Meet the New Mandy- Seven Months Post Back Surgery

Well readers, I'm very happy to say that I have been, and still am "doing it my way." I almost got a personal trainer but then some personal things in my life came up and I needed to save money so I just kept working out on my own. I run about three miles a day, and I hit the gym almost every day. I like to use the rowing machine, and lift weights. VERY soon I think my body is ready for yoga and pilates again...and then, dare I say, spin?!

Thanksgiving Day 2011

Eating pizza in France Nov 2011

Me w/Laura aka my "sister" in France

Nov 5, 2011 MC Ball

Tina and I at the Marine Corps Ball 2011

Sippin' a Cappuccino in Paris-Oct 2011

It's now seven months post back surgery, I started this journey in April/May at 174lbs. I'm still 5'2'' :) and this week I hit 143lbs! This is just one GIANT part completed in my plan to be sexy in a bikini on the beaches of Spain by the time I reach my 30th birthday!


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"Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will." Mahatma Gandhi 

Triathlete in the Making-Six Months Post Back Surgery

Since six months is supposed to be the "full recovery" mark for the type of back surgery I had, I decided it was time to kick it into HIGH gear this month. So high in fact, that I'm ready to push my "new" body to limits it has NEVER known before.

I spent eight hours on Saturday, October 22nd in a Triathlon Clinic. I learned about the types of competitions, the bikes, the helmets, the shoes, the goggles, and SO much more. A Sprint Triathlon will be where I begin...next year :)

Run4Life- Five Months Post Back Surgery!

Today (Oct 1st) at the Stuttgart Run4Life event, I rounded a rather large (It's bigger than most tracks) outdoor track as many times as I needed to complete six whole miles, 3 walking, 3 "running"! Just five months ago I couldn't even get down the four flights of stairs in our apartment building without being in pain.

Flag in honor of my cousin

Breast Cancer survivor

All my family members who have beat cancer!

My Dad, Grandma & Grandpa Hodge, Aunt Kim, Cousin Dustin, and honorary Marine Corps family member, Sarah Fullwood.

My team completed 124 laps! I'm so proud of us!!

My Team- Semper Strong

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• At twenty years of age, the will reigns; at thirty, the wit; and at forty, the judgment.

             Benjamin Franklin

The infamous L.e.i. jeans of 2000

Do you remember when jeans were made with solid material and there was no such thing as "stretch" jeans? A girl knew her jean size in every popular brand name and unless she gained or lost weight, they always fit....even the NEXT day/morning. We didn't have to deal with wearing a pair of jeans for a couple of hours and then having to constantly pull them up for the rest of the day. Yes we owned belts, but when it looks like you pooped your pants or were making room to stuff second and third pairs of jeans down each pant leg, belts didn't help much.

Senior year of HS Class of 2000 w/Kristin Weston

I owned a pair or two myself of these marvelous non stretch jeans, and I have held on to one pair, my favorite pair, ever since my senior year of high school in 2000. They are L.e.i. brand, dark denim, boot cut, size 9. When I tried them on today I felt like I was back in the 1970s...I think "boot cut" jeans have come a long way since the year 2000.

Check this article out on "Vanity Sizing," you can only imagine what this particular size "9" really is today!

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• The secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age.

             Lucile Ball