We are coming to the end of another calendar year, and time seems to fly!  I would like to use this opportunity to reflect back on the great memories we shared at Peoria's ABC. 

We completed 10 very successful camps.  Success was measured by incredible improvements in timed miles, push ups, and inches and pounds lost.  Those who never even believed they could complete a full mile are now taking full minutes off of their time.  There were those that have never even attempted a push up, and are now doing over 30 full body push ups.  Clothes sizes are getting smaller, camp by camp.  And it has been so exciting to hear story after story of someone else that has dropped another pant size!

 

Just as important, success was also measured by friendships gained, and along with that came the self-confidence.  Groups of friends began meeting eachother at the mountain for early morning hikes on the weeks we didn't have camp.  Ladies were getting together on the weekends to just let loose and enjoy eachother's company. 

 

In addition to improving our own quality of life, we have also taken the time to reach out in hopes of improving the quality of life for others in our community.  In April we teamed up to raise money for the Walk to End Domestic Violence.  We had almost 30 participants from our camp alone, and we were the team to raise the most money for the cause, raising over $5,000! 

 

Recently, we also teamed up to do a raffle and raise money for Justin Spencer, in hopes of getting him a special services dog.  We were able to donate a significant amount to Justin's goal of $16,000.

 

I'm so grateful to all of you who had their part in making 2007 a great year for Peoria ABC!  I'm excited to say that this was just the beginning.  We have been laying the groundwork for more to come! 

 

In 2008 we will more than double the number of classes we offer, allowing us to be more available to the community in getting more people in shape.  We will also participate in 3 to 4 fundraisers, which will include the "Walk to End Domestic Violence," and the "Run for the Cure."  We are very blessed to be able to do what we do, and we want nothing more than to reach out and help those around us!

 

Thank you for a great beginning, and remember it's just that...the beginning!

 

 

Step #2: Apply it to your life, and ask yourself this question: "What can I give to someone, each day, for the next 21 days that could make their day brighter?  Even if it's just for a moment. It can be the same person day after day.  It can be someone different each day. The gift can be a kind word, a nice deed, or even a smile at the right time. Be creative!  You can do one huge thing over the 21 days.  The goal is to touch someone's life in a special way.  You cannot tell anyone, especially that person, what you are doing.

 

Step #3: Every day from December 1st to December 22nd, consciously give someone something to make their day brighter.

 

Step #4: Keep track, in a journal or mentally, of what you did each day.

 

Step #5: Share your story with me at lisaolona@PeoriaBootCamp.com.  Stories must be submitted by December 23rd.  I will choose one story to share in the January Newsletter.

 

It's a busy time of year, and sometimes it seems like more than enough just to make it through your own daily grind.  Most of the time, if not all of the time, you will discover how much you can lift your own spirits, just by making an effort to lift somebody else's spirits.

 

I hope this becomes an experience that changes someone's life, year, Holiday Season, day, or even if it just makes them smile for one moment.

 

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  I am looking forward to reading your stories.

Marinating the chicken overnight in a flavorful buttermilk mixture adds flavor as well as moisture.  Panko breadcrumbs make this dish extra crispy, but you can use regular breadcrumbs or even crushed baked potato chips.