be·lief (biˈlēf/): trust, faith, or confidence in someone or something.

Religion and politics. They are everywhere! Facebook has been riddled with status updates, articles, and comments that either promote or deny both subjects so often that I have a hard time ignoring them anymore. I don't know that I have ever (Maybe a few times, I can't really claim "never" without researching to verify. And I'm too lazy for that.) posted about these topics on Facebook. I tend to think that these topics are personal, and not for another person to judge or question. Maybe that thought comes from the fear of being judged or questioned about something I am not able to answer. That is all very possible. Ultimately, I still feel they are a personal topic. That said, I have the overwhelming urge to blog about religion/faith/beliefs. Kind of ironic! :)

I grew up in a fairly strict Catholic family. Went to church at St. Pius X every single Sunday. All 5 kids in our best Sunday attire sitting in the exact same pew, week after week. We weren't allowed to go to the "day care" provided by the church, we attended every single mass. I guess you could say the "fear of God" was strong in us at that age. Maybe it was more the "fear of Dad or Gram"...either way, it was there.

St. Pius X Church...this was our view every Sunday, but about 8 rows up from here.

We could cite the entire mass, and still can (the old school mass, not the new "with your spirit" nonsense). All the parishioners knew us by name, and many of them had children or grandchildren in our class. We attended St. Pius X Catholic School from kindergarten until 8th grade. Needless to say, we knew everyone! Our family had a very strong presence in the neighborhood. My most memorable childhood home was just around the block from the school and church. My grandparents lived just down the street, and they actually were some of the first parishioners of the church and school. All 6 of my aunts and uncles (on my dads side) went to school at St. Pius.

I have said more rosaries than I could count, and have read the bible from cover to cover (we got extra credit in Theology class for completing it one summer). Was even part of the youth choir for the Friday masses at school. Anyone that knows me, must realize that they had to be desperate to let me squawk anywhere near a microphone. I went to Bishop Kelley for part of my high school career, another catholic school. Again with the Friday masses every week. And then again on Sundays. It was our routine. No one questioned it, no one complained...well not anywhere near our parents, grandparents, priests, or nuns anyway. Every Christmas Eve we went to midnight mass (not this new 7:00pm business, actually midnight...with all the other "good Catholics" :) ) at Monte Cassino. The choir is full of nuns...and they sound about the same as I did in the youth choir, plus about 60 years. I was confirmed into the catholic church when I was a junior in high school.

Ryan & Melissa's wedding at Holy Family Cathedral, 01/04/03

Ryan and I even got married in a catholic church. The one requirement that my dad had was that we HAD to do the entire mass for the wedding. I still feel bad for all our non-catholic family and friends that had to sit through their very first wedding that lasted over an hour! Stand-up, sit down, kneel...rinse and repeat. :) 

As I got older, my church attendance went by the wayside. Christmas and Easter were still a staple, but the weekly churchgoing was no more. I still have a strong sense of tradition when it comes to the catholic mass, but I no longer feel the need to go through the motions. This doesn't mean that I no longer consider myself a catholic. I don't think that is something that I will ever be fully "rid" of in my life. It is such a strong part of how I came to be who I am today, that I will cherish it forever. I do, however, have many different beliefs than I did back in my churchgoing days. 

As I grew up, I started to learn more about other religions/beliefs. And found it quite fascinating. Sometimes, you don't realize how sheltered you have been until you are able to step back and really take an intelligent look at things. I greatly enjoyed my Humanities class I took as a freshman in college, because it really opened my eyes to many other cultures and beliefs. See...college isn't just about cramming in as many facts as possible...it can even help you grow as a person! :)

And then, 2 years ago, we were asked to be godparents for the first time to my cousin's little boy, Logyn. Of course, we accepted wholeheartedly! But, there was a part of me that wondered what that would really mean for us, and for Logyn. Last year, my brother and his wife asked us to be godparents for our nephew, Landon. So...now we had 2 godsons. I started to wonder if I was up to the task. I never knew my godparents, they lived in Houston and I only knew them when I was an infant. So, I didn't really understand what the role entailed. Ryan has amazing godparents. They were around for all of his life. I am pretty sure that he was THRILLED when we were asked to be godparents. Of course I was excited, I just was more unclear on the entire thing. Mostly, I worried that we wouldn't be what the boys needed. That we wouldn't be able to give them the kind of guidance that I felt that should go with the responsibilities. 

Ultimately, when I came to the conclusion of what it meant to me, I couldn't have been more excited. I will be there for these adorable little boys (eventually men, gasp!) to guide them in any way I can. Whether it be spiritually, emotionally, or simply to be there for them as a friend when they truly need one. Ryan and I don't have all the answers. We never will, and we will never pretend to. But, what we can do is guide them in their own path to answer as many questions in their own way. We can be good role models. Not only in religion and beliefs, but in humanity. Love those around us, show appreciation where it is due, be respectful to others, never judge others, and never give up on our goals- no matter what they are. And most of all, help to bestow upon them the belief that all things are possible. There is no one answer to the "whys" and "hows" of the world. We are all given our own path in this life, and it is how we chose to navigate along this path that will define who we are.

change (/CHānj/): make or become a different substance entirely; transform

Ryan and I have had some difficult times these past few years. In August of 2011 we decided to start trying to have a baby. (This is not the topic of this post, but a little background is required. I will address these struggles and our journey on another post later.) Through a bunch of issues and procedures we figured out it wouldn't be the cakewalk we always imagined it would be to get pregnant. As expected, this can take quite the toll on your emotions and can spread into your physical life in many ways. 

Fast forward to 2013, and I physically was at the worst of my entire life. Out of shape, and at the highest weight I had ever been in my 33 years. I am not going to say that I was fat or obese, I am not "that girl". But, for me, it was the peak of my unhealthiness. At the time that I really decided to make a change, I was at 164.5 pounds. No muscle definition whatsoever, and absolutely no stamina or endurance. 

May 2013- 164.5 lbs

I, honestly, can't remember if there was a specific thing that happened or that I realized that made me completely aware of the issue. There was no "light bulb" or "a-ha!" moment that stuck with me. I just remember telling Ryan that I was going to make a change. And I promised him that I would not quit this time as I have so many times before. Just to be clear, Ryan has never once hinted at any issues with my physical appearance. If anything, I am pretty sure he likes the extra "junk in the trunk". :) So, this decision that I made was for me. To get healthy, for myself and for my family. For the possible future children that we would hopefully have one day. To make a positive change in my health to help to promote a healthy "system" to house a baby someday. That was my primary focus. And it still remains.

So, in June of 2013 I started counting my calories utilizing the "myfitnesspal" application on my phone. Based on my weight loss goals, my daily net calorie intake was to be 1200. That was quite the shock to my current eating habits and took some real getting used to. I also started doing the "Jillian Michaels- 30 Day Shred" video. It was a daily workout that really kicked my very out of shape butt. After about 10 days of counting calories and doing the daily workouts, I was having a few aches and pains. I was afraid I might be pushing myself a little too hard, a little too quickly. This was when I decided to start doing the video workout 3-4 times a week and working in some cardio to mix it up a little. I decided to try running. This was quite a challenge for me, because I really hated running. This distaste goes way back. In high school, the track coach tried to get me to come out for track (because I was pretty fast at sprinting...partly why I played volleyball- less running, only in smaller bursts). I swiftly declined, because...well- I hated to run.

I downloaded the "Couch to 5K" app to use to give me some structure and drive when running. I ended up really liking it, and eventually stopped doing the video workouts and was running 3-4 times per week. And yes, I injured myself. Of course. You can't go years without any exercise and then expect to be able to just jump into constant workouts without a few issues, especially at my age. I strained my achilles pretty badly. After several weeks of not running (alternating swimming when I could), I was finally able to get back into it. I ended up losing 11 pounds over about a 5 month span. This was huge for me. I wasn't on any fad diets or depriving myself anything. Just simply paying attention to what I put in my mouth and maintaining a regular workout regime.  

In November, I started to kind of plateau. The holidays were upon us, and so were all the parties and calorie-rich foods. I was able to maintain for the most part, but gained a few pounds back, then I would lose them again...repeat. In January my brother, Tim, and his wife, Kristen, told me that they and a few friends were going to do a weight loss challenge for a few months. I jumped on that opportunity right away. Knowing that it might be that little kick in the pants I needed to continue and step-up my commitment. I also made the decision to sign up for my first 5K, The Color Run, which is in April. I recruited Ryan, my 2 younger brothers, Tim & Bryan, along with their spouses, Kristen & Mandi, to join my running team. Our team name is "This Better Wash Out!" :)

Right after that time my cousin, Katie, told me about this Free Owasso Fit Challenge (boot/fit camp). I was very skeptical at first. I mean, it was free...what was the catch?! Mid-January, I decided to check it out. To put it simply, I loved it! I was instantly addicted to the workouts, and the environment. All of the coaches are so inspiring and positive, it was something I had never experienced before. The coaches are all distributors of Herbalife. They put on these free fit camps to help people get healthy, lose weight, and possibly embark on the Herbalife product line or business opportunity. And just to be clear, there is no sales pitch, no pressure to do or try the product. It is there if you are interested, and they will help to guide you through the entire process of getting healthy.

They have a "Fit Challenge" that you can sign up for. There are 3 winners: 1) total weight loss, 2) % of weight loss, 3) improvement on fit challenge from beginning (# of sit-ups & push-ups done in 2 minutes, plus 1 mile running time). Another challenge? SIGN ME UP! Apparently that is my new thing. :) 

January 2014- 154 lbs

At Challenge Start (01/30/14): (this was after doing 2 weeks of fit camp, I was 154lbs at the very start)

• Weight = 151 pounds
• Mile Time = 9:27?...I honestly can't remember what it was- but close to this.
• Sit-ups (crunches)= 54
• Push-ups = 27

The challenge reassessment will be on 02/28/14. I have a ways to go on my personal goals still! But right now, I weigh 145.5! That is 19lbs down from my original weight. I feel pretty good about it. I am going to start on some Herbalife products (hopefully they will get here SOON!) and I am hoping those pesky pounds just drop once I do. But even more importantly than any of the poundage...I feel awesome. I have more energy, I am confident in how I look, and I am happy. Above all...I am happy. Ryan has been amazing through all of this, and I am pretty sure he likes the "trunk" even more without all the extra "junk". ;)

Welcome to my blog about my "Doing Things 'n Stuff". The purpose for this blog is wrapped up in the title. Kind of a Seinfeld-esque blog about nothing in particular. 

Attention Grammar Nazis: I am not an English teacher, nor do I harp on the grammar used by others. I will mess things up, I love the comma, and will definitely use it too often. I also really enjoy...ellipsis...so get used to it. :) If you are ok with that...then please read on. 

So, my name is Melissa. I was born in Houston, TX and raised in Tulsa, OK. I attended St. Pius X Catholic School for kindergarten through 8th grade. Naturally, I progressed to Bishop Kelley for high school. Due to some unfortunate family events, which I do not plan on rehashing anytime soon, I was unable to attend BKHS for my junior and senior year. So, I went to a public school for the first time in my life at the age of 17. Not just any school, but Nathan Hale High School. Talk about a culture shock for this little sheltered, catholic girl. 

Anyway, I graduated and blah blah blah...a couple years later I met my now husband, Ryan, at OSU in Stillwater. He was a Phi Kappa Tau, the same fraternity as my older brother (and later my 2 younger brothers as well). When Jason, my older bro, found out Ryan and I were seeing each other "behind his back" he sent an amazing death threat/big brother email to Ryan that I will never forget, and always be grateful for. Luckily, Ryan survived the threats and we got married in 2003. Been married ever since. No marriage is a cake walk, but my best days and my worst days have been with Ryan at my side, and I wouldn't change it for anything in the world. Maybe a million dollars...but no, probably not. ;)

We went from living in Tulsa for a minute after the wedding, to living in Austin, TX for 4 years (where Ryan is from, also his parents and sister lived). Met some of the best people I know when living there, and cherish it. We moved back to Tulsa, OK in 2006. Well...I kind of moved back. I got a job travelling to and from Houston, TX to Tulsa, OK on a weekly basis. That was quite an experience. I did that for a year. We bought our current house in October of 2007. I have a love/hate relationship with our drafty house built in 1938. Anyway...I digress.

Ryan and I have old dogs. Denali is our 8yo boxer. She is currently going through some health issues that we are unsure if she will end up with a cancer diagnosis or something else. We are hoping for the best. Then there is Tuff, our 13yo basenji-chow mix. He's a mutt of the best kind. Adopted him from a shelter in Yukon. And, I swear, he will outlive us all. Healthy as an ox...whatever that means.

So, that is my little family. I will save all the juicy details of the rest of our semi-boring/awesome lives for another day.

Thanks for reading my blog. We will see how long I am able to keep this up. :)

Melissa