in for each person. The person with the highest percentage of weight loss will win the pot. Those participating in the Weight-loss Challenge, will send cash, check, cashiers check or money order before January 31st to:

email me at: dezaree@gmail.com to get the address to send the money to

We are only keeping track of body percentage lost. However, for accuracy, please let me know your beginning weight (as of the receipt of this email) and then your weight as of the 1st and 15th of each subsequent month. We will do a bi-monthly weigh in, reported to me with your total weight so that I can put those on a spreadsheet and everyone can know where everyone else is at. Please let me know how you want to be listed, because I will be sending this information out to all those participating (first name, first/last, alias, or number). Please report to me on the 1st and 15th of every month. I will email a spreadsheet (if you'd prefer) to everyone within a couple days of the 1st and 15th of each month. I have also created this blog that I will post every ones percentages at. This will also be a way for everyone to communicate with one another, to post their successes, failures, tips etc, to help motivate one another. Remember, I will only be posting percentages of weight lost by each person, (not your beginning and starting weight, for your privacy).

If at all possible your weight measurements need to be on the same scale each time for accuracy. Also it is important to weigh in the same clothes, or lack of, every time, and the same time of day for increased accuracy.

The more people we get involved, the more money for the winner. Also, there is a possibility of dividing out the money into first, second and third categories, but I would need input from everyone.

For those who'd like to participate, and/or if you have questions, please email me back at: dezaree@gmail.com

I'm excited to get this going. Good luck everyone! Here's to a New and Healthy 2011!!!!