We've got ourselves a Horse Race....

Sorry for not posting yesterday. Some light started flashing in my car saying "Service Ride Control" . I have been driving with the "Service Air Bag" and the "Service Tire Monitor" lights on for weeks now, and I couldn't have cared less.... air bag? Pfftt, tire monitor? whatever....But for some reason "Ride Control" seems kind of major. I was afraid that parts of my car would start falling off, so I had to break down and take it in for service, and it shot my whole day...I am currently driving the kids' Kia and not only do I feel like I am driving a toy, but when I dropped all the kids off at school today, it looked like one of those clown cars at the circus...of course it did.

Now, on to the real reason I get out of bed every morning...this blog. I have to admit, I AM LOVING THE CONTEST!!!  We've got ourselves a real horse race here. And the comments are EXACTLY what I was looking for.  I guess this would be the time where I say "don't begin any fitness or diet regime without checking with your doctor". But seriously, you're all grownups and I'm not going to tell you how to live your lives. I'm certainly no doctor, but I see no medical issue with trying to lose weight to win a Burberry scarf. And frankly, if you want to eat tuna and water to do it, who am I to judge?

Below is a list of the official entrants. If you do not see your name on this list, you are not Nate, Pete or Jamarcus McKeon, and you still want to join in this super fun and VERY rewarding Challenge, hey, it's certainly not too late. Just read the rules in my last post and state your intent in the comment section of the blog. Couldn't be easier.
Here are the official Burberry Fit Club Challenge Members as of today in no particular order, with a little bit of bio so you all know who and what you are up against:

1. Kristi Ambro--excellent cook, can knock me off my game, her daugher Amy wants this scarf and her husband Tom would love to get it on Dave McKeon's nickel---diet incentive: ? scarf incentive: high
2. Barb Clark--already  very fit, new to the blog, somewhat of a dark horse, do not count her out
3. Stephanie Chirbas--has a big job that keeps her at her desk all day, but she is another sleeper. Not sure how much she wants the scarf, admits to being fluent in profanity, so I  like her chances already. Needs to figure out how to comment before she will be considered a serious contender.
4. Judy Pulera--Very fit, very committed. Has already staked her claim. She's commenting up a storm and has created a friendly rivalry with the gentlemen from St. Eds. I don't think she gives a shit about the scarf, I think she just wants to win--a scary combination. I like the intensity, I think she's in it for the long haul.
5. Sara Pond--Do not be fooled by Sara's sweet exterior and kind comments. She's a serious competitor AND wants the scarf. She will be rock steady all the way, and has the technical savvy to score high and make a big statement in the comment portion.
6. Brian Pond--I admire his willingness to jump into this Challenge. I am assuming he wants this scarf to give to his wife. He could greatly improve his chances by being deployed to a military zone.
7. Angela--She has the motivation to lose weight (husband coming home from Afghanistan), really wants the scarf, AND has a very compelling human interest story. I'm not going to lie to you, she will score well in this competition, so bring your A game.
8. Jean Fredricksen--I can't quite tell just how serious she is. She could be playing me, time will tell.
9. Wanda Jaraczewski (I think)--She signed on early, but  may be having second thoughts. She's been quiet, thus far, but I know she's got perseverance and commitment, do not take her lightly.
10. Amy Davidson--She wants the Burberry BAD, and was the impetus for the incentive in this Challenge, but she better get some comments coming soon or she will be sadly scarfless this winter. Has engaged an experienced "life coach" (Jane McTernan) for this challenge and should begin to make some noise. 
11. Casey Ferraro--She seriously does not need to lose weight, I'm not sure if she wants the scarf, may have felt some peer pressure to join, but once challenged, can be relentless. May be the biggest dark horse. If she figures out the comment section of the blog, watch out.
12. Jeannie--Casey's sister. Another sleeper, but went to a military boarding high school, so has strategy and tactical training unknown to many of us. Her weight loss motivation is pretty high, her tech skills are well above average, and she wants the scarf. Do not be surprised if a Canfield sister tag team full court press unfolds. Don't say I didn't warn you.
13. Louis--one of the fine gentlemen of St. Edward's Hall. He's certainly got the comments going, He's not afraid of Judy Pulera, he wisely scored some points by talking up the blog and our awesome tailgates, and he's got youth on his side. However, This Challenge is a marathon, not a sprint, and youth can be easily distracted. Time will tell if he's in it for the duration. 
14. Frank-- another Stedsman and a man of fewer words. I like his quiet confidence and his Light and Fit yogurt tip. I think he's got a strong chance to make a showing in this competition. He's from New York and New Yorkers don't back down. However, Final's Week may derail his progress.
15. Nicole--I know she wants the scarf, but I saw her eat that sub. She's got all the potential in the world to be a serious contender, but her job is stressful. Let's see if it will throw her off of her Fit Club game.
16. Maggie Nickels--I was waiting for at least one of the Nickels' girls to jump into the fray. Though she is my God daughter, she is fully eligible for the Challenge. However, do not be deceived by Maggie's easy going exterior. She's got a deep and driven steeliness to her, and can bring it out at will. She also has the extra incentive to avoid the "Gordita" label. She is spending the semester in Mexico and is more than ready for some serious upscale cashmere indulgence.  
17. Kristina--Of course you are in. You publicly declared your intent and that's good enough for me. Enjoy the cruise, and pray that you get wi-fi, so you can send in some comments and diet tips, while lounging on the Lido deck. Remember, the comments and diet tips are critical.
18. Stephanie Connolly--Declared her intent via email. She's got stamina, she wants the scarf, but must master the comment portion of the blog to live up to her full potential.  May be the most likely to just go buy her own scarf and call it a day.
19. Kim--I'm taking your comment to mean you want in. Your welcome. Just a warning to all competitors, when properly motivated, Kim is a force to be reckoned with.  Ignore her at your own risk. Point of clarification: who do you think invented the "Heels and Clubbing" Diet? Don't make me have to tell the story about winning that dance contest at the LineBacker Inn again. However, I will acknowledge the excellence of that tip. But I think it only works if you are in college.
20. Tina Burke--a recent entry via email. Word to the wise: Tina Burke could kick my ass all day long. She played softball in college, still pitches like a fiend, works out hard, and won't back down from a challenge. Her only weak spot, mastering the blog....until she shows the ability to comment, tough to assess her chances.

Below are a few folks that I thought would Take the Challenge and have thus far wussed out. Yeah, I'm calling you out right here:

1. Grace Nickels--She's young, but she's a natural. Her competitive nature (she's made several girls cry on the tennis court, including her own doubles partner) coupled with her love of upscale luxury items make this Challenge a perfect fit. Maybe she is intimidated by her big sister... maybe she's just biding her time.... 
2. Matt Nelligan--Though he is skinny as a rail, I know he could clean up in the comment section. We all know how easily swayed I am by good celebrity gossip and Matt's got the inside line on the Swifts.
3. Taylot Swift's Mom--sure, she probably wraps her garbage in Burberry scarves, but word on the street is that she could stand to drop a few pounds.
4. Tina Lampe--I guess now that she's won the tuition raffle at our school, she's too good for the Challenge and is just going to buy her own Burberry scarf.  Fine, be that way.
5. Kevin Moyer, Mike Johnson and Alex--Boys, I've met your mothers and you know they would LOVE to get this scarf for Christmas. How do you think that they will feel when they heard that you had a chance to win a Burberry scarf for them and didn't even try? Very sad, that's how.
6. Katie Caspar--It is quite possible that Katie Caspar has no recollection of this Challenge at all....or of this weekend at all...How are you feeling, Katie?

Now, here is my own Fitness Update along with a few diet tips:
Pounds lost: 2!!!--I am back to my original weight and thanks to all of your tips, I am recommitted to losing those ten nagging pounds.
Diet Tip 1: Buy new work out gear. I got me some new running shoes and a few "dri-fit" items. I am just immature enough that I still get psyched by new shoes and clothes....even if I'm just going to sweat in them.
Diet Tip 2: Eat Lunch with Jane McTernan--you will feel like a total whale eating anything other than a salad, because she will be sitting across from you eating nothing and drinking black coffee. This is why she is excluded from the Challenge. Super human will power and no body fat.

Keep those diet tips and comments coming. I am overwhelmed by the response and can't wait to see how this thing unfolds....(and also, I really want to lose 10 pounds....)

Today's Top Ten:

1. Light and Fit Yogurt--excellent source of calcium
2. Nike Dri-fit apparel--not as chokey as the under armour stuff, but still keeps you warm
3. Jack McKeon--shaved off his mohawk, visited West Point last weekend, and is the only McKeon child other than Posey, not messing with the Burberry Challenge
4. John and Wanda Jaraczewski--thanks so much for taking Jack to West Point. A once in a lifetime experience...
5. Avacadoes--loaded with vitamins, tasty and filling
6. Manrico Cashmere--best store on Michigan Avenue--put their sweaters on your Christmas List
7. Zach Koenes--always there when you need him. Christmas lights, ping-pong tables, hanging curtains
8. Monogrammed Tiffany sterling cufflinks--just beautiful
9. Blueberries--apparently the best diet food ever.  I believe...
10. All the Burberry Fit Club Challengers....my VERY favorite people: helping me lose the weight and get the book deal, all at the same time....I am living the dream...

Remember, it's not too late to join The Challenge. We will take all comers. No one will be turned away...except for my kids...but they are used to that....