Day 28- One chapter closes, another begins

Pre-Cleanse

Post-Cleanse

Well folks, my 28 days have come to a conclusion. You all have been through the good, the bad and the ugly. I can't thank you enough for all the support and well wishes. You are all amazing and I could not have done this without each and every one of you. But, I am not good with good-bye's (like what I do to close out each of my daily blogs- that's why I kinda make it a running joke), so you are all stuck with me as I start Phase II tomorrow. Holy crap! Can't I have a day off? LOL

Well, I celebrated my successful 28 day cleanse by buying a cute dress at EchoDesign, a food processor and a new "do rag" for my Harley excursions. What a combo, eh? I decided not to go out and "eat til I puked". I want to keep this good ride goin. I also celebrated today by giving back. Fred and I rode in Dierks Bentley's Children's Miracle Network Charity Harley Ride. What a great day! It was a very emotional, hot (it was 90) and tiring day. I found strength in the kiddos that spoke at the Harley Dealership that have benefited from the Children's Miracle Network. Oh the stories! It made think about a Lupus Ride. I think that the Atlanta Chapter does a ride in the Fall, but if not, I am going to talk to folks (in my Harley "brothas and sistas" community) and see if we can get one going.

So we did the ride and man, I had goosebumps and almost teared up. There were almost 300 bikes and we had a police escort (which was SO COOL) from Killer Creek Harley to Lake Lanier. It was a 30 mile ride and let me tell you- my ass hurt and I had some sweat in places I never knew could sweat after that ride. But it was so worth it. The hard part was getting back on my bike to ride home- which was another 30+ miles. We made it home and I immediately stripped down, put on my bathing suit and jumped in the pool. I think I had a little heat stroke. I forgot that I can't be out in the sun like I used to. Not good for the Lupus. But, I am recovering, and gearing up for tomorrow- minus a cleanse shake. What the hell am I going to do? I have a couple of scoops left- it's like a drug you can't get off of. But, I am going to venture out and have a healthy fruit protein shake to accommodate my day #1 of cardio. My goal is to get up at 5:30 (I am NOT a morning person...will see how this goes) and do a few laps around the neighborhood. Then, I plan on doing my healthy eating, just like I have done for the past 28 days. I will then alternate days of cardio with strength training. Then, one day a week, I am going to treat myself to a "cheat" day- where I can eat what I want and no exercise. This is the "Body for Life" plan (I have both books-I can lend to anyone interested). We will see how it goes. I will also continue to do monthly body scans to see my progress. Also, some of you have asked the name of my cleanse: The product is XYMOGEN and it's called the "OptiCleanse GHI"- which helps with gastro, autoimmune disorders (like my lupus), glycemic balance and all kinds of other stuff. It's usually under Doctor supervision, so if any of you all are interested, shoot me a message on FB or email and I can give you more information. I can tell you this: it has put me back on a healthy track!

I can't make a decision if I am going to blog daily or not. I just can't decide. You know me, it may not be about Phase II and I still have crazy shit happen to me. So let me know if you want a daily blog post from me or not. I am also going to change the title of my blog. I think I am going to have a contest. Shoot me any ideas you may have as to the title of my blog. I will keep the same URL, just change the title. Heck, maybe I will come up with a PRIZE to the winning submission. I will even pay shipping costs- :)

So with that, Fred has cracked open a bottle of champagne in the kitchen and I am going to have ONE DRINK to toast a successful cleanse and a new journey into Phase II. (Moderation, right?) :)

Looking forward to you all continuing to follow my quest to a happy, and healthier Mel!

No good-bye to close out this entry- just a quote: Don't be dissmayed at good-byes- a farewell is necessary so you can meet again. And meeting again, either after moments or a lifetime, is certain for those that are friends. ~ Richard Bach

Also, since you all have been so supportive, I am also posting my Pre-Cleanse and Post-Cleanse photos for you. I don't know if I am too trusting or just plain stupid.

Hugs!

Malupus ;)