Introduction

Hi! I am Malea. I am a mother of one girl who is 8 months old. In my past, and present, I have struggled with the 'weight issue.' I was told as a youngster that I was just 'big boned.' Yet, when I played volleyball in high school I soon found that I could look good. I could be in shape. I could love my body.

Before I was married, my sister, mom, and I worked with a personal trainer. Since my volleyball days, that was the best shape I have been in. I felt good. I did not crave sweets. I craved fruit and healthy food. I was fitting into a size 6. I realized that I had always imagined my body bloated and huge, when in reality, I wasn't.  I received compliments at work, I had to cinch up my 'big pants.' It was a glorious feeling. Then I was married and shortly thereafter, pregnant. I gained a literal, ton. Returning to my prior negative about my body-type self. I also dealt with, and am still dealing with post-partum depression. I went to visit my doctor about it. He said I could take meds, or get off of lots of heavy carbs (bread/pasta) and work out. He said the effects of the pill would take a month or two to kick in. To work out and cut down on carbs? Maybe a few weeks. I opted for the lifestyle change. When I work out, it is not only for my shape and image. It is also for my hormonal/mental health.

Now-a-days, I am still packing that after birth weight. I work out almost every day (not yesterday, Saturdays or Sundays) yet I have not seen any improvement. So when I saw Jocee putting herself out there, I felt the drive to do the same. I need to know my numbers so I can see improvement. So I will be motivated to push harder when I work out.  I realize that just like 'anyone can cook,' anyone can get in shape. Therefore, I am resolved to lose.

Here is a song I listened to while jogging that I liked to think about in terms of 'inch loss.' A tribute for all you Nick Lachey fans. My resolution: "I'm letting go (of all this weight). All I need to learn is down this road. I just want to be the best woman I can be. Breathe. That's my resolution." Listen here and enjoy.

My goals: Reach size 8 pants (fit into my pre-pregnancy clothes with ease-I didn't buy many size 6 clothes as I wasn't that size for too long).

Get rid of bubbling over belly fat.

To crave fruit and to feel 'in shape' instead of like a log.

Have non-bulging arms. 

Before when I realized that I looked good.

Now where I feel "blah."

My measurements:
Neck: 12.5"
Chest: 39"
Waist: 37.5"
L Arm: 14.5"
R Arm: 14.5"
Hips: 40"
L Leg: 23"
R Leg: 24"
L Calf: 16"
R Calf: 16"
Ugh!

My methods: Whenever I feel fat - work out.
Employ the following work out routines: bike and weights, jogging, kick boxing, and/or jump roping for at least half an hour each day (excluding Sundays).