Sweat It Out

While I waited for Michelle and Ella to arrive, I began to stretch my joints and jog a few circles around the fitness center. Gasping for air, I realized just how burdensome my weight can be and stopped after only a few minutes.

Just then, Michelle's Vios finally arrived and out came Ella and herself.

"Christine, you look ready for some exercise," Michelle greeted as we exchange some kisses.

"Sure friend," I enthusiastically responded. "I needed to lose weight so bad in order to keep up with both of you buffs."

Both Michelle and Ella have long been members of the club, so they know the place very well. They helped me sign the application forms and pay for monthly membership, and minutes later, I officially joined the club.

Throughout my first day at the gym, I joined Michelle and Ella for three classes: zumba dance, boxing and stationary bicycle. Each typically lasted for an hour, yet I barely broke a sweat.

"How was your initial day?" Michelle asked me upon entering the locker room.

"It was not bad after all. Although I still have more work to do, it was clear that exercising with you two was fun and exciting," I responded with a smile on my face.

After changing to our regular clothes, Michelle and Ella thought about coming with me inside the unit. Unfortunately, there was one problem.

"The keys to the room are with my mother right now," I informed Michelle and Ella, their faces in absolute shock.

"What do we do now?" Ella scrambled while thinking about a plan.

"Why not we go to my lovely house and stay there for the rest of the day?" Michelle humbly suggested.

"Brilliant idea. Let's go," I exclaimed as Ella clapped with joy.

So we paid a visit to Michelle's home in the village and much to my astonishment the house is majestic. It has a balcony, a swimming pool, a fountain, and even a garden.

"This is so beautiful," I reflected as we went inside. "It's like my aunt Cathy's house, only a little bigger."

We were very hungry after all the workouts we had this morning. But as we found out, Michelle does have a serious interest in nutrition.

"Would you like tuna pasta and some orange juice?" Michelle asked us about brunch.

"We do like tuna pasta and orange juice," Ella and I said in unison. "They're so delicious. We can help you cook."

So Michelle, Ella and I carefully prepared the tuna pasta and orange juice together. I even pumped in some songs from my smartphone to add some entertainment.

Then just before 11:00 a.m., our brunch was ready to serve. At the table, Michelle, Ella and I began to discuss about dieting.

"Since I need to lose weight, can you help me choose what foods my body need and avoid?" I consulted Michelle and Ella about their dietary approach.

They suggested me to cut back on pork and beef and increase some chicken and seafood. They also told me to consume more green vegetables, legumes, bread, and fruits.

"No wonder why you have slimmer figures which I don't possess," I uttered in astonishment. "Thanks for the tips."

"It's no big deal," Michelle responded positively. "We're just helping you."

Just then, Michelle's dear mother Karina stopped by to pay a visit.

"Good afternoon mother," Michelle greeted her mother as Ella and I looked on. "Ma, I would like to introduce you to my lifelong friends Christine and Ella. They have come here to hang out with me."

"Those were some very pretty friends you have Michelle," Karina smiled as Ella and I walked along to greet with her.

"Hello, Mrs. Karina," Ella and I spoke in unison.

She then shook both of our hands.

"Nice to meet you two darlings," Karina remarked upon meeting both Ella and I. "Hope you're enjoying a great meal today."

While Karina climbed upstairs to rest, we finished our meal and continued to have a friendly conversation throughout the afternoon.

"Girls, I talked to Carson this morning and said he'll come meet with us tomorrow for a road trip," Michelle gleefully announced.

"Who is Carson?" Ella questioned with a puzzled look on her face.

"Ella, he was the guy who miraculously saved me from certain death during our camping trip many years ago," I explained to her about Carson. "He is sort of like Michelle's lovely boyfriend!"

"Stop that!" Michelle spoke as Ella and I laughed at her. "We're merely friends, that's all."

"In any event, Carson will join us tomorrow for a road trip and he'll reveal the destination once we meet here at my place. Meeting time is at 7:00 a.m. so please wake up early or you'll miss out on all the fun."

"Sorry Michelle but I'm not available tomorrow," I reluctantly said to Michelle and Ella. "There is a family matter for me to attend to."

"Too bad Christine, but I understand," Michelle halfheartedly responded to my announcement. "I'll tell Carson that the field trip is off until further notice. I need all of us together for that day, but since Christine can't go, the trip is promptly cancelled."

"How about me?" Ella asked eagerly about the cancellation. "When will I encounter Carson?"

"Don't worry, you'll receive your chance eventually," Michelle smilingly assured Ella.

And so the planned road trip is scrapped for now. Until then, the group reunion will have to wait some other time.

After brunch, we headed to the balcony to relax and soak up the brilliant sun. Later that afternoon, I began working on the latest blog entry with Michelle and Ella.

This latest installment focused on my weight problems and the struggles that accompany it. I also recorded a few effective ways to cope with the problem that does not involve taking one's life.

Upon finishing my blog, I carefully packed up my belongings and prepared to head home. Michelle and Ella suggested that they took me home, only to refuse their offer and walk instead to burn a few more calories.

Around 30 minutes later, I arrived at the room visibly sweating but still satisfied about what happened that day. Charissa promptly greeted and convinced me to try some leftover chicken salad which she bought from the bar.

"So delicious I can try another box of them," I delightedly said to Charissa, her lovely face flashing a smile. "You should deliver me another one of these someday."